The Standard

The Evening Standard’s Maddy Mussen takes us inside the ‘Are We Dating the Same Guy’ London Facebook group where women share dating notes on men - with more than 20,000 members and counting. The main aim is to vet a man you’re interested in, even before you meet him. Flag toxic behaviour, identify potential ‘players’ and more than anything, keep women safe. But, can all the information be trusted? And is it only being used for good? One of the group’s members, ‘Flossie’ - not her real name - tells us her story. Why she joined, her concerns and what London's dating scene is currently like… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has ordered a security review after the US shot down four unidentified objects believed to be ‘Chinese spy balloons’.Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has warned that fighter jets are on standby to be launched within minutes to take down any that enter our airspace. The Evening Standard’s Political Editor, Nicholas Cecil, discusses the political significance of the situation.  In part two, Dr Dan Lomas, Senior Lecturer in Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University London, explains how concerned we should all be about potential Chinese spy balloons over the UK… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Selina Webb is the EVP of Universal Music in the UK. A former journalist, she joined the company’s Polydor label as Press Director in 1998, rising up to take her current position in 2016. In this episode we discuss Why it takes longer than ever for new artists to cut through, despite there being more ways to discover themSelina's route into the music industryThe innovation teams tasked with discovering future starsHow to find and secure neurodiverse employees in the creative industries Listen to the full How To Be A CEO episode and others here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month’s special ‘Let Girls Learn’ episode, we’re finding out about life for pregnant teenagers in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Being a girl here can be tough, they can often be exploited for sex by men and boys offering them ways to jump the extremely long queue for the water pump line, something known locally as ‘water for water’. Teenage pregnancy can be common here but the girls are often rejected by their families, making them extremely vulnerable.The Evening Standard’s Radhika Aligh visits the 2YoungLives project in the capital Freetown to hear how a mentoring scheme is helping young mothers in the community.In the #LetGirlsLearn series, we’re aiming to shine a light on innovations and solutions that are helping girls to fulfil their right to education and healthy, productive futures around the globe.You can find out more online at www.standard.co.uk/optimist/let-girls-learn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fourteen charities have teamed up to fundraise for Turkey & Syria. Government’s pledge to match-fund up to £5 million. How Londoners have been “absolutely amazing” in offering donations. Our Political Correspondent Rachael Burford explains the details behind the earthquake appeal, and Mas Patel from Abdullah Aid discusses how they’re supporting survivors. In this episode:The Earthquake Appeal explainedHow long will it take Turkey & Syria to recover?Is the government’s £5 million match-fund enough?How Abdullah Aid are contributing to the humanitarian effortLondoners’ response to the disasterFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twelve days after the mum-of-two's disappearance, what has the investigation uncovered? Head of SGI marine search team: “I don’t think she fell into the water”, Lancashire Police’s caution over harmful speculation, and a warning for ‘amateur vigilantes’ visiting the area. The Evening Standard's Crime Reporter John Dunne discusses:What we know about Nicola’s disappearanceHow police have used helicopters, underwater drones, and CCTV footageHow long will divers continue their search?Why Nicola’s disappearance is so uniqueThe fractious relationship between the police and specialist SGI diversWhy ‘amateur vigilantes’ have been told to stay awayFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle: four new departments plus five MPs given new roles - but why now? And who is the new Conservative chairman Greg Hands? Our Deputy Political Editor David Bond examines the motive behind Rishi Sunak’s mini cabinet reshuffle, and discusses whether the public will see any tangible changes as a result. In this episode:What are the biggest changes from this mini reshuffle?Who is the new Conservative Chairman Greg Hands?Could reshuffle ruffle the feathers of big Tory characters?What has prompted Rishi’s cabinet shake-up?Should the public expect to see major changes now?Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did Happy Valley just pull off one of the best endings to a TV series of all time? Around 7.5million viewers tuned in, and there's been a wave of reaction on social media. Could the show and cast win Baftas this year? The Evening Standard’s Lizzie Edmonds discusses why fans of Happy Valley love the show. And our Deputy Culture Editor Nick Clark examines Sarah Lancashire’s performance as the show’s protagonist Catherine Cawood. In this episode:Why have fans stuck with the show for so long?Social media reacts to the series conclusionWill more shows adopt themes from Happy Valley?Did Sarah Lancashire deliver in the finale?Does the UK offer more roles for middle-aged women?Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wayne Ting is the CEO of Lime Bikes, a start-up that launched in San Francisco in 2017, before doubling its value in 2019 and now has bikes in cities in all over the world. In this episode, Wayne talks to us about: •The race to raise emergency funding with 90% of Lime's revenue disappearing.•Why "management with optimism" is essential during a crisis.•The challenges of persuading cities to introduce electric micromobility.•The problems with electric cars and continuing contribution to climate change.Listen to the full How To Be A CEO episode and others here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world’s biggest music awards - now in its 65th year - are just around the corner. Insight with Evening Standard music reporter Jonathan Kanengoni.In this episode:Beyoncé on cusp of becoming most nominated artist in Grammys historyStars taking stage in Lose Angeles include Lizzo, Mary J. Blige and Sam SmithFlorence & the Machine, Coldplay and Arctic Monkeys also representing British contingentAbba nominated after stellar Voyage London virtual showsHip hop 50th anniversary celebration includes Salt-N-Pepa, De La Soul and Run-DMCMegadeth, Bryan Adams and Ozzy Osbourne with the late Jeff Beck in rock categoryNoms drama around Drake and The WeekndWhen is the Sunday night Grammys UK time? Streaming 1am Monday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bank of England heaps more misery on Londoners with mortgages and credit card debt as the interest rate hits its highest level since 2008 - when Gordon Brown was prime minister.In this episode:- Base rate jump to four per cent now, up 0.5 per cent- Tenth successive hike- Bank of England tries desperately to curb soaring inflation- What hike means for personal finances and food bills- Now 2.3 million UK households say they missed essential payments amid cost-of-living crisis- Oil giant Shell reports record mega-profits of more than £32 billion - fresh calls for new windfall tax- Expert analysis with Dr Jo Michell, associate professor of economics at UWE Bristol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers are striking in Britain’s biggest day of industrial action for over a decade.In this episode:- Many schools closed and railway stations deserted- Train and bus drivers join civil servants and teachers walking out in pay and pensions dispute- Widespread disruption caused- Lecturers on picket line after rejecting below-inflation pay offer- Evening Standard senior feature writer Katie Strick interviews Dr Pat McGovern, associate professor in sociology at LSE- Final-year King’s College London undergraduate and freelance journalist Liv Facey on studying through strikes and Covid.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is lab-grown meat the future? Find out how it’s made, what it tastes like and when it might be available at a restaurant near you as we tour the lab at Ivy Farm Technologies. In this episode:How Ivy Farm select and grow animals’ muscle and fat cellsWhy growing cultivated meat is similar to brewing beerHow does a lab-grown meatball cook?Why cultivated meat can be suitable for vegetarians and vegansWhy animals are ‘inefficient’ and converting plant calories into meat caloriesFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the day after Rishi Sunak sacked Nadhim Zahawi as Conservative Party chairman for a “serious breach of the ministerial code” as an ethics investigation ruled ex-Chancellor Zahawi failed to declare an HMRC probe into his tax affairs.Now the PM’s battling a ratings slump just over three months into the top job.According to exclusive Ipsos polling for the Evening Standard, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer overtakes Sunak voters’ “most capable prime minister”.The Leader podcast is joined by Dr Grace Lordan, a labour economist at the London School of Economics, and Evening Standard political editor Nic Cecil, to discuss Sunak’s polling disaster, his latest inflation strategy, Zahawi’s mega tax bill and just what is the Duchy of Lancaster? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marvin Berglas founded Marvin's Magic in the UK 35 years ago. It's now in 60 international markets. This is a bonus episode cut down from our How to be a CEO podcast, to listen to the full episode click here.In this episode:The story of how they got into FAO Schwarz in New York’s Rockefeller PlazaTheir role in innovating "retail theatre" and experiential shopping How QVC and TV shopping revolutionised their business modelFor the latest business news head to www.standard.co.uk/business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, has given a speech outlining his plans for UK economic growth - but it’s got many people asking where is the detail? Mr Hunt said reducing inflation is the priority over tax cuts, that he intends to utilise opportunities from Brexit and increase investment outside of London.In part one, David Bond, the Evening Standard’s deputy political editor, looks at how the first economic speech since the Autumn Statement has gone down with Conservatives as well as the general public. In part two, Jonathan Portes, professor of Economics and Public Policy at King’s College London, gives his analysis on the government's vision for UK economic growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major review has been ordered of passenger safety and the number of train services at London Bridge station, after dangerous levels of overcrowding left commuters in fear of being crushed.Passengers reported people being "kettled," having panic attacks and needing assistance to get out by station staff.In part one, Ross Lydall, the Evening Standard’s City Hall Editor & Transport Editor, discusses why this happened and how big of an issue overcrowding is in general for London stations.  In part two, we look at Hackney’s controversial plans to ban most vehicles from 75 percent of its roads in a major expansion of ‘Low Traffic Neighbourhoods’ with our political reporter, Rachael Burford.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pressure is growing on Nadhim Zahawi - and the Prime Minister - over calls for the Conservative party chairman to step aside. Mr Zahawi’s political life is hanging in the balance amid claims over his tax affairs. Rishi Sunak faced tough questions over the controversy at PMQs - but the Prime Minister says the investigation he’s ordered from ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, will provide the answers. The Evening Standard’s deputy political editor, David Bond, discusses the ramifications for Mr Zahawi and the Tory party. In part two, Katie Strick, our commissioning editor and senior feature writer, looks at his life and career to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has issued a high air pollution alert for the capital and urged people to “be careful”. Londoners have been told to avoid unnecessary journeys in a bid to help lessen pollution levels. It comes after the Mayor has faced criticism over his plans to widen the Ultra Low Emission Zone across the whole of the capital. In part one, Frank Kelly is professor of community health and policy and Head of the Environmental Research Group at Imperial College London explains what the alert means and how concerned we should be moving forward.In part two, we look at the criticisms of Ulez with Ross Lydall, the Evening Standard’s City Hall Editor & Transport Editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ambulance workers are striking again - for the third time in five weeks - as the dispute over pay and staffing rumbles on. In part one, we speak to London paramedic and Unison representative, Steve Johnson, about why they are striking for the third time in five weeks - and their plans for any possible future action.In part two, the Evening Standard’s health reporter, Daniel Keane, explains how the latest strikes from health workers will impact our struggling NHS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Hitchcox is the founder and chairman of Yoo, a global real-estate and development company, and the world’s largest non-hotel residential brand. He's also one of those behind a £1bn regeneration of Olympia in London.In this episode we talk about:How he's inspired by "things that I need and the things that I want"Why he created the enormous Lakes estate in the Cotswolds His plans for Olympia in LondonThe post-pandemic ‘restaurant renaissance’Listen to the full How To Be A CEO episode and others here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this month’s special ‘Let Girls Learn’ episode, we’re talking about periods in El Salvador.Menstruation is viewed here as a subject only for women, it’s seen as dirty and believed that when someone is experiencing one, they should hide themselves away. Local journalist, Julia Gavarrete, takes us to ‘the Power of the Red Butterflies’ project in Chalatenango, where they are aiming to dispel myths around female bodies. In the Evening Standard’s #LetGirlsLearn series, we’re aiming to shine a light on innovations and solutions that are helping girls to fulfil their right to education and healthy, productive futures around the globe.You can find out more online at www.standard.co.uk/optimist/let-girls-learn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The mystery and search continues for 35-year-old former It-girl and aristocrat Constance Marten, her partner Mark Gordon and their newborn baby who've been missing since January 7th. It emerged this week that Gordon is a convicted sex offender who spent 20 years in US jail. Manchester Police are leading the investigation into their disappearance. Katie Strick, the Evening Standard’s feature writer explains the build-up to their disappearance and the questions surrounding it. Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nurses using food banks and working second jobs to stay afloat. Royal College of Nursing union’s 48-hour strike begins. Will the government back down over the pay rise dispute? Natalie Brooks, a Nurse and RCN member, explains why she’s taking strike action. Plus our Health Reporter Daniel Keane discusses the politics around the industrial action, and how the government is dealing with the dispute. In this episode:What has forced nurses to take strike action?How some nurses are left ‘in tears’ after their shiftWhy RCN members want to see ‘respect’ from the governmentHow the government is resisting calls for a pay riseWhy no action from the government could haunt them next yearFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ‘political statement’ behind new ITV drama Maternal. Why don’t we talk about the tough return to work post-maternity leave? Does the system need to change? Maternal writer Jacqui Honess-Martin discusses her decision to highlight the struggles of a post-pandemic NHS, and her ‘political statement’ around the realities of women returning to work from Maternity leave. In this episode:What was the inspiration behind the drama?Is Maternal a realistic look at the NHS?How new mums struggle with their identityWhy mothers should recognise they’re not aloneFollow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Metropolitan Police officer, David Carrick, is facing life in prison after admitting a horrific campaign of rape and abuse against women across a period of around 18 years. The Evening Standard's court correspondent Tristan Kirk discusses the case, its impact and whether or not trust can be built back by police.If you're affected by any issues raised in this podcast you can contact Rape Crisis on 0808 500 2222 or via their website: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a bonus interview taken from our How to be a CEO podcast. Sports streamer DAZN's North America CEO Joe Markowski joins us to talk about the origins of the company from a few bullet points on a page to a global presence in over 200 markets.To listen to the full episode, and others, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stormzy, Mimi Webb, Harry Styles, Lizzo and George Ezra are among top names receiving nominations ahead of next month’s 43rd Brit Awards at London’s O2. But who are the brilliantly-named duo Wet Leg everyone’s talking about? In the second year of gender neutral categories without best male and female lists, there’s controversy not a single woman appears among five men nominated as Artist of the Year.You can hear all about the runners and riders, and those Brits controversies now part of British folklore - from Jarvis Cocker’s Michael Jackson stage invasion to the Sam Fox and Mick Fleetwood hosting fiasco.The Leader podcast’s joined by Gennaro Castaldo, communications director for the BPI organisers, and Evening Standard music reporter Jonathan Kanengoni.We discuss:- The gender imbalance controversy- Londoners up for nomination- Whether any minnows have a shot- Classic, wild Brits moments through the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could the humble quid in your pocket go digital in the future?The British government’s Treasury is investigating minting a new virtual version of our national currency.The Leader podcast’s joined by Brett Scott, a former City broker and author of Cloudmoney: Cash, Cards, Crypto and the War for our Wallets.We discuss:- Bank-issued digital currency - Privately-issued crypto “stablecoins” backed by fiat money- Implications for your bank balance and privacy- The future of physical cash- Does the chequebook have a place in the 21st Century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paramedics working for London Ambulance Service are on strike for the second time this winter in a bitter pay dispute. On Wednesday, they were joined on picket lines by 999 call handlers, with LAS saying just 50 per cent of staff and 200 vehicles are serving the capital.For the latest, the Leader podcast’s joined by Evening Standard health reporter Daniel Keane, and we discuss:When to call 999 or 111The government’s anti-strike billStaff moralePlans for “virtual wards”How the ambulance crisis is impacting NHS treatment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As London Underground celebrates its 160th anniversary, fears loom over fresh Aslef driver strike action in dispute over pensions, working conditions and driver-only trains. Analysis with Evening Standard transport editor Ross Lydall.- Worries over new season of travel chaos for London commuters- Aslef chief quiet on talks progress- Can a deal be reached?- Impact on passenger faresFor more visit standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Prince Harry’s latest round of television interviews to promote his book, Spare, will his long list of grievances and claims cause a dent in the British monarchy?To unpick the fallout from the Duke of Sussex's public relations offensive, the Leader's joined by royal commentator, PR expert and former editor of The International Who’s Who, Richard Fitzwilliams, and royal historian Dr Ed Owens, author of The Family Firm: Monarchy, Mass Media and the British Public, 1932-53.We discuss the historical context of Harry’s revelations, his PR strategy, all those other ill-fated royal interviews and whether the Duke of Sussex has more dirty laundry he’s holding off airing in public - for now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a bonus episode taken from our How to be a CEO podcast: Richard Mabey quit his job as a lawyer to pursue his mission to make contracts quicker and easier to make, alter and sign.In 2016 he launched Juro, a contract automation platform designed for lawyers and businesses, which could replace emails, programmes such as Microsoft Word and Excel, and cloud-based storage.Last year the business processed 500,000 contracts, and Richard is aiming to make Juro the default contracts platform world-wide.To hear the full episode click here.For all the latest business news visit standard.co.uk/business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we welcome a new year of film and the awards season draws near - with buzz aplenty! We’re here to run down everything you need to know in the world of cinema.The ones to watch, what to take your kids to and which to avoid altogether. From entering the ‘Barbieverse’, to potential Oscar-winning fat suits as well as lesser-known movie gems.Charlotte O’Sullivan, Chief Film Critic for the Evening Standard, gives you the definitive guide on the most anticipated films of 2023. In this episode:Barbie The Little Mermaid Blue JeanIndiana Jones and the Dial of DestinyThe WhaleWonkaTárKillers of the Flower Moon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a series of bombshell leaks of his new book, Prince Harry claims his brother William physically attacked him.This comes as more clips from the Duke of Sussex’s ITV interview are released ahead of the publication of ‘Spare’ next week.Robert Dex, the Evening Standard’s Arts Correspondent, discusses whether after so much damage there is any way back for ‘Willy’ and ‘Harold’.‘Harry: The Interview’ airs on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm on 8th January. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health experts are sounding the alarm over the NHS crisis. It’s been revealed ambulance crews in London lost the equivalent of three-and-a-half months because of handover delays, with 7,000 Londoners waiting more than 12 hours to be admitted to A&E - a rise of 46 per cent.Daniel Keane, the Evening Standard’s Health Reporter, explains the current situation faced by health services.In part two, Professor Azeem Majeed, head of the Department of Primary Care & Public Health at Imperial College London, a GP and a consultant in public health, gives his views on what can be done to save the NHS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Around 16 million journeys could be affected by what is expected to be the worst week of rail disruption for 30 years. About 40,000 members of the RMT at Network Rail and 14 train operators are staging a 48-hour walkout, with another to follow on Friday, while drivers in the Aslef union will strike on Thursday.Ross Lydall, the Evening Standard’s City Hall Editor & Transport Editor, explains the latest on the industrial action, what’s next for the talks and whether this means Londoners could be put off taking the train moving forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s not all been strikes, delays and looming apocalypse in 2022 - this year’s also brought the shocking, the surreal and the slapstick.Collating our greatest hits of the 2022 zeitgeist is a reminder how we saw in the new year amid Omicron and dodged a Christmas lockdown.But enough of that because, in the words of Gogglebox, this year we’ve enjoyed a lot of great pop culture moments.So who makes this Leader special’s Top 10? You’ll have to tune in by clicking the link below to find out, but it’s all there - an Oscars ruckus, dodgy celeb texting, plenty of shade thrown, awkward moments and the attraction of the wholesome online gaming.The Leader’s joined by two expert commentators with their fingers on London’s - and the internet’s - cultural pulse.Commentary with Evening Standard acting celebrity correspondent Tina Campbell, and arts writer and commissioning editor Vicky Jessop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed his nation, announcing a “special military operation” against Ukraine. The biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II. Since then it's estimated that tens of thousands of lives have been lost. But, Ukraine has and continues to show resilience, endurance and spirit that completely surpassed expectations. In this special episode, the country’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, explains the efforts that have gone into the fight online. Also, Denys Ganzha, a Ukrainian Youth delegate to the UN, discusses living through the war, what life is like on the ground and his hopes are for 2023.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gymshark started in Ben Francis’s parents' garage in the Midlands, with lessons from his gran on how to sew.Ten years on, the fitness apparel company’s a global business valued at one and a quarter billion pounds and has just opened its first IRL store on London's Regent Street.This is a cut-down version of the full episode. To listen to the full episode click here.For all the latest business news visit standard.co.uk/business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As energy companies’ profits continue to soar, many Britons in fuel poverty can't afford to heat their homes this Christmas.Now, campaigners are alerting London households with pre-payment meters eking out their heating amid rocketing gas and electricity prices - claim your £400 energy discount vouchers.Despite the recent cold snap, more than one million UK households have not cashed in the monthly energy support they’re owed.The Leader gets all the details from Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thousands of NHS paramedics, technicians and call handlers follow nurses taking to picket lines for 12 hours in a long-running pay dispute.Amid sustained pressure on 999 and 111 services, eight English and Welsh NHS and ambulance trusts declare critical incidents, despite promises of “life and limb cover”.Londoners requiring an ambulance until midnight on Wednesday are even being told in some cases they should get to A&E under their own steam.Meanwhile, the army’s been deployed to help deal with driving ambulances, but they’re not cleared to treat patients.For the latest analysis on this historic industrial action and where it all leaves Rishi Sunak, the Leader’s joined by Evening Standard political editor Nicholas Cecil. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten thousands nurses walked out on Tuesday - and are set to be joined on strike by legions of paramedics.It comes as soldiers meant as emergency stand-ins for paramedics say they’re being stopped from carrying out treatments or using 999 blue lights.Rishi Sunak is ruling out reopening negotiations in the pay dispute, suggesting he’s dug in for a war of attrition with the unions.For the latest from the picket line and modern NHS working pressures, the Leader’s joined by Ameera, an A&E nurse and a union member at a central London hospital, and Evening Standard health reporter Daniel Keane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Millions of British workers are expecting a pay rise in 2023, with nearly a quarter of respondents to a recent recruitment survey hoping for at least 10 per cent extra.It comes as nurses are negotiating for a 19.2 per cent increase, while unions recently secured 10 per cent plus a £2,000 bonus for workers at Rolls-Royce.So, as the cost of living crisis bites and the recession’s forecast to last until 2024, are union demands realistic and what’s the best strategy for squeezing a few more pounds from your boss, particularly if they have a “high ego”?Meanwhile, if you’re struggling this Christmas then please spare a thought for those hard-up bankers, who could soon receive unlimited bonuses after the Bank of England announced plans for a consultation on scrapping the so-called ‘bonus cap’.To examine how wages are looking into 2023 and tips for handling those awkward money conversations with the boss, The Leader’s joined by Dr Grace Lordan, a labour economist at the London School of Economics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Golden Globes winner Emma Corrin’s captivating role in this bold, tricksy adaptation of Orlando. Why this Virginia Woolf story about gender-fluidity is a Christmas hot ticket in the West End.Plus, we take you inside the 66th Evening Standard Theatre Awards, with winners including Killing Eve's Jodie Comer and James McAvoy.This is the Evening Standard's Theatre Review.In this episode:Part 1: Orlando at the Garrick TheatreWhat is this adaptation of Orlando by Virginia Woolf all about?Directed by Michael Grandage - who recently worked on the West End’s adaptation of FrozenEmma Corrin, who has been Lady Diana and Lady ChatterleyWhy you’re asked to contemplate gender, sexuality and social attitudes towards womenHow Corrin anchors the show but it felt like the production's emotional stakes weren’t very highThe nine diverse actors playing versions of author VirginiaWhy Deborah Findlay as servant Mrs Grimsditch borders on pantoWho was Virginia Woolf?Part 2: Inside the 66th Evening Standard Theatre AwardsAn emotional affair after a two-year break due to covid-19Killing Eve star Jodie Comer wins the Natasha Richardson Award for Best ActressJames McAvoy wins the Best Actor Award for Cyrano de BergeracLynette Linton secures Milton Shulman Award for Best Director for Blues for an Alabama SkyLynette becomes the sixth woman, and the first woman of colour, to win in the directing category since 1981Patrick Vaill wins Best Musical Performance for OklahomaFormer Evening Standard editor Charles Wintour created the Theatre Awards in 1955.To read all from the big night itself click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TS Anil is the CEO of Monzo, one of the neobanks taking on the established players in the financial sector. It’s grown to have around 6 million customers, but now faces new challenges as the UK wades through a cost-of-living crisis, and recession looms. To hear the full episode of How to be a CEO with TS Anil click here.The Evening Standard's SME Expo is back in 2023 and is being held at ExCel London - on April 25-26. Go to https://smexpo.co.uk/ for more information and to register for tickets.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thirteen years after the original, Avatar is back. The second film in the franchise cost $250 million and is this year’s Christmas blockbuster. Writer & director James Cameron, has already shot a third movie and hopes to make at least another two… but that all depends on how this one goes down with audiences. Charlotte O’Sullivan, Chief Film Critic for The Evening Standard, gives her verdict on 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and thoughts on the future of the franchise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The season of strikes is in full swing and on Thursday it’s the turn of nurses and postal workers. The Royal College of Nursing say they’ve been left with no alternative but to hold the biggest industrial action in NHS history. Linda Tovey, a critical care nurse at St Thomas' Hospital, London, reveals what led her to strike and her worries over the quality of care patients will receive.  In part two, Katie Strick, commissioning editor and senior feature writer at the Evening Standard, meets postal workers Vinny and Hannah on the picket line to hear about their concerns for the future of Royal Mail. You can read more from Katie on the strikes here: https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/strikes-walkouts-nurse-paramedic-postwoman-firefighter-b1046563.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s been yet another English Channel crossing tragedy. At least four people have died and 40 more have been rescued after a migrant boat capsized in sub-zero temperatures in the early hours of the morning.The Evening Standard’s Deputy Political Editor, David Bond, explains what is known so far, the reaction and how important it is for the government to tackle these issues moving forward.In part two, Beth Gardiner-Smith, CEO of the charity Safe Passage International, gives her reaction to the PM’s migration plans and shares her views on how we can prevent these tragedies from happening again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the first day of a series of strikes where 40,000 rail workers will walk out across the country until the weekend. Britain’s train services have effectively been brought to a standstill while Transport Secretary Mark Harper and RMT leader Mick Lynch continue to publicly point the finger at each other over who is to blame for the disruption. The Evening Standard’s City Hall Editor & Transport Editor, Ross Lydall, asked Lynch on the picket line about whether there is any hope of resolution.In part two, Jack Stein, Chef Director of Rick Stein Restaurants explains the impact the strikes are already having on the hospitality sector as the industry faces one of its toughest winters yet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.