In its first King's Speech, the Labour government said that "greater devolution of decision making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy and is a key driver of economic growth."Historically, why has the UK been so insistent on hoarding power centrally? And what's the potential in Westminster giving away power?With Tony Travers (LSE), Sarah Longlands (IPPR North) and Neil McInroy (The Centre for Local Economic Strategies) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed has departed for government, and Geoff is left as custodian of the archive. As the Labour government makes its first raft of announcements and appointments, we delve into our back catalogue to find the ideas which might have influenced them. In this episode, we look at Rachel Reeves' announcement of the National Wealth Fund. What are public wealth funds? What different forms can they take? What are the potential benefits to our country?We revisit our episode Investment for the People from October 2022. First, we get the beginner's guide from UCL Associate Professor Josh Ryan-Collins. Then we hear from Professor Karin Thorburn about Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, which (due to specific historical circumstances) is very different to the one proposed for the UK, but illustrates how a public wealth fund could transform the way we finance Government spending. More infoNorway’s Sovereign Wealth FundUCL IIPP Report on Public Wealth FundsGuestsJosh Ryan-Collins, Associate Professor in Economics and Finance, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (@jryancollins) (@IIPP_UCL)Karin Thorburn, Professor of Finance, Norwegian School of Economics (@karinsthorburn) (@NHHnor) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're giving you an extra 24 hours to don a black armband and stock up on Kleenex, as the Chatteroo approaches its final destination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neuroscientist and author Tali Sharot has joined the Chatteroo to talk about her excellent new book, 'Look Again - The Power of Noticing What Was Always There' (co-written with Cass R Sunstein.) It's the habituation sensation that's sweeping the nation.Email us! [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Où est le chatteroo? Voici le chatteroo!Send us hamster facts, or anything else that's on your mind: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life is a Chatteroo, old chum! Come to the Chatteroo.Hello, and welcome to this week's catch-up, during which we discuss afternoon tea, including young voices in the climate conversation, a hat made of mushrooms, and workplace wellbeing and urban rewilding.Send us an email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A chatty accompaniment as your potatoes roast and your sprouts boil. We wish you a cheerful Christmas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you like to work less, feel happier and maybe even do something good for the planet, all with no loss in pay? It’s a dream that could soon become a reality for many, after the world's biggest four day week trial wrapped up last year. We explore the results and dig back through our audio archives to revisit the history of a shorter working week, why it could be a solution to Britain's flatlining productivity problem, and what comes next for the four day week campaign.GuestsAndrew Barnes, 4 Day Week - Global (@4dayweek_global)Kate Bell, TUC (@kategobell)Rachel Kay, Researcher and Will Stronge, co-founder of think-tank Autonomy (@w_stronge / @Autonomy_UK)More information Listen to RTBC 55 Living for the (three day) weekend (October 2018)Listen to RTBC 126 The Four Day Future: Building a movement for shorter working hours (Feb 2020)Read the report by think tank Autonomy The Results are In: The UK’s four-day week pilot (Feb 2023)Read more about the UK’s 4 Day Week CampaignRead more about the global movement for a four day week Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics was announced earlier this week. Claudia Goldin’s research showed that at the point of having a child women's wages start to lag behind men's. But why is parenthood a penalty for mothers? Could a more generous parental leave offer - including a ‘use it or lose it’ policy for fathers - be the key to achieving gender equality? GuestsSam Smethers, former CEO, Fawcett SocietyKatrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of IcelandMolly Mayer, former senior research and policy officer, Fawcett SocietyListen to RTBC episode 64 Sharing and Caring: the case for paternity leave (December 2018)Listen to RTBC episode 194 Go Big #1: A big idea for gender equality (June 2021)Learn more about the charity Pregnant then Screwed and their research that shows boosting paternity leave has economic benefitsRead about Claudia Goldin’s work and winning the 2023 Nobel Prize in EconomicsWe'll be back on Monday with our next full episode of Reasons to be Cheerful! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The national living wage is going up to at least £11 an hour from next April. Although it's claimed the rise will help two million of the lowest paid workers, many campaigners are saying it's still not enough for a decent standard of living in the current economic climate. The Real Living Wage is one alternative. It's a voluntary commitment from employers to pay their workers enough to meet their everyday needs, and unlike the government's living wage it's calculated according to the actual cost of living. We spoke to Sheila Blackburn and Margaret Beckett MP in 2021 about the history of the fight for a government-set minimum wage. We also spoke to Lola McEvoy back in 2019 and Gavin Kelly about the Real Living Wage and why the campaign has been so successful to date.GuestsDr Sheila Blackburn, Historian, University of LiverpoolMargaret Beckett MP, Former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1995-1997)Gavin Kelly, Chair of the Living Wage Commission (@GavinJKelly1)Lola McEvoy, Formerly of the Living Wage Foundation (@Lola__McEvoy)More InformationListen to RTBC 78 Living wage against the machine (March 2019)Listen to RTBC 221 First they ignore you : Part four - the fight for a minimum wage (Dec 2021)Learn more about the Living Wage Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All aboard! Last weekend, Greater Manchester made history as the first place outside London to bring its bus system into public control. Since 1986 - when buses were deregulated - fares have almost doubled, routes have been cut and fewer people are taking the bus. The Bee Network is Mayor Andy Burnham's answer to the problem. We spoke to him in 2021 about his commitment to make the region's buses better. We also talked to transport expert Nicole Badstuber about why London's buses never suffered the same fate as elsewhere in the country, and to Ian Taylor about visionary public transport systems in Europe and further afield. Will other parts of Britain soon see their buses back in public hands?See you on Monday for our next episode of Reasons to be Cheerful!GuestsNicole Badstuber, Transport Expert (@nicolebadstuber)Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester (@AndyBurnhamGM)Ian Taylor, Transport for Quality of LifeMore informationListen to RTBC Episode 23: Ding, ding, next stop: sorting out the busesListen to RTBC Episode 192 Ticket to ride: buses, Burnham and public control Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we tackle the housing crisis? It’s a question we’ve looked at several times over the years, but it hasn’t become any less pressing. This week, new statistics showed that rents are rising at their fastest rate in almost a decade. We delve into some of the potential solutions, from rent control to long-term tenancy agreements. We hop into our RTBC time machine and go back to 2017, where we speak to Grace, a tenant in a rent-controlled flat and Greg Beales from housing charity Shelter. Last year we also talked to Maria Vassilakou, the former deputy mayor of Vienna, to ask whether we can learn anything from the city’s approach to social housing.See you on Monday for our next episode of Reasons to be Cheerful!Listen to RTBC Episode 4: Take back (rent) control: All power to the tenants! (2017)Listen to RTBC Episode 265: Home sweet (social) home (2022)Learn more about the work of Shelter and their recent research, including information on the Renters Reform Bill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stop the press! We're bringing you an extra dose of RTBC each week, as we dig back into our audio archives and brief you on a big idea that's having a moment. This week the UK's GDP estimates showed the economy shrunk in July, sparking fears of a recession. But what if there was a different way to measure a country's economic success? We spoke to Katherine Trebeck, Annie Quick and Kate Raworth about the alternatives, from doughnut economics to New Zealand's Wellbeing Budget. Can we move beyond our obsession with growth? And where do we go next?See you on Monday for our next episode of Reasons to be Cheerful!GuestsKatherine Trebeck, from the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (@ktrebeck)Annie Quick, formerly at the New Economics Foundation (@anniequick)Kate Raworth, founder of Doughnut Economics Action Lab (@KateRaworth)Listen to RTBC Episode 91: Who's Afraid of GDP (2019)Listen to RTBC Episode 195: A Big Idea to Rethink the Economy (2021)Let us know what you think about Reasons Revisited! Get in touch with us via our website or on social media (@cheerfulpodcast) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! For the final part of our special series on this year’s COP 26 climate summit, we’re exploring how the climate movement is pushing world leaders to act. Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate tells us about her journey into activism and what she is calling for now. Then Tommy Vickerstaff from 350.org explains how we can all get involved in campaigning around the COP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we're exploring a vision for how we can address the environmental crisis and build a better society in the process. Friends of the pod Mat Lawrence and Laurie Laybourn-Langton are back to chat about Planet on Fire - their 'manifesto for the age of environmental breakdown'. Then climate justice activist Dominique Palmer talks about building a movement to push for this kind of action.AND we chat to the world's best teacher, Andria Zafirakou!Head to cheerfulpodcast.com for more info on all of our episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! An extra treat this week for you all. Do pirates deserve to be remembered as fondly as the Levellers? We spoke to Sam Conniff Allende about his new book Be More Pirate, which reexamines the myths and legends around pirates and how we can apply the pirate principles of breaking and rewriting the rules to the modern world. From cooperatives to equal marriage, storytelling to insurance, the truth is quite surprising. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What links some of the highest cost house prices, criminals and islands thousands of miles away? Dirty money and tax havens. We speak to Luke Harding, Tom Burgis and Naomi Hirst about the damage being done and how the UK can stop being a home for laundered money.ANDComedian Pippa Evans talks to a witch on a bus, shares sandwiches and takes a peek at what you're listening to. CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cheerfulpodcast/ MERCHhttps://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/cheerfulpodcast/ CONTACT OUR GUESTSLuke Harding - https://twitter.com/lukeharding1968Tom Burgis - https://twitter.com/tomburgisNaomi Hirst - https://twitter.com/nfhirstPippa Evans - https://twitter.com/IAmPippaEvans   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! If there's something strange in your workplace, who are you going to call? Trade Unions! But with the decline in membership over decades, power has tilted towards employers, meaning worse working conditions and pay. How do we persuade people to join and the bosses to take them seriously? We're joined by Antonia Bance, Head of Campaigns and Communications, TUC, Nat Whalley, Executive Director, The Organise Platform and Joe Dromey, Senior Research Fellow, IPPRANDComedian Jake Yapp has MANY thoughts about how to make the world a better place. Including legalising drugs for the retired, hydrogen, conditioner & royalty on a budgetCONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cheerfulpodcast/ MERCHhttps://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/cheerfulpodcast/ CONTACT OUR GUESTSAntonia Bance - https://twitter.com/antoniabanceNat Whalley - https://twitter.com/natwhalleyJoe Dromey - https://twitter.com/Joe_DromeyJake Yapp - https://twitter.com/jakeyapp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We're on a bus with Cat Hobbs, Director of We Own It, and our transport expert Nicole Badstuber returns. There's more to buses than fighting for the second deck front window seat. With 5 billion journeys made per year in the UK, we're owed a service that works. But millions of us just don't have one and it hardly ever gets discussed. We find out why and what needs to be done. PLUS Dan Pink, author of When: the Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing on when we're at our best and the power of the power nap. AND Comedian Kiri Pritchard McLean joins us to advocate citizens' service for all, criminalising the bystanders and community planting CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cheerfulpodcast/ MERCHhttps://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/cheerfulpodcast/ CONTACT OUR GUESTSCat Hobbs - https://twitter.com/CatHobbsNicole Badstuber - https://twitter.com/NicoleBadstuberDan Pink - https://twitter.com/DanielPinkKiri Pritchard-McLean - https://twitter.com/kiripritchardmc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we're sitting down, facing the front of class, and taking notes as James Graham, Jez Bennett and Madeleine Holt teach us how we're failing to tutor the next generation adequately, in particular failing to put creativity at the centre of the curriculum. They tell us what needs to be done.ANDComedian Alice Fraser joins us to put forward the case for sex licenses, house swapping and the power of sport (not all at once!) FURTHER READING CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cheerfulpodcast/ MERCHhttps://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/cheerfulpodcast/ CONTACT OUR GUESTSJames Graham - https://twitter.com/mrjamesgrahamMadeleine Holt - https://twitter.com/meetparentsAlice Fraser - https://twitter.com/aliterative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We took to the stage and took on the topic of mental health. With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem each year, there must be something we can do to support, and where possible treat, these millions. Ruby Wax, George Ezra, and Professor Sir Simon Wessely joined us at the Leicester Square Theatre to talk about their personal and professional experiences with mental health.ANDAyesha Hazarika is BACK! We talk badgers, office pets, and saucy calendars. FURTHER READING MERCHhttps://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/cheerfulpodcast/CONTACT US [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcast https://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcast https://www.instagram.com/cheerfulpodcast/ Leave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast" CONTACT OUR GUESTSRuby Wax - https://twitter.com/Rubywax George Ezra - https://twitter.com/george_ezra Professor Sir Simon Wessely -https://twitter.com/WesselyS Ayesha Hazarika - https://twitter.com/ayeshahazarika Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we explore how to improve democracy by involving ordinary people in decision-making. Guests David Van Reybrouck, Professor James Fishkin and Sarah Allan tell us how an old idea from ancient Athens---selecting random citizens to deliberate--is making a difference from the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Ireland to reform of the Mongolian constitution. And we find out what we could do in the UK. AND Comedian Felicity Ward gives us her ideas. Including free mattresses, colourful houses and panda cafes   FURTHER READINGA video by David Van Reybrouck explaining sortition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS9EMvbBq_UDavid's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Against-Elections-David-Van-Reybrouck/dp/1847924220 James's book: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/democracy-when-the-people-are-thinking-9780198820291?cc=gb&lang=en&  CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/cheerfulpodcast/ MERCHhttps://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/cheerfulpodcast/ CONTACT OUR GUESTSDavid Van Reybrouck - https://twitter.com/davidvanreyProfessor James Fishkin - https://twitter.com/jfishkinSarah Allan - https://twitter.com/SarahAllanUKFelicity Ward - https://twitter.com/felicityward Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://www.liverpoolguild.org/events/reasons-to-be-cheerful-podcast-with-ed-miliband-and-geoff-lloyd Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd take their hit podcast, Reasons to be Cheerful to Liverpool Guild of Students, Mountford Hall for a special live episode. Expect optimism, ideas, special guests, and stories of Ed's failed interactions with inanimate objects (and Geoff's interactions with animate ones.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Our prison system is in crisis. Overcrowding, re-offending, self-harm and riots. What is to be done? Our guests tell us there is reason to think things can change for the better. Nils Oberg tells us how they do it so much better in Sweden, Vicky Pryce tells us what the economics teaches us, and former Lord Chancellor Charlie Falconer tells us how we can navigate the politics.ANDComedian Glenn Moore shares his ideas to make the world a better place.  FURTHER READING https://shop.spreadshirt.co.uk/cheerfulpodcast/ CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"CONTACT OUR GUESTSVicky Pryce - https://twitter.com/realvickypryceLord Falconer - https://twitter.com/lordcfalconerGlenn Moore - https://twitter.com/TheNewsAtGlenn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! With the NHS turning 70 this year, we take some time to really appreciate how far it's come and do our best to come up with solutions to turn the tide and get the NHS back up to health. Our guests Dr Hannah Barham-Brown, a junior doctor on the frontline, Anita Charlesworth from The Health Foundation and Lord Nick Macpherson, former Treasury Permanent Secretary tell us what needs to be done. Spoiler alert: we need to spend more of our national income on the NHS if we want to turn things round.ANDPrime Minister Jacinda Ardern joins us from New Zealand to tell us about her cheerful plans and reflections on her first 100 days. FURTHER READINGhttp://www.health.org.uk/our-people/anita-charlesworth CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"CONTACT OUR GUESTSJacinda Ardern -https://twitter.com/jacindaardernDr Hannah Barham-Brown https://twitter.com/hannahpopsyAnita Charlesworth - https://twitter.com/AnitaCTHFLord Nick Macpherson - https://twitter.com/nickmacpherson2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! In this episode we answer The Queen's question... why didn't the economists see the financial crisis coming. Our guests Prof Wendy Carlin, Maeve Cohen and Victoria Waldersee talk about how economics teaching needs to change and is changing plus how economics can be used to improve our world. ALSO We check in with Iceland's Prime Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, asking her about Iceland's new world-leading policy to tackle the gender pay gap. We also discuss her first few months in office, Scandi Noir, and trolls.AND Comedian Zoe Lyons brings us her ideas. She wants to ban the bags, lets in a couple of cars ahead of her and takes the voluntary out of volunteeringFURTHER READINGhttp://whatstheeconomy.com/ http://www.rethinkeconomics.org http://www.core-econ.org/the-economy/book/text/17.html#g_W9SsstO9Y CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"CONTACT OUR GUESTSKatrín Jakobsdóttir - https://twitter.com/katrinjakProf Wendy Carlin https://twitter.com/WendyCarlinEconMaeve Cohen - https://twitter.com/flavamaeveVictoria Waldersee - https://twitter.com/v_walderseeZoe Lyons - https://twitter.com/zoelyons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good afternoon and welcome to the Reasons to be Cheerful train service from here to the Geoffocracy. Yes, we're talking trains. How have we gotten into ourselves here? Billions of government subsidies and eye-watering prices. What is to be done? Andrew Adonis, who used to be Transport Secretary, Anton Valk, who used to help run the Dutch public railway & Nicole Badstuber, academic expert join us to reason it out. Plus Geoff tells all about his trainspotting past.ANDComedian Ahir Shah joins us to share his ideas of what could keep us cheerful this year.  FURTHER READINGhttp://www.transportforqualityoflife.com/u/files/120630_Rebuilding_Rail_Final_Report_print_version.pdf https://open.spotify.com/user/21kairhjm62hs7kuhpbogmi7y/playlist/2TEVp3NPQOj5JSEuYSxhD9 http://theconversation.com/the-case-for-re-nationalising-britains-railways-45963 http://podcast.londonreconnections.com/ https://twitter.com/lonrec https://twitter.com/GeorgeLakoff/status/948424436058791937   CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"CONTACT OUR GUESTSAndrew Adonis - https://twitter.com/Andrew_AdonisNicole Badstuber - https://twitter.com/NicoleBadstuberAhir Shah - https://twitter.com/AhirShah Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goodbye 2017! On a whole, we wont miss you, but there were *some* reasons to be cheerful, right? With our guests Sofie Hagen and Mark Watson, we review the nicer stories of the previous year before putting it in a box, gaffer taping it and sending it on a one way trip very far away. FURTHER READINGNothing on the reading list today. Have a day off! CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"CONTACT OUR GUESTSSofie Hagen https://twitter.com/sofiehagenMark Watson https://twitter.com/watsoncomedian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas! We've invited some people over to play the now legendary board game Class Stuggle. Who will win? Fantastic comedian Bridget Christie, Joel Cornah, of The Miliverse twitter account fame, take on Ed and Geoff.BUTBefore that, we get Rachel Reeves MP and Comedian Sarah Millican on to hear how they're making the world less lonely FURTHER READINGhttps://www.jocoxloneliness.org/https://twitter.com/search?q=%23joininhttps://twitter.com/TheMiliverse  CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"CONTACT OUR GUESTSRachel Reeves https://twitter.com/RachelReevesMPSarah Millican https://twitter.com/SarahMillican75Bridget Christie http://www.bridgetchristie.co.uk/Joel Cornah https://twitter.com/JoelCornah Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're taking to the stage for our first ever live episode recording, with special guests. WHEN: Sunday 28th January, 4pm. WHERE: Leicester Square Theatre, London TICKETS: https://leicestersquaretheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873583538/events/128109112/seats?zone=Main+House Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! It's the most wonderful time of the year... when everyone works double to earn enough to splurge on Christmas presents. But it is all worth it when the only person benefiting from your overtime is the company you work for? Torsten Bell and Heather Boushey join us to talk straight about where Britain is going wrong when it comes to overtime.Geoff cries and Ed wins against MurdochANDWe're joined by Jessica Fostekew who's hacking human biology to create a forgetting serum, shaking up democracy and enjoying the sight of dancing babies FURTHER READINGResolution Foundation report: http://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/time-for-time-and-a-half-exploring-the-evidence-and-policy-options-on-overtime/Washington Centre for Equitable Growth: http://equitablegrowth.org   CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"CONTACT OUR GUESTSTorsten Bell https://twitter.com/TorstenBellHeather Boushey https://twitter.com/HBousheyJessica Fostekew https://twitter.com/jessicafostekew Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! "Culture" noun: Relating to the arts and to intellectual achievements. But what does it really mean for the towns across the nation? Renowned artist Grayson Perry, Sharon Darley from Goodwin Trust in Hull & Dr Dave O'Brien share their thoughts.Ed & Geoff are taking selfies, swapping awards and treading the boards.ANDHelen Monks wants us to talk to each other, more empathy and free tea.ANDKevin the Cat! FURTHER READINGhttp://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17530350.2016.1248474https://policypress.co.uk/after-urban-regenerationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrkrvAUbU9Yhttps://twitter.com/Drug_Science/status/937663875868176389https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/powerful-and-coldhearted.htmlhttps://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/AGMzBtXGoqC1?domain=tandfonline.comhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9/episodes/downloadshttps://www.facebook.com/TheSceneVideo/videos/1600937229973624/https://hbr.org/2015/04/becoming-powerful-makes-you-less-empathetic CONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"CONTACT OUR GUESTSGrayson Perry https://twitter.com/Alan_MeaslesSharon Darley https://twitter.com/GoodwinDevTrustDr Dave O'Brien https://twitter.com/DrDaveOBrienHelen Monks https://twitter.com/Helen_Monks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Time to debunk some myths about the millionaires and their tax habits. Spoilers... It's highly likely we can make them chip in a bit more without them upping and leaving. Cristobal Young has the stats to prove it, Karen Stewart is happy to pay more and Prem Sikka is our expert in the UK.Ed & Geoff are reunited and sharing their holiday anecdotes, but NOT the presents that have been misplacedANDAngela Barnes joins us, pleading for - horn variety, flirting lessons, child-friendly carriages and a tour of the cold war bunkers FURTHER READINGhttps://www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/nov/20/if-you-tax-the-rich-they-wont-leave-us-data-contradicts-millionaires-threatshttps://patrioticmillionaires.org/who-we-are/https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0AMoBU7lFUACONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"CONTACT OUR GUESTShttps://twitter.com/cristobalyoung5https://twitter.com/patrioticmillshttps://twitter.com/premnsikkahttps://twitter.com/AngelaBarnes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! With Geoff in Chicago, the birthplace of modern community organising, we thought it’d be a great opportunity to discuss the transformative power of community organising and why it’s a Reason To Be Cheerful. We are joined by veteran community organiser Jerry Kellman, who gave a 24 year old Barack Obama his first job as an organiser in Chicago in 1985. We also speak to Dan Firth from We Can Win about the transformative power of community organising in the U.K.Geoff talks grilled cheese and Thanksgiving with the inlaws and Ed discusses parental leave and feminist foreign policy in Sweden.ANDWe’re also joined by US comedian Emily Galati who pitches her ideas. FURTHER READINGMore on Jerry and Barack: https://mobile.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/us/17cncwarren.htmlWant to be a community organiser? Contact We Can Win: http://www.wecanwin.co.ukSwedish Feminist Foreign policy: http://www.government.se/information-material/2017/10/swedens-feminist-foreign-policy--examples-from-three-years-of-implementation/ CONTACT OUR GUESTShttps://twitter.com/danfirth1 https://twitter.com/emilygalati Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! With increasing newspaper scare stories about transgender rights, we thought it might be an idea to give some airtime to the perspective and voice of trans people so those of us who aren't experts on the issue can understand a bit more. We talk to a parent of a trans child, Joe, award-winning writer Paris Lees, and Dr Helen Webberley, a doctor who works with trans young people who explain why advances in trans rights are Reasons To Be Cheerful.Ed and Geoff open the listener art gallery and break up to travel the world.ANDMiranda Kane joins us to recommend we haunt political buildings, get Benedict Cumberbatch to her house and shut everyone up after a million words FURTHER READINGhttps://growinguptransgender.wordpress.com/http://www.allabouttrans.org.uk/http://www.mermaidsuk.org.uk/http://www.wealthandwant.com/HG/the_condition_of_labor.htmhttps://twitter.com/ShoKon/status/930369286589308928  CONTACT OUR GUESTShttps://twitter.com/parisleeshttps://twitter.com/DadTranshttps://twitter.com/helenwebberleyhttps://twitter.com/miri_kane      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! In Episode 8 we learn about the tax which has been advocated since the 1800s, was supported by Winston Churchill and is widely regarded by economists as the perfect tax despite being elusive to policy makers. Our guests Joe Sarling & Catherine Cashmore guide us through the pros, cons and challenges of introducing a Land Value Tax Geoff and Ed talk about firing people, getting lost with Boris, and reflect on the team outing  AND David Axelrod with frank answers about the successes and failures of American politics. The stories from behind the scenes of Obama's running for office and reflections on Trump FURTHER READING https://commenttoday.org/category/land-value-tax/https://whoownsengland.org https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/business/behind-monopoly-an-inventor-who-didnt-pass-go.htmlCONTACT [email protected]://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"   CONTACT OUR GUESTShttps://twitter.com/davidaxelrodhttps://twitter.com/joesarlinghttps://twitter.com/ccashmore_buyer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! 16-year-olds are allowed to have sex and are made to pay tax... so... should they have a say when it comes to who runs the country? We're joined by Professor Alan Lee Williams, who fought the original battle to bring the voting age down to 18 in the 1960s, Ruth Davidson MSP, who, as leader of the Scottish Conservative Party is pushing votes at 16 agenda, and Anna Barker, Chair of the British Youth Council, puts it the perspective of her youthful peers.Award Nominated Ed and terrible risotto chef Geoff take their shoes off and reminisce about what they were doing at 16ANDTiff Stevenson wants men to be taught what a compliment is, a ban on the phrase "as a father of daughters", and thinks cat videos can change the world FURTHER READINGVotes At 16 Briefing http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN01747The debate in 1968 on the Bill to lower the voting age to 18 including Alan’s speech http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1968/nov/18/representation-of-the-people-bill#S5CV0773P0_19681118_HOC_525And... Geoff mentioned the McCartney family’s new Meat Free Monday film ahead of this week’s UN climate change conference. More details here: https://www.meatfreemondays.com/mccartney-family-launches-new-film-one-day-week/   CONTACT [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/reasonstobecheerfulpodcasthttps://twitter.com/cheerfulpodcastLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"  CONTACT OUR GUESTShttps://twitter.com/RuthDavidsonMSPhttps://twitter.com/AnnaRoseBarkerhttps://twitter.com/tiffstevenson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Episode 6 is on drugs. Legally? Illegally? Is the war on drugs ever going to end? Niamh Eastwood, Executive Director at Release and Sam Kamin, Professor of Marijuana Law at the University of Denver join us to talk about the merits and pitfalls of decriminalisation. Ed and Geoff talk Cheesecake, Halloween fun and Your Sinclair magazine   AND Comedian Ayesha Hazarika thinks the world would be better if we double our dishwashers, provide karaoke-for-all and have less choice.   FURTHER READING Release report on decriminalisation (with some helpful infographics) Portugal's model for decriminalisation Home Report comparing different countries approaches to drugs Home Office evaluation on the 2010 Strategy (check out Chapter 5)Release’s events   CONTACT USEmail us on - [email protected] us on FacebookFollow us on twitter Leave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"  CONTACT OUR GUESTSNiamh Eastwood on TwitterProfessor Sam Kamin on TwitterAyesha Hazarika on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We were pretty comfortable on Sadiq's office sofa, overlooking Tower Bridge and The Thames, so we made the most of Sadiq's time and asked him a few more questions In this bonus, hear Sadiq talking about his all-time hero, wood burning stoves, Brexit and the tragic consequences of a no deal, the relationship between London and the rest of the country, housing, Uber, the strength of diversity, and London being a beacon of the world.  CONTACT USEmail us on - [email protected] us on FacebookFollow us on twitterLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"  CONTACT SADIQSadiq Khan on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Episode 5 is full of pollution, it's in the air and it's shortening lives. What can we do about it? Our wonderful guests this week have ideas. Hear from London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, Andrea Lee from ClientEarth & Jens Frolich Holte, Norway's Former Adviser to the Minister of Environment and Climate Geoff and Ed adventurously take on a GIANT revel, take a stroll and take a selfie.   ANDComedian Amy Annette wants the world to listen, and us all to be allowed to take up a bit more space.    FURTHER READINGThe Guardian suggests banning carsThe Financial Times on Norway's electric car dreamClientEarth website Manic Miner     CONTACT USEmail us on - [email protected] us on FacebookFollow us on twitterLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast"  CONTACT OUR GUESTSSadiq Khan on TwitterJens Frølich Holte on twitterClientEarth on TwitterAmy Annette on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! In episode 4 we take on the challenge of keeping home rental affordable. Easy task right? Our guests Emmanuelle Cosse, former French housing minister, and Greg Beales from Shelter bring their expertise to the table and we called Grace and asked her about what it's like to have lived in a rent controlled home for over 30 years. We also discuss "CRUMBS!", retro labelers, and pencil rubbers in the ears.  AND Comedian Suzi Ruffell brings joy to the world by pretending to be an assistant stage director, she tells us why kids should be banned from Disneyland and wants everyone to have to "come out" to their parents    FURTHER READINGA blog from Generation Rent on rent controlsIPPR ReportResolution Foundation ReportShelter CONTACT USEmail us on - [email protected] us on FacebookFollow us on twitterLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast" CONTACT OUR GUESTSEmmanuelle Cosse on TwitterGreg Beales on TwitterSuzi Ruffell on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Here comes episode three! Why aren't women getting paid as much as the men doing the same job... and how do we solve it? We're joined by Victoria Budson and Jess Phillips MP to try and get out head around it We also discuss Theresa's cough, Hell Corner Farm, bedwetting, and the temptation to stop a lift full of tories  AND Comedian Sara Pascoe makes the world a better place with balloon cars, religious education, and man tax.   FURTHER READINGThe New York Times on the law against asking your salary in a job interviewThe Gender Action Portal from Victoria Budson's Women and Public Policy Program   CONTACT USEmail us on - [email protected] us on FacebookFollow us on twitterLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast" CONTACT OUR GUESTSWomen & Public Policy on TwitterJess Phillips MP on TwitterSara Pascoe on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Ready for episode two of Reasons to be Cheerful? In this edition, we'll explore the dominance of the high-tech giants like Uber, Google, Amazon and Facebook, whether we should curb their power and how with our guest Nick Srnicek. We also discuss Nick the Flying Brick, Quiz Master Ed, and terrible dancing. AND Comedian Bec Hill brings us her ideas to make the world that little bit better. Beds, school discipline for those naughty MPs, harassment, and being muted by Elon Musk.  FURTHER READINGThis, written by Nick Srnicek, in The GuardianOwn your social-media dataAnd this in the Financial TimesOh... and Bec Hill & Jay Foreman's song about Elon Musk  CONTACT USEmail us on - [email protected] us on FacebookFollow us on twitterLeave us a voicemail on skype - search for "Cheerful Podcast" CONTACT OUR GUESTSNick Srnicek on TwitterBec Hill on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new podcast about ideas. Coming soon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.