Hello! We hear a lot about the problems of the data economy. How can we take back control? Philosopher Carissa Veliz explains why governments need to step in to protect our privacy. Then Jack Hardinges from the Open Data Institute talks about exciting new ideas to help steward data for the common good.AND broadcasting royalty David Dimbleby is here to discuss ‘The Fault Line’ - his new podcast about the run-up to the Iraq War. We chat to David about politics, podcasting and the art of good interviews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This year’s Black Lives Matter protests are thought to be the biggest in US history and across the world mass movements are on the rise. But how do these movements shift the national conversation? What works in driving political change? We chat to social movement experts Deva Woodly and Hahrie Han about language, organising and the strategies of success.Plus Twitter sensation Michael Spicer on being the ‘man in the room next door’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Music streaming has made it easier than ever to listen to our favourite artists, but too many musicians earn next to nothing from it. We chat to Naomi Pohl from the Musicians’ Union and Tom Gray from the Broken Record campaign about fixing problems with the industry. But first, violinist Tasmin Little talks about why musicians need more support during the crisis.PLUS Blue Peter legend Konnie Huq on reimagining our favourite fairy tales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we have two VERY inspiring conversations about US politics. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar - one of the ‘squad’ of young progressive Democrats -  talks about her life, her politics and how she approaches the crises facing America today. Then young activist Will Lawrence explains how the Sunrise Movement are shifting the conversation on climate and why a Green New Deal might be closer than we think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What’s the future of workplace organising? This week’s guests are full of ideas. Alex Marshall talks about organising couriers in the gig economy. Michelle Miller explains how Coworker is providing a platform for workers in the US. And New Zealand union supremo Richard Wagstaff talks us through their plan to rebalance power in low paid sectors.PLUS the super cheerful Bernadette Russell talks about hope, kindness and Ed’s karaoke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We often hear about the idea of meritocracy. But philosopher Michael Sandel thinks it isn’t such a good thing. His new book ’The Tyranny of Merit’ argues the rhetoric of meritocracy is fuelling polarisation and the rise of far right populism. We have a really thought-provoking chat with Michael about his argument and what it means for our attitudes to education, work and our fellow citizens.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! How can we ensure essential workers are at the heart of policymaking? Here’s an idea that could change our way of doing things: it’s called the everyday or foundational economy. Care assistant Chika and GMB social care lead Kelly tell us what recent months have been like for those on the frontline. Prof Karel Williams explains what the 'foundational economy’ actually means. And Josh Miles from the FSB talks about the difference it’s making in Wales.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What if everyone was given a bit of wealth as they hit adulthood? That’s the idea behind Child Trust Funds - established back in the 2000s and coming to fruition for the first cohort of 18 year olds this month. Godfather of Child Trust Funds Gavin Kelly explains the story behind them and why we should resurrect something similar today. We ask Kerry McWalter what she plans to do with hers. And Naomi Zewde tells us why a similar proposal for ‘baby bonds’ could make a serious dent on the racial wealth gap in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We're back with a bang from our summer hols. Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard joins us from down under to chat about women in politics. She's co-written a fab new book looking at the experiences of women politicians from Jacinda Ardern to Theresa May. We speak about what they’ve found and how we can tackle barriers to equal representation. But first we ask Julia about THAT speech…Subscribe to the Cheerful newsletter: https://cheerfulpodcast.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! In our latest extended chat we’re speaking to Alastair Campbell about his new book ‘Living Better’. Alastair talks about his experience of depression, the impact it has had on his life and work, and how he has learned to survive with it.In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. International helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.Mind offers a range of mental health information, support and advice at https://mind.org.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.