POPULARITY
This week, we're issuing a special episode to remember the life of John Stapleton, who died last week. We were privileged to have John join us in the pub earlier this year to discuss his life, career and PD journey. From getting pecked off our screen's by Rod Hull's intemperate Emu to making a film about his diagnosis with his award-winning documentarian son Nick, John led an extraordinary life. In this episode, we reflect on what made him a great presenter and a superb advocate for people with Parkinson's, and replay our conversation with him.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs.Artwork by Till Lukat.PR by Sally Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
SLAPPs: Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation. These lawsuits, often brought by the super wealthy, have been in the news a lot over the past few years, and, indeed, we've covered them before on the show. But today we're looking at it from the impact of the SLAPPee, in this case Charlotte Leslie, a former Tory MP and now Director of the Conservative Middle East Council. Her experiences shed a light on the impact these cases can have and the Kafkaesque nightmare of pursuing the truth in our Byzantine criminal justice system.Register for a ticket to Law & Disorder LIVE! – in association with Tideway – by clicking here.If you have questions, criticisms, praise or other feedback, please do send your thoughts to us via lawanddisorderfeedback@gmail.com!Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Fred Goodwin led Royal Bank of Scotland to ruin and Britain to the brink of financial disaster. But who was the man they called Fred the Shred and how did he build RBS into (briefly) the world's largest bank? And how was he allowed to make such a complete horlicks of it? In our first live show at the Library of Mistakes in Edinburgh, Neil and Jonathan discuss these issues with Ian Fraser, author of Shredded, the seminal history of the fall of RBS. The show is made in partnership with The Library of Mistakes who are offering a 25% discount on their Practical History of Financial Markets course to listeners. Just follow this link and enter ALTIF25 into the box marked promo.Presented by Jonathan Ford and Neil Collins.With Ian Fraser. In partnership with the Library of Mistakes.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week the focus is on the Liberal Democrats after the party held their annual conference in Bournemouth.Which despite still giving off a celebratory mood at becoming the third-largest party in the Commons last year, was beset by questions over whether Ed Davey's stunt-based leadership style is wearing a little thin.And a discussion whether they are punching below their weight in the political discourse 12 months on from their biggest electoral success, as Reform and Nigel Farage continue to pull Westminster and the media's focus.The episode starts with some despatches from the south coast, recorded by PolHome reporter Zoe Crowther at the event, who spoke to a number of the party's MPs about the big themes of conference, and where the Lib Dems are positioning themselves in our fractured political system.She spoke to Jess Brown-Fuller, former leader Tim Farron, and James MacCleary, before joining host Alain Tolhurst alongside another Lib Dem MP, Alison Bennett, her party's spokesman on care and carers, as well as Sophie Church, reporter on our sister title The House magazine.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
Parkinsonism is the term used to refer to a group of conditions – like multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and Lewy Body Dementia – which resemble Parkinson's in some of their symptoms. To discuss these sibling conditions, the Movers & Shakers are joined at the pub by guests from across the spectrum who share their stories – often very uplifting – about learning to live with the new realities brought on by their illnesses.Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Alastair Campbell has worn many hats: journalist, bagpiper, political operator, Burnley ultra, and, most recently, podcaster. This varied CV has brought him into frequent contact with power and infrequent contact with the law. In this episode, a wide-ranging season opener, he talks candidly with Charlie, Helena and Nick about his life in politics, his fears for the current state of play, and his optimism about how things can be turned around. The conversation covers everything from comparisons between Keir Starmer and Tony Blair and thoughts for combatting Reform, to whether he got on with Jonathan Sumption during the Hutton inquiry!Register for a ticket to Law & Disorder LIVE! – in association with Tideway – by clicking here.If you have questions, criticisms, praise or other feedback, please do send your thoughts to us via lawanddisorderfeedback@gmail.com!Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week the so-called ‘dark arts' of politics are being demystified, with a look inside the system known as whipping, where MPs are corralled by fair means or foul into voting with their party's leadership in Parliament.But in the modern era have things moved more from threats of punishment to pastoral care? And have the days of the 'little black book' filled with politicians misdeeds ready to be used against them, as made famous by Francis Urquhart, the fictional chief whip in the classic TV show House of Cards, been banished to a bygone era, or do whips still hold sway over their flock?Joining host Alain Tolhurst to discuss all that - and also the changes made by Keir Starmer to his whipping operation last week- are Seb Whale, journalist and author of a new book - The Usual Channels - which unpicks the mysterious world of political whips, as well as Lord Mark Harper, the Conservative peer and former Cabinet minister, who served as Chief Whip in the Commons under David Cameron's premiership.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
The Movers and Shakers are back in the pub after a relaxing summer. Oh, who are we kidding? It's been a frantic struggle to get the #ParkyCharter petition to 100k signatories but we – which is to say: you – did it! Now we're kicking off the new series with a look at Gillian's big news. She's had the brand new produodopa pump installed. But is it the blessing its champions suggest? Or do the downsides outweigh the positives? To discuss, we're joined by international expert Professor Camille Carroll, as well as hearing some testimony from other users.Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
QE or QT? The impact of these hangover expressions from another era is only now becoming apparent. Christopher Mahon of Columbia Threadneedle talks to Jonathan and Neil about how the Bank of England bought government stocks and sold them back at a loss. One example:paying £101 (QE) and later selling it for £28 (QT). The cost of this insane behaviour to the taxpayer? Probably over £115 billion (that's billion).Secure your tickets to our live event in Edinburgh – on the life and times of Fred 'the Shred' Goodwin – by clicking here. Presented by Neil Collins and Jonathan Ford.With Christopher Mahon.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week is a look under the bonnet of British politics, and shining a light into the dark corners of how Westminster's finances operates, and seeing if the endless pledges to close loopholes and tighten regulations after every scandal have actually led to a crackdown on illegal lobbying and undue influence on democracy.Or whether the UK remains vulnerable to illicit wealth, cronyism and financial corruption, despite Keir Starmer's pledge to clean up politics if he got into power last year.Joining host Alain Tolhurst to discuss all that are Lloyd Hatton, the Labour MP for South Dorset, as well as Sue Hawley, executive director at Spotlight on Corruption, Daniel Bruce, Transparency International UK's chief executive, and the investigative journalist Peter Geoghegan, author of the Democracy for Sale website.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
As MPs returned to Westminster after the summer recess, this week we're looking ahead to a crucial autumn for this government, packed full of potential pitfalls as they hope year two in office is an upgrade from a tricky first 12 months.But after a clunky internal Downing Street reset and distracting revelations about Angela Rayner's tax affairs, things have not got off to the best start, with a high-risk Donald Trump visit, party conference season, the ongoing smalls boats crisis and Rachel Reeve' sophomore Budget to deliver, things don't get any easier for Keir Starmer and his team in the coming weeks.Joining host Alain Tolhurst to discuss how Labour navigates its way through all of this are two of the party's MPs; Antonia Bance, the member for Tipton and Wednesbury, and Jess Asato, the MP for Lowestoft.Alongside them are Chris Hopkins, Political Research Director at the pollsters Savanta, along with Adam Payne, editor of PoliticsHome.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
The government wants to build new towns on disused railway land to tackle the UK's housing crisis. A cracking idea, but will it be able to? Not just the planners but Natural England lie in wait. Neil and Jonathan are joined by Michael Dnes to investigate the murky tale of a new town on disused railway land in Kent that was eaten by a colony of jumping spiders. Presented by Jonathan Ford and Neil Collins.With Michael Dnes.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our final profile of this summer series has a very particular set of skills... Jagdeep Aujla is a London-born karate champion and martial arts enthusiast who, since his Parkinson's diagnosis, has established the Dopamine Warriors Boxing Club. Jagdeep joins the Movers & Shakers in the pub and shows all the resilience you'd expect from the Bruce Lee of PD – but also some cheering optimism about embracing the challenges of the condition and fighting through.Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The latest in a series over Parliament's summer recess, looking at how Labour have performed in their first year in office, this episode features Chris Skidmore, the former Conservative MP, who as Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, signed the UK's Net Zero pledge into law in 2019.Later asked to chair a review of the government's net-zero strategy, he resigned from the Commons in January last year over the introduction of the government's Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, calling it "the greatest mistake" of Rishi Sunak's premiership, and he now chairs the Climate Action Coalition launched by former US Secretary of State John Kerry.He spoke to host Alain Tolhurst about how Labour have got on with the country's climate commitments and its progress on Net Zero, what he makes of GB Energy, whatever happened to the party's promise of £28 billion of green Investment, and where the Tory party finds itself on all of these issues.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
Birthright citizenship is an important Constitutional right in the United States, but one that is increasingly challenged under the second Trump presidency. In this episode, we re-convene with David D. Cole, a top constitutional lawyer and former Legal Director of the ACLU, to discuss the case of Trump v CASA, a Supreme Court case which addressed whether lower courts could issue 'universal injunctions' to block nationwide enforcement of policies, and more generally how the Supreme Court is managing the tricky relationship with the man in the Oval Office.If you have questions, criticisms, praise or other feedback, please do send your thoughts to us via lawanddisorderfeedback@gmail.com!Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the second episode of a series over Parliament's summer recess looking at how Labour have performed in their first year in office, this week's guest on The Rundown is Sarah Owen, Labour MP for Luton North and the chair of the Commons select committee on women and equalities.Speaking to host Alain Tolhurst, she discusses how this government is doing on its manifesto commitments to tackle racial injustice and gender inequality, improve the lives of the disabled and to protect trans people and other marginalised communities, as well as the role of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
Our profile this week is of a Parky on a mission: Alison Anderson who is, as you listen to this episode, cycling across America to raise money for Cure Parkinson's. This isn't Alison's first marathon bike ride, she's previously zoomed across Southeast Asia, raising money and awareness. An inspiration for both her athletic endeavour and fundraising prowess, Alison is living, cycling proof that Parkinson's doesn't have to stop you in your tracks!You can still sponsor Alison's bike ride across America – go here to send your support!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Few social issues have proven quite as controversial or emotional as the fraught subject of gender dysphoria treatment for minors. In both the UK and US, the question has vexed doctors, lawyers and politicians. The balance between the medical and psychological wellbeing of trans youngsters presents unique challenges for physicians and legislators, and it feels like we are yet to alight upon a compassionate solution. To discuss, the Law & Disorder team are joined by two great experts from either side of the pond. David D. Cole is a top US constitutional lawyer and former National Legal Director of the ACLU, who has brought challenges to the absolutist position of American state legislators; Hilary Cass is a retired paediatrician and author of the Cass Review into gender care in England, who now sits alongside Charlie and Helena in the House of Lords. In this discussion, they probe the position of both courts and the medical services, in the hope that clarity might be found in such a challenging issue.If you have questions, criticisms, praise or other feedback, please do send your thoughts to us via lawanddisorderfeedback@gmail.com!Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Parliament now into its summer recess, The Rundown is going to spend the next few weeks assessing how the Labour government is performing after a year in office in a number of key areas, with the help of some top experts and those with experience of having facing the same problems staring back at Keir Starmer and his Cabinet.Starting this week with the subject of social mobility, and that most key of all questions we ask of those in power; have you made our lives better? And have those barriers to success been removed?To discuss if Labour are on the right track so far, and her own party's record in this area, host Alain Tolhurst is joined by someone who has made social mobility the focal point of her political and business career, the former Conservative education secretary Justine Greening.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
This Wednesday, our titanic campaign to reach 100,000 signatures on the Parky Charter petition reached its climax. After a marathon effort involving Gillian commandeering EasyJet planes, the Judge haranguing cricket-goers at Lords, and an unexpected segue into TikTok virality, that target was reached. To celebrate, we gathered 80% of the Movers & Shakers at Gillian's to raise a glass of bubbly – and were delighted to be joined by some very special guests who had gone the extra mile to get signatures!Don't stop signing Parky Charter petition! You can do so by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald Trump is desecrating the United States' fundamental belief in due process – or, at least, he's trying to. Standing in his way are a number of obstacles, including the constitution, the courts, and his former comms director, Anthony Scaramucci, who has become a vociferous critic of his old boss. After just 11 days in the role – a unit of time now known as "a Scaracmucci" – Anthony was sacked and liberated to pursuit a vibrant media career that has seen him become an internationally recognised truth-teller. He joins the podcast this week to reflect on Trump's second term, America's historical relationship with the rule of law, and whether democracy is imperilled by forces within the White House.If you have questions, criticisms, praise or other feedback, please do send your thoughts to us via lawanddisorderfeedback@gmail.com!Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week marks nine years since Theresa May entered Downing Street, after David Cameron's resignation the morning after the EU referendum, but while Brexit was the reason she became Prime Minister, ultimately it was the thing that ended her premiership too, after she was unable to get a deal through Parliament.Consequently most look back on her tenure as a failure, but looking back now while her three years in Number 10 were undoubtedly some of the most chaotic in recent memory, they might also be some of the most consequential, with events and legislation taking place that still impact our politics now, despite the vast stream of history that has thundered through in the years since she left office.So joining host Alain Tolhurst to take another look at what Theresa May's time as PM achieved, and what the current Downing Street incumbent Keir Starmer can learn about dealing with a difficult inheritance and global headwinds while also trying to get your own agenda implemented, I'm delighted to be joined by Baroness JoJo Penn, who was her deputy chief of staff.Alongside her is Seema Kennedy, the former Tory MP who was May's Parliamentary Private Secretary, and is now executive director of Fair Civil Justice, and also the journalist and author Isabel Hardman, assistant editor of The Spectator, and also appearing in the episode is Paul Harrison, who Theresa May's press secretary.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
Why is cannabis illegal in the UK? This is a vexed question that dates back to colonial times but continues to be a hot button issue in the present day. Indeed, Charlie Falconer recently chaired a report for the London Drugs Commission on this very topic, recommending that cannabis possession be decriminalised but dealing remain outlawed. Is this an elegant solution or a mealy-mouthed fudge? To debate the issue, Charlie is joined by his regular companions – Nicholas Mostyn and Helena Kennedy – as well as Professor Mike Barnes, a renowned neurologist with a particular interest in medical cannabis, and Peter Reynolds, president of the cannabis campaign group CLEAR UK.If you have questions, criticisms, praise or other feedback, please do send your thoughts to us via lawanddisorderfeedback@gmail.com!Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With this week's state visit to Britain by Emmanuel Macron, we're looking at the state of UK-Franco relations, and how important a new ‘entente cordiale' is to Keir Starmer as he deals with political problems both home and abroad.Joining host Alain Tolhurst to discuss why the French president is open to a rapprochement after a pretty frosty few years post-Brexit, what both sides have been able to agree on, and what still divides them, are Sir Peter Westmacott, a former UK ambassador to France, as well as Ben Lake, Plaid Cymru MP and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on France.Alongside them are Francois-Joseph Schichan, director at Flint Global and former career diplomat in the French diplomatic service, Adam Plowright, ex-deputy editor-in-chief for Europe at Agence France Presse and a biographer of Emmanuel Macron, and Matilda Martin, reporter at PoliticsHome.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
In a long and varied career, John Caulcutt has worn many hats: rock musician, stockbroker, marketing man, bobsled champion, fundraising extraordinaire, and, since 2019, parky. He joins us for this, the latest in our summer interview series, to discuss a life well-lived and how he ended up a prolific philanthropist who believes that a breakthrough for PD could be just around the corner...Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is sports a law unto itself? That's the question posed this week, as the Law & Disorder crew are joined by Nick De Marco KC, perhaps the UK's top sports lawyer. Nick has worked on cases ranging from corrupt cricketers to fiscally feckless football clubs, and offers here a tour d'horizon of the landscape in sports and the law. Should betting companies offer markets on yellow cards? Did Jannick Sinner get off lightly with his doping ban? Will a judgment ever be delivered on Manchester City's PSR violations? Nick, along with Nicholas Mostyn, Helena Kennedy and Charlie Falconer, knock all these issues for six on an end-to-end episode of Law & Disorder.If you have questions, criticisms, praise or other feedback, please do send your thoughts to us via lawanddisorderfeedback@gmail.com!Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This weekend marks 12 months since last year's General Election, when Labour were swept to power with an enormous landslide victory ending 14 long years in opposition, but it seems unlikely they will be hanging the bunting outside Number 10 after a very tough first year in office for Keir Starmer.To discuss just how bad things have got, and how Labour might solve their problems, PoliticsHome have again partnered with the pollsters Thinks Insight & Strategy, who have taken the nation's temperature this week, and with host Alain Tolhurst to discuss the results of their voter survey is their CEO Ben Shimshon, along with two Labour MPs elected for the first time last summer, Rachel Blake, the member for Cities of London and Westminster, and Julia Buckley, the MP for Shrewsbury.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
America – and the global Left – has a new political hero: a 33-year-old Ugandan-born New Yorker called Zohran Mamdani. How did a former rapper become one of the most prominent voices in progressive politics in just a few short weeks? Emily Tamkin, in DC, is joined by Rohan Venkat to discuss Mamdani's rise, whether it offers a playbook for anti-Trump politics, or whether this is just another example of America's largest metropolis being out of sync with the country as a whole.Here are the Cycle Recommendations from this episode:Zohran Mamdani's victory proves it: The ‘gotcha' mode of fighting antisemitism has to goMamdani's defeat of Cuomo offers Democrats a path out of the wildernessRoti, roses, and ‘Mr Cardamom': How Zohran Mamdani won a seat in NY's state legislatureSubscribe below to our contributors' Substacks:ET Write Home by Emily TamkinIndia Inside Out by Rohan VenkatThe Political Tricycle is a Podot podcast.It's presented by Emily Tamkin and Rohan Venkat.Executive Producer: Nick Hilton.Producer: Ewan CameronFor sales and advertising, email nick@podotpods.comTo watch a video version of the show, go to COOLER.NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we're taking a look at what life is like not for politicians themselves, but for their spouses, asking what does a life in the Westminster spotlight do to relationships, what their role is, and the often unfair way they are portrayed in the public eye.Someone who knows more about this than most is the journalist Sarah Vine, who for many years was married to Michael Gove as he served in the Cabinets of multiple Prime Ministers, giving her a front row seat to the many machinations of the modern Tory party.She has written a new book called ‘How Not to be a Political Wife', charting her difficult upbringing to entering the so-called Notting Hill set as David Cameron become Conservative leader, through to her falling out with his wife Samantha, as the couples fell on either side of the Brexit divide, and her surprisingly amicable divorce.Host Alain Tolhurst and producer Nick went to visit Sarah at her home in West London this week to chat at her kitchen table about unrealistic expectations, what she'd learned from her 20 years as a Westminster wag, what advice she'd give to any soon-to-be political spouse about how to get through it with marriage intact, and what her own political ambitions are now her ex-husband is out of the Commons.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
This summer we'll be interviewing a handful of interesting people who are living with Parkinson's. First up: the novelist Linda Grant. Linda started life as a journalist before becoming acclaimed fiction writer who won the Women's Prize in 2000 for her novel When I Lived in Modern Times, and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2008 for The Clothes on Their Backs. Here, she talks for the first time about her Parkinson's diagnosis, how it has impacted her writing, and how she plans to become (maybe) the first writer to bring to life a protagonist living with PD.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Media freedom around the world has never been more embattled. A rise in violence perpetrated against journalists and media proprietors has been accompanied by a significant surge in the use of 'lawfare', frivolous but destructive lawsuits designed to silence and intimidate. To discuss this crisis, the Law & Disorder team are joined by Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, a leading lawyer representing accused or imprisoned journalists or bereaved families, and Sebastien Lai, the son of Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong businessman and media entrepreneur who has been imprisoned by authorities. Caoifhionn and Sebastien discuss their own struggle to free Jimmy Lai from where he is being held in solitary confinement, a case which illuminates the current assault on the rights and safety of those who hold the powerful to account.If you have questions, criticisms, praise or other feedback, please do send your thoughts to us via lawanddisorderfeedback@gmail.com!Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week host Alain Tolhurst is joined by Zack Polanski, Green Party deputy leader, as the podcast takes a look at the forgotten winners of last year's general election, as despite unprecedented success in winning 1.8 million votes and quadrupling their number of MPs to 4, the Greens finds themselves at something of a crossroads.They are joined by Sophie Stowers, research manager at the think tank More in Common, and Sophie Church, reporter at our sister title The House magazine, about how the party builds on that success, what can it do to remain part of the national conversation, champion its progressive causes under the banner of eco populism, and Polanski's bid to become their new leader.To sign up for our newsletters click hereRead Sophie's piece about the Green Party click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated once more this week, with Israel and Iran launching strikes against one another. Resolution remains unclear and the USA appears hesitant to act as peacemaker. India, given its close diplomatic relationships with both Iran and Israel, has often been seen as a mediator. But where does it stand, given how unrest in Iran could have huge economic and trade implications at home? Rohan Venkat discusses with Nicolas Blarel, Associate Professor of International Relations at the Institute of Political Science.Here are the Cycle Recommendations from this episode:India Outside In #4a: What does Modi's 'unprecedented' outreach to the Gulf and Israel mean for India? India Outside In #4b: Why India-US ties are central to Delhi's expanding West Asia presenceThe Nehru Years; An International History of Indian Non-Alignment by Swapna Kona Nayudu India's world special issueazad essa's book hostile homelandsRhys MacholdSubscribe below to our contributors' Substacks:ET Write Home by Emily TamkinIndia Inside Out by Rohan VenkatThe Political Tricycle is a Podot podcast.It's presented by Emily Tamkin and Rohan Venkat.Executive Producer: Nick Hilton.Producer: Ewan CameronFor sales and advertising, email nick@podotpods.comTo watch a video version of the show, go to COOLER.NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Earlier this month, the Movers and Shakers descended on Brighton in order to drum up enthusiasm for our petition. We're looking for 100,000 signatures in order to guarantee that our Parky Charter – a list of demands/requests that would improve Parkinson's care – gets a debate in Parliament. On this special episode (during our summer break) we report back from the (very rainy) seaside, and catch-up in the Notting Hill pub to look at how the petition is progressing and launch a very special competition which could bring the show to where you – yes, you – live.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.The Movers & Shakers are: Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With climate change an ever increasing priority for people and governments around the globe, it is necessarily becoming a major part of our legal system. How do treaties like the Paris Agreement bind countries to climate goals? Can people – old and young – use the law to hold the state to account over climate action? And, in a world where climate change denial is increasingly mainstream from politicians, can the law offer a check to the spread of that rhetoric? To discuss all this, Nicholas, Helena and Charlie are joined by Lord Carnwath, to discuss everything from Donald Trump's denialism to Tony Blair's interventions.If you have questions, criticisms, praise or other feedback, please do send your thoughts to us via lawanddisorderfeedback@gmail.com!Law and Disorder is a Podot podcast.Hosted by: Charlie Falconer, Helena Kennedy, Nicholas Mostyn.Executive Producer and Editor: Nick Hilton.Associate Producer: Ewan Cameron.Music by Richard Strauss, arranged and performed by Anthony Willis & Brett Bailey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Neil and Jonathan talk to Duncan Weldon about his new book Blood and Treasure about the interplay between war, society and economics from the violent larceny of the Vikings to the GDP-chomping total wars of the 20th century.Presented by Jonathan Ford and Neil Collins.With Duncan Weldon.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
While this week Rachel Reeves set out her plans on how and where Labour is set to spend money for much of the rest of this Parliament, the question now is do they have a plan for how they're going to deliver on their priorities, and succeed in completing Keir Starmer's missions for government?Joining host Alain Tolhurst to discuss the vexed issue of actually delivering in office what you came in to do is Michelle Clement, lecturer in government studies at the Strand Group at King's College London, who has just published a new book ‘The Art of Delivery: The Inside Story of How the Blair Government Transformed Britain's Public Services' which goes inside the work of Michael Barber, who was put in charge of Tony Blair's delivery unit in 2001.Alongside them are Charlotte Pickles, director of the Re:State think tank and a former special adviser to Iain Duncan Smith, Alexander Iosad, director of Government Innovation at Tony Blair Institute, and John McTernan, former Political Secretary to Tony Blair and a government special adviser.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
It has become common in India for political candidates to promise regular cash handouts to women who fall under a certain income threshold. Of course, they have to win their elections first. The cash handouts schemes have been the subject of increasing debate. Many are asking whether this is bribery, whether it is enough to live on, whether the government can afford it and whether it actually does anything to raise the political voice of women. Rohan Venkat and Emily Tamkin discuss with Raksha Kumar, reporting fellow at Global Press Journal.Raksha's Substack.Raksha's website.Raksha's Global Press Journal series.Here are the Cycle Recommendations from this episode:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/04/indian-students-shock-trump-international-study-visaYou're a bunch of cowards! – Hamilton Nolanhttps://adamtooze.substack.com/p/chartbook-390-beyond-la-logics-ofFrom the Reuters Institute on misinformationSubscribe below to our contributors' Substacks:ET Write Home by Emily TamkinIndia Inside Out by Rohan VenkatThe Political Tricycle is a Podot podcast.It's presented by Emily Tamkin and Rohan Venkat.Executive Producer: Nick Hilton.Producer: Ewan CameronFor sales and advertising, email nick@podotpods.comTo watch a video version of the show, go to COOLER.NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Rachel Reeves still finalising her comprehensive spending review next Wednesday, this week we're looking at how the process works, going inside the battles between the Treasury and Whitehall departments on spending plans for the coming years, with John Glen, conservative MP and a former Treasury minister, Sonia Khan, a special adviser to Philip Hammond during his time as Chancellor, join host Alain Tolhurst alongside Bee Boileau, research economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, and Tom Pope, deputy chief economist at the Institute for Government.They reflect on how useful spending reviews are for creating economic policy, take a look back at previous reviews and see what can be learned ahead of the Chancellor's big speech, and what it will say about this government's priorities over the course of the Parliament, while later in the episode Brandon Lewis, who was a minister in multiple departments under four different prime ministers, describes his experience of the spending review process.To sign up for our newsletters click herePresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot
Karol Nawrocki has won the race to be the next President of Poland. It follows a tense campaign, where the far-right Nawrocki was often labelled (by both critics and supporters) ‘the Polish Trump'. So who is the relative newcomer, how big was the margin, and what does this mean for Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland with a steadfast commitment to a united Europe?Rohan Venkat and Emily Tamkin are joined by Anna Gielewska, co-founder and editor-in-chief of VSquare and co-founder of Polish investigative outlet FRONTSTORY.PLSubscribe to Goulash, the VSquare newsletter.Here are the Cycle Recommendations from this episode:Support from Trump lifts candidate in Poland's knife edge Presidential race – WSJPolish compatriots and the Kremlin's network of support – VSquareWhen lawless cruelty becomes state policy – India's casting of Rohingya into the seaSubscribe below to our contributors' Substacks:ET Write Home by Emily TamkinIndia Inside Out by Rohan VenkatDividing Lines by Tom HamiltonThe Political Tricycle is a Podot podcast.It's presented by Emily Tamkin, Tom Hamilton and Rohan Venkat.Executive Producer: Nick Hilton.Producer: Ewan CameronFor sales and advertising, email nick@podotpods.comTo watch a video version of the show, go to COOLER.NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's now been more than a 100 days for Trump's administration. The self proclaimed master of dealmaking has made international waves, with tariffs that have shaken (and confused) the world. But what do his deals look like now? And are politicians around the world starting to cotton on to how you keep him at bay? Is it just a case of giving him a large jet, as Qatar have done this week? The question for America is how can domestic opponents to Trump learn from his dealmaking abroad? Emily Tamkin and Rohan Venkat discuss.Here are the Cycle Recommendations from this episode:Half of American Jewish voters believe Trump is antisemitic – ForwardWhat does Trump want in the Middle East? – The Ghost of Abu AardvarkTrump did Riyadh. What did we just see? – The Ghost of Abu AardvarkSubscribe below to our contributors' Substacks:ET Write Home by Emily TamkinIndia Inside Out by Rohan VenkatDividing Lines by Tom HamiltonThe Political Tricycle is a Podot podcast.It's presented by Emily Tamkin, Tom Hamilton and Rohan Venkat.Executive Producer: Nick Hilton.Producer: Ewan CameronFor sales and advertising, email nick@podotpods.comTo watch a video version of the show, go to COOLER.NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As a special extra, to round out this fifth season of Movers and Shakers, the show is coming to you live from Henley! Away from the pub (and with a live audience) the gang talk about their Parkinson's progress and are joined by a couple of special guests, representing the local area and giving you a glimpse inside Paul's brain...Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, India launched retaliatory attacks on Pakistani territory following last month's terror attacks that left 26 people dead in the tourist town of Pahalgam in Kashmir. That was the worst attack on civilians, on Indian soil, in 15 years, and it has reignited simmering tensions between the two nations, which focus on the disputed region of Kashmir. Operation Sindoor – as India has dubbed it – has been deemed a commitment to holding those responsible for the attack accountable, but the Pakistani authorities have denied all responsibility and promise their own reprisals. How dangerous is the situation between these two nuclear powers? How much of this escalation is being propelled by domestic political considerations? And will the international community – most importantly Trump's America – intervene? Emily Tamkin talks to Rohan Venkat about this delicate situation.Here are the Cycle Recommendations from this episode:Bug-eyed and Shameless by Justin LingTrump's first 100 days in 10 chartshttps://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pahalgam-terror-attack-jammu-and-kashmir-9963428/Subscribe below to our contributors' Substacks:ET Write Home by Emily Tamkin (via Emily's Substack you can also listen to an ad-free version of the show)India Inside Out by Rohan VenkatDividing Lines by Tom HamiltonThe Political Tricycle is a Podot podcast.It's presented by Emily Tamkin, Tom Hamilton and Rohan Venkat.Executive Producer: Nick Hilton.Producer: Ewan CameronFor sales and advertising, email nick@podotpods.comTo watch a video version of the show, go to COOLER.NEWS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week saw the first substantial debate in the UK Parliament on the subject of Parkinson's – and it was initiated by an enterprising Scottish MP, Graeme Downie, off the back of the Movers and Shakers' Parky Charter. So, for this emergency episode, Gillian and Mark report live from Parliament, introducing some highlights from the debate, and speaking to Graeme and his office manager, the inimitable Vonnie, about how politics can be used to help Britain's Parkies.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this, the last episode in our current series, the Movers & Shakers have gathered at the Notting Hill pub with (most of) their spouses, to talk about how to navigate a relationship after the diagnosis. With the able assistance of a relationship expert, Gillian and Mike, Mark and Jo, Paul and Julie, Nick and Liz, and Rory – riding solo – talk through the ups and downs of coupledom in the wake of the Parkinson's reveal. Honest, revealing and often very funny, this is a guide on how to (or, perhaps, how not to) stick it out. Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Travelling with Parkinson's shouldn't be a nightmare – but often it is. From long lines at the airport to the constant battle for a seat on the Tube, how can people with Parkinson's navigate the frenetic world of travel? On this episode, the Movers and Shakers gather at the pub to consider their experiences – good and bad – and whether there's the chance to reinvent the way that companies and the public think about disabled people travelling. We also speak to a top travel expert, and a former Home Secretary, about the changes needed to make the world of travel a more accommodating place.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this very special episode of Movers and Shakers, the gang head out of the Notting Hill pub to take, once again, to Downing Street. But handing over the latest petition is only the start of an action packed day – from there, it's on to the Houses of Parliament to convene with hundreds of Parkies for The Big Sing! This episode is a little journey through the day, as we speak to people who made the trip down to London about their experiences and hopes for the future. Plus, Mark Mardell is up in Huddersfield, as the WPD celebrations spread across the country.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Each time we, the Movers and Shakers, convene at the pub for a recording session, we follow it up with an anarchic planning session, where we analyse the episodes that been recently broadcast and debate what should be featured on future instalments. This week, we're leaving the microphones running during this meeting to give you the inside scoop on how the podcast is made, and a little preview of the exciting editions that might be headed your way soon.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!And for more information about our plans for April 11th, World Parkinson's Day, please visit our website.Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs.Artwork by Till Lukat.PR by Sally Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
There's no doubting the ability of music to uplift the soul – but could it also help to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's? That's what the Movers and Shakers are discussing today in the Notting Hill pub, as they're joined by musical experts, including a man who whistled for Monty Python's The Life of Brian and a Welsh samba band (who have brought their drums all the way to W11). Whether it's a conduit for new creativity, a means of raising awareness or a cuing mechanism to arrest the disease's progression, there's something undeniably special about music. So pause Classic FM (or BBC Radio 6, we don't discriminate) and tune in. Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs.Artwork by Till Lukat.PR by Sally Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's said that the most consistent symptom of Parkinson's isn't the tremor, but constipation. Could this rather inconvenient truth reveal a relationship between our gut microbiome and development of the disease? To help with this deep-dive into the gut, the Movers & Shakers are joined by a gastroenterologist, a professor of microbiome, and the creator of a probiotic for gut health. Tune in, and get to the heart of how a Mediterranean diet could help with PD (though sadly it doesn't consist of profiteroles, moussaka or a big bowl of paella).Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs.Artwork by Till Lukat.PR by Sally Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.