Best Influential U Podcasts (2025)

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Is AI coming for our jobs? - Listener questions episode 23:51

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21m ago23:51

23:51

The government are pursuing AI developments, but at what cost? Why aren't Labour rebels protesting about stealth taxes? And will Jeremy Corbyn join the Green Party? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Will Dunn and Andrew Marr to answer your questions. READ Magic and divination in the age of AI - Will Dunn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i…

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The Best Podcast Gear Setup For Any Budget 58:28

2h ago58:28

58:28

Send us a text We celebrate hitting 500,000 downloads for Buzzcast and discuss the most effective podcasting gear setups for different needs, from beginners to professionals. Check out Alban's Podcast Equipment Guide! Mentioned in this episode: Microphones Samson Q2U (USB/XLR dynamic mic) Shure SM7B (dynamic mic) Shure MV7+ (upgraded USB-C/XLR dyna…

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Is Keir Starmer "bold and brave" to suspend rebels? 29:01

1h ago29:01

29:01

On Wednesday, the prime minister removed the whip from the group of MPs for breaches of discipline. The group of MPs have persistently rebelled against the Labour leader. The government are also reckoning with a revelation that leaked information compromised the safety of Afghans who supported the British military, and inflation has risen higher th…

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Israel is committing war crimes - former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption exclusive interview 38:41

11m ago38:41

38:41

Jonathan Sumption, Lord Sumption, served on the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2018. He has written a powerful and sobering essay for the New Statesman in which he argues that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza. In this exclusive interview, Tom McTague meets Jonathan Sumption to discuss why he has come to this conclusion …

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Is English literature dying - and does it matter? 36:57

22h ago36:57

36:57

English literature no longer makes the top ten of A-level subject choices. English departments at universities are regularly closing. Studies show dramatic drops in literacy and reading, particularly amongst teenagers. Today we’re asking: is English literature dying? The New Statesman’s deputy editor Will Lloyd is joined by the New Statesman’s new …

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🚨 How to defeat Reform - Exclusive with political polling analyst Steve Akehurst 22:21

2d ago22:21

22:21

Nigel Farage and Reform UK are a real threat to Labour and the Conservatives alike. We've heard a lot about the strengths of the challenger party - who would be likely to form the next government if an election was held tomorrow. But one political polling analyst has been exploring where the Reform brand is most vulnerable to attack - and he reveal…

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Exclusive Green Party leadership debate 49:56

3d ago49:56

49:56

In a New Statesman exclusive, two of the Green Party's leadership candidates, Zack Polanski and Adrian Ramsey, present their visions for the party to host Anoosh Chakelian. READ Can the Green Party ever work with Jeremy Corbyn? - Megan Kenyon Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva…

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How can the UK take the lead in the skills revolution? | Sponsored 23:34

4d ago23:34

23:34

As the UK faces economic and technological change, building a skilled workforce is critical - but what should that workforce look like? And how can employers, educators and policymakers align to prepare people for what’s next? Host Zoë Grünewald is joined by Pearson’s UK Lead Sharon Hague and Vice Chair of Skills England Sir David Bell, to explore …

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YouTube Pushes Back Against AI-Generated Content 9:56

6d ago9:56

9:56

Send us a text It's a nice summer day, so Jordan and Kevin are recording this quickcast from the great outdoors and putting Power Clean to the test! Today's discussion is about how YouTube is updating its monetization policies to combat AI-generated videos cluttering search results, addressing the growing problem of low-quality content flooding the…

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How is Sultana's new party ever going to work? - Listeners questions episode 24:36

5d ago24:36

24:36

Our listeners ask: How will Zarah Sultana's new party on the left ever be able to square wildly different views among those involved? Also in the show, listeners ask how well, or badly, have Labour been dealing with the media and whether Reform will now pull their support for voting reform. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and Megan Ke…

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Large parts of the State a 'complete car crash' 28:01

6d ago28:01

28:01

With resident doctors set to strike yet again, the courts log jammed and the OBR sounding the alarm over Britain's financial trajectory, what can and should be done to arrest the decline? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by colleagues George Eaton, Rachel Cunliffe and Will Dunn to unpack the latest symptoms of the British State's interminable malaise. RE…

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Robert Jenrick: Genuine PM potential or just foreshadowing Farage? 31:36

7d ago31:36

31:36

'Some of his views are pretty extreme... I found it pretty sinister' - Harry Lambert, contributing writer to the New Statesman, talks to Anoosh Chakelian and Will Lloyd about his cover story profiling the Conservative MP and leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick. Can he really become PM, why is he so popular online and how did his politics get so radic…

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Are Oasis in fact the greatest Irish band ever? 18:35

8d ago18:35

18:35

With the biggest reunion tour in years kicking off in Cardiff last weekend, the culture show asks if Oasis were just too Irish to be the best Britpop band in the first place? The New Statesman's commissioning editor Finn McRedmond sits down with colleagues George Eaton, Nick Harris and Faye Curran to discuss the Gallagher brothers real allegiances.…

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SEND: Labour's next backbench battle 18:53

9d ago18:53

18:53

After the bruising passage of the government's welfare reform bill, attention on the backbenches is now turning to another lightning rod issue - the potential overhaul of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. Anoosh Chakelian discusses the battles looming with colleagues Hannah Barnes, Will Dunn and Pippa Bailey. READ Starme…

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Jake Richards MP on the welfare bill and ECHR reform 21:21

10d ago21:21

21:21

Labour MP Jake Richards sits down with Anoosh Chakelian to discuss the drama over the government's welfare reform bill and why he thinks the European Convention on Human Rights needs a desperate overhaul. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See ac…

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Was exorcising "the ghost of Jeremy Corbyn" a fatal mistake for Labour? - Listeners questions episode 22:28

12d ago22:28

22:28

Our listeners ask: Can we really argue that Keir Starmer has a plan after yet another disaster over the welfare reform bill? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe. This episode was recorded before MP Zarah Sultana announced she is launching a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politi…

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How to Find Great Podcast Guests: Expert Tips from Podmatch’s Alex Sanfilippo 1:17:14

14d ago1:17:14

1:17:14

Send us a text Podcasting is all about serving your audience, and finding the perfect guest who can provide value to your listeners is essential for a successful interview show. We explore what makes a great podcast guest and how to streamline the booking process with our special guest Alex Sanfilippo, host of Podcasting Made Simple and founder of …

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One year of Labour rule: Can things still only get better? 40:38

13d ago40:38

40:38

'We've not been here since the 70s' As the government marks one year in office, Anoosh Chakelian sits down with Andrew Marr, Tom McTague and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss Keir Starmer's highs, lows and the many, many challenges that lie ahead. READ We must prepare for Prime Minister Farage - Andrew Marr LISTEN JUST RAISE TAX Sign up to the New Statesm…

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JUST RAISE TAX 34:03

14d ago34:03

34:03

'You walk around the country and you know something's off' - After a bruising passage of the government's heavily altered welfare reform bill, for the sake of just a few billion pounds, many are left wondering where does the government and the country go now? In this episode, Anoosh Chakelian is joined by colleagues Tom McTague, Will Dunn and Megan…

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Glastonbury's political hangover rages on 34:18

15d ago34:18

34:18

With some calling for the Director-General of the BBC to resign, Somerset police launching a criminal investigation and the US Deputy Secretary of State revoking visas, the political fireworks at this year's Glastonbury were even more sensational than the pyramid stage's. But what was it like on the ground? In this edition of the New Statesman cult…

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Welfare warfare just the start of Starmer's problems 34:08

16d ago34:08

34:08

With yet another U-turn from the government, the fate of the welfare bill is left in the hands of the backbenchers. In this episode, Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Editor-in-Chief Tom McTague and business editor Will Dunn to discuss the potential consequences of defeat in Tuesday night's vote, Rachel Reeves‘ precarious position and how we got here in…

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Iain Dale on debunking the myths around Margaret Thatcher 32:47

17d ago32:47

32:47

Was Margaret Thatcher really some 'evil dictator' who's legacy still looms large over Britain? Or was she something else entirely? Broadcaster and author Iain Dale talks to Rachel Cunliffe about his new book, Margaret Thatcher, and why he wanted to dispel some of the myths and mistruths about the Iron Lady. READ Inside the false economy of Rachel R…

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Addressing the dementia diagnosis waiting game | Sponsored 24:23

18d ago24:23

24:23

Too many people in the UK are stuck anxiously waiting up to a year for a dementia diagnosis — and even longer in more deprived areas. In this episode, we explore why early and accurate diagnosis matters, and what must change to fix the system. Host Sarah Dawood is joined by Samantha Benham-Hermetz, Executive Director at Alzheimer’s Research UK; Chr…

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20 Most Influential Podcasts According to Apple 28:04

19d ago28:04

28:04

Send us a text Apple celebrates 20 years of podcasting with a list of 20 influential shows that shaped the medium across four eras, highlighting podcasts that pushed boundaries and set standards for creativity and storytelling. Check out 20 Podcasts We Love by Apple Podcasts, and find out why they made the list! • 2005-2010 pioneering era includes …

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"Why won't Keir Starmer stand up to Israel?" - Listener questions episode 25:49

19d ago25:49

25:49

Our listeners ask: How long will the government continue to support Israel after its actions in Gaza? Also in the show, one listener asks why longstanding issues like council tax reform are perennially ignored, another whether there could ever be a true 'red tory' faction in the Conservative party. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Tom McTague and Rach…

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“Sack Rachel Reeves” demand Labour MPs over welfare reforms 17:28

20d ago17:28

17:28

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to discuss the the growing rebellion among Labour MPs over the government's welfare reform bill, and how many government figures may go in the fallout. READ: Keir Starmer faces war on all fronts - Andrew Marr Labour is locked in a vicious blame game - George Eaton SIGN UP: For a dose of pol…

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Welcome to the new nuclear age 32:03

21d ago32:03

32:03

“The proliferation toothpaste does not go back in the tube” - Ankit Panda - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Trump's Ceasefire: From bunker bombs to F bombs - With events in Iran bringing the question of nuclear weapons back to the forefront of international news, where does the world go next? In this episode senior editor Katie Stallard speaks to Ankit Panda, au…

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Trump's Ceasefire: From bunker bombs to F bombs 19:33

22d ago19:33

19:33

Publicly at least, most American Presidents have "held their tongue" over their disputes with Israel - Trump is a "different kettle of fish." - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Iran War: "Our economy will be smashed" - The Trump-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran has gotten off to a shaky start. Both sides have accused the other of violating the agreement…

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Iran War: "Our economy will be smashed" 32:31

23d ago32:31

32:31

Diplomacy has been "pushed aside" after Donald Trump bombed Iran - leaving Britain "weak". - YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Trump bombs Iran - Donald Trump has hinted in a social media that he would be in favour of regime change in Iran. His government have said otherwise. Elsewhere, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has so far refused to say whether the US bomb…

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Emergency podcast: Trump bombs Iran 26:43

24d ago26:43

26:43

“American citizens will die” - Lee Siegel — YOUR NEXT LISTEN: Will Starmer back Trump on Iran? — Donald Trump announced on Sunday that US forces have bombed three nuclear sites in Iran. The attack comes after weeks of speculation about whether the US will follow Israel into war with Iran, after claims that Iran has enriched enough material to fuel …

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Can Labour win the next election? 17:10

26d ago17:10

17:10

Our listeners ask: Do Labour have a realistic chance of winning the next election, and can Reform become a party for all regions of the UK? Also in the show, another listener asks how much is being done, or ever really has been, over the issue of class in British society and politics? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe. …

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10 Podcasting Tips from 40 Years of Podcasting 1:25:47

26d ago1:25:47

1:25:47

Send us a text The Buzzsprout team shares 10 essential podcasting tips gleaned from their collective 40+ years of experience behind the microphone. Drawing from personal insights, listener contributions, and industry observations, they reveal what truly matters for podcast sustainability and growth. Your Podcasting Tips Focus on listener experience…

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Will Starmer back Trump on Iran? 26:06

1M ago26:06

26:06

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton, Freddie Hayward and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss the fast moving situation in the Middle East, how the UK Government is wrangling with an unpredictable US President and also unpick the news of a new national inquiry into grooming gangs. SIGN UP: For a dose of political analysis every morning, sign up for ou…

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Israel vs. Iran: what next? | Professor of War Studies, Lawrence Freedman, on the Isreal-Iran conflict. 33:55

1M ago33:55

33:55

Is there a route to de-escalation between Israel and Iran? -- YOUR NEXT LISTEN: As Gaza faces famine, where does the US stand on Isreal? -- On Friday, the 13th of June, Israel launched a surprise attack on multiple targets across Iran. Israel strikes hit missile sites and nuclear facilities, and more recently also targeted Iranian state tv. The two…

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Lessons From The Celebrity Podcast Graveyard 23:10

1M ago23:10

23:10

Send us a text What determines whether celebrity podcasts succeed or fail, and what can indie podcasters learn from their mistakes? We explore the surprising patterns behind celebrity podcast success stories and the ever-growing celebrity podcast graveyard. Contact Buzzcast Send us a text message Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke, @kfinn, …

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Spending review: NHS wins - but tax rises are coming 17:56

1M ago17:56

17:56

Andrew Marr, Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe review Rachel Reeves's latest financial statement. LISTEN NEXT: What Keir Starmer can't say - NS editor Tom McTague on his profile of the Prime Minister https://pod.fo/e/2e40f0 -- Rachel Reeves unveiled her latest spending review this week. Andrew, Anoosh and Rachel unpack the winners and losers, an…

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What Keir Starmer can't say - New Statesman editor Tom McTague on his new profile of the Prime Minister 40:50

1M ago40:50

40:50

Keir Starmer had tears in his eyes as he spoke of the death of his brother. The Prime Minister was talking with the New Statesman's new editor, Tom McTague, about how his personal life informs how he runs the country. Tom has spent weeks accompanying and interviewing Keir Starmer for an extensive profile published in the latest issue of the New Sta…

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Jeremy Hunt: Reform's mission is to destroy the Tories 31:48

1M ago31:48

31:48

Jeremy Hunt held an extensive number of briefs in successive Conservative cabinets; culture secretary, health secretary, foreign secretary, and chancellor. He's now back on the back benches after just holding onto his seat, focusing his time on "reading and writing". Last week he published a new book "Can We Be Great Again? - looking at Britain’s g…

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Britain is trapped in a new build nightmare 28:51

1M ago28:51

28:51

If you live in a new build, or know someone who does, who might already be all too familiar with the fact that Britain has a housing problem. Yes we have a severe shortage of housing, and the government has promised to build 1.5million new homes by the end of parliament - but something which is affecting many people but remains underreported is the…

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Discover Your Favorite Podcast's Favorite Podcasts 59:34

1M ago59:34

59:34

Send us a text We're discussing a powerful shift in podcast discovery: trusted recommendations from real people instead of algorithms. With Pocket Casts now surfacing creator-curated suggestions, listeners have a new way to uncover shows they’ll actually love. We share how this works behind the scenes and why podcaster-driven discovery offers somet…

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Does Andy Burnham want to be prime minister? 22:59

1M ago22:59

22:59

There's a gap on the left and several figures have stepped forward to fill it! Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to discuss Andy Burnham's leadership pitch, Jeremy Corbyn's Gaza inquiry, dysfunction in no 10, and what the hell Robert Jenrick is doing on the internet. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newslet…

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Why is Trump shilling crypto? 35:26

2M ago35:26

35:26

If there's one thing that the president loves, it's money. Recently, Trump has turned his attention to crypto - going into business with his sons and also launching $TRUMP and $MELANIA memecoins. But while this is one of Donald Trump’s latest passion projects, it joins a long, long list of business ventures over his lengthy career. A story that in …

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Why Is Remote Recording Software So Unreliable? 15:34

2M ago15:34

15:34

Send us a text After a flawless escape room victory, we're tackling a puzzle we can't solve: why remote podcast recording software still fails so often. From audio glitches to browser limitations, these are our frustrations of creating studio-quality content online. Contact Buzzcast Send us a text message Tweet us at @buzzcastpodcast, @albanbrooke,…

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Who can fill the left-wing gap? 15:59

2M ago15:59

15:59

With Reform being a right-wing populist movement, and splitting Tory voters. Why is there a lack of a strong left-wing populist party?, one listener asks. And another listener, Damon, writes in to ask, Why are fishing rights on the agenda with regards to this latest EU deal? Do you agree that France has a disproportionate influence on the EU? Anoos…

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Labour are U-turning it up 18:23

2M ago18:23

18:23

Winter fuel cuts? Two child benefit gap? Rachel Reeves' fiscal rules? Angela Rayner? The team discuss what will stay and what will have to go for Labour in the coming weeks and months, and where Nigel Farage is lurking to capitalise on Labour and Tory struggles. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by George Eaton and Rachel Cunliffe. Sign up to the New Stat…

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As Gaza faces famine, where does the US stand on Israel? 37:30

2M ago37:30

37:30

Last week, the Israeli military launched a major new ground assault on Gaza. The aim, according to Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is to force the surrender of Hamas, free the remaining Israeli hostages, and bring the entire territory under Israel’s control. The UK, France and Canada have demanded Israel halt "its military operations" a…

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6 New Ways To Earn Money With Buzzsprout Subscriptions 1:19:11

2M ago1:19:11

1:19:11

Send us a text Buzzsprout just rolled out a major update to its subscription features! We're talking about the six Buzzsprout Support & Subscriptions options now available. These include premium episodes, ad-free content, back catalog access, early access, subscriber-only podcasts, and listener support. We share tips on engaging supporters without …

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Gordon Brown on the “cruel” two-child benefit cap 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

The former Labour prime minister speaks to the New Statesman Podcast about how the government can reduce levels of child poverty. Read: Gordon Brown: the moral economist Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Brentrance 25:38

2M ago25:38

25:38

Starmer has sealed the deal with the EU, U-turned on winter fuel, and made a marked departure on the UK's stance on Israel. This has been a big week for Labour, but how will it wash with the public? Anoosh Chakelian is drawn by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, senior editor George Eaton, and senior data journalist Ben Walker. Sign …

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This house believes private schools should be abolished 48:27

2M ago48:27

48:27

Seven per cent of British children attend private school – a tiny minority – and yet they retain a grip on our elite institutions. The latest figures show that 65% of judges, 44% of newspaper columnists and 23% of MPs were independently educated. Fee-paying schools, however, do not merely cater for the privileged few, but hard-working aspirational …