One of the biggest policy challenges Britain faces right now is its housing crisis. How did we get into such a mess and how do we get out of it? John Curtice and Rachel Wolf are joined by Dr Tim Leunig who advised three secretaries of state on housing policy. If you want to hear more from Tortoise on housing, listen to Making sense of social housing.  Email: trendy@tortoisemedia.comHosts: John Curtice and Rachel WolfTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The number of university graduates has never been higher, but what does that mean for social mobility? Has it stalled and if so, what does that reveal about inequality?Email: trendy@tortoisemedia.comHosts: John Curtice and Rachel WolfExecutive producer: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast explores the growing popularity of populism in Europe, analyzing its history, impact on democracy, and comparisons to Trump's populism. It delves into the demographics of populist party voters, examining factors such as education, class, and gender. The UK's connection to the populist wave, particularly in the context of Brexit, is also discussed. Additionally, the podcast explores the constraints faced by populist parties in implementing policies and the limitations of populism as a whole.

Exploring the reasons behind declining birth rates across the western world and the implications for society, including the impact on services like healthcare and pensions. Discussing the differences in childbirth patterns between graduates and non-graduates and the challenges of raising the retirement age. Examining the effectiveness of government subsidies on childcare and the need for legal changes in response to rising cohabitation trends. Reflecting on the changing dynamics of being a child in the last century and the importance of valuing and supporting children.

A quarter of all government spending goes on welfare, including pensions, housing and incapacity benefit. What challenges does the next government face when it comes to welfare?Email: trendy@tortoisemedia.comGuest: Robert De Vries, senior lecturer in sociology and social policy at the University of KentHosts: John Curtice and Rachel WolfTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the opinion polls are right the Conservatives could face one of their worst electoral defeats in their history in the upcoming general election. Can anything change that?  To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exploring the decline of organized religion in the UK and its impact on policy-making. Discussion on the global decline of religion, the integration of religion and politics in Northern Ireland and England, and the significance of Christmas in modern society. Exciting news shared about the podcast's future and upcoming series 2.

Guest Torsten B, an expert on tax and spend policies, joins the hosts to analyze the recent tax cuts announced in the autumn statement and their impact on different income groups. They discuss the freezing of income tax and national insurance thresholds, the overall trend of tax rises, and the challenges faced by the next administration in terms of taxes, public services, and low productivity. They also touch on multiculturalism in Britain and announce the podcast's move to Tortois News and a new series called Walter's War.

Polls suggest both US president Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak face an uphill battle to win votes in upcoming national elections. John Curtice and Rachel Wolf are joined by US polling expert, Professor Christopher Carman to discuss whether Biden and Sunak could be defeated for the same reasons?  For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.If you’d like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us. Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain spends nearly £50 billion a year on defence. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there were renewed calls for an increase to defence spending. Would voters support this? Rachel Wolf and John Curtice discuss how voters view the armed forces and the changing nature of Remembrance in Britain. For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app.For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.If you’d like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us. Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.