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Will COP30 be the COP of ‘implementation'? And what would that actually mean? Beyond the famous negotiating halls, climate action is already happening. Businesses, investors and cities are driving real change, and the new green economy is rising in tandem with diplomacy.So can Belém mark the moment when implementation promises turn into reality? This week, Paul Dickinson and Fiona McRaith explore the COP ‘Action Agenda' - the broad range of voluntary climate action that mobilises the private sector, regional governments and civil society. Plus, they consider the extraordinary transformation already reshaping global energy systems and the flow of capital worldwide.Paul and Fiona hear from leading voices who explore how the real economy is accelerating climate action - from boardrooms and bond markets to start-ups across Latin America. Contributing are Marina Grossi, COP30 Special Envoy for the Private Sector; Aniket Shah, Global Head of ESG and Sustainable Finance at Jefferies; Sue Reid, Senior Advisor at Global Optimism; and Daniel Gajardo, Chilean entrepreneur and co-founder of Reciprocal. Together, they outline what to look for this November in Brazil, and ask how we can tell when implementation is truly happening - not just promised.Learn more:

Following the sad news this week of Jane Goodall's passing, Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac remember her extraordinary work, personality and humility. They are joined by Mary Lewis, Vice President of the Jane Goodall Institute and Jane's long-time friend, who shares her memories of her remarkable colleague and her reflections on the incredible legacy she leaves behind. Plus, we share an interview from one of our very earliest episodes with Jane herself.Learn more

How do you build a COP? With just a few weeks to go until COP30 in Belém, we take listeners inside the high stakes and the complex mechanics of a climate summit: how they're structured, who's running the show, and what makes this one different.Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, Paul Dickinson and Fiona McRaith unpack how high-level climate conferences actually work, and explore the people and processes shaping this first Amazonian COP. And, with multilateralism under pressure, they ask what we should be looking out for in November, and what success in Belém might look like.Joining the hosts is Thais Bilenky, Brazilian political journalist and new friend of the show, to give us the view from inside Brazil: Lula's positioning on the global stage, domestic tensions between national and regional politics, the tricky symbolism of COP in the state of Pará, and what all this means for international climate negotiations.Learn more:

When does a party conference go well? And when does disaster strike? Ahead of the main party conferences, Ed Balls and George Osborne dive into their memories to reveal what really happens behind the scenes.From George's first job as a Tory 'observer' faxing Tony Blair's speeches to No. 10, to Ed staying up so late he saw the breakfast TV crews setting up, they share the ultimate insider's guide to navigating this political “goldfish bowl”.The pair are joined by special contributors with their own incredible stories: Lord Eric Pickles on his bizarre role managing Denis Thatcher's applause; Sir Oliver Letwin with a powerful, first-hand account of the 1984 Brighton bombing; and journalist Nick Robinson on the moment he confronted a furious Prime Minister. Plus, Ed and George discuss what separates a good conference from a disastrous one, and why you should always be careful what you say in the lift…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

How does COP deliver a pathway to dealing with the worsening climate crisis? That's the big question as attention across the world turns to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, later this year.Inside COP is your complete guide, unpacking the challenges, conversations and actions shaping the global response to climate change in 2025. Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, Paul Dickinson and new co-host Fiona McRaith take you on the road to Belém, starting on the ground at New York Climate Week where we hear from Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon. What needs to happen from here in this new era of climate action?We speak to Ana Toni from the COP Presidency about expectations for the Nationally Determined Contributions (the climate action plans countries submit under the Paris Agreement) as well as what COP hopes to achieve, including their hopes for collaborative initiatives like the Mutirão.Plus, our hosts address President Trump's shocking comments on climate. Is this a major concern or is the climate community already moving forward regardless?Learn more ⁠

Donald Trump's wild speech at the UN General Assembly has done more than just cause a diplomatic headache; it's exposed the deep tensions simmering just below the surface of Keir Starmer's government.His attack on Sadiq Khan saw senior ministers like Wes Streeting and Shabana Mahmood scrambling to respond, raising the question: in a party rife with leadership speculation, is loyalty still the best strategy? With mounting speculation that Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is gearing up for a leadership challenge, Ed Balls and George Osborne dig into the manoeuvres and what they signal about the stability of Starmer's leadership, in a week where the UK also made its historic move to recognise the Palestinian state.Meanwhile, another great challenge looms for the government: the economy. With a reported £30 billion fiscal hole to fill, could a controversial wealth tax be the answer? And as the government seeks to respond to pressure on migration, is a return to ID cards the right move? George thinks the time has come for a digital identity scheme, but Ed is deeply sceptical it can work…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Richard Curtis, rom-com extraordinaire who put Notting Hill on the map is asking a question this week: he wants to know what areas Ed Balls and George Osborne are seeing progress and hope. Doom, gloom and cynicism are on hold - for a week, at least - for the pair to consider some more optimistic matters. Ed is hopeful about advancements on taking on diseases, while George considers the steps technology has improved people's lives.Meanwhile, Sadiq Khan asks about what they love most about London (spoiler: the tube gets a mention), and Seyi Akiwowo, the director of Glitch, a non-profit organisation campaigning to end online abuse, gets Ed and George thinking about hopeful advice for those casting their first vote and finding their political voice.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

This week on Outrage + Optimism, we join the Be Hope global podcast takeover - a collaboration of shows amplifying courage and possibility in facing the greatest challenges of our time.Alongside Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson, guest co-host Sophia Li helps us explore how states, cities, and communities in the US are holding the line on climate when federal leadership fails.What does it take to take Trump to court on clean energy? Attorney General Peter Neronha of Rhode Island tells us about his landmark lawsuit to restart the nearly completed Revolution Wind project.How can we bring more people with us on this transition? Musician and climate advocate Adam Met introduces his Neo-Industrial Revolution declaration, calling for a new language of climate that connects with jobs, prosperity and everyday lives.Plus, we hear from voices in politics and advocacy - from New York to Texas - about the efforts they have been making to create green jobs, support healthier communities, and fight misinformation, at a time when the national picture is far from easy.Learn more:⚖️ Read more on Rhode Island and Connecticut lawsuit against Trump over wind farm halt ⚡ Find out about New York's all-electric buildings act

President Donald Trump is in town, so it's back to Windsor Castle for our Ed Balls! A podcast recording the morning after a lavish state banquet? Not a problem, it's all par for the course for Ed, who has apparently been catching up on Downton Abbey in preparation. He brought George Osborne up to speed on the events of the evening; who sat where and did he get to say hello to the 47th president? It's hard to believe the US President's visit could be considered a reprieve for Prime Minister Keir Starmer after a grueling two weeks back from summer recess. Soon after Angela Rayner made her sudden, tax-enforced exit the government faced its next drama: US Ambassador Peter Mandelson and his long, email-documented friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A deputy leadership contest, scrutiny over Mandelson vetting process and - in recent days - questions over whether Andy Burnham is gunning for Starmer's job… It should be catnip for leader of the Tories, Kemi Badenoch - except Danny Kruger's gone and spoiled it by defecting to Reform! Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has cut rates for the first time this year - while the Bank of England is holding firm at 4%. Ed and George take stock of the global economic position and what's next for the bond market after its moment of tumult earlier this month … To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What really happens in the frantic first 24 hours of a new government job? This week on Ex-Ministers' Questions, Ed Balls and George Osborne lift the lid on the art of political survival. From the scramble of last-minute briefings to the insider secrets government drivers know before their ministers do, they swap stories on navigating the chaos of a reshuffle.Then it's from the Cabinet Office to the kitchen, as George grills Ed on one of Westminster's most notorious culinary conspiracies: Lasagna-gate. Was that dinner party at the Balls-Cooper house really a covert plot to bring down Ed Miliband?And after serving up some advice for a new podcasting rival, the duo look ahead: could a robot outshine a human as a political speechwriter? They put it to the test in real time, asking AI to pen a Shakespearean sonnet on the spot. The result? You'll have to hear it to believe it…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

From stalled UN plastics treaty talks, to the hottest summer on record across much of the northern hemisphere - it's been a bleak few weeks for climate news. So this week, against a backdrop of worsening headlines, we ask: are there still reasons to be optimistic? And what will it take to turn urgency into real change?Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson are joined by Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO of the World Resources Institute. His new book, The New Global Possible: Rebuilding Optimism in the Age of Climate Crisis, argues that while we know what needs to be done, the real challenge lies in how to orchestrate transformation at scale.Ani shares stories of progress from cities, nations, and communities around the world, making the case that optimism isn't about ignoring reality, but about mobilising the political, economic, and social will to act.But does a hopeful outlook risk minimising the seriousness of the crisis? And how can we close the gap between lofty pledges and meaningful action?Learn more:

Peter Mandelson, the so-called “Prince of Darkness” got sacked this morning, thanks to fresh revelations of his lengthy friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Now all eyes are turning to his replacement … Could George Osborne himself be getting the call up for US Ambassador?He and Ed Balls consider what this sudden, inglorious end for Mandelson's diplomatic career means for the government. How could this affect the all-important upcoming state visit from US President Donald Trump, who himself is facing questions around his links to Epstein? It's not the only tumult for Keir Starmer's government, that was hoping to reset its way into a calmer period. The deputy leadership contest in the wake of Angela Rayner's resignation is underway. Ed and George consider if this may be a bigger problem for Starmer than was bargained for? Could Bridget Phillipson vs. Lucy Powell in fact be a proxy for Keir Starmer vs. Andy Burnham?To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

How should a politician respond when a voter blames all their problems on immigration? In this week's Ex-Ministers' Questions, Ed Balls and George Osborne offer competing strategies for handling difficult conversations on the doorstep. They also tackle a stark warning from a Gen Z listener: is the political establishment's failure to listen pushing an entire generation of young people towards Nigel Farage?Then, the pair turn to the insider's playbook of political survival. They debate the pros and cons of the 'chicken run' - is it cowardly for a senior MP to abandon a marginal seat for a safe one, or simply smart politics? Ed reflects on his own experience of staying to fight a losing battle, while George makes the case for jumping ship.Plus, a listener's confession about leaking a story to a newspaper diary column prompts a hilarious look at political gaffes. Ed is forced to relive the moment his ministerial car door hit a pedestrian, and shares a mortifying story involving a fellow minister and a pole dancing pole.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What does it mean to live on the front lines of climate change - where rising seas, collapsing ecosystems and the legacies of colonialism collide?This week, Christiana Figueres and Paul Dickinson are joined by guest host Andrew Higham (Founder of the Future of Climate Cooperation, and former UNFCCC Senior Advisor), to hear from three remarkable people from across the Solomon Islands, Alaska and Greenland. Their stories serve as a stark warning of the ways climate change is reshaping lives, identities and politics. How centuries-old knowledge offers resilience and guidance the world cannot afford to ignore.How do you build an island? Indigenous Knowledge Advocate Lysa Wini describes how her Solomon Islands ancestors literally created their islands from coral and rock. How are their successors responding, now that rising oceans threaten their homes? Wáahlaal Gidaag, Haida leader from Alaska and VP of Arctic Conservation at Ocean Conservancy, shares how her son's questions are drawing her back to ancestral ways of seeing land and sea.And Parnuna Egede Dahl, Special Advisor with Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat in Greenland, explains how self-rule intersects with ocean governance, and what Greenland's decision to join the Paris Agreement means for the future.Their experiences challenge us to look beyond negotiations and policy texts, and ask: what can we learn from those who have always been on climate's front lines? And how can we work together to protect the planet on which we all depend?

Politics is back with a bang, and so are Ed Balls and George Osborne. As Keir Starmer declares "phase two" of his government, he's immediately engulfed by a scandal that threatens his Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner. In this episode, Ed and George dissect her complicated tax affairs, the accusations of hypocrisy, and the difficult choice facing the Prime Minister: is she too powerful to sack?Next, they unpack how Nigel Farage and Reform UK managed to dominate the entire summer. While the government was on holiday, Farage set the agenda on immigration, crime, and free speech. Ed and George explore how he did it, why the government and opposition struggled to respond, and how it fuels the dangerous "drain the swamp" narrative that ‘they're all as bad as each other'.Plus, the pair turn to Starmer's attempt to reset with a major reshuffle of his Downing Street operation. With a new comms chief, top economic advisors, and the creation of a brand-new role - Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister - will this shake-up provide the grip and purpose the government desperately needs? Or are they just rearranging the deckchairs?To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What if the great 'what if' moments of recent British history had turned out differently? Ed Balls and George Osborne dive into the political sliding doors that could have rewritten the last three decades. They debate whether Margaret Thatcher would have won the 1992 election if she hadn't been ousted, and how her legacy would have been transformed.Ed gives a behind-the-scenes account of the Blair-Brown transition and the so-called 'Curry House Plot', considering how Labour would have handled the 2008 financial crisis with Tony Blair still in No. 10. Then, the pair explore the huge question of whether Britain joining the Euro would have prevented Brexit, or simply led to a catastrophic economic crash.Plus, George reveals why he jumped for joy when Ed Miliband beat his brother David for the Labour leadership, and they discuss whether the result of that contest sealed Labour's fate in 2015.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What if we could not only listen to the rest of nature, but actually understand it?From decoding whale songs to giving nature a legal voice, the possibilities are tantalising - and they may not be as far-fetched as they sound. That's why the Earth Species Project (ESP) is racing to use artificial intelligence to translate the communication of other species before they fall silent.How can this cutting edge technology analyse data that would take human researchers a lifetime? And how might findings feed into emerging ideas about ecocentric governance and earth law? We hear from ESP's Aza Raskin (Co-founder), Jane Lawton (Managing Director) and Olivier Pietquin (Chief Scientist) about this extraordinary mission, and the tools they're using to achieve the previously unimaginable.Plus, Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson explore the promises and pitfalls of AI: its energy demands, its unpredictable impacts on democracy and capitalism, and its potential to become a ‘Galileo moment' in how humans relate to the living world.This episode features recordings of animal species - some of which were used in the training of ESP's NatureLM-Audio model.Learn more

Political Currency's summer specials continue! This week, while Ed Balls is away, George Osborne is joined by one of Labour's longest-serving and most compelling figures, Dame Emily Thornberry.Thornberry takes George inside the Corbyn-era shadow cabinet and explores the tantalising 'what if' of 2017: what would a Prime Minister Corbyn really have been like, and how would the British state have coped?From her unique vantage point as a senior backbencher, Thornberry offers a frank assessment of the new government's first year. She argues for more confidence and a clearer plan to tackle the problems Starmer's cabinet inherited, warning against being "buffeted about” by criticism. Throughout, she reflects on two decades in Parliament and why, despite rebellions and disappointments, she remains “Labour through and through”.Plus, Ed and George reunite to explain the brutal art of a government's first reshuffle. As Westminster braces for Sir Keir Starmer's first major shake-up, they reveal what it's really like to be hired, fired, and moved sideways by a Prime Minister.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Live from Belém… it's Outrage + Optimism! (Or it will be.)This year's COP is one of the most significant in years, and we'll be there with you every step of the way - charting the buildup, analysing events on the ground, and reflecting on the impacts that will be felt for decades to come.We're delighted to announce that we are the official COP30 podcast, and there's nobody better than Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson to tell you everything you need to know - alongside some very special guests.Inside COP will bring you the voices of negotiators, COP30 leaders and communities from Brazil and beyond. And as the climate story of the year unfolds, we'll be asking the hard questions, and ensuring you get the inside scoop on what's really going on. Episodes of Inside COP will be released in this feed - so if you're not already, subscribe now and join us as we gear up for Belém. Plus, send us your questions, insights, hopes and concerns, so that you can help shape this vital conversation.

What are the essential skills for a life in politics? In an age of TikTok soundbites, can a single speech in Parliament still change minds and topple a government? Ed Balls and George Osborne dive into the art of political craft, taking questions on the real-world impact of parliamentary debates, the secrets to managing a ministerial diary, and the constant balancing act between cabinet duties and constituency work.They discuss historic interventions that shaped the nation, from Edward Heath's decisive speech on capital punishment to the Cromwellian phrase, “In the name of God, go,” which was famously used against Neville Chamberlain and Boris Johnson. They also share personal anecdotes about their first days as MPs, the importance of punctuality in a crisis, and the surprising truth about the bottled water in the Chancellor's office.Plus, find out which cabinet job is surprisingly one of the "easier ones" to manage and what really happens in the MPs' exclusive tea room.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What's really in the food on our plates? The journey to our supermarket shelves is one of broken economics, environmental destruction, and social injustice.But what if agriculture could look completely different?This week, Christiana Figueres and Paul Dickinson travel to Umbria, Italy, to visit QuintoSapore, a farm founded by twin brothers Nicola and Alessandro. After leaving city careers, they set out to reinvent farming: growing food in a way that respects living things, restores soil, and values the people who work the land.Instead of short-term, precarious labour, they offer full-time contracts, living wages, and community. Instead of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, they look to biomimicry, biochar, and heirloom seeds - not discovering, but remembering the old ways and learning from nature.From a revelation in a drought-stricken woodland, to redefining what it means to “grow” rather than “produce” food, this episode is a reminder that the path to climate resilience runs straight through our fields.Learn more

What is it really like to go from nine years in the political wilderness to running one of the most challenging departments in government? For Wes Streeting, Labour's Secretary of State for Health, it's a challenge he has been visibly relishing this past year, after a long, frustrating period fighting from the opposition benches.With Ed Balls away interrailing, Streeting joins George Osborne to give him a candid inside look at Labour's first year in power, revealing what Keir Starmer is really like as a leader, the secret orders he gives his cabinet, and his ambitious plan to reform the NHS by shifting power to patients and focusing on prevention. Plus, he explains why he believes Nigel Farage and Reform UK are now the "real opposition" to the government.Plus, Ed and George reunite to pull back the curtain on a subject of endless obsession for politicians and the press: ministerial cars. The pair explain why a minister's driver knows more about them than their own family, how drivers' gossip can make or break a career, and share hilarious and shocking stories involving heavy petting, a disastrous escape from a prime ministerial motorcade, and fish and chips with Gordon Brown. They also offer some crucial advice for any aspiring minister on how not to behave in the back of a Jag…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Why do the concerns of young people barely register in political debate? Ed Balls and George Osborne take questions on the widening gap between the careers young people dream of and the jobs actually available, and why debt, unaffordable housing and the loss of defined benefit pensions leave the next generation feeling shortchanged.They discuss whether the government should take more responsibility for opening up opportunities and how early aspirations are shaped by who you know and what you see.Plus, they debate if Britain should rejoin Erasmus+, which politicians will still be remembered in 100 years, and what the future holds for our rivers and seas in the face of sewage pollution and hosepipe bans.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

As global temperatures continue to skyrocket, the once unthinkable is now within view: overshooting 1.5°C of warming. This limit, set out in the Paris Agreement, has defined a decade of climate action, but is fast approaching. So what happens next?This week, Tom, Christiana and Paul grapple with the latest science, the looming risks of climate tipping points, and the urgent need to prepare for the worst - even while hoping and working for the best. They're joined by Ricken Patel, former Founding CEO of global activism nonprofit Avaaz, who is now calling us to take the possibility of overshoot seriously, and to build the political, technological and social capacity to bring temperatures back down.From nature-based solutions to novel carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management, this episode considers the broad spectrum of options on the table, and the challenges they present. Why has climate contingency planning been missing from the political debate? And does simply talking about it risk slowing climate action?These aren't just questions of what we might do in the future - but of what we're prepared to act on now.Learn more

While George Osborne is away “stirring the pot” (this time with JD Vance),Ed Balls is joined by author and columnist Sarah Vine for a powerfully candid conversation about her explosive memoir, How Not to Be a Political Wife.Sarah gives the unfiltered story of her marriage and divorce from Michael Gove, revealing how the "toxic culture" of Westminster shattered friendships with the Camerons, took a toll on her mental health, and why she considered Dominic Cummings the true "third person" in her marriage.Plus, Ed and George pull back the curtain on one of Westminster's most mysterious institutions: the Whips' Office. Forget the myths of blackmailers and dark arts; the pair explain what whips really do, what the "usual channels" are, and share the incredible theory of how one fateful appointment in 2014 may have inadvertently changed the course of British history and led to Brexit.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

In this Order Pad episode of Talk Money To Me, Felicity and Candice dive deep into one of the most under-appreciated parts of the AI boom – the massive energy infrastructure buildout powering data centres, high-performance computing, and the next wave of digital transformation.Recorded: 12 August 2025What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why AI is driving a global energy crunch — and what policymakers and investors are missing.The investment case for Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR) – the grid-modernising compounder wiring up hyperscale data centres.Why Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) is a high-risk, high-reward play on LNG expansion and the nuclear renaissance.Candice's bullish pair trade: Vertiv Holdings (NYSE: VRT) + Equinix (NASDAQ: EQIX) – how to combine “picks & shovels” hardware with prime AI-data-centre real estate.The Energy Infrastructure Opportunity Map – from LNG leaders to uranium miners – and how they fit into the AI and electrification megatrend.Key Themes & Insights:Global electricity demand jumped 4% in 2024, outpacing total energy demand growth.Renewables are growing fast – but fossil fuels still supply 60% of new demand as AI, EVs, and electrification drive consumption higher.Why gas, LNG, and nuclear are seeing renewed momentum in policy and capital markets.How to position your portfolio for double-digit potential upside from the AI-energy convergence.Whether you're looking for steady compounders or cyclical high-upside plays, this episode is packed with actionable ideas, real-world context, and portfolio strategy for the rest of 2025.Perfect for: Investors, traders, and anyone curious about the intersection of AI, energy, and infrastructure – and how to profit from it.Follow Talk Money To Me on Instagram, or send Candice and Felicity an email with all your thoughts here. Felicity Thomas and Candice Bourke are Senior Advisers at Shaw and Partners, and you can find out more here. *****In the spirit of reconciliation, Equity Mates Media and the hosts of Talk Money To Me acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today. *****Talk Money To Me is a product of Equity Mates Media. This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes. Any advice is general advice only, and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances, needs or objectives. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. And if you are unsure, please speak to a financial professional. Equity Mates Media operates under Australian Financial Services Licence 540697.Talk Money To Me is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why haven't Ed Balls or George Osborne written political memoirs? Broadcaster Iain Dale puts the question to them, asking what's stopping them, what they'd reveal if they did, and whether political history is incomplete without their accounts.And another listener digs into a moment of political tension between Ed and Tony Blair over the Euro. Did Steve Richards's book Turning Points get it right, and what was really said in that meeting?Plus - the political fiction and non-fiction worth reading this summer, and whether George or Ed would ever dare to write a political thriller of their own.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Isn't climate change just part of a natural cycle? Weren't CO2 levels much higher in the past? And, even if we should be worried, can one person really make a difference?Lies travel faster than facts. We've all been confronted by someone who doesn't ‘believe the science' and asks questions like these - but how do we change their minds?A powerful report from the International Panel on the Information Environment (IPIE) warns how coordinated misinformation campaigns are eroding public understanding and slowing climate progress around the world. And as anyone working in or advocating for climate action knows, persistent myths and misunderstandings continue to thrive - even as the science gets clearer, the stakes get higher, and the crisis becomes more urgent. What's clear is that disinformation is a weapon, and it's being targeted at climate action. So this week, Christiana Figueres and Paul Dickinson tackle some of the most common (and frustrating) climate myths - where do they come from, why are they misleading, and how can we win the battle against them? Learn more ⏳ Listen back to our episodes Momentum vs Perfection, where we explore different theories of change within the climate movement and the tension between urgency, impact, and doing things the ‘right' way.

Kwasi Kwarteng reflects on what went wrong.The former Chancellor joins Ed Balls to talk through the decisions behind the Truss mini-budget - from bypassing the OBR to what he now calls its “real intellectual failing.” He explains why the Bank of England's intervention “killed the government,” and why he believes his sacking was no coincidence.Kwarteng also looks ahead, urging the Conservative Party and Kemi Badenoch to focus on unity, and warning Rachel Reeves about the political cost of trying to rein in spending.Plus, Ed and George turn to political speechwriting. Who writes the big speeches? What makes them stick? And how do you find the right words for someone else? From Trump rallies to Gordon Brown's “no time for a novice,” the pair give us a peek inside the craft of effective political communication.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

The future of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine comes into question this week, as Ed Balls and George Osborne respond to a listener asking whether Israeli public opinion has shifted irreversibly after the October 7th attacks. Is peace still possible, or has that hope died with the victims?Another listener shares a devastating story about her mother's death during the junior doctors' strikes, raising serious questions about end-of-life care and what, if anything, Wes Streeting can do to bring doctors back to work. Is palliative care in this country just a postcode lottery?Plus - a challenge from Emily Thornberry on who kept ministers in check when Ed and George were in power, why successive governments might have gambled away billions in debt costs, and political flights that changed careers and reshaped governments.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

As record heat scorches the US, Trump's government is making things dramatically worse. We break down the devastating implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the reversal of the Environmental Protection Agency's endangerment finding, and a potential US withdrawal from all UN agencies. It's a full-blown climate backslide with global consequences.Then, we bring you a conversation with the brilliant Maggie Baird - actor, producer, climate activist, and mother of Billie Eilish and Finneas. Maggie joins us backstage at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, where Billie's shows are going plant-based, thanks to Maggie's food justice initiative Support + Feed. We talk food, parenting, the power of culture to shift climate narratives, and how to stay hopeful - even when it feels like the world is falling apart.Learn more ⛽ ‘How the ‘Big Beautiful Bill' positions US energy to be more costly for consumers and the climate' in The Conversation

The IMF has upgraded its global growth forecast - so things aren't quite as bleak as we feared. Still bleak, though.Ed Balls and George Osborne dig into what the numbers mean for Chancellor Rachel Reeves. With spending cuts ruled out and the Autumn Budget on the horizon, the question looms: can the government afford all it has promised? George thinks Reeves is avoiding the tough calls. Ed believes tax rises may be inevitable, unless Labour is willing to flirt with more debt and borrowing.Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has carefully negotiated an extraordinary weekend with the US President Donald Trump in Scotland, and has gone straight into a pledge to recognise the Palestinian state. What will this mean for the UK-US relationship?And with former Sun editor David Dinsmore appointed to shake up Downing Street comms, Ed and George reflect on what his appointment signals - and the risks when the people managing the message start making headlines themselves.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

In this episode of Talk Money To Me, we're joined by powerhouse sisters Gaby and Ali Rosenberg, the co-founders of Blossom the savings and investing app helping Australians grow their wealth through fixed income markets.They've created a platform that targets up to 6.50% p.a. returns, requires no account fees, and allows you to start with as little as $5 all while aiming to make investing simpler, smarter, and more accessible to everyone. We dive into how Blossom works, the inspiration behind the platform, and how they're supporting first-home buyers and everyday savers take control of their financial futures.We also explore the bigger picture — what's happening in markets, the latest RBA decision, and how interest rate shifts are influencing investor behaviour.In this episode:•How Blossom is reshaping fixed income investing for a new generation•The story behind Blossom and Gaby & Ali's mission•What Blossom invests in and how the returns are targeted•What's driving user behaviour in today's economic climate•How the platform compares to savings accounts and term deposits•What's next for Blossom — including kids' accounts•Broader market commentary on the RBA and interest rate trends•The risks of fixed income investing, and why returns aren't guaranteedWant to check out Blossom?Here's the link for our listeners: https://ref.blossomapp.com/register/5dPLtiaSJwYHf63A9We want to be clear we don't receive any referral fees, commissions or kickbacks from this link. We're sharing it simply as a resource for our listeners who are curious to learn moreGeneral Advice DisclaimerThe information in this podcast is general in nature and does not consider your personal financial objectives, situation, or needs. You should seek appropriate financial advice before making any investment decisions. The returns mentioned are target returns only and are not guaranteed. Capital is at risk, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.Follow Talk Money To Me on Instagram, or send Candice and Felicity an email with all your thoughts here. Felicity Thomas and Candice Bourke are Senior Advisers at Shaw and Partners, and you can find out more here. *****In the spirit of reconciliation, Equity Mates Media and the hosts of Talk Money To Me acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today. *****Talk Money To Me is a product of Equity Mates Media. This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes. Any advice is general advice only, and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances, needs or objectives. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. And if you are unsure, please speak to a financial professional. Equity Mates Media operates under Australian Financial Services Licence 540697.Talk Money To Me is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK's high speed railway has been plagued with cost blowouts, delays and scale-backs - so Ed Balls and George Osborne consider: has it all just been a big waste of money? Couldn't those funds have been put to better use? Perhaps for the NHS, for example?The pair also consider the concept of age limits on voting. We've got a minimum age - recently lowered by Labour to 16 years old - so why not a maximum too? A listener asks: was it fair for those over 70 to have a say in the Brexit referendum, for example, while many people who were set to inherit a departure from Europe were at the time too young to make their voice heard?Plus - heckling moments of brutality and brilliance. A listener recalls a well-timed response to Jeremy Corbyn in the House of Commons - and asks Ed and George to reflect on memorable moments of perfect comedic timing at their own, or other politicians' expense.To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

“An Existential Problem of Planetary Proportions”International Court of Justice President Yuji Iwasawa just delivered a landmark advisory opinion on climate change and human rights - one that could transform global climate action and accountability.A dancing and crying Christiana Figueres is joined by Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson, to react in real-time, and speak with two of the lawyers who helped make it happen. Fresh from the courtroom, Julian Aguon, the indigenous human rights lawyer who represented Pacific nations, and Jennifer Robinson, barrister for Vanuatu and the Marshall Islands, bring their raw, unfiltered reactions to this history-making ruling (before heading off to celebrate).As governments, legal teams, and corporate leaders worldwide scramble to interpret its implications, we have everything you need to know about what just happened in The Hague.The ICJ's unanimous opinion states:Climate action is now a legal duty: States are obligated under international law to prevent dangerous climate change.1.5°C has legal weight: States must pursue their “highest possible ambition” in their Nationally Determined Contributions and ensure collective measures can limit warming to 1.5°C.Failure to act is unlawful: Granting fossil fuel licenses, providing subsidies, or failing to regulate emissions may constitute an internationally wrongful act.Reparations are possible: Countries could be required to compensate or remedy the damage caused by their emissions - anywhere in the world.Could this be the legal tipping point that forces governments to act? Across capitals and boardrooms, the conversations have already started - and what happens next could reshape how nations and companies are held to account. Listen in and join us as this story unfolds.Learn more Listen back to our two previous episodes that explore the background to this case:

Parliament has broken up for summer, but politics shows no sign of cooling down. Ed Balls and George Osborne run through the latest from every party - the Tories' frontbench reshuffle, Labour's mounting tensions over Gaza, Reform's approach to protests worries - all while the Greens and Lib Democrats make their moves. What's really going on as MPs head off for the break?Meanwhile, the crisis in Gaza is becoming impossible to ignore across the country. With heartbreaking images and rising calls from Labour MPs to recognise Palestine, Ed and George ask how long Starmer can hold his ground - and whether the pressure will become so intense it will force a change.Meanwhile, Donald Trump is heading to Scotland to open a new golf course - but this visit isn't just about sport. Scheduled private talks with Keir Starmer and John Swinney could have serious implications for trade and Middle East diplomacy. How should Starmer handle this high-stakes meeting?To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

What should the NHS pay for, and what should it not? In this week's episode, Ed Balls and George Osborne tackle one of the toughest political questions: how do you decide what's “reasonable” for the state to fund when it comes to healthcare? As medical advances multiply and the public expects more from the NHS, is a national conversation about rationing unavoidable?Then, what happens when politicians leave office? A listener asks how Ed and George's lives outside Westminster - from Wall Street and museums to breakfast TV and Strictly Come Dancing - have changed how they see politics. Would they govern differently if they ever returned?Also this week: do the markets now have more power than elected governments? What should we expect from ministers on annual leave? And is there ever a good reason to read self-help books such as The 48 Laws of Power?Plus, what really happened in that lift in China with George Osborne and Boris Johnson?To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Can a pilot really be the change-maker who helps us to holiday nearer home? Why aren't governments and institutions doing more to help climate activists? And can climate progress happen without sacrificing prosperity, especially in countries like Brazil?Christiana Figueres, Paul Dickinson and guest host Fiona McRaith (Director of The Climate Pledge at Global Optimism) are back with more of the knottiest and most urgent questions you've ever sent us.Plus: are the world's biggest financial institutions abandoning climate action? Sue Reid (Climate Finance Advisor at Global Optimism) explains how banks and insurers are reacting to political pressure, why some net zero alliances appear to be fracturing, and why “green hushing” doesn't mean giving up entirely.And: from climate visas to sponge cities, adaptation is finally rising on the global agenda - but is it fast or fair enough? Irene Suárez Pérez (Senior Advisor to Groundswell) walks us through some of the global hotspots of climate resilience, and why adaptation isn't a consolation prize.Learn more Listen back to episodes referenced in this Q&A, including:⏳ Momentum vs Perfection, where Fiona joins Tom to explore different theories of change within the climate movement.

Donald Trump wants to know why everyone won't just forget about the Epstein files already. As he keeps pointing out, the disgraced financier has been dead for years. But Trump himself stirred up fresh interest in a trove of documents that many hoped would reveal explosive new details. Now it looks like they won't be released after all - and the MAGA world isn't happy. Ed Balls and George Osborne ask: could this be the thing that finally turns Trump's base against him? And Andrew Bailey has sounded the alarm on banks issuing their own stablecoins. Is the UK risking being left behind on innovation in the financial services world? George doesn't want the UK to risk falling behind, but Ed thinks George as Chancellor would have sounded a very different note on crypto.And The UK and France have just signed the Northwood declaration, a new nuclear pact. So what does it signal about the state of French-British relations?To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

Which side of politics loves the monarchy more? Conventional wisdom says Conservatives are the monarchy's biggest fans. But are Ed Balls and George Osborne the exceptions to that rule? The pair explore how royalist sentiment plays out across the political spectrum, how long this current reign might last, and whether we'll ever see a King George.Then, it's onto a different question of longevity: what will it take for the Conservative Party to survive? Is the future in rebuilding the 2015 voter coalition of social liberals and economic conservatives? Or has that alignment passed its sell-by date? Ed and George debate whether One Nation Conservatism still has legs, or if the party is heading in a Reform-lite direction. Plus, what should Labour do next to avoid complacency after its 2024 landslide?And finally, parties of a different kind. A listener asks about the best parties they've ever been to. George plays it coy, but Ed eventually gets the details out of him - including a story or two from Madonna's legendary Oscars after party…To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

We're handing the mic over to you on this week's Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast.In this special Q&A episode, Christiana Figueres, Paul Dickinson and guest host Fiona McRaith (Director of The Climate Pledge at Global Optimism) respond to thought-provoking questions from listeners around the world. They consider the future of the COP model, whether the Pacific concept of vā may offer a better way to think about our local and global relationships, what a multipolar world might mean for climate diplomacy, and much more. Plus, friend of the show Nigel Topping (Founder of Ambition Loop) helps to explain why UK electricity prices are tied to gas - and how we can fix it.From the philosophical to the practical, this is a wide-ranging conversation about where climate progress is stalling, where it's surging forward, and how global cooperation might evolve in the years ahead.Learn more Listen back to episodes referenced in this Q&A, including:⏳ Momentum vs Perfection, where Fiona joins Tom to explore different theories of change within the climate movement.✊

There was a lot of ceremony and back-patting this week as Emmanuel Macron visited the UK. But behind the smiles, thorny issues like migration and post-Brexit power dynamics are back on the table. George and Ed ask what this renewed Franco-British ‘friendship' really means, and whether it signals a serious reset or just more political theatre.Also this week, the pressure is piling on Rachel Reeves. With the UK's finances looking shakier and the OBR sounding the alarm, the debate over a wealth tax refuses to go away. Can Labour stick to its fiscal rules without making tough choices?And finally, another new political movement enters the fray. Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana are launching a new left-wing party, while Elon Musk teases his own ‘America Party' across the Atlantic. Ed and George ask, are we entering an era of DIY politics, driven by personality more than policy?To get episodes early and ad-free, join Political Currency Gold or the Kitchen Cabinet:

In a world-first, the International Court of Justice is preparing to deliver an advisory opinion on climate change and human rights - all thanks to a youth-led campaign that began thousands of miles from The Hague, in the Pacific Islands.This week, we look inside that extraordinary campaign, and hear the story of Cynthia Houniuhi, who - as a young law student from the Solomon Islands - helped launch the movement that would ultimately unite over 130 countries behind a single goal. Now, six years after this idea began in a law classroom, the world's highest court is set to weigh in on the responsibility of states to protect current and future generations from climate harm.Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson reflect on the power of legal activism, the role of youth leadership, and what this landmark case could mean for the future of international climate law.Learn more ⚖️ Read more information about the ICJ climate case on the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change website

Scientists warn that the world could breach its 1.5°C emissions limit within just 2-3 years. It's a scary thought, but across the globe, many are grappling with an even more immediate and visceral reality: the climate crisis is already a health crisis.From deadly heatwaves to worsening air pollution and climate-related trauma, the health impacts of climate change are escalating. In this episode, Christiana Figueres and Paul Dickinson explore how growing awareness of these challenges is beginning to reframe the conversation, and ask whether this could be the narrative that finally drives faster, more inclusive climate action.Christiana is joined by former Australian Prime Minister and Chair of the Wellcome Trust, Julia Gillard, who makes the case for why health must become central to climate communication - and why we should be talking about “lives lost”, rather than simply degrees gained.Meanwhile, Tom Rivett-Carnac drops in from the launch of London Climate Action Week 2025, where health is rapidly emerging as a defining lens. Learn more

While climate diplomacy grapples with global uncertainty, there's a quiet revolution happening that may be just as important - thousands of breakthrough technologies and creative applications that are emerging to tackle the climate crisis in new and unexpected ways.Around the world, figures from business, government and civil society come together at climate weeks to share ideas, showcase solutions, and accelerate action. Ahead of London Climate Action Week, where many of these innovations will be spotlighted, Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson introduce just a few of the many founders and builders reimagining how we grow, produce, work, and live in a world under pressure.From bio-based foams to paper-based electronic sensors, and from temperature-sensitive food labels to AI water management devices, this episode dives into the materials, data, and design transforming the climate solutions landscape.While technology alone won't solve the crisis, can it offer glimpses of what a livable, low-carbon future might look like? And how might it contribute to reshaping the infrastructure, industries, and incentives that underpin our daily lives?Learn more

World leaders, scientists and ocean advocates are gathering in Nice for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) and hopes are high that progress can be made on some of the many pressing issues facing our seas - from acidification to pollution, and from biodiversity loss to deep sea mining. Reporting from the summit, Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac ask: can this moment become a true turning point for ocean governance? Central to the agenda is the High Seas Treaty: a long-awaited international agreement designed to protect marine life in the 64% of the ocean that lies beyond national borders. But with more ratifications needed to get it across the line, can its future be secured while the world's eyes are on Nice?Later, Christiana is joined by legendary oceanographer and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle. Drawing on a lifetime of experience beneath the waves, she shares stories, warnings, and a passionate case for protecting the blue lungs of the planet.This episode features underwater and ocean recordings taken by sound artist and documentarist Louise Romain.Learn more ⚓ Get the latest news on UNOC from the official website

This November, Brazil will host COP30 in Belém, on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, in what is bound to be a moment packed with symbolism, high expectations, and global significance. This week, Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson explore what's at stake, what Brazil wants to achieve, and whether the world is ready to move from ambition to implementation.Back from his recent trip to the country, Tom shares conversations with COP CEO Ana Toni and Gustavo Westmann from the office of the Brazilian Presidency, along with insights and impressions he picked up on the ground - from the growing political momentum to the logistical and diplomatic hurdles still to be overcome. Plus, he introduces the team to the concept of mutirão - this COP's ambition that the path to climate action be built collectively, and through shared effort, cooperation, and solidarity.With Brazil readying itself to be the focus of the world's media later this year, we ask: can COP30 be a breakthrough moment for fossil fuel phaseout, nature protection, and delivery on past promises? Or will it risk becoming another high-profile summit weighed down by old divisions and new distractions?Learn more

How far would you go to protect your home?In this week's special episode, Christiana Figueres brings us a deeply personal and political dispatch from Vanuatu - a country on the frontlines of the climate crisis and at the heart of one of the most significant climate justice initiatives of our time.In conversations with voices from government (Minister Ralph Regenvanu), climate diplomacy (Christopher Bartlett), youth leadership and advocacy (Litiana Kalsrap), and the arts (Jean-Pascal Wahe), Christiana explores the legacy of colonisation, the meaning of land and sovereignty, and the moral power of a nation that is doing everything it can to protect its people and its planet.Alongside Paul Dickinson, she also considers Vanuatu's history as a climate leader and the decades-long struggle for loss and damage. Plus, they begin to unpack the landmark ICJ case that Vanuatu has initiated, and which we will be exploring further in future episodes.How is this island nation persevering in the face of rising seas and extreme weather? And what does the world owe to those who have done the least to cause our current crisis?This episode features songs recorded by Christiana in the village of Imaki, on Tanna island, and additional wildlife recordings from Vanuatu by Dominik M. Ramík.Learn more

Amye and Amanda chat about The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives S2:EP1 The Book of RevelationsMomTok's world is rocked when Miranda arrives and challenges Taylor's truth about the swinging scandal; Taylor finally meets with Jenna to learn what really happened between her and Dakota; Jen must make a decision about her future with Zac.Get ad-free and bonus episodes and support the show:PATREON https://www.patreon.com/littlemissrecapSUPERCAST https://littlemissrecap.supercast.com/Visit our sponsors:MEANINGFUL BEAUTY is an amazing line of skincare products founded by supermodel and businesswoman, Cindy Crawford. Get 25% off and a FREE Gift Set by visiting: www.meaningfulbeauty.com/littlemissSUVIE is a revolutionary smart countertop oven with a flexible, gourmet meal delivery service. Load, scan, and Suvie does the rest! Get 16 free meals to start when you visit www.suvie.com/littlemissrecapGet in touch with us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/littlemissrecapFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/littlemissrecapInstagram: @littlemissrecap Voicemail: www.littlemissrecap.comEmail: amye@littlemissrecap.comGet some merch! https://littlemissrecapmerch.myshopify.com/If you're interested in coaching from Amanda, please visit her here: https://www.amandalipnackcoaching.com/Little Miss Recap is part of the Acast Creator Network. To advertise with us, please contact amye@littlemissrecap.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the US federal government drifts further into anti-climate rhetoric and abandons its national and international commitments, can non-state actors hold the line?With Christiana Figueres away in Vanuatu, Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson take the reins to explore how climate progress is increasingly being driven by - or being left to - businesses and non-profits. They unpack the mounting challenges facing climate-aligned companies, the promise and complexity of existing voluntary initiatives, and the role that the private sector can play in driving innovation, accountability, and ambition in the absence of strong national leadership.Later, they speak with Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group, about the shifting reality for businesses trying to lead on climate in the US and beyond. And they ask her to address some of the rumours surrounding Climate Week NYC: Is it happening? Will it definitely be held in New York? And how can it become a beacon of action in an age of political uncertainty?Plus: Tom and Paul consider the upcoming ruling in a ground-breaking climate liability case with potentially seismic impacts.Learn more ⚖️ Details and documents on the Luciano Lliusya v. RWE EG legal case