Podcasts about spads

Dëse georgesche Film, een nostalgesch-melancholesche Spadséiergang duerch déi tierkesch Metropol, gouf de leschte Weekend am Grousse Kino beschwat.

The departure of Sue Gray, as Sir Keir Starmer's most senior adviser in Number 10, has shone a spotlight on the role of special advisers in government.    So on today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our deputy political editor Sam Coates to find out exactly what role these advisers, often known as SpAds, play in the running of the country.   Niall also speaks to former Conservative special adviser, and author of The Secret Life of Special Advisers, Peter Cardwell, about what it was like to do the job.  Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Paul Stanworth  

Noel and Liam Gallagher have managed the impossible. They've apparently buried the hatchet and announced that Oasis is coming back in 2025. Is this the return of Cool Britannia?Rachel Cunliffe, associate editor, is joined by George Eaton, senior editor, to answer listener questions about ex-MP's jobs, SPADs, and the politics of Britpop.Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Advisers are some of the most important yet misunderstood figures in government. They play vital roles – as the voice of their minister in the department, shaping policy agendas and managing the media.  As a new government gets up and running and scores of new SpAds get to grips with their roles, this four part series lifts the lid on what SpAds do, how they do it, and why they're indispensable to modern government.  In this final episode, we look at how SpAd careers end. We start with reshuffles – what's it like to go through a reshuffle as a SpAd, and how do you find out when one's about to begin? We also discuss what it's like to lose one of these jobs and how little notice you really get.  Finally, we finish the episode and the series by asking our interviewees to reflect on their time in government. What would they do differently if they had their time again? What are they most proud of? And what advice would they give to future SpAds?  Presented by Jack Worlidge. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special Advisers are some of the most important yet misunderstood figures in government. They play vital roles – as the voice of their minister in the department, shaping policy agendas and managing the media. As a new government gets up and running and scores of new SpAds get to grips with their roles, this four part series lifts the lid on what SpAds do, how they do it, and why they're indispensable to modern government.  In the third episode, we look at how SpAds' work extends beyond their own departments. Government is complicated, so no-one can do one of these jobs effectively without working with other departments across Whitehall.  Most SpAds will be in regular contact with the centre – No10 and the Treasury. So how do those relationships work? How powerful is No10 in reality, and what's it like to negotiate with the Treasury? SpAds also need to work effectively with other departments, so we discuss the importance of the cross-government SpAd network. Finally, we hear about the importance of maintaining good relations with those outside government – including Parliament, their party, and external stakeholders.  Presented by Jack Worlidge. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special Advisers are some of the most important yet misunderstood figures in government. They play vital roles – as the voice of their minister in the department, shaping policy agendas and managing the media.
As a new government gets up and running and scores of new SpAds get to grips with their roles, this four part series lifts the lid on what SpAds do, how they do it, and why they're indispensable to modern government.
In the second episode, we're focusing on how important relationships are to any SpAd's job. We start by discussing the importance of trust and understanding between SpAds and their secretary of state – how is this relationship built, and why is it so critical? And what about junior ministers – how do SpAds work with them?
The link between SpAds and the civil servants they work with is also vital. We look at their links with both the secretary of state's and their own private offices, as well as what they thought about the civil service overall, and whether anything frustrated them. Presented by Jack Worlidge. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special Advisers are some of the most important yet misunderstood figures in government. They play vital roles – as the voice of their minister in the department, shaping policy agendas and managing the media. As a new government gets up and running and scores of new SpAds get to grips with their roles, this special four-part series from the Institute for Government lifts the lid on what SpAds do, how they do it, and why they're indispensable to modern government.  In this first episode, we look at how SpAds are recruited, and how they found their first days in government. What surprised them, and how did they fit into the wider SpAd team in their department?  We also ask our interviewees what their day-to-day lives were like in government, how they added value for their ministers, and finally how they dealt with crises.  Presented by Jack Worlidge. Produced by Candice McKenzie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hutt Dir Iech jeemools beim Spadséiere gefillt, wéi wann Dir wéilt d'Ambulanz ruffen? De Julien Hübsch an d'Nina Bodry sinn zesumme Sheebaba. Deen een, Nowuesstalent an der zäitgenëssescher Konscht, ee Kader, an deem hie seng eegen Installatiounen an aner Wierker ausstellt - déi aner, d'Bandkolleegin vun de Choppy Bumpy Peaches, musikalesch Inspiratioun vun der éischter Stonn. No “bruit”, engem éischten EP, dee mat Filmreferenzen an New-Wave-Popkultur-Referenzen opgetrompt huet, kënnt elo “Radau”, eng nei Scheif, op där Sheebaba an hire Kompositiounen och hir Idoler, a sech selwer coveren. Virwëlzeg? No engem klenge Gespréich läit déi éischt Single aus dem neien EP op, “ambulanz”, mee fir d'éischt steet de Julien Hübsch dem Marc Clement Ried an Äntwert.

The famous First World War aircraft were made of spruce, and one of the most important sources of the strategic wood for the Allies was the northern Oregon coast. (Toledo, Lincoln County; 1910s) (For text and pictures, see https://offbeatoregon.com/1301c-great-war-planes-made-of-oregon-spruce.html)

Is Westminster's political power fading? Anoosh and Armando are joined by actor and director Chris Addison and former independent parliamentary candidate Claire Wright to discuss the distribution of political influence in the parliamentary system, whether it's possible to influence politics at a local level without buying in to a central party line, and why so many MPs start out as SpAds.GuestsChris Addison is a comedian, writer, actor and director who, among other notable roles, played the special advisor Ollie Reeder in Armando Iannucci's hit political satire The Thick of It.Claire Wright fought the constituency of East Devon as an independent candidate in three general elections, coming second each time.--This episode was originally published in the New Statesman podcast feed on August 9, 2021. Listen to the New Statesman podcast here: https://podfollow.com/new-statesmanSubscribe to the New Statesman for full access to all our reporting and analysis. Get your first month free: www.newstatesman.com/30daytrial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes Parliament the most poisonous place to work? Should MPs listen to their SpAds? Was the Freedom of Information Act a mistake? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these questions and more on this week's Question Time. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Politics Plus to support the podcast, receive our exclusive newsletter, enjoy ad-free listening to both TRIP and Leading, benefit from discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, join our Discord chatroom, and receive early access to live show tickets and Question Time episodes. Just head to therestispolitics.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestispolitics. Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @RestIsPolitics Email: restispolitics@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Has the relationship between the civil service and politicians and their advisers been permanently damaged? Matt speaks to Lord McDonald, permanent secretary at the Foreign Office until 2020, former civil servant Jill Rutter, and Hugh Bennett, former special adviser to Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Rishi Sunak's lack of political energy, British women's binge drinking habits, and why politicians are bunking off work more than ever before. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special advisers ("SpAds") play a hugely important role in government, and successful ones are key to helping a minister achieve his or her priorities. The number of SpAds has more than doubled since 2010, but the job is not well understood by the public – or, in some cases, by special advisers themselves. So what do SpAds do on a day-to-day basis? How do they interact with ministers and the civil service? And what does it mean to be good at the job?  Building on IfG research from 2020, this event will consider how the role has evolved over recent decades. What skills and capabilities are needed to be an effective SpAd? How should potential future SpAds approach the role? And how does the UK compare with other countries in the way its political advisers operate? To explore these questions, the IfG brought together an expert panel including: Sonia Khan, Associate Director at Cicero and former special adviser to Philip Hammond and Sajid Javid Jennifer Lees-Marshment, Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, focusing on the political adviser role in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand Liz Lloyd, former Chief of Staff to Nicola Sturgeon Baroness Sally Morgan, former Director of Government Relations for Tony Blair and Chair of Ofsted  The event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

Special advisers ("SpAds") play a hugely important role in government, and successful ones are key to helping a minister achieve his or her priorities. The number of SpAds has more than doubled since 2010, but the job is not well understood by the public – or, in some cases, by special advisers themselves. So what do SpAds do on a day-to-day basis? How do they interact with ministers and the civil service? And what does it mean to be good at the job? Building on IfG research from 2020, this event will consider how the role has evolved over recent decades. What skills and capabilities are needed to be an effective SpAd? How should potential future SpAds approach the role? And how does the UK compare with other countries in the way its political advisers operate? To explore these questions, the IfG brought together an expert panel including: Sonia Khan, Associate Director at Cicero and former special adviser to Philip Hammond and Sajid Javid Jennifer Lees-Marshment, Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, focusing on the political adviser role in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand Liz Lloyd, former Chief of Staff to Nicola Sturgeon Baroness Sally Morgan, former Director of Government Relations for Tony Blair and Chair of Ofsted The event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

Our dynamic duo dissect the discussion with former political advisors Hannah Geurin and Martin McCluskey and discuss James' time as a special advisor to Michael Gove and Priti Patel.Follow and comment on Twitter @WhitehallPodUK

James and Jonathan go inside the world of political advisors with guests Hannah Guerin, a former Government Special Advisor, and Martin McCluskey, who previously worked as advisor to former Labour leader Ed Miliband. Follow and comment on Twitter @WhitehallPodUK

The black arts of British politics, Boris Johnson, Covid regulations, immigration, Brexit & populism The Black Spy Podcast, Season 3, Episode 0002 Truth and Lies British politics in the Johnson era In this week's Black Spy Podcast we couldn't but concentrate on the black arts of British politics as the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, comes under sustained pressure for his disregard of the government's own Covid 19 regulations. It's also a week when policing decisions, secret intelligence provided by the British Security Service (MI5), and the actions of foreign actors from China and perhaps beyond, are drawn into this political minefield. Who is leaking the drip, drip feed of stories regarding the indiscretions of a hither to Teflon plated Prime Minister? Plus, the Prime Minister's Office, No10 Downing Street, seems hell bent on not keeping to the Covid 19 regulations that it has imposed on everybody else in the nation. The lackadaisical attitude of PM Boris Johnson has created a culture in government which manifests itself in a lack of attention to detail and a disregard for the truth. However, the propagation of a post Brexit Nirvana that is based on a mythical England (UK), now revamped in flag toting patriotic cynicism of blame; directed at the EU and immigrants, has given Boris a staggering degree latitude to manipulation the truth unchallenged. So, in this session, Carlton will also look at the make up of the British political system crowned by the Royals, a lack of a written constitution, the role of MPs, Ministers, Secretaries of State, The upper House of Lords, Ladies and clergy, foreign donors, political influencers, Civil Servants, SPADs and even the intelligence and Security Services, Police and the judiciary This is another must hear Black Spy Podcast that informs, entertains and allows listeners to contextualise the geo-politics of an era and a nation. This episode was released on Monday 17th of January 2022. Contact or donate to The Black Spy, go to: Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: carltonking2003@gmail. Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter: @Carlton_King Instagram: @carltonkingauthor Carlton's Autobiography: “Black Ops – The incredible true story of a British secret agent” Is available from Amazon and all good online booksellers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651  

Deborah Frances-White and John Bercow get in to the thick of it by exploring the misunderstood and often undemocratic role of Special Advisers (SPADs) and Spin Doctors. Do they wield Malcolm Tucker-esque power or are they merely convenient scapegoats? Find out on Absolute Power. Website: https://absolutepowerpod.comYou can send us an email: mail@absolutepowerpod.comWe're on Twitter as: @bercowpowerpod Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spadséiere goen war wärend deem leschte Joer eisen Hobby Nummer 1! Besonnesch de Bësch war dobäi natierlech immens populär. An hirer neier Episod stellen d'Julie an de Chris sech d'Fro: Wéi geet et eise Bëscher iwwerhaapt? Eng Äntwert huet de Fierschter Pol Zimmermann, dee ganz kloer seet: Net gutt! Ausserdeem steigt d'Virfreed op dee Moment an deem de Podcast erëm ouni Mask kann opgeholl ginn, et gëtt sech genee iwwert Dës ganz ferm opgereegt a beim Pol lafen d'Tréinen.

This is an audio recording of an IfG Live Event Dominic Cummings's departure from Downing Street gives the government an opportunity to reassess how it uses special advisers. Will this crucial role change now that the prime minister's chief adviser has left No.10? Should No.10 continue to have direct oversight of SpAds, or should the government return to a system of SpAds reporting directly to their secretary of state? And what else should be done to support – and scrutinise – the work of special advisers?We were joined by an expert panel to discuss the questions:Peter Cardwell, former special adviser to four Conservative cabinet ministers and author of The Secret Life of Special AdvisersSalma Shah, former special adviser to Sajid Javid (2014-2019)John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony BlairTim Durrant, Associate Director at the Institute for GovernmentThe event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.#IfGspads See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dominic Cummings’s departure from Downing Street gives the government an opportunity to reassess how it uses special advisers. Will this crucial role change now that the prime minister’s chief adviser has left No.10? Should No.10 continue to have direct oversight of SpAds, or should the government return to a system of SpAds reporting directly to their secretary of state? And what else should be done to support – and scrutinise – the work of special advisers? We were joined by an expert panel to discuss these questions: Peter Cardwell, former special adviser to four Conservative cabinet ministers and author of The Secret Life of Special Advisers Salma Shah, former special adviser to Sajid Javid (2014-2019) John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair Tim Durrant, Associate Director at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

This week, the Mile End Institute Podcast welcomes Peter Cardwell, author of 'The Secret Life of Special Advisers'. In conversation with Co-Director Tim Bale, he discusses the different types of special advisers (SpAds) and the relationships between them and the Civil Service, the issue of leaks to the press, the final days of Theresa May's administration and the most famous (ex) SpAd of the moment, Dominic Cummings.

Sippers! Today' i'm joined by former SPAD Peter Caldwell to try and figure out what exactly SPADs do. Get 20% off and free shipping at https://www.manscaped.com/ when you use the code TEAWITHME Podcast Merch available now - https://shane-todd-comedy.myshopify.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/teawithmepodcast YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/HarlemGunClub Get in touch with the show - teawithmepodcast@gmail.com

All eyes are on the United States in the slow and steady race for the White House. But what does a likely Biden presidency really mean for the 'special relationship? And could Trump run again in four years' time? Donald Trump Jr, that is. On this week's podcast, Christopher Hope consults Telegraph columnist and US election boffin, Tim Stanley to find the answers.Plus Tory rebel Richard Drax MP on how the Prime Minister will face a much larger revolt if he tries to extend this lockdown, and former special adviser Peter Cardwell on the mysterious world of SpAds, and why it's advisable not to have more than one oven. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |Twitter: @chopperspodcast |

Wou kënnt d'Wuert "Spadséieren" hier a wisou gëtt et esou geschriwwen, wéi et geschriwwen gëtt. Den Alain Atten huet sech der Saach ugeholl.

Who came off worse in the stand-off between Manchester’s Andy Burnham and London, and what does the confrontation say about Westminster’s real attitude to the regions? With Rishi Sunak launching yet more economic support packages, is the Government’s economic strategy in disarray? A new IfG report reveals exactly what Dominic Cummings’ reforms of Special Advisors is meaning for day-to-day government. Oh, and the Brexit talks. Yes, they’re still going. “The Treasury and No.10 are paying a price for not treating Manchester strategically.” – Jill Rutter“Yes, the Brexit talks are about brinkmanship – but it’s also about making any failure look like the other side’s fault.” – Cath Haddon“Many PMs have complained that No.10 is underpowered compared to departments – and that’s why SpAds have become so important.” – Tim Durrant“A lot of business leaders didn’t see the sunlit uplands that Michael Gove was seeing” - Jill Rutter“None of the SPADs we spoke to had anything positive to say about the management of the civil service” – Tim DurrantPresented by Emma Norris with Jill Rutter, Alex Thomas, Tim Durrant and Cath Haddon. Audio production by Alex Rees See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After criticism of how Twitter applied its hacked materials policy the company announced Thursday evening it would change the policy. What's changed and will it have any effect?Starring Tom Merritt, Shannon Morse, Roger Chang, Joe.Link to the Show Notes.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is an audio recording of an IfG Live Event. Special advisers play an essential role throughout government, but is their role about to change? With the government altering the way that “SPADs” are employed and organised, and the extent to which they report to Number 10, special advisers could find themselves under increased scrutiny.Tim Durrant, Associate Director at the Institute for Government, welcomes a panel of guests to look at the influence special advisers have over public policy; how their work is scrutinised; and what role their minister plays in holding them to account. The event is part of our wider work looking into the role of special advisers, and evaluating current changes the government is making to their work.On our panel to discuss these issues are:Gavin Barwell, former Downing Street Chief of StaffRt Hon David Lidington, former Chancellor of the Duchy of LancasterPolly Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Demos and former Director of Policy to the Deputy Prime MinisterDr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government#IfGspads See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Could the Government ever have controlled the fallout from Dominic Cummings’ breach of COVID travel rules, and is it too late now? Why is Boris Johnson so bound to his key advisor? And with SPADs more centrally vetted than ever, do a majority of No.10 staff owe more personal loyalty to Dominic Cummings than to the Prime Minister? Special guest Tim Montgomerie joins us to discuss a defining week for the Johnson government. Plus: might the UK change its mind on an extension with the EU after all?“Dominic Cummings is a genius – but nobody’s perfect.” – Tim Montgomerie“One surefire way to shut down debate inside government was to say ‘Dom doesn’t like that’. I’ve always feared that the Reign of Terror would lead to a Reign of Error.” – Tim MontgomeriePresented by Bronwen Maddox with Hanna White, Jill Rutter and Georgina Wright. Audio production by Alex Rees. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Trevor Parkin of East Midlands Railway and Chris Harrison of RSSB talk about what the rail industry is doing to reduce the number of signals passed at danger, and so the likelihood of a potentially fatal train accident.01:25 About Trevor Parkin.02:10 About Chris Harrison.02:35 SPADs in the 1990s and the changes made since.03:53 The Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS).06:07 Optimising the safety benefit of TPWS.07:59 The Red Aspect Approaches to Signals (RAATS) Tool.12:32 How to reduce SPAD numbers—the strategy.14:50 About the SPAD Risk Subgroup.18:05 Industry challenges for the RAATS Tool.22:03 Getting train operators to use RAATS.Resources mentioned in this episode:SPAD Good Practice Guide  https://www.rssb.co.uk/Insights-and-News/Key-Industry-Topics/SPAD-Good-Practice-Guide SPAD Risk Subgroup  https://www.rssb.co.uk/Learn-and-Connect/Groups-and-Committees/Safety/SSRG/TARG/SPAD-RSG Red Aspect Approaches to Signals (RAATS) Toolkit  https://www.rssb.co.uk/Standards-and-Safety/Tools--Resources/Rail-Risk-Toolkit/Red-Aspect-Approaches-to-Signals-ToolkitOther related resources:SPAD Risk Ranking Tool  https://www.rssb.co.uk/Standards-and-Safety/Tools--Resources/Rail-Risk-Toolkit/SPAD-Risk-Ranking-ToolSignals passed at danger – A summary of the rail industry's approach to risk reductionhttps://www.sparkrail.org/Lists/Records/DispForm.aspx?ID=26755 

Special Advisers or SpAds play a key role in government, giving ministers political advice and working as all-purpose fixers. In the latest of the IfG's virtual live events, we ask how they fit into the new administration's vision of how government should work. Should we accept that we need more, not fewer temporary political appointees to oil the wheels of government? How can ministers get the best out of their SpAds? Do ministers need training in how to manage them – and do SpAds need protection? Plus the threat of what guest John McTernan calls “drastic SpAdflation”. Discussing the changing role of SpAds with Tim Durrant, Associate Director at the Institute for Government, are:Baroness Simone Finn, former adviser to Francis MaudeJohn McTernan, former adviser to Tony BlairSalma Shah, former adviser to Sajid Javid“Some ministers do appoint comfort blankets rather than special advisors… Bad SpAds are their own punishment.” – John McTernanPresented by Tim Durrant. Audio production by Alex Rees See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on the podcast that dispels the mysteries of government: Backroom squabbles, bullying and powergrabs — is the Johnson administration already tearing itself apart from within? We discover why Government should learn to love its Perm Secs and Spads. Plus Tony Blair’s former political secretary turned strategy guru JOHN McTERNAN reveals untold tales of how to grease the wheels of government … and explains why Bernie Saunders will be the next US President. Ex-Business Secretary GREG CLARK on the future of British science and the government’s Coronavirus plans. And what’s in the newly-discovered Commons catacombs?“You can’t make hundreds of thousands of people march in one direction by shouting at one of them.” JOHNHosted by Bronwen Maddox with Cath Haddon, Tim Durrant and Gavin Freeguard. Audio production by Alex Rees. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith spend an hour explaining what proroguing parliament means and why people have become so excited about it, and they do it with barely a raised voice. It can’t last. They also discuss Ruth Davidson’s resignation, sacking SPADs and in questions they reveal what their student accommodation was like and which musical instrument could soothe the nation’s mood. It is at this point that the conversation degenerates into the usual cesspool. You have been warned.

In this final episode of the 6 part series talking with LGBT physicists, I chat to the brand new, green-as-they-come Ph.D student, Alex Blanchard. I met Alex a years ago at a Glasgow Frontrunners social. He's a real delight - always smiling, talented musically, and a hard working physicist working in optics.  A few notes on this week's content from Alex: "A Quantum Cascade Laser works by having numerous quantum wells with an applied electric field, which tilts them energetically. The quantum wells have two energy levels of interest: the energy level before and after emitting the photon. The tilting effect makes the energy level of the electron in the first well after emitting the photon at the same energy as the energy level before emitting a photon in the next quantum well (see attached picture). So after emitting a photon, the electron tunnels into the next well, at the energy level before emitting another photon, where it emits another photon. With enough wells in sequence together, one electron emits numerous photons and it lases. When discussing how the SPADs work, I neglected to mention that the SPAD has a large electric field applied across it, above the breakdown field of the material. This means that when an electron is hit by a photon, it leaves its atom, is accelerated by the field, and hits other electrons, creating a current in a normally insulating material. The current can stop by either having no more electrons which can be knocked off the atoms, or the voltage (and therefore the electric field) is reduced to a point where the electric field can no longer accelerate the electrons to a high enough speed." Today I learned that you can use "to lase" as a verb. I guess lasers gonna lase! Check out the band he plays in, SambaYaBamba, maybe catch them this summer. Facebook Twitter Insta Upcoming gigs Check out the Glasgow Frontrunners, or find your local chapter. Find Alex online! Facebook Insta Want to hear from more LGBT people in STEM, then subscribe! And find SciCurious on social media! Facebook Twitter Insta Pokemon Go - 4904 6958 4974 Leave a review! Music for this episode was Mamma Mia by Austin Weber. Find his music on Spotify or Apple music. Thanks to IOPScotland for sponsoring this episode and the 5 other episodes in this season. Check out their website for more information on IOP events all around Scotland!

This week, on the PRmoment Podcast, I’m interviewing Vanessa Pine, co-founder of Atlas Partners. What I love about Vanessa’s career is that it’s real! She says she doesn’t have any regrets, but there are a few career decisions which I suspect, in hindsight, she could have played out differently.Vanessa is currently a director at Atlas Partners which employs 10 people and has a fee income of £600K. Atlas was founded in 2015.Here is a summary of what Vanessa and I discussed: Vanessa tells us what it was like to work on the Lib Dem campaign in the 2010 general election when “I agree with Nick” briefly became one of the nation's favourite phrases How the TV debates changed the dynamic of UK election campaigns Why the Lib Dems went to 40% in the polls for a brief period How a very small Lib Dem general election team were almost over-run by the momentum of the 2010 Lib Dem campaign Why Vanessa left the UK public affairs scene to go to Australia when the Lib Dems went into coalition government – at precisely the point when she was most valuable from a UK-career perspective What the differences are between the UK PR scene and the Australian PR scene Why UK PR people are highly prized in Australia How Vanessa ended up working on the “Australian Year of the Farmer” campaign How Vanessa coped with being made redundant from her job in Australia – with the risk of her being deported Why the uncertainty is the worst part of being made redundant How Vanessa became PR manager in Australia for Coca Cola – a job she doesn’t think she would have had in the UK Why recruitment in public relations has become such a conservative process of risk management What does a political special advisor (SpAds) actually do? Why the SpAds role is a blend of media and policy How politics is the art of the possible – it’s not an ideological exercise The role SpAds play in the presentation and politics of policy How SpAds coordinate with civil servants How Vanessa’s previous career influenced the positioning of Atlas Partners Why minority partners in coalitions “get slammed every single time” in elections Why Vanessa launched Atlas Partners The virtuous circle of running a consultancy business: Why happy staff mean happy clients Why it took Vanessa 10 years to gain the confidence to launch her own business How the overlap between media and politics is creating opportunities for firms like Atlas Partners

Lullaby In half-heeled homes on terraced streets the suburbs sing their psalms: the charger buzz, the deadlock click, the shrieking, far-off car alarm. I’m sorry love, it’s nothing much - a carb and protein fix. Remember how we used to eat before the kids knocked us for six? Then here again: the half-bought couch, the supermarket wine, the drip-drip of our Netflix fix, the whittling of our brittle time. A soggy packed lunch Friday waits so keep me from the sack. I can't admit that this is it but she’s got meetings back-to-back: And so, to that familiar song: Oh, you go up, I won't be long. The sad refrain to Big Ben's bong - Yes, you go up I won't be long. And now it's Newsnight, Question Time, I tell myself that things are fine as callow SPADS, unreal like sims all sing their grim familiar hymns And this is what we’ll leave our kids: the safety net in pieces, the wolves well versed in double-baa with tell-tale bloodstains down their fleeces. What will I leave? Vented spleen? Four-lettered verbal litter? A spray of righteous leftist bile at people just like me on Twitter? Young, so young and yet so weary , thumbs like scatterguns. Another day of useless ire. Exhausted, I ignored my sons I’ve never cast a selfish vote, nor backed a winner yet but here I sit in up-lit comfort, am I really that upset? I sing along to Britain’s song - I pick my place among the throng I sing their words so I belong - You go up, I won’t be long. But look around the towns and shires at all these gleaming steel-glass spires and retails parks and malls so dear and tell me who is thriving here. Apocalyptic Friday sales and zero hour contract fails off-shore fixes, bedroom tax while banks and business tip their hats to politicians flush with chips and healthcare firm directorships the safe seats, and consultancies that wring-out our democracy. And couples like us, cleaved in two with no idea what we can do but proffer up a dour love to things that can’t empower us or knock back booze or laugh it off, make strongholds under covers, or shelve our reason now and then to scream, scream at each other.

With a reassuring intro from the most dangerous show in the world, Hank Watson's Garage Hour gets right down to gearhead, with Fords, junkyards (like A&B and 67 Truck in San Diego), tales of fine salvage, and the DUIs that get some of those vehicles there.  The plan falls apart after that, with a Crag-infested BLEEPing roll-in that Mayor Bloomberg would like to ban, followed by hobbits.  Yeah.  .45 Phil likes hobbits. There's also a bit of seriousness in this episode, as Hostus Maximus Justin Fort and cohosts Crag Maxwell and .45 Phil speak up about some of the unspoken truths of the Sandy Hook shooting, including the need for the media and video game makers to admit that they're popularizing violence, and parents' need to assert their role as parent and not their kids' best friends. Not to keep it too dark, the Garage Hour goons rocket back to the Gearhead Planet with not so smart meters, Phil's Tank of the Week (the nasty Soviet Tunguska), and America's solution to Ruskie tanks, the A-10.  Then it's all dogfights and Spads and beer and Bilsteins. Damn right you want it.