Helen Charman, a literary scholar and historian, delves into the political history of motherhood in the UK and Ireland. She examines the historical and modern use of maternal metaphors in politics, discussing how figures like Margaret Thatcher impacted perceptions of motherhood. Charman critiques the austerity measures affecting marginalized families while highlighting the liberatory potential of motherhood. The conversation also touches on activism at Greenham Common, the challenges faced by diverse parenting structures, and reimagining maternal roles within feminist movements.

Explore the history of childhood play and language development, from Tudor toys to modern museum experiences. Learn about the significance of toys in children's learning, the evolution of wooden figures, and the relationship between vocabulary and educational achievement. Delve into the challenges of measuring language acquisition in children and the impact of technology on play behavior.