Best David Cumin Podcasts (2024)

1
"Why Free Speech is the Only Safe Space for Minorities" with Jonathan Rauch 45:31

22d ago45:31

45:31

Listen to Jonathan Rauch’s talk, “Why Free Speech is the Only Safe Space for Minorities,” which he delivered to our audience in Christchurch. It is a powerful talk about the dire need for free speech in the fight for equality. “Minorities are always better off in a society that protects hate speech than in a society that protects us from hate speec…

1
"The Most Human Right: Why Free Speech is Everything" with Prof Eric Heinze 52:50

29d ago52:50

52:50

Eric Heinze is a Professor of Law and Humanities at the School of Law Queen Mary, University of London. He is also the author of “The Most Human Right: Why Free Speech is Everything”. Eric joins Jonathan Ayling for a discussion on free speech, academic freedom and democracy. You can purchase Eric’s book here https://www.amazon.com/dp/0262547244/ Fo…

1
Another victory for free speech: DIA abandons proposals for online censorship 33:04

1M ago33:04

33:04

Former Judge Dr. David Harvey and Netsafe CEO Brent Carey discuss the DIA's abandoned proposal for online censorship. The Free Speech Union celebrates the decision by the Department of Internal Affairs to abandon proposals to further regulate online speech. It is increasingly clear Kiwis have no interest in our would-be-censors’ obsession with tryi…

1
Canceling the FSU from university; and other childish antics 41:11

2M ago41:11

41:11

As a result of lobbying and threats of protest and boycott, Victoria University has postponed the panel discussion that was set to be hosted on 29 April. Jonathan Ayling and Dr. Michael Johnson, from the New Zealand Initiative, were two of the panellists in this discussion; it seems that their presence was the reason for the delay. Jonathan and Mic…

1
Ep 19 Beyond the boards: the past, present and future of Weston's iconic piers 46:30

7M ago46:30

46:30

2023 has been designated the 'Year of the Pier', and in our final podcast of the season, we are celebrating Weston's piers. Of the 60 piers left in the UK, four can be found on North Somerset's 19-mile coastline, and three of them are in Weston! We chat to pier experts Michelle Michael, one of the owners/directors of The Grand Pier and Revo, and Si…

1
‘From the River to the Sea': Censorship, free speech, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. 1:13:30

7M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Hear from Josie Pagani, Paul Moon, Marcus Roberts, and Jonathan Ayling on a panel discussion and Q+A on speech rights and the ability to pursue tolerant debate on conflict in the Middle East. This discussion is about our ability to deal with complex and competing ideas, not the substance of the conflict itself. Support the Show.…

1
Ep 18: Commercial property & investment opportunities in Weston-super-Mare 50:04

7M ago50:04

50:04

This week, we talk to Simon Price, a partner at Alder King, and Jane Harrison, Head of Economy at North Somerset Council, about the increasing appeal of Weston-super-Mare as a place to locate a business, and for developer investment. During the episode they discuss: Trends for business growth and interest in Weston, including industrial sector grow…

1
Ep 17 Christmas in Weston - what's on and where to shop with Fay Powell and Alan Smith 31:50

8M ago31:50

31:50

This week, host Becky Walsh chats with guests Fay Powell and Alan Smith, to discover what Weston has to offer this Christmas. Alan Smith, Manager of The Sovereign, shares what the shopping centre has been up to over the past year, and their grand festive plans for December, including late night shopping and a Christmas light switch-on (30th Novembe…

1
Ep 16 The Stable: a business and community hub of creativity and inclusivity 37:36

8M ago37:36

37:36

The Stable is a vibrant hub that has woven itself into the fabric of the community in Weston-super-Mare. A multifaceted space, it offers everything from co-working offices, to a board game cafe, hot desks, a pub, pop-up food shop, artisan markets and more. In the latest episode of the We are Super Weston podcast, Councillor Jemma Coles - the drivin…

1
Ep 15 Food WorksSW: Cultivating food and drink innovation in the West Country 32:04

8M ago32:04

32:04

The West Country is fast becoming a hotbed for entrepreneurial food and drink producers thanks to food and drink innovation centre, Food WorksSW, which opened in 2020. If you have an idea for a new food or drink product, or have a small food business you want to scale-up, Food WorksSW can help you innovate and grow. Located just off the A370 into W…

1
Ep 14 Thinking of moving? David Plaister talks property in Weston-super-Mare 34:09

9M ago34:09

34:09

With house prices considerably lower in Weston-super-Mare* than the West Country capital, Bristolians are moving to the North Somerset seaside town in their droves. In this week’s podcast, we talk to David Plaister - owner of the family-run Weston Estate Agency that bears his name - about this growing trend, where the best places are to live in Wes…

1
Keyboard warriors clash: opponents meet to test free speech 1:11:34

9M ago1:11:34

1:11:34

Paul Thistoll is a dedicated trans-rights activist and outspoken opponent of the Free Speech Union. But he was willing to sit down with Jonathan Ayling, the Chief Executive of the Union, to discuss hate speech, trans-rights, preferred pronouns, professional deregistration, and more. There are two very different views on free speech on display in th…

1
Ep 13 Best Weston-super-Mare walks with local experts Paul Batts and Jane Murch 38:17

9M ago38:17

38:17

Perched on the edge of the Mendip Hills, surrounded by gorgeous Somerset countryside and with miles of flat seafront promenade, Weston-super-Mare is a walker’s paradise. In episode 13 of our We are Super Weston podcast, host Becky Walsh speaks to local experts, Paul Batts - owner of independent shop, Outdoors & Active - and Jane Murch, Visitor and …

1
Ep 12 Wind, water and beach sports with former Combat Paramedic and adventurer Ben Peters 32:24

9M ago32:24

32:24

In today’s episode, we chat with former Combat Paramedic Ben Peters, about some of his many adventures, his work with young people and WhatSUP paddleboarding, and some of the adrenaline sports on offer in Weston. Born and bred in Weston, Ben's extraordinary life has seen him paddleboard down the Amazon River, work as Bear Grylls’ medic and help reb…

1
River of Freedom: a documentary epic on the need for open debate 37:51

10M ago37:51

37:51

More than any other one thing, COVID-19 has defined our past 3 years. But are we starting to thinking about it, or talk about it in fresh ways? Our lives have been impacted in unprecedented ways by COVID-19; but this virus has also been weaponised by our would-be-censors to corral us into one position on this issue, and a host of others. In this ep…

1
EP 11 Opening the doors on Weston’s heritage with Cara MacMahon and Jane Hill 31:35

10M ago31:35

31:35

Each September allows us to delve deeper into Weston-super-Mare’s history through the national Heritage Open Days festival. This year, it’s taking place from Friday 8th to Sunday 17th. In today’s episode, we talk to two of our local heritage specialists– Jane Hill, Heritage & Communication Officer at Weston Museum and Cara MacMahon, North Somerset …

1
"A Liberal Democracy Operates Because Voices Are Heard!" Sir Peter Gluckman on Social Cohesion and Free Speech 39:33

10M ago39:33

39:33

Speaking to the recently published Addressing the Challenges to Social Cohesion, Sir Peter Gluckman (former Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister and Director of Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures) sits down with Jonathan Ayling to discuss what's happening to fraying public discourse, and what we can do to address it. Support the Show.…

1
Ep 10 Weston's exciting food scene with business owners Anna Southwell of Loves Cafe and Sprout Cafe and Prayag Rajpura of Cumin Alive and Rebel Dark Arts Kitchen 31:31

11M ago31:31

31:31

If your culinary go-to for food in Weston-super-Mare is a bag of chips on the seafront from the chippy, let us broaden your gastronomic horizons. In this episode, we discuss the surprisingly excellent food on offer in Weston (some of it produced by our two guests, local hospitality owners, Anna Southwell from Loves Cafe and Sprout Cafe, and Prayag …

1
Ep 9 Swimming in Weston with Karen Barry & Claire Trevor-Roper 34:26

11M ago34:26

34:26

In this episode will be 'diving' into the joys of swimming in the sea in Weston with Claire Trevor-Roper, CoDirector of Mudlarks and Karen Barry, one of the founding members of the Wild Swimming group the Supermares! Our guests share their expert knowledge on taking a dip in Weston's waters as well as some valuable advice on swimming safely when it…

1
Ep 8 Lynsey McKinstry talks about family life, Weston College & opportunities for young people in Weston 35:56

11M ago35:56

35:56

Weston-super-Mare is a holiday destination and a great place to bring kids, but what's it like to raise a family here? We talk to Lynsey McKinstry, who grew up in the town and is now bringing up her own children in Weston. Lynsey also tells us about her work with Weston College and how the college provides an award-winning service supporting studen…

1
Ep 7 Alex Hearn talks about placemaking for Super Weston and his work at North Somerset Council 34:48

12M ago34:48

34:48

Land redevelopment, investment in the high street and seafront experiences being brought back to life - these are exciting times for Weston. In this week’s episode we talk to Alex Hearn, experienced Placemaking specialist, and former Assistant Director (Placemaking and Growth) for North Somerset Council. Alex discusses how public and private organi…

1
Free speech developments at University of Auckland 42:09

12M ago42:09

42:09

Free speech across our universities is under fire- but many academics are also working to address this. After 3 years, a working group established at the University of Auckland to consider how to preserve academic freedom and free speech has reported back, making a bold stand in a hostile environment. Free Speech Union member and UoA Professor, Ken…

1
Ep 6 Dom Early from eBike UFO talking all things cycling in and around Weston 23:53

12M ago23:53

23:53

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and excellent cycle routes (with more in the pipeline), Weston-super-Mare is a fantastic place for a pedal, whether you're an avid mountain rider or prefer more of a leisurely pace on two wheels, you'll find everything from flat, relaxing rides to coastal paths and stunt jumps in the woods. Dominic Early, owner o…

1
The fear of tyrants: why free speech is for the marginalised, oppressed and poor 36:15

12M ago36:15

36:15

"Most important thinking I've written", this is how Prof. Grimes describes his recent research on who benefits from free speech. Spoiler alert- it's not who you might think. We're often told that the marginalised, oppressed and poor need protection from free speech, probably provided by the State, to ensure that free speech doesn't oppress them. Bu…

1
Ep 5 John Telling, Director of Towens, talks to us about this super successful waste and recycling business employing 135 staff in the heart of Weston 22:58

1y ago22:58

22:58

Family-owned recycling and waste management business ‘Towens’ employs around 135 people from in and around Weston. If you live in the town, you will be familiar with the lorries and skips taking away Weston’s waste, of which a staggering 94% is recycled. In today’s episode, John Telling, Director of Towens talks to Becky about some of the interesti…

1
Ep. 4 Beautifully Proud, celebrating Pride and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Weston with Matt Hardy 26:52

1y ago26:52

26:52

Rainbow flags, glitter balls and a pier (or three)…no we’re not talking about Brighton, this is Weston-super-Mare, where there’s excitement, support and ambition amongst the LGBTQ+ community this June, as the *Beautifully Proud programme kicks off across several of the town’s venues. Listen to Matt Hardy, Operational Services Manager for Weston Tow…

1
Universities in trouble- why the academic freedom results matter 46:12

1y ago46:12

46:12

Academic freedom and free speech can appear to be nebulous subjects at times, which wonky intellectuals pontificate on. Yet the real world implications for a university that fails to preserve academic freedom are far-reaching. In this episode, Jonathan Ayling sits down with Dr. James Kierstead and Dr. Michael Johnston to discuss the opposition we’v…

1
Worrying Trends: Academic Freedom in New Zealand with Prof. Elizabeth Rata and Dr. David Bromell 39:58

1y ago39:58

39:58

With the Free Speech Unions Academic Survey for 2023 now released and raising concerns Jonathan Ayling sat down with Prof Elizabeth Rata (a co-author of the "Listener 7" letter) and Dr. David Bromell (formerly of Canterbury University) to discuss the state of academic freedom in today's New Zealand. The trio explores the increasingly doctrinaire ap…

1
Ep 3 Establishing a successful creative business by the beach, with Clair Haycraft, Haycraft Creative and Angela Hicks, CEO of The Hive. 36:42

1y ago36:42

36:42

In this week’s episode, we meet Angela Hicks, Chief Executive of The Hive, and Clair Haycraft of Haycraft Creative. Clair and her husband Phil set up their creative business in Weston, with the help of Angela and her team. Starting out on your own business path can be daunting, but the businesses of Weston and North Somerset have huge support in th…

1
Ep 2 Life on Weston high street with retailer Sam Walker, Owner of family run department store Walker & Ling 30:09

1y ago30:09

30:09

Walker & Ling is a stalwart of Weston High Street with a fascinating history. Run by the Walker family for 115 years, its rich heritage has seen the department store survive being bombed in WW2, undergo a major facelift as part of Historic England and North Somerset Heritage Action Zone investment and welcome great brands while retaining a sense of…

1
Interview with Jonathan Ayling and Paul Brennan on Reality Check Radio 33:20

1y ago33:20

33:20

Jonatha sits does with Paul Brennan on Reality Check Radio to discuss the FSU announcement that we are supporting a tender-bid for a DPMC contract to research disinformation. Support the Show.By Free Speech Union

1
Ep 1 Fiona Matthews and Tom Newman of Culture Weston discuss Weston’s cultural renaissance and the importance of culture to the local communities. 31:20

1y ago31:20

31:20

Welcome to the very first episode of the We are Super Weston podcast. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen today. Giant bats in a climate carnival, massive murals on walls and festivals for the grieving - the impact of Culture Weston on the town can't be understated. In this podcast, we talk to Fiona Matthews, Artistic Director and Tom N…

1
Interview with Prof. Grant Schofield: Academic freedom and the need for courage 43:48

1y ago43:48

43:48

Free Speech Union Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling sat down with Prof. Grant Schofield who recently authored a 'A falling out of love letter to the university'- which reflects on his over 30 years in academia. Prof. Schofield questions whether the contemporary New Zealand university can any longer claim to be the 'conscious and critic of society' an…

1
What Would Nadine Do? A debrief on the Nadine Strossen tour and 'The Disinformation Project' report. 40:46

1y ago40:46

40:46

Join Free Speech Union Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling, FSU council member Stephen Franks and Left-wing commentator Josie Pagani and Connor Molloy for a debrief on former ACLU president Nadine Strossen's recent tour of Aotearoa. The team discuss some of the high-profile members Strossen attended, why rationalism wins the argument, and what lessons …

1
Podcast Trailer - Welcome to the new Super Weston podcast 0:53

1y ago0:53

0:53

Join Becky Walsh, host and resident of Weston-super-Mare, every two weeks as she brings you interviews with the movers and shakers who are rocking Weston right now. From award-winning digital artwork creators or food technology manufacturers, Weston has so much to offer beyond its beautiful sunsets and fabulous beaches. Tune in and listen to storie…

1
Should The Public Square ever be 'Cool and Rational'? with Dr David Cumin and A/Prof Mike Grimshaw 51:58

1y ago51:58

51:58

"For me this is the recognition of the linking of free speech with the right for civil disobedience because the public square is never cool and rational and only ‘discursive’ – except when constrained and imposed to be so by the privileging and power of ‘the rational’." This provocative paragraph was written by Canterbury-based sociologist and form…

1
Interview with Samantha Blanchard director of Silenced 53:11

1y ago53:11

53:11

Free Speech Union council member Dane Giraud speaks with journalist and now filmmaker Samantha Blanchard about her new documentary "Silenced" which was released online over Easter weekend. "Silenced" looks at censorship during the pandemic and features the story of Peter Williams who walked away from a job at Magic Talk after being given directives…

1
Was Albert Park a turning point in the Free Speech battle? 43:00

1y ago43:00

43:00

Gender-critical speaker Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull's 'Let Woman Speak' tour of New Zealand ended before it began: due to violence. A feral mob assaulted her and women were viciously assaulted including a 72-year-old woman who was left with a fractured skull. This followed failed attempts by fringe LGBTQI+ voices to deny KJK entry to New Zealand. Will…

1
Interview with Corina Shields 57:36

1+ y ago57:36

57:36

Free Speech Union council member Dane Giraud speaks to Corina Shields (@AuntyHeihei on Twitter), a wahine Maori who took her opinions and concerns with government policy to TikTok after being denied the ear of MPs. Dane and Corina discuss distrust and why governments need to work much harder to win back the poor - the failure of the media to cover …

1
Defending the Free Speech Rights of Drag Queen Story Time & Tusiata Avia 44:11

1+ y ago44:11

44:11

Free Speech Union council members Ani O'Brien and Dane Giraud discuss the union's defending of Drag Queen story time along with Tusiata Avia's controversial poem. Enjoy! https://www.stuff.co.nz/opinion/131393894/the-free-speech-door-swings-both-ways Support the Show.By Free Speech Union

1
Interview with Josephine Varghese 57:33

1+ y ago57:33

57:33

Josephine Varghese is a political analyst and researcher with the Democracy Project at Victoria University of Wellington. In today's episode, Josephine and Free Speech Union council member Dane Giraud discuss Left-wing perspectives on free speech, whether a Leftist should view free speech as a central right, and anti-colonisation thought both as ex…

1
Interview with James Kierstead: The Roald Dahl Re-Edits and Dignity in Debate 45:28

1+ y ago45:28

45:28

Free Speech Union spokesperson Dane Giraud speaks to James Kierstead, a Senior Lecturer in Classics at Victoria University of Wellington and Research Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative. James (who should be no stranger to Free Speech Union supporters) gives his summary of the failed hate speech laws before the boys discuss the need for generosity…

1
Interview with Mike Grimshaw: Free Speech Vs the "Gated Community" 1:00:48

1+ y ago1:00:48

1:00:48

In a fascinating discussion that covers an amazing amount of ground, Free Speech Union spokesperson Dane Giraud speaks to Sociologist Mike Grimshaw of the University of Canterbury. Mike discusses the open society that relies on free speech to function versus the retreat into identity groups censorship encourages. The boys talk through tagging and s…

1
Interview with Ashley Church: Competing Faiths - The Woke Vs The Traditional Christian Worldview 1:09:38

1+ y ago1:09:38

1:09:38

Free Speech Union council member Dane Giraud speaks with Ashley Church - a prominent media commentator on politics and property - about the religious impulse driving the "woke doctrine" and the challenges it poses for traditional text-based Christians like Ashley. The boys also touch on the pros and cons of progressive congregations in a wide-rangi…

1
Protest and the Limits of Free Speech with Simeon Brown and James Cockle 38:12

1+ y ago38:12

38:12

Climate change dominates tense debate around the world. Some aren't satisfied with just words however and are taking dramatic protest actions like blocking motorways and gluing their hands to roads to demand the attention they believe this crisis demands. In this podcast, Jonathan Ayling sits with Simeon Brown MP to discuss his proposed Bill to inc…

1
Special Report: Did online abuse force the Prime Minister to resign? 31:35

1+ y ago31:35

31:35

In today's special episode, Free Speech Union board members Dane Giraud and Ani O'Brien discuss the emerging narrative that now-former Prime Minster Jacinda Ardern resigned due to online abuse. Were the levels of abuse she faced unprecedented and have they been contributive to increased polarisation? Or is this a cynical attempt to limit criticism …

1
International Free Speech Union meeting: A Common Cause. 59:24

1+ y ago59:24

59:24

We kick off the year with a very special episode: New Zealand Free Speech Union Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling in discussion with his UK and South African counterparts Toby Young and Sara Gon respectively. This inaugural meeting offers a chance to reflect on the global fight for free speech and to learn about the unique cultural challenges each un…

1
2022 in Review 1:04:33

1+ y ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Tune in for this special end-of-year discussion with guests Karl du Fresne, Prof Natasha Hamilton-Hart, and Alex Penk for a 'stock take' of the work the Free Speech Union has done in 2022. Will our guests give us a pass mark? Enjoy! fsu.nz Support the Show.By Free Speech Union

1
The Spirit of the Law: How to create a culture of Free Speech (Recorded Live at the Free Speech Union 2022 AGM) 55:43

1+ y ago55:43

55:43

The Free Speech Union's Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling sat down with Paul Goldsmith MP, National's Justice Spokesperson, Prof. Paul Moon, a prominent historian from AUT, Dr. Michael Johnson from the New Zealand Initiative, and Prof. Ananish Chaudhuri, an economist from Auckland University at the recent Free Speech Union AGM to discuss the importan…

1
The Return of Blasphemy Laws with Dr. Michael Johnson and Marcus Roberts 43:39

1+ y ago43:39

43:39

The Free Speech Union celebrated a victory with Justice Minister Kiri Allen announcing the government would be dropping proposed hate speech laws. But the single inclusion of religion means we still have a fight on our hands. Could it really soon become harder to criticise religion? In a thoughtful and far-ranging discussion, Dr. Michael Johnson (N…

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