Best HS2 Podcasts (2024)

1
All Opinions Are Valid - HS2 Unplugged: Red-Rated Reality 22:51

18d ago22:51

22:51

No waffle in this episode, we get straight into the listener questions, the first of which today is from Tess, in Stranrear, Scotland - “How damaging do you feel dismissing someone's opinion that you don’t like can be?” Stuart emphasises that dismissing someone’s opinion is detrimental, limiting both yourself and the person you’re conversing with. …

1
Will France fall to the far right? 37:38

5h ago37:38

37:38

Marine Le Pen’s party won a significant victory in the first round of the French parliamentary elections. Can they be stopped? Angelique Chrisafis reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: is it over? 10:20

13h ago10:20

10:20

Conservatives appear to be close to conceding defeat the day before the election. And Archie Bland hands out his campaign awards. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Marina Hyde and John Crace on the 2024 election campaign 26:32

1d ago26:32

26:32

Guardian columnist Marina Hyde and parliamentary sketch writer John Crace reflect on the highs and lows of the general election campaign. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: desperate times 10:12

1d ago10:12

10:12

As the campaign enters its final hours, party leaders are trying to reach as many constituencies as they can and throwing out last desperate attack lines. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
The enigma of Keir Starmer 46:31

2d ago46:31

46:31

By the end of the week, Keir Starmer could be the UK’s next prime minister. Why do voters feel they don’t know him?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: Is the race to replace Sunak already under way? 9:55

3d ago9:55

9:55

The general election may be three days away, but for some Tory candidates it is merely the staging post for the competition they are really focused on: their party leadership contest. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
The 14 years that broke Britain, part 2 45:02

3d ago45:02

45:02

In part two of our miniseries on how 14 years of Tory rule have impacted the UK, Jonathan Freedland explores how chaos from Brexit to Partygate destroyed trust in politics Listen to part 1: austerity. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Nature, Humanity, Potential 28:50

4d ago28:50

28:50

Join your co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow as they tackle two thought-provoking questions sent in by listeners in this engaging episode of The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast. Recorded in Stuart's garden, the duo dive into two intriguing queries that challenge perceptions of nature, society, and personal …

1
Election Extra: Reform UK activist’s racist ‘pub talk’ 10:53

6d ago10:53

10:53

Nigel Farage has vowed to banish those accused of extremist comments from campaigning for his Reform party after an undercover report from Clacton by Channel 4 News. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
The 14 years that broke Britain, part 1 39:36

6d ago39:36

39:36

If the polls are correct, an era is about to come to an end. What have 14 years of Conservative government done to the country? Jonathan Freedland reports Listen to part 2 here. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: will undecided voters be decisive? 10:12

7d ago10:12

10:12

Apathy and antipathy towards all parties is a growing trend in UK elections. But with a week to go, undecided voters could prove critical to the result. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Returning to Leigh: can Labour rebuild the red wall? 36:47

7d ago36:47

36:47

The Greater Manchester town was a Labour stronghold before 2019. Will it be once again? Helen Pidd reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: Pippa Crerar on breaking the betting scandal 11:51

8d ago11:51

11:51

When she broke the first story over a week ago, the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, could hardly have known how deep the betting scandal would go. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
A win for Julian Assange and a loss for press freedom? 23:37

8d ago23:37

23:37

After years in ferocious pursuit, the US has finally agreed to a plea deal with the WikiLeaks founder. But there are fears it may set a dangerous precedent. Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: Where are voters getting their news? 10:05

9d ago10:05

10:05

The election has just over a week to go and traditionally it is around now that voters start to really engage with the campaign. But this year feels different, says Jim Waterson. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
McSweeney and Gray: the powers behind Keir Starmer 28:38

9d ago28:38

28:38

After Labour’s 2019 election defeat, Keir Starmer vowed to transform the party. Who are the advisers who have helped him shape it? Jessica Elgot reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: Farage doubles down 9:37

10d ago9:37

9:37

Rishi Sunak has heavily criticised comments from Nigel Farage that the west provoked Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
New towns and old ideas: Labour’s housing plan 33:33

10d ago33:33

33:33

What are Labour’s proposals for fixing the housing crisis? Robert Booth reports from Hitchin, North Hertfordshire. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Days, Ego And Consciousness 22:09

11d ago22:09

22:09

Why do we do this podcast? We do it to stop the big issues slipping into the shadows. We talk about listener questions as that's what's important to them, and always try to bring it back to the natural world in some way. We have the conversations that need having. It’s not the usual ambience in this episode, as we are back out in Stuart’s courtyard…

1
Election Extra: hope (within reason) 10:19

13d ago10:19

10:19

Labour has begun to hint that its ambitions in government will go beyond what it has promised in its manifesto, and sources have told the Guardian of plans to look at redrawing wealth taxes. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Has Clacton fallen for Nigel Farage? 34:18

13d ago34:18

34:18

He claims he could be prime minister in 2029 but first he has to become an MP. Will it be eighth time lucky for Reform’s leader? Esther Addley reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: All bets are off 10:11

14d ago10:11

10:11

The Conservatives have been hit with further irregular gambling allegations and the party’s campaigns director has taken a leave of absence. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
The Lib Dems’ surprising strategy to breach the blue wall 26:28

14d ago26:28

26:28

The Liberal Democrats began their campaign with eye-catching stunts, but it’s tactical voting that may help them breach the blue wall. Peter Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: inflation on target and the SNP manifesto 8:52

15d ago8:52

8:52

The SNP launched its manifesto today amid polling that shows the once dominant Scottish party facing steep losses. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Germans are divided. Can Euro 2024 unite them? 21:47

15d ago21:47

21:47

Thanks to a troubled economy and gains by the far right in the European elections, Germany’s sense of identity is in the balance. Could footballing success bring the country back together? Philip Oltermann reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: Labour heading for a landslide 9:49

16d ago9:49

9:49

A new poll for Ipsos shows Labour heading for an unprecedented majority and spells disaster for Rishi Sunak. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
The British judges ruling on the law in authoritarian Hong Kong 23:33

16d ago23:33

23:33

Since 1997 Hong Kong’s highest court has included British judges. But with China changing the laws in the city, they are being urged to resign. Amy Hawkins reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: Farage’s five-year plan 10:13

17d ago10:13

10:13

Nigel Farage has launched Reform UK’s ‘contract’ with voters, which he insists is not a manifesto. Archie Bland reports on its content and whether it adds up. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
The economy and Labour’s post-election dilemma 21:59

17d ago21:59

21:59

Heather Stewart explains how the party’s central economic message could help it win power but then constrain it in office. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: Starmer and the Corbyn question 10:05

20d ago10:05

10:05

Reform have surged ahead of the Tories in the latest YouGov poll and as Keir Starmer prepares for a BBC grilling, will he have a better answer to questions about his past support for Jeremy Corbyn? Zoe Williams reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
The phone-free, 12-hour school-day experiment 35:03

20d ago35:03

35:03

A school in west London is trying to give children their childhood back – by extending its hours from 7am to 7pm. Will it work? Helen Pidd reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
2/22 Transport manifestos for General Election and how to boost UK merchant shipping 50:45

21d ago50:45

50:45

Christian and Mark Walker look at the main UK parties' General Election manifesto pledges on transport with Labour's hot off the press [1:35]. Nautilus International General Secretary Mark Dickinson speaks to Christian about his union's manifesto for a thriving merchant shipping industry in the UK [15:17]. Christian recounts his cycling tour of the…

1
Election Extra: Labour’s plan 9:25

21d ago9:25

9:25

Labour published its manifesto today with no surprise announcements. But is it the whole story of the party’s plan for government? Heather Stewart reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Labour takes on the SNP in Scotland 32:04

21d ago32:04

32:04

In the 2019 general election, Labour won just one of Scotland’s 59 parliamentary seats. Can it turn around its Scottish fortunes? Libby Brooks reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: damage limitation 9:46

22d ago9:46

9:46

Have the Conservatives switched their election strategy to simply limiting losses? Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election 2024’s battleground: your family WhatsApp group 30:11

22d ago30:11

30:11

How are Labour and the Conservatives approaching their online campaign strategies? Jim Waterson reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: the Tory manifesto 9:48

23d ago9:48

9:48

As Rishi Sunak searches for a gamechanging campaign moment, Heather Stewart combs through the Conservative party’s election manifesto. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
How a far-right push in Europe triggered a shock election in France 22:23

23d ago22:23

22:23

The far right has made significant gains in the European parliament elections. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has responded with a high-stakes gamble. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: Farage rules out pact with Tories 9:53

24d ago9:53

9:53

The Conservative party needs to ‘embrace’ Nigel Farage, according to Suella Braverman. But Farage says a pact between his party and the Tories ‘ain’t gonna happen’. Zoe Williams reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus…

1
Magic Dave: David Copperfield’s alleged victims speak out – part 2 33:05

25d ago33:05

33:05

Sixteen women have accused the magician of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour spanning decades. Copperfield’s lawyers say the allegations are ‘not only completely false but also entirely implausible’. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Magic Dave: David Copperfield’s alleged victims speak out – part 1 45:02

25d ago45:02

45:02

Sixteen women have accused the magician of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour spanning decades. Copperfield’s lawyers say the allegations are ‘not only completely false but also entirely implausible’. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Rother Valley Railway:Missing Link Restoration Underway & The Ffestiniog Railway Society Marks 70 Years 1:03:51

25d ago1:03:51

1:03:51

Send us a Text Message. This episode is a tale of two railways both celebrating. A new beginning of the final stretch the two mile missing link that will join Robertsbridge to Tenterden and the Kent and Sussex Railway. Mainline steam locomotive 'Britnannia' travelled down from Crewe, and provided motive power on shuttles between Robertsbridge Junct…

1
[TW] Death Ethics & Intergenerational Thinking 23:52

25d ago23:52

23:52

Trigger Warning: This episode covers the sensitive topics of euthanasia and death. Listener discretion is strongly advised. On this thought-provoking episode of The People’s Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast, your co-hosts Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow tackle two profound questions from listeners in Scotland. First up, Te…

1
Election Extra: Sunak’s D-day disaster 10:21

27d ago10:21

10:21

The Guardian’s political sketch writer John Crace discusses Sunak’s extraordinary decision to fly home early from Normandy on Thursday and skip the international D-day commemorations. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
The Israeli protesters trying to stop food aid getting to Gaza 33:28

28d ago33:28

33:28

International aid organisations are warning Gaza is on the brink of famine. But since the start of the year groups of protesters have been trying to prevent food and supplies from getting in. Emma Graham-Harrison reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: New Frank Hester allegations 10:11

28d ago10:11

10:11

Former employees of Tory donor Frank Hester have made a series of fresh allegations that Hester repeatedly made comments about race or religion in the workplace, including in recent years. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
From child refugee to Guardian reporter: one journalist’s extraordinary story – podcast 34:29

29d ago34:29

34:29

How does it feel to report on the refugee crisis when it’s also the story of your own family? Aamna Mohdin explains. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Election Extra: Sunak’s £2,000 ‘lie’ 8:45

29d ago8:45

8:45

Rishi Sunak’s assertion that people would pay £2,000 more in tax under Labour was called a lie by the shadow chancellor today. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Donald Trump is now a convicted criminal. Do voters care? 26:05

30d ago26:05

26:05

The hush-money trial ended with a historic verdict against a former president. Can Joe Biden capitalise on it? David Smith and Alice Herman report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

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