The Leader | Evening Standard daily

A new social media phenomenon, Londonmaxxing, is growing in popularity. This 2026 viral trend is about experiencing the essence of the city, and packing in the best activities London has to offer. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the senior social features editor at the London Standard, Katrina Mirpuri, for a breakdown of this trend, plus her methods for exploring London like a curious local.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Saturday, the Victoria and Albert museum will open its latest outpost, V&A East. So, what can London expect from its new museum?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Dr Madeleine Haddon, the senior curator of V&A East, for a sneak peek of the new museum. Together they discuss the opening exhibitions, the museum's connection to its home in East London, as well as the museum's inspired cafe offering.Image: V&A East Museum © Hufton+Crow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group of Londoners are coming together in Soho this Saturday to call on the government to introduce rent controls. But, with the renters rights act about to come into force, would freezing rents send the private rental market into chaos?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Joe Beswick, a member of the London Renter's Union, about the upcoming protest. Tamara asks Joe about the feasibility of rent controls, how introducing this policy might interact with the Renters Rights Act, and whether housebuilding is the answer to London's affordability crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Currently, more than a third of children leave primary school overweight or obese. The government is about to start a consultation on reforming school meals. Will having salad bars in schools make a difference?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Nika Pajda, Head of Policy and Research at Bite Back. Together they discuss whether banning deep fried foods from school canteens will have a significant impact on children's health, as well as the lurking influence of Big Foods in schools.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán's leadership of Hungary has come to an end. But will a comfortable majority be enough for opposition leader Péter Magyar to bring inflation — and corruption — under control?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Miklós Hajnal, a sitting Member of Parliament for the Momentum party and an opposition figure in Hungary's National Assembly. Together, they discuss whether Hungary can truly move beyond Orbán's rule, and the geopolitical direction the country may take in the years ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sickfluencers are everywhere right now — but what are they actually doing, and why has it turned into such a political flashpoint?In this episode, Martha Tipper digs into the row over social media creators who post tips on claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — from step-by-step guides to broader advice on navigating a system many people say is notoriously hard to “crack”.A new report from centre-right think tank Policy Exchange claims this kind of online coaching could fuel economic inactivity and put more pressure on the health and disability benefits system — and the report's sponsorship by Reform UK's Robert Jenrick has only cranked up the heat.But there's another side to it: plenty of people with genuine — and often invisible — disabilities say this content is a lifeline, especially when legal aid and specialist support are hard to access, and rejection rates are high. So is this really about fraud… or is it about a benefits system that's confusing by design?We also look at ideas being floated for reform — from means testing to more in-person assessments, and even vouchers or other targeted support — and why the practical reality may be messier than the headlines.Plus: what the DWP says about fraud levels, and why “people getting advice on the internet” might be the least shocking part of all this Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Episode Nine, Evgeny is joined by Michael Pollan, journalist, author, and one of the leading voices exploring the human mind. Drawing on his new book A World Appears, Pollan makes an impassioned case for consciousness as something precious, private, and increasingly under threat. Together, they explore how social media and AI are not just competing for our attention, but beginning to shape attachment, emotion, and even our sense of self.The conversation ranges from chatbots and “AI psychosis” to meditation, psychedelics, and the idea of “consciousness hygiene” - the habits and practices that might help us protect our inner lives. Pollan also reflects on why writing is a form of thinking, why boredom and mind-wandering matter, and how experiences of ego dissolution, art, and nature can deepen our understanding of consciousness. The episode ends on a wider question: whether the real challenge is not only understanding consciousness, but learning how to practise it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the recent closure of Corsica Studios, it felt like the right moment to revisit this episode — because the big question hasn't gone away: can London actually keep its nightlife alive, or are we slowly watching it get priced and policed out of existence?There will be no major clubs left at all in the UK by 2030 if venue closures continue at the current rate, according to the Night Time Industries Association. Will Sadiq Khan's London Nightlife Taskforce be able to preserve the capital's late-night scene?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Cameron Leslie, co-founder of Fabric and chair of the Independent Nightlife Taskforce. They discuss the recommendations from the taskforce's latest report, the city's evolving club culture, and Cameron's outlook for London's night-time economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we have a special treat for you in the form of an introduction to one of our other shows, Tech & Science Daily!Alan Leer is in with a proper commute-friendly sprint through today's tech and science. London researchers linked to UCL hit a bonkers fibre speed record — using existing installed cable — while the UK's Online Safety regime gets sharper as a key reporting duty kicks in today. Then we go brainy with a study teasing out a “neural fingerprint” for psychedelics, before switching to gaming where Starfield finally opens up on PS5 with a big update and fresh story content. Plus, a quick reality check on why your next phone might cost more than your last — and what to do about it. More at standard.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elephant and Castle, tucked beneath London's Southbank, is set for a major transformation. Long defined by its busy gyratory system and ageing brutalist buildings, the area is now at the centre of a £4 billion regeneration aiming to transform it into a desirable destination in its own right.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick is joined by The Standard's business editor Jonathan Prynn to explore the development plans, the changes that are already in place, and whether this long-awaited “glow up” will be enough to attract visitors to the area. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wireless has booked Kayne West (Ye) as a three-day headliner for their July festival. With Ye's controversial and anti-semitic history, what message does this send to Londoners?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Josh Rom, a culture journalist who has covered many of Kanye's infamous moments. Together, they explore the festival's rationale for handing the polarising rapper the entire weekend, despite intense backlash and condemnation from the Jewish Leadership Council over his past antisemitic remarks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK's leading performing arts union, Equity, is raising concerns about the role of the London Nightlife Task Force, saying that workers' voices are being overlooked in decisions shaping the capital's night-time economy.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Standard journalist Megan Howe to unpack Equity's latest survey findings, before hearing from drag artist Le Fil, who shares their first-hand experience of working in London's late night economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The House of Lords is considering a proposal to charge overseas visitors admission fees at museums and galleries. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the free entry policy, but with some institutions now reporting deficits, government ministers are looking to tourists to prop up cultural institutionsIn this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Alison Cole, the director of the Cultural Policy Unit thinktank, who helped to devise the initial universal free admission policy instituted in 2001. Together, they discuss whether charging tourists could generate enough income to plug the gap in arts funding, and explore alternative ways to keep cultural institutions free for all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Easter falling early this year, what should home cooks reconsider, and which restaurants are serving the best festive menus?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the London Standard's Going Out Editor and resident food critic, David Ellis, for tips on how to snag tables at great restaurants over the long weekend, plus festive recipes that you can prepare ahead of time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, the London Marathon ballot box achieved a personal best. Over one million applicants signed up for April's upcoming event, and with only 10,000-15,000 places reserved for ballot entries, the competition for a spot is tougher than ever. Now, rumours are circulating that the Sunday event may become a two-day weekend as early as 2027 in order to accommodate the increased demand. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rick Pearson, the senior editor of Runner's World UK and co-host of the Runner's World podcast. The two discuss how a two-day event might unfold, tips for running novices, and also unpack the reasons why the London Marathon continues to hold its spot as the world's most popular running event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the release of Louis Theroux latest investigation, Inside The Manosphere, discourse has turned to a particular detail from the documentary — that the alpha male influencers had absent fathers. So, why has the focus shifted to single mothers?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rebecca Cox, author of How To Be a Happy Single Parent, who argues that single mothers are being unfairly labelled as ‘toxic' in the debate surrounding Louis Theroux's new documentary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel disruptions are pushing British holidaymakers to divert their holiday plans away from the Middle East, and a lot of people have the same ideas. So which destinations will be crowd-free over Easter?In this episode, The Standard's lifestyle director Suzannah Ramsdale sits down with travel writer Alicia Miller to discuss holiday destinations that are unlikely to be rammed with tourists in a couple of weeks, as well as tips for finding a great last minute deal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early hours of Monday morning, arsonists set fire to four ambulances run by a Jewish charity in a synagogue car park in North London. The attack has shaken British Jewry, amid growing concerns over the normalisation of antisemitism in the UK. In this episode, host Tamara speaks to the CEO of Campaign Against Antisemitism, Gideon Falter, about the attack and its lead up. She also speaks to Rabbi Sandor Milun, the managing director of a Jewish volunteering charity, Gift UK, about the attack that took place in the car park of his synagogue.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London's Harley Street is best known as a centre of medical excellence. Are unqualified “tweakment” aestheticians threatening its reputation?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Niva Yadav, the Standard's trainee journalist, who has been investigating the world of rogue cosmetic practitioners in Harley Street. The two discuss the medical status of dermal filler, whether the government's attempts to regulate the industry go far enough, and tips on what to ask a cosmetic practitioner before undergoing a treatment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While London clubs increasingly face the risk of closure, ticketed events in multi-use spaces are becoming more popular. Even art galleries have started hosting after hours events. So, how different will clubbing look over the next few years?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rosalie Doubal, a senior curator of international art at Tate Modern, about the intersection of art, culture and clubbing, and whether she sees galleries becoming a vital part of late night infrastructure. Tamara also catches up with The Standard's features writer and nightlife expert, Maddy Mussen, for a vibe check on London's after-hours scene.Photograph: Tate (Ben Fisher) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 awards season delivered unforgettable fashion moments, from Jessie Buckley's sculptural pink and red Chanel gown to Timothée Chalamet's playful white Givenchy suit. Designers like Schiaparelli and Valentino dominated headlines, with the red carpet capturing the energy and creativity of major fashion weeks.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick is joined by business writer and branding specialist, John Arlidge, to discuss the changing landscape for legacy brands in a tougher environment. The two discuss the burgeoning second-hand market to the prevalence of high quality dupes, and ultimately, the downfall of the retail sector.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A student nightclub in Canterbury, Kent, is at the centre of a meningitis B outbreak that has so far caused over a dozen hospitalisations and two deaths.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to immunisation specialist Dr Helen Burford, who is a professor of Children's Health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. They discuss the difference between meningitis strains, why this variant might have spread in a nightclub and whether Londoners need to take action to protect their health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was a significant British presence at this year's Oscars, with UK film talent receiving 40 nominations and delivering several wins on the night.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance culture writer Laura Martin, who recently wrote for the Standard about why London could be the new ‘Lollywood'. They discuss whether that idea holds up after this year's Academy Awards, and break down some of the biggest British success stories from Sunday night.Tamara also speaks to Lisa Walters, a former Head of Production in TV, who is among the many film and television professionals who have left the industry over the past year due to an ongoing work drought in the UK.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As cocaine use continues to rise in the capital, we're revisiting this episode exploring why London has been dubbed the ‘cocaine capital' of Europe.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance journalist Jordan Page, who recently investigated the capital's latest Class A drug epidemic. They talk about how London's pub culture intersects with the city's cocaine habits, and why men in particular are using the drug more than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From soaring costs to the future of the great British pub, we're revisiting our conversation with Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge.Is the government doing enough to support the country's hospitality sector?In this episode, The Standard's Going Out editor David Ellis sits down with Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur and publican Tom Kerridge to discuss the realities of running a hospitality business today. From soaring business rates to rising costs and shrinking margins, Kerridge explains why pubs are under unprecedented pressure and what the government could do to help the sector survive – and even grow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We revisit this bumper travel episode, The Standard's lifestyle director Suzannah Ramsdale joins travel journalist Alicia Miller to unpack the trendiest destinations for 2026. From meadows in Cantabria to the sandy beaches of the new Maldives, the two select options for different budgets and trip lengths – and break down our current sauna obsession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Episode Eight, Evgeny is joined by Carl Pei, founder and CEO of Nothing, the London-based consumer tech company trying to make devices feel fun. Carl explains how Nothing evolved from earbuds to smartphones, why he believes design and “focus-first” features can counter distraction, and what it means to build products with a distinct, instantly recognisable identity.Evgeny and Carl also explore the psychological cost of always-on devices, the battle for attention and consciousness, and what it might mean to build technology that helps people stay intentional. The episode ends on a wider view of the AI era: enormous promise for medicine and science, but serious unanswered questions about jobs, governance, and whether society is ready for what comes next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid the escalating Middle East conflict, Iran's near-closure of the Persian Gulf is rattling global markets. The disruption has sent oil prices soaring and sparked global concern over oil supply, which has had a spill-over effect on equity and gilt markets. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the Standard's business editor, Jonathan Prynn, to discuss the impact of these events on markets – and our wallets. The two discuss how quickly bills will rise, how costly this could be for Brits, and which sectors will be rocked by the continuing conflict in the Middle East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London's property market has come out of hibernation early and is experiencing one of its earliest “Spring surges”. Is now a good time to buy, and where can the best bargains be found? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Anna White, a freelance writer who covers homes and property for The Standard, who produced a bumper guide for first-time buyers for the paper. They discuss prime locations for bargains, new and accessible mortgage options, and whether the government will offer more help to first-time buyers in order to meet its house-building target. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has spent much of the week defending his decision not to join the US and Israel's offensive in Iran, saying that “any UK actions must always have a lawful basis'.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to international legal expert Marko Milanovic, Professor of Public International Law at the University of Reading. They discuss the legality of the US-Israeli intervention in Iran, if Starmer made the right call on behalf of Britain, and whether flouting international law can ever be justified on moral grounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Restaurateur Jeremy King's latest venture, a revamp of the 200 year old Simpson's in The Strand, speaks to London's latest trend – classic dining.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's Going Out Editor and restaurant critic, David Ellis, about why diners are regaining an appetite for traditional fare. Plus, David shares his recommendations for London's most classic institutions, including newcomers who are embracing tried and tested dishes with a modern twist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dubai, alongside its Middle Eastern neighbours, is being targeted by Iranian strikes that have so far caused damage to airports, hotels and ports. At least 94,000 stranded Brits have registered their location with the Foreign Office to prepare for evacuation, and airlines have, albeit slowly, begun to repatriate travellers.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance writer, Tom Place, who has been reporting on the repatriation story for The Standard. She also speaks to London expat Harley Mcgaughran, the CEO and founder of luxury shopping service, Trendsourcing, who does not regret his decision to ditch London for Dubai as of yet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the weekend, the US and Israel seized on an opportune moment to eliminate senior figures of the ruling militia in Iran, including the supreme leader Ayatollah Khemeni. The UK, however, has not been instrumental to the success of this mission so far. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford, about Keir Starmer's decision to refuse to send British military support for the initial strikes. Plus, a conversation with Laila Jazayeri, the Director of the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK, to discuss the reaction to Khemeni's death in Iran and the diaspora, and lay out alternative leadership paths for the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners may notice their outgoings increase, due to higher TFL fares that kicked in yesterday. The cost of pay as you go Tube, rail and DLR services are rising by an average of 6% but it's not all bad news, as bus fares and travel card fares have been frozen for now. To understand the latest changes to fares, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with Ross Lydall, the Standard's City Hall and Transport correspondent, for a London travel update. They discuss why TFL made the decision to raise fares this spring, access to airports via public transport, and whether it is time to discontinue travel subsidies that older Londoners enjoy to fill in TFL's funding gap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There will be no major clubs left at all in the UK by 2030 if venue closures continue at the current rate, according to the Night Time Industries Association. Will Sadiq Khan's London Nightlife Taskforce be able to preserve the capital's late-night scene?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Cameron Leslie, co-founder of Fabric and chair of the Independent Nightlife Taskforce. They discuss the recommendations from the taskforce's latest report, the city's evolving club culture, and Cameron's outlook for London's night-time economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Brave New World, Evgeny is joined by Dr Sabine Donnai, a physician specialising in precision medicine, preventive health, and is the founder of Viavi Healthcare. They explore brain health beyond standard scans, discussing how gut function, inflammation, environmental exposure, and stress interact over time. Drawing on Evgeny's own test results, Sabine explains why she believes long-term cognitive resilience starts not with extreme biohacks, but with fixing the basics - particularly the gut. The conversation concludes with practical takeaways: reduce inflammatory foods, increase dietary diversity and fermented foods, support cardiovascular health, and avoid turning longevity into another source of stress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election is set to be another major test of Keir Starmer's authority as leader of the Labour party, following the arrest of his selected former British Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's political editor, Nicolas Cecil, alongside chief political correspondent Rachel Burford, to lay out the possible outcomes of the by-election, and weigh up how catastrophic losing could be for Labour — and for Keir Starmer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since January, there have been close to one hundred cases of measles reported In North London. The UK managed to eliminate measles via mass vaccination just under ten years ago. How did we get here, and how serious is this latest epidemic?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to child immunisation specialist Dr Helen Bedford, professor of Children's Health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. They discuss how serious this latest epidemic is, the different factors that have led to the latest measles outbreak, as well as reality test potential solutions like keeping non-vaccinated children out of school. Plus, Tamara also speaks to the Standard's trainee journalist, Niva Yadav, about how parents in affected areas are coping with news of the outbreak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games has been historic for Team GB, with podium placements in snowboarding, skiing, skeleton and curling. So, what exactly is in the mountain air this year?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to decorated British ski champion, coach and winter sports pundit, Chemmy Alcott, about her experience reporting from the Winter Games at Milano-Cortina. They discuss the highs and lows for Team GB, the legacy of the 2026 Winter Games for British athletes, Chemmy's recommendations for winter sports training facilities if you live in London, and of course, this year's biggest scandals - both on and off the ice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yesterday Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince and Duke of York, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office during his time as trade envoy to the UK. So, what's next for Andrew, and how will the royal family navigate this hurdle?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's crime correspondent, Anthony France, to dig into how the justice system deals with the crime of misconduct in public office, and how the royal family might cope with a potential trial.Disclaimer: Andrew has strenuously denied wrongdoing and has not accepted any of the allegations. This is a very early stage of the investigation and reporting is necessarily limited. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London Fashion Week starts today, and the excitement is palpable. Julian MacDonald is back, Joseph are debuting a new runway collection for the first time in 8 years, and everyone is holding their breath for the Burberry finale.In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with the Standard's fashion editor Joe Bromley and lifestyle editor Jessica Burrell for a conversation about their expectations for the week. They share trend predictions, a lot of love for London's designers, as well as recommendations for ways to enjoy fashion week - even if you aren't sitting in the front-row. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The takeover of Hampstead Heath's cafés has sparked bullying accusations, a legal battle, and impassioned petitioning from locals — with actor Benedict Cumberbatch weighing in. In today's episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Standard journalist Niva Yadav about how the controversial café shakeup spiralled into much more than a storm in a teacup. Plus, Niva Yadav speaks to Hoxton Beach cafe co-owner Emma Fernandez, whose lease has been terminated by the City of London Corporation, and to Daisy Green's co-founder Prudence Freeman, who breaks her silence on the takeover. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the world. It's set to get even more pricey this year with the introduction of a tourist tax that is predicted to raise £350 million per year. Is implementing an overnight levy the right move for London?To understand why councillors are backing the idea, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Councillor Claire Holland, leader of the London Borough of Lambeth and chair of London Councils. They discuss how much the overnight levy could generate, how the revenue might be distributed, and whether it's fair to ask tourists to help fund local infrastructure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media is flooded with food influencers hyping up viral dishes and sharing ‘hidden gems'. But rave restaurant reviews come with a cost — often the experience for fellow diners.In this episode, Jeremy King tells The Standard about the behaviour of certain influencers in The Park, and the new policy he has put in place to thwart disruptive content creation. Plus, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's Going Out editor and restaurant critic, David Ellis, for his take on whether influencers help or harm restaurants. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of the 5.8 million Brits who took out a Plan 2 student loan over the past decade are now facing astonishing levels of debt, and the government's latest salary threshold freeze will nudge more graduates into repaying more than ever. So, is it high time the system had a shake up?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's editor of the Londoner's Diary and features writer, Claudia Cockerell, to discuss recent controversies around the student loans system, and untangle the soaring interest rate levels on repayment plans. Plus, Tamara speaks to the founder of Rethink Repayment, Oliver Gardner, who is calling on the government to reform student loan repayment plans to make the system work better for graduates — and the economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool Street Station has had a major redevelopment plan green-lit by the City Corporation this week. The scheme would be mostly funded by office space situated in a new 320ft tall tower block, much to the dismay of Victorian heritage enthusiasts. Was this the right call?In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with the Standard's City Hall and Transport Editor, Ross Lydall, to unpick why the merits and downfalls of the application, and why the plans have caused such uproar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emerald Fennel's sizzling film adaptation of Emily Bronte's canonical novel has divided critics ahead of its public release on Saturday 14.In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the Standard's culture and lifestyle writer, India Block, about the gothic-inspired romance starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, from Fennel's controversial creative choices to Charli XCX's unexpected soundtrack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Valentine's Day is notoriously easy to get wrong — from forgettable restaurants to naff gifts. This year, the pressure is even more intense, as Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's Going Out editor, David Ellis, and food and drink writer, Josh Barrie, to get their recommendations on where to eat — and not eat — on Valentine's Day. Plus, Tamara sits down with the Standard's shopping editor Abha Shah, to hear her take on elevated gifts that actually feel special. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Londoners are using cocaine more than ever, and men's usage tips the scales two-to-one. So, why is London the ‘cocaine capital' of Europe?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance journalist Jordan Page, who recently investigated the capital's latest Class A drug epidemic. They talk about how London's pub culture intersects with the city's cocaine habits, and why men in particular are using the drug more than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a trying week for the Prime Minister. Allegations surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson have angered many within the party, and raised fresh questions about Keir Starmer's authority. Should Labour be panicking?In this episode, The Standard's political editor Nic Cecil speaks with Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, former advisor to senior Labour politicians, who worked closely with Peter Mandelson over the past couple of decades. She reflects on what it was like to work with him, the current mood inside the Labour Party, and the risks Labour could face if it triggers a leadership contest in the near future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Brave New World, Evgeny is joined by psychologist, author, and researcher Dr Jim Fadiman, a central figure in the modern understanding of psychedelics, who also goes by the “father of microdosing”.Drawing on decades of research and thousands of user reports, the conversation traces the history of psychedelics - from early scientific study in the 1950s and 60s, through prohibition, to today's renewed interest in clinical and psychiatric settings. Jim discusses why most formal research has focused on high doses, how observational reports have shaped microdosing research, where evidence is strongest and still emerging.Evgeny and Jim look ahead to the future of psychedelics in medicine, the balance between scientific caution and public interest, and what a first step might look like for someone curious but sceptical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.