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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.

Over the weekend, suspicious photographs of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with an unnamed woman surfaced among the latest batch of the Epstein files. While King Charles' decision to strip Andrew of his titles was met with widespread approval, it also sparked questions over the Royals' living arrangements - and inevitably, their finances. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Chris Blackhurst, strategic communications advisor and former editor of The Independent, who recently wrote a piece for the Standard on the staggering wealth of the crown. The conversation explores how the Royal Family might negotiate this tricky period from a PR perspective, and whether it's possible for them to rebuild the public's trust and admiration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Industry returns for its fourth series, the show continues to raise the stakes – and audience heart rates. But are its latest calamities a case of art imitating life?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Laura Martin, who recently wrote an article for The Standard about power dynamics in Industry, and culture writer for The Standard, Maddy Mussen. Together, they discuss what the show reveals about the relationship between power, privilege and wealth in London, and whether the show offers an accurate portrait of the City. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the weekend, the self-titled documentary Melania hit cinemas worldwide. Its release comes at a volatile moment, with political turmoil at home and Donald Trump once again making waves over foreign policy and America's global influence.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with Standard columnist Melanie McDonagh, fresh from a screening to ask: who is Melania Trump telling the world she is? Was a cinematic release the right strategy for now? And, most importantly, is the documentary worth a watch?Clips: Amazon MGM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the past few years, the UK government has promised a tougher stance on money laundering. With new challenges that include cryptocurrency and the soaring value of gold, how will Britain ever get clean from its dirty money reputation?In this episode, the Standard's chief political correspondent Rachael Burford speaks to Joe Powell, the Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater, who founded the Kensington Against Dirty Money campaign in 2022 to tackle the issue of illicit finance in London. Together, they explore how sanctions are enforced, and the tax haven loopholes that let dirty money slip through the cracks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unemployment among young Londoners has hit a nine-year high, and the latest figures show the jobless rate in the capital disproportionately affects 16 to 24-year-olds. So, is the future for young Londoners truly bleak?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick is joined by the Standard's business editor Jonathan Prynn to unpack the most recent figures from the Office of National Statistics. Together they explore why so many young people in the capital are facing a growing shortage of opportunities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In their election manifesto, Labour promised to tackle unregulated and unaffordable ground rent charges. So, is a £250 pound cap on ground rent real progress for homeowners? In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with the Standard's deputy editor of homes and property Meghann Murdock to gauge the significance of the government's latest announcement. Plus, she speaks to Harry Scoffin, the founder of Free Leaseholders, a grassroots activist group fighting for the abolition of the leasehold system, who puts forward a case for universal commonholds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A £500m plan to redevelop East London's historic Truman Brewery has sparked a bitter row in Brick Lane. The proposed scheme features new retail and restaurant units, a cinema, private housing and, controversially, a data centre. The plans have divided residents, businesses and politicians ahead of a critical local council election.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to The Standard's business editor Jonathan Prynn about what's at stake for the local area, and the borough of Tower Hamlets. She also heads to the Brick Lane institution to hear from business owners ahead of the crucial planning decision. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran is facing one of the most brutal waves of extreme violence in its recent history. Beyond protests outside the Iranian embassy in London, the reaction from the UK government, and Britain as a whole, has been subdued.In this episode, The Standard's chief political correspondent Rachael Burford speaks to former security minister Tom Tugendhat MP about the Iranian leadership crisis, the West's muted reaction to the atrocities, and ways the UK government can support a liberated Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK has approved plans for China to build its largest European embassy in London, near the Tower of London – a controversial move that has triggered serious national security concerns.As Keir Starmer prepares to visit Beijing, has the government misjudged the risks? On this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, who is a vocal critic of the planning proposal. She also talks to Dr Tim Stevens, the co-director of the Cyber Security Research Group at King's College London, to assess the cyber and national security risks cited by opponents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For episode five of Brave New World, Evgeny is joined by Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences - the company working on de-extinction and species preservation, including its flagship woolly mammoth project. Together, they explore what “bringing back” an extinct species actually means in practice: rebuilding fragmented ancient DNA, comparing it to a close living relative (the Asian elephant), and using gene editing to reintroduce key traits like cold tolerance - before creating embryos that could one day be carried by a surrogate or, eventually, an artificial womb.Ben also explains why the mammoth has become Colossal's defining project - from public fascination and unusually strong samples preserved in permafrost, to the potential conservation upside. The conversation dives into how the same tools can support living species too: developing new reproductive technologies, using AI and drones to understand elephant behaviour, and tackling threats like EEHV, a disease that kills young elephants. Along the way, they discuss Colossal's viral moments - including the woolly mouse and the dire wolf - as well as the ethical lines the company says it won't cross.This episode was produced by Message Heard and The Standard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blue Monday is behind us – and January is often the best time of year to book a holiday.In 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.

It has been one year since Donald Trump returned to the White House for a second term.So how much has he changed the US — and the world — in just twelve months? And what might the rest of his presidency look like?In this episode, The Standard's Political Editor Nicholas Cecil takes stock of Trump's first year back in office with Laurel Rapp, Director of the US and North America Programme at Chatham House. Laurel previously served as Deputy Director on the US Secretary of State's Policy Planning Staff, working on American grand strategy under Presidents Obama, Biden and Trump — twice. Together, they reflect on the key moments of Trump's first year back, what is different this time around, and what it all means for America's role on the world stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the government doing enough to support the country's hospitality sector?In this episode, the London 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.

It has been a busy start to the year for Laila Cunningham, the Westminster councillor newly selected as Reform UK's candidate for the London 2028 Mayoral election. In today's episode, The Standard's City Hall Editor Ross Lydall sits down with Laila Cunningham to discuss controversial remarks she made earlier this week about London not being a “Muslim city”. During this interview, Cunningham sets out plans to make wearing face coverings, including the burqa, grounds for police to stop and search Londoners. She also discloses that, despite leading Reform's campaign for the May borough elections, she will not be standing as a candidate herself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special preview from our sister podcast Brave New World, featuring a new episode from its latest series.For Episode Four, host Evgeny Lebedev is joined by human biologist, longevity science monolith and founder of The Ultimate Human, Gary Brecka. Together, they explore why so many people feel stuck at a “six out of ten,” what Gary believes to be the cause of fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, soreness, low mood, and why poor exercise recovery is often driven by nutrient deficiencies.Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As protests continue across Iran amid a rising death toll and a record number of arrests, members of the Iranian diaspora in London, home to an estimated 40,000 Iranian-born residents, are gathering publicly to express support and show solidarity.In this episode of The Standard, host Tamara Kormornick is joined by Laila Jazayeri, Director of the Association of Anglo-Iranian Women in the UK. They discuss the unfolding situation in Iran, why so many are mobilising in London, and how international support could help usher in a new era for the country.Clip: Sky News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year saw one of London's lowest rates of homicides, with less than 100 fatalities. How is the city tackling crime, and how safe is London?In this episode of The Standard, Tamara Kormornick is joined by the Director of The London Mayors Violent Crime Reduction Unit, to discuss the status of violent crime in London — and whether the city is as lawless as Donald Trump makes it out to be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every January, campaigns like Dry January and Veganuary encourage restraint and self-denial at the coldest, darkest point of the year. But what if we've misunderstood both health and the seasons?In this episode of The Standard, host Alan Leer is joined by journalist Melanie McDonagh as she makes the case for “Wet January” — arguing that winter is the worst possible time to give things up, and that our modern wellness habits have lost touch with how people have historically lived through the colder months.We discuss seasonality, comfort, self-denial, and what our obsession with restraint says about modern life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.