Best Stephen Brandt Podcasts (2025)

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Gian-Mattia Schucan Ends Season 4 with a Vision of Seamless Travel 27:27

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3M ago27:27

27:27

Gian-Mattia Schucan founded Fairtiq to make travelling by public transport effortless: no tickets, no gates, no stress. We talk about the journey from idea to reality, what operators really want from innovators and how to make change happen in public transport. I’m sad to say that this is the last episode of Season 4 but, don’t worry, I’ll be back …

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Jonny Mood on Value for Money 39:00

3M ago39:00

39:00

“It's fine when you're swinging big to have a few misses in a controlled environment” - 𝗝𝗼𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 making it very clear that it’s fine for public sector organisations to try things and fail. In today’s episode, I talk to Jonny about what value for money really means, why BCR is often misused and how the NAO su…

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Olly Glover MP on Innovation, Elections and Electrification 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

What happens when a rail consultant unexpectedly becomes an MP? In this episode, I talk to Olly Glover MP about the chaos of election night, the shock of landing in Parliament and what the job of an MP really involves. We explore why innovation is hard in legacy sectors like rail, and how the UK’s political system both helps and hinders progress. O…

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Lars Strömgren on Creating a Cycling City 44:55

3M ago44:55

44:55

In this episode, I’m joined by Lars Strömgren, Vice Mayor for Transport and Urban Environment in Stockholm, and one of the people most responsible for Sweden’s cycling boom. We explore how Stockholm went from a city with less than 1% cycling modal share in the 1980s to one of the most bike-friendly places in Europe. Lars reflects on how his childho…

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Anjali Devadasan on Growing A Green Startup 36:25

3M ago36:25

36:25

My guest this week is Anjali Devadasan, founder of Treeva, a startup generating energy from passing vehicles and trains. Her turbines harness airflow to power local infrastructure like lighting and EV chargers. We talked about the technology, the challenges of scaling, and her personal drive to tackle climate change, inspired by her family’s person…

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Christian Willoch on Autonomous Vehicles as Public Transport 44:47

4M ago44:47

44:47

In Oslo, Christian Willoch and his team at Ruter are doing something most cities haven’t even begun to talk about – using autonomous vehicles to strengthen public transport, not compete with it. In this episode, I visit the pilot project they’ve got going, with real members of the public travelling on Ruter-branded autonomous vehicles in exactly th…

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Stephen Bush on the Politics of Transport 46:52

4M ago46:52

46:52

Stephen Bush, Associate Editor at the Financial Times, is one of the few political journalists who truly gets transport policy. In this episode, we talk about why transport matters far more to economic productivity than politicians realise, why ambition in major infrastructure projects has declined since the financial crisis and why simply national…

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A Christianity Without Boundaries: Bonhoeffer's Christ-Centered Revolution with Lori Brandt Hale 1:07:36

4M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

What's up Theology Nerds! Today on the podcast I'm joined by Lori Brandt Hale, Bonhoeffer scholar and president of the International Bonhoeffer Society, for a mind-expanding exploration of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological journey. Rather than just rehashing the heroic end of Bonhoeffer's story, we dive deep into the continuous threads that run thr…

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Elke Van Den Brandt on Transforming Brussels 44:55

4M ago44:55

44:55

Elke Van den Brandt has transformed Brussels' streets – and taken a political battering for doing so. As the city’s mobility minister, she’s championed slower speeds, safer roads and public spaces that feel more like “living rooms than corridors”. We talk about her 30km/h city-wide limit, the backlash it sparked, the silent majority that supports i…

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The Freewheeling Podcast - Season 4 Trailer 2:45

5M ago2:45

2:45

Here’s a taster of what’s coming up in Season 4. Subscribe to enjoy the full series!By Thomas Ableman

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Standing With God in Gethsemane's Darkness: Bonhoeffer's Call to a Faith of Solidarity in Suffering 28:39

5M ago28:39

28:39

This is an audio version of an essay on my substack, Process This. In it, I unpack Dietrich Bonhoeffer's theological reflection on Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane, which he sees as a central metaphor for authentic Christian faith. I struggle with Bonhoeffer's conviction that true Christianity isn't found in religious performance or in…

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Tom Nutley on Making Micromobility Work 42:45

5M ago42:45

42:45

For the last episode in Season 3, I’m joined by Tom Nutley of Urban Sharing to dive into the state of micromobility: what’s working, what isn’t - and why. We explore the roots of the industry, from 1960s bike shares to the scooter boom, and discuss how cities have too often repeated past mistakes. Tom argues passionately that micromobility must be …

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Robert Vosloo: When the Times Are Out of Joint & Bonhoeffer's Call to Agency 59:48

6M ago59:48

59:48

In this illuminating conversation, South African theologian Robert Bonhoeffer shares how Dietrich Bonhoeffer's work influenced the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and continues to speak to contemporary challenges. He describes how Bonhoeffer's theology provided a framework for confronting apartheid's theological justifications, highlighting…

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Paul Swinney on the North-South Divide and Urban Productivity 55:10

6M ago55:10

55:10

Why is Britain’s economy so lopsided? In most developed countries, you don’t have to move to the capital to find the best jobs, yet in the UK, that’s still the reality for many. London dominates, while our second-tier cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, etc) underperform compared to their European counterparts. Paul Swinney, Director of Policy…

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Jennifer McBride: Christ, Community, Change and the Lasting Impact of Bonhoeffer 1:06:18

6M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

In this episode, Tripp & Jeff are joined by Dr. Jennifer McBride. We explore Bonhoeffer's role in McBride's academic and ministerial journey. As a past president of the International Bonhoeffer Society in North America, Jennifer sheds light on how Bonhoeffer's theology has profoundly influenced her life and work. The discussion covers her introduct…

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Lee Waters on Breaking Orthodoxy to Achieve Real Change 54:40

6M ago54:40

54:40

Most politicians either follow public opinion or get trapped in the orthodoxy of the established approach. Lee Waters took a different route. As both Minister for Transport and Minster for Climate Change in Wales, he led some of the most radical shifts in UK transport policy: drastically curtailing road-building, introducing a national 20mph speed …

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Frank Elter on How Big Firms can stay Innovative 39:00

6M ago39:00

39:00

Frank Elter may be a part-time Professor, but he’s a very real-world professor. As Chief Scientist and Vice President at Telenor Research, he’s responsible for innovation and planning for one of Norway’s telecoms giants. He has thought deeply about how corporations can stay innovative. He’s thought about it concerning his work, and he’s researched …

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Barry Harvey: The The Sacramental Worldliness of Bonhoeffer 1:22:59

6M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

In this episode, Tripp & Jeff are joined by theologian Dr. Barry Harvey to unpack the profound legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, examining his intellectual journey, theological insights, and the practical implications of his work. Barry Harvey, notable author of Taking Hold of the Real, shares his deep engagement with Bonhoeffer's philosophy, discussi…

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Rikesh Shah on Public Sector Procurement 35:10

7M ago35:10

35:10

The UK public sector spends somewhere between £300 billion and a trillion. A lot of that goes through public procurement processes. That creates enormous innovation potential. Yet, being honest, the words “public sector procurement” aren’t seen as synonyms for innovation. This week, the new Procurement Act 2023 comes into force, so it seems a good …

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Stephen Haynes: the Battle for Bonhoeffer 1:04:04

7M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

In this episode, Tripp & Jeff sit down with esteemed scholar Stephen Haynes, author of The Battle for Bonhoeffer, to explore the complex legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They discuss Bonhoeffer's early influences, his pivotal works, and his controversial political stances. Haynes also sheds light on common misconceptions about Bonhoeffer, especially …

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David Milner on The Design of Cities - and on Trams 53:10

7M ago53:10

53:10

Why don’t we build homes people wish to live in? Terraced streets are popular and sustainable and support shops, services and transport, so why do we keep building low-density, car-dependent suburbs? And what needs to be done to create a nationwide tram renaissance? These are just some of the questions I get into in discussion with David Milner, th…

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Faith in Action: The Ethical Journey Through Bonhoeffer's Lens with Dianne Rayson 1:10:41

7M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Pugh and Dr. Diana Rayson have an intimate conversation on the theology and ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Discover Dr. Rayson's journey from climate change activism to Bonhoeffer studies and her unique insight into applying Bonhoeffer's theology to contemporary issues like eco-theology and eco-ethics. Delve into Bonhoe…

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George Hazel on Land Value Capture Funding 46:05

7M ago46:05

46:05

Everyone agrees we need more sustainable transport but no-one has enough money to pay for it. Could ‘land value capture’ be the answer? This is the approach where by transport lines are funded through the increases in the land value that the stations stimulate. Well, George Hazel thinks so. In fact, he knows so, because he developed the land value …

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Jarrett Walker on How To Think About Public Transport 45:00

8M ago45:00

45:00

Jarrett Walker has been designing bus networks for thirty years. From his consulting practice in Portland, Oregon, he’s built a specialism in helping cash-strapped local authorities optimise their networks through his business Jarrett Walker Associates. And you can’t optimise if you don’t know what public transport is actually for and how you’re me…

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Beyond Ethnocentrism: The Impact of Harlem on Bonhoeffer's Theology with Reggie Williams 1:02:43

8M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

In this conversation, Tripp & Jeff are joined by Dr. Reggie Williams to delve into the transformative journey of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Williams shares Bonhoeffer's origin story as a theologian and his profound engagement with the black church and Harlem Renaissance. They explore Bonhoeffer's initial philosophical and theological perspectives, his ex…

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Anne Shaw on the Transformation of Birmingham 34:05

8M ago34:05

34:05

Birmingham was the first city I lived in as a proper ‘grown-up’ and it was metamorphosing before my eyes. Previously famous as Britain’s ‘car city’, it ripped up its inner ring road the year I arrived. Today, the city centre is unrecognisable: spacious, walkable and with a brand new tram route snaking past brand new buildings. Anne Shaw has been in…

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Grace Wyld on Government and Governance 30:28

8M ago30:28

30:28

Politics tends to focus on what is to be done, but none of it matters if it doesn't actually happen. We've been living through a crisis of governance recently. Government has become centralised, micro-managing and subject to constant, wild oscillations of policy. Is this as good as it gets? The Future Governance Forum was set up to make sure it isn…

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Karen Vancluysen on policies, politics and populism 46:20

8M ago46:20

46:20

Karen Vancluysen has an infectious passion for sustainable transport and urban mobility. As Secretary General of POLIS, she runs a network of over 100 European cities and regions, all innovating to accelerate the transition to more sustainable mobility. In today’s episode, we chat about the places that are leading the charge, and the challenges of …

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The Unfinished Hero 1:14:00

9M ago1:14:00

1:14:00

In this episode, we explore the profound theological struggle of Dietrich Bonhoeffer from prison. The discussion delves into Bonhoeffer’s critiques of traditional religious constructs and his vision of 'religionless Christianity.' We trace his time of imprisonment and eventual execution by the Nazis. In his letters from prison, Bonhoeffer wrestles …

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Maria Hofberg on Growth and Customer satisfaction in Rail 35:34

9M ago35:34

35:34

Maria Hofberg’s rail company doesn’t just have satisfied customers: it has the most satisfied customers in Sweden. Not just the most satisfied rail customers: the most satisfied customers of any transport firm in the Swedish Quality Index, beating buses, airlines and ferry firms. The company in question is VR Snabbtåg and Maria is Chief Commercial …

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Demythologizing Bonhoeffer 1:08:45

9M ago1:08:45

1:08:45

In this episode of The Rise of Bonhoeffer, we delve into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life from the collapse of his seminary to his imprisonment, focusing on his involvement in anti-Nazi conspiracy and failed assassination attempts on Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer's internal and external struggles under the oppressive Nazi regime are explored, including his ba…

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Laura Wright on The Best Railways in the World 31:16

9M ago31:16

31:16

A few months ago, I did a light-hearted LinkedIn post, giving out “Olympic” medals to my favourite European railways. Transport Strategy Consultant Laura Wright was immediately on my case, challenging my (somewhat subjective) rankings. So I thought we should debate it in your presence. In this episode we discuss our best (and most memorable - not a…

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Ahu Serter on Entrepreneurship and women in business 44:05

10M ago44:05

44:05

This week’s conversation is with a woman who has broken multiple glass ceilings. The worlds of investment, automotive and Turkish business are all overwhelmingly male-dominated, but Ahu Serter is one of the most respected figures in all of them. She is the founder of Fark Labs, a business attempting - as she puts it - to create the future of the wo…

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Community & the Cost of Discipleship: The Seminary that Defied Nazis 1:18:24

10M ago1:18:24

1:18:24

In this episode of 'The Rise of Bonhoeffer, ' we explore Dietrich Bonhoeffer's transition from London back to Germany, focusing on his time at the Finkenwalde seminary. This period is crucial as it shapes Bonhoeffer's most significant works like 'The Cost of Discipleship' and 'Life Together'. The discussion delves into his influences in London, his…

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Allan Cook on the Rail and Urban Transport Review 36:14

10M ago36:14

36:14

What should the new Government do about transport? Big question: so the Labour party asked an independent group of experts to come up with the answer. Their report, which was published in September, is all-encompassing. Allan Cook, former Chair of HS2, joins me to talk about their recommendations and why it’s so crucial for the Government to take t…

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Chris Gibb on the Future of HS2 48:06

10M ago48:06

48:06

When Rishi Sunak stood up in a disused railway station in Manchester to announce the cancellation of HS2 to Manchester, he created something of a problem. One of the world’s most expensive railways is still being built, but will it be useful? The trains are too long for the platforms in Manchester, Birmingham will have too many platforms and Euston…

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Setting the Table in the Midst of Nazis 1:01:02

10M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

In the fifth episode of The Rise of Bonhoeffer, we begin in the pivotal year of 1933. As Hitler ascends to power, massive transformations occur in Germany, impacting both society and the church. The episode explores Bonhoeffer's resistance to Nazi influence, the formation and legacy of the Confessing Church, Bonhoeffer's move to London, and his eve…

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Laura Hadzik on Transport Law 44:53

10M ago44:53

44:53

Laura Hadzik is one of the UK’s pre-eminent specialists in Transport Law. In this week’s edition of The Freewheeling Podcast, she tells me about the dangers of badly-drafted legislation and advises how to maintain compliance while also promoting innovation. Laura isn’t only a lawyer, however. Despite being a proud Mancunian, she’s a Freeman of the …

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Budget Special: Sir Michael Holden 39:56

11M ago39:56

39:56

After what felt like a lifetime of waiting, we finally found out yesterday what was in the budget. This morning, I got together with Sir Michael Holden (former Chief Executive of Directly Operated Railways, the Government’s own train company) to discuss what it means. Join us for a wide-ranging discussion of the potential and pitfalls of this landm…

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The Roots of Antisemitism and Bonhoeffer’s Paradigm of Resistance 51:32

11M ago51:32

51:32

The journey through the turbulent years preceding World War II in Germany is a complex narrative that intertwines politics, religion, and individual courage. At the center of our story lies Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian and participant in the resistance against Nazi ideology within the German church. This episode unpacks the depths of Christian…

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Shin-pei Tsay on Making Change Happen 40:01

11M ago40:01

40:01

Shin-pei Tsay has had what you would call a varied career in transport. She's worked in advocacy organisations, as an exec in Uber and now leads innovation in the City of Boston. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how to make change happen, how to deliver innovation within big organisations and the importance of inclusivity of wider society…

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Pete Dyson on Transport for Humans 45:33

11M ago45:33

45:33

Pete Dyson is the author of Transport for Humans, a book with influential readers. Louise Haigh took it out of the House of Commons library and enjoyed it. I’m not surprised: Transport for Humans is essential for anyone involved in the transport and mobility sector. In our discussion, Pete explains why our focus on rigid metrics risks distracting u…

1
Nazi Idolatry & the German Church Struggle 56:04

11M ago56:04

56:04

This episode of The Rise of Bonhoeffer explores Dietrich Bonhoeffer's experiences after returning to Germany. Transformed by his time in New York City, he visits the theologian who first awakened the conscience of the German church to the rising totalitarian idolatry - Karl Barth. The episode tracks his burgeoning role in the German church struggle…

1
Bernt Reitan Jenssen on Decarbonisation and The Future of transport 56:46

11M ago56:46

56:46

Bernt Reitan Jenssen is the Chief Executive of Ruter, the public transport authority for the Norwegian capital Oslo. He has a vision: for a data-driven public transport network so responsive to user needs that it replicates the freedom offered by the private car. This may sound unachievable but Ruter has a track record. They have nearly achieved to…

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Leila Zegna on Startups, Corporates and the importance of mentality 42:11

12M ago42:11

42:11

Leila Zegna is co-founder and Partner of Kindred Capital, one of the top venture capital firms in the UK. In her day job, she backs entrepreneurs with small startups but huge ambitions. She is also a Trustee of Boston Children’s Hospital and spent most of her career in Silicon Valley. So she has a great perspective on what corporates can learn from…

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Bonhoeffer in America: the Call Beyond Nationalism 58:38

12M ago58:38

58:38

In this episode of The Rise of Bonhoeffer, we journey with Dietrich to New York City for a year as a Postdoctoral post at Union Theological Seminary. This school year in New York radically changed him, but the spark that lit his theological imagination was outside the classroom. When he arrived in NYC, he brought an overtly intellectual faith he ha…

1
Colin Knight on Reinventing the Tram 47:14

12M ago47:14

47:14

This week I’m joined by a council officer. But no ordinary council officer. Colin Knight is doing something extraordinary: working with scientists and automotive engineers to develop an entirely new form of transport. When challenged by his political masters to reduce the costs of a new tram network for Coventry, Colin realised that the only way to…

1
Vernon Everitt on Pace of Progress in Manchester 40:15

12M ago40:15

40:15

Vernon Everitt is Commissioner for Greater Manchester at a time of rapid (transformational?) change. Manchester is the UK’s pioneer for re-regulating buses as part of a wider integrated Bee Network, which is intended to bring together buses, bikes, trains and trams. On this week’s Freewheeling Podcast, we talk about how much has been done, what’s l…

1
Searching for Bonhoeffer: The Journey from Myth to Man 1:05:11

12M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

Join Dr. Jeffrey Pugh & Dr. Tripp Fuller as they delve into the complex life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The story flashes forward to a powerful juxtaposition: on February 1, 1933, two days after Hitler became Chancellor, both men addressed Germany. Hitler promised to restore national pride, while Bonhoeffer warned against creating an idol out of a lea…

1
Katie-Lee English on The Treasury 36:55

1y ago36:55

36:55

I bet, like me, you constantly hear references to what the Treasury thinks. “The Treasury” sometimes seems to be a person in its own right, with its own opinions and culture. How did the Treasury form its culture? How does the Treasury work? How does the Treasury think? My guest this week, Katie-Lee English, spent a year working in the Treasury and…