Best Westminster Professors Podcasts (2025)

1
Dr Catherine Loveday, a Professor of Neuropsychology at the University of Westminster 4:55

Play Pause

16d ago4:55

4:55

Dr Catherine Loveday, a Professor of Neuropsychology at the University of Westminster. Dr Catherine is discussing new research that suggests a third of Brits see their family once a month or less, and over half wish they could spend more time together, and what this lack of regular contact do to our sense of belonging - especially for grandparents …

1
167. Faith, Depression, and Finding Calm in the Chaos (Professor Mark Williams) 1:05:25

4d ago1:05:25

1:05:25

From Parliament to Prison, how can people find calm in chaotic environments? How does one cope with grief during the festive period? What are some successful ways to combat depression? Rory and Alastair are joined by clinical psychologist and ordained Minister, Mark Williams, to answer all these questions and more. Please note, this podcast episode…

1
Jimmy Petruzzi interviews Chelsea Dickenson, travel expert discussing Travel Trends 15:40

7d ago15:40

15:40

Jimmy Petruzzi interviews Chelsea Dickenson, travel expert discussing Travel Trends for 2026 – Summer SaturdayBy jimmy petruzzi

1
Jimmy Petruzzi interviews Thom Eagle, chef, food writer and author 8:35

7d ago8:35

8:35

Jimmy Petruzzi interviews Thom Eagle, chef, food writer and author of ‘The Philosophy of Pickles and Fermented Foods’. discussing TASTE BUDS CHANGE FOR YOUNG BRITS THIS CHRISTMASBy jimmy petruzzi

1
What can Westminster learn from Scotland on reforming disability benefits? 29:20

8d ago29:20

29:20

Resolution Foundation Research Director Lindsay Judge talks you through the learnings from recent benefit reforms in Scotland, joined by Louise Murphy and Ben Geiger. Read 'Delivering dignity' on our website today to learn more.By externalaffairs

1
166. John Swinney: Identity, Independence, and The Future of Scotland 1:14:54

11d ago1:14:54

1:14:54

What is the future of the Scottish independence movement? How does the SNP rebuild trust and support for independence after a series of bruising scandals? Why did the Scottish First Minister feel disrespected by a series of Conservative Prime Ministers? Alastair and Rory are joined by Scottish First Minister John Swinney to answer all this and more…

1
Taking better care of our workers: How can a Fair Pay Agreement improve conditions for social care staff? 1:13:50

13d ago1:13:50

1:13:50

Adult social care is a vital public service. But this is not reflected in the pay and job quality on offer for England’s 1.5 million social care workers. Low-pay, zero-hours contracts, and breaches of labour market rules are worryingly widespread, and have contributed to a longstanding recruitment and retention crisis. The Government has rightly so…

1
Can UK governments ever get immigration policy right? Book launch event for 'Why Immigration Policy Is Hard' by Professor Alan Manning 58:38

14d ago58:38

58:38

Immigration is one of the most salient and polarised issues among the British public – and one that successive Government policy initiatives have failed to resolve. Now central to the UK’s political debate, the issue regularly makes headlines and is used as a device by parties to win public opinion. Seen by some as a missing part of the UK’s growth…

1
WHO IS LORD OFFORD? Reform UK's New Leader in Scotland? 49:57

16d ago49:57

49:57

Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted…

1
165. Anna Wintour: Culture, Influence, and the Power of Decisive Leadership 1:13:54

18d ago1:13:54

1:13:54

Why should everybody get fired at least once? As the former Editor-in-chief of American Vogue, how does Anna Wintour use fashion as a cultural and economic force? Why is Anna’s leadership style defined by the speed of her decision making? Rory and Alastair are joined by Fashion icon Anna Wintour to answer all this and more. Gift The Rest Is Politic…

1
164. Zack Polanski: Do The Greens Have What It Takes? 1:19:42

25d ago1:19:42

1:19:42

Why has Green party membership exploded since Zack Polanski became leader in September? What radical economic reforms is he fighting for? Why have the Greens stopped talking about the environment? Alastair and Rory are joined by Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, to answer all this and more. Gift The Rest Is Politics Plus this Christmas - gi…

1
Second album syndrome? What Autumn Budget 2025 means for the public, financial markets and the cost of living 1:11:10

28d ago1:11:10

1:11:10

The Chancellor has prepared the pitch for a tough second Budget, with tax rises expected as part of a fiscal strategy designed to reassure markets that the UK’s public finances are firmly under control. But the Chancellor has also promised to protect the NHS, boost growth and support families with the cost of living. Acting decisively on all of the…

1
LIVE FROM UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW + Q&A - With Professor Chris Carman 1:29:40

1M ago1:29:40

1:29:40

With a live audience at the University of Glasgow Stevenson Trust for Citizenship, Bernard and Alex are join by Professor Chris Carman and questions from the floor, including Prof Sir John Curtice. PONSONBY & MASSIE – STEVENSON LIVE PODCAST 00:00 – 00:01:16 | Intro & Format 00:01:16 – 00:03:34 | Early Predictions & Polling Landscape 00:03:34 – 00:0…

1
163. Prison Reform, Masculinity, and Restorative Justice (James Graham and Jacob Dunne) 1:10:22

1M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

Jacob Dunne killed someone as a teenager, how did he seek forgiveness from his victim’s parents? What is restorative justice? How did Jacob’s experience of the criminal justice system compel him to become a campaigner for this alternative idea of justice? How does James Graham believe drama encourages us to have the difficult conversations necessar…

1
Jimmy Petruzzi intrerviews ALICE BEER, TV PRESENTER & CONSUMER JOURNALIST 12:10

1M ago12:10

12:10

Jimmy Petruzzi intrerviews ALICE BEER, TV PRESENTER & CONSUMER JOURNALIST discussing millions of Brits forced to overspend each month just to cover the essentialsBy jimmy petruzzi

1
Jimmy Petruzzi interviews Lucy Kerrison, Registered Dietitian discussing maintaining a healthy gut 14:35

1M ago14:35

14:35

Jimmy Petruzzi interviews Lucy Kerrison, Registered Dietitian discussing maintaining a healthy gutBy jimmy petruzzi

1
Finding the right keys for growth: How should housing feature in the Budget? 1:09:27

1M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Please note that due do technical difficulties the last couple of minutes of this event are not included in the recording. November 13th 2025 The Budget run-in has centred around what taxes the Chancellor will need to raise to meet her fiscal rules. But housing could potentially play an equally decisive role. Ambitious planning reform could deliver…

1
Ed Miliband - The Next UK Prime Minister? Bernard & Alex think he's one to watch. 46:49

1M ago46:49

46:49

Bernard Ponsonby: “I’m not sure in a sense who would lead them. I’m sure that… …Wes Streeting would run. I suspect that there would be some people within the PLP — because the minute somebody says they’re running, there’s always an alternative campaign which is not really about supporting one candidate, it’s about stopping another. John Major effec…

1
162. Gareth Southgate: Patriotism, Leadership, and How To Inspire Young Men 1:01:41

1M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

What invaluable life-lessons did Gareth Southgate learn by missing a high profile penalty in the Euro 96 semi-finals? Does the former England manager see a future for himself in politics? How should we teach resilience and leadership to the next generation of men? Alastair and Rory are joined by former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate to answer…

1
"I Don't Think STV Has a Future" - Broadcasters in Crisis 46:33

2M ago46:33

46:33

Bernard and Alex dig into the editorial crisis at the BBC, Comcast/SKY's potential takeover of ITV and Bernard (STV's former Political Editor and longest serving journalist of 34 years) says he no longer thinks the company has a future. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politi…

1
161. Putin, Trump, and 500 Years of Resisting Russia (Radek Sikorski) 57:53

2M ago57:53

57:53

What was it like for Radek Sikorski to be a refugee in the UK from communist Poland in the 80s? How will the war in Ukraine come to an end? Why is populism on the rise in Europe and how do we fight it? Rory and Alastair are joined by Radek Sikorski, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to answer all this and more. Get more …

1
Jimmy Petruzzi interviews DR CLAIRE ASHLEY, AKA THE BURNOUT DOCTOR 12:05

2M ago12:05

12:05

Jimmy Petruzzi interviews DR CLAIRE ASHLEY, AKA THE BURNOUT DOCTOR doscussing the Burnout Season” starts today: Millions of Brits face burnout as 36 days of the festive pressures and year-end deadlines collideBy jimmy petruzzi

1
When the levies break? 22:15

2M ago22:15

22:15

The Resolution Foundation has recently published research assessing how the Government can help families with high energy bills. Our Chief Executive discussed the proposals with Jonathan Marshall (one of our Principal Economists) and Adam Scorer, the Chief Executive of National Energy Action. Tune in to learn about the drivers of Britain’s stubborn…

1
Back for more? The Chancellor’s tax and spend options in her upcoming Budget 1:17:38

2M ago1:17:38

1:17:38

After delivering her first Budget last autumn, which included the biggest tax rises in decades to fund a major boost to public services, Rachel Reeves said that she would not be coming back with more tax increases. Fast forward 12 months and she’s about to do just that given a deteriorating outlook for the public finances risk the fiscal rules bein…

1
Seeking a NEET solution: Why are so many young people not learning or earning? 1:17:56

2M ago1:17:56

1:17:56

The number of 16-24 year olds who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) is increasing, and drawing more political focus. Policy makers are right to worry about this major living standards concern – not earning or learning in early adulthood can stunt careers and earning potential for many years into the future. But if we’re to help NE…

1
Jimmy Petruzzi interviews ROB HOBSON, AWARD WINNING NUTRITIONIST 14:15

2M ago14:15

14:15

Jimmy Petruzzi interviews ROB HOBSON, AWARD WINNING NUTRITIONIST discussing Five-a-day under fire with top nutritionists calling for a revamp see link to tune inBy jimmy petruzzi

1
160. Michael Gove: Education, Brexit, and Trump (Part 2) 1:10:36

2M ago1:10:36

1:10:36

What is Michael Gove's lasting legacy on education in the UK? Would he have come to his position on Brexit if it weren't for Dominic Cummings? Is Nigel Farage's Reform a better chance for the UK than Labour? Rory and Alastair are joined by Michael Gove for a second episode answering all these questions and more. Get more from The Rest Is Politics w…

1
Our Public Finances - Why Can't Westminster or Holyrood Manage Them? 33:14

2M ago33:14

33:14

Bernard and Alex delve into one of the bigget topics of the modern political age. Why can't Westminster or Holyrood seem to manage our public finances? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The…

1
JIMMY PETRUZZI interviews MICHELLE PEARCE-BURKE , North West Residents Spoil Trick-or-Treaters 11:20

2M ago11:20

11:20

JIMMY PETRUZZI interviews MICHELLE PEARCE-BURKE discussing Sweet Surprise: North West Residents Spoil Trick-or-TreatersBy jimmy petruzzi

1
159. Michael Gove: My Journey From Left to Right (Part 1) 55:42

2M ago55:42

55:42

How did Michael Gove go from campaigning for Labour leader Michael Foot in 1983 to becoming a Conservative MP? What is the impact that Rupert Murdoch has had on public life? What do Michael and Rory disagree about when it comes to Israel? Alastair and Rory are joined by former Cabinet Minister Michael Gove to answer all this and more. Get more from…

1
158. Baroness Hale: The Supreme Court, Boris Johnson, and the ECHR 1:08:04

2M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

How did it feel to take on then Prime Minister Boris Johnson when Baroness Hale ruled his suspension of Parliament "unlawful"? Why does the Trump administration present such a threat to the international rule of law? The ‘Spider Woman’ has been at the centre of the legal battle for women’s rights, how have these changed in the past 50 years? Rory a…

1
PART 2 - Every First Minister Rated!! 56:40

2M ago56:40

56:40

In Part Two, in marking the 25th anniversary of the death of Donald Dewar, Bernard and Alex reflect on the Office of First Minister and how it has changed since Dewar's time as the first office holder. Plus they rate every First Minister out of 10. PART ONE Donald Dewar Henry McLeish Jack McConnell Alex Salmond PART TWO Nicola Sturgeon Humza Yusaf …

1
jimmy petruzzi interviews Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families 10:40

2M ago10:40

10:40

jimmy petruzzi interviews Jane van Zyl, CEO of Working Families discussing Half of working dads still feel ‘nervous’ asking for time off to care for their children - interviews availableBy jimmy petruzzi

1
Explaining the consumption gap: Keynote speech by External MPC member Dr. Catherine L. Mann 1:14:36

2M ago1:14:36

1:14:36

In recent years, UK households have faced a number of economic challenges, contributing to subdued growth and increased living costs. These pressures have been particularly noticeable during the period of elevated inflation following the pandemic, and higher interest rates in response. These conditions have influenced household finances and behavio…

1
Snakes and ladders: The shifting sands of wealth in Britain 1:05:54

2M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

The story of wealth across Britain has, until recently, been a straightforward one – decades of rising prices, benefiting those lucky enough to own assets. But that story has been upended in the past few years as interest rates rocketed off their historically low levels in response to the highest inflation in decades. Britain needs to look again at…

1
Saviour or stagnator?: Technology, AI and economic growth 59:29

2M ago59:29

59:29

Britain is desperate for stronger economic growth, and technological progress – notably through AI – is often touted as a route out of stagnation. After all, technological change is commonly thought to have been the main driver of economic growth throughout history. However, if that reading of technological change is far too simplistic, with progre…

1
Call of duties: What should the Chancellor’s tax strategy be for the Budget? 1:11:07

2M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

The Chancellor has fired the starting gun on the run-in to one of the most challenging second Budgets in living memory. The Chancellor has already said her fiscal rules are sacrosanct, but higher gilt yields, policy u-turns and a likely growth downgrade mean she is on track to miss them without further fiscal consolidation. With spending plans agre…

1
157. Ukraine, Diplomacy, and the Future of Europe (Dmytro Kuleba) 1:04:10

2M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

What is the current position of Ukraine in the Ukraine-Russia war? How delicate is diplomacy with Europe and with the US for the Ukrainian government? What are the differences between working with world leaders such as Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, and Joe Biden? Rory and Alastair are joined by the former Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba (…

1
Jimmy Petruzzi interviews Standup comedian Olga Koch 11:05

3M ago11:05

11:05

Jimmy Petruzzi interviews Standup comedian Olga Koch , discussing a new report revealing the latest modern dating trendsBy jimmy petruzzi

1
PART ONE: EVERY FIRST MINSTER - REVIEWED & RATED 56:49

3M ago56:49

56:49

In Part One, as we approach the 25th anniversary of the death of Donald Dewar, Bernard and Alex reflect on the Office of First Minister and how it has changed since Dewar's time as the first office holder. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, …