In this September podcast, Holly and Darren review not one, but TWO recent political biographies – one by Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland and the other by Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. As far as politics is concerned, ‘kindness’ might be the aspirational touchstone of one of the narratives, and ‘resilience’ the key word for the other. Either way, what can we learn from these accounts of recent events half a world away from each other, but touching at so many points?

And, because it really can’t be avoided, we take a deep breath and chat some more about current events in the world and our responses to the dizzying kaleidoscope of what’s going on – even looking for causes for optimism. Believe it or not.

Links for this podcast

This podcast was recorded on Thursday 18 September 2025. Available from Apple Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, and via your favourite podcast App. Duration: 52’27 minutes.

Theme music and stings by Nicolai Heidlas.

Please consider rating the smallVOICE podcast in your podcast app (if you like what you hear!) as it helps others to find us. Thanks!