Best WECA Podcasts (2025)

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Steve Jackson - Fear and loathing at the Green Party Conference 1:30:26

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9d ago1:30:26

1:30:26

Isaac finds himself at the Green Party conference in Brighton. The main interview is with the co-founder of Greens Organise, Steve Jackson. GO are organising the left within the Greens at a moment when the party is surging in the polls under the left populist leadership of Zack Polanski, whose leadership campaign Steve was part of. The interview di…

1
Bristol Temple Quarter: can regeneration be inclusive? 59:29

10d ago59:29

59:29

Bristol Temple Quarter is the biggest redevelopment the city has seen in at least a generation, and will transform a vast area around Temple Meads station, St Philips Marsh and the Dings beyond recognition. Much of this has been untouched for decades, and while it’s mostly current or former industrial land, it also sits next-door to some of the cit…

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Unpacked – Bristol Temple Quarter: can regeneration be inclusive? 59:29

10d ago59:29

59:29

Bristol Temple Quarter is the biggest redevelopment the city has seen in at least a generation, and will transform a vast area around Temple Meads station, St Philips Marsh and the Dings beyond recognition. Much of this has been untouched for decades, and while it’s mostly current or former industrial land, it also sits next-door to some of the cit…

1
We’ve Got Your Boy - Episode 4 - Ain’t No One’s Friend 28:30

18d ago28:30

28:30

Before starting this series, we held a roundtable discussion with experts in the field of youth justice. We spoke about serious violence among young people, the root causes of it, and how it's represented in the media. Media outlets have lots to learn when it comes to rebuilding trust with the communities they serve, including young people. As does…

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We’ve Got Your Boy - Episode 3 - Doli Capax (Capable of ‘Evil’) 26:06

18d ago26:06

26:06

The murder of James Bulger in 1993 by two 10-year-old boys was an horrific act of violence that essentially led to a huge change in the country’s youth justice system: the abolition of the legal term doli incapax (meaning incapable of evil). It meant that children as young as 10 were now deemed capable of committing crime – before then it was 14. S…

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We've Got Your Boy - Episode 2 - Can't Meet His Needs 31:11

28d ago31:11

31:11

After a spate of serious youth violence last year, a wide-ranging review was launched by the Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership – a group of organisations including the city council and police. Researchers gathered information local services held about 10 young people who were involved in three different incidents – including those connected to the m…

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We've Got Your Boy - Episode 1 - Hurt people, hurt people 26:10

28d ago26:10

26:10

In early 2024, three teenage boys were fatally stabbed on Bristol’s streets within 18 days. It was a grim start to the new year – one that thrust the issue of serious youth violence in the city further into the spotlight. What followed was a very public response from Bristol’s institutions – the police, the city council – promising they are doing a…

1
We've Got Your Boy - Series Trailer 3:28

24d ago3:28

3:28

We've Got Your Boy is a new investigative podcast series on school exclusions, child imprisonment, and the roots of serious youth violence. Starting here, on the outskirts of Bristol, Vinney Green secure children's home. The age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales – it’s one of the lowest in the world. It’s before a child has even left …

1
DIY wealth redistribution, with Bristol Redistro’s Frances Howe 44:29

24d ago44:29

44:29

Taxing and redistributing wealth to reduce inequality is an idea popular on the left, and is being pushed by some politicians including Green Party leader Zack Polanski. But it’s loathed by others who believe people should be able to hang on to what they have, whether that’s earned or inherited. This week we’re joined by Frances Howe, co-founder of…

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DIY wealth redistribution, with Bristol Redistro’s Frances Howe 44:29

26d ago44:29

44:29

Taxing and redistributing wealth to reduce inequality is an idea popular on the left, and is being pushed by some politicians including Green Party leader Zack Polanski. But it’s loathed by others who believe people should be able to hang on to what they have, whether that’s earned or inherited. This week we’re joined by Frances Howe, co-founder of…

1
Unpacked – Darren Jones: from Lawrence Weston to Starmer’s right-hand man 48:50

1M ago48:50

48:50

Bristol North West MP Darren Jones is a man whose political rise has been rapid. From growing up in a Lawrence Weston council flat to representing his home turf as an MP, and since September assuming a new role as Keir Starmer’s chief secretary, Jones’ story is rooted in Bristol. In this week’s episode he talks to Neil about that journey and how hi…

1
Unpacked – Darren Jones: from Lawrence Weston to Starmer’s right-hand man 48:50

1M ago48:50

48:50

Bristol North West MP Darren Jones is a man whose political rise has been rapid. From growing up in a Lawrence Weston council flat to representing his home turf as an MP, and since September assuming a new role as Keir Starmer’s chief secretary, Jones’ story is rooted in Bristol. In this week’s episode he talks to Neil about that journey and how hi…

1
E019: Pride is a protest: Black pride in Bristol 1:20:02

2M ago1:20:02

1:20:02

As Pride becomes more visible each year, it risks leaving behind the very people who helped build it. Too often, Pride ignores the deep inequalities within its own institutions and sidelines the queer voices of the Global Majority. Mose-Issie, Lisa Inneh, and Teena Lashmore discuss the intersection of being a member of the Global Majority and queer…

1
We Don't Do That Here 56:42

4M ago56:42

56:42

In August 2024, unrest swept across the UK after the tragic killings in Southport, fuelled by online misinformation and weaponised fears about migration. In Bristol, the tension erupted in Castle Park and outside the Mercure Hotel, where asylum seekers were housed. The police presence was thin. The danger was real. And yet, what happened next was e…

1
WECA Mayor Helen Godwin - redefining regional leadership and sorting out the buses 1:03:01

5M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Our guest today is no stranger to the show. Back in 2020, Neil spoke with Helen Godwin when she was a Bristol City Councillor. A lot has changed since then. Not only has the Bristol mayoral role been abolished, but a new Labour government is in power, and Helen Godwin now holds one of the West Country's most important political positions: the Mayor…

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Unpacked - WECA Mayor Helen Godwin: redefining regional leadership and sorting out the buses 1:03:01

5M ago1:03:01

1:03:01

Our guest today is no stranger to the show. Back in 2020, Neil spoke with Helen Godwin when she was a Bristol City Councillor. A lot has changed since then. Not only has the Bristol mayoral role been abolished, but a new Labour government is in power, and Helen Godwin now holds one of the West Country's most important political positions: the Mayor…

1
Lee Haskins: The world champ boxer who never left Lockleaze 57:28

5M ago57:28

57:28

Neil scored a conversation with Bristol's homegrown boxing legend, Lee Haskins. You might know him as a former world champion, but today, ten years on from that victory, the two catch up to talk shop about Lee's ongoing legacy. He now runs his own family gym, Round One Boxing, where he trains and teaches alongside a roster of other professional fig…

1
Lee Haskins: The world champ boxer who never left Lockleaze 57:28

5M ago57:28

57:28

Neil scored a conversation with Bristol's homegrown boxing legend, Lee Haskins. You might know him as a former world champion, but today, ten years on from that victory, the two catch up to talk shop about Lee's ongoing legacy. He now runs his own family gym, Round One Boxing, where he trains and teaches alongside a roster of other professional fig…

1
PJDS E018: Mike Jay & the radical history of nitrous oxide 1:03:00

5M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

So, this is a bit of a break from the usual, but we figured the lessons we can learn from radicals 200 years ago are every bit as relevant as those from today. Isaac is back out exploring, and this time he's in a Hotwells building that was once ground zero for radical science and politics in England: The Pneumatic Institute. This place was a hotbed…

1
E018: Mike Jay & the radical history of nitrous oxide 1:03:00

5M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

So, this is a bit of a break from the usual, but we figured the lessons we can learn from radicals 200 years ago are every bit as relevant as those from today. Isaac is back out exploring, and this time he's in a Hotwells building that was once ground zero for radical science and politics in England: The Pneumatic Institute. This place was a hotbed…

1
Unpacked - Mythbusting Islam & Islamophobia, with Rizwan Ahmed 1:03:37

6M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Warning: Contains discussions about grooming gangs in the second half This week it’s another episode of Bristol Unpacked. Islam is back in the firing line of the culture wars, with a new legal definition being drafted by Labour, and the grooming gang scandal very much overlapping with far-right narratives about the religion. We wanted to hone in on…

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Mythbusting Islam & Islamophobia, with Rizwan Ahmed 1:03:37

6M ago1:03:37

1:03:37

Trigger Warning: Contains discussions about grooming gangs in the second half This week it’s another episode of Bristol Unpacked. Islam is back in the firing line of the culture wars, with a new legal definition being drafted by Labour, and the grooming gang scandal very much overlapping with far-right narratives about the religion. We wanted to ho…

1
Origins of Methodism in Bristol 28:43

6M ago28:43

28:43

Join presenter Jacqueline Walker for a captivating journey into the origins of Methodism in Bristol, the life and legacy of John Wesley, and the enduring significance of The New Room – the oldest Methodist building in the world.With insights from historian Tom Brothwell of the Bristol History Podcast, we trace Wesley’s remarkable story from his ear…

1
South Asian Voices - Empowering Women Through Menopause 48:55

6M ago48:55

48:55

South Asian Voices Bristol CIC Presents Empowering Women Through Menopause Podcast. Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund! Host Sheetal Jethwa talks Menopause and experiences. Each episode allows us to navigate the challenging path making it more bearable and less scary. Sheetal is joined by Experts.…

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PJDS E017: Comrades aren't cringe with Professor Jodi Dean 58:39

6M ago58:39

58:39

[TRIGGER WARNING: Communism] This episode comes from our last live show where we had international super comrade, professor Jodi Dean, blessing us with a discussion focussed on Communism in the modern age. As an outwardly left wing academic residing in the U.S.A, Jodi is often at the sharp end of the discourse, and she eloquently describes the impo…

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E017: Comrades aren't cringe with Professor Jodi Dean 58:39

6M ago58:39

58:39

[TRIGGER WARNING: Communism] This episode comes from our last live show where we had international super comrade, professor Jodi Dean, blessing us with a discussion focussed on Communism in the modern age. As an outwardly left wing academic residing in the U.S.A, Jodi is often at the sharp end of the discourse, and she eloquently describes the impo…

1
Shocks of Occupation Pt 1 - Settlers & the Bedouin 9:58

6M ago9:58

9:58

Last year, BCfm presenter Sue went to Palestine for three months as a human rights monitor on the West Bank. “I didn’t realise what life was like under a military occupation until I got there,” she said. “ Every week something new shocked me.”. This is Shocks of Occupation Pt 1 - Settlers & the Bedouin .…

1
£20m for Hartcliffe: Kirsty Tait on climate change, class & community 1:00:11

6M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Join Neil Maggs alongside councillor for Hartcliffe and Withywood Kirsty Tate, to talk about class & climate justice in her community. Kirsty is the Climate Action Manager at Heart of BS13, and is a co-author of The Just Transition Declaration which is all about ensuring climate policies are fair for everyone especially those most negatively impact…

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Unpacked - £20m for Hartcliffe: Kirsty Tait on climate change, class & community 1:00:11

6M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Join Neil Maggs alongside councillor for Hartcliffe and Withywood Kirsty Tate, to talk about class & climate justice in her community. Kirsty is the Climate Action Manager at Heart of BS13, and is a co-author of The Just Transition Declaration which is all about ensuring climate policies are fair for everyone especially those most negatively impact…

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PJDS E016: Ethan Shone and the Defence Against The Dark Arts 56:40

6M ago56:40

56:40

Number one Potter fanboy (joking please no more libel) Ethan Shone gives us a whistle stop tour of the sketchy world of The Dark Arts, aka secretive political lobbying. How is Bristol MP Darren Jones connected to a globally influential organisation set up by MI6 operatives? Why has Starmer's Labour party been described by former Scottish Labour lea…

1
E016: Ethan Shone & the Defence Against The Dark Arts 56:40

6M ago56:40

56:40

Number one Potter fanboy (joking please no more libel) Ethan Shone gives us a whistle stop tour of the sketchy world of The Dark Arts, aka secretive political lobbying. How is Bristol MP Darren Jones connected to a globally influential organisation set up by MI6 operatives? Why has Starmer's Labour party been described by former Scottish Labour lea…

1
Jerry Cowhig Tribute show & final broadcast 2:08:56

6M ago2:08:56

2:08:56

A Tribute to Jerry Cowhig who passed away on Friday 23rd May 2025. Anneka Sutcliffe & Pat Hart play messages, music & tributes to Jerry in a special show recorded on 5th June 2025. The tribute show is followed by Jerry's last ever broadcast on Bcfm Radio. On the morning of his passing he came to the BCfm studios and broadcast his classical hour liv…

1
Unpacked - From Eastville to LA (via Wigan): Bristol Northern Soul Club 54:53

7M ago54:53

54:53

We're going up north – or actually, the north is coming down south to Bristol. You've probably clocked by now that there's been a massive Northern Soul revival in the city, so we thought we'd unpack what it's all about. This week, Neil talks to Levanna McLean and her mum, Eve Arslett. It started when Levanna began doing Northern Soul dances during …

1
From Eastville to LA (via Wigan): Bristol Northern Soul Club 54:53

7M ago54:53

54:53

We're going up north – or actually, the north is coming down south to Bristol. You've probably clocked by now that there's been a massive Northern Soul revival in the city, so we thought we'd unpack what it's all about. This week, Neil talks to Levanna McLean and her mum, Eve Arslett. It started when Levanna began doing Northern Soul dances during …

1
PJDS E015: Annie McGann and why you should get out more 58:02

7M ago58:02

58:02

Annie McGann aka The People's Lobbyist, graced us with her presence at the last PJDS live event to talk about her favourite topic, night-life. Her campaign group Save Bristol Nightlife has been pivotal in supporting the city's night-time economy, acting as a resource hub as well as a go-between for industry workers, Bristol City Council representat…

1
E015: Annie McGann & why you should get out more 58:02

7M ago58:02

58:02

Annie McGann aka The People's Lobbyist, graced us with her presence at the last PJDS live event to talk about her favourite topic, night-life. Her campaign group Save Bristol Nightlife has been pivotal in supporting the city's night-time economy, acting as a resource hub as well as a go-between for industry workers, Bristol City Council representat…

1
Kalpna Woolf: From migrant kid in London to High Sheriff of Bristol 57:42

7M ago57:42

57:42

This week we’ve got the next instalment of Bristol Unpacked for you. Neil managed to get a chat in with our new High Sheriff, Kalpna Woolf. Its one of those mysterious, archaic titles that somehow has stood the test of time, but as Kalpna details, is a world away from its original purpose of enforcing the monarch’s will and collecting taxes… Kalpna…

1
Unpacked - Kalpna Woolf: From migrant kid in London to High Sheriff of Bristol 57:42

7M ago57:42

57:42

This week we’ve got the next instalment of Bristol Unpacked for you. Neil managed to get a chat in with our new High Sheriff, Kalpna Woolf. Its one of those mysterious, archaic titles that somehow has stood the test of time, but as Kalpna details, is a world away from its original purpose of enforcing the monarch’s will and collecting taxes… Kalpna…

1
PJDS - E014: Taj Ali and the hope in the heart of Luton 1:05:06

7M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

"Tommy Robinson's worst nightmare" is how Taj Ali described his experience at Uni. He came to town for PJDS live to talk about the past, present, and future of trade unionism and activism in the UK. Drawing from his time as an industrial correspondent and his upcoming book on British South Asian resistance, Taj connects the dots between working-cla…

1
E014: Taj Ali & the hope in the heart of Luton 1:05:06

7M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

"Tommy Robinson's worst nightmare" is how Taj Ali described his experience at Uni. He came to town for PJDS live to talk about the past, present, and future of trade unionism and activism in the UK. Drawing from his time as an industrial correspondent and his upcoming book on British South Asian resistance, Taj connects the dots between working-cla…

1
Unpacked - A year of Green power in Bristol with council leader Tony Dyer 58:56

7M ago58:56

58:56

One year into his leadership of Bristol City Council, Green party councillor for Southville Tony Dyer sits down with Neil to talk about it. They touch on the Green Party's internal dynamics, financial hurdles, and the significant political changes occurring within the city, such as the appointment of the new West of England mayor, Labour's Helen Go…

1
A year of Green power in Bristol with council leader Tony Dyer 58:56

7M ago58:56

58:56

One year into his leadership of Bristol City Council, Green party councillor for Southville Tony Dyer sits down with Neil to talk about it. Is he a Noel type? or a Liam? or a Bonehead? (apparently these are references to a band called Oasis). They touch on the Green Party's internal dynamics, financial hurdles, and the significant political changes…

1
PJDS: MAGA? MWEGA? WECA? Undercover in Reform UK with Sian Norris 1:03:34

8M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

The queue for the women's toilet was tiny at the Reform UK rally according to Sian Norris, our guest this week. She's a journalist who has used undercover reporting to lift the lid on on the rise of right-wing populism and misogyny, particularly in relation to reproductive rights. She's a Senior Reporter at openDemocracy and has written several boo…

1
E013: MAGA? MWEGA? WECA? Undercover in Reform UK with Sian Norris 1:03:34

8M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

The queue for the women's toilet was tiny at the Reform UK rally according to Sian Norris, our guest this week. She's a journalist who has used undercover reporting to lift the lid on on the rise of right-wing populism and misogyny, particularly in relation to reproductive rights. She's a Senior Reporter at openDemocracy and has written several boo…

1
VE Day Bcfm Documentary V3 8th May 2025 Re-Edit 39:23

8M ago39:23

39:23

This re-edited radio documentary produced by Patrick Hart & Ivan Jackson gives a snapshot of some untold stories from World War two. Some great music of the time and real insights into those soldiers of Global Majority backgrounds that have never really been celebrated. First broadcast as a 12 hour feature on Bcfm Radio on VE Day 75 - 8th March 202…

1
Unpacked: What is a citizens' assembly and how do they work? 59:12

8M ago59:12

59:12

With faith in democracy – and in particular in traditional political parties – at a low ebb, in the UK and elsewhere, this week Unpacked wrestles with whether citizens’ assemblies offer a chance to rekindle the public’s affection. Neil is joined by David Jubb, co-founder and co-director of Citizens In Power, which as its name suggests aims to enabl…

1
What is a citizens' assembly and how do they work? 59:12

8M ago59:12

59:12

With faith in democracy – and in particular in traditional political parties – at a low ebb, in the UK and elsewhere, this week Unpacked wrestles with whether citizens’ assemblies offer a chance to rekindle the public’s affection. Neil is joined by David Jubb, co-founder and co-director of Citizens In Power, which as its name suggests aims to enabl…

1
PJDS - The Great Baldini & the Cribbs Causeway Tesla takedown 48:49

8M ago48:49

48:49

We sent Isaac to Cribbs Causeway to meet the organisers of a local iteration of the international protest movement dubbed Tesla Takedown. The movement has been calling for Tesla owners to sell up and boycott the company in response to owner Elon Musk's involvement in Donald Trump's extremist government. This week, Tesla announced record losses with…

1
SPECIAL The Great Baldini & the Cribbs Causeway Tesla takedown 48:49

8M ago48:49

48:49

We sent Isaac to Cribbs Causeway to meet the organisers of a local iteration of the international protest movement dubbed Tesla Takedown. The movement has been calling for Tesla owners to sell up and boycott the company in response to owner Elon Musk's involvement in Donald Trump's extremist government. This week, Tesla announced record losses with…

1
West of England Speaks - Community Sector WECA Mayoral Hustings 48:22

8M ago48:22

48:22

On Thursday 1 May 2025 residents across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire will head to the polls to elect the next Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).In the run-up to this important vote, BCfm in partnership with other local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations hosted a …