Hello! What determines whether crises lead to major social change? We talk to two historians about lessons from the past. Walter Scheidel explains his argument that economic inequality has only ever been significantly reduced by catastrophes and war. Then Theda Skocpol discusses the impact that ideas and social movements can have.

Plus ParkRun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt on the story behind its phenomenal success.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! The current crisis has demonstrated how interconnected our world is. So why are countries so divided in their response? We’re talking about the need for global cooperation on tackling coronavirus. Science journalist Laura Spinney explains how the 1918 flu sparked an international approach to public health. Jeremy Farrar from the Wellcome Trust tells us why this is needed now more than ever. Then historian Adam Tooze discusses global coordination on the economic response.

AND we chat to Gen Ashley - one of thousands of volunteers using their 3D printers to create face masks for the NHS.

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Hello! This week we're discussing how to support children and young people during the current crisis. We ask educational psychologist Dan O’Hare how to talk to children about Coronavirus and look out for their wellbeing. Headteacher Jayne Kennedy tells us about the amazing work schools are doing for pupils and their families. Then Becky Francis from the Education Endowment Foundation explains how we can minimise the impact on educational inequality.

AND

Alex Smith and Amy Harvey from the Cares Family on how they’re continuing to tackle social isolation in these tough times.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We're in different places but will keep bringing you episodes during these strange and challenging times. This week we’re exploring the economic response to coronavirus. Former Obama adviser Jason Furman discusses the scale of the current crisis and his plan for universal cash payments in the US. Economist Birthe Larsen explains why Denmark moved so fast on supporting wages. Then Lord Stewart Wood shares lessons from his time in Downing Street at the height of the 2008 financial crisis.

AND podcasting legend Andrew Hunter Murray chats about QI, fish facts and writing his first novel.

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Hello! It’s our first live show of the year (and decade!), recorded last week at Kings Place’s Nature Unwrapped. We’re discussing food, sustainable farming and how changing the way we use land can help tackle the climate crisis. Featuring top guests Belinda Gordon from Green Alliance and Vicki Hird from Sustain. 

Then the wonderful Robin Ince pitches his ideas on stargazing, newspaper front pages, compulsory knitting and cutting down on our opinions.

Subscribe to the Cheerful Book Club feed. Search ‘Cheerful Book Club’ or go to podfollow.com/cheerfulbookclub/

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Hello! Britain is one of the most centralised countries in the world. How can we ensure towns, cities and regions have real power over their areas? We talk to Bristol mayor Marvin Rees about what he could do with more powers. Sarah Longlands explains why IPPR North are calling for radical English devolution. Then Professor Sabine Kuhlmann discusses what we can learn from Germany (a champion of decentralisation). Plus a special visit from friend of the pod and top adviser to Iceland’s PM, Halla Gunnarsdóttir!

Subscribe to the Cheerful Book Club feed. Search ‘Cheerful Book Club’ or go to podfollow.com/cheerfulbookclub/

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Hello! Why do our phones slow down with each new update? Why could it be cheaper for Geoff to replace his broken vacuum than get it fixed? We speak to Janet Gunter from the Restart Project and Duncan McCann from the New Economics Foundation about planned obsolescence, our electronics consumption and why we need a ‘right to repair’. Then Adele Chasson explains how French laws are being used to challenge the worst offenders.

AND Larry Sanders (Bernie’s big bro!) talks about the presidential primaries, his brother’s first election and why he thinks a democratic socialist could make it to the White House.

Subscribe to the Cheerful Book Club feed. Search ‘Cheerful Book Club’ or go to podfollow.com/cheerfulbookclub/

Get tickets for our Kings Place show on Thursday 12th March http://bit.ly/RTBCKingsPlace

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Hello! What are society’s expectations of masculinity and how can we promote positive expressions of it? We chat to The Guardian’s Iman Amrani about her series on modern masculinity and Ben Hurst from the Good Lad Initiative about the workshops they run exploring these themes. Then Nathan Roberts explains the work his charity, A Band of Brothers, are doing with men involved in the criminal justice system.

Subscribe to the Cheerful Book Club feed. Search ‘Cheerful Book Club’ or go to podfollow.com/cheerfulbookclub/

Get tickets for our Kings Place show on Thursday 12th March http://bit.ly/RTBCKingsPlace

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.