Best Rachel Macdonald Podcasts (2024)

1
Labour's Growth Minefield 43:57

4h ago43:57

43:57

In this conversation, Calum and Kirsty discuss various challenges and potential obstacles that the Labour government may face in achieving their growth agenda. They touch on topics such as the employment rights bill, train drivers' pay, and a recent Supreme Court ruling on environmental impact assessments. Kirsty highlights the importance of workin…

1
The Riots: Who Do We Point To? 48:23

6d ago48:23

48:23

Calum and Kirsty are joined by John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair to discuss who is to blame for the riots across the country, who should have done more to prevent them to get this far and who could lead us from them. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See ac…

1
Life in the Lords, Rachel Reeves' Strategy and Tory Leadership... with Ayesha Hazarika 47:45

13d ago47:45

47:45

Baroness Hazarika - Ayesha Hazarika, former Labour adviser - joins Calum and Kirsty Buchanan, former Special Adviser to Theresa May, to discuss the politics and policy of the moment. We consider why far-right thugs were able to stage a mini riot in the aftermath of the stabbing attack in Southport in which three young girls died. We also reflect on…

1
The King's Speech 33:44

26d ago33:44

33:44

In this conversation, Calum and Kirsty discuss various topics including the King's speech, the challenges of delivering on government promises, and the European political community meeting at Blenheim Palace. They highlight the importance of the first 100 days of a government in setting the tone and managing expectations. They also discuss the pote…

1
Commercial Matters | Lucy Yates & Jamie Addison-Scott 18:21

1M ago18:21

18:21

The latest edition of Galbraith Podcasts brings a sit down with Jamie Addison-Scott and Lucy Yates of the Galbraith Commercial team. The panel's discussion includes their very different routes into the industry, what advice they have for those starting out their career and what challenges exist in 2024! Make sure to subscribe to Galbraith Podcasts …

1
Election Eve 44:28

1M ago44:28

44:28

The conversation discusses the upcoming general election and the expectations for the results. It highlights the lack of excitement and momentum in the campaign, as well as the messaging and strategies of the different parties. The conversation also touches on the challenges and complexities of implementing policies and delivering on promises. It c…

1
Polling, Kids' Takes and Energy... with Adam Bell 48:55

2M ago48:55

48:55

Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss various topics related to the upcoming election. They talk about the length of the campaign, the impact of polling, and the challenges faced by the Conservative Party. Kirsty also shares her experience at her son's school and discusses the views of children on politics. Adam Bell, former Energy SpAd and n…

1
Economy Pledges... with Giles Wilkes 40:56

2M ago40:56

40:56

The conversation discusses the recent TV moment where Beth Rigby questioned Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak individually. It explores the lack of inspiration and vision from both leaders and the sense of distrust and cynicism among the public. The conversation also touches on the manifestos of the Labour and Conservative parties, highlighting the Cons…

1
Talking Natural Capital | Project Development & RHS 18:35

2M ago18:35

18:35

Eleanor Harris returns to the podcast for a chat with Richard Higgins and Ian Hope. The panel discuss thebusy project development taking place and what are some of the benefits for people investing. They look ahead to next week’s RHS and some of the conversations that will be had on the Galbraith stand.Follow Galbraith on social media so you're alw…

1
Housing... with Sir Brandon Lewis 41:30

2M ago41:30

41:30

The first TV debate between Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak is in the books, but what did we learn? Nigel Farage is firmly back in the UK political fray: what does this mean for the Conservatives? And former MP and housing minister Sir Brandon Lewis CBE joins to discuss how to fix the country's housebuilding problem, and why Labour might have taken a …

1
Bad Fish and Good Farts (pilot episode of our brand new podcast, Open Up and Say HA!) 30:13

2M ago30:13

30:13

Send us a Text Message. It's the very first episode of our brand new podcast, Open Up and Say HA!: Stories from Underneath the Paper Gown. Have you ever had a bizarre encounter with a medical practitioner? An ER visit gone awry? A weird thing you found on your foot that turned out to be a rare species of parasitic insect? Welcome to Open Up and Say…

1
The Ming Vase Strategy and lack of policy 37:01

2M ago37:01

37:01

The conversation covers various aspects of the ongoing election campaign, including the performance of the Conservative and Labour parties, the impact of policy announcements, the handling of key issues such as Brexit and the economy, and the upcoming manifesto launches and leadership debates. The discussion also delves into the strategies and chal…

1
The Election is On 39:44

3M ago39:44

39:44

Jo Tanner joins Kirsty and Calum. The conversation discusses the announcement of the general election and the strategy behind it. It explores the mishaps and challenges faced by the Conservative Party, including the timing of the announcement and the optics of the Prime Minister speaking in the rain. The conversation also delves into the potential …

1
Series 5, Episode 9: Dr Ros Gray 27:31

3M ago27:31

27:31

Ros is Reader in Fine Art, Critical Studies and Programme Director of the MA Art & Ecology. Her research and teaching often involves collaborations with artists, scientists and activists, addressing ecological emergency with an emphasis on climate justice. In her spare time, she likes to mend and grow things. In 2023 she founded the Darn It! darnin…

1
Analysing Sir Keir Starmer's Six Pledges 59:01

3M ago59:01

59:01

Kirsty Buchanan, former special advisor to Theresa May, and Calum Macdonald discuss the prison system in the UK, and Sir Keir Starmer's six pledges for the next general election. The conversation touches on the challenges of the prison system, the need for a fresh look at remand and recall, and the importance of rehabilitation and reform. It also e…

1
The Month of Own Goals 45:14

3M ago45:14

45:14

In this episode, Calum and Kirsty discuss the recent defection of Natalie Elphicke from the Conservative Party to Labour, the appointment of John Swinney as the new First Minister of Scotland, and the issue of antisemitism on university campuses. They highlight the controversy surrounding Elphicke's defection and the potential impact on both partie…

1
Series 5, Episode 8: Matilya Njau, Horticulturalist 26:00

3M ago26:00

26:00

I’m a gardener by trade and have spent most of my waking moments in the last 8 years, tending to and communing with plants. At the heart of my practice is helping people reconnect with their immediate surroundings, creating green spaces in difficult places and using gardening as a vessel to connect with self, ancestors and other human and non-human…

1
Rural Matters | Cammy Wilson & Carol McLaren 45:33

3M ago45:33

45:33

Listen to another fantastic Rural Matters discussion as Galbraith Rural agents, Alistair Christie and Mike Halliday are joined by Carol McLaren, CEO of RSABI and Cammy Wilson, star of The Sheep Game and Fed By Farmers podcast. The panel discuss the challenges that are facing farmers and those in the agricultural industry in what has been a tough st…

1
The Local Elections wash up 40:05

3M ago40:05

40:05

We discuss the local elections in the UK and their implications for the Conservative Party and Rishi Sunak. We consider the impact of immigration on the elections, the performance of Sadiq Khan in the mayoral election in London, the role of personality in local elections, and the support for Rishi Sunak among Conservative councillors. We highlight …

1
Series 5, Episode 7: Dr Georgia Bowers 33:58

4M ago33:58

33:58

Dr Georgia Bowers is a leading Creative Ageing practitioner, academic and pro-ageing activist. Her work explores how theatre making with older adults can tackle ageism and takes place in care homes, hospitals, sheltered housing accommodation, day centres and via online video platforms. Georgia has worked for arts organisations such as Royal Opera H…

1
Local Elections and the £3000 trip to Rwanda 37:17

3M ago37:17

37:17

It's the eve of local elections across England and Wales, and Calum and Kirsty give the rundown on what to expect, and what they really mean. Plus as Humza Yousaf announces his resignation as First Minister, and John Swinney or Kate Forbes tipped to replace him, what comes next in Scotland? And the government announces the first departure of a fail…

1
Westminster Gossip, The Bute House Agreement and Rail 43:49

4M ago43:49

43:49

Kirsty's got fresh gossip from all of her swanky Westminster events about the timing of an election; Calum explains why Humza Yousaf might not be First Minister of Scotland for much longer; and will Labour be the Government to finally improve rail services? Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Host…

1
Series 5, Episode 6: Anna Matthams 27:47

4M ago27:47

27:47

In my role of Arts Manager for Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust I am responsible for delivering an arts programme to support the health and wellbeing of our patients, staff and visitors. Our projects encompass all art forms, using music, dance, creative drawing, and arts and crafts to provide individuals with the means for creative expression and t…

1
Series 5, Episode 5: Gaynor Tutani 26:14

4M ago26:14

26:14

Gaynor Tutani (Art Adlib) is a curator, producer and writer who merges her various arts, culture, community and educational passions to produce exhibitions, events and commentaries on art and curating. Her speciality is in Public Programming – of which she extends as part of her practice as the Creative Programing Officer at Museum of the Home. She…

1
Another Tory Scandal, Drunk dogs, ping pong and Liz Truss's book 56:20

4M ago56:20

56:20

We're joined by James Price. The conversation covers various topics including the investigation into Conservative MP Mark Menzies, standards in public life, and the ongoing debate over the Rwanda deportation bill. The hosts and guests discuss the lack of action by the Conservative Party in response to the allegations against Menzies and the need fo…

1
Rural Matters | Groundswell With Paul Cherry 42:29

4M ago42:29

42:29

On the latest episode of Galbraith Podcasts, Matt is joined by David Hurst and Tom Warde-Aldam of the Rural team and Paul Cherry. Paul is a farmer in North Hertfordshire and along with his family run the annualGroundswell event, which is our main topic of conversation. The panel dip into the origins of the event, which takes place on Wednesday 26th…

1
Series 5, Episode 4: Dr Megan Vine 31:20

4M ago31:20

31:20

Following a Masters in Applied Theatre at Goldsmiths, Megan completed her PhD in Psychology at the University of Limerick in 2023 and received an Irish Research Council scholarship for her research: "Community Solidarity Initiatives as Spaces for Connection, Resistance and Change". This project investigated how people living in Direct Provision and…

1
UK Weapons Supplies to Israel and Four Years of Keir Starmer 41:13

4M ago41:13

41:13

Kirsty and Calum discuss the messaging around sending weapons to Israel after several aid workers - including three British people - were killed by the Israel Defence Forces. Plus, as Sir Keir Starmer rides high in the polls, what else should we remember on his fourth anniversary of becoming Labour leader? Support the podcast by becoming a member a…

1
Series 5, Episode 3: Arji Manuelpillai 28:05

5M ago28:05

28:05

Arji Manuelpillai is a poet, performer and creative facilitator based in London. He was the Jerwood/Arvon Mentee mentored by Hannah Lowe. Arji’s debut pamphlet ‘Mutton Rolls' was published with Out-Spoken Press in 2020 and his newest book ‘Improvised Explosive Device’ was released in the Autumn of 2022 with Penned in the Margins. This highly acclai…

1
How hard is it to be Prime Minister? And Privatisation 50:11

5M ago50:11

50:11

Calum and Kirsty discuss various topics including water companies and privatisation, Angela Rayner and housing questions, and Rishi Sunak's recent interview with William Hague. They also explore the challenges and optimism faced by being Prime Minister, the expectations placed on them, and the reality of being in that position. Support the podcast …

1
Series 5, Episode 2: Merel Van Der Knoop 27:32

5M ago27:32

27:32

Merel works as a freelance accompanist and vocal coach besides teaching singing and piano. She is choir leader of the Long Covid Choir and the Long Covid Kids Choir. Merel also works as a Supporting Artist for feature tv/film, such as The Crown. In her free time she takes Art Classes with Lucy Freud. Merel fell ill with Covid in 2021 and has been l…

1
Series 5, Episode 1: Amie Taylor 26:08

5M ago26:08

26:08

Amie is a writer, theatre maker, musical theatre teacher and the Director for Fun Palaces. A Fun Palace is a free event made by local people for their own community. At Fun Palaces people come together to share their skills, passions and interests, and to show the world just how brilliant and packed full of genius their community is. Anyone can mak…

1
Psychodrama, Rwanda, Potholes 39:21

5M ago39:21

39:21

Conservative psychodrama: qu'est ce que? Can the Rwanda Bill make it out of Parliament? Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves gives another pragmatism-first speech: but has she wowed us yet? And is the mounting number of potholes in roads the perfect example of broken Britain? Calum and Kirsty pick apart the biggest political stories from SW1 and beyond.…

1
Life in the Pause with Monique Cupid and Dixie Lincoln-Nichols 1:05:14

5M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

Send us a Text Message. Monique Cupid and Dixie Lincoln-Nichols are menopausal women who met up during the pandemic to talk about work for a project. Without fail, at every weekly meeting, the conversation drifted to menopause, the symptoms each of them was experiencing, and the frustrations they felt about the lack of support, resources, equity, a…

1
How To Fix Government 45:52

5M ago45:52

45:52

The centre of government has failed successive prime ministers. That's according to the Institute for Government think tank, which outlines 7 recommendations for "radical reform" to make our government function better. Programme Director Alex Thomas joins Calum and Kirsty to discuss why the Cabinet Office needs to dissolve, and why Number 10 should…

1
A Missed Opportunity? The Budget 41:01

5M ago41:01

41:01

Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Chris Ward discuss the budget. Kirsty was a Special Adviser to Theresa May and Chris was an adviser to Sir Keir Starmer, working on several budgets with the Labour leader. The conversation discusses the recent budget and its implications. It explores the lack of impact and ill feeling within the Conservative Par…

1
The Ambassador of Fun with Robin Gelfenbien 1:00:27

5M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Send us a Text Message. Lately, as we have gotten older and our preferences have changed, we have been wondering, "What is fun?" Robin Gelfenbien, the self-proclaimed Ambassador of Fun, is the perfect person to answer that question. Right out of college, Robin was chosen out of thousands of people to drive the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, and her expe…

1
Property Matters | The North-East Market 38:56

6M ago38:56

38:56

Property Matters returns with Hannah Christiansen and Hilary Murray of the Aberdeen team joining Matt for an insightful discussion about the North-East market. They discuss their experiences of working in the area, tips for sellers coming to the market and how recent trends have seen buyers coming from the South of England. There was also time to s…

1
All Eyes On The Speaker 33:44

6M ago33:44

33:44

We're joined by Director of the Project on Center-Left Renewal at the Progressive Policy Institute Claire Ainsley, who was policy director to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, to debrief on a chaotic week in Westminster and look ahead to what might come next. Did the last seven days descend into a worst case scenario for the Labour Party, or will the…

1
Kemi Badenoch vs The Post Office and Ceasefire Vote 33:44

6M ago33:44

33:44

This conversation covers the Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch's denial that the former Chairman of the Post Office had been instructed to stall payments in order to allow the government to "limp" into the next General Election, the potential for tax cuts being announced at the budget in March and what they mean for us. MPs are also debating a motio…

1
Age Out Loud with Katie Fogarty 44:18

6M ago44:18

44:18

Send us a Text Message. Katie Fogarty will make you feel like turning 50 is the best thing that could ever happen to you. She is the host of A Certain Age, an age-positive podcast that helps you live your best evolving midlife—loud and proud. She is also the creator of the Age Out Loud movement, a platform which aims to spotlight as many stories of…

1
By Elections, Scottish Labour Conference 36:55

6M ago36:55

36:55

The conversation covers the Scottish Labour Party Conference, the performance of Scottish Labour, the recent by-election results, Labour's Green Prosperity Plan, Labour's relationship with business, Labour's economic challenges, the recession and the Conservative government, Reform UK and the Conservative strategy, and Labour's presidential electio…

1
Rishi Sunak, Piers Morgan, Wes Streeting, Liz Truss 47:31

6M ago47:31

47:31

In this episode, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss various political topics, including Rishi Sunak's interview with Piers Morgan, his admission of the government's failure on NHS waiting lists, Wes Streeting's vision for NHS reform, and Liz Truss's PopCon event. They also explore the potential for a split in the Conservative Party and the…

1
Life's Tough. Laugh More. with Kambri Crews 1:01:59

6M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Send us a Text Message. How does a child of deaf adults who grew up in a tin shed with no running water or electricity witness her father commit a violent crime and then grow up to be the joyful owner of a comedy venue? Kambri Crews will tell you how! Author of the acclaimed New York Times best selling book Burn Down the Ground and sole owner and o…

1
Anatomy of a U-Turn 49:24

7M ago49:24

49:24

Divisions within the Conservative Party and the shifting position of the Labour Party on green investment. The conversation highlights the importance of party unity and the impact of party divisions on electoral success. We also analyze Donald Trump's victory in the New Hampshire primary and his attack on Nikki Haley. The conversation explores the …

1
Whipping Votes... with Anne Milton 42:46

7M ago42:46

42:46

Kirsty and Calum speak to Anne Milton who was a Conservative MP - and a former whip and Minister of State for Skills and Apprenticeships… she left parliament as an independent MP in 2019 having lost the Conservative whip. The episode focuses on Rishi Sunak's week and the challenges faced by the Conservative Party. The lack of party discipline and t…

1
The Post Office Scandal...with Kevan Jones MP 41:25

7M ago41:25

41:25

Hundreds wrongly convicted in the Post Office scandal could have their names cleared this year, as emergency laws were announced to "swiftly exonerate and compensate victims". Postal affairs minister Kevin Hollinrake said that hundreds fell victim to a "brutal and arbitrary exercise of power". Kirsty and Calum are joined by Kevan Jones MP (Lab) who…

1
Humza Yousaf in conversation 1:35:26

8M ago1:35:26

1:35:26

A chance to hear an extended, audience-led conversation with Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf first recorded and published in August 2023 on the Holyrood Sources podcast. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
The Security Election...and other 2023 bits 45:13

8M ago45:13

45:13

The conversation covers various topics, including the timing of the general election, negative campaigning, struggles to unite the Conservative Party, standout moments for Keir Starmer, and Rishi Sunak's challenges. Calum and Kirsty express their gratitude to the listeners and discuss the importance of policy discussions and focusing on security in…

1
Rural Matters | Edinburgh Rugby Christmas Special 26:32

8M ago26:32

26:32

The Galbraith Podcasts Christmas Special is now here and it's a cracker. We sit down with Edinburgh Rugby stars, WP Nel and Patrick Harrison for a chat on the season so far and the upcoming 1872 Cup double-header with Glasgow Warriors. The duo discuss growing up in an agricultural and farming background with WP back in South Africa and Patrick clos…

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