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Academic and social media influencer Louisa Munch answers your questions about her left-wing politics, whether online algorithms mean she's preaching to the converted and what schools should be doing to develop critical thinking skills.She also faces questions about her support for free university education and whether she feels pressure to bend her politics to suit a more mainstream line of argument.GET IN TOUCH* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajanAmol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent.Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Gareth Jones and Dafydd Evans. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.
Across the world, cars are getting taller, wider and heavier. Sports Utility Vehicles, or SUVs, now dominate global car sales, and the trend has continued into the electric age with many new EVs larger than ever.In this episode of The Climate Question, Jordan Dunbar examines why bigger cars have become so popular with drivers and so profitable for manufacturers. From comfort and safety to status and aspiration, SUVs are reshaping roads across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.Size matters. Heavier vehicles use more energy, require bigger batteries, and create challenges for cities, from congestion and parking to road damage and safety. Jordan speaks to Theo Leggett, the BBC's International Business Correspondent, and Anjani Trivedi, Global Business Correspondent at The Economist, about car-spreading, emissions, electrification, and whether governments and consumers could reverse the trend.Guests: Theo Leggett, BBC International Business Correspondent Anjani Trivedi, Global Business Correspondent, The EconomistPresenter: Jordan Dunbar Production team: Ben Andrews, Grace Braddock, Tom Brignell, Gareth Jones, Diane Richardson, Nik Sindle Editor: Simon WattsImage: CJ Gunther / EPA-EFE / REX / ShutterstockGot a question or a comment? You can email us: theclimatequestion@bbc.com
#536 The Future Ahead. We look forward to what's in store in 2026 on the road from the new wave of Chinese car brands. Also: F1 and Le Mans get new teams. Plus: the On Speed FutureScope on humanoid robotics and variable compression ratios.
What is the point of going to university? In this episode, Amol sits down with the critical theorist, academic and social media influencer Louisa Munch who thinks you shouldn't have to pay for higher education. With the graduate premium in decline, she explains why people should go to university to gain knowledge rather than get a job because she believes having an informed society is good for everyone in an era of competing narratives about the past. She also reflects on why people of her generation feel disillusioned and what can be done to give them some hope for the future. (00:05:04) What is critical theory? (00:06:06) Why she believes university should be free (00:12:50) University as a meritocracy (00:18:45) Is student debt worth it? (00:22:06) Thoughts on class divide (00:26:23) Nostalgia and the far right (00:37:28) Disenchantment about the future (00:43:32) Nostalgia in contemporary politics (00:47:30) Louisa's RADICAL ideas (00:49:08) Political movements of the next generationGET IN TOUCH: * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Gareth Jones and Dafydd Evans. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.
Megan Williams sy'n trafod y flwyddyn gyda Gareth Jones o gwmni Gwlân Prydain.
James Coomarasamy speaks to BBC correspondents around the world about the people and places, trends and technology that they are going to be keeping an eye on over the next 12 months. Much of that will be shaped by what has already happened in 2025 - we entered the year still focused on the wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. Now, people are worried about conflict spreading further. Topics like trade, technology, migration and the health of democracy have helped shaped our politics. Will they continue to be the pressing issues for the year ahead?Join Anthony Zurcher, senior North America correspondent, Asma Khalid, co-host of the The Global Story podcast, Faisal Islam, economics editor, Laura Bicker, China correspondent, Lyse Doucet, chief international correspondent and Mayeni Jones, Africa correspondent as they ponder what might lie ahead for 2026.Producer: Ben Carter and Lucy Proctor Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith Sound engineer: Gareth Jones
#535 EICMA Milan & Gareth's Bikes. Gareth explores the world's largest 2-wheeler show. Examining what the major bike manufactures are selling and discovering a myriad of new brands. Plus, we hear the story of Gareth's motorbike journey over the years.
Couch to Coached Gold: Mental health WandererWelcome back to Couch to Coached Gold, where we dust off the classics and bring you the very best moments from the early days of the podcast.In this special Gold episode, we revisit one of our most powerful and meaningful conversations during our mental health week — our chat with Gareth Jones, also known as The Mental Health Wanderer.Gareth joined Rob and Ben to talk openly about mental health, vulnerability, and why something as simple as walking can be a lifeline. Through honest storytelling and lived experience, he shares how movement, nature, and connection have shaped his own mental health journey — and why creating safe spaces for conversation matters more than ever.If you're navigating your own mental health, supporting someone else, or simply looking for a quieter, more thoughtful listen — this Gold episode is one worth revisiting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#534 So Here It Is. The team choose perfect gifts, play games & make wishes for 2026. Lando's Xmas Eve, Cadillac's Xmas wish list & Lewis's gift to fans. Plus: All I Want For Christmas Is Some Speed - LIVE music from 20 Years On Speed.
#533 3 Wheels On My Wagon. We discuss trikes, a good or a bad idea, and why don't we see them anymore? Alex goes to China with BYD and Abu Dhabi with A2RL. Plus: McLaren sign Ella Hakkinen. And the Chancellor introduces eVED.
November is a month when communities around the world commemorate the Holodomor–Stalin's genocide famine in Ukraine that, in 1933, starved millions to death, the vast majority of them Ukrainians. Conservative estimates place the death toll at 3.9 million. During the famine, a death certificate listed the cause of death simply as "Ukrainian." In the years leading up to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine today, Vladimir Putin's KGB dictatorship revived the cult of mass-murdering dictator Joseph Stalin–producing propaganda textbooks, putting up Stalin statues, and outlawing acknowledgment of the fact that Stalin helped launch World War II by invading Poland two weeks after Nazi Germany, then holding joint military parades with the Nazis. Stalin monuments and billboards are today in regions of Ukraine under Russian occupation. Back in the early 1930s, as Stalin laid the groundwork for his man-made famine–a diabolically efficient way of killing millions before the invention of the atomic bomb–the New York Times praised his regime. Walter Duranty, the paper's Moscow bureau chief, won a Pulitzer for Soviet propaganda and went on to gaslight readers by insisting, "There is no famine." Challenging the media establishment, political elites, and industry leaders eager to profit from helping Stalin modernize his empire was a young Welsh journalist, Gareth Jones. Idealistic and courageous, he risked his life and career to become a vital independent witness to the genocide. His story is told in the film Mr. Jones and in the award-winning graphic novel In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones. The film was developed with support from historical advisors, including Timothy Snyder, whose classic Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin opens with Jones's story. To commemorate the Holodomor this year, we're sharing the audio from a video interview from September 2024 featuring In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones, which recently won a Ringo Award for Best Nonfiction and received the honor of being a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection. (You can find the video in the show notes). Andrea Chalupa of Gaslit Nation, the writer/producer of the Mr. Jones film and comic In the Shadow of Stalin, speaks with Anastasia Ulanowicz, an Associate Professor of English at the University of Florida who specializes in comics as a medium for personal and historical memory. If you're looking for a way to help Ukraine, consider purchasing a copy of In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones for your local school or library. Hundreds of copies have already been given to members of Congress and sold to raise funds for Razom for Ukraine–Andrea has given away so many copies that she will never see any royalties for this as those books must be paid off to the publisher to cover their costs. When you purchase a book to give away to raise awareness, you're supporting Ukraine, not the author. Any effort to help spread this story is deeply appreciated. For those who haven't seen Mr. Jones, it's available here, and Andrea's short documentary Stalin's Secret Genocide–which screened at the United Nations in 2016 and features Timothy Snyder; Anne Applebaum; Norman Naimark of Stanford, author of Stalin's Genocides; Serhii Plokhii of Harvard, author of The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine; and other leading historians–is available here. Thank you to everyone who continues to raise their voices for Ukraine during the country's existential fight for survival–and for the freedom of the world against Russian fascist lawlessness. Show Notes: Buy a copy for your local school or library: In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones By Andrea Chalupa, Illustrated by Ivan Rodrigues https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/In-the-Shadow-of-Stalin-The-Story-of-Mr-Jones/Andrea-Chalupa/9781637152775 Watch the video discussion of the Mr. Jones graphic novel In the Shadow of Stalin: The Story of Mr. Jones: https://education.holodomor.ca/new-webinar-holodomor-hot-off-the-press/ Watch Stalin's Secret Genocide: https://youtu.be/Sr5WkhEiqcY Where to watch Mr. Jones http://www.samuelgoldwynfilms.com/mr-jones/ Music: Prayer for Ukraine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn0_p1ZR3hg&list=RDzn0_p1ZR3hg&start_radio=1
Gareth Jones from London City Mission brings today's message
#532 Champions of F1 & WRC. Can Piastri catch Norris, is the championship over for Verstappen? Graham King talks WRC. Will we finally get a Welsh World Champion this year? Plus, UK car news: “The Beast" is back.
Rhodri Davies sy'n clywed mwy am digwyddiad gan Gareth Jones, Cadeirydd Cymdeithas y Sioe
#531 Norton: The Return. Gareth visits EICMA in Milan, Europe's biggest motorcycle show for the launch of the new range of Norton motorbikes and to meet the people responsible for rebooting this much-loved British bike brand.
How can Millennials, Gen Zs and Gen As thrive in a world where so much success depends on having access to the Bank of Mum and Dad? Historian Dr Eliza Filby – an expert in generational identity – tells Amol that society needs to shift in three major ways to mitigate the “rupture” between young and old: in values, education and wealth. Amol speaks with her about her book ‘Inheritocracy' which calls for a radical redefining of meritocracy. They also discuss the shifts in parenthood and the evolving household roles of men and women, and ‘kidulthood' - where young people move into adulthood in their early thirties instead of their late teens or early twenties. (00:02:30) What is ‘Inheritocracy?' (00:04:13) The values rupture – Baby Boomers are the exceptional generation (00:10:07) The education rupture - the declining graduate premium (00:16:00) The wealth rupture – unattainable ‘big ticket' items (00:28:00) Why is the social contract broken between generations? (00:38:27) Shifts in assortative mating (00:45:30) Is meritocracy a good idea in principle? (00:54:17) How to reconfigure the tax system for a new generation (00:57:07) Dr Eliza Filby's radical idea (01:01:11) Amol's reflections (01:04:25) Listener messages GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Gareth Jones. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.
#530 TVS Motor, India Pt2. Gareth rides the TVS Rodin and the TVS Apache RR310 on track in India. Toad from visordown.com asks are these Indian bikes are good enough for Europe? Plus we discover what is in store for the relaunch of the UK's Norton brand.
#529 TVS Motor, India Pt1. Gareth travels 5,000 miles to discover more about the 4th biggest manufacturers of 2-wheelers in the world. Join Gareth on a factory tour, and find out about TVS' connection to storied British bike brand Norton.
Today, the government has published witness statements related to a collapsed case against two people accused of spying for China. They deny all of the allegations against them.Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister was questioned by Kemi Badenoch, who accused the government of “a cover-up”. Starmer pointed to the fact the Conservatives were in power during the period concerning the case. Adam and Chris discuss what's in the statement, and what this means for the Prime Minister.Plus, The Climate Change Committee has sent a letter to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State saying the UK should have contingency plans in case the UK sees 2C of global warming by 2050. Adam speaks to Emma Pinchbeck, CEO of the Climate Change Committee.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Rufus Gray with Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
#528 Cyber Attack. JLR is forced to suspend manufacturing in the UK after hackers breach security. How did it happen and who is behind this? Max Verstappen wins his debut GT3 at the Norschleife. Plus, Pit Stop Boys perform Alain Prost, live.
#527 Ordinary Classics. Car spotting at the cars on display at the Llandudno Festival of Transport. Gareth & Phil swoon at some of the truly ordinary classic cars that are becoming surprisingly rare sightings.
Today, a United Nations commission of inquiry has said that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. A new report says there are reasonable grounds to conclude that four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law have been carried out since the start of the war with Hamas in 2023. Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected the report, denouncing it as "distorted and false". Adam is joined by John Simpson - BBC World Affairs Editor and Presenter of Unspun World. And, an emergency debate has been held in the House of Commons into the appointment of Lord Mandelson as the UK Ambassador to the US. Adam, Chris and Alex discuss that and whether we are about to see a change of messaging from number 10 to ahead of the party conference. You can take part in the Newscast census here - http://bit.ly/4mfhIgbYou can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a whatsapp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
#526 Zog On Speed. Our Mr Ireson takes a Porsche Macan EV from London to North Wales and back. He loves Porsche, is a great advocate of EVs, but is it a perfect coupling? Internecine conflict at McLaren and Tesla's pivot. Plus: Kraftwurst's Zuffenhausen.
#525 F1 & Lotus. Bottas and Perez return to the grid in '26, was that the right thing for Cadillac to do? Is F1: The Movie any good? Alex drives the sweet spot in the Emira range. Plus “You know when you are a car nut when…”.
This is the fourth and final episode in the Squiggly Careers Quote Series, and today Sarah shares the quote that has shaped her approach to leadership: “Be yourself more with skill.” Inspired by the book and article Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?, this episode explores how true leadership comes from leaning into your strengths and embracing uncomfortable situations that spark growth. There's no blueprint for being brilliant, and whether you're in a leadership role or not, you don't need to become someone you're not—it's about being a better version of yourself. ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Announcement02:33 The quote: "Be yourself more with skill"07:44 Action 1: Job Crafting – Be the architect of your career10:30 Action 2: Ask for feedback on blindspots13:03 Action 3: Have a squiggly stretch
#524 On Speed Oddities: The 2025 Gareth Jones On Speed Summer Music Compilation. Strange & curious tunes in the style of some unexpected artists. Gareth gathers together some of the more unusual songs created for the podcast over the last 20 years.
#523 20 Years On Speed. Recorded live at The Motorsport Lounge. Gareth, Richard & Zog celebrate this podcast's 20th birthday. Car chat from the crowd in the room, and on stage live sketches & music as the On Speed Band Mk2 perform Endless Road, live.
#522 Unlikely Dream Cars. Zog swoons over a unique Porsche, Alex drives an expensive retro hot-hatch and Gareth imagines something ridiculous. Plus: Gareth gloats at Silverstone in the summer and Red Bull sacks Christian Horner.
Today, we look at where the welfare U-turn leaves Keir Starmer's government, and the PM himself.Paddy and Henry Zeffman go through the PM's first year in office and put it into context by look at where he's got things right and wrong.Henry's been talking to Labour insiders and officials for a documentary: Starmer's Stormy YearYou can find it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002f8t1You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereNew episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
#521 The Race End. The final part of our coverage of the 24 Hours Of Le Mans. We witness the closing hours of the 93rd running of the race. Plus, the INEOS Grenadier, is it more than just a "Land Rover Pretender"? Oh, and who won the sweepstake?
#520 The Race: Day & Night. We are trackside for the atmosphere at the 93rd running of the 24 Hours Of Le Mans. We pick our runners for the On Speed sweepstake. The sound of the race start at the Esses, and Tetre Rouge at night and a chat with Alex Goy…..at a bar.
This week I'm joined by Australian musician Gareth Liddiard (Tropical Fuck Storm, The Drones) who chose to discuss one of the greatest concert films of all time, EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN:HALBER MENSCH.We talk about how Tropical Fuck Storm made their own film (Goody Goody Gumdrops) during the pandemic lockdown, Gareth playing shows with Neubauten, how TFS writes their brain-melting songs and how Neubauten's influence crept into their work, TFS having to leave Melbourne due to economics, making their music using equipment they didn't know how to use, how not to be too good at guitar, the influence of Greg Ginn, John Coltrane & Jimi Hendrix, Thrasher magazine, the current difficulties of touring the States, blowing things up in music videos, industrial high-school study music, Neubauten playing inside an actual freeway, how Neubauten are The Beatles of the industrial world in terms of charisma, how the film transcends pretension, Butoh dancers, Tarkovsky's Stalker, the microphoned shopping cart, Blixa's take on The Police, how the film is so well scripted and shot by filmmaker Gakuryū Ishii, how the legendary music producer Gareth Jones recorded one of the most expensive industrial records of all time and more. So let's set our instruments on fire and the music to stun on this week's episode of Revolutions Per Movie!TROPICAL FUCK STORM:https://usa.firerecords.com/products/tropical-f-storm-fairyland-codexhttps://tropicalfstorm.bandcamp.com/album/fairyland-codexREVOLUTIONS PER MOVIE:Host Chris Slusarenko (Eyelids, Guided By Voices, owner of Clinton Street Video rental store) is joined by actors, musicians, comedians, writers & directors who each week pick out their favorite music documentary, musical, music-themed fiction film or music videos to discuss. Fun, weird, and insightful, Revolutions Per Movie is your deep dive into our life-long obsessions where music and film collide.The show is also a completely independent affair, so the best way to support it is through our Patreon at patreon.com/revolutionspermovie. By joining, you can get weekly bonus episodes, physical goods such as Flexidiscs, and other exclusive goods.Revolutions Per Movies releases new episodes every Thursday on any podcast app, and additional, exclusive bonus episodes every Sunday on our Patreon. If you like the show, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing it on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!SOCIALS:@revolutionspermovieBlueSky: @revpermovieTHEME by Eyelids 'My Caved In Mind'www.musicofeyelids.bandcamp.com ARTWORK by Jeff T. Owenshttps://linktr.ee/mymetalhand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#519 The Car The Campsite & the Pit Lane. Part 1 of our coverage of the 2025 24 Hours Of Le Mans. We make the journey to La Sarthe in the fascinating INEOS Grenadier and settle in at Team Langoustine's camp site at Tetre Rouge to watch Hyperpole, and enjoy a pit walk.
#518 Trucks at Llandudno Transport Festival. Gareth & Phil Williams explore and enjoy a broad display of trucks and buses from almost the entire history of commercial vehicles. Which lorry impresses the guys the most?
#517 Monaco, Indy & The Studio. Zog and Gareth catch up on "the jewel in F1's crown" and "the greatest spectacle in racing", which one was more entertaining? Phase-change materials and car spotting on Apple TV. Plus: Peugeot bring back the GTi.
Today we're looking at what could be in a deal between the UK and European Union expected to be announced at a summit on Monday.Keir Starmer's former chief of staff Sam White is on to give an insight into what the PM really thinks about Europe.And, Eurovision expert Paddy tells Laura what to watch out for in the final on Saturday night.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
#516 Car Design Event. In the 2nd of our 2 programmes from Munich, Gareth meets car designers from Genesis, Pagani, VW & Kia. Gareth sits in the exquisite Utopia. Plus, Slate; the startup with a mission to build an affordable EV pickup.
#515 Motorworld. In the first of 2 special programmes from Munich, Bavaria; Gareth explores Motorworld and marvels at the exotica on display. Plus we talk to the Hyundai-backed student designer who created the Obsidian and the top people shaping GM cars.
Send us a textTrain travel enchants with its unique blend of scenery, experience, and connection, as illustrated by Railbookers' offerings around the world. Frank Marini and Gareth Jones explore top train journeys, eco-friendly travel, and essential tips for maximizing rail adventures. • Train travel combines both scenic beauty and cultural richness • Railbookers offers tailored vacations for diverse budgets and preferences • Popular routes include scenic trains in Switzerland and easy connections in Ireland • Trains are a sustainable choice for modern travelers seeking greener options • Key tips include early booking, proper planning, and enjoying the journey • Highlights a 59-day extraordinary global train trip with luxury experiences and exclusives.Frank Marini and Gareth Jones are executives at Railbookers._____Podcast host Lea Lane has traveled to over 100 countries, and has written nine books, including the award-winning Places I Remember (Kirkus Reviews star rating, and 'one of the top 100 Indie books of the year'). She has contributed to many guidebooks and has written thousands of travel articles. _____Our award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane, has dropped over 115 travel episodes! New episodes drop on the first Tuesday of the month, on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you listen. _____Travel vlogs of our featured podcasts-- with video and graphics -- now drop on YouTube . Please subscribe, like, and comment. ****************************************Website: https://placesirememberlealane.com Travel Blog: forbes.comBlueSky: lealane.bsky.socialX (Twitter):@lealane Instagram: PlacesIRememberLeaLane Facebook: Places I Remember with Lea LaneYouTube Channel: Places I Remember: Travel Talk with Lea Lane
Today, we look at the local election results in full.Reform now have well over 600 councillors. Party leader Nigel Farage said the victory over Labour and the Conservatives was “unprecedented”.The Liberal Democrats are also celebrating after successful election results. The party increased their number of councillors, with its leader Ed Davey saying they are now “the part of Middle England”.Pollster Luke Tryl joins Paddy and Laura.And we'll have all the latest reaction from Prince Harry's bombshell BBC exclusive interview on Friday. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Paddy O'Connell and Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Chris Flynn and Josh Jenkins. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
#514 A Rock Star & His Cars. As a tribute to Mike Peters who died this week, we revisit a moment in 2018 when two best friends chatted about cars in the beautiful countryside of Eryri, north Wales. Plus: news about 20 Years On Speed.
In China today, looking good is seen as key to career success. With beauty videos promoting extreme weight-loss flooding social media, beauty apps making booking surgery click of a button away, China's cosmetic surgery industry is booming. But the surge in demand has led to a shortage of qualified practitioners and licensed clinics. Hundreds of accidents are happening inside Chinese clinics every day. We talk to young women pressured into cosmetic procedures and expose the surgeon behind one of China's most notorious botched surgeries. You can hear the full investigation ‘Make me Perfect' on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts just search for ‘BBC the documentary'.Presenter: Natalia Zuo Producer: Ly Truong Editors: Rebecca Henschke and Monica Garnsey Mixed by: Gareth Jones
An old friend of the podcast, Viktoria Kovalenko, joins us in the studio. Viktoria has experienced the horrors of war first hand. Her husband and elder daughter were killed in front of her when they tried to escape the city of Chernihiv in 2022. Three years on she's forging a new life with her four-year-old in the UK. She tells us how she's adapting to life here, what she thinks about Donald Trump and how she remembers the family members she's lost. Plus - the BBC's security correspondent, Frank Gardner, considers the international response to deadly missile strikes on Sumy over the weekend and how Steve Witkoff's talks with Vladimir Putin went in Russia.Today's episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Laurie Kalus and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The editor was Max Deveson. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast's Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord
Donald Trump's baseline 10% tariffs come into force. Today, we're back to tariffs. Now that the Trump administration's baseline 10% import tariffs have come into effect, what comes next for the global, US and UK economies? Laura is joined by Americast's Justin Webb and Stephanie Flanders, former BBC economics editor now at Bloomberg, to crunch the numbers and the politics driving them. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://discord.gg/m3YPUGv9 New episodes are released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was hosted by Laura Kuenssberg. It was made by Jon Bithrey and Bella Saltiel. The technical producer is Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
The Gaslit Nation Media Committee, a watchdog against access journalism and regime propaganda, has developed this essential guide. We urge all members of the media to reject complicity in the erosion of democracy. The American crisis is a global struggle between democracy and fascism—one that threatens the entire world. Each of us has a role in defending freedom. If you work in media, use this guide to safeguard your integrity, your liberty, and the values we cherish—before it's too late. Doing your job well can save lives and democracy. 1. Don't Bury the Lede: Call It an Illegal Tech-Backed Coup To build trust, stick to the facts. When Trump's administration acts illegally, say it—especially in the headline. Call it what it is: a tech-backed coup that exposes Americans' most sensitive data and replaces federal workers with unsecured A.I. to establish a new surveillance state. 2. Make Private Prison Execs Famous Investigate the financial interests behind Trump's immigration system—expose executives, board members, and their connections. Pursue them with cameras; they can't hide behind profits while lives are ruined and civil liberties eroded. 3. Fascism Needs Ignorance From dismantling the Department of Education to the “War on Woke” in universities, Trump continues delegitimizing education. This isn't about competition with other countries—it's about giving everyone the chance to grow as independent thinkers who reject fascism. 4. Follow the Money Investigate Trump's major donors and their role in Musk's illegal purge of government services. Hold them accountable—ask how they view their investments amid the chaos. Track their contracts and regulatory benefits. 5. Expose National Security Threats Trump removed key military officials who prevented unlawful actions. Without them, who will stop him? Trump holds the nuclear football, cozying up to adversaries, sending bombs to Israel, and threatening wars against Canada and Greenland. Focus on how our adversaries are taking advantage. 6. Kleptowatch Focus on how companies exploit customers through greedflation and Amazon's payola for search visibility. While the Biden administration has much to answer for, the media must spotlight the absence of enforcement of investigations brought by Lina Khan and Tim Wu, leaving corporate kleptocrats unchecked. 7. Media Must Thoroughly Cover Media Journalists must cover media attacks, including blocked access to info and censorship (e.g., Ann Telnaes at WaPo). Report on media ecosystem shifts, address bias, and clarify distinctions between reporting, opinion, and lies. Provide context on media ownership. 8. Draw Historical Parallels Trump, Musk, and allies are enacting policies similar to dictators like Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. The media must challenge their unfounded assertions. They are attacking the press and critics, reminiscent of regimes like Pol Pot's and Rwanda's genocide. 9. Trump is Trying to Turn America into an Autocracy: Act Like It Columbia Journalism Review shared 10 essential tips for journalists reporting from autocracies. Share these with your teams, including your company's lawyers—killing big stories and obeying in advance is self-destructive. 10. Shine a Light on Private Prisons The private prison industry needs scrutiny, especially with Trump's lack of oversight. Innocent people are caught in reckless immigration raids as the system grows unchecked. Regular coverage of Guantanamo Bay is crucial due to its history of unlawful detention and Trump's plan for a prison camp there for 30,000 people. 11. Gilead is Here The media has abandoned calling out Trump's toxic masculinity regarding reproductive rights and civil rights. Raise awareness of the deadly consequences for women, including trans women, and all nonwhite people. 12. Access Journalism is Betrayal Fascism's history includes journalists from major outlets becoming "masters of euphemism," (to quote Gareth Jones), downplaying atrocities and broken laws to protect access. History will remember you for doing your job or being bought. Doing your job well can save lives and democracy. 13. Family Members Deserve Special Attention Trump's administration is granting lucrative positions to family members of allies and donors, giving them undue influence over policy. These self-dealing networks must be mapped and exposed. 14. Unmask Voter Suppression Election analysis must address gerrymandering, unfair Senate representation favoring "red states," the Electoral College designed to protect elites, and the gutting of the Voting Rights Act. Don't treat our voter suppression crisis like "horse race" politics. 15. Focus on the 1% Expose extreme wealth inequality—how the 1% dodge taxes and exploit loopholes to preserve their wealth. Put a spotlight on how inequality fuels authoritarianism and is a direct threat to democracy. 16. Cover Protests Highlight actions challenging the White House's destructive crimes. People need to see that citizens care about the laws being broken by Trump's administration and that they're not alone. 17. They're Testing Boundaries: Say It When something is "unprecedented," that means they're testing boundaries, to see what they can get away with. Say it. 18. The Weird Fights Matter Trump renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America may seem "weird," but it's part of the fascist pageantry, like Mussolini's famous eyeliner and Putin's shirtless photos. Look to experts in autocracy to see which stories are being used as a distraction and which stories are important to cover. An expanded version of the Gaslit Nation Media Guide can be found here: https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/media-guide For More: Ten Tips for Reporting in an Autocracy American journalists have much to learn from colleagues in countries where democracy has been under siege. https://www.cjr.org/political_press/ten-tips-for-reporting-in-an-autocracy.php Want to enjoy Gaslit Nation ad-free? Join our community of listeners for bonus shows, ad-free episodes, exclusive Q&A sessions, our group chat, invites to live events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit! Music Credit: "Tafi Maradi no voice" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
After a lengthy phone call with Donald Trump, the Kremlin says Vladimir Putin has agreed to a mutual pause on attacks on Russian and Ukrainian energy infrastructure - but stopped far short of accepting a full ceasefire.We get instant reaction from Fiona Hill, who previously served on the National Security Council as an advisor on Russia under President Trump.Today's episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Ben Carter and Ryan Johnston. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast's Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord
Today, Laura and Paddy answer your questions about the war in Ukraine, President Trump's tactics, and the possibilities of a peace deal. We also discuss Keir Starmer's approach to global politics, and whether his "statesman-like" appearances on the global stage have helped him back home.You can now listen to Newscast on your smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://discord.gg/NbuxWnmYNew episodes are released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Ben Mundy and Nancy Geddes. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
Today, we ask what a peace deal for Ukraine might look like, as European leaders gather in Paris for an emergency summit.Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK was "ready and willing to put troops on the ground", while President Trump is expected to be meeting President Putin in Saudi Arabia “very soon”. Adam is joined by our Europe editor, Katya Adler and Lord Kim Darroch, former UK Ambassador to Washington. We also speak to Joe Pike, political investigations correspondent and James Landale, diplomatic correspondent.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://discord.gg/NbuxWnmY Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn and Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
European leaders have met in Paris for an emergency summit on the war in Ukraine.Leaving the meeting, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called discussions on sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine "premature" and "inappropriate". Earlier UK PM Keir Starmer said he was ready to send such troops from the UK if and when the war ends.So could we see European boots on the ground in Ukraine? Matthew Savill, from RUSI, is in the studio to discuss whether it's possible, and what this might look like.We also look ahead to the meeting tomorrow between Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Today's episode is presented by Victoria Derbyshire and Vitaly Shevchenko. The producers were Ryan Johnston and Ben Carter. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The series producer is Tim Walklate. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy. Email Ukrainecast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments. You can also send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram to +44 330 1239480You can join the Ukrainecast discussion on Newscast's Discord server here: tinyurl.com/ukrainecastdiscord
Today, we look at what could be a very big week for the chancellor. Laura and Paddy are joined by BBC Newsnight's political editor Nick Watt to discuss Rachel Reeves' attempts to get growth. Including, measures for easing restrictions for wealthy non-doms and a possible approval of a third runway at Heathrow airport. Plus, following the sentencing of the Southport killer, Laura reflects on her interview with the Conservative leader Kemi Badendoch on whether a lack of social integration played a role in the appalling crimes of Axel Rudakubana.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Teodora Agarici. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.