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Where does your tax money actually go, and should government be allowed to ask for more when parts of the public sector repeatedly fail audit?

In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, Sukh Hayre speaks with commentator and writer Lee Nallalingham, whose work examines government spending, public-sector audits and how taxpayers’ money is used.

After spending almost a decade living in Singapore, Lee returned to the UK and was struck by the contrast between the taxes he was paying and the public services he felt he was receiving in return. A council tax increase prompted him to start digging into local authority spending, beginning a much wider investigation into government expenditure, procurement and financial accountability. 

The conversation explores how councils spend money on consultants, recruitment agencies and outsourced services, why procurement and risk-management processes can make relatively simple work significantly more expensive, and whether public bodies have lost sight of the services they actually exist to provide.

Sukh and Lee also discuss the NHS, comparing universal healthcare with Singapore's system while asking whether greater efficiency could be achieved without abandoning the principle of healthcare provision for those who need it. Lee argues for a form of zero-based thinking across government: start with the services citizens genuinely need, establish what those services should cost, and build government around those requirements rather than continually expanding existing budgets. 

The conversation culminates in Lee's examination of public-sector auditing. He discusses National Audit Office reports, alleged losses through fraud and error, longstanding qualified accounts across government departments and his proposal that governments and public bodies should face consequences when they cannot properly account for taxpayer money.

A wide-ranging discussion about UK government spending, council tax, public-sector waste, NHS reform, government procurement, outsourcing, taxation, National Audit Office reports, public finances and political accountability.

Follow Lee's analysis on X at @LNallalingham and through his Substack, where he publishes regular deep dives into government accounts and public spending. 

Substack: https://substack.com/@leenallalingham

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What began as anger over leaked examination papers grew into a wider student movement questioning employment, opportunity and trust in India’s institutions.

In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, host Sukh Hayre is joined by political scientist Rahul Verma, Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research and Associate Professor at Shiv Nadar University Chennai, to examine the causes and significance of India’s recent student protests.

Rahul explains how repeated failures in university entrance and public recruitment examinations have placed considerable financial and emotional pressure on young Indians. The conversation explores why education remains one of the country’s most important routes to economic mobility, and what happens when students begin to believe that hard work will not produce a fair reward.

The discussion also considers the role of social media in turning frustration into a national protest movement, the political significance of the government conceding to protesters’ demands, and the deeper economic anxiety facing India’s growing graduate population.

Looking beyond the demonstrations, Sukh and Rahul examine India’s employment challenge, the disconnect between higher education and industry, the country’s missed opportunity in labour-intensive manufacturing, and whether its youthful population will prove to be a demographic dividend or an economic risk.

They conclude by discussing India’s political stability, democratic resilience, investment outlook and geopolitical position, asking whether the country can overcome its structural challenges and fulfil its ambitions as a major global power.

Topics include India’s student protests, examination paper leaks, graduate unemployment, youth economic anxiety, education reform, Narendra Modi and the BJP government, India’s economy, manufacturing, political stability, foreign investment and India’s geopolitical future.

Follow Rahul:

X: @rahul_tverma

CPR: https://cprindia.org/

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In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, Sukh Hayre speaks with Dr Philip Cunliffe, Associate Professor of International Relations at University College London and author of The National Interest: Politics After Globalisation.

Philip argues that the era of globalisation is coming to an end, with governments reshoring critical industries, reorganising supply chains and reconsidering their economic and security relationships. The conversation explores what the return of the national interest could mean for democracy, political accountability and the ability of governments to act on behalf of their own citizens.

Sukh and Philip also discuss Brexit as a challenge to technocratic politics, the limitations of international law, the idea of a global polycrisis and whether BRICS can realistically become a counterweight to American power. They examine Donald Trump’s use of tariffs, the prospects for US reindustrialisation, China’s demographic challenges and the future role of India.

Looking ahead, Philip predicts a more fragmented international system shaped primarily by competition between the United States and China. He explains why Europe may become a battleground for wider geopolitical rivalries and explores the historical and psychological forces behind Europe’s increasingly hostile relationship with Russia.

A wide-ranging discussion about globalisation, national sovereignty, democracy, Brexit, international relations and the geopolitical forces likely to shape the next decade.

Follow Philip :

Substack: https://thephilippics.substack.com/

X: https://x.com/thephilippics

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philip-cunliffe-24053a56

The National Interest: https://tinyurl.com/ucc3cud7

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How do you turn a local eBay shop into a multi-million-pound global sports brand entirely through organic growth (p. 1)? In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, host Sukh Hayre sits down with Ray Qudos, Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at RDX Sports, recorded live on the ground during International Fight Week in Las Vegas 

Ray breaks down the exact strategies RDX Sports used to scale from a £4 million UK brand to an £89 million global powerhouse without any external funding or raises. Moving entirely direct-to-consumer (D2C) and maintaining absolute control over manufacturing and logistics, RDX outlasted massive early-2000s competitors like Tap Out and Affliction by prioritizing pure product quality over cheap discount gimmicks.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Ray launches a fierce defence of creative marketing, arguing that modern corporate teams are stifling growth by obsessing over daily ROAS, reach, and impression metrics. He explains how RDX masters "guerrilla marketing hacks" by identifying rising combat sports athletes early, from Amir Khan and Anthony Joshua to pulling off a massive studio activation with Conor McGregor for a fraction of corporate prices.

Finally, they dive into behavioural economics, the narrative appeal of the fight game, and why artificial intelligence should only ever be a "junior apprentice" in your marketing department rather than a decision-maker.

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In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, Sukh Hayre speaks with Samiksha Bhattacharjee, student, writer, social commentator and host of Samiksha’s State of the Debate.

They explore what it means to grow up as a Zoomers in an age of smartphones, social media algorithms and constant political information. Samiksha shares her view that exposure to political content does not always create political literacy, arguing that online platforms can reward outrage, tribalism and performance over genuine curiosity.

The conversation also covers free speech and debate on UK university campuses, the challenge of changing your mind online, the rise of anti-establishment politics, Samiksha’s journey towards classical liberalism, and the opportunities and pressures of creating thoughtful long-form and short-form content.

Later, Sukh and Samiksha discuss social media age restrictions, digital ID, privacy, convenience and the future of individual freedom.

A wide-ranging conversation on Gen Z politics, campus debate, social media, free speech, digital identity and the value of questioning the ideas we inherit.

Follow Samiksha:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SamikshasStateoftheDebate/featured
Substack: stateofthedebate.substack.com
X/Twitter: @samikshassotd

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In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, Sukh Hayre sits down with Paul Cadman, Birmingham-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership, and founder of the One Thousand Trades Group.

Paul shares his remarkable journey from a humble upbringing in Bordesley Green, leaving school with no qualifications and struggling with dyslexia, to becoming a successful business leader involved in enterprise, sport, community development and major regional projects. The conversation explores how Birmingham shaped Paul’s mindset, from the old Bullring markets to the fire service, martial arts, business growth, mergers and acquisitions, and his commitment to giving back.

Paul also discusses the role of sport in building discipline and confidence, his work with Birmingham Youth Sports Academy, his involvement with Birmingham City Football Club, and why he believes Birmingham should stop thinking of itself as the “second city” and start recognising itself as “second to nobody.”

The episode covers entrepreneurship, resilience, failure, leadership, Birmingham’s tech and innovation ecosystem, the importance of community, and the future of the West Midlands. Paul offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on why values, purpose and people matter as much as commercial success.

A powerful conversation about Birmingham, ambition, social mobility, business, philanthropy and what it means to build something that leaves a lasting impact.

Follow Paul Cadman:

Website: https://onethousandtradesgroup.co.uk/

X: https://x.com/PaulCadmanUK

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcadman/

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Lydia Papafilippopoulos-Snape is an entrepreneur and vocal advocate for the hospitality industry. 

Lydia, the founder of Warwick Street Kitchen and Saint Kitchen, shares her journey from a musician to a successful café owner with four locations across the Midlands. 

We dive into her passion for hospitality, the challenges of running a small business in today’s economic climate, and the struggles of navigating rising costs, VAT, and staffing issues. Lydia passionately discusses the impact of government policies on the hospitality sector, especially regarding the cost of doing business and the burden of VAT. 

She also highlights the importance of customer experience, offering advice for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive market. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the current state of the hospitality industry and Lydia’s mission to advocate for independent businesses. 

Website: https://www.warwickstreetkitchen.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpapznape/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-coffee/

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@lpapznape

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In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, host Sukh Hayre speaks with economist Catherine McBride about the realities of global trade, Brexit, and the economic challenges facing the UK today.

Drawing on her experience in financial markets and her role on the UK Trade and Agriculture Commission, Catherine breaks down common misconceptions around international trade, including why countries do not simply trade with their nearest neighbours and how cultural and institutional differences shape economic outcomes.

The conversation explores the impact of Brexit on the City of London, the truth behind predictions of financial firms leaving the UK, and why London remains a dominant global financial hub. Catherine also offers a critical perspective on UK energy policy, arguing that high energy costs and net zero commitments are driving deindustrialisation and limiting growth in key sectors such as manufacturing, AI, and data infrastructure.

The discussion expands to US trade policy, examining tariffs under both Trump and Biden administrations, and reframes them as part of a broader national security strategy rather than purely economic protectionism.

This episode challenges conventional economic narratives and offers a clear-eyed view on trade, regulation, energy policy, and what needs to change for the UK economy to thrive.

Follow & Support 

Substack: https://catherinemcbride.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cate-mcbride/

X: https://x.com/CeeMacBee

Great British Business Council: https://gbbc.uk/ 

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In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, host Sukh Hayre sits down with economist Professor John Hearn to unpack some of the most debated ideas shaping today’s global economy.

From the clash between free market capitalism and government intervention, to the role of central banks like the Bank of England, this conversation challenges mainstream economic thinking and explores whether modern policy is making economies stronger or weaker.

Professor Hearn breaks down:

•  Why he believes Keynesian economics and modern monetary theory are flawed
•  The real cause of inflation and how central banks control it
•  Why governments cannot “grow” economies, and the role of innovation and the private sector
•  The truth behind quantitative easing and money supply
•  Whether Bitcoin and cryptocurrency can ever replace traditional money 
•  How AI could reshape financial services and education

The discussion also dives into real-world examples, from Argentina’s economic reforms under Javier Milei to historical policy experiments, offering listeners a clear and thought-provoking perspective on economic policy today.

If you’re interested in economics, finance, business, or the future of money, this episode delivers a deep yet accessible breakdown of the forces shaping the modern world.

Visit Prof Hearns Website:

https://myprofessorjohnhearn.org/

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Host Sukh Hayre has an in-depth conversation with Andy Preston, the entrepreneur and former elected Mayor of Middlesbrough. In this episode, Andy reflects on his high-stakes career in the London and New York financial markets, detailing the intense "hustle" of Wall Street and the evolution of trading culture.

Andy shares the personal motivations behind his transition from finance to philanthropy, including the founding of the national charity CEO Sleep Out to combat homelessness. He provides a rare, unfiltered look at his four-year tenure as Mayor, discussing the frustrations of navigating civil service bureaucracy, the challenges of leading a city through the COVID-19 pandemic, and his firm stance against government-imposed restrictions.

Whether you are interested in urban leadership, social impact, or the inner workings of the UK political system, this episode offers a fascinating perspective on driving radical change within traditional institutions.

Follow Andy on Socials:

• Facebook
  https://www.facebook.com/TeesIssues
• Instagram (Andy Preston blog):
  https://www.instagram.com/andypreston777/
  LinkedIn:
  https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andy-preston-3a226211
• X (Twitter):
  https://x.com/centre_right_

CEO Sleep Out Charity
https://ceosleepout.co.uk/

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