Podcast appearances and mentions of charlotte mcdonald

More working age people are claiming disability benefits. What's driving the trend?Is it true that the UK imprisons more people for their social media posts than Russia does?One of the country's most important data sources has been falling apart. We find out why.Tim Harford investigates some of the numbers in the news.Presenter: Tim Harford Reporter: Lizzy McNeill Producer: Nathan Gower Series producers: Charlotte McDonald and Tom Colls Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Sound mix: James Beard Editor: Richard Vadon

Despite just winning a seventh consecutive presidential term, a look at Alexander Lukashenko's early life reveals rather humbler origins.Brought up by a single mother in a poor village in eastern Belarus, he first made his mark as the manager of a farm in the late 1980s.After moving into politics at the end of that decade, he quickly established his reputation as a man with authoritarian instincts – and by 1994, he was elected president of Belarus for the first time.Ever since, he has managed a balancing act between Russia, his closest economic and political partner, and overtures to the West. But, the country's faced sanctions following its role in the invasion of Ukraine, while many Western governments have labelled this latest election as a sham.Stephen Smith takes a closer look at the man often referred to as Europe's last dictator.Production TeamProducers: Sally Abrahams, Charlotte McDonald and Nathan Gower Editor: Ben Mundy Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele and Jack YoungGuestsSvetlana Tikhanovskaya, leader of the democratic opposition of Belarus Olga Dryndova, Editor of Belarus-Analysen, University of Bremen Katia Glod, Russia-West Policy Fellow at the European Leadership Network and Non-resident Fellow with Centre for European Policy Analysis, Washington DC Pavel Latushka, former Minister of Culture, Belarus government, now Belarus opposition politician Rosemary Thomas, former UK ambassador to Belarus CreditsAnimal Farm by George Orwell, recording produced by Ciaran Bermingham Narrated by Roger Ringrose

We look at how journalists get their hands on declassified documents, and how the release of these files can inform us about the true workings of government. BBC correspondent Sanchia Berg and Phil Tinline, a producer of historical documentaries for the BBC, tell us about some of the memorable documents they've come across, and how perusing the archives can offer valuable insight into the events of the past.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We're keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Today's episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald and Tom Kavanagh. The technical producer was Mike Regard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

In this episode of The Global Story, host Katya Adler delves into the phenomenon of the Netflix series The Crown and its impact on historical accuracy. Joined by guests Elinor Evans, digital editor of the BBC History Magazine's website History Extra, and the BBC's royal correspondent Sean Coughlan, the episode explores the show's popularity, its attempts at historical accuracy, and the controversies surrounding its portrayal of significant events.As the acclaimed Netflix series concludes, this episode explores the blurred lines between reality and drama, reflecting on how The Crown interprets iconic figures like Princess Diana or Queen Elizabeth II.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We're keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories, and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com. You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp at +44 330 123 9480. Today's episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald, Bethan Ashmead Latham and Richard Moran. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas, and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Forest City is a brand new development built by Chinese property developers in Malaysia, just across the water from Singapore. It boasts great views, superb amenities, and was billed as a state-of-the-art luxury housing complex. So why are so few people actually living there? Our BBC Asia Business Correspondent Nick Marsh paid a visit to find out what the project's apparent failure tells us about the Chinese economy.The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We're keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.Today's episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald, Tom Kavanagh and Beth Ashmead Latham. The technical producer was Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

BBC Special Correspondent Fergal Keane reported on the end of apartheid with his South African producer Milton Nkosi. Thirty years after the transition from apartheid to a democratic South Africa, the two of them have taken a trip around the country to visit the people they interviewed then, to see how life has turned out. They hear of the disillusionment but also the glimmers of hope. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We're keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Today's episode of The Global Story was made by Charlotte McDonald and Beth Timmins. The technical producers were Annie Smith and Jack Graysmark. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Long: Housing minister Rachel Maclean claimed the government has built a record number of social rent homes. Tim and the team investigate. Following Lucy Letby's conviction, we look at how sentences for murder have changed over the past few decades. Plus after Liz Truss's speech this week defending her short stint as Prime Minister, Tim reminds us how her mini-budget raised borrowing costs and might have pushed up the national debt even more. And will 1 in 11 workers in England really work for the NHS by the middle of the next decade? Presenter: Tim Harford Series producer: Jon Bithrey Producers: Daniel Gordon, Natasha Fernandes, Nathan Gower, Charlotte McDonald, Editor: Richard Vadon Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar

More than 1.2 million people came into the country to stay for more than 12 months in 2022. As only 560,000 left the country, this means net migration is at an all-time high. Both the Prime Minister and Home Secretary have said the number of people coming needs to come down. But who counts as an immigrant? How are the figures worked out? Charlotte McDonald will be finding out what the numbers tell us about who is coming to the UK and why. Plus - what about the people who left in 2022?

Consisting of 2 kilograms of gold and 444 gemstones, the iconic St Edward's Crown will play a central role in the coronation of King Charles III, as it has for many of his predecessors. There has been much speculation as to what the value of the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels really is. Charlotte McDonald talks to Dr Anna Kaye, historian and author of The Crown Jewels - the Official History, and Alan Hart, CEO of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Together they break down what we know about the crown's cost to make in the 17th century and what it might be worth today.

The WHO have described last week's Turkey-Syria earthquake as one of Europe's worst natural disasters in the last 100 years. David Aaronovitch finds out why it was so deadly.Joining David Aaronovitch in The Briefing Room are:Stephen Hicks, Seismologist at University College London Professor Dina D'Ayala, Co-Director of the Earthquake and People Interaction Centre at UCL, and UNESCO Chair on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Engineering. Firdevs Robinson, London-based journalist, broadcaster and commentator specializing on Turkey, the Middle East, Caucasus and Freedom of the Media. Dr Lina Khatib, Director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham HouseProducers: Kirsteen Knight, Dan Gordon and Ben Carter Production Coordinators: Janet Staples and Siobhan Reed Sound mix: Rod Farquhar Editors: Richard Vadon and Charlotte McDonald

A British company has claimed that the production and use of toilet paper is responsible for 15% of deforestation globally. We investigate the claim and ask what the true environmental cost of toilet paper is. Charlotte McDonald talks to climate change scientist Professor Mary Gagen, chief adviser on forests to the World Wide Fund for Nature, the WWF. Presenter: Charlotte McDonald Producer: Louise Hidalgo and Jon Bithrey Editor: Richard Vadon Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross Studio Engineer: Rod Farquhar

Is fashion really the second most polluting industry after oil and does it account for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions? Sustainable fashion journalist Alden Wicker does some fashion fact checking with Adam Fleming, presenter of BBC podcast and Radio 4 programme Antisocial. And reporter Charlotte McDonald revisits a claim made in an edition of More or Less last month about the effectiveness of using condoms as a form of contraception. Presenter: Tim Harford Producer: Jon Bithrey Editor: Richard Vadon Production Coordinator: Jacqui Johnson Sound Engineer: Rod Farquhar (Image: Models display outfits / BBC images/Susana Vera/Reuters)

Aileen is back is back to finish of this series on Population Control in Africa. And. It. Gets. BLEAK. I am talking “bribing-women-to-get-sterilized,” “inserting-IUDs-into-13-year-olds'-bodies,” “rewarding-doctors-for-contracepting/steralizing-as-many-women-as-possible,” BLEAK. Surprisingly, the digression was about the National Anthem of the Soviet Union Audio Clips: American Eagle Last Week Tonight, “One Child Policy” Roy Orbison, Pretty Woman Sparkle Sound Effect That Mitchell and Webb, “Are We the Baddies” Sources Butte College, TIP Sheet: Conspiracy and Conspiracism (2019) Charlotte McDonald, How Many Earths do we Need? (2015) Clare L. Roepke & Eric A. Schaff, Long Tail Strings: Impact of the Dalkon Shield 40 Years Later (2014) E. Wesley F. Peterson, The Role of Population in Economic Growth (2017) Hippolyte Fofack, Changing the Africa Population Narrative (2021) Karl Itman, African Populations and British Imperial Power, 1800–1970 (2022) Lisa Baker, Control and the Dalkon Shield (2001) Mark Dowie, Barbara Ehrenreich, Stephen Minkin, The Charge: Gynocide (1979) Matthew Connelly, Fatal Misconception: The Struggle to Control World Population (2008) Matthew Connelly, How did the ‘population control' movement go so terribly wrong? (2008) Monica Bahati Kuumba, Perpetuating Neo-Colonialism through Population Control: South Africa and the United States(1993) Rachel Sullivan Robinson, Population Policy Adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Interplay of Global and Local Forces(2016) Rachel Sullivan Robinson, Population Policy Adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Interplay of Global and Local Forces(2016) USAID Policy Paper, Population Assistance (1982)

Is formal childcare for pre-school children there to provide an early years education? Or to allow parents to go out to work? Politicians would say both, but many argue the UK's system is failing to do either. Charlotte McDonald explores what improvements could be made and ask – do we want a big overhaul of our current system?

Join Aileen and a GUEST, as they talk about conspiracy theories, population control, and perhaps the worst IUD in human history – the Dalkon Shield. Surprisingly, there are no digressions (huh, who even knew these were possible) Sources Adeolu Oluwaseyi Oyekan, Conspiracy theories and pandemic management in Africa: critical reflections on contexts, contradictions and challenges (2021) Anna C. “Instrument of Torture”: The Dalkon Shield Disaster (2016) Asia Murphy, Conservation's Biggest Challenge? The Legacy of Colonialism (Op-Ed), (2019) Butte College, TIP Sheet: Conspiracy and Conspiracism (2019) Charlotte McDonald, How Many Earths do we Need? (2015) Clare L. Roepke & Eric A. Schaff, Long Tail Strings: Impact of the Dalkon Shield 40 Years Later (2014) David Pendergast, Colonial wildlife conservation and the origins of the Society for the Preservation of the Wild Fauna of the Empire (1903–1914) (2003) E. Wesley F. Peterson, The Role of Population in Economic Growth (2017) Egypt Initiative for Personal Rights, Beyond superstition: How IUDs moved (2021) Hala Iqbal, How the CIA's fake Hepatitis B vaccine program in Pakistan helped fuel vaccine distrust (2021) Heather Prescott, “This Is Not A Dalkon Shield”: The Renaissance Of The Intrauterine Device In The United States” (2016) Hippolyte Fofack, Changing the Africa Population Narrative (2021) Jan-Willem van Prooijen, Karen M Douglas, Conspiracy Theories as Part of History: The Role of Societal Crisis Situations (2017) Karl Ittmann, African Populations and British Imperial Power, 1800–1970 (2022) Lisa Baker, Control and the Dalkon Shield (2001) Mark Dowie, Barbara Ehrenreich, Stephen Minkin, The Charge: Gynocide (1979) NHS, Intrauterine device (IUD) (2021) Planned Parenthood, IUD (n.d.) Rachel Sullivan Robinson, Population Policy Adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Interplay of Global and Local Forces, (2016) Rainey Howitz, The Dalkon Shield, (2018)

Talk Art Special Episode!!!! Russell and Robert meet three incredible emerging artists Charlotte McDonald, Aflie Kungu and Rose Electra Harris!!! We are very excited to continue our partnership with Bombay Sapphire, celebrating their new #RipeForDiscovery Artist Series.Russell recently worked alongside Bombay Sapphire as co-curator to choose three fantastic emerging artists to create unique limited edition artworks for new #BombayBramble gin bottle labels! Listen to learn all about the artworks of three incredible artists! Follow the artists on Instagram now to see more of their work and inspirations: @CharlotteMcdonaldArt, @Alfie.Kungu and @RoseElectraHarris!Charlotte McDonald an artist with a degree in Drawing and Painting from Edinburgh College of Art. She’s inspired by landscape, nature and the effects that the landscape has on today’s environment, Charlotte creates both abstract artworks in the form of prints and paintings. She explores and responds to the relationship between texture, colour and shape mostly based on abstract form but also sometimes observational.Alfie Kungu is an artist whose works are bright and playful, his childhood figurative characters realised with classical painting technique. Familiar cultural motifs are set against contrasting textures and fearless colours, coming together as a vivid expression of Kungu’s headspace. Kungu grew up in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire and went on to study art in Leeds, followed by UWE Bristol graduating in 2016 with First Class BA (Hons) Fine Art. He has exhibited his work at ICA, Cob and HVQ8 Gallery Berlin. Rose Electra Harris is an artist working predominantly as a printmaker, mostly in etching and screen-printing. She completed her BA Hons in Printmaking at Brighton University in 2015. She now works between her studio at home, Slaughterhaus Print Studio in Stockwell and Print Club London in Hackney. In her work she explores the interior, creating dreamlike, surreal and vibrant interpretations of domestic spaces around her. The room is an oasis and the items within it are what bring it to life. Rose imagines the dialogue that exists between space and furnishings or objects – chandeliers, lemon squeezers, chairs or a freestanding bath, for instance. She uses decorative motifs, intricate patterns and a vivid palette, to make the everyday important!The 'Ripe For Discovery' Artist Series bottles are available now! Head in store at Selfridges and online @theOfficialSelfridges to view, purchase and personalise these exclusive #BombayBramble bottles from these three truly incredible young artists!!! Plus, visit @BombaySapphireUK to see more from Behind the Scenes of this exciting project. https://www.bombaysapphire.com/products/bombay-bramble/For images of all artworks discussed in this episode visit

We questioned the death count of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in last week’s More or Less podcast. In the end, Professor Jim Smith of Portsmouth University came up with an estimate of 15,000 deaths. But we wondered how deadly nuclear power is overall when compared to other energy sources? Dr Hannah Ritchie of the University of Oxford joins Charlotte McDonald to explore. Image:Chernobyl nuclear plant, October 1st 1986 Credit: Getty Images

For some in Poland the Cursed Soldiers are national heroes; for others they are murderers. A march in celebration of a group of Polish partisans fighting the Soviets has become the focus of tension in a small community in one of Europe’s oldest forests. Those taking part believe the partisans – known as the Cursed Soldiers – were national heroes, but others remember atrocities committed by them 70 years ago. Some partisans were responsible for the burning of villages and the murder of men, women and children in and around Poland’s Bialowieza forest. The people living the forest are Orthodox and Catholic, Belorussian and Polish; this march threatens to revive past divisions between them. Many believe that far-right groups have hijacked this piece of history to further their nationalist agenda. For Assignment, Maria Margaronis visits the forest to find out why this is causing tensions now; why the locals feel the march is making them feel threatened; and how this reflects wider political rifts in Poland today. Produced by Charlotte McDonald. (Image: March through the town of Hajnowka to celebrate the Polish partisans known as the Cursed Soldiers. Copyright: BBC)

For some in Poland the Cursed Soldiers are national heroes; for others they are murderers. A march in celebration of a group of Polish partisans fighting the Soviets has become the focus of tension in a small community in one of Europe’s oldest forests. Those taking part believe the partisans – known as the Cursed Soldiers – were national heroes, but others remember atrocities committed by them 70 years ago. Some partisans were responsible for the burning of villages and the murder of men, women and children in and around Poland’s Bialowieza forest. The people living the forest are Orthodox and Catholic, Belorussian and Polish; this march threatens to revive past divisions between them. Many believe that far-right groups have hijacked this piece of history to further their nationalist agenda. For Crossing Continents, Maria Margaronis visits the forest to find out why this is causing tensions now; why the locals feel the march is making them feel threatened; and how this reflects wider political rifts in Poland today. Produced by Charlotte McDonald.

Byson expected to be dead long ago. Now in his sixties, he was given a death sentence quarter of a century ago. But instead of being executed, he’s found himself back at home, looking after his elderly mother, holding down a job, and volunteering to help other prisoners leaving jail. His release was part of a re-sentencing project in Malawi. Anyone who was given the death penalty automatically for killing someone can have their case re-examined. What is known as a mandatory death sentence was ruled to be unconstitutional, so now judges are giving custodial sentences instead, or in some cases inmates are even being freed. Charlotte McDonald travels to the small town of Balaka to visit the Halfway House where Byson mentors former inmates. She visits someone who came out of jail a few years ago and now runs her own business in the village where she was born. And she speaks to one of the last remaining people on death row about their upcoming re-sentencing hearing. Many of those former death row inmates are now back in their communities living and working – but that doesn’t necessarily mean that ordinary Malawians are ready for the death penalty to be abolished. (Image: Former inmate Byson sits with his mother, Lucy, outside her house. Credit: BBC)

Episode 9: Charlotte McDonald (YOG 2013) - Police Constable “I carry the values of this School with me. They affect my life and have become part of my character” For more information, please go to www.yvg.vic.edu.au/podcast

“As I approached the Dusit there was a strange smell in the air; a combination of smoke, petrol, and explosives. I’d smelt it before - the last time was in Northern Syria.” Joe Inwood reflects on the Al Shabaab terror attack on a luxury hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya. Kate Adie introduces this and other stories from correspondents around the world. Stephanie Hegarty meets an 11-year-old social media star in Mexico who is using her online videos to come to terms with the death of her mother. Charlotte McDonald is in Toulouse with a French veteran of the Algerian War of Independence who’s still making peace with the atrocities committed by his own side. Karen Allen mingles with South Africa's growing Korean community, some of whom are making good money selling synthetic hair. And Justin Rowlatt explains why he took his wife on a romantic getaway to Chernobyl.

President Emmanuel Macron has recently done something unusual for a French President – he made a declaration recognising that torture was used by the French military during the Algerian War of Independence. He described a system that allowed people to be arrested, interrogated and sometimes killed. Many families still don’t know what happened to their loved ones. At 87, Josette Audin, has campaigned for more than 60 years for the French state to take responsibility for the disappearance of her husband, Maurice Audin, during the Algerian War. Charlotte McDonald hears Josette’s story and discovers that the Algerian War has had a lasting impact on many more in France. She speaks to historians Malika Rahal and Fabrice Riceputi about their website 1000autres.org, and to war veteran Rémi Serres about his association 4ACG. Producer, Josephine Casserly Editor: Bridget Harney (Image: File photo of Maurice Audin, circa 1950. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Where do you come from? Tracing your ancestry in the USA is one of the most popular hobbies along with gardening and golf. TV is awash with advertising for the do-it-yourself genetic testing kits which have become much sought after gifts, especially at Christmas time. The kits have revolutionised family tree research and gone are the days of sifting through old documents. But, as Lucy Ash reports, the DNA results are now revealing far more than many had bargained for. How do you react when you find out your mother had a secret affair half a century ago…and the man who raised you isn’t your dad? Produced by Charlotte McDonald.

Where do you come from? Tracing your ancestry in the USA is one of the most popular hobbies along with gardening and golf. TV is awash with advertising for the do-it-yourself genetic testing kits which have become much sought after gifts, especially at Christmas time. The kits have revolutionised family tree research and gone are the days of sifting through old documents. But, as Lucy Ash reports, the DNA results are now revealing far more than many had bargained for. How do you react when you find out your mother had a secret affair half a century ago…and the man who raised you isn’t your dad? Produced by Charlotte McDonald. (Image: This chip holds samples of 24 people’s DNA – one in each box. Credit: BBC)

Richard Thaler is this year’s recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize for Economic Sciences. Charlotte McDonald speaks to Tim Harford to get an insight into Thaler’s work and explore the psychological realism of behavioural economics. The Russian military wants to stop its regular soldiers from posting selfies on social media and an online argument has started between two rival film-makers documenting the life and death of a black transsexual woman. The trending team find out why. Lucy Ash looks into breath-holding. From those who choose to restrict it to others who do it subconsciously, how does breath-holding affect our bodies and our minds? (Photo: Prof Richard Thaler standing in front of portraits of previous winners at the University of Chicago: Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The American basketballer Stephen Curry has just signed the biggest contract in NBA history for $200 million over 5 years but amazingly, according to fellow superstar player Lebron James, he’s probably being underpaid. We look at the economics of superstar sports salaries. Rumours in football and the fake news generated by these rumours are nothing new, but we’ll be looking at the way these stories impact clubs, players and fans. And what’s in a kiss? Charlotte McDonald examines the biochemistry, psychology, anthropology and history of kissing. Where does it come from and is it innately human? (Image: NBA Finals: Game Four, Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Cheick Tiote, the much loved former Newcastle United player collapsed and died while training with Chinese side Beijing Enterprises earlier this month. His death and that of other black footballers have caused some commentators to ask – are African or black players more likely to die while playing than other people? The data of footballers deaths is pretty poor but we try to glean some answers from the scant numbers available. It look like one of the most common causes of death among players on the pitch is cardiac arrest – son is this is a greater risk factor for people of African heritage? We speak to statistician Dr Robert Mastrodomenico and Professor Sanjay Sharma, a specialist in sports cardiology. Presented and produced by Jordan Dunbar and Charlotte McDonald

Bernstein Award finalist Charlotte McDonald-Gibson talks about her book, 'Cast Away: True Stories of Survival from Europe's Refugee Crisis,' which follows individuals fleeing violence and persecution in Syria, Libya, Nigeria, and Eritrea.

Last summer the emergency services rescued two children from an out-of-control fire in an old industrial building in the commercial area of Hong Kong. The children were living with their mother inside a storage unit in the building. For Assignment, Charlotte McDonald explores the reasons which would drive a family in one of the wealthiest cities in the world to live illegally in a place not fit for human habitation. It's estimated that around 10,000 people live in industrial buildings - although the true number is not known due to the very fact it is not legal. Hong Kong consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places to rent or buy in the world. Already around 200,000 have been forced to rent in what are known as subdivided flats. But now attention has turned to those in even more dire conditions in industrial blocks. From poor government planning, the loss of industry to mainland China and exploitative landlords, we uncover why people are choosing to live in secrecy in neglected buildings. Charlotte McDonald reporting Alex Burton producing(Photo: Construction workers on site in front of a building, in Hong Kong)

Last summer the emergency services rescued two children from an out-of-control fire in an old industrial building in the commercial area of Hong Kong. It was discovered that a number of people were living in the building. Charlotte McDonald explores the reasons which would drive a family in one of the wealthiest cities in the world to live illegally in a place not fit for human habitation. It's estimated that around 10,000 people live in industrial buildings - although the true number is not known due to the very fact it is not legal. Hong Kong consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places to rent or buy in the world. Already around 200,000 have been forced to rent in what are known as subdivided flats. But now attention has turned to those in even more dire conditions in industrial blocks. From poor government planning, the loss of industry to mainland China and exploitative landlords, we uncover why people are choosing to live in secrecy in neglected buildings. Charlotte McDonald reporting Alex Burton producing Photo credit: SCMP.

The claim that “one in four” of us will suffer from a mental health problem is popular amongst campaigners, politicians and the media. But this leads you to a simple question – where is this figure from and what’s the evidence? This was exactly what neuroscientist Jamie Horder asked, and far from being simple, it led him on quite a journey. So do we really know how many people are likely to develop mental health problems – Elizabeth Cassin and Charlotte McDonald find out. Presenter: Charlotte McDonald Producer: Elizabeth Cassin

Since Finland started giving families simple cardboard boxes for their new born babies to sleep in 75 years ago, cot death has fallen and child health has improved. Governments and individuals across the world have adopted them and companies have sprung up selling them. But can a cardboard box on its own really have such a huge effect? Elizabeth Cassin and Charlotte McDonald have been finding out. Thousands of videos aimed at children are posted on YouTube that initially look like some of their favourite cartoon series, but closer inspection reveals weird and often disturbing content that is potentially unsuitable for young children. Who is making this content and Is the onus on parents to take responsibility for their children’s viewing or should the host platform, YouTube, be doing more? And why do millions of people round the world practice yoga and how has it become so popular over time? Valley Fontaine hears from the director of a 98-year-old yoga institute in India, an instructor who teaches yoga for you and your dog, the founders of a yoga festival in the UK, and the 2016 women’s yoga champion. (Photo: A Box of baby essentials. Credit: Getty Images)

Ever since a BBC article highlighted the use of baby boxes in Finland they have become a bit of a phenomenon. They’re not new though Finland has been doing this for 75 years. The simple cardboard boxes are given to families for their new born babies to sleep in. Since their introduction cot death and has fallen and child health improved. Governments and individuals across the world have adopted them and companies have sprung up selling them. But think about for minute – can a cardboard box on its own really have such a huge effect – Elizabeth Cassin and Charlotte McDonald have been looking at the truth behind the story. Presenter: Charlotte McDonald Producer: Elizabeth Cassin (Photo:One of Scotland's first baby boxes is seen at Clackmannanshire Community Health Centre. Credit: Getty Images)

Pets and Politics; football and narcotics; and building a country with a flag. Kate Adie introduces correspondents' stories. South Korea is in political turmoil but, as Steve Evans explains, people seem more concerned with the fate of the now ex-president's pets. The narcotic plant Qat and Premiership football provide a welcome distraction from boredom in the Horn of Africa, says James Jeffrey. And governments are quite happy with that. How do you unify a country? That was a challenge faced by Kyrgystan's flag designers, as Caroline Eden discovered. The village of Deià, on Mallorca's north shore, is where the poet and novelist Robert Graves lived and died. Graeme Fife used to be a frequent visitor. Now he wonders how much the place has changed. Belize is one of the countries that still has the death penalty on its statute books. But it hasn't executed anyone for decades. And now others, including a woman with the nickname of the anti-Christ, are having their life sentences reduced. Charlotte McDonald explains why.

There has been a steady stream of top Hollywood actresses who have complained that they have been paid less than their male co-stars. Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence and Natalie Portman have all pointed out the disparity. So why in the 21st Century is this still the case? Charlotte McDonald reports. We investigate a far right website in Sweden that has been secretly recording phone calls with journalists and academics and then posting heavily-edited versions of the conversations online. The man behind it says he is trying to broaden the debate about immigration. But the site’s targets say their words are being distorted and they feel intimidated. And how does listening differ from hearing? How important is the art of listening to human relationships and how can we develop that skill? Datshiane Navanayagam reports. Image: Jennifer Lawrence at the Oscars. Getty Images/Valerie Macno

It’s now a year since the UN set its new Sustainable Development Goals to try to make the world a better place. They include 17 goals and a massive 169 targets on subjects like disease, education and governance. But some people like Bjorn Lomborg are saying that there’s just too many and they are too broad, and left like that will never achieve anything. Is he right – and is there a better way to make the world better and stop some countries lagging behind? Wesley Stephenson and Charlotte McDonald find out.

Many news outlets have reported this week that a Waitrose supermarket pushes up house prices in the surrounding area. It’s based on research that also suggests that other supermarkets have a similar but smaller effect. We take a highly sceptical look at the correlation. Statistics and the EU referendum campaign We look at how the two campaigns, the media, and the much-discussed “experts” used statistics during the EU referendum campaign. Tim Harford interviews Will Moy, director of Fullfact, and Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Antiques Roadshow BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow is a hugely popular television programme, where experts examine and value antiques and collectables. We ask whether the items featured really jump in value, or are we just seeing the price tag rise over the centuries in line with inflation? More Or Less reporter Charlotte McDonald heads down to the show to find out. Computer Science and Socks Tim Harford speaks to Brian Christian, co-author of ‘Algorithms to Live by: The Computer Science of Human Decisions’. How can the techniques of computer science help us in every-day situations? And, most importantly, which algorithm will help our reporter Jordan Dunbar sort out his socks?

The former British colony of Belize is a tiny country that boasts rich Central American indigenous culture and a spectacular Caribbean coast. It also suffers a high rate of violent crime, and its one and only prison houses more than its fair share of murderers. The BBC's Charlotte McDonald has gained rare access to the jail, and to inmates there who have faced capital punishment for their crimes – sometimes coming alarmingly close to being put to death. All have since been spared thanks to an ongoing legal campaign, led by a group of British lawyers. As this programme discovers, the reformists have not only saved lives in Central America, for their campaign has had consequences for prisoners throughout the world. Yet, enduring a rising murder rate and menacing gangs, many local people in Belize remain convinced that violent offenders should go to the gallows.Producer: Mike Gallagher

Are there really be 300,000 French people in London and would they really want to leave France for the UK anyway? The Mayor of London, British journalists and commentators have trotted out this "fact" a number of times over the last few years to illustrate just how popular the UK's capital is with its neighbours across the Channel. It appears that Nicolas Sarkozy may have said it as far back as 2008. Wesley Stephenson and Charlotte McDonald brush off their best French to find out the truth. This programme was first broadcast on the BBC World Service.

Charlotte completed VCE at Yarra Valley Grammar in 2013. She chooses to be busy and kept involved in many co-curricular activities during her VCE years. Charlotte provides some great insight into her study environment, the value of connecting with teachers and the importance of keeping balance. She found her iPad to be a most valuable … Continue reading VCE 002: Charlotte McDonald from Yarra Valley Grammar →