Understand
BBC Radio 4
NEW in Understand - The TripThe story of psychedelics. It's a unique moment. After decades of taboo and blanket illegality, policymakers and research institutions are taking these substances seriously. As a new dawn of psychedelic treatment beckons, Tim Hayward makes a personal journey into how we got here and where this is all heading.
Understand from BBC Radio 4 - unravelling the complexities of the biggest stories and subjects that really matter right now.
Understand from BBC Radio 4 - unravelling the complexities of the biggest stories and subjects that really matter right now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 17, 2024 • 14min
The UK Election: 8. What’s the Media’s Role in an Election?
Former editor of The Sun newspaper and BBC’s News Culture & Media discuss media's impact on UK elections. They explore the power of British press, broadcasting regulations, TV debates, and social media influence. Insights on changing dynamics and challenges in shaping election outcomes.
Jun 17, 2024 • 14min
The UK Election: 7. What Can Polling Predict?
Professor Jane Green, Director of the Nuffield Politics Research Centre at Oxford University, discusses the significance of opinion polling in politics, trends in UK election polls since 2019, and interpreting polling data for smaller political parties. The episode explores the challenges of predicting election outcomes and the use of polls for decision-making by political parties.
Jun 17, 2024 • 14min
The UK Election: 6. How Important Are Marginal Seats?
Political correspondent Alex Forsyth discusses the impact of marginal seats, tactical voting, and electoral pacts on UK elections. Exploring how constituency boundary changes, safe seats, and shifting dynamics influence election outcomes. Guest host Adam Fleming provides insights from a senior BBC elections analyst.
Jun 10, 2024 • 15min
The UK Election: 5. How Do You Make Sure Voting Runs Smoothly?
Vijay Rangarajan, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, discusses changes for Brits abroad voting, voter ID rules, dogs at polling stations, and the use of pencils. Explanations on voter eligibility, turnout fluctuations, ensuring smooth voting processes, and the significance of marginal seats in the UK Election.
Jun 10, 2024 • 15min
The UK Election: 4. Why Do People Vote the Way They Do?
Professor Jane Green discusses the categorization of target voters in UK elections like Mondeo Man and Worcester Woman, exploring how demographics and values influence voter behavior. The episode also delves into the impact of Brexit and COVID-19 on the 2019 general election, along with the role of leadership in shaping voter perception.
Jun 10, 2024 • 15min
The UK Election: 3. What Difference Does a Manifesto Make?
Rachel Wolf, co-author of the Conservatives' 2019 manifesto, and Jonathan Rutherford discuss the writing process and impact of political manifestos in UK elections. They delve into the contrasting approaches of the Conservative and Labour Parties, the importance of costings, and the significance of manifestos in shaping post-election governance.
Jun 10, 2024 • 15min
The UK Election: 2. How Are Candidates Selected?
Political journalist Michael Crick joins host Adam Fleming to dissect the intricate process of how candidates are selected in the UK election. They delve into the importance of local candidates, strategies politicians use, and the impact of initiatives like the all women's shortlists in the Labour Party
Jun 10, 2024 • 15min
The UK Election: 1. How Do You Get the Campaign Right?
The podcast delves into the behind-the-scenes of election campaigns, discussing day-to-day activities, strategic planning, and responding to unexpected events. It also explores the evolution of campaign strategies, emphasizing the impact of social media on modern elections.
Dec 29, 2023 • 15min
The US Election: 5. Becoming President
BBC North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and American History Chair Margaret O’Mara discuss the powers and limitations of the US President, transitions between administrations, concerns of power abuse, and the unpredictability of the 2024 election.
Dec 29, 2023 • 14min
The US Election: 4. The General Election
Mary Frances Berry, a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses election day workings, Electoral College importance, disparities in the US electoral system, voter fraud allegations impact, and accessibility challenges faced by disabled voters.
