Hello! In the last year we've seen huge, unplanned changes in how lots of people go about their jobs. We’re asking what it means for the future of flexible working. Jane Van Zyl from Working Families talks about how to give people more control over where, when and how much they work. Karen Mattison from Timewise explains why it makes sense for employers. Then Eero Vaara tells us what we can learn from Finland's flexible working culture.Plus chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall on cold water swimming, mindful eating and how to look after our guts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year! This week we're talking to green energy supremo and founder of Ecotricity, Dale Vince. Dale chats about his extraordinary journey from a single wind turbine in Stroud to building the world’s first vegan football club. AND his next venture: producing diamonds from carbon the sky. BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND: Dale Vince on green energy, vegan football & sky diamondsHappy New Year! This week we're talking to green energy supremo and founder of Ecotricity, Dale Vince. Dale chats about his extraordinary journey from a single wind turbine in Stroud to building the world’s first vegan football club. AND his next venture: producing diamonds from carbon the sky.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! It’s the end of December, which can only mean one thing: time to unveil our favourite episodes of the year. We’ve listened back, tallied up the scores and meticulously whittled it down to the top 10. What’s made it to the coveted Number 1 spot? All will be revealed... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We've got the mince pies out and put our Christmas jumpers on for our first ever AMA (Ask Me Anything). We answer your questions on everything from Christmas dinner to how we first met. And Geoff finally reveals the leisure centre story... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We’re asking the big questions about where power lies in Britain. Why is government so centralised? Why are we so regionally unequal? Are the two linked? Local government guru Tony Travers talks us through the history. Then Sarah Longlands from IPPR North and Neil McInroy from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies chat about where we go from here.Before you go: next week we’re doing our first ever AMA! Anything you’ve always wanted to ask Ed and Geoff? Let us know at cheerfulpodcast.com or email reasons@cheerfulpodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we’re talking about rethinking the role of the state. How can we shift power to both frontline workers and citizens? Sue Goss explains why we should ditch the machine metaphors and think about government as a gardener. East Ayrshire Council’s Katie Kelly talks about how they’ve reimagined their relationship with local residents. And Adam Lent from New Local chats about why he thinks ‘community power’ is the future of public services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We all love a good story. This week we’re talking about ‘framing’ - how the stories and metaphors we use shape how people understand politics, the economy and our society. Framing experts Dora Meade and Nicky Hawkins discuss what it’s all about and what progressives can learn. Then California-based Ian Haney Lopez explains how the ‘Race Class Narrative’ can build a coalition for change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! A growing movement of businesses argues we need to rethink their role in society. At the forefront of this are BCorps - a new type of business putting purpose alongside profit. We chat to Paul Lindley, founder of Ella’s Kitchen, about why they became a BCorp and what he’s calling for next. Then academic Lenore Palladino explains how we could embed these principles more widely. PLUS QI elf Anne Miller on everything from cold sausages to Canadian airports... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We hear a lot about political polarisation, but is it actually worse than the past? And what can we do about it? Journalist Monica Guzman talks about bridging divides in her own family and her work with Braver Angels in the US. Tim Dixon from More in Common explains fascinating research showing Britain isn’t as divided as we think. And former Danish MP Özlem Cekic makes the case for ‘dialogue coffee’.And best-selling author Ibram X Kendi on his new book, 'Be Antiracist’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Biden’s victory is a huge moment for climate politics. But with just 12 months until COP26 in Glasgow next year, we’re asking how to ensure the vital climate summit is a success. We chat to architect of the Paris Agreement Christiana Figueres about what’s at stake next year. WWF’s Katie White talks about the role of the climate movement. Journalist Isabel Hilton explains why China’s net zero pledge is such a big deal. And Josh Tregale tells us about the ‘Mock COP’ conference organised by young activists.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.