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Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined guests to discuss the pressure Welsh Labour find themselves under following UK Labour's welfare cuts. Cathy Owens, Director of Cavendish Cymru, and BBC Wales' Political Correspondent, Daniel Davies, discuss the past few weeks in politics and the impact the latest developments will have on the First Minister, Welsh Labour and Wales' relationship with Westminster.
Felicity Evans and guest presenter Owain Clarke are joined by the Wales Governance Centre's Guto Ifan to delve into the details of the UK Government's Spring Statement and what the announcements mean for Wales.
Welsh Journalist and the BBC's International Editor Jeremy Bowen has travelled around the world reporting on war and conflicts. His career spans over 40 years and has taken him to some of the world's most dangerous places. He says covering conflict ''leaves a massive mark'' but also finds the ''very best of human nature''. On this week's bonus episode of Walescast, he joins Felicity Evans and Bethan Rhys Roberts to reflect on his remarkable career and the personal toll of reporting in war zones.
Felicity Evans is joined by guest presenter Nick Servini to discuss the details of the UK Government's welfare reforms and what it means for Wales. Along with Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation and Edward Davies of the Centre for Social Justice, they consider the decisions have been made and why. They'll also delve into the impact that the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall's announcement could have on those who currently receive benefits and those who might need them in the future.
Felicity Evans and guest presenter Elliw Gwawr discuss faith and it's role in politics with Canon Aled Edwards, Senedd Member and Patron of Humanists UK Julie Morgan MS and the FT's Whitehall Editor Lucy Fisher. Our Political Editor Gareth Lewis also joins the pod to discuss the quarter of Welsh Labour MS' who have announced they will stand down at the 2026 Senedd elections. That busy schedule is rounded off with a final farewell to Walescast's Producer Andy Fry who is leaving BBC Wales after three decades.
Felicity Evans and James Williams hear from the chair of the Senedd's standards committee Hannah Blythyn MS about its recommendations for a recall system that would allow voters to evict politicians who have misbehaved from the Welsh Parliament. Fliss and James also quiz her about the circumstances of her sacking from the Welsh Government last year - when the then-First Minister Vaughan Gething said that media leaks of a ministerial group chat during the pandemic came from her mobile phone.
Felicity Evans and James Williams discuss immigration and what the situation is in Wales. They are joined by Professor Sergei Shubin from Swansea University, Ben Brindle from the Centre for Migration and IPSOS' Gideon Skinner to dig into the numbers and details. Timothy Hornyak, a Journalist in Japan, also joins them to discuss how an ageing and declining Japanese population might tackle their growing problem.
Felicity Evans and James Williams discuss NHS winter pressures with BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke. And former transport minister Lee Waters MS reflects on the lessons he learnt from his time in government - experiences that inform his own podcast, Y Pumed Llawr - The Fifth Floor, which is billed as an "insider guide to politics and government in Wales"
Felicity Evans and James Williams break out the Christmas jumpers to look back at the blockbuster political year that was 2024 with the help of the Labour MP for Cardiff West, Alex Barros-Curtis, the Plaid Cymru MP for Caerfyrddin, Ann Davies and the Conservative's shadow Welsh Secretary, Mims Davies MP. What are their takeaways from a year that has seen three First Ministers and two Prime Ministers? And how will they fare in the traditional Walescast Christmas Quiz?
Felicity Evans and James Williams crunch the numbers and dig into the politics of the Welsh Government's draft budget for the next financial year. First they hear from the finance cabinet secretary Mark Drakeford MS before getting the reaction of the new Senedd leader of the Welsh Conservatives Darren Millar MS, Plaid Cymru's leader Rhun ap Iorweth MS and Dr Ed Poole of Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Felicity Evans, founder of Imbibe. Felicity shares how her battle with autoimmune conditions, including chronic mastitis, gut issues, and inflammation, led her to discover the transformative power of gut health. Her story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the profound connection between the gut and skin. We discuss: Felicity's personal health struggles, including the impact of nine rounds of antibiotics and the downstream effects on her gut, skin, and overall well-being. How her quest for healing led to creating Beauty Renewal and Miracle Collagen, backed by science and crafted for simplicity. The science behind the gut-skin axis and why gut health is the cornerstone of vibrant skin and overall health. Practical tips for incorporating gut health into daily routines, including Felicity's three-product regimen: Miracle Collagen with breakfast Beauty Renewal at lunch and dinner (or with sparkling water for a refreshing treat!) Calm Sleep before bed to improve sleep quality and support recovery. The importance of clean beauty and how Felicity's journey reshaped her perspective on skincare, aging, and wellness. Takeaways: Pay attention to the signs your body gives you—your hair, nails, skin, and even joint pain can all point to underlying gut health issues. Embrace simplicity in wellness: three targeted products used consistently can make a world of difference. Look beyond the label! Felicity encourages us to be more conscious of what we put on and in our bodies, especially as the beauty industry moves toward more natural, non-toxic products. Special Offer:Want to try Felicity's game-changing products? Visit You Must Try It and enjoy 10% off when you set up a monthly subscription. Links & Resources: Learn more about Felicity Evans and Imbibe: Instagram Products mentioned: Beauty Renewal, Miracle Collagen, Calm Sleep Join the Conversation:Let us know what you think of the episode! Share your thoughts and gut health journey with us on Instagram @theagingproject
Felicity Evans, James Williams and guests digest the resignation of the leader of the Conservatives in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies. BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis explains how events unfolded following a vote of no confidence - that Mr Davies narrowly won - and what happens next. Cardiff University's Dr Jac Larner expands on the findings of the latest Welsh opinion poll - which shows the Conservatives trailing in fourth place behind Labour, Plaid Cymru and Reform - and the challenges that presents to Mr Davies' eventual successor
Felicity Evans and Elliw Gwawr are joined by Helen Miller of the Institute of Fiscal Studies to dig deep into the changes to inheritance tax for farmers announced in the Budget and attempt to get a number for how many Welsh farms could be affected. And BBC Wales political correspondent Rhodri Lewis looks back at the Welsh Labour party conference in Llandudno - which saw farmers protesting outside and the FM Eluned Morgan DJing inside
In a bonus episode, James Williams and Felicity Evans conduct an exit interview with Ian Price, the recently retired director of the business organisation CBI Wales, to get his views on the state of the Welsh economy and the Welsh Government's policies to drive growth and job creation
Former special adviser Jack Sellers has had a front row seat for the dramas that have engulfed the Conservative Party at Westminster in recent years. In conversation with James Williams and Felicity Evans he relives his time working for Boris Johnson's Welsh Secretary, Simon Hart and also looks back at his time in Number 10 Downing Street working for Rishi Sunak - including the General Election campaign that saw the party swept from power after 14 years
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis and Dr Ed Poole of Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre to unpick what Rachel Reeves' first Budget - with its tax rises and extra spending on public services and capital projects - means for Wales and the Welsh Government budget in December
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC colleague David Deans to look back at the Senedd debate on assisted dying that ultimately saw MSs vote against the idea. Grassroots Welsh Conservative Huw Davies explains why some in the party - himself included - would like to see the party commit to ending devolution. And the former Treasury special advisor Aled Maclean-Jones lifts the lid on what goes on behind the scenes at the Treasury in the run-up to a Budget
Felicity Evans and James Williams look back at the Conservative Party conference with the former Welsh Secretary Sir Robert Buckland - one of 175 Tory MPs to lose their seat at the General Election. What does he make of the four candidates still in the running to lead his party? And following the end of traditional steel making in Port Talbot, BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas looks ahead to the future of Tata's massive plant in the town
Felicity Evans and James Williams look back at the Green Party's recent get together in Manchester with its Welsh leader Anthony Slaughter - and the Liberal Democrats' gathering in Brighton with the party's newly-elected MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick. With both parties returning record numbers of MPs to Westminster in the General Election the mood at their conferences was celebratory. But already their attention is turning to the Senedd elections in 20 months time.
Felicity Evans, James Williams and guests discuss the new First Minister Eluned Morgan's top priorities - as set out in a speech to the Senedd earlier in the week. Former health board chair professor Marcus Longley explains the challenges in delivering improvements to the NHS in Wales; BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas looks at possible approaches to creating jobs within a greener economy; and BBC Wales education correspondent Bethan Lewis explores what the commitment to driving up standards in schools may involve
Felicity Evans and Elliw Gwawr discuss the small print of the deal between Tata Steel and the UK Government that paves the way for the building of a greener electric arc furnace at the company's Port Talbot plant with the Guardian's Kiran Stacey. Plus who's got what job in the reshuffled cabinet of the new First Minister, Eluned Morgan.
Today's episode is all about beauty from within! I am seeing a real shift in women from once beauty representing only makeup, to now seeing it as what we feed ourselves. On today's episode I have Felicity Evans, the founder of Imbibe. Imbibe is a wellness brand committed to creating products with the best formulations and ingredients to improve our health. Imbibe calls their approach “where science meets beauty”. I learnt so much from Felicity!
Felicity Evans and James Williams review the first month of the new UK Labour government and also assess the state of play of Welsh politics ahead of next week's Senedd vote that is expected to confirm Eluned Morgan as the new First Minister with the help of BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis, Westminster reporter Shelley Phelps and Dr Jac Larner of Cardiff University's Welsh Governance Centre
Felicity Evans, James Williams and guests reflect on Eluned Morgan's appointment as leader of Welsh Labour and First Minister-in-waiting and explore what it means for Welsh politics ahead of Senedd elections in 2026
Felicity Evans and James Williams digest the fallout from Vaughan Gething's resignation as First Minister in the company of his predecessor as Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford, the leader of Plaid Cymru Rhun ap Iorwerth and the Conservative MS for Brecon and Radnorshire James Evans. Former Welsh Government special adviser turned political consultant Jo Kiernan is also on hand to offer her insights into what's next for Welsh Labour as it starts a fresh search for a new leader
In this additional episode Felicity Evans and James Williams chew over the details of the First Minister's resignation. They are joined by BBC Wales' Welsh Affairs Editor Vaughan Roderick to dissect the decision and discuss what's next for Welsh Labour as the search for a new leader starts again.
Felicity Evans and James Williams analyse the General Election results in Wales with newly-elected Labour MP Kanishka Narayan, returning Plaid Cymru MP Ben Lake and defeated Conservative MP Fay Jones. Ruth Mosalski, WalesOnline's political editor, is also on hand to discuss the fall-out from former minister Hannah Blythyn's personal statement to the Senedd - her first comments since she was sacked by the First Minister Vaughan Gething
Felicity Evans and James Williams offer their snap analysis of the General Election results in Wales
With the finishing line in sight, Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis, BBC Scotland's Phil Sim, Sky News' Darren McCaffrey and Dr Jac Larner of Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre to look back at the General Election campaign so far and pick out the key battlegrounds and trends to watch out for once the results start to come in on election night.
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by Guto Ifan from Cardiff University's Wales Fiscal Analysis programme to dig into what the Labour and Conservative manifesto commitments on tax and spending might mean for Wales in terms of funding and public services. Plus BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke reflects on the role the NHS in Wales has played in the General Election campaign.
With just two weeks to go until polling day, Felicity Evans and Nick Servini are joined by James Griffiths of the British Election Study and BBC Wales Westminster correspondent Shelley Phelps to examine the prospects of the Liberal Democrat and Reform parties in Wales in the General Election. Plus, live TV election debates can make or break a candidate or party. On the eve of the BBC Wales Election Debate, presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts takes a break from preparing to host five party representatives and a 100-strong audience to reveal what goes on behind the scenes.
As a week of manifesto launches draws to a close, Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by political pundits Lauren McEvatt, Matthew Hexter and Nerys Evans to pick over the different party offerings - and what they mean for Wales
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis to discuss where the vote of no confidence in the First Minister leaves Vaughan Gething. Polling expert Dr Jac Larner helps crunch the FM's latest numbers and also puts the plethora of recent general election opinion polls in context
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by colleague Cemlyn Davies to discuss the fall-out from Vaughan Gething's sacking of one of his ministerial team for leaking to the media - an allegation the former minister for social partnership Hannah Blythyn denies. Luke Young of Citizens Advice Cymru laments the decision to delay council tax reforms to 2028. And MSs Jane Dodds and Janet Finch-Saunders make the case for their pets - Wanda and Alfie - to be crowned Senedd Dog of the Year.
At the end of a week that saw both the 25th anniversary of the first elections to Cardiff Bay and legislation passed to reform the Senedd, James Williams and Felicity Evans join the Presiding Officer Elin Jones MS in the Siambr to reflect on the devolution journey to date and what the future holds - for both her and the institution.
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis to sweep up as the dust settles on two opposition debates in the Senedd seeking to address the continuing controversy around a £200,000 donation to Vaughan Gething's Labour leadership campaign from a man twice convicted of environmental offences
Felicity Evans and David Deans discuss the latest developments in Tata Steel's plans to close both its blast furnaces at its Port Talbot plant before talking to Andrew Morgan, leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, about how councils view the recently announced changes to the implementation of the Welsh Government's default 20mph policy. The pair also explore the ongoing controversy surrounding a £200,000 donation towards Vaughan Gething's Labour leadership campaign from a man twice convicted of environmental offences.
With the Senedd back in session after the Easter recess, the new First Minister Vaughan Gething can now properly get down to business. Following a debut appearance at FMQs and a statement on "delivering Wales' priorities", Felicity Evans and James Williams explore what the past week in Cardiff Bay reveals about Mr Gething's approach to his new role with BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis. And more than a decade in the making, Pembrokeshire-born academic Sam Blaxland discusses his new history, "The Conservative Party in Wales, 1945 - 1997"
Felicity Evans and James Williams examine the news that hospital doctors are pausing strike action for further pay talks with the Welsh Government with BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke. And with three weeks to go until elections for Police and Crime Commissioners to the four Welsh forces, former deputy PCC Sophie Howe explains what the job is all about.
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by politicians past and present for a book club special. Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant discusses his latest work of history, "James and John: A True Story of Prejudice and Murder". Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell's pick is the epic historical fantasy "Babel" by R F Kuang. And the former Conservative AM Suzy Davies champions "Pearl", the debut novel of the Welsh poet Siân Hughes
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis and Jo Kiernan, special adviser to former First Minister Carwyn Jones, to look back at Vaughan Gething's successful campaign to succeed Mark Drakeford and explore what to expect from the new man at the very top of Welsh politics
As its hearings in Cardiff conclude, Felicity Evans takes a deep dive into the evidence presented to the Welsh module of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry in the company of BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke and WalesOnline's Welsh affairs editor Will Hayward
Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined by BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas and Steffan Evans, director of policy at the Bevan Foundation, to sift through the details of the Chancellor's Budget and examine what they mean for Wales
Felicity Evans and James Williams dig into the issues that prompted Welsh farmers to protest outside the Senedd with Dr Hazel Wright of the Farmers' Union of Wales and Andrew Tuddenham of the Soil Association in Wales. And BBC Wales social affairs correspondent India Pollock reflects on the opening week of evidence to the Welsh leg of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
Felicity Evans and James Williams look back at the performance of the two men vying to succeed Mark Drakeford in a special BBC Wales Live debate with the programme presenter Bethan Rhys Roberts and fellow BBC Wales political reporter Cemlyn Davies. How did Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles come across and where did their pitches differ?
Wales' leading trade unionist Mark Serwotka is retiring after more than two decades as general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union. Having seen seven Prime Ministers come and go, he talks to Felicity Evans and James Williams about the personal and professional challenges he has faced at the helm of the union that represents nearly 200,000 civil servants - and reflects on his legacy
Felicity Evans and James Williams discuss the work and final report of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales with its co-chair Professor Laura McAllister
Felicity Evans and James Williams explore the employment, environmental and political ramifications of Tata's Steel decision to close the two blast furnaces at its Port Talbot plant - and build an electric arc furnace in their place - with BBC Wales business correspondent Huw Thomas and environment correspondent Steffan Messenger
BBC Wales political editor Gareth Lewis takes Felicity Evans and James Williams through the findings of the final report of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales. And health correspondent Owain Clarke reflects on the state of the NHS in Wales as junior doctors end a 72-hour strike and the latest performance statistics are released.
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. Today, we look at the deal that's been agreed at COP28.Climate editor Justin Rowlatt goes through the detail, and Nigel Topping from the Climate Change Committee tells us what it means.And Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced he will be stepping down in March. Former Wales political editor and host of Walescast, Felicity Evans, explains why. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Today's Newscast was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Cordelia Hemming and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The senior news editors are Jonathan Aspinwall and Sam Bonham.