Best HS2 Podcasts (2024)

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

4d 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
Has Clacton fallen for Nigel Farage? 34:18

37m 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

1h 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

10h 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

19h 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

1d 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

2d 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

2d 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

3d 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

3d 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

6d 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

6d 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

7d 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

7d 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

7d 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

8d 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

8d 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

9d 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

10d 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

10d 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

11d 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

11d 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

11d 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

11d 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

13d 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

14d 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

14d 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

15d 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

15d 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

16d 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

1
Election Extra: Sunak and Starmer debate preview 9:16

16d ago9:16

9:16

Rishi Sunak will go head-to-head with Keir Starmer tonight in their first televised leaders’ debate of the campaign. Archie Bland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Has there been a purge of the left wing of the Labour party? 27:40

17d ago27:40

27:40

Keir Starmer once promised to lead a ‘broad church’ Labour party. After a week in which Diane Abbott and Faiza Shaheen have complained about their treatment, does that still hold true? Aletha Adu and Aditya Chakrabortty report. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
2/21 Transport choices in the UK General Election and 1944 Normandy rail heroes 37:10

17d ago37:10

37:10

Christian and co-presenter Mark Walker examine the transport policy choices facing the UK political parties contending to win the 2024 General Election [1:25]. Mark interviews Christian about his latest book - The Liberation Line - telling the heroic story of how the reconstruction of the railways in France after D-Day from June 1944 hastened the A…

1
Election Extra: Nigel Farage is back 9:12

17d ago9:12

9:12

Nigel Farage has announced he will stand as a candidate in the 2024 election. Archie Bland explains why it’s terrible news for the Tories Sign up for Election Edition with Archie Bland – our UK general election 2024 newsletter. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
How to live to 100 24:29

18d ago24:29

24:29

We know more about extending our lifespans than ever before. Afterdecades spent drinking, eating and laughing at people with exercise regimes, what will it take for Phil Daoust to join the ranks of centenarians?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Protests and Trigger Warnings 26:01

18d ago26:01

26:01

In their signature unvarnished style, your co-hosts, Stuart ‘The Wildman’ Mabbutt and William Mankelow aren't afraid to push boundaries, and explore taboo subjects often left undiscussed. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged, as these two plumb the depths of protests and trigger warnings, from refreshingly candid angles. First up, Stuart and…

1
Trump is guilty on all counts. So what happens next? 21:17

20d ago21:17

21:17

Revisited: Guardian journalist Jonathan Freedland speaks to Sam Levine about how Donald Trump became the first US president, sitting or former, to become a convicted criminal. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Exposing Israel’s secret ‘war’ on the ICC 36:20

21d ago36:20

36:20

Harry Davies and Yuval Abraham report on how Israeli intelligence agencies tried to derail an ICC war crimes investigation. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
How an Indian state became a testing ground for Hindu nationalism 30:04

22d ago30:04

30:04

Hannah Ellis-Petersen reports from Uttarakhand, which offers a glimpse into what the future might look like if the BJP retains its power in national elections. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Why is Sunak’s election campaign so chaotic? 24:02

23d ago24:02

24:02

Big beasts have stepped down, a sitting MP has endorsed a Reform UK candidate and the prime minister has already had to have a campaign reset. Peter Walker reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
A journey on weight-loss drug Ozempic 27:38

24d ago27:38

27:38

The company behind the weight-loss drug has made millions, but without health insurance it is unaffordable for many. George Chidi reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Damien Hirst and the dates that don’t add up 29:24

25d ago29:24

29:24

Guardian investigations correspondent Maeve McClenaghan discusses her investigation into some of the work of the artist Damien Hirst that has been dated to the 1990s, years before it was actually made. Art critic Jonathan Jones discusses the impact Hirst’s work has had on him. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus…

1
Owning vs. Stewardship - Let’s Get Reading 19:23

25d ago19:23

19:23

Charlie, from Montrose, Scotland has sent in this listener question - “Who owns land is at the heart of the housing crisis in the UK. It's not because bricks and mortar have suddenly become incredibly expensive. It's because the value of land has gone through the roof. Is it possible to own land though when we as humans came from it, are part of it…

1
What should kids be taught about sex and relationships? 27:23

28d ago27:23

27:23

The sex and relationships educator Jo Morgan discusses what she believes a sex education curriculum should look like. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Rishi Sunak’s big election gamble 25:31

30d ago25:31

25:31

The prime minister has ended months of speculation by calling an election for 4 July. But why so soon? Jonathan Freedland reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Inside Kharkiv as Russia advances 24:02

1M ago24:02

24:02

Shaun Walker reports on Russia’s recent offensive in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Could Netanyahu really be arrested for war crimes? 22:31

1M ago22:31

22:31

International criminal court prosecutors have requested arrest warrants for the leaders of Israel and Gaza. Julian Borger reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
The rightwing Christian group and the battle over end-of-life care 33:12

1M ago33:12

33:12

The Christian Legal Centre is behind a number of end-of-life court cases that could be ‘prolonging suffering’, according to doctors. Josh Halliday reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

1
Hidden Fortunes Of An Accessible Countryside 19:54

1M ago19:54

19:54

Mariama, a listener from Sierra Leone has sent this question in for discussion on today's episode - “For a few years I lived in Cumbria in the UK, and miss your country walks there. Countryside here in Sierra Leone is a very different thing though. Tell me, what frustrates you guys the most about the countryside in the UK?” The biggest thing that f…

1
The children of the contaminated blood scandal 37:14

1M ago37:14

37:14

It is the NHS’s worst treatment disaster – with 30,000 patients infected. Two survivors, Ade Goodyear and Andy Evans, explain why it took so long for it to be brought to light. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocusBy The Guardian

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