Hello! For the last few years, Preston has been pioneering a bold experiment in how to create a fairer local economy. What can we learn from their ‘community wealth building’ approach? Preston City Council leader Matthew Brown is back to tell us about how the Preston model is taking shape. Tony Greenham from South West Mutual explains how a new generation of regional banks can support the agenda. And Antonia Jennings from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies talks us through what’s going on across the country.

Plus we chat to the wonderful Sue Peachey, star of new documentary ‘The People vs Climate Change’.

If you pre-order Ed’s book from waterstones.com before 2nd June and use the promo code ‘cheerful’ at the checkout you’ll get 30% off the full price.

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Hello! We’re incredibly excited to be talking to one of our favourite authors, Michael Lewis, about his new book, The Premonition: A Pandemic Story. He explores what went wrong in the US response to coronavirus through the lives of a number of people at the heart of pandemic planning. We chat to Michael about what he discovered, his approach to writing, and how he finds such compelling characters for his books.

Listen to our conversation with Michael from last year about The Fifth Risk: https://pod.fo/e/13600

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Hello! This week we're exploring a vision for how we can address the environmental crisis and build a better society in the process. Friends of the pod Mat Lawrence and Laurie Laybourn-Langton are back to chat about Planet on Fire - their 'manifesto for the age of environmental breakdown'. Then climate justice activist Dominique Palmer talks about building a movement to push for this kind of action.

AND we chat to the world's best teacher, Andria Zafirakou!

Head to cheerfulpodcast.com for more info on all of our episodes

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Hello! President Biden sparked a major debate when he described spending on social care and childcare as an investment in infrastructure. We’re exploring why the question of what counts as ‘infrastructure’ really matters. US policy expert Julie Kashen talks us through the US infrastructure debate then Professor Sue Himmelweit from the Women’s Budget Group explains why it could have far-reaching implications around the world.

Plus author Eileen Jones tells us about her new book ‘How Parkrun Changed Our Lives’ and the unconventional way she launched it…

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Hello! The ‘right to play’ is recognised by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. How can we make sure all children have the time and space to play? Aled Hanson tells us about his experience of working at Flintshire Playscheme. Marianne Mannello from Play Wales talks about the pioneering Welsh play legislation. Then writer and researcher Tim Gill talks about how ‘child-friendly cities’ around the world design public space to make it easier and safer for children to play. 

Plus volunteer Jenny Chigwende on how W12 Together in West London has supported the local community during the last 12 months.

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Hello! President Biden’s Covid relief package has been described as the most progressive piece of US legislation in the US for decades. Does it mark the start of a transformational presidency? We speak to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro about the historic expansion of child tax credit and her 18 year campaign to make it happen. Lindsay Owens from the Groundwork Collaborate talks us through Biden’s wider economic agenda. And we ask Professor Stephen Skowronek whether this could be the beginning of a new era in US politics.

Plus author and poet Michael Rosen on his experience with Covid-19.

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