Hello! How can we support workers in high carbon sectors as we transition to a net zero economy? Phil Asquith tells us about the legendary Lucas Plan in the 1970s, when Phil and his colleagues came up with alternative ideas for production when their jobs were at risk. Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Teresa Ribera explains how their approach to the 'just transition’ is shaping Spain's recovery from coronavirus. And Tim Page from the TUC talks about what we need to do in the UK today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After George Floyd's murder, Black Lives Matter protests are again taking place around the world against police violence and systemic racism. We're asking what we can all do to make this a moment of real change. Barrister and former Deputy Mayor of London Matthew Ryder talks about the actions we can take on the specific issue of how black people are treated by the police. And we speak to Professor Kalwant Bhopal about her book, ‘White Privilege: The Myth of a Post-Racial Society’.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode here! It’s a longer conversation with former Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow. We chat to John about life as Speaker, the evolution of his politics & what he’s planning to do next.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Over the last few months, we’ve been more reliant on the internet than ever to work, stay in touch with each other, and educate our kids. What impact will this have on the society we build coming out of the crisis? Anett Numa explains why Estonia was better prepared than most countries for living life online. Helen Milner from the Good Things Foundations talks about how lockdown has exposed new digital divides. And we ask Stanford economist Nick Bloom about why home working is here to stay.Plus John Bercow on life as Speaker of the House of Commons.AND buy previous guest Gavin Osborn's song raising money for the NHS - https://mylittleowlrecords.bandcamp.com/track/born-in-the-nhs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! More than a million young people could be unemployed in the wake of the current crisis. How can we create opportunities for young people to find work and contribute to tackling the climate crisis? Historian David Woolner talks through lessons from the Civilian Conservation Corps - established in the US in response to the Great Depression. Youth Futures Foundation’s Anna Smee and the Resolution Foundation’s Kathleen Henehan discuss the problem of youth unemployment today. And Martin Moore explains his exciting idea for a Youth Environment Service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This weekend was the final meeting of the UK’s Climate Assembly. As BIG fans of citizens’ assemblies, we explore how it went and what comes next. Assembly member Ibrahim talks about his experience. Climate expert Becky Willis explains how we can revolutionise democracy to tackle the climate crisis. And Shared Futures' Pete Bryant argues for local climate juries in towns and cities across the country.AND Big Issue founder John Bird on how we can support the magazine during lockdown.But before all that, we have a special guest... Find 'Talking Politics: History of Ideas' here https://play.acast.com/s/history-of-ideas/Subscribe to the Cheerful newsletter: https://cheerfulpodcast.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What would society look like if we started from the assumption that people are fundamentally decent? We speak to historian Rutger Bregman about ‘Humankind’ - his new book arguing for a positive view of human nature. Then we talk to COVID mutual aid volunteer Sam Maher about how our instinct in crises is often to help others. And to constructive journalism campaigner Jodie Jackson about why the news should go beyond showing the worst of humanity. Subscribe to the Cheerful newsletter: https://cheerfulpodcast.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Thousands of rough sleepers have been given a place to stay during the lockdown. If we can do it in a pandemic, why not the rest of the time? We talk to Matt Downie from Crisis and Maggie Brunjes from Homeless Network Scotland about how we can build on the last few weeks to end rough sleeping for good. Then Danny Dorling discusses what this shows about our ability to tackle injustice and why he thinks the world was slowing down even before the current crisis.Listen to episode 26 on Housing First: https://bit.ly/RTBC-26Subscribe to the Cheerful newsletter: https://cheerfulpodcast.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Some sectors are likely to need further support during this crisis. But should government attach conditions to corporate bailouts, or even seek an equity stake in bailed out companies? Danish MP Rune Lund explains why everyone’s talking about Denmark’s approach. Then Common Wealth’s Adrienne Buller and economist Mariana Mazzucato discuss the conditions they’d like to see over here.ANDFormer table tennis champion turned best-selling author Matthew Syed chats about his book on the importance of diverse thinking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What determines whether crises lead to major social change? We talk to two historians about lessons from the past. Walter Scheidel explains his argument that economic inequality has only ever been significantly reduced by catastrophes and war. Then Theda Skocpol discusses the impact that ideas and social movements can have.Plus ParkRun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt on the story behind its phenomenal success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.