Best Sing Up Foundation Podcasts (2025)

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'Godfather' of regenerative agriculture Gabe Brown on future of farming, support for nature-friendly food production, & plan to monetise farm data 50:51

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9h ago50:51

50:51

In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the future of regenerative agriculture and examine whether it is right for your farm. We have a special interview with American farmer Gabe Brown, described as the 'god father' of regenerative agriculture, as he visits the UK. We discuss the role of government support when it comes to agro-ecology and na…

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Former British Lion Tom Youngs talks rugby and farming, progress on national food strategy, Sustainable Farming Scheme for Wales, & variable catchy harvest 53:38

10d ago53:38

53:38

In this episode, former British Lion Tom Youngs shares his thoughts on farming and rugby. We run the rule on the government’s latest iteration of a national food strategy - and discuss the implications for farmers. NFU Cymru president Aled Jones voices concern about the newly announced Sustainable Farming Scheme for Wales. And we look at the ups an…

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Drought and wildfire warning, new Tesco boss backs farmers, parts suppliers frustration, growing olives in Lincolnshire 50:04

17d ago50:04

50:04

In this episode, as drought is declared in Yorkshire, we look at the impact of the dry weather across the country. Scotland faces a wildfire warning – following a 30,000 acre blaze which saw farmers and game-keepers come together to fight the flames. Tesco's new chief executive Ashwin Prasad gets out on farm – just a week into the job – saying he w…

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Groundswell 2025: £150m in capital grants for farmers, former Defra adviser on farming future, how to unlock nature markets, big business invests in farming, AHDB chief exec plans for farm levies 48:45

21d ago48:45

48:45

In this episode, a former Defra adviser says the government must win back farmers' trust if it is serious about successful agriculture. The government unveils £150m in capital grants for farmers – we look at what the money is likely to fund and how it will work. We find out about new funding opportunities for farmers – thanks to private investment …

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Voices of Change: tackling racism and cultural barriers in and through music 52:29

27d ago52:29

52:29

We explore how racial and cultural barriers in music education impact children & young people's mental health & wellbeing, and examine the healing potential of inclusive singing practices. Baz and Celi are joined by Luqman Ali, co-founder and artistic director of Khayaal Theatre Company, the UK's first professional theatre company dedicated to Musl…

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Early start for harvest 2025, moisture meters, why it's gone quiet on inheritance tax, Fram Farmers trials day, & CowPie Country Show 51:04

1M ago51:04

51:04

In this episode, we preview the early start to harvest 2025 as the first combines roll into barley crops. One year after the Labour came to power, we ask why farm leaders have gone so quiet on government plans to impose inheritance on farmers. We visit a Fram Farmers trials day in Suffolk – and Hugh goes to his local Cowpie Country Fair. This episo…

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Red Tractor must avoid 'fudged' reform, bluetongue restriction havoc in Wales, Scottish beef at the Royal Highland Show, Farming Rules for Water, and more on skylarks at Cereals 41:48

1M ago41:48

41:48

In this episode, a former NFU combinable crops chairman sats the pace of change at Red Tractor is too slow to win back farmers' confidence. Cross-border bluetongue restrictions on livestock brought from England into Wales threaten to cause havoc, say farm leaders. We've the latest on muck spreading and Defra's Farming Rules For Water. And we visit …

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The Science and Soul of Singing: Daisy Fancourt &Howard Goodall on why we need music more than ever 1:03:53

1M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

In this episode of Inspiring Voices, hosts Baz Chapman and Celi Barberia welcome two guests who share both family ties and expertise in understanding music's impact on wellbeing. Dr Daisy Fancourt, Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at UCL, brings research on how singing and arts engagement affect mental health across all ages - from mothe…

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Verdict on government spending review, outrage at imported supermarket beef, bumper Cereals event, & top accolade for 21-year-old oat variety 42:10

2M ago42:10

42:10

In this episode, UK farm leaders voice dismay after three major British supermarkets start selling beef from Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand. Is the government's spending review really better than expected when it comes to farming and the environment? We discuss the implications of departmental cuts at Defra – and the impact for growers and live…

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Spending review - likely impact on farming, Cereals event preview, and getting the message across on Open Farm Sunday 42:56

2M ago42:56

42:56

In this episode, we look at the likely impact of the government's spending review on UK farming and the environment. We have a sneak preview of this month’s Cereals event – and why reducing carbon emissions isn't as easy as people might think. And why it is so important to get the farming message across on Open Farm Sunday. This episode of the Farm…

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"Permission to Be": Carrie and David Grant on Music, Family and Belonging 1:11:48

2M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

"We have created the ideology of normal... and if we don't deconstruct that, we will 100% be traumatising our young people." Join Celi and Baz for a deeply honest conversation with BAFTA award-winning broadcasters and MBE recipients Carrie and David Grant. Long-time Sing Up friends, they share their family's journey raising four neurodivergent chil…

1
Farmers quit UK to farm in France, nature-friendly farm support concerns, North Sheep, Red Tractor latest, yellow rust gene failure confirmed, & Madam Tussauds celebrates national sausage roll day 42:14

2M ago42:14

42:14

In this episode, a UK farming couple quit the UK to go farming in France, saying they feel more valued by the French government. Defra declines to comment on reports that the government's Spending Review will slash the budget for nature friendly farming. We've the latest on high-profile movers and shakers in the farming sector, as Assured Food Stan…

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Janet Hughes 'hard act to follow at Defra', new AHDB chair, Green Farm Collective, regenerative wheat & wool, UK-EU veterinary deal, & beef under the climate cosh 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

In this episode, as senior civil servant Janet Hughes decides to leave Defra, we look at what it means for the Sustainable Farming Incentive. It's a revolving door at the AHDB, with the appointment of a new chair – and the announcement that chief executive Graham Wilkinson is moving on. Scottish livestock leaders say a climate committee report call…

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"A Virtuous Circle": How Singing Supports Both Child and Parental Wellbeing 1:01:19

2M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Join us for a revealing conversation with B'Opera founder Zoe Challenor and Professor Rosie Perkins from the Royal College of Music as they explore the powerful dual impact of singing on child development and parental wellbeing. Recorded during Maternal Mental Health Week, this episode combines accessible science with practical applications that si…

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US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins talks trade deals in London; delay inheritance tax plan, MPs tell government; SFI reopens for 3000 farmers; & Defra's food strategy 47:17

2M ago47:17

47:17

In this episode, MPs say the government should delay plans to impose inheritance tax on farmers – and revise its controversial policy. Defra announces a partial reopening of the Sustainable Farming Incentive for growers and livestock producers in England. US agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins tells Farmers Weekly that poultry and pork are "on the…

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Series 2 - new episodes! 2:30

3M ago2:30

2:30

A quick preview of the second half of Series 2 of Inspiring Voices.

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What next for the Sustainable Farming Incentive? Impact of US-UK trade deal on farming, small abattoirs, & silage trailer safety 45:34

3M ago45:34

45:34

In this episode we look at the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive agri-environment scheme. Natural England head of agriculture Peter Craven tells us the scheme will return – and be better for farming and the environment, albeit with a likely smaller budget. We assess the impact of the UK-US trade deal on the beef and arable sectors – and a…

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Hottest May Day – crops swelter as temperatures soar, ground-breaking farm tenancies, Rothamsted redundancies, & food security – could rationing return? 47:31

3M ago47:31

47:31

Record-breaking temperatures see crops sweltering in the spring sunshine. A worry or just another challenge for arable growers? UK former home secretary James Cleverly and Save British Farming campaigners say the government must take food security more seriously. As the UK commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and the end of World …

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Farmers Weekly Question Time: Tenant Farmers Conference 2025 - Farmers Weekly Question Time 59:40

3M ago59:40

59:40

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Question Time Podcast examines a ground-breaking new farm tenancy agreement. Developed by the Crown Estate and the Tenant Farmers Association, the agreements are called Environmental Farm Business Tenancies (eFBTs). EFBTs are 15-year-long tenancy agreements which encourage tenant farmers to diversify in a way whic…

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Will your children sink the family farm? Inheritance tax and succession planning, dairy farms dump milk after processing breakdown, & why climate-friendly farmers are turned off by Net Zero 47:40

3M ago47:40

47:40

In this episode, one in three farmers fear their children will sink the farm business when it's handed on to the next generation. Why farming families are walking a tightrope between succession and inheritance tax. Dairy producers are forced to dump thousands of litres of milk after a breakdown at a key processing plant in Lancashire. We've all the…

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Endangered hedges, bonanza beef vision, grant fund to ADOPT innovation, foot-and-mouth meat and dairy import ban, & sweary singing farmers 46:42

3M ago46:42

46:42

In this episode, we get to grips government grants to fund on-farm innovation and technology to improve productivity. With British Beef Week around the corner (23-30 April), we run the rule over the NFU's 10-year vision for the UK's beef industry. We look at why farm hedges could be the latest victim of the government's decision to close the Sustai…

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Minette's farm profitability review, should farmers really diversify? Resistant wheat shows signs of yellow rust, local food plan report, & auctioneer's giant red fibre glass cow goes missing 54:35

4M ago54:35

54:35

In this episode, the government appoints former NFU president Minette Batters to lead a Defra review to solve farming's 'profitability problem'. Her appointment – by Defra secretary Steve Reed – aims to help growers and livestock producers increase their profit and financial resilience. We ask three experts what Baroness Batters should really be lo…

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Bread strike & hot cross buns, Trump & tariffs, animal disease & border controls, AHDB levy board future, & Sustainable Farming Incentive latest 51:58

4M ago51:58

51:58

In this episode, livestock industry leaders warn of a devastating animal disease outbreak unless the government tightens border controls. MPs quiz. Defra minister Daniel Zeichner as cereal growers 'go on strike' in protest at government policies affecting UK farming. Will there really be no hot cross buns at Easter? We've the latest on the Sustaina…

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Red Tractor pledges smarter farm audits, action plan to reduce pesticide usage, & vigilance needed after bird flu confirmed in sheep 52:20

4M ago52:20

52:20

In this episode, the Red Tractor assurance scheme responds to criticism by pledging to make farm audits easier for farmers. We speak to the Red Tractor interim chairman Alistair Mackintosh and operations director Philippa Wiltshire. Also in this episode – the government unveils long awaited plans to reduce pesticide usage by 10% within five years. …

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How to rescue the Sustainable Farming Incentive, farmers ramp up food production, pressure on spring seed and fertiliser, red diesel rumours, & why big business wants to invest in your farm 51:53

4M ago51:53

51:53

In this episode, farmers ramp up food production following the closure of the government's flagship environmental scheme. Arable growers who were preparing Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications are now drilling spring crops instead – with strong demand for spring seed and fertiliser. Natural England former head of agriculture Geoff Sanso…

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Options for farmers locked out of Sustainable Farming Incentive, food security report, & is there a future for lab-grown meat? 49:45

5M ago49:45

49:45

Just why did the government close its flagship agri-environment scheme without warning? We examine the options for farmers unable to join Defra's Sustainable Farming Incentive. A new study says the government must take food security and sustainable farming much more seriously. Published by the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission, the report is c…

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Emergency Podcast: Defra pulls plug on Sustainable Farming Incentive 28:06

5M ago28:06

28:06

In this emergency episode, we examine the implications of Defra's decision to stop accepting applications for its flagship agri-environment scheme. The shock announcement to draw a line under the Sustainable Farming Incentive was announced at 6pm Tuesday, 11 March. Defra gave farmers no notice of the decision, which came into effect with immediate …

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Rebel Labour MPs back farmers on inheritance tax, Pancake Day Rally, livestock mart hits out at 'keyboard warriors', climate change adaptation, & 'green' farmland market 46:22

5M ago46:22

46:22

In this episode, a growing number of 'rebel' Labour MPs are supporting farmers against the government on inheritance tax. We have an exclusive interview with Henry Tufnell, Labour MP for Mid- and South Pembrokeshire, who is calling for a government amnesty on the issue. A warm start to spring sees UK temperatures warmer than Madrid and Barcelona – …

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Defra's not-so-new farm policies, Pancake Day Rally against inheritance tax, NFU conference 2025 special, & how to succeed at succession planning 52:53

5M ago52:53

52:53

In this episode, we examine Defra's latest raft of new policies to boost farm profitability. Just exactly how new are they? We scrutinise the keynote speech delivered by Defra secretary Steve Reed at the NFU's annual conference in London. We preview the Pancake Day Rally against government plans to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth mo…

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Farmers Weekly Question Time: Plumpton College - Farmers Weekly Question Time 1:17:37

5M ago1:17:37

1:17:37

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at Plumpton College in East Sussex Recorded in front of a live audience on Thursday, 20 February 2025, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: - James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat M…

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Chink of light on inheritance tax, farming's 'pecking order', Scotland's new farm leader, oilseed rape challenges, & why farming is harder than rocket science 46:43

6M ago46:43

46:43

In this episode, we discuss the possible outcomes after government finally agrees to talks with farm leaders on inheritance tax. Have things gone too far? Were farming protestors right to force Keir Starmer to cut short a prime ministerial visit to Milton Keynes? And should farming be higher or lower on the government's pecking order? We speak to A…

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How to improve farm assurance, LEAF conference, colder weather on the way, upbeat DairyTech event, & Big Farmland Bird Count 46:07

6M ago46:07

46:07

In this episode, we look at the LEAF Marque - the farm assurance scheme that delivers benefits for consumers and the environment – as well as for farmers. We find out what makes it work, why it is becoming so popular – and why supermarkets are so keen to work alongside LEAF food producers. We speak to Oxbury Bank – the latest lender offering a spec…

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Defra plan to reduce UK farmland, bonkers beef prices, Fenland Soil conference, & banks back farmers on inheritance tax 44:06

6M ago44:06

44:06

In this episode, we look at government plans to reduce the area of UK farmland – and use it instead to restore nature and create wildlife habitats. The government's Land Use Framework for England – which is out for consultation – will earmark different areas of land for different uses. Objectives include food production, building 1.5 million homes …

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Pea revival: can Pulse Pioneers save the planet? Farm assurance review: leadership culture under fire, spring fertiliser market, & inheritance tax - Farming Day of Unity 46:07

6M ago46:07

46:07

In this episode, we look at how a group of 'Pulse Pioneers' are sowing the seeds for a revival of Britain's pea and bean crops. Pulse crops have many benefits. They include better soil health, less reliance on chemical fertilisers and lower dependency on pesticides. But inconsistent performance can make them difficult to grow profitably. We look at…

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Peak Power: LAMMA farm machinery show special, retail giant Morrisons backs farmers on inheritance tax, Shadow Defra secretary Victoria Atkins, & latest farm protest plans 44:25

6M ago44:25

44:25

In this episode, we discover how machinery manufacturers are making it easier for farmers to get their hands on the latest kit and technology. We visit the 2025 LAMMA farm machinery show – the two-day extravaganza bringing 40,000 visitors to the Birmingham NEC. We speak to farmers, machinery manufacturers and auctioneers – and get the lowdown on th…

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New deal or raw deal? Defra's big plan for farming; British farmers adopt French-style protests, Farming Day of Unity, & glyphosate resistant weeds confirmed in UK 42:48

7M ago42:48

42:48

In this episode, UK environment secretary Steve Reed pledges a better future for Britain's farmers. Is it a New Deal? Or is it a raw deal? Mr Reed's speech to this year's Oxford Farming Conference made much mention of food security and the need to increase agricultural productivity and profitability. Meanwhile, farmers say they will ramp up protest…

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Farmers Weekly Question Time: Oxford Farming Conference 2025 - Farmers Weekly Question Time 1:01:00

7M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time Event at the 2025 Oxford Farming Conference. Recorded in front of a live audience on Wednesday the 8th of January 2025, farmers and other conference delegates quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. Our panel is: - Minette Batters, cross-b…

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Profitable food production in 2025, how to make money from the environment, & making sense of Labour's policies for farming – our special Oxford Farming Conference preview 44:00

7M ago44:00

44:00

In this episode, we look at the prospects for farming in 2025 – and discuss the opportunities for growers and livestock producers. We examine the outlook for profitable UK food production, ways to generate income from the farmed environment and the likely direction for government policy. First, though, we preview the Oxford Farming Conference (8-10…

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From artificial insemination to artificial intelligence ~ how agri-tech is shaping the future of farming 33:34

7M ago33:34

33:34

In this episode, we visit the AgriTechE REAP conference – the annual showcase for the latest innovations in agriculture. We find out how simple innovations can make farming more profitable – enabling farmers to work smarter rather than harder. From completing Sustainable Farming Incentive applications at the push of a button to using semen analysis…

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Singing and neurodiversity 1:04:19

7M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Dive into the transformative power of music through the lens of neurodiversity! Join experts Abigail Mann-Daraz and Alice Nicholls as they unravel the complex world of inclusive singing, bringing their personal experiences and professional insights to the forefront. This episode explores how music can be a profound healing tool for neurodivergent y…

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Tractor protest brings London to standstill, knock-on impact of tax changes, Farming Explained YouTube channel, & who are #Together? 38:23

8M ago38:23

38:23

Hundreds of tractors descend on central London as farmers ramp up protests against the government's autumn Budget. As 500 tractors park outside Downing Street, we speak to farmers and protest organisers – and scrutinise the latest government announcement. Farmer and agricultural historian Oli Fletcher, from the Farming Explained YouTube channel, pu…

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Ban threat for autumn manure spreading, controversy over Bovaer feed additive, capital grants halted, wheat and barley recommended list, & London tractor protest 39:36

8M ago39:36

39:36

In this episode, could ban on autumn manure-spreading applications be the next body blow to hit Britain’s farmers? Well, quite possibly, as industry representatives are summoned to meet Defra officials following two legal challenges over the issue. We delve into the controversy over the decision by dairy processor Arla to use a new feed additive to…

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A Chat with Maya De Vitry: Americana Star is Solo But Not Alone 56:34

8M ago56:34

56:34

Maya de Vitri: Embracing Creative Freedom In this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English interviews Maya de Vitri, formerly of The Stray Birds, about her deeply collaborative solo career. Maya shares insights into her creative journey, the evolution of her music, and the challenges she's faced transitioning from a band member to a solo art…

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A Chat with The Belgian Blue: Austrian Band's Americana Roots Run Deep 1:02:18

8M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

The Rise of The Belgian Blue: A Cross-Cultural Musical Journey In this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English interviews members of the European band The Belgian Blue. Formed through a unique blend of influences from Ireland, Austria, and the United States, the band merges varying musical heritages into a distinct sound. Lead singer and gu…

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“Music is a passport to freedom” – singing with disabled and care experienced young people 1:06:06

8M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

We explore singing in relation to two different contexts in which potentially life-limiting situations can affect mental health & wellbeing. Disabled musician John Kelly talks about the power of singing for young people with disabilities and Jenny Young (Blue Cabin) about music for young people in the care system. Inspiring Voices is the podcast of…

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A Chat with TOW'rs: Duo Celebrating 10 Years of Music and Transformation with "Versions" 1:03:15

8M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Exploring Evolution with TOW'rs: Celebrating 10 Years of Music and Transformation In this episode of Curious Goldfish, host Jason English interviews Kyle and Gretta Miller of the Arizona-based duo TOW'rs. The conversation delves into the couple's reflections on their 10-year journey in music, encapsulated in their upcoming album 'Versions'. They di…

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Farmers Weekly Question Time: Impact of inheritance tax on family farms - Farmers Weekly Question Time 1:08:24

8M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Welcome to this special episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast – the Farmers Weekly Question Time event at Harper Adams University in Shropshire. Recorded in front of a live studio audience, farmers, students and other guests quiz industry leaders on topical agricultural issues. This episode focuses on the impact of the autumn 2024 Budget decision t…

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London ‘farm tax’ protest special - featuring Clarkson and thousands of family farmers 42:38

8M ago42:38

42:38

Thousands of farmers gather in London to lobby MPs and protest against changes to inheritance tax rules. From April 2026, agricultural assets worth more than £1m will be liable for 20% inheritance tax – leaving many farmers fearing for their livelihoods. Some 15,000 farmers descended on Westminster to oppose the changes, worried that the autumn Bud…

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“Designing an environment where young people thrive” 1:04:32

8M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

How do we create an environment which is safe and supportive to young people facing challenges with their mental health? What’s wrong with the current system, where waiting lists for mental health can be years long? And can singing really help? Yes it can, according to clinical psychologist, researcher and writer Dr Naomi Fisher, and Emily Foulkes,…

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A Chat with John Driskell Hopkins: Zac Brown Band Founding Member's Courageous Battle with ALS 31:52

9M ago31:52

31:52

In this heartfelt interview, Jason English sits down with John Driskell Hopkins, a founding member of the Zac Brown Band, to discuss his journey with ALS, his career in music, and the creation of the 'Hop for a Cure Foundation'. The conversation covers Hopkins' early music career, memorable moments with the Zac Brown Band, the impact of his ALS dia…