Podcasts about soho radio studios

Back in March 2024 friend of the podcast Catriona Riddell gave a lecture at UCL's Bartlett School of Planning that she called ‘Strategic Planning in England - Where did we go so wrong?'. Sam Stafford couldn't be there that night, but Catriona shared her slides on LinkedIn and they read to Sam almost like a ‘Brief History of Planning 2010-2024', which he thought a good subject for an episode. As well as Catriona, who was Director of Planning at the South East England Regional Assembly when the Coalition Government came to power in 2010, Sam approached another friend of podcast, Steve Quartermain, Chief Planner between 2008 and 2020, who was also keen to be involved. Sam felt though that a political perspective on things was also needed so he approached Greg Clark. Greg was appointed Director of Policy for the Conservative Party in 2001 before being elected as MP for Royal Tunbridge Wells in 2005. He has held a number of senior Government roles, including, and of most relevance to planners, Minister for Decentralisation and Cities within the Department for Communities and Local Government between May 2010 and September 2012 and Secretary of State for CLG between May 2015 and July 2016. Greg was also briefly Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities between July 2022 and September 2022. Greg, pleasingly, was also keen to be involved, and the four of them finally got together at Soho Radio Studios in early October 2024. There were many, many topics of possible conversation in Sam's notes for the recording. They did not actually get to the latter part of the 2010-2024 period, so they did not get to, for example, the Standard Method, the 2020 White Paper, and the Theresa Villiers / LURB amendments brouhaha, but that was because they ended up dwelling on arguably the big three topics of that 2010-2024 period, which are the revocation of the Regional Strategies, Localism and the NPPF. They did also touch, right at the end of the conversation, on permitted development rights. Standby for insights into what Eric Pickles had DCLG staff do on his first day at the Department, the amount of thought that was given to what would replace the RSSs (spoiler alert, not much…) and how the NPPF came into being… Some accompanying reading. Has the localism genie been put back in the bottle? https://samuelstafford.blogspot.com/2024/09/has-localism-genie-been-put-back-in.html Some accompanying viewing. Catriona's Bartlett School of Planning lecture - Strategic planning in England: where did we go so wrong? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D2xXMwVNrk Jerry's Final Thought https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7h0mIy6Jho Some accompanying listening. The Wheel – Bill Callahan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPjxq2-j6xY 50 Shades T-Shirts! If you have listened to Episode 45 of the 50 Shades of Planning you will have heard Clive Betts say that... 'In the Netherlands planning is seen as part of the solution. In the UK, too often, planning is seen as part of the problem'. Sam said in reply that that would look good on a t-shirt and it does. Further details can be found here: http://samuelstafford.blogspot.com/2021/07/50-shades-of-planning-t-shirts.html Any other business. Sam is on Bluesky (@samuelstafford.bsky.social) and Instagram (@samuel__stafford). His blog contains a link to his newsletter.

If you have listened to episodes 125 and 128 you will know Sam Stafford sought to cover, pre-publication, what could and should be in the new version of NPPF. With the consultation deadline now starting to loom large, this episode seeks to cover what is actually in it. Sam was in London earlier this week and caught up with friends of the podcast Andrew Taylor, Hashi Mohamed, Vicky Payne and Simon Ricketts at Soho Radio Studios. They will need no introduction to regular listeners, but for new listeners, Andrew is Group Planning Director at Vistry, Hashi is a Barrister at Landmark Chambers; Vicky is an Associate at Jas Bhalla Works and an Independent Consultant; and Simon is a Partner at Town Legal. As you will hear over the next 45 minutes or so they crammed in as much as possible. They talked about the proposed new stock-based standard method and transitional arrangements for local plans, they talked about Grey Belt, 50% affordable housing and benchmark land values; and they touched on beauty, design codes, vision-led transport planning, the flood risk sequential test, neighbourhood plans, safeguarded land, and application fees. Some accompanying reading. Lichfields' NPPF resource https://lichfields.uk/proposed-reforms-to-the-nppf-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system?email Simon's blog https://simonicity.com/2024/08/02/50-shades-of-grey-belt/ Zack Simons' blog https://www.planoraks.com/posts-1/planningreformday-2024-what-just-happened Vicky on Design https://www.theplanner.co.uk/2024/08/01/more-substance-style-new-nppfs-design-outlook Philip Barnes on BLV https://philipbarnesblog.wordpress.com/2024/08/28/green-belt-vs-grey-belt-vs-benchmark-land-values-vs-50-affordable-housing/ Create Streets - Stepping off the Road to Nowhere https://www.createstreets.com/projects/stepping-off-the-road-to-nowhere/ Some accompanying listening. The Masterplan - Oasis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPPi2D6GK7A Some accompanying viewing. Alam Partridge's big plate https://youtu.be/swJFOE49LRQ?si=bmR85Y7USmizHBef 50 Shades T-Shirts! If you have listened to Episode 45 of the 50 Shades of Planning you will have heard Clive Betts say that... 'In the Netherlands planning is seen as part of the solution. In the UK, too often, planning is seen as part of the problem'. Sam said in reply that that would look good on a t-shirt and it does. Further details can be found here: http://samuelstafford.blogspot.com/2021/07/50-shades-of-planning-t-shirts.html Any other business. Sam is on Bluesky (@samuelstafford.bsky.social) and Instagram (@samuel__stafford). He shares bits and pieces of planning-related interest on Instagram (@50shadesofplanning) and LinkedIn so please follow those accounts as well.

In February 2024 Planning published a special report by Joey Gardiner entitled ‘how cost-saving consultants disrupted council planning services'.  Cash-strapped councils have been following management consultants' advice to split up their planning teams. Staff have been put into central departments to handle additional non-planning tasks. But the upshot, say critics, has been declining performance and a staff exodus. Joey's piece highlighted the tumult at Tandridge, which in 2020 was formally threatened with designation over the quality of its decision-making. A subsequent PAS review of the council's development management service, which was published in 2021, laid the blame squarely on a team structure “developed during the corporate restructure” that it said was “not fit for purpose”.  That local government has borne the brunt of the age of austerity is well known. According to the IFS, during the 2010s, councils' overall core funding per person fell by an average of 26% in real terms, with higher council tax revenues only partially offsetting a 46% reduction in funding from central government.  Those in the sector know that planning and development has borne the brunt of that. Again according to the IFS, spending per person on planning and development fell by 58% between 2010/11 and 2019/20, which was second only to cuts to services for young people and Sure Start. Perhaps less well known, and what Joey's article has helped to shine a light on, is the impact on planning services of the kind of whole-authority service transformations that some authorities have undertaken to in order to deal with these financial pressures. To explore this issue further Sam Stafford invited four of the people quoted in Joey's article to expand upon their experiences with him. They are old friends of the podcast Mike Kiely, Gilian MacInnes and Paul Barnard, and new friend of the podcast Peter Ford. In a conversation recorded at Soho Radio Studios at the end of April 2024 they talked about the pressures that LPAs have been and are under; why the nature of planning services do not lend it to whole-authority service transformations; and the impact of such upheavals. They also talked about whether there are too planning teams and whether Chief Planning Officers could and should be at the top decision-making table. The episode starts though with a brief conversation that Sam recorded online with Joey Gardiner recently about his special report for Planning. Sam asked Joey how he went about putting the report together; what he found most striking in so doing; and what feedback he has had on it. Some accompanying reading. How cost-saving consultants disrupted council planning services (£) https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1860857/cost-saving-consultants-disrupted-council-planning-services Tandridge District Council - DM Review https://tandridge.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s4234/Appendix%20A%20-%20Development%20Management%20Review.pdf Guildford Borough Council - Development Management Establishment Review https://democracy.guildford.gov.uk/documents/s26379/Item%208%20-%20DM%20Budget%20Exec%20Report%20revised%20for%20Autumn%202022%20-%20FINAL-%20V4.pdf How have English councils' funding and spending changed? 2010 to 2024 https://ifs.org.uk/publications/how-have-english-councils-funding-and-spending-changed-2010-2024 Some accompanying listening. Episode 84 of Room 106 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep84-how-cost-saving-management-consultants-are-impacting/id1596110607?i=1000649057189 A Shared Sense Of Purpose - Warrington-Runcorn New Town Development Plan (Vince Clarke Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpeRnH2FLA4

Sam Stafford was in London recently and took the opportunity to catch up with friends of the podcast Catriona Riddell, Shelly Rouse and Nicola Gooch at Soho Radio Studios. One topic, the hot topic of the past few weeks, dominated the conversation. “Labour pledges housebuilding drive on Grey Belt with ‘golden rules' to boost public services, affordable homes and improve green spaces”, so announced a press release dated 19 April. Keir Starmer has today set out five ‘golden rules' for Grey Belt housebuilding, pledging to deliver affordable homes, boost infrastructure and public services like schools and GPs, and improve genuine green spaces. While reiterating that Labour will always take a 'brownfield first' approach to housing development, Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner are also pledging to release some land currently classed as Green Belt to build the homes Britain needs.” On a visit to a housing development today, the pair will outline Labour's plans to create a new class of 'Grey Belt' land to ensure grey and poor-quality parts of the Green Belt are prioritised, and that any development benefits local communities. Plenty in there then for the gang to get their teeth in to. They discussed the practical issues associated with creating a new class of designation and how that might rub up against, for example, mandatory BNG. They also talked about how Grey Belt might interact with a mechanism for cross- boundary strategic planning, which Matthew Pennycook has said that Labour will introduce to overcome housing delivery challenges around towns and cities with tightly drawn administrative boundaries. All of that, as you will hear, led them on to local plan reform and what the next version of the NPPF looks like, as well as a remarkable statistic from Shelly on how much a local plan costs to prepare. Some accompanying reading. Labour's planning proposals http://samuelstafford.blogspot.com/2024/04/labours-planning-proposals.html The 80-year planning war over a Surrey airfield (£) https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-80-year-planning-war-over-a-surrey-airfield-lvjb3svr7 Some accompanying viewing. What is Grey Belt land and why does Keir Starmer want to build on it? https://youtu.be/4OvsXqdpy4s?si=S6mfS_uL-R15v-3b Some accompanying listening. Darkness on the edge of town – Bruce Springsteen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8HXvt-v5v0 50 Shades T-Shirts! If you have listened to Episode 45 of the 50 Shades of Planning you will have heard Clive Betts say that... 'In the Netherlands planning is seen as part of the solution. In the UK, too often, planning is seen as part of the problem'. Sam said in reply that that would look good on a t-shirt and it does. Further details can be found here: http://samuelstafford.blogspot.com/2021/07/50-shades-of-planning-t-shirts.html

In Hitting the High Notes episodes Sam Stafford chats to preeminent figures in the planning and property sectors about the six planning permissions or projects that helped to shape them as professionals. And, so that Listeners can get to know people a little better personally, for every project or stage of their career Sam also asks his guests for a piece of music that reminds them of that period. Think of it as town planning's equivalent of Desert Island Discs. Unlike Desert Island Discs you will not hear any of that music during the episode because using commercially-licensed music without the copyright holders permission or a very expensive PRS licensing agreement could land Sam in hot water, so, when you have finished listening, you will have to make do with YouTube videos and a Spotify playlist, links to which you will find below. Sam's guest for this episode is Nick Kilby, founder and now Chief Executive Officer of Cratus Group, who kindly took the time to meet Sam at Soho Radio Studios in early April 2024. Nick trained as a Stage Manager and Lighting Designer at Mountview Theatre School and worked in the early 1980s as a stage manager at the Edinburgh Festival and the National Theatre. Having produced his own shows Nick then got into cinema management, including the first Imax at the Trocadero Centre. He then got into politics and in 2006 was elected on to the Royal Borough of Kingston Council, which led to being asked about campaigning and lobbying. After being involved with the Abbey Mills ‘Mega' Mosque at the end of the 2000s Nick then founded Cratus. As Nick takes Sam through his six projects they talk about the keys to successful engagement and the role of the councillor in that. They talk about how consultants are only as good as the client lets them be; about what it really means to build communities; and they talk about localism and a certain Mr Eric Pickles.  Some accompanying reading. All The Lonely People – Mike Gayle https://www.mikegayle.co.uk/my-books/all-lonely-people Want to build? Better hire a good lobbyist https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/want-to-build-better-hire-a-good-lobbyist-rc6gsg7qs (£) My Favourite Building: Sam Stafford – The Piece Hall https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/yorkshire/news/117312-prop-my-favourite-building-sam-stafford-the-piece-hall Some accompanying viewing. You See Me Laughin': The Last of the Hill Country Bluesmen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiW3oPv1vZc Some accompanying listening. McCartney: A Life in Lyrics https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/mccartney-a-life-in-lyrics Nick's Spotify playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0bwjKHMaDAsodUAddsBpyr?si=0gPfuF0QTzSdwastIl-w9w&pi=e-D-xwFvBMToSz&nd=1&dlsi=dfe4a97887be4cb4 There is Power in a Union - Billy Bragg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwbzxemJZIc We can Work it Out -The Beatles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-0if-ca6CE Elgar Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61: 11. Andante - Nigel Kennedy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLD0jOyTnwU A Father Now from 3 Guys Naked from the Waist Down - Original Off Broadway Cast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nlSUmGk0G9IMZQDCW2uVCm3eZlrr8yD6U Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuS5NuXRb5Y Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso by Ennio Morricone  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMZvAbk1kXQ 50 Shades T-Shirts! If you have listened to Episode 45 of the 50 Shades of Planning you will have heard Clive Betts say that... 'In the Netherlands planning is seen as part of the solution. In the UK, too often, planning is seen as part of the problem'. Sam said in reply that that would look good on a t-shirt and it does. Further details can be found here: http://samuelstafford.blogspot.com/2021/07/50-shades-of-planning-t-shirts.html

This episode is another in the Hitting The High Notes series. If you have not listened to one before the basic proposition is that Sam Stafford chats to preeminent figures in the planning and property sectors about the six planning permissions or projects that helped to shape them as professionals. And, so that Listeners can get to know people a little better personally, for every project or stage of their career Sam also asks his guests for a piece of music that reminds them of that period. Think of it as town planning's equivalent of Desert Island Discs. Unlike Desert Island Discs you will not hear any of that music during the episode because using commercially-licensed music without the copyright holders permission or a very expensive PRS licensing agreement could land Sam in hot water, so, when you have finished listening, you will have to make do with You Tube videos and a Spotify playlist, links to which you will find below. Sam's guest for this episode of Hitting The High Notes is self-proclaimed ubiquitous planning lawyer and 50 Shades stalwart Simon Ricketts, who was the number one-ranked planning solicitor in last years' Planning Magazine law survey.   Their conversation was recorded at Soho Radio Studios in London back in May last year and takes in Simon's full and fascinating career. They talk about what makes a good client, a good consultant and a good project team; about how scratching a creative itch can lend one towards thought leadership; and about how to maintain an indie ethos whilst climbing the corporate ladder. Some accompanying listening. Simon's Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1W2IbJrD7lsLEfQ8XLxUwQ?si=bd98cfd052fb4098 A New England - Kirsty MacColl https://youtu.be/Vnzpg5GgQCo?si=n-78J1RCuwRo9wmP Missing - Everything But The Girl https://youtu.be/U56Ns66Qrb8?si=Ulk_jTwlBGKb0E-H Beat Surrender - The Jam https://youtu.be/MHP0UxBuuGQ?si=1UBTSuFCFE1E9WSS Fight Test – The Flaming Lips https://youtu.be/fye1XtXQn9s?si=1SDPjiRSRmmoVvhx Boredom – Buzzcocks https://youtu.be/QoYiQ8Qsozk?si=8jp64JKmEroPa8KG I Feel the Earth Move - Carole King https://youtu.be/6913KnbMpHM?si=pqBQiX_HP2p0L8cC Episode 32: Legal Eagles https://pod.co/50-shades-of-planning/legal-eagles 50 Shades T-Shirts! If you have listened to Episode 45 of the 50 Shades of Planning you will have heard Clive Betts say that... 'In the Netherlands planning is seen as part of the solution. In the UK, too often, planning is seen as part of the problem'. Sam said in reply that that would look good on a t-shirt and it does. Further details can be found here: http://samuelstafford.blogspot.com/2021/07/50-shades-of-planning-t-shirts.html

Hopefully everybody involved in the fast-paced, ever-changing, rock and roll world of town and country has had a restful Christmas and have managed to combine at least a little rest with digesting the cavalcade of announcements on Planning Reform Day. This episode is the third of the festive 50 Shades triumvirate looking back at 2023. The first two did so by way of the 50 Shades Festive Christmas Quizzes. This third episode sees the return of Zack Simons' Planaraks Awards, which Zack has again kindly agreed to reveal exclusively on the 50 Shades of Planning podcast. In a conversation that Sam Stafford and Zack recorded at Soho Radio Studios on Planning Reform Day itself, just as the Secretary of State had given a speech entitled ‘Falling back in love with the future' and just before the NPPF emerged, they canter through some of the high points and low points of the year just gone (mostly low points) and Zack confers awards for, amongst other things, the Most Futile Reform of the Year, the Most Hopeless Reform of the Year and the Worst Policy of the Year. Positivity does not abound, but Sam and Zack do try to generate some. Along the way they touch on many of the things that regular readers of Zack's #Planaraks Blog would expect them to, from amending consents, nutrient neutrality, application fees, the LURA, Green Belt and strategic planning. Some accompanying reading. Oscar Easton is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support https://www.justgiving.com/page/oscar-easton-1702480570488

Well Planning Reform Day finally arrived, just in time for the profession to be able to digest a cavalcade of announcements over Christmas, but not in time for the second and third of the festive 50 Shades episodes. The podcast will be covering the new NPPF in due course, but put all of that hullabaloo to one side for now and let Sam Stafford and friends take a second look at another exciting year in the fast-paced, ever-changing, rock and world of town and country planning. This is the London edition of the 50 Shades of Planning Festive Christmas Quiz, which was recorded at Soho Radio Studios with regular podcast contributors Andrew Taylor, Hashi Mohamed, Catriona Riddell and Simon Ricketts. The gang did not get to talk about the NPPF, which was still only imminent, but did talk about many other topical things, including nutrient neutrality, application fees, and local plan intervention. As was the case last year, and with the recent Manchester edition of the quiz, Sam Stafford is grateful to Richard Garlick and the team at Planning who kindly provided Sam with a selection of their most interesting stories of the year, from which he constructed twelve multiple choice questions for the two teams. Andrew and Hashi were Santas Little Helpers. Catriona and Simon were the Happy Little Elves. As in Manchester, and spoiler alert, they ended up again by complete chance with a tiebreaker and also as in Manchester a very special guest makes an appearance… Some accompanying reading. Oscar Easton is fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support https://www.justgiving.com/page/oscar-easton-1702480570488 The Quiz Questions (£) Question 1 – January https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1810877/undergraduate-planning-course-ceases-recruit-new-students Question 2 – February https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1812011/supreme-court-rules-tates-abnormal-viewing-gallery-nuisance-overlooked-residents Question 3 – March https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1816631/hunt-promises-funds-unblock-housebuilding-stymied-nutrient-water-pollution-rules-does-not-say Question 4 – April https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1819512/housing-minister-overrules-inspector-refuse-165-home-aonb-scheme-generic-suburban-design Question 5 – May https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1822650/gove-warns-ten-councils-improve-speed-decision-making-planning-powers-removed Question 6 – June https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1824837/labour-intends-pass-law-allowing-councils-cpo-land-without-taking-account-hope-value Question 7 – July https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1830757/gove-blocks-central-london-m-s-store-redevelopment-against-inspectors-recommendation Question 8 – August https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1832975/governments-u-turn-ring-fencing-planning-fee-income-means-councils-developers Question 9 – September https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1837483/housing-minister-orders-surrey-council-not-withdraw-plan-examination Question 10 – October https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1844478/gove-tells-councils-pragmatic-viability-challenges-continue-plan-making-ahead-imminent-nppf-update Question 11 – November https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1848657/chancellor-announces-32-million-bust-planning-backlog Question 12 – December https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1850787/rowley-allows-2100-home-schemes-despite-inspector-citing-poor-design-recommending-refusal Some accompanying listening. Sam's Christmas Crackers - The Ultimate Festive Soundtrack https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Dn44yamtsjrzsYH4rzbld?si=2iPYSpPgSYmeKCl1Sq8Vog&pi=e-8RGf4hGyTmqe

Sam Stafford was in London this week and managed to catch up with some of the 50 Shades crew for a conversation about another turbulent few weeks in the fast-paced, ever-changing, rock and roll world of town and country planning.  Sam met Andrew Taylor, Gilian Macinnes, Simon Ricketts and Nicola Gooch at Soho Radio Studios for a wide-ranging, whistle-stop catch-up that took in application fees in the context of wider local authority funding challenges; a new local plan consultation in the context of the ongoing crisis in local plan-making; and NSIPs in the context of Labour's possible proposals for a new wave of new towns. The gang also touch on Green Belt, PD rights and BNG. Michael Gove's "Long-term plan for housing" also gets a cursory mention. Some accompanying reading. Long-term plan for housing: Secretary of State's speech https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/long-term-plan-for-housing-secretary-of-states-speech Plan-making reforms: consultation on implementation https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/plan-making-reforms-consultation-on-implementation Permitted development rights https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/permitted-development-rights Operational reforms to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) consenting process https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/operational-reforms-to-the-nationally-significant-infrastructure-project-consenting-process Six in ten people in England would keep the Green Belt as it is https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/six-in-ten-people-in-england-would-keep-green-belt-as-it-is Statement: Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds https://www.woking.gov.uk/news/statement-community-infrastructure-levy-cil-funds Technical consultation: Stronger performance of local planning authorities supported through an increase in planning fees: government response https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/increasing-planning-fees-and-performance-technical-consultation/outcome/technical-consultation-stronger-performance-of-local-planning-authorities-supported-through-an-increase-in-planning-fees-government-response New towns are building blocks of Labour's plan for UK growth https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/url-labour-party-new-towns-uk-house-building-plan-2023-d8gp3zkj2 The Golf Belt https://golfbelt.russellcurtis.co.uk/ Sussex Section 106 agreement marks key moment for developers in Biodiversity Net Gain provision https://www.c-l-m.co.uk/clm-news/sussex-section-106-agreement-marks-key-moment-for-developers-in-biodiversity-net-gain-provision/ The Government's Big Move On Nutrient Neutrality – Now We Have Seen The Government's LURB Amendment https://simonicity.com/2023/08/29/the-governments-big-move-on-nutrient-neutrality-now-we-have-seen-the-governments-lurb-amendment/ LURB Watch 2: The nutrient amendments have landed https://imbusiness.passle.net/post/102imu5/lurb-watch-2-the-nutrient-amendments-have-landed Summer madness: what have you missed? https://www.planoraks.com/posts-1/summer-madness-what-have-you-missed Some accompanying viewing. Three Blokes in a Bath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80sSbLzSuak Some accompanying listening. Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder https://youtu.be/I1_uU9eIZRo?si=W8d-tYxQUKcq8Zh_ 50 Shades T-Shirts! If you have listened to Episode 45 of the 50 Shades of Planning you will have heard Clive Betts say that... 'In the Netherlands planning is seen as part of the solution. In the UK, too often, planning is seen as part of the problem'. Sam said in reply that that would look good on a t-shirt and it does. Further details can be found here: http://samuelstafford.blogspot.com/2021/07/50-shades-of-planning-t-shirts.html

This episode is another in the Hitting The High Notes series, which is planning's equivalent of Desert Island Discs. In these episodes Sam Stafford chats to preeminent figures in the planning and property sectors about the six projects that helped to shape them as professionals. And, so that we can get to know people a little better personally, for every project or stage of their career Sam also asks his guests for a piece of music that reminds them of that period. Unlike Desert Island Discs you will not hear any of that music during the episode because using commercially-licensed music without the copyright holders permission or a very expensive PRS licensing agreement could land Sam in hot water, so, when you have finished listening, you will have to make do with You Tube videos and a Spotify playlist, links to which you will find below. This episode features a conversation that Sam recorded with Hashi Mohamed at Soho Radio Studios in London towards the end of July 2023. Regular listeners will recall that Hashi featured in episode 78, which was the recording of a conversation that he and friend of the podcast Simon Ricketts had had on Clubhouse about Hashi's book ‘A Home of One's Own'. Sam's conversation with Hashi also takes in ‘A Home of One's Own', as well as Hashi's other book, ‘People Like Us - What It Takes to Make It in Modern Britain'. In addition to the politics of housing and social mobility, you will also hear Hashi talk about his remarkable arrival in this country and a career in the law that has seen him become one of Planning Magazine's top-rated junior barristers. His ‘Three A's' are top tips for any professional and listen out too for the best planning inquiry tale you will hear bar nun. Sam also marks this 100th episode with some extended bonus waffle at the end, which was recorded whilst he was sunning himself in southern Spain. Hashi's song selections Unforgettable - Nat King Cole https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFyuOEovTOE You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry & The Pacemakers https://youtu.be/OV5_LQArLa0 Shaking of the Sheets – Steeleye Span https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I16WqxSMCu0  Changes - Tupac https://youtu.be/eXvBjCO19QY Still D.R.E - Dr Dre https://youtu.be/_CL6n0FJZpk A change is gonna come – Sam Cooke https://youtu.be/wEBlaMOmKV4 Hashi's Spotify playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6LIyBa2ifAY9EClQMdvrom?si=a8d8417838c3488e Some accompanying listening. Analysis: Housing, Planning and Politics https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0014ptp Analysis: Adventures in Social Mobility https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p04zrkxv?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile Gettin' In The Way – Cooper T https://youtu.be/BX9UkVoGRj8 Some accompanying reading. Raising the bar: Hashi Mohamed's journey from child refugee to top lawyer https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jan/12/hashi-mohamed-child-refugee-barrister-people-like-us Hashi's books https://www.hashimohamed.com/the-book The housing theory of everything by Sam Bowman, John Myers and Ben Southwood https://worksinprogress.co/issue/the-housing-theory-of-everything 50 Shades T-Shirts! If you have listened to Episode 45 of the 50 Shades of Planning you will have heard Clive Betts say that... 'In the Netherlands planning is seen as part of the solution. In the UK, too often, planning is seen as part of the problem'. Sam said in reply that that would look good on a t-shirt and it does. Further details can be found here: http://samuelstafford.blogspot.com/2021/07/50-shades-of-planning-t-shirts.html

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Carolyn Mair who is a London based author, educator, speaker, consultant, Charted Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. In 2012, Dr. Mair developed the Psychology Department at London College of Fashion and created the world's first Psychology for Fashion Masters degrees (MA and MSc). In 2018, Dr. Mair published The Psychology of Fashion. The idea of 'fashion psychology' has now become a growing global phenomenon thanks to the original work by Dr. Mair who is constantly in the press all over the world including The Washington Post, Vogue Business, NBC News, WWD, The Observer, ELLE, The Guardian, Harper's Bazaar, and The Atlantic to name a few. Follow Carolyn on social media, particularly Twitter @Carolyn_UK and Instagram @Psychologyforfashion A heartfelt thank you to Soho Radio Studios in London. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/zara-korutz/message

This week we witness the drowning of the Tryweryn Valley, a devastating event which galvanised the Welsh nationalist cause.  It's easy to think of history as a gradual accumulation of events, buildings and people – but we don't spend as much time thinking about its dead ends. That's exactly what my guest today, Dr Matthew Green, does in his evocative new book Shadowlands: A Journey Through Lost Britain. In it, Matthew visits eight villages, settlements and towns stretching from the neolithic period to the twentieth century that fell victim to one form of obliteration or another. For today's episode, Matthew chose to travel through time to the beautiful Welsh valley of Tryweryn. Up until the 1960s, the valley was home to the village of Capel Celyn, one of the few predominantly Welsh-speaking communities left in Wales. But in 1955 the inhabitants of Capel Celyn became aware, via an article in their local paper, that their village was to be drowned. This episode is supported by Faber and recorded at Soho Radio Studios.  Show Notes Scene One: 15 August 1965. The Tryweryn Valley, freshly scoured of streets, houses, school, post office, church, farms, graveyards and trees, is filled to capacity after the Capel Celyn Defence committee loses its monumental struggle against Liverpool Corporation and English MPs. Scene Two: 10 October 1965. The publication of a lurid newspaper interview in which the leader of the Free Wales Army says his organisation fully intends to prevent the opening of Llyn Celyn. Scene Three: 21 October 1965. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of Liverpool Corporation attend the grossly insensitive opening ceremony of Llyn Celyn at a tea party in a marquee overlooking the new reservoir. All hell breaks loose. Momento: The trampled Union jack flag that the Free Wales Army through into the new reservoir. People/Social Presenter: Artemis Irvine Guest: Dr Matthew Green Production: Maria Nolan Podcast partner: Unseen Histories Follow us on Twitter: @tttpodcast_ Or on Facebook See where 1965 fits on our Timeline 

Special Guest: Ethan Lawrence CheapShow is back at Soho Radio Studios to record another episode with a lovely new guest. Although he's been a fan of the pod for a while, we can't help but feel he isn't ready for the "real thing" and he soon finds himself caught in a torrent of rants, arguments and impromptu new characters. The poor guy! Ethan Lawrence, from TV shows such as the award winning "Afterlife" on Netflix and C4's "Bad Influence" finally joins the economy comedy podcast for games, chat and horrors. He's also brought with him his own curated Price of Shite! Paul & Eli are pitted against each other for high stakes p'twing action, but will they get ANY p'twings at all? Paul has a fun new Gannon's Golden Games that asks a simple question... What Came First? It's not as easy as you may think, and certainly not as easy as Eli thought it was going to be. And speaking of Eli... If he ever offers to tell you his dreams, decline politely and move on with the conversation. Ethan and Paul definitely regret asking him. But how bad can it be? Find out this week on Cheapshow. See pictures and/or videos for this episode here: https://www.thecheapshow.co.uk/ep-247-what-dreams-may-cum And if you like us, why not support us: www.patreon.com/cheapshow If you want to get involved, email us at thecheapshow@gmail.com And if you have to, follow us on Twitter @thecheapshowpod or @paulgannonshow & @elisnoid Follow Ethan on https://twitter.com/EthanDLawrence Like, Review, Share, Comment... LOVE US! Oh, and you can NOW listen to Urinevision 2021 on Bandcamp... For Free! Enjoy! https://cheapshowpodcast.bandcamp.com/album/urinevision-2021-the-album MERCH Official CheapShow Merch Shop www.redbubble.com/people/cheapshow/shop Www.cheapmag.shop www.tinyurl.com/rbcheapshow Send Us Stuff CheapShow PO BOX 1309 Harrow HA1 9QJ

"A bomb could go off in my studio and I'd barely notice"In this episode of Sacrifice and Success, Sir John Hegarty sits down with Sophie Birdwood, London based painter and artist.At the age of 34, Sophie we diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative disease that is slowly eroding her vision. Sophie discusses with John how her pre-existing chronic depression has actually helped to cope with her experience, by giving her a uniquely positive perspective on unfortunate circumstances.Sophie goes into how her art practice is evolving as her eyesight worsens, and how she will continue to grow and develop as an artist as she slowly loses her vision.InstagramIn this series, Sir John Hegarty chats to inspiring people in the creative industries about what they had to give up to be where they are today. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice to catch all future episodes.This podcast is brought to you by Electric Glue, an independent media agency, who specialise in using the 'art of sacrifice' to help brands navigate a complex media world.WebsiteLinkedInThis is a Soho Radio Originals Podcast by Soho Radio Studios. WebsiteInstagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Talking no risk is the biggest risk"In this episode of Sacrifice and Success, Sir John Hegarty is joined by actress and author, Andi Osho.Andi recounts her life from budding comedian to actress, as well as her most recent transformation to the author of her debut novel Asking For a Friend. Andi talks about the life experiences she has had to sacrifice to lead a creative life, and the choices she consciously made to forge her successful career.WebsiteInstagramIn this series, Sir John Hegarty chats to inspiring people in the creative industries about what they had to give up to be where they are today. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on your platform of choice to catch all future episodes.This podcast is brought to you by Electric Glue, an independent media agency, who specialise in using the 'art of sacrifice' to help brands navigate a complex media world.WebsiteLinkedInThis is a Soho Radio Originals Podcast by Soho Radio Studios. WebsiteInstagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Saddle up your mule, folks, because this week we're going to North-West Canada to look at the Klondike gold rush of the late 1800s, and Hannah's sickly ancestors are coming with us. Meanwhile Alex is transported to a small metal box in Mumbai to go undercover with the dabbawalas and their lunch delivery system, and Caroline delivers a Smart Lesson on how to shop now that some stores are open again. In other news, Caroline's new novel Scenes of a Graphic Nature is out now on e-book and audiobook! Get it on the link below, or pre-order the hardback (out in August) from your local independent book shop. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07WN4QNYN/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comProduced by Hannah Varrall, music by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded remotely by Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Caroline gets down and dirty with 'Typhoid Mary' this week, looking at how and why she became a disease super-spreader. Hannah takes a trip to the Swiss mountains to find out the origin story of hotelier César Ritz, and Alex leads a Smart Lesson on how to best spend your time in the park during lockdown.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comProduced by Hannah Varrall, music by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded remotely by Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hannah gets Mr Plow's phone number this week and goes deep into 555- numbers in American films and TV shows, discovering some bizarre connections to a Canadian gold rush and Gilmore Girls. Meanwhile Alex's TV nostalgia is more garden-based, focusing on Ground Force, our new hero Charlie Dimmock's brilliant norks, and the water features she couldn't live without. Finally Caroline has two pints of Guinness and crowns herself Birthday Queen, declaring what the dos and don'ts of lockdown birthdays should be.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comProduced by Hannah Varrall, music by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded remotely by Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

World's longest toothbrush Alex Haddow finds out about the birdy past of the Guinness book of world records this week, and invites special guest Gavin Day to tell us about his world record experience at Kilburn swimming pool. Meanwhile world's prettiest pony Caroline O'Donoghue becomes a crooner to regale us with the complex history of fake flowers, and world's most haunted worm Hannah Varrall does her civic duty by advising the government on how to come out of lockdown. Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comProduced by Hannah Varrall, music by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded remotely by Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hannah gets fully waxed this week with a visit to Madame Tussaud, while Caroline goes full Bush by looking into former First Lady Laura Bush. Meanwhile Alex gives us all tips on how to be horny during pandemic lockdown.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comProduced by Hannah Varrall, music by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded remotely by Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Was your childhood hamster part of the great lineage of Syrian hamsters abducted on the great hamster expedition of 1930? This week, Caroline goes deep on what goes in Richard Gere's bum hole, Hannah withers on about fade outs in songs and Alex gives us tips on staying useless during a pandemic.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comProduced by Hannah Varrall, music by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded remotely by Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

* This episode contains a huge spoiler for the show Mad Men at around 22 minutes in! *The team goes back in time this week to a period when staying in hotels, creating a rebel army and eating sweets from drawers were all socially acceptable pastimes. Caroline looks at how the US Senate keeps its sugar levels up with a ‘trough' of candy kept in a desk, Hannah digs into how Pantone managed to put a branded mug in every wannabe-designer's kitchen, and Alex wonders how William Wallace aka ‘Braveheart' turned Mel Gibson into a bad man.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded remotely by Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're back from the dead and not only alive but also LIVE this week on Soho Radio as part of their International Women's Day programme. Alex charms the socks off a suspiciously quiet Daniel Craig, Hannah wonders where Free Willy got to after he jumped that harbour wall and Caroline talks about her big hole (in her mouth) and why she went on a training montage with some tooth floss. We also learn about how to turn your company into a tech start up, and how to become an international woman.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is a trailer for A Private View with Maeve Doyle, a new podcast by Soho Radio Studios and Maddox Gallery, produced by Kourosh Adhamy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Brown (Head of Research & Intelligence) & Ana-Sofía Baillet Medina (Lead Analyst) from Stop The Traffik explain how analysizing data drives their fight to end human trafficking. Hear them share about how they left behind careers in finance and law to join an organisation that's systemically disrupting global human trafficking and modern slavery networks by building resilient communities. Find out more about Stop The Traffik at:https://www.stopthetraffik.org/ Download the 'STOP APP' at the App store and Google Play store. This show is produced by Blue Bear Coffee Co. and was recorded on in Soho Radio Studios, London on 31st October, 2019. Visit our online store at: www.bluebearcoffee.com  

Justine Currell is the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire Constabulary and the Executive Director of the anti human trafficking charity Unseen UK. In this chat, we hear Justine share about why she chose to join the civil service at sixteen and how a career serving the public on the frontline has allowed her to do so through parliament, politics and policy. Justine also runs the modern slavery helpline which is in real need of support, please consider donating to the cause at: www.modernslaveryhelpline.org You can see more about the work of Unseen at: www.unseenuk.org  This show is produced by Blue Bear Coffee Co. and was recorded on the 29th August, 2019 in Soho Radio Studios, London. Find out more about Blue Bear Coffee Co. at www.bluebearcoffee.com 

Before we get back to new episodes, we'd love it if you could take our survey about the podcast and tell us what you think of it! Here's the link: https://goo.gl/forms/kgVbNVq5rJ26g6FI2Thanks pals. Anyway, this week we've got another goodie!Alex places the future of the podcast in peril by delving into the murky history of the richest family on the planet, while Caroline examines two things that have been on her chest lately - the fact that we used to have boobs in films, and fact that a man called Hays invented censorship to take them away. Meanwhile Hannah provokes controversy by getting into a pickle over, yes, pickles, and our classically wine-heavy Women Who Code mixer investigates whether 3D printers could one day print us a glass of warm chardonnay. Finally our Smart Lesson provides some tips on how to seem cultured, in case you need to feel smug at parties.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios, produced by Hannah Varrall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Caroline has thrush again (of course!) and there's a new royal baby on the way, so now's a good time to revisit this episode!What's that itchy feeling, and why has it nested in Caroline's underwear? This week she investigates the yeasty world of thrush, while Hannah ventures out for some fresh air and asks some silly questions to Emily Read, co-founder of Eve Women's Pro Wrestling, and Rhia O'Reilly, wrestling champ and head trainer at Eve Academy. Meanwhile Alex examines how rollercoasters make us sick with excitement, and a strange man called Richard Danyou makes an appearance in a new segment aiming to get us all out of our overdrafts. Finally in our Smart Lesson we learn about how to have the right opinions about the royal family, before it all kicks off later this year.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios and produced by Hannah Varrall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We've all got a year older since this one first aired (all of us apart from Helen Mirren, of course) so now's a good time to peel the Werther's Original off it and use it upside down by mistake.Hold onto your Ordnance Survey, listeners, because this week we're delving into your dad's glove box with lessons on buttons, maps and umbrellas! Caroline says the word button so much it loses all meaning, Hannah teams up with some sea monsters to get lost in the confusing world of map copyrighting, and Alex does shag all by outsourcing her section to author Marion Rankine, who inducts us into the mystic rites of umbrellas. We also time travel to investigate QR codes in our Women Who Code mixer, and then to make a pact with Father Time so that we never have to compete with Helen Mirren.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios and produced by Hannah Varrall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A true classic from the vaults this week, with Caroline's now famous exposé on goop.This week, Alex learns that our hair is just lots of whiskers, Hannah finds out that prosecco fizz is a bit like Schrödinger's cat, and Caroline lifts the veil on Gwyneth Paltrow. We also discuss how coding can help us pull in our Women Who Code mixer, and finally, practice how to be good mentors in our smart lesson. If you can understand it all, well done! We'll send you a gold star in the post.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.com Music by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios and produced by Hannah Varrall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Yes a third archive episode! How long will we do this for? Who knows!This week in honour of a visit from resident jingle creator Harry Harris, the Dumb Women go musical. Caroline investigates why earworms are so rah rah ah-ah-annoying, Alex looks into why Beethoven was the Michael Jackson of his day, and Hannah stands on the table to belt out an inadvisable medley about Karaoke. Our Women Who Code mixer looks at how AI is going to put singer-songwriters out of work, and finally in the Smart Lesson, Harry Harris helps us write a soulful duet between Joanna Lumley and her favourite shelved architectural project, the Garden Bridge. Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios and produced by Hannah Varrall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you hoping to be fobbed off with a top-quality archive episode this week? Because you're in luck!Who keeps the metric system down? This week, Hannah goes on a deep dive down her ruler to figure out just what in the hell is making international baking so confusing. Alex stands up for seahorses, the 80s power business lady of the seas, while Caroline says very little and instead invites Black Ballad creator Tobi Oredein to tell us all about Issa Rae and Insecure. In our Women Who Code mixer we look at how to be nice to your server, and finally in our smart lesson, we learn how to disguise the fact that women have bowels. Noisily.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.com Music by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios and produced by Hannah Varrall. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're taking a break this month so we've cracked one of our favourite (and most sexy) episodes out of the archive just for you, you filthy beasts.Make sure you're doubling up with the pill and Durex Extra Safe, because this week we're talking kissing, sex and Hannah's personal lubricant of choice, squash. We also spice things up by asking comedian Helen Duff to talk us through sexual intercourse (who's having it? Why?), orgasms (some kind of biscuit, I guess?) and a tantric shaman called Elaine. In our Women Who Code mixer we school ourselves on the sex robots that are taking the gross men out of the dating pool, plus in our Smart Lesson, we share some tips on how to decide what a Smart Woman's stance on Valentine's Day should be.Find out more about our guest Helen Duff: http://www.helenduff.com/Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

To help you survive the difficult holiday season, we've put together a compendium of the very best life advice from our favourite self-help guru, Dr Jane Frail. She discusses meditation, breathing, sleeping, and self-care, and even has some tips on how to deal with tricky family members.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Christmas is a time for overindulgence, so this week we present you with not one but two dumb guests, some bad crackers (mostly Alex's) and a few vagina jokes just for Christmas seasoning. Alan Maguire of Roast Chestnuts and Juvenalia podcast fame talks to Caroline about made-for-TV Christmas movies and why they're having a resurgence this year, Hannah finds out the frankly heartwarming story behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Alex gifts us a special Christmas poem and forces us to play games together (but it's Christmas bingo, so it's fine). Dr Jane Frail is also on hand with some useful advice about dealing with difficult family members when you're in close proximity with them, and finally trend reporter Lucy Vine joins us to tell us what we should be looking out for this winter. Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 62, special guest Monica Heisey (Baroness Von Sketch, I Can't Believe It's Not Better) joined us for a Smart Lesson on how to break up online, using Instagram Stories of bubble baths and strange Icelandic horses. In this bonus episode featuring the full conversation, we discuss ill-advised tattoos, Jennifer Garner and Alex's 'slut spiral'. Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Is pizza really God's gift to bad restaurants or is it just over-hyped cheesy bread? This week, Hannah gets to the bottom of this deep dish problem while Caroline tries to fix the economy by investigating inflation and realising that actually, it doesn't make any damn sense. Meanwhile at the Women Who Code mixer Alex gets to know AI lie detectors - or perhaps they get to know her. Finally special guest Monica Heisey (Baroness Von Sketch, I Can't Believe It's Not Better) joins our Smart Lesson to teach us how to break up online, using Instagram Stories of bubble baths and strange Icelandic horses.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dig out your Beanie Babies from the loft because you could be a millionaire! Is something you might have heard twenty years ago. But why? Caroline investigates the bean-ed ones and tells us why a man in a rented Rolls Royce is the reason we all went so bloody mad for them, before wellness expert Dr Jane Frail drops in for a terrifying tutorial on how to sleep (with a filthy conscience). Next, Alex dusts off her pipes to tell us why Tina Turner is Simply The Strongest Woman To Walk The Earth, before we get out our notebooks for a Smart Lesson on How To Keep Up With The News While Staying Sane, because it's always such uplifting stuff on there.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 60, the very handsome Gavin Day came to the studio to tell us all about art, money and why Banksy is a bit of a shit, actually. In this bonus episode featuring the full conversation, he dishes the dirt on his one-way relationship with Nigella Lawson, explains why the Mona Lisa was sent to New York strapped to a mattress, and tells us how how children can help to improve art criticism.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, artwork by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Should you drink your own wee all the time or only on special occasions? Urine for a treat this week as Hannah investigates all things piss, before Caroline takes the stage at our Women Who Code mixer to explain that you might want to start being nicer to your laptop, lest you hurt its feelings. Next we ask celebrity guest Gavin Day (the smart man who made our logo) to tell us why a piece of art costs more than a two-bed London flat, and finally we give our unwanted advice to a Reddit user whose awkwardness around family nudity is becoming a problem. So strip off, pour yourself a nice big glass of piss, and join us!Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 59, Hannah went to the Oscar Wilde Temple at Studio Voltaire to learn all about Oscar Wilde and his legacy within the LGBTQ community. In this bonus episode featuring the full conversation, curator Alison Gingeras discusses how aestheticism aimed to break down class barriers, the influence Wilde's mother "Speranza" had on his life and how, along with artists David McDermott and Peter McGough, she's created a beautiful space that uses art to make sense of suffering.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios and Studio Voltaire. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Good news, folks – there's a 98% chance that this week's episode will effectively prevent pregnancy, mostly because of what Caroline reveals about her nose-picking habits. But before that, Alex finds out how long we've been sheathing penises in dead animal skin, Dr Jane Frail visits the studio to teach us how to breathe (and get revenge on an ex), and Hannah runs off to the Oscar Wilde Temple at Studio Voltaire, to find out more about the man himself and his legacy within the LGBTQ+ community from curator Alison Gingeras. Finally in our Smart Lesson, we workshop a more efficient way to talk about and break taboos. Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios and Studio Voltaire. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 58, author Ayisha Malik came to the studio to teach us all about what a romcom is and whether they are a force for good or for evil. In our full conversation, Ayisha discusses not watching The Big Sick, feeling represented in Jane Austen novels and inviting a third wheel along to a date. Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Caroline's 50% less farty than usual in today's episode, and the gang are taking apart the bread bin to find out why gluten is nature's gas machine. Alex has the murder podcast bug, but it's ok because it's a Victorian murder, therefore dodging all of our suspicions that true crime podcasts are evil and bad. Meanwhile Hannah wins a gold star by inviting author Ayisha Malik to the studio to talk romcoms, representation and dating while Muslim. At the Women Who Code mixer we get into the mad world of pet tech and how people trust machines more than their dog walkers, and finally we get our denim jackets on for our seasonal-dressing Smart Lesson.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Omg this episode is totally random! Oh hang on, no, it was very planned, and in it Hannah charts the early noughties comedy trend to find out what made sporks and badgers so gosh-darned funny. Meanwhile Caroline meets her guardian angel during a crisis of confidence, and Alex cracks the vault on bank holidays, days off and wearing white after Labour day. Finally, our wellness expert Dr Jane Frail tells us about self care and cyclists, and we take on a new reddit relationship question in our Smart Lesson.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's all gone Pete Dong this week as Alex tries to figure out the endlessly provocative world of Freudian slips, Caroline relays the many miseries of flies in summertime and Hannah beefs up to learn about bodyguards before putting the others through their protective paces. We also bed down with some white wine to learn about Blockchain in our Women Who Code mixer, before Alex humblebrags about her friendship skills for our Smart Lesson on how to be a good smart friend.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios.With thanks to Lucie Munier from Qadre and Ella Bowman from WeWork for the blockchain explanation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 55, comedy writer and performer Natasha Hodgson came to the studio to teach us all about how to enjoy horror films in a responsible and safe manner. In our full conversation Tash discusses her top tips for escaping a scary movie, prescribes us each with a horror film that we'll love, and tells us about Director's Cut, her new comedy/horror show with theatre company Kill The Beast.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Comb your curtains, tighten your sarong, and get your Lego kit out: Alex is doing David Beckham this week and the studio might just get flooded from her frothing over. Meanwhile Hannah embraces her inner shellfish by investigating lobsters, and Caro gets camp with the history of glitter. We also have TWO guests this week: the terrifyingly gentle Dr Jane Frail to talk anal meditation for our new Women Who Glow segment, and the gently terrifying Tash Hodgson of Kill The Beast to teach us how to watch horror films for our Smart Lesson.Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In episode 54, Hannah met author, journalist and comedian Viv Groskop to find out why self-help phenomenon Oprah Winfrey is one of the most important women in Viv's life. In this bonus episode, Viv tells us about Oprah's Weight Watchers controversy, what happened when she went to the O Magazine Annual Conference and how Oprah is secretly a bit of a Dumb Woman herself. Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios and Museum of Comedy See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Groove is in the heart this week, dummies, because Caroline has been to a rave and discovered she likes dance music, and now she has to find out WHY. Meanwhile, Alex has put all her money into a Swiss bank account and accidentally financed international corruption, and Hannah spoke to writer, podcaster and comedian Viv Groskop about her heroine Oprah Winfrey, and how she inspired Viv's Edinburgh show. At the Women Who Code mixer, we learn about bike sharing systems and why we should do the same thing with our needy best friends, and lastly in our Smart Lesson, we grab gender neutral language by the ball sack, and try to think of a few ways to stop ourselves from involuntarily talking about penises all the time. Contact: dumbwomenpod@gmail.comMusic by Harry Harris, logo design by Gavin Day. Recorded at Soho Radio Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.