PODCAST · education
Blueprint Cymru
by New Wales
We want a stronger, more influential Wales, leading by example. An ambitious nation that others look to for inspiration. Blueprint Cymru talks to people who want the same ... A podcast bringing new voices to Wales’ national conversation on how we build our own future. Through weekly interviews, New Wales co-founder, Simon Hobson and his guests set out to bringing fresh ideas to the challenges facing Wales’ future. Welsh figures making waves around the world From economists and community organisers to paralympic gold medallists, Guinness World Record holders, educators, and leaders in politics, finance, tech and the media. These voices reflect the global footprint of Welsh identity. They remind us
Episodes
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Welsh Patagonia: the demise of Y Wladfa
Sebastian Eduardo Pèrez Parry discusses the history, legacy and future of the Welsh in South America and, of course, Y Wladfa in Patagonia — Sebastian’s homeland. Bruce Chatwin wrote beautifully about Y Wladfa in his travelog, 'In Patagonia'. Beyond Chatwin’s wonderfully eccentric search for the...
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New Wales: future Cymru
This is a new series in which, Gwern Gwynfil and Simon Hobson dive into the first First Minister’s Questions of the new Senedd term — and what it reveals about the personalities, performances and political theatre now shaping Welsh politics. From the increasingly existential predicament facing…
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Senedd election 2026: Results - changing the status quo?
In this episode of Blueprint Cymru, Simon Hobson argues that the new Welsh Government, led by Rhun ap Iorwerth's Plaid Cymru, must assert itself from the outset if it is to secure — or at least lay the foundations for — devolved power parity with Scotland by the end of this Senedd term in April...
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Senedd election 2026: Philip Owen - Gwlad
Philip Owen is the Gwlad candidate in the constituency of Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd. Formerly a lifelong Liberal, having stood as a Westminster candidate for the Liberal Alliance in 1983, Philip says, 'Wales has had socialist rule for 100 years. Red-Green parties promise more socialism. Statist…
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Senedd election 2026: Brendan Roberts - Welsh Liberal Democrats
Brendan Roberts, a dedicated community councillor in Torfaen, has worked in the civil service, local government and the third sector. His career and activism give him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Welsh communities. At the Welsh Government’s 2022 'Radical reform...
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Wild law - Elspeth Jones
Elspeth Jones is a former London barrister turned leadership coach and adviser. In 2025 she worked with the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales as their Nature Guardian in an innovate pilot - acting as a voice for Nature within the Commission’s governance structure. With over 20 years’...
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Senedd election 2026: A manifesto for the bold - New Wales
A manifesto to fire-up your little grey cells. The New Wales manifesto published in the run up to the 2026 Senedd election was written to provoke. You can read it here: Gwern Gwynfil and Simon Hobson discuss the New Wales manifesto's sexy "six Es", and explore the possibility that the next Senedd...
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Senedd election 2026: Justna Muhith - Open Party
Justna Muhith is a mother of two, raised in Newport and Cardiff. From working in Woolworths, she now has a doctorate, a law degree, an MBA, has served as a magistrate and is a school governor. She says, “I want to modernise democracy - rebuild trust by making government truly accountable to the...
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Madog Center for Welsh studies - Dan Rowbotham
Dan Rowbotham is originally from Ceredigion and has been a Welsh language tutor since 2018. He now serves as Director of the Madog Centre for Welsh Studies at the University of Rio Grande / Rio Grande Community College in Ohio: North America’s only dedicated centre for Welsh studies. During his...
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Senedd election 2026: Mair Rowlands - Plaid Cymru
Mair Rowlands was born and raised in Cardiff before moving to north Wales to study at Bangor University. She lives in Bangor with her partner and young child. Mair is number two on the closed list for Plaid Cymru in the constituency of Bangor Conwy Môn, behind her party’s leader Rhun ap Iorwerth....
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Senedd election 2026: Tom Giffard MS - Welsh Conservatives
Tom Giffard is a Welsh Conservative politician who has served as Member of the Senedd (MS) for the region of South Wales West since 2021. He is number one on the Welsh Conservatives list for the new constituency of Gŵyr Abertawe, hoping to be returned to the Senedd at the 7th May 2026 elections.…
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Senedd election 2026: Kiera Marshall - Plaid Cymru
Keira Marshall is Plaid Cymru’s rising star targeting the Senedd 2026 election, arguing Welsh politics must move beyond empty rhetoric and economic stagnation. After a record-breaking result in Cardiff in 2024 for the Westminster seat, she is campaigning to reform a dysfunctional Senedd and...
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Entrepreneurship in Wales - Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE a leading voice on entrepreneurship, reflects on the history of his involvement in advancing the business landscape within Cymru. The downfall of the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) and gives his insight into how the UK devolution agreement with Cardiff is skewed...
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Senedd election 2026: Amy Nicholass - Wales Green Party
Amy Nicholass says that, "Living in rural Wales is really special, with so much nature and strong communities doing great things to support each other. But Welsh Government could be doing so much more to support small businesses, farmers and families to thrive where they want to live. Poor rural...
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Wales/Cymru and its legal status in the UK
Dr. Gareth Evans is a Lecturer in Law at Swansea University/Prifysgol Abertawe. He joins Blueprint Cymru to dig into law, power and where the real limit of Welsh self-government lie. We also discuss the history of Welsh Liberal MPs in the C18th and C19th and, the legal direction the Senedd may…
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Senedd 2026 - New Wales election hub
Simon Hobson looks at the opportunities ahead for Wales in the 2026, and talks about how this begins with the May 7th Senedd election. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales Episode 1 of...
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Brexit, Wales and Coffee
Sam Parry is a lecturer and researcher at Cardiff Metropolitan University, recently completing a PhD on the interplay of longue durée history, political economy, world-systems analysis, and nationalism. His work explores why regions like Wales face economic challenges within larger states, and…
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A Ghost Story
Nadolig Llawen from New Wales. We look forward to continuing, in 2026 and beyond, the conversation of how we work to build a future for Cymru. Happy Christmas! For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social This is of Blueprint Cymru, is an…
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From apathy to action: The future of Welsh media and democracy
If Wales wants change, it has to hear some home truths. What really lands with Welsh audiences? And what’s holding us back? A top political journalist lays it bare. Will Hayward is a journalist who, after completing his studies at Cardiff University, chose to make Wales his home. Over the past...
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Wales is entering an era of independence
Many care deeply about Wales’ direction but often need open, friendly spaces before they feel confident contributing to the conversation. This episode digs into what real public engagement looks like, and why it matters now more than ever. We speak with Dr Anwen Elias about her work on the...
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Nationalism in Wales and the U.K.
What is a nationalist? How does this term connect with today's populist movements? Why is the United Kingdom blind to the positives of Welsh nationalism? Dr. Anwen Elias speaks about all this and more as we attempt to understand why nationalism is so difficult to define, especially within the…
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Welsh republicans: The Welsh in the USA - Part 2
Legacies of the Rebecca Riots and radical Welsh republicanism surviving in the US to this day. Escaping British punishment or longing to farm the New World? Who emigrated from Wales to the USA in the C19th? What jobs did they do in the US? 🚀 Help build Wales' future 👉 https://new.wales/ 🗳…
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The Welsh in the USA - Part 1
Who emigrated from Wales to the USA in the C19th? What jobs did they do in the US? Where did they live, and what remains of their cultural and linguistic legacy in the US today? 🚀 Help build Wales' future 👉 https://new.wales/ 🗳 Senedd 2026 👉 https://new.wales/senedd-2026/ Robert Humphries: is...
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A European voice for Welsh
🚀 Help build Wales' future 👉 https://new.wales/ 🗳 Senedd 2026 👉 https://new.wales/senedd-2026/ EPISODE INFO In this mini-episode of Blueprint Cymru, Simon Hobson speaks with Jill Evans, former Plaid Cymru MEP and the first person to use Welsh in the European Parliament. Together they explore...
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Economic justice for Wales
🚀 Help build Wales' future 👉 https://new.wales/ 🗳 Senedd 2026 👉 https://new.wales/senedd-2026/ EPISODE INFO What will it take to bring economic justice to Wales? In this conversation Kiera Marshall outlines her personal vision for Wales' economic future. This is an edited version of the...
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Is Wales ready for change ?
EPISODE INFO. Gold medallist Mark Colbourne shares his extraordinary journey from a near-fatal accident to the top of the Paralympic podium. Speaking with honesty and eloquence, he reflects on resilience, recovery, and his frustration with a closed-minded Wales. Mark speaks about the…
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Tax haven Wales
EPISODE INFO How does Wales build wealth? Could Tax Haven Cymru be the answer? ABOUT BRAD WILLIAMS Brad Williams: is a corporate consultant and professional boxing judge based in Dubai. He grew up on a council estate in Abergavenny, played rugby for Dragons academy and Wales U16: then moved to...
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Senedd 2026 and more
🚀 Help build Wales' future 👉 Donate 👤 Contact 👉 New Wales ✅ SUBSCRIBE to get each weeks episode of Blueprint Cymru. EPISODE INFORMATION Simon announces New Wales' Senedd 2026 elections hub, where you can find out about candidates and all the parties running in May 2026. Also, look out for New...
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Gwern Gwynfil: No one will do it for you
🚀 Help New Wales build Wales' future 👉 Donor Box 👤 Contact New Wales 👉 Click Here ✅ REMEMBER to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to get each weeks episode of 🏴 Blueprint Cymru. EPISODE INFO. 'If you don't believe in yourself, no one will do it for you', Kobe Bryant. In this episode Gwern…
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Lembit Öpik: Reform in Wales and what nationalists can learn from Sinn Féin
🚀 Help New Wales build Wales' future 👉 Donor Box 👤 Contact New Wales 👉 Click Here ✅ REMEMBER to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to get each weeks episode of 🏴 Blueprint Cymru. EPISODE INFO. In this episode, Lembit talks about his time as the Liberal Democrats spokesperson for Northern…
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Daniel Roberts: Cooperative Wales
Daniel Roberts is the head of policy and engagement at Cwmpas. The organisation focuses on supporting Wales' social enterprises, co-operatives, promotes community ownership and digital inclusion. Dan speaks about Cwmpas' manifesto for the 2026 Senedd elections and, what Cwmpas want from Wales'…
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Adam Taylor: Climate action
Adam Taylor, was the youngest-ever CEO of a Wildlife Trust in Wales, an MBA graduate with distinction, he is a passionate environmental advocate tackling the climate and nature crises. With experience across charity, public and private sectors, Adam has led projects in species reintroduction…
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Samuel Parry: Stateless nations and the world-system
Sam Parry is a lecturer and researcher at Cardiff Metropolitan University, recently completing a PhD on the interplay of longue durée history, political economy, world-systems analysis, and nationalism. His work explores why regions like Wales face economic challenges within larger states, and…
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Jess Blair: Electoral reform
Jess Blair has led the Electoral Reform Society Cymru since 2017, championing a fairer, more proportional voting system in Wales. She engages with politicians, civil society, and the media, making her a respected voice in Welsh democracy. Holding a master’s in Welsh government and politics from...
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Franck Banza: Building the Welsh dream
Franck Banza is an entrepreneur focused on empowering communities through job creation and economic growth. He founded, The CAE, an organisation dedicated to economic empowerment of people in Wales. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Franck brings a rich cultural perspective. A...
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Brendan Roberts: Landmark laws in Wales
What needs to change in the Welsh care system?, Why is Wales ahead of the rest of the UK in terms of progressive laws?, How do we build on this and continue to ensure that Wales is a world leader in legislation? Brendan Roberts, a dedicated community councillor in Torfaen, has worked in the civil...
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Neil Roberts: Financial literacy
Does your knowledge of finance limit your options?, Can you influence the economics of Wales' future?, What are the common misconceptions of financial services? Neil Roberts is a seasoned compliance professional with a career rooted in the financial services industry. Holding a master’s degree in...
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Anwen Elias: Wales' next political chapter
What is populism?, Where next for Wales: further devolution?, What is UK nationalism?, Does Wales' landscape shape its politics?, What connects Wales to other small nations?, How can Wales innovate to give democracy back to people?, What are the benefits to Wales from being a European country?...
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Jan Griffiths: Leadership, cars and US tariffs
How accidently moving to the US forged a career?, What is gravitas and, how does it make you a better leader?, Can the Welsh diaspora change how our nation does business? Jan Griffiths, as the president and founder of Gravitas Detroit, is dedicated to shaping the future of leadership in the...
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Will Hayward: Who cares about Wales?
Will Reform UK destroy the Senedd?, Does Mark Drakeford sell stories?, Why does the rest of the UK ignore Wales?, Why is Wales' media is dying?, What is holding Wales back? Will Hayward is a journalist who, after completing his studies at Cardiff University, chose to make Wales his home. Over the...
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Dr. Sarah Louisa Birchley: Stopping the Welsh brain drain
Wales: is our nation doomed? Can we stop the Welsh brain drain? How does Wales become a globalised economy? What makes an entrepreneur return to Wales, and how does the country keep them from leaving in the first place? Dr. Sarah Louisa Birchley: is a seasoned academic, consultant, and researcher...
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Robert Humphries: The Welsh in the US and Canada
Can every US President claim Welsh descendancy? Where are the Welsh speaking enclaves of North America? Was it only mining which brought Welsh families to the ‘New World’? Robert Humphries: is the inaugural director of the Great Plains Welsh Heritage Centre in Wymore, Nebraska in the USA. He is…
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Jill Evans: Wales as a global power
Is Wales held back by misogyny? Can we rid the world of nuclear weapons? Was the EU good for Wales? Why would you learn Welsh in your teens? What would it take to get Wales a seat at the UN? Jill Evans: is from the Rhondda, an area of mid-south Wales. She is a longstanding member of the Welsh...
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Mark Colbourne: Winning gold for Wales
How does Wales embrace change? And, what would it take to give back your MBE? Mark Colbourne: is a former Paralympic cyclist renowned for his remarkable journey from a life-altering injury to achieving gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Mark was brought up in Tredegar. He represented Wales...
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Kiera Marshall: A dysfunctional Senedd
Meaningless buzzwords? Why is the Senedd dysfunctional? How does Wales make economics work for younger people? Sick of fake promises and empty words? Kiera Marshall wants to flip the script on Welsh politics and make the economy work for you. At 26, Kiera Marshall is one of the youngest rising...
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Brad Williams: How to build wealth
How does Wales build wealth for itself? What are the paths to attracting and keeping talent in Wales? Are places like Dubai models to be emulated? And, how do you get to play rugby for Wales and become a Guinness World record holder? Brad Williams: is a corporate consultant and professional…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We want a stronger, more influential Wales, leading by example. An ambitious nation that others look to for inspiration. Blueprint Cymru talks to people who want the same ...
A podcast bringing new voices to Wales’ national conversation on how we build our own future.
Through weekly interviews, New Wales co-founder, Simon Hobson and his guests set out to bringing fresh ideas to the challenges facing Wales’ future.
Welsh figures making waves around the world
From economists and community organisers to paralympic gold medallists, Guinness World Record holders, educators, and leaders in politics, finance, tech and the media.
These voices reflect the global footprint of Welsh identity. They remind us
HOSTED BY
New Wales
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Blueprint Cymru have?
Blueprint Cymru currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Blueprint Cymru about?
We want a stronger, more influential Wales, leading by example. An ambitious nation that others look to for inspiration. Blueprint Cymru talks to people who want the same ... A podcast bringing new voices to Wales’ national conversation on how we build our own future. Through weekly interviews, New...
How often does Blueprint Cymru release new episodes?
Blueprint Cymru has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Blueprint Cymru?
You can listen to Blueprint Cymru on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Blueprint Cymru?
Blueprint Cymru is created and hosted by New Wales.
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