Best Midlands Connect Podcasts (2025)

1
Urban Transport Next: The journey to better buses 32:38

Play Pause

4d ago32:38

32:38

In this episode, Simon Lightwood MP, the Minister for Roads and Buses, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. During the discussion, the Minister focused on the bus: highlighting the importance of buses during his childhood, outlining how the new Bus Services Act will impact services in England, and explaining…

1
From skills to growth 1:02:02

19d ago1:02:02

1:02:02

Ufi VocTech Trust and the RSA are delighted to unveil the recommendations of the Digital Badging Commission. Over the past 18 months, the Digital Badging Commission has brought together leading minds across education, technology, policy and employment to reimagine and define the essential steps required for digital badges and credentials to transfo…

1
Breaking the cycle 58:21

24d ago58:21

58:21

Over 13% of 16-24-year-olds in the UK are now classified as NEET – not in education, employment or training – with a growing number also economically inactive and disengaged from the workforce altogether. This crisis is costing the UK economy billions in lost productivity and social support, while placing young people at greater risk of poor mental…

1
SDGs and beyond 54:10

25d ago54:10

54:10

By Professor Masako Kinishi, Derek Walker, Mete Coban MBE, Rachael Orr, Ben Sheppard, Carolyn Davidson

1
The myth of connection 58:09

1M ago58:09

58:09

With opportunities for digital connection at an all-time high, and loneliness now a public health concern, are we truly more connected – or just more networked? Join us in the RSA Great Room for a panel exploring whether technology is helping us form meaningful relationships or simply keeping us online. Journalist and founder of The Logging Off Clu…

1
RSA Spark Showcase 56:31

1M ago56:31

56:31

We’re delighted to welcome you to the 2025 RSA Spark Showcase – a month-long exhibition spotlighting the most outstanding ideas in response to RSA Spark’s purpose-led briefs. From reimagining community spaces to innovative solutions for social connection and wellbeing, the showcase captures the energy and potential of the next generation of problem…

1
Urban Transport Next: Blazing the trail 1:00:05

1M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

In this episode, David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, was in conversation with Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. In the wide-ranging discussion, the Mayor spoke about his experience of growing up in the region and his use of public transport; the importance of active travel schemes in York, Harrogate and other towns a…

1
The East Midlands’ future starts here 1:06:05

1M ago1:06:05

1:06:05

With a population of 2 million people and a strategic location at the heart of the UK, the national growth story must include a prosperous East Midlands. Join us at RSA House as we set out the recommendations in the final report of the East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission, a bold, region-wide economic plan commissioned by Mayor Claire Ward and…

1
The future of sustainability 59:01

2M ago59:01

59:01

As we face the challenges of climate change, inequality, and environmental degradation, we know that simply sustaining is not enough. To achieve this, we need a radical reimagining of our current systems – from economic and political to food and energy. And we need a new collective story for humanity. One that celebrates our fundamental interconnec…

1
Urban Transport Next: Keeping the East Midlands moving 49:36

2M ago49:36

49:36

In this episode, Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, was interviewed by Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. During the conversation, the Mayor outlined how the East Midlands region is geographically unique compared to other city regions in UTG membership, and the need to therefore 'think differently' on transport. The pair als…

1
Gender equity and justice 1:03:15

3M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Join us in London, Osaka and online for the second event in our global partnership with the UK at Expo 2025. The UK has a rich history of advancing women’s rights. In 1918, the Representation of the People Act granted voting rights to women over 30, with equal suffrage achieved in 1928. From the Equal Pay Act of 1970 to the Equality Act of 2010, tr…

1
Reinventing the city of Liverpool 28:16

3M ago28:16

28:16

In this episode, we visit a city with a proud sense of identity and a bold vision for the future. Liverpool is famous for its maritime heritage, musical legacy, and vibrant culture. But today it's reimagining itself as a hub for science, technology and inclusive innovation. We explore how civic leaders, entrepreneurs and community voices are drivin…

1
Reinventing the city of Bristol 28:22

4M ago28:22

28:22

In this episode, we visit a city with a powerful story to tell about invention and reinvention. Bristol, in the southwest of England, is famous for its engineering heritage, creative industries, and independent spirit. Today it is forging a national reputation bold plans for sustainable and inclusive growth. We explore how leaders, entrepreneurs, a…

1
Reimagining the economy of Northeast Ohio 39:51

4M ago39:51

39:51

In this episode we visit a place with a fascinating story to tell about reimagining the economy of a place. Northeast Ohio in the USA, or the Greater Cleveland region, comprises 30% of the state of Ohio's economy, which is ranked 5th in the US for its business climate, 3rd when it comes to affordability, and second in the country for quality of lif…

1
Listening and disagreeing productively 59:01

4M ago59:01

59:01

In a world increasingly marked by polarisation and fractured discourse, how can we truly hear each other? Join us in the Great Room of the RSA for a vital conversation between Emily Kasriel, journalist, broadcaster, and author of the new book Deep Listening, and Professor Paul Dolan, behavioural scientist and author of the new book Beliefism. Toget…

1
040: A HUGE Announcement About The Future... 12:19

4M ago12:19

12:19

In this episode, Craig has a huge announcement as he prepares for his biggest challenge yet—Race Across Scotland 225. He reflects on the last 18 months of incredible guests, laughter, and community, and looks ahead to what’s next. Tune in to hear why hitting pause is sometimes the bravest move you can make - and how adventures off the mic can inspi…

1
Roots of trust 1:01:04

5M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

What if we designed systems not for top-down control – but for human connection? At RSA House, trust expert and artist Rachel Botsman explores how design thinking and visual storytelling can rethink leadership, power, and trust systems. We often learn something new from studying something old. Anchored in her 2025 London Design Biennale installatio…

1
Justice under siege: Ukraine, war crimes, and the fight for dignity 1:02:01

5M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Join the RSA, Insulate Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Institute London for a fireside chat with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, in conversation with journalist and author Gillian Tett. Their discussion will explore the cycle of impunity and harsh realities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including cultural erasure,…

1
039: The Transition to Ultra & Secret running! 24:29

5M ago24:29

24:29

On this episode Pete steps in to co-host with Craig. He confesses to secretly taking up running. The duo dive into what it’s like to start running from scratch, the difference between trail and road running, and how to prepare for the leap into ultra marathons. This episode of Running Life & Stuff is brought to you with our friends at Revive Active…

1
038: How to Recover more Effectively : Colin Papworth (Podiatrist) 23:16

5M ago23:16

23:16

There's nothing more important to us runners than our feet! In this episode, Craig and Anna speak to Colin, the owner of Colpod - a Podiatry and Therapies clinic in Chesterfield. It's a goldmine of practical advice—highlighting how subtle biomechanical issues, like improper big toe function, can lead to recurring hip pain or inefficiencies in gait.…

1
How to thrive in uncertain times 1:03:25

5M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

In a world on fire, where every system we rely on is buckling under the weight of its own contradictions, it’s time to admit that control is a dangerous illusion. But while politicians and corporations cling to algorithms for predictability, artists, writers, and musicians have always known the truth: chaos isn’t a threat – it’s a gift. At this RSA…

1
037: Planning Your Nutrition For Every Race : Rebecca Dent 22:44

6M ago22:44

22:44

Rebecca Dent is a high performance dietitian specialising in supporting ultra runners and mountain sports athletes who are training towards a race or summit. With over 20 years of experience having worked with hundreds of ultra runners/mountaineers from beginners to season pros, Rebecca is able to provide personalised easy to put into practise nutr…

1
Come build the future 1:16:43

6M ago1:16:43

1:16:43

Join us to celebrate the opening of the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and discover the most exciting ideas and innovations shaping our future. At a time when the world risks becoming fragmented and divided, the World Expo represents a unique opportunity to show what humanity can achieve when we come together. The UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 w…

1
036: Run, Rest, Repeat: Recovery Lessons from Aidan, O'Flaherty (aka The Irish Physio) 45:33

6M ago45:33

45:33

Ever sustained a running injury? In this episode of Running Life and Stuff, Craig and Tyles chat with Aidan aka The Irish Physio about smart recovery, injury prevention, and why sleep might be the most powerful training tool of all. Aidan shares tips from elite athletes and his own journey through injury, while gently nudging runners to slow down a…

1
In conversation with Dan Labbad, CEO of the Crown Estate 19:01

7M ago19:01

19:01

In this episode we meet Dan Labbad, CEO of the Crown Estate - an independent commercial business, created by an Act of Parliament, with a diverse portfolio of UK buildings, shoreline, seabed, forestry, agriculture and common land. Dan sat down with the Chair of the Catapult, Prof. Greg Clark, shortly after giving a keynote address to the Summit our…

1
035: The Importance of a Nutrition Plan : Rebecca Dent 21:06

7M ago21:06

21:06

Rebecca Dent is a high performance dietitian specialising in supporting ultra runners and mountain sports athletes who are training towards a race or summit. With over 20 years of experience having worked with hundreds of ultra runners/mountaineers from beginners to season pros, Rebecca is able to provide personalised easy to put into practise nutr…

1
In Conversation with Andrew Barr, President of Hitachi Europe 18:18

7M ago18:18

18:18

In this episode we meet Andrew Barr, President of Hitachi Europe in conversation with Becky Wood at our recent Connected Places Summit, held in London on 19/20 March. Hitachi Europe was one of our strategic Summit partners and we are very grateful for their support. Andrew and Becky sat down in the margins of the Summit to discuss Hitachi's approac…

1
How a fairer world could save the planet 56:50

7M ago56:50

56:50

Tony Juniper and Mya-Rose Craig bring together two powerful perspectives on the interconnectedness of equity and the environment. Tony, an esteemed environmentalist and author, draws on decades of experience advocating for a balance between human needs and ecological preservation. His work demonstrates how fairness – whether in resource distributio…

1
034: Running with GB Ultras (With Laura and Ian) 30:30

7M ago30:30

30:30

During this episode, Craig and Anna are joined by Laura and Ian, a power couple who put together the GB Ultra races around the UK every year, they discuss all of the runs they put on and how the opportunity has come about. GB Ultra's Website: https://www.gbultras.com/ The episode around dating other runners: https://runninglifeandstuff.podbean.com/…

1
Highlights from the Connected Places Summit - 2025 35:33

7M ago35:33

35:33

Last week was a big one for the Connected Places Catapult. On the 19/20 March we hosted our second Connected Places Summit, in the heart of London. In this episode we hear from some of the leading voices who spoke at the Summit... Sir Andrew Haines from Network Rail on the future of Britain's railways and transport connectivity; Dan Labbad from the…

1
Patron’s Lecture: why social capital matters 1:17:41

7M ago1:17:41

1:17:41

This year’s keynote speaker is world-renowned political scientist Robert D. Putnam, author of the groundbreaking work Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, which has shaped global conversations on the importance of communal ties and social capital. Robert Putnam will be speaking to us about the vital role of social connecti…

1
033: Jumping on Opportunities... And From Topic to Topic! 15:53

8M ago15:53

15:53

During this episode, Craig and Anna chat about the future of the podcast and... Who's hosted countdown in the past....and we experience some of Craig's "Carr confusion"! This episode of Running Life & Stuff is brought to you with our friends at Revive Active - Check them out here: www.reviveactive.com and use the discount code CRAIG15 for 15% off y…

1
Track to the Future – Moving forward with Midlands Rail Hub 18:24

8M ago18:24

18:24

Ciara is joined by Denise Wetton from Network Rail and Toby Rackliff from WMRE to discuss all things Midlands Rail Hub, from inception to where it might take us in the future.By Ciara Jagger

1
Accelerating action: leading the change 1:00:28

8M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

What bold actions are needed to realise true gender equity? This International Women’s Day, the RSA invites you to a powerful event focused on advancing women’s leadership and action for systemic change. Featuring an incredible panel of women including I. Stephanie Boyce, the trailblazing first Black and first person of colour President of the Law …

1
How business lost our trust 57:47

8M ago57:47

57:47

From big tech scandals to soaring executive pay gaps, public trust in major corporations is at an all-time low. Despite life-changing innovations like vaccines and digital tools, we increasingly “love the product but hate the producer”. Renowned economist John Kay visits the RSA to deliver a bold critique of modern business. He’ll unpack how the re…

1
032: Challenges with food : Rebecca Dent 15:37

8M ago15:37

15:37

Rebecca Dent is a high performance dietitian specialising in supporting ultra runners and mountain sports athletes who are training towards a race or summit. With over 20 years of experience having worked with hundreds of ultra runners/mountaineers from beginners to season pros, Rebecca is able to provide personalised easy to put into practise nutr…

1
Russia’s war in a global perspective 1:08:00

8M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

An evening with the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, and BBC journalist Clive Myrie. On the eve of the third anniversary of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (2020–2024) and Senior Fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School, ref…

1
Do we really value care? 1:10:04

8M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

The provision of care for dependents young and old is one of the great challenges of the modern age. The last 60 years have seen significant shifts in family and working lives with greater choice and autonomy bringing great gains for human freedom. Yet many private and public challenges and dilemmas remain. The social care system faces ever-rising …

1
031: The Magic of Eurafrica (With The Event Organisers: Aitor & Ana) 24:25

9M ago24:25

24:25

The Eurafrica trail is one of the most unique in the world, running through some of the most stunning locales of any trail craig has been part of, leading you through 3 countries, but what makes it feels so magical? Hear why from event organisers Aitor and Ana! Eurafrica Trail's Website: https://eurafricatrail.com/?lang=en This episode of Running L…

1
Urban Transport Next: Journeys for everyone 1:01:20

9M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

In this episode, Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, was in conversation with the freelance journalist Laura Laker. During the discussion, the Mayor spoke about his background and route into politics; his own experience of using public transport in the West Midlands; his plans for buses and trams in the region, and his 'duty' to tackle road…

1
030: The guests, the Tips and YOU : Our 1st Birthday. 17:36

9M ago17:36

17:36

🎶 Happy Birthday to us Happy Birthday to us 🎶 It's been 12 months since we started the podcast, MASSIVE thanks to you for listening—here's a recap of some of the silliness of the last year! This episode of Running Life & Stuff is brought to you with our friends at Revive Active - Check them out here: www.reviveactive.com and use the discount code C…

1
CEO Lecture: counting the cost of bowling alone 1:03:16

9M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

In his annual RSA Chief Executive's Lecture, Andy Haldane examines the profound socio-economic consequences of eroding social capital, a theme famously explored by Harvard political scientist Bob Putnam in Bowling Alone. While macroeconomic advancements helped address past crises like the Great Depression, today’s challenge lies in confronting the …

1
029: Taking on the Eurafrica Trail (and coffee with the other Craig!) 39:54

9M ago39:54

39:54

Craig recounts his transformative experience at the Eurafrica Trail, a five-day race across three countries. From climbing Gibraltar’s iconic rock to navigating Morocco's White Mountains, he tells tales of technical trails, cultural encounters and so much more. Eurafrica Trail's Website: https://eurafricatrail.com/?lang=en This episode of Running L…

1
How optimists change the world 54:59

10M ago54:59

54:59

Optimism is central to the human psyche: it seems to give us an advantage in both everyday life and in addressing great collective challenges. Sumit Paul-Choudhury, former editor-in-chief of New Scientist, visits the RSA to make a vital and transformative new argument: that optimism is not only the natural state of humanity, but an essential one. S…

1
028: New Year, New Me - Being your best YOU in 2025 with Revive Active Nutritionist Nicola 29:56

10M ago29:56

29:56

Kickstart your New Year with actionable tips from Revive Active's Nutritional Therapist Nicola Sainty on how to set up your environment, mind, and body for success—whether it’s swapping sugary drinks for water or visualising your wins. Discover why sleep and supplements are the secret weapons of ultra-athletes like Craig (hint: tart cherry juice is…

1
027: The (unplanned) Christmas Quiz (BONUS EPISODE) 7:50

10M ago7:50

7:50

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!" Join Santa Craig, Elf Anna and Pete the Gingerbread man as they talk complete rubbish at this festive time of year! This episode of Running Life & Stuff is brought to you with our friends at Revive Active - Check them out here: www.reviveactive.com and use the discount code CRAIG15 for 15% off your order Grab your Sierra Blanca d…

1
026: From Rugby to An AMAZING Run: Kris' Journey of Adventure and Endurance 24:41

11M ago24:41

24:41

Join us as Kris shares his inspiring transition from rugby to ultra-running, culminating in the gruelling Santa Lyon race. Discover the challenges of midnight mountain runs, encounters with wild boars, and the mental grit needed to conquer mud, rain, and freezing temperatures. The Santa Lyon race official site: https://www.saintelyon.com/ Grab your…

1
The cost of workplace ageism 1:30:56

11M ago1:30:56

1:30:56

Current research reveals that workers over 50 are being rejected from key roles across the country, with discrimination and bias from employers and recruiters often endemic. Over 1 million people aged 50+ across the UK want to work but are unemployed. This RSA event is in collaboration with the OECD to launch their new report, Promoting Better Care…

1
Unlocking civic voice 1:04:46

11M ago1:04:46

1:04:46

Join us in the Great Room at RSA House, where our expert panel will share insights and experiences from their work on impactful, community-led projects. Discover how these initiatives have empowered citizens to speak up for their communities and shape their shared future. The panel will explore key aspects of our Prosperous Places framework, includ…

1
025: Building a Community: Coffee, Running, and Connection with BEAR Co-Founder Craig 46:01

11M ago46:01

46:01

Craig, co-founder of BEAR coffee shops, shares the inspiring journey of building a thriving coffee business rooted in community. From starting in a shed to running multiple locations, Craig discusses the art of coffee, the power of connection, and how BEAR fosters social spaces that bring people together and how it all links to running. Check out B…