Best Bench Units Podcasts (2025)

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Making human blood deadly to mosquitoes 26:30

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26m ago26:30

26:30

Antiparasitic drug Ivermectin has been shown to reduce malaria transmission by making the blood of treated persons deadly to the mosquitoes that carry the disease. Journalist Layal Liverpool explores the impact this new approach could have. Six months on from President Trump’s dramatic cuts to US foreign aid, the HIV/AIDS relief fund PEPFAR hangs i…

1
Do you really have a penicillin allergy? 26:30

5d ago26:30

26:30

Penicillin is the go-to antibiotic for many common infections - but in the UK more than 1-in-15 adults have a penicillin allergy label on their medical record. New research suggests that many with these labels are not actually allergic. Professor Sue Pavitt explains how more accurate allergy labelling might help fight the rise of antimicrobial resi…

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Downballot EP230 - SJ Homeless Stats, Oakland Nimbys vs Housing, Trash Strike Ends, CalExit

7d ago

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iTunes Spotify iHeart RSS Twitch Odysee YouTube Check out all of our podcasts Support us on patreon Visit our swag shop Join our chat Panel: Producer Dave, The Councilman Show Notes Music: Model Rocket Scientist - Big Small Towns Audible Smoke Signal - LocalsBy Echoplex Media

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School Allergies: Navigating UK Safeguarding & Support 6:26

12d ago6:26

6:26

This episode covers how UK schools safeguard children with allergies. We explore legal duties, like Section 100 of the Children and Families Act 2014 requiring support for pupils with medical conditions. Discover nation-specific guidance from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on food standards and allergy management. Learn about allerg…

1
HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir recommended by WHO 26:30

12d ago26:30

26:30

Lenacapavir has been incredibly promising in trials and now the World Health Organisation have officially recommended the drug for HIV prevention. Smitha Mundasad explains the difference this bi-annual injection could make in the fight against HIV. We hear how Malawi is trying to stop mpox from entering its borders. Reporter Carrim Mpaweni investig…

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Wild Camping: Rights, Responsibilities, and UK National Parks 5:37

15d ago5:37

5:37

This episode delves into wild camping in the UK, highlighting the Supreme Court's decision to uphold public wild camping rights on Dartmoor. The government supports outdoor access but has no current plans to extend guaranteed wild camping rights to other National Parks, allowing each to decide locally. A key distinction is made between responsible …

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UK Casino Regulations: Balancing Economic Growth & Gambling Harm 5:41

16d ago5:41

5:41

New UK regulations for land-based casinos aim to modernize rules and boost the economy. Changes include increased gaming machine allowances for 'converted casinos' and allowing them to offer betting. While supporting sector growth, the measures also introduce protections. However, parliamentary debate highlights concerns about potential increases i…

1
Gibraltar Deal Unpacked: Sovereignty, Borders & The Future of The Rock 5:07

15d ago5:07

5:07

The UK and EU have reached a political agreement on Gibraltar, aiming to resolve post-Brexit border issues. This deal prevents a potentially chaotic hard border that would have impacted 15,000 daily commuters and Gibraltar's economy. Crucially, it protects British sovereignty over the Rock. The solution includes allowing fluid border crossings with…

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Downballot EP229 - Sam Altman Protest, CA Trans Athletes, Fireworks Or Not, Everyone Needs A Raise, Bus Benches

20d ago

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iTunes Spotify iHeart RSS Twitch Odysee YouTube Check out all of our podcasts Support us on patreon Visit our swag shop Join our chat Panel: Producer Dave, The Councilman Show Notes Members Show: Fourthwall Patreon Music: Model Rocket Scientist - Big Small Towns Audible Smoke Signal - LocalsBy Echoplex Media

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UK Asbestos Crisis: Why It's Still a Deadly Threat in Public Buildings 5:55

21d ago5:55

5:55

Despite being banned in 1999, asbestos remains the leading cause of over 5,000 UK work-related deaths annually, primarily from mesothelioma. It’s still widely present in non-domestic buildings like schools, hospitals, and commercial sites. While the policy has been to leave it undisturbed if in good condition, it naturally degrades, releasing deadl…

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First malaria treatment approved for newborns 26:31

19d ago26:31

26:31

Until now there has been no approved treatment for malaria in newborns and infants weighing less than 4.5kg. We hear from families and clinicians firsthand what this new formulation, due to be approved across eight African countries, means for them. We are joined by Professor Damian Bailey as we become pickle juice detectives to find out why it is …

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Boosting Rural Economies: Challenges, Opportunities & Government Support 6:02

22d ago6:02

6:02

The critical debate surrounding Government support for businesses in rural areas, which are vital to the UK economy. Speakers highlight key challenges including poor public transport, inadequate digital connectivity, high energy costs, and workforce recruitment difficulties. Opportunities in agriscience and tourism are also discussed. Calls are mad…

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UK Disability Benefits: Poverty, PIP & Welfare Reform Debate 6:24

21d ago6:24

6:24

This episode explores the alarming poverty among UK disabled people, with 700,000 families already struggling. It highlights proposed government cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit's health element, forecast to push hundreds of thousands into deeper hardship and cost them thousands annually. Critics argue these are poli…

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Unpacking the Prostate Cancer "Postcode Lottery": Abiraterone Access in the UK 6:40

22d ago6:40

6:40

Today we explore the critical issue of prostate cancer treatment, focusing on the drug abiraterone. A UK-developed breakthrough, it has transformed advanced prostate cancer care globally. However, its availability for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer varies widely across the UK. While routinely available in Scotland and Wales, men in England…

1
Downballot EP228 - SJ Special Election, Vanlording, SJ Monument, Fly Oakland, Don't Lawnmow Fireworks

26d ago

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iTunes Spotify iHeart RSS Twitch Odysee YouTube Check out all of our podcasts Support us on patreon Visit our swag shop Join our chat Panel: Producer Dave, The Councilman Show Notes Members Show: Fourthwall Patreon Music: Model Rocket Scientist - Big Small Towns Audible Smoke Signal - LocalsBy Echoplex Media

1
Windrush Day 2025: Legacies, Injustice, and the Quest for Fair Compensation - extended episode. 14:27

28d ago14:27

14:27

This extended episode covers Windrush Day 2025, highlighting the Windrush generation's vital role in rebuilding post-WWII Britain, especially the NHS and public transport, despite facing pervasive racism. We explore the devastating Windrush scandal, where British citizens were wrongfully denied rights and faced deportations, and examine the slow, c…

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Can bacteria-eating viruses be used to fight superbugs? 26:28

28d ago26:28

26:28

Phages are viruses that only infect bacteria. How might they help us tackle antimicrobial resistance? Franklin Nobrega and Esme Brinsden from the University of Southampton explain how their citizen science project that collects samples from around the globe is building a library of these bacteria-fighting viruses. How can ultrasound find new target…

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Rebuilding Britain: A New Industrial Strategy for Post-Industrial Towns 5:40

29d ago5:40

5:40

Urgent challenges are facing the UK's post-industrial towns, particularly in "red wall areas," which have experienced significant job losses, youth migration, and a feeling of being overlooked. We examine the proposed national industrial strategy, aiming to revitalise these communities by focusing on targeted investment in new sectors like fusion e…

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HS2 Reset: UK High-Speed Rail Project Overhaul & Mismanagement 5:48

1M ago5:48

5:48

HS2, meant to link major UK cities, has been a "litany of failure". Over 15 years, costs soared by £37 billion, public trust was lost, and sections were cancelled. This episode explores the government's "reset", with new leadership (Mark Wild, Mike Brown) and acceptance of all James Stewart review recommendations for oversight, cost control, and ca…

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UK Steel Crisis: British Steel's Future, Government Intervention & Nationalisation 5:33

1M ago5:33

5:33

Today we analyse the critical situation of British Steel, facing significant losses and plans to close its Scunthorpe blast furnaces, threatening 2,700 jobs. In response, Parliament passed the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025, empowering the government to intervene and potentially take control to ensure continued operations. While nationa…

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Koen Jansens: Australia's NWBL & WNWBL 2025 Season Preview 1:21:39

1M ago1:21:39

1:21:39

It’s not every day a club from the other side of the world gets in touch out of the blue and volunteers a legend of the sport to give you the low-down on their continent’s upcoming season. In an episode recorded on 13th June, Mark is joined by Koen Jansens. Koen’s list of attributes contains gold and silver Paralympic medals, but most recently his …

1
Government Compliance and the Ministerial Code Debate 6:01

1M ago6:01

6:01

A UK parliamentary debate recently focused on the rule that requires important government policy announcements to be made in Parliament first when it is sitting. Members of Parliament raised concerns that the government is repeatedly making announcements outside the House, pointing to specific examples like NHS changes and trade deals. The governme…

1
Childhood vaccination coverage stalls worldwide 26:28

1M ago26:28

26:28

There has been immense progress on childhood vaccination since 1974, with over four billion children vaccinated worldwide. So why now are we seeing vaccination rates stall, and decline? We look at what is driving this stagnation that is putting millions of children at risk. The psychological impacts of war can persist for long after the events them…

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U23 Worlds/Anfernee Simons Emergency Trade Podcast (Not Really) 1:11:33

1M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

Aaaand season. For our last recorded episode of the 20245/25 season, we break down the final standings and dramatic closing games, of the U23 World Championships. We try and pick out what Germany's crowning as champion might mean in the big picture, and pick out some potential future stars. Available now, wherever you get your podcasts! Get full ac…

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Understanding the Sub Judice Rule: Why UK Lawmakers Can't Discuss Active Court Cases 5:31

1M ago5:31

5:31

Learn about the sub judice rule in the UK Parliament. This rule prevents Members of Parliament (MPs) from discussing matters currently being decided in court. Its purpose is to stop parliamentary discussion from influencing court outcomes and to uphold the independence of the judiciary. Learn about the rule's history, including its 2001 revision th…

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UK Parliament Recall: Why and How MPs Return from Recess 6:28

1M ago6:28

6:28

This episode examines the concept of recalling the UK Parliament and its devolved legislatures when they are on a break or recess. We'll learn why recalls happen, often for urgent matters like national crises, legislation, or tributes. The procedure for triggering a recall differs between the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the Scottish, Wels…

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UK Parliament Dissolution 2024: How it Happened & Why it Matters 6:39

1M ago6:39

6:39

This episode explores how the UK Parliament ends before a general election, a process called dissolution. We'll focus on the May 2024 dissolution, which was the first under the royal prerogative since 2010. Historically, the Monarch dissolved Parliament on the Prime Minister's request. This changed between 2011 and 2022 with the Fixed-term Parliame…

1
Downballot EP227 - Marin GOP Pancakes, No Kings Bay Area, More SJ Homeless Woes, Free That Giant Lizard

1M ago

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iTunes Spotify iHeart RSS Twitch Odysee YouTube Check out all of our podcasts Support us on patreon Visit our swag shop Join our chat Panel: Producer Dave, The Councilman Show Notes Members Show: Fourthwall Patreon Music: Model Rocket Scientist - Big Small Towns Audible Smoke Signal - LocalsBy Echoplex Media

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U23 World Championships Update 1:21:06

1M ago1:21:06

1:21:06

The U23 World Championships are reaching boiling point. Ahead of today's semifinal action, we bring you our takes on the competition so far and predictions of how the medal games are going to pan out. We also give a nod to the newly-crowned French Champions after a stunning finals series. Available now, wherever you get your podcasts. Get full acce…

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Why Maths Matters: Exploring its Contribution to the UK 5:30

1M ago5:30

5:30

This episode looks the vital contribution of mathematics to the UK, focusing on a debate happening in Westminster Hall. We explore how maths education is structured in England, from primary schools to universities, highlighting attainment levels and disparities for disadvantaged pupils. We'll look at popular qualifications like A Levels and program…

1
Future thinking 26:29

1M ago26:29

26:29

Thinking about the future comes so naturally to most people that we do not realise what a complicated and essential skill it is. Claudia Hammond and an expert panel of psychologists look into our ability to mentally travel to the future. Catherine Loveday, professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Westminster, explains how our abilit…

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Boosting Free School Meals: What the Major Expansion Means 6:02

1M ago6:02

6:02

The UK Government announced a significant expansion of free school meal eligibility for children in England, stating it's the biggest in a generation. The new policy extends entitlement to all children whose families receive Universal Credit. This aims to tackle child poverty, expected to lift 100,000 children out of poverty and save eligible famil…

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Boosting Breast Cancer Screening: Lessons from Bassetlaw and beyond 5:57

1M ago5:57

5:57

This episode discusses the critical importance of breast cancer screening for saving lives through early detection. While breast cancer mortality rates have fallen since the 1970s, around 11,400 women and 85 men still die annually in the UK. The NHS offers free screening for women aged 50-70. However, attendance has dropped significantly, particula…

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UK ADHD Crisis: Long Waits for Diagnosis & Treatment Explored 6:14

1M ago6:14

6:14

This episode looks at the critical state of support for people with ADHD in the UK, drawing on a recent parliamentary debate. We highlight the significant challenges within the NHS, including exceptionally long waiting lists for diagnosis, which can stretch for years. The discussion covers difficulties in accessing treatment, such as problems with …

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Downballot EP226 - Come For LA Come For The Bay, SJ Ice And Homelessness, Tiny Marble Space Homes, SJ Text Scandal

2M ago

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iTunes Spotify iHeart RSS Twitch Odysee YouTube Check out all of our podcasts Support us on patreon Visit our swag shop Join our chat Panel: Producer Dave, The Councilman Show Notes Members Show: Fourthwall Patreon Music: Model Rocket Scientist - Big Small Towns Audible Smoke Signal - LocalsBy Echoplex Media

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UK Farm Animal Welfare: Cages, Imports, and the Path Forward 13:19

2M ago13:19

13:19

Today we discuss a UK parliamentary debate on animal welfare in farming. Key themes include ending the use of cages and crates for farmed animals, like enriched cages for hens and farrowing crates for sows. Speakers highlight concerns about low-welfare imports undermining UK farmers and standards, calling for mandatory animal welfare labelling to i…

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Mpox surging in Sierra Leone 26:29

2M ago26:29

26:29

As mpox cases rise in Sierra Leone, we check-in with Professor Trudie Lang to understand the implications of the continuing spread of the disease and what progress is being made in responding to the outbreak. In a breakthrough for HIV research, scientists have used mRNA to reveal the virus hiding in white blood cells. For now, it is only in a labor…

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UK Grocery Fairness: Can the Adjudicator Fix the Food Chain? 11:22

2M ago11:22

11:22

Today we explore the role and limitations of the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA), which oversees fair trading between large UK supermarkets and their direct suppliers. Despite being intended to protect producers and consumers, many argue its remit is too narrow, covering only the largest retailers and often missing primary producers further down t…

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Saving Your Local Pub: Community Power & Funding Explained 8:30

2M ago8:30

8:30

Discover why local pubs are vital community hubs, providing jobs, supporting local businesses, and boosting social connection. Learn about the financial challenges pubs face, like rising costs and taxes, leading to many closures. This episode explores how communities are stepping up to save beloved pubs, often aiming for community ownership. We dis…

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Stopping Banking Fraud: Understanding Scams and the Fight Against Them in the UK 8:58

2M ago8:58

8:58

This episode explores the significant issue of banking fraud in the UK. We'll cover the two main types: unauthorised fraud, where criminals make payments without permission, and authorised push payment (APP) fraud, where victims are tricked into sending money themselves. Learn about the scale of losses – £1.2 billion stolen in 2023. We'll discuss h…

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Weekend Round-Up: Underhanded 1:29:46

2M ago1:29:46

1:29:46

Spain concludes the season with a Final Four that lead to one final, seemingly inevitable, clash of the titans. And a team lifting the trophy after going 35-2 across all competitions. In France, we got two do-or-die second legs of the playoff semi-finals, culminating in two of the gutsiest wins of the year as the matchup is set for the Finals. To c…

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The Future of UK Public Libraries: Challenges & Strategies 7:37

2M ago7:37

7:37

UK MPs recently debated the future of public libraries, highlighting their vital role as community hubs providing books, digital access, study spaces, and support. Despite facing real-terms cuts since 2010, leading to closures and reduced hours, libraries continue to deliver immense educational, economic, and social value. Speakers stressed the nee…

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Downballot EP225 - Trans Track Athlete, SF Public Defender Cuts, Bad San Jose, Sound Bath

2M ago

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iTunes Spotify iHeart RSS Twitch Odysee YouTube Check out all of our podcasts Support us on patreon Visit our swag shop Join our chat Panel: Producer Dave, The Councilman Show Notes Members Show: Fourthwall Patreon Music: Model Rocket Scientist - Big Small Towns Audible Smoke Signal - LocalsBy Echoplex Media

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Local Government: Accountability and Oversight 7:14

2M ago7:14

7:14

Our fourth and final episode on local government discovers how local government in England is held accountable. Councils answer to both their local voters and the central government. They are financially independent with their own assets and ability to borrow. Central oversight comes through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities …

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Exercise and immunotherapy improving cancer outcomes 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

A new immunotherapy regime has shown significant improvements in treatment for head and neck cancer. Meanwhile, exercise is boosting outcomes for colon cancer patients. BBC journalist Philippa Roxby explains what’s been shown in these studies. Aflatoxins are a toxin produced by a fungi which can be found in crops. They’re having a severe impact on …

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Local Government: Finances 8:10

2M ago8:10

8:10

Understanding local council money in England is complex. Councils primarily get funds from four sources: Council Tax from residents, Business Rates from companies (partially retained locally), Central Government Grants, and Local Fees and Charges for services. Most of these funds aren't 'ring-fenced', giving councils spending flexibility. The Local…

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Local Government: Elections and Boundaries 8:23

2M ago8:23

8:23

Part 2 of how local government works in England, focusing on elections and the changing structure of councils. We'll explore the First Past the Post electoral system used in wards, how boundaries are set by the LGBCE, and different election cycles like electing "by thirds". Discover the ongoing trend towards creating unitary authorities and merging…

1
Local Government: Structure & Evolution 7:52

2M ago7:52

7:52

Part 1 of our series on Local Government explores structure and evolution. Learn about the two-tier system (county and district councils) and the shift towards unitary authorities that handle all local functions. We'll cover the current setup of 317 main councils, plus other important bodies like parish councils and combined authorities. Discover h…

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Understanding UK Parking Rules: Fines, Private Land, and Devolved Policies 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

Navigating parking in the UK can be complex due to devolved policy, meaning rules differ across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This episode breaks down key aspects, from council-controlled parking and penalty charges to rules on private land enforced by private parking companies. We cover topics like DVLA data sharing, scams, grace…

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Northumberland & Newcastle School Buildings: Safety, Funding, and Student Futures 6:59

2M ago6:59

6:59

This episode explores a parliamentary debate on the state of school buildings in Northumberland and Newcastle. The discussion highlights concerns about crumbling infrastructure, like the closure of Prudhoe community high school due to structural cracks just nine years after being built. MPs also raise issues like mouldy toilets and inadequate inves…