Ben Zaranko, a Senior Research Economist from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, dives into the fiscal challenges facing Labour, spotlighting a funding gap of £22 to £100 billion. He critiques the term 'black hole' in public finances while urging for transparency and accountability in economic policies. The conversation also touches on the balance of fiscal rules with investment needs, Labour's political landscape, and its commitment to workers' rights under Angela Rayner. Finally, it previews insights from former Conservative voters who've switched to Labour.

Joining the conversation are Scott Keeter, a senior survey advisor at the Pew Research Center, known for his expertise in public opinion polls, along with data journalist Ben Walker, who offers keen insights into political trends. They dive into the uncertainty of polling reliability and historical challenges faced in past elections. Megan Gibson and Katie Stallard discuss the impact of Kamala Harris's campaign strategies on voter turnout and perceptions, addressing the complexities of navigating political centrism in a polarized climate.

Gabriel Sherman, writer of the film 'The Apprentice,' and David Sexton, film critic for the New Statesman, delve into the intricacies of capturing Donald Trump on screen. They explore Roy Cohn's pivotal role in shaping Trump's aggressive political style and the challenges of portraying his complex character. They also discuss how Trump's early influences, including media manipulation and his reality TV persona, inform his identity today. The conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between empathy and critique in the cinematic portrayal of such a controversial figure.

The podcast dives into Kemi Badenoch's bid for Conservative leadership and the potential schism it could create within the party. It explores the dynamics of right-wing politics, contrasting Badenoch's alignment with the Reform party against the challenges facing the Tories. Discussions also touch on the intriguing balance between political gossip and serious policy analysis. Lastly, it highlights the crossover between pop culture and politics, particularly how media sensationalism around events like Taylor Swift's concerts affects public perception.

The health secretary's push to use weight loss injections like Ozempic as a solution for unemployment sparks a gripping debate. Experts question whether this pharmaceutical approach overlooks the deeper issues of economic deprivation and mental health. The conversation also tackles the accessibility of unhealthy foods and its connection to public health. With budget dynamics on the table, discussions about progressive taxation and the need for effective government investment strategies highlight the complexities of stimulating economic growth.

Craig Scott shares his poignant experience advocating for assisted dying following his father's end-of-life care. Hannah Barnes discusses the complexity and emotional challenges of assisted dying, drawing from her family's experiences. Catherine Sleeman highlights the pressing issues in palliative care, emphasizing the need for improvement. Nancy Preston brings attention to funding and awareness gaps in palliative services, shedding light on the ethical and societal dimensions of assisted dying legislation in the UK. This discussion is both heartfelt and thought-provoking.

Join Sarah Woolnough, CEO of The King’s Fund; Sir Jim Mackey, CEO of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; and Julian Hunt, PwC’s Health Services Sector Leader, as they tackle the NHS productivity conundrum. They discuss how COVID-19 amplified existing inefficiencies and the gap between digital solutions and real-world needs. The trio highlights the importance of staff training and patient engagement to drive productivity, while emphasizing that successful practices from other sectors could inspire vital changes in healthcare.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, discusses Labour's economic strategies and upcoming budget plans. She emphasizes the need for equitable tax responsibilities, especially for the wealthy and non-Domiciled individuals. The conversation touches on Labour's vision for improving living standards and managing fiscal shortfalls. They also delve into recent policy shifts regarding public ownership and initiatives aimed at enhancing women's safety. Finally, climate change takes center stage as Reeves stresses the importance of science-based solutions.

Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, critiques Boris Johnson's memoir, calling it 'gut-wrenching' and 'craven.' She highlights the inconsistencies in his narrative, especially regarding his COVID leadership. George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe delve into the recent chaos in the Conservative Party's leadership race, spotlighting candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick. They examine the implications of Keir Starmer's team shake-up and how it shapes future political dynamics in the UK.

Travis Doss, Georgia's election officials' president, shares the harrowing reality of navigating election integrity amidst political pressure. Jill Filipovic discusses how manipulation threatens democracy, while Katie Stallard reveals the looming legal challenges with 120 lawsuits in play. Dawn Brancati warns of potential unrest as delays in results could spark civil discord. The conversation delves into the erosion of trust in electoral processes and how election officials are increasingly facing threats in a charged political climate.