Transforming Society podcast

Immigration policy is one of the most contested areas of contemporary politics. It is also one of the most misunderstood. Public debate often degenerates to trading numbers – how many people are coming in, and whether that number is too high or too low – but as Madeleine Sumption argues, the reality is both more complex and more difficult to resolve than that suggests. In this episode of the podcast, George Miller speaks to Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford and author of 'What is Immigration Policy for?'. They discuss why there is no single ‘right’ level of immigration, how the same evidence can lead to such different conclusions, and why attempts to control migration numbers so often fail. Their conversation also explores the limits of data in policymaking, the trade-offs between economic, humanitarian and political objectives, and the ways in which public debate often misses the fundamentally different purposes served by work, family and asylum migration.Madeleine Sumption is the Director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, which provides impartial analysis of migration in the UK.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-is-immigration-policy-forThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/05/05/podcast-why-immigration-policy-doesnt-add-up/Timestamps:01:33 - What drew you into immigration policy as a career?07:39 - Do most people cost the state more than we pay into it?08:48 - Why is data and policy such a tricky relationship?14:41 - Why can't you effectively cap net migration?19:54 - What is the current state of the immigration debate in the US?24:35 - How can we improve immigration policy?31:11 - What's the one thing you wish everyone understood about immigration?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often think of vulnerability as weakness - but what if it’s the very thing that connects us all? In this Transforming Business episode, Martin Parker speaks with Melissa Tyler, author of 'Organizing Vulnerability', about why we need to rethink vulnerability as a shared, deeply social condition shaped by inequality and interdependence. From workplaces to the climate crisis, Tyler offers a powerful reimagining of vulnerability that opens pathways to solidarity, dignity and more just forms of organization.Melissa Tyler is Professor of Work and Organization Studies at the University of Essex.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/organizing-vulnerabilityThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/04/14/podcast-rethinking-vulnerability-as-strength/Timestamps:0:47 - Can you tell us about the book that you've written?4:38 - How is vulnerability unequally distributed?5:47 - How do these ideas intersect with the world of work and organisations?7:51 - How does vulnerability relate to your interest in artistic and creative work?11:16 - What is the chapter 'Existing: The Social Relations of Breathing' about?16:06 - What is the chapter 'Enduring: The Social Relations of Grieving' about?20:57 - What is the chapter 'Enacting: The Social Relations of Appearing' about?28:08 - How does this help us make workable lives?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s escalating climate crisis, more employees are asking how they can make a meaningful environmental difference at work - but where do we start and what can we really do? In this Transforming Business episode, Martin Parker speaks with Barbara Kump and Babette Julia Brinkmann, authors of ‘The Green Handprint at Work’, about how we can all create change from within our organisations. They unpack why the idea of a green handprint can be more powerful and motivating than the language of carbon footprints, the different strategies people use to spark environmental change within organisations and how employee activists can sustain hope and resilience while tackling challenges that often feel overwhelming.Barbara Kump is Associate Professor of Business and Sustainability at the University of Twente. Babette Julia Brinkmann is Professor of Organisational and Group Psychology at Cologne University of Applied Sciences.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/professional-business/the-green-handprint-at-workThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/03/10/podcast-how-to-be-an-employee-activist-for-sustainability/Timestamps:01:05 - How did you get interested in employee activism?05:25 - What is the difference between a carbon footprint and the idea of a green handprint?07:08 - Is the phrase 'employee activist' something of a paradox?10:11 - Are these changes too small in the face of the larger issue of capitalism?14:10 - What were some of the most inspirational stories from employee activists?21:32 - How can people approach decision makers about these changes?25:26 - What risks can come from being an employee activist?28:36 - How can employee activists stay resilient?33:50 - Who do you hope will read this book?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tens of thousands of individuals are affected by disappearance and enforced disappearance every year, but until now the study of this phenomenon has often been disjointed and disconnected due to academic silos.In this podcast, Richard Kemp speaks with Bahar Baser and Élise Féron, two of the co-editors for the new Journal of Disappearance Studies, about how the journal serves as a space to break these boundaries and give this important field a unified platform.They discuss the difference between disappearance and enforced disappearance, the ethical implications of speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves and how they hope the journal will evolve over the coming years.Bahar Baser is based at Durham University, UK. Élise Féron is based at Ulster University, UKFind out more about the journal at: https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/view/journals/jds/jds-overview.xmlThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/03/06/podcast-why-disappearance-research-matters/Timestamps:01:28 - What was the inspiration behind starting the Journal of Disappearance Studies?04:20 - What are the different forms of disappearance?08:40 - What is it like for the families who are left behind?14:41 - Why are 'widows' particularly impacted?16:05 - Why are enforced disappearances getting more prevalent?21:13 - What is transitional justice?30:54 - Why was it important for the journal to include poetry and filmmaker interviews, alongside academic articles?34:50 - What ethical issues arise when researching and representing disappearance?38:54 - How do you hope the journal will evolve in future issues?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when Nature is given a voice, and a vote, in business? In this Transforming Business podcast episode, Martin Parker speaks with Simeon Rose, author of ‘Nature’s Boardroom’, about how businesses can embed ‘Nature governance’ into their organisations. They discuss Faith In Nature and their decision to appoint Nature to its board of directors, the challenges and insights gained, and why more companies should follow suit.Simeon Rose is Brand Director at Faith In Nature and Co-creator of Nature on the Board.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/professional-business/natures-boardroomThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/02/16/podcast-when-nature-has-a-voice-in-business/Timestamps:00:49 - What is Faith in Nature?06:08 - How did your role evolve beyond marketing at Faith in Nature?10:22 - When does the idea of embedding nature as a shareholder take place?13:38 - Was there a link between Faith in Nature and Patagonia making similar organisational moves?16:36 - How did you practically embed nature as a shareholder into decision making?19:48 - How does Nature get represented in a typical meeting?25:14 - Do you think something like this could happen at a different company, such as Boeing?30:00 - What do you mean by 'kill your darlings'?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2024 the news was full of stories of the GMB Union’s fight for formal recognition at Amazon’s BHX4 Coventry warehouse. Yet, despite skyrocketing membership, the union narrowly lost a ballot that would have forced Amazon to grant them this recognition. In this episode of the Transforming Business podcast, Martin Parker speaks with Tom Vickers, author of ‘Organizing Amazon’, about the union’s successes but also their unfortunate setbacks. They discuss Amazon’s formal, and informal, stances on trade unions, the innovative approach GMB took to develop leadership for the movement from the ground up, and how the lessons learned from this campaign are not only helpful for other Amazon warehouses but for workers far beyond the Amazon ecosystem.Tom Vickers is Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the GMB-NTU Work Futures Research Observatory at Nottingham Trent University.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/professional-business/organizing-amazonThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/01/26/podcast-building-worker-power-at-amazon-and-beyond/Timestamps:00:38 - How did you start writing about Amazon?03:37 - What is Amazon's background with trade unions?08:52 - Why are Amazon management so hostile to trade union organisation?11:31 - What is the story with trade unions and Amazon's Coventry BHX4 warehouse?18:11 - How did the GMB work with the workforce?23:41 - What is the present situation at the BHX4 warehouse?27:25 - What are the general lessons we can learn from the BHX4 story?30:25 - Do you think we'll see more pushback with the increase of AI driven workplaces?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are liberation and independence movements so often betrayed when their leaders get into power? In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Lord Peter Hain, author of ‘Liberation and Corruption’, about this uncomfortable question. They discuss Peter’s involvement with the fight for Nelson Mandela’s freedom, the reasons why liberation movements from ANC to the Sandinistas have corrupted once in government, and what we can all do to combat corruption and stop this vicious cycle. Lord Peter Hain served as MP for Neath (1991-2015) and held senior roles in the UK Labour Government for 12 years, including seven in the Cabinet.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/liberation-and-corruptionThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/01/19/podcast-why-freedom-movements-fail/Timestamps:01:37 - How are liberation movement who come into power affected by their predecessors?03:59 - Who were the Sandinistas? What did they want? And how did they go so wrong?07:27 - What role did the US play in the corruption of Nicaragua and quite a lot of Latin America?09:40 - How does the UK participate in theft from the African continent?18:06 - What is neoliberalism, and did it contribute to Robert Mugabe's descent into corruption?22:03 - Is there a link between neoliberalism and the rise of the far right and the populist right?26:13 - How correct was Mandela when he said that those who fought corruption could become corrupt themselves?29:26 - Could you tell us about your involvement with campaigning for Nelson Mandela's freedom?32:34 - What lessons should our governments and policymakers learn from liberators who come into power?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each January, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists adjusts the hands of its Doomsday Clock to signal how close humanity stands to catastrophe. At the end of the Cold War, the clock was set at 17 minutes to midnight. Today, it is at just 89 seconds – its closest-ever setting. In this episode of the podcast, George Miller speaks to Patricia Shamai, Principal Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Portsmouth and author of What Are Nuclear Weapons For? They discuss why nuclear weapons have drifted from public consciousness since the 1990s, even as thousands of warheads remain in existence, major powers modernise their arsenals, and new technologies make the strategic picture yet more complex. The conversation also touches on Vladimir Putin’s nuclear posture during the war in Ukraine, the challenges posed by strategic ambiguity, and whether – despite all this – there are any grounds for cautious optimism.Patricia Shamai is Principal Lecturer in International Relations and Associate Head of School in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Portsmouth.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-are-nuclear-weapons-forThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/12/19/podcast-89-seconds-to-midnight-why-we-need-to-rethink-nuclear-weapons-now/Timestamps:02:33 - What prompted you to write the book?08:33 - Did reading testimonies of people who experienced the detonations in Japan in 1945 enhance your understanding or change your perception?14:01 - Why is the nuclear weapon picture always changing?23:41 - What is the current climate among nuclear powers more broadly?28:52 - Are there any signs of hope that we can begin to pull that second hand back from midnight?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether we like to admit it or not, we’re all growing older. However, the experience of growing older at work remains surprisingly overlooked and under theorised in management and organisation studies.In this Transforming Business podcast, Martin Parker speaks with Kathleen Riach, author of ‘Working through Ageing’, about her groundbreaking 10-year longitudinal study that offers fresh theoretical and empirical insights into how ageing is experienced in the workplace.They discuss how this fascinating study grew from a conversation in a pub, the way ageing is both universal and unique, and the importance of providing, if not answers then, alternative paths when presenting research. Kathleen Riach is Professor of Organizational Studies at University of Glasgow and Visiting Professor at the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation at Monash University.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/working-through-ageingThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/12/11/podcast-growing-up-and-older-at-work/Timestamps:00:33 - Why are you interested in ageing and work?03:03 - Do you think ageing at work is a more important topic than it used to be?08:14 - Can you talk about your study and how it came about?14:08 - Can you talk about how ageing is universal, but also unique?16:17 - What is the relationship between your work, Simone de Beauvoir and the idea of phenomenology?20:36 - Did this research make you think differently about your own ageing?23:13 - What effect does talking about bodies at work have on policies in organisations?27:55 - Is it difficult to move from critique into a place of action?30:29 - What are your plans next?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

True crime is a huge cultural industry, yet behind its stories lies real victims and uncomfortable ethical implications.In this podcast, Richard Kemp speaks with Ian Cummins and Martin King, two of the authors of ‘True Crime: Key Themes and Perspectives’, about the impact true crime has on society.They discuss Serial, the groundbreaking podcast, and how it sparked the industry anew, the media’s reaction to the Lucy Letby case, and the wider issue of using crime stories to push sales and clicks.Ian Cummins is Senior Lecturer in the School of Health and Society at the University of Salford. Martin King is an independent scholar and author.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/true-crimeThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/12/04/podcast-how-true-crime-stories-shape-society/Timestamps:00:01:55 - Why does true crime fascinate us?00:08:27 - What is the importance of 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote?00:11:14 - What effects does the interplay between fact and fiction in true crime have?00:19:10 - What is the relationship between the Central Park Five and true crime media?00:28:25 - What does the reverence of famous serial killers tell us about our culture's values?00:42:59 - What ethical issues do podcasts like Serial have?00:53:34 - What do cases like Sutcliffe tell us about our collective attitude towards violence against women?00:57:31 - What does the media coverage of the Lucy Letby case tell us about our media landscape?01:08:33 - Does our celebritisation of criminals pose issues, and how could we change things going forward?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the podcast, N.J. Enfield, professor of linguistics at the University of Sydney, joins George Miller to discuss 'What Is Truth For?' — a book that sees truth not as a battlefield but as a shared practice of collaboration, error correction and trust. Together they explore what it takes to keep words and reality aligned when confidence in institutions and expertise is low and misinformation rife.N. J. Enfield is professor of linguistics at the University of Sydney.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-is-truth-forThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/11/26/podcast-is-there-snow-on-mount-everest-why-truth-still-matters/Timestamps:01:33 - Has there been a shift in 'The Truth' over the last 20 or so years?05:59 - Can you tell us about the 'Fighting Truth Decay' project?09:03 - What does a linguist bring to a project like this that's different from other specialists?13:56 - Is the truth always going to be contingent and to some degree subjective? 28:58 - What do you make of the apparent loss of credibility accorded to institutions such as universities? 33:43 - What about people who have very different belief systems from our own?41:01 - How do you retain your optimism and what would you say to someone so that they don't themselves give up hope?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever been part of an HR investigation? Whether you were the subject, the investigator or simply an outside observer, there is growing evidence of the significant harm they can cause. In this episode of our Transforming Business podcast series with Martin Parker, Andrew Cooper and Adrian Neal, editors of ‘Under Investigation: Transforming Disciplinary Practice in the Workplace’, discuss the issues with these processes. They explore the impact employee investigations can have on organisational culture and show that prioritising employee wellbeing, alongside the application of these processes, is not only possible but essential.Andrew Cooper is the Head of Programmes for Employee Wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales. Adrian Neal is the Head of Employee Wellbeing in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in NHS Wales and a Consultant Psychologist.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/professional-business/under-investigationThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/11/11/podcast-when-hr-hurts-why-workplace-discipline-needs-a-rethink/Timestamps:1:23 - What is your book doing?2:30 - What potential harms are there, outside of the person going through the process?6:19 - What angles are you both approaching this issue from?8:17 - What stories stand out to you?13:19 - What should we be doing instead?17:12 - How does giving voice open these processes for investigation?24:59 - How does scale affect the application of these processes?31:21 - How do these findings apply on a broader scale?35:04 - Who would you like to read this book?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you think of people in debt, what do you imagine? Irresponsible people who leave telephones ringing and hide from debt collectors, or people faced with an impossible situation? In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Ryan Davey, author of ‘The Personal Life of Debt’, about the true, everyday lives of indebted people. They discuss the people Ryan met during his fieldwork on a southern English housing estate, the reality of living on the ‘never-never’, and what changes, to debt itself and society as a whole, are needed to break this vicious cycle.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-personal-life-of-debtThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/10/24/podcast-are-people-really-to-blame-for-their-debt/Timestamps:1:55 – What was your experience of Woldham during your research?7:52 – Did you experience any class tension?10:07 – How can debt be worse now than during the 2008 financial crash?17:08 – What is ‘living on the never-never’ and what does it mean to different people?25:46 – Are these communities perfect prey for credit?32:19 – How does the rescue mindset of child protection manifest in a place like Woldham?38:35 – What affect did right to buy, and other similar policies, have on working class communities?44:34 – Why would debt advisors have negative views of debtors?51:03 – What changes are needed to break this unending cycle of debt?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often hear that working-class boys in education are misogynistic, aggressive and unwilling to learn. But how true is this? In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Alex Blower, author of ‘Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men’, about how the education system often fails these boys. They discuss the role of masculinity in the lives of working-class boys and men, Alex’s personal experiences with being working-class and a young carer, and why we need to stop focusing on perceived individual failures and instead turn our attention to the troubled relationship between these boys and the systems in which they reside.Listen to the episode to get 50% off the paperback and eBook until 20 October 2025.Alex Blower is Research Fellow at Arts University Bournemouth. Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/lost-boysThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/10/03/podcast-how-education-is-failing-young-working-class-men/Timestamps:01:32 - Can you tell us about your upbringing and experiences of education?08:08 - What consequences have occurred from political leaders pointing to working-class boys themselves as the problem?11:43 - Does this have an effect on the recent polarisation and marches?14:02 - Did your feelings of aspiration change when you changed schools?17:22 - Should schools be providing more diverse avenues for future progression?20:42 - What is the working-class identity now?24:51 - What inequalities are there and how are they perpetuated even by people with first-hand experience?29:17 - Can you explain the caring roles that young working-class people have to take on, and how the education system is letting them down?35:56 - What did you learn from the Being a Boy project?39:11 - What is Boys’ Impact? And what changes do you hope to achieve from this work?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The goal of drug policy is clear, according to the United Nations, whose convention on narcotic drugs largely sets the framework for what individual states do. The aim, the UN says, is to end the ‘serious evil’ of addiction. This, it adds, is to be achieved by preventing public access to dangerous substances, while at the same time ensuring adequate provision of narcotics to meet medical and scientific need.  The challenge of these twin purposes – ensuring availability for medical use, preventing availability for recreational use –encapsulates the ‘dual use dilemma’ that has confronted drug policymakers for the past 150 years, as Julia Buxton, Professor of Justice at Liverpool John Moores University, explains in this episode of the podcast.  Julia reflects on how personal experience drew her into the field, why US power has played such a disproportionate role and what happens when countries attempt reform. The conversation explores not only the human costs of criminalisation, but also why it has proved so hard to shift drug policy towards a different, health-led future.Julia Buxton is Professor of Justice at John Moores University in Liverpool and British Academy Global Professor. Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-is-drug-policy-forThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/09/17/podcast-drugs-the-path-that-led-to-prohibition/Timestamps:2:19 - Tell me about the challenge of talking about drug policy to such different audiences5:26 - Can you tell us about the story of how you came to study drug policy?8:30 - Has the medicinal use of drugs improved in the past 25 years?12:36 - When do you think it's useful to start looking in the historical record for the first signs of what would become our current global policy towards restricting access to certain drugs?19:28 - What is path dependency in the context of evolving drug policy?22:05 - How influential is the US in this context?30:55 - Can you tell us about efforts to decriminalise some drugs in some countries?41:50 - Are there things that give you a little bit of hope for a better future?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In many ways neoliberalism is an extreme ideology, much like fascism and communism, but we very rarely recognise it as such. It hides behind the free-market, deregulation and privatisation, but in reality it’s quietly increasing isolation, inequality, poverty, disease and environmental threat.In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Peter Beresford, author of ‘The Antidote: How People-Powered Movements Can Renew Politics, Policy and Practice’, about the problem neoliberalism poses, both in politics and in our everyday lives.They discuss how neoliberalism has undermined democracy, the power of new social movements, and what can be done to create a better society for everyone.Peter Beresford OBE is Visiting Professor at the University of East Anglia and Co-Chair of Shaping Our Lives, the national disabled people’s organisation.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-antidoteThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/09/01/podcast-from-faultlines-to-frontlines-neoliberalism-vs-people-powered-movements/Timestamps:2:03 - What is neoliberalism, what make it extreme and how has it clung on for so long?5:06 - How was neoliberalism first sold to us?8:13 - How does neoliberalism affect our day-to-day lives?9:15 - How is the murder of Sarah Everard connected to neoliberalism?18:50 - How did neoliberalism affect COVID-19 responses, and what policies went unscrutinised during the pandemic?24:26 - What are new social movements and what are they doing differently?34:46 - How has neoliberalism shaped digital space, particularly social media?41:14 - How is neoliberalism related to slavery and white privilege?43:53 - Is left-wing populism a danger?47:16 - Why do we need radical changes, and what should these changes be?53:35 - What actions can we, individually, take to move away from neoliberalism?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite claims that we now live in a post-racial society, race continues to disadvantage those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Kalwant Bhopal, author of the second edition of ‘White Privilege: The myth of a post-racial society’, about why those from black and minority ethnic communities continue to be marginalised.They discuss the backlash against the #BlackLivesMatter movement, the way conversations about race always get sidelined for other elements of the EDI umbrella, and why we must continue to have hope.Kalwant Bhopal is Professor of Education and Social Justice and Director of the Centre for Research on Race and Education at the University of Birmingham.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/white-privilege-1The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/07/22/podcast-has-racism-really-changed-from-black-lives-matter-to-edi-backlash-and-beyond/Timestamps:01:31 - Could you explain the hope that was sparked in 2020 and how it was lost?08:13 - Is this diluting of the narrative conscious?13:59 - What are the unearned assets that white privilege provides?18:25 - What is the relationship between Prevent and racism in schools?21:34 - Has EDI become a hollow buzzword, and how does it perpetuate white privilege?26:31 - How did Donald Trump use his whiteness to achieve re-election?31:59 - Why was the experience of COVID-19 so different for black and minority ethnic groups?38:56 - What can we do to work towards genuine, positive change?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The welfare state is often talked about as a universal safety net, a system designed to catch anyone who falls. But does that image really capture how different countries understand and organise welfare around the world?In this episode, George Miller talks to Professor Paul Spicker, author of What Is the Welfare State For?, about some of the historical roots, moral foundations, and practical workings of different welfare systems. Drawing on examples ranging from 16th-century Flanders to modern-day India, Paul explores the tension between ideal models and on-the-ground realities – and explains why the British case is far from typical.The conversation touches on cash assistance, healthcare, solidarity, new technology and the role of the private sector – offering insight into what the welfare state is, what it does, and who it’s really for.Paul Spicker is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy in Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and a writer and commentator on social policy.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-is-the-welfare-state-forThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/07/01/podcast-safety-net-or-patchwork-quilt-getting-to-grips-with-the-welfare-state/Timestamps:00:56 - Can you take us back to the mid-70s and introduce us to who you were then?06:48 - What is the problem with the 'ideal' welfare state?08:17 - How do you define something as nebulous as the welfare state?13:31 - Can you tell us about Ypres in Belgium in the 1530s?24:14 - Why is the welfare state always couched in moral terms?26:40 - To what extent are those debates healthy and inevitable? 33:30 - Are worries about welfare cuts misplaced?40:39 - Is the private sector part of the solution or is it actually part of the problem?43:34 - Is there anything that you've fundamentally changed your mind on since the mid-70s? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As basic income trials take place around the world, the idea can no longer be dismissed as purely utopian. But can it truly reshape economies and societies?In this episode, Richard Kemp talks with Howard Reed and Elliott Johnson, two of the co-authors of Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything, about the reality of basic income. They explore various models of implementation, how such a system could be funded, how it differs from the current welfare framework, and the potential for basic income to create transformative change across society.Howard Reed is Senior Research Fellow in Public Policy at Northumbria University and Director of Landman Economics. Elliott Johnson is Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow in Public Policy at Northumbria University.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/basic-incomeThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/06/10/podcast-is-basic-income-the-answer-to-our-age-of-crisis/Timestamps:01:34 - What is basic income and how is it different from our current welfare offer?04:19 - Can you talk more about the conditionality of our current welfare and the behaviour it causes?05:55 - Has the welfare situation always been this bad?08:05 - What are the three schemes for basic income?12:26 - Can you explain why people from wealthy families can afford to fail?14:54 - How fiscally different would basic income be for people on the ground?16:53 - What are the wider societal benefits of basic income?22:27 - Why do you call it basic income instead of universal basic income?24:39 - Wouldn't prices just go up if everyone had this extra money?30:26 - How would basic income do better to help child poverty than child benefit?35:26 - What do we need to do, and what's already being done, to help basic income become a reality?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does a humanist feel when they gaze up at the stars? In this episode, George Miller speaks to philosopher Richard Norman, author of What Is Humanism For?, about wonder, meaning and morality in a world without God.Their conversation traces Norman’s intellectual journey, from religious upbringing to secular commitment, and explores how humanism answers some of life’s deepest questions — not through divine revelation, but through shared human experience.Along the way, they consider humanist funerals, climate change, artificial intelligence and how a humanist might still feel awe in a godless universe:‘The awe comes from our sense of both our insignificance when confronted with the vastness of the universe — and our connection with it. A sense that we are part of this magnificent universe.’ Richard Norman, BA (Cantab), PhD (London), is a British academic, philosopher and humanist. He is Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Kent, where he spent most of his career, and a patron of Humanists UK.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-is-humanism-forThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/05/30/podcast-a-humanist-looks-at-the-night-sky/Timestamps:00:58 - What feelings and thoughts does it provoke in a humanist when they look up on a starry night?08:22 - Did you have a religious upbringing?17:13 - When does it become possible to begin to put forward ideas which seriously question Christianity?22:55 - What provides the ethical foundations for humanism? 26:48 - How does that basic foundation then begin to help us with the purpose?32:15 - How does a humanist funeral work?34:59 - Does putting the human at the centre lead to things like climate change?41:05 - What do humanists think about this possible brave new world where we're no longer the most rational creature on the planet?44:14 - What should you do next if you're still curious?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Within the next 30 years the European workforce will be down by a quarter, upsetting the systems we have had in place for decades. In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Giles Merritt, author of 'Timebomb: When Ageing Explodes', about this impending ageing crisis. They discuss the multiple factors that have led us here, as well as what needs to be done to defuse this bomb before it goes off and explodes the European economy.Since his 1978 arrival in the 'Capital of Europe' as a correspondent of the Financial Times, Giles Merritt has specialised in Europe's policy challenges as a journalist and think-tanker. He's often hailed as a 'Brussels institution' by readers of his incisive and often critical commentaries on European politics and economics.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/timebombThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/05/19/podcast-the-ageing-crisis-that-no-ones-talking-about/Timestamps:1:20 - What is the timebomb and when is it going to go off?6:27 - What happened to our growth and should we be concerned?12:31 - Shouldn't Brexiters be celebrating the lower number of migrants?25:15 - What happened to create this chasm between just two generations?35:31 - What is the truth behind the workforce crisis?42:11 - Has there been any change to fix the upcoming pension crisis?46:40 - Why do billionaires get away with profit diversion? Why can't we tax them properly?52:49 - Do parties like Trump, AFD and Reform actually intend to fix the problem?54:01 - Where should we start to take action against this timebomb?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles, Britain has entered a new era — and questions about the future of the monarchy have become more pressing. Does it have a long-term role to play in modern Britain, or is it an anachronism whose days are numbered?In this episode, George Miller talks to Laura Clancy, lecturer in media at Lancaster University and author of the new book What is the Monarchy For?, about the questions she think we should be asking about the monarchy in 21st-century Britain. Their conversation explores the monarchy’s part in perpetuating inequality, its use of soft power, the influence it exerts over media narratives, and whether the institution can keep re-inventing itself while essentially remaining the same.‘The monarchy is doing important work ideologically,’ Laura argues, ‘upholding systems of inequality – even if it’s not authoritarian, even if it seems passive. It’s part of a structure that still shapes who has power and who doesn’t in Britain.’Laura Clancy is a lecturer in media in the sociology department, Lancaster University. Her research focuses on issues of inequality, particularly 'the elites' and the monarchy.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-is-the-monarchy-forThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/05/02/podcast-challenging-the-monarchy-britain-after-elizabeth-ii/Timestamps:02:11 - What sort of attitude did your family have towards the royals?05:49 - What approach did you take to the question of what is the monarchy for, and why?14:10 - Do you think other countries are better for not having a monarchy?16:16 - Did the death of Queen Elizabeth II change the book?23:11 - What are the main motivators for becoming a republic?32:57 - What eye-opening discoveries came from interviewing royal correspondents?39:47 - What do you think about the countervailing force of British exceptionalism?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are many truisms about journalism. That it should speak truth to power. That it must be rooted in community. But what do these mean in practice, especially at a time when journalism is facing an unprecedented set of threats – financial, technological, and political? In this episode, George Miller talks to journalist and media commentator Jon Allsop about the challenges confronting journalism today and how he went about exploring them in his new book, What is Journalism For? Their conversation covers journalism’s complex relationship with democracy and power, the impact of declining local news, the evolving role of social media, and whether there's reason for hope amid the crises.  Society needs journalism, Jon says, but ‘that is not the same as saying society needs legacy media – large newspapers, cable news networks – and that these things will somehow be preserved in aspic forever, in the current form, and that traditional journalism with its ethical codes and its norms will persist forever.’Jon Allsop writes for the Columbia Journalism Review, editing its flagship “Media Today” newsletter.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-is-journalism-forThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/04/14/podcast-can-journalism-as-we-know-it-survive/Timestamps:01:43 - How do you explain what your job is?05:02 - When you get up in the morning what is your journalistic diet? What is your routine?08:27 - How did you decide the best way to tackle the question of what is journalism for?13:16 - How did you actually approach that process of speaking to fellow journalists?24:05 - Why do journalists sit so low in the league table of trusted professionals?30:02 - How worried should we be about the disappearance of local news? 44:45 - Do you think there is reason to be hopeful even with the changing landscape of journalism?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billionaires represent a scourge of economic inequality, but how do they get away with it within our culture?In this episode of our Transforming Business podcast series with Martin Parker, Carl Rhodes, author of ‘Stinking Rich’, explains the dangerous and deceptive myths which portray billionaires as a ‘force for good’.They discuss the myths of the heroic, generous, meritorious and vigilante billionaire, and how their wealth and power is setting us back to old-fashioned feudalism and plutocracy.Hosted by leading organization studies professor Martin Parker (University of Bristol), Transforming Business is a new series from Transforming Society, featuring in-depth conversations with top experts in work, economy, finance, employment, leadership, responsible and sustainable business, innovation, organising and activism. These insightful interviews explore fresh ideas and bold strategies for creating a more ethical and equitable business world. Tune in to challenge conventions, spark innovation and drive meaningful change.Carl Rhodes is Professor of Organization Studies and Dean of the Business School, University of Technology Sydney.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/stinking-richThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/03/26/podcast-the-myth-of-the-heroic-billionaire/Timestamps:00:31 - What did you want to achieve with this book?01:25 - Why do you think we have an elevated perception of billionaires?05:45 - The myth of the heroic billionaire09:51 - The myth of the generous billionaire14:04 - The myth of the meritorious billionaire19:20 - The myth of the vigilante billionaire26:30 - The importance of writing for a non-academic audienceIntro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everybody wants to change the world, but can we actually make a difference? In the first episode of our Transforming Business podcast series with Martin Parker, Jane Holgate and John Page, authors of Changemakers: Radical Strategies for Social Movement Organising, discuss the power of activism and challenge the belief that change is impossible.They explore the distinction between mobilising and organising, the role of optimism in driving social change and how we can actively contribute to meaningful transformation in our communities.Hosted by leading organization studies professor Martin Parker (University of Bristol), Transforming Business is a new series from Transforming Society, featuring in-depth conversations with top experts in work, economy, finance, employment, leadership, responsible and sustainable business, innovation, organising and activism. These insightful interviews explore fresh ideas and bold strategies for creating a more ethical and equitable business world. Tune in to challenge conventions, spark innovation and drive meaningful change.Jane Holgate is Professor of Work and Employment Relations at the University of Leeds and a Trustee of the Ella Baker School of Organising. John Page serves on the committee of the Ella Baker School of Organising.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/changemakersThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/03/19/podcast-changemaking-and-radical-hope-in-times-of-crisis/Timestamps:01:27 - Why is optimism important when thinking about social change?03:43 - What about people who say this will never change?06:46 - What is the distinction between mobilising and organising?11:02 - What is the metaphor of the spider versus the starfish?14:53 - How do you understand leadership?17:41 - Can you reflect on the idea of giving people a sense they can participate actively in forms of social change?21:12 - Can you talk about the difference between Saul Alinsky and Myles Horton's approaches?27:12 - Who do you hope will buy this book? Who would you like to read it?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social work exists in a constant tension between caring and protecting vulnerable people, and the control mechanisms within the broader context social workers operate in. Where are the lines drawn in its dual role as an instrument of the state and an advocate for social justice? In this episode Malcolm Carey and Gurnam Singh, guest editors of the Critical and Radical Social Work special issue on social work and social control, speak with Richard Kemp about this paradox of care and control. They discuss the extreme scrutiny faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, the higher standards parents with a learning disability face and the many ways social workers exercise empathy to work both with, and around, the system to help those who need it the most.Dr Malcolm Carey is Associate Professor in Social Work at Liverpool Hope University. Dr. Gurnam Singh is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Warwick. Read the special issue: https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/view/journals/crsw/13/1/crsw.13.issue-1.xmlThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/03/11/podcast-social-work-and-social-control/Timestamps:1:20 - What do you mean when you say these articles are a comprehensive exploration of how social work operates at the intersection of care, control, governance and resistance?3:39 - How has the hollowing out following austerity affected the working classes?6:33 - How does the lack of training for assessing parents with learning disabilities play out in day to day life?11:33 - Where does the culture of holding parents with learning disabilities to higher standards come from?13:15 - Are the demands on social workers effecting whether people want to get into social work as a profession?16:05 - What's fuelling the narrative of the deserving citizen and the undeserving migrant?23:27 - What are support workers doing to support young people against this hostile system?30:00 - How can we ensure that social work is focused on safeguarding and not on perpetuating prejudices over vulnerable people? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve all blamed PMS on hormones but, despite popular belief, no direct causal link between female sex hormones and PMS has ever been proven. So why does the ‘hormonal woman’ stereotype persist? And how does it fuel outdated, sexist narratives about female health? In this episode, Jess Miles speaks to Sally King, a visiting fellow in menstrual physiology at King’s College London, about the myths and sexist tropes that blame the healthy reproductive body for the female-prevalence of emotional distress and physical pain. They discuss why so much of menstrual health focuses on hormones while overlooking the inflammatory nature of the cycle and what needs to change in healthcare, education and everyday conversations.Sally King is a postdoctoral fellow in menstrual physiology at King’s College London who specialises in integrating biological and sociological research and data concerning menstrual health. Find out more about Sally's book 'Menstrual Myth Busting: The Case of the Hormonal Female' at https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/exposing-menstrual-myths For evidence-based information on this topic, Sally's website, Menstrual Matters, is an essential resource: https://www.menstrual-matters.com/The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/02/25/podcast-the-myth-of-the-hormonal-female/Timestamps:1:27 - What's your background?5:29 - Who have you written the book for?6:33 - What's the problem with focusing on hormones?9:18 - What is spontaneous decidualisation?15:30 - What are the myths around menstruation that you challenge?26:21 - Can you tell the analogy with Dwayne the Rock Johnson?29:06 - Can you talk about how these myths are perpetuated?48:18 - What suggestions would you make for improving clinical practice and teaching?50:35 - Can you tell us about Menstrual Matters?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alongside a growing interest in creative methods, researchers are increasingly exploring how to bring creativity into data analysis. But how do you strike the balance between innovation and maintaining a systematic, rigorous and ethical approach?Jess Miles talks to Helen Kara, Dawn Mannay, and Alastair Roy, editors of The Handbook of Creative Data Analysis, about the role of creativity in research, its benefits for analysis and communication, and the anxieties and difficulties people might experience around using creative methods for the first time.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-handbook-of-creative-data-analysisThe transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/01/14/podcast-how-to-be-creative-with-data-analysis/Links to resources:The Handbook of Creative Data Analysis: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-handbook-of-creative-data-analysisCreativity in research webinar: https://youtu.be/yBW0MIfR944?feature=sharedCreative Research Methods in Practice series: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/creative-research-methods-in-practiceInternational Creative Research Methods conference: https://creativeresearchmethods.com/'Generating Materials' in Using Social Theory: https://doi.org/10.4135/9780857020253.n5Embodied Research Methods: https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/book/embodied-methods-social-sciencesEpistemic Freedom in Africa: Deprovincialization and Decolonization: https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/41376/9781138588578_oachapter1.pdf'Fabrication as ethical practice': https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118X.2011.641993Timestamps:01:06 - How did the book come about?06:13 - Why does creativity matter in research and data analysis?12:28 - How does creative data analysis and co-production help with analysing, communicating and talking about research with a wider audience?15:22 - How does creative data analysis bring the body into play and what's the significance of this?21:15 - How does fiction and fictional elements fit into academic research?26:25 - How can we mitigate the anxieties people have around using creative research methods?34:50 - What would you say to someone looking to use creative research methods for the first time?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of us have fond memories of going to the zoo as children, but zoo critics are vocal in their condemnation of keeping animals in captivity, believing there can be no such thing as a good zoo. Are the goals of entertainment, conservation, education and research more often in conflict than harmony? And are they ultimately irreconcilable with concern for animal welfare?In this episode, George Miller talks to Heather Browning and Walter Veit, co-authors of 'What are Zoos For?' about the ethics of captivity, the challenges of balancing animal welfare with the need for public engagement, and the potential for zoos to drive meaningful conservation efforts. We also get to hear about Walter’s recent memorable encounter with Frank the feisty king penguin.Heather Browning is a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Southampton, working on philosophical questions in animal welfare, sentience, and ethics. She previously worked as a zookeeper and zoo animal welfare officer in Australia and New Zealand. Walter Veit is a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Reading. His primary research interests lie in the intersection of the biological, social, and mind sciences and empirically informed philosophy and ethics.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-are-zoos-forThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/12/10/podcast-are-zoos-an-anachronism-in-the-21st-century/Timestamps:1:30 - Are you the kind of people who seek out the zoo when you visit a new city?2:33 - How did you come into this field?4:01 - What was the particular appeal to ask and answer this question of the purpose of zoos? 8:02 - How do you deal with the historical dimension of zoos?13:03 - Do you have examples of people having moving moments being in close proximity to wild animals?18:07 - What makes it so difficult to judge whether conservation is as compelling an argument as zoos maintain? 23:54 - How easy is it to establish what constitutes good welfare?28:03 - Can you pick out a zoo encounter that really sticks in your memory?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life expectancy is about more than just health – it’s about the kind of society we live in. In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with David Walsh and Gerry McCartney, co-authors of 'Social Murder?: Austerity and Life Expectancy in the UK', about the monumental impact austerity has had, and continues to have, on life expectancy. They discuss the real-life stories of people affected by austerity policies, the reasons austerity is often sidelined in official health reports and the steps that need to be taken to reverse the horrific effects of these last 14 years.David Walsh is Senior Lecturer in Health Inequalities at the University of Glasgow and previously Programme Manager at the Glasgow Centre for Population Health. Gerry McCartney is Professor of Wellbeing Economy at the University of Glasgow and Honorary Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Scotland.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/social-murderThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/12/03/podcast-austerity-the-silent-killer/Timestamps:1:20 - What is social murder?4:30 - Why were social service cuts made?9:45 - Can you go into more detail on some of the cuts and how the affected poorer people?16:20 - Was it thoughtlessness that led to these cuts?18:37 - Can you talk us through some of the real life stories, such as Moira's story?25:48 - What is the idea of a 'participation society' and how does that link to the rise in food banks?31:40 - What have institutions and governments ignored the research on austerity?38:34 - Should we be measuring our economies differently?41:10 - What steps do we need to take to reverse the effects of austerity?44:16 - Where can we find you online?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Modern economics often credits Adam Smith as its cornerstone, but another key figure, David Ricardo, has shaped our world in ways we rarely examine. Ricardo, the wealthiest stock trader of his day, developed the theory of comparative advantage, a concept that helped justify globalisation but concealed deeper ties to power, empire and slavery.In this episode, Jess Miles speaks to Nat Dyer, author of Ricardo's Dream: How Economists Forgot the Real World and Led Us Astray. They unpack Ricardo’s legacy, from his famous theory involving English cloth and Portuguese wine to its surprising connections to the welfare state. They also explore why abstract economic models, despite their flaws and potential for manipulation, remain so dominant in shaping policies today.Nat Dyer is a Fellow of the Schumacher Institute, the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRSLI). Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/ricardos-dreamThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/11/19/podcast-how-economics-left-the-real-world-behind/Timestamps:01:12 - What's your background, and why did you write the book?03:12 - Was David Ricardo, and what was his dream?08:42 - What is the example of English cloth and Portuguese wine?18:02 - How was his theory able to become so influential?22:16 - What does having this idealised view of economics mean for individuals?29:25 - What's the relationship between Ricardo's legacy and the welfare state?33:29 - How have these abstract theories contributed to climate change?37:22 - Why do we trust, and defend, these models?40:11 - What ideas are coming through to challenge these models?45:08 - How do you feel about David Ricardo?47:30 - What are you working on now?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The budget and resources that have been dedicated to combatting terrorism this century are staggering. But has it worked?In this episode, George Miller talks to Leonie B. Jackson, author of 'What is Counterterrorism for?', about the exceptional measures that states have taken in recent decades – such as detention without trial and targeted killing – in reaction to terrorist threats which they often portray as existential. When the terrorist spectacularly demonstrates that the state has failed to protect its citizens, Leonie explains, there’s an all-too-familiar recourse on the part of the state to put its response on a military footing.Leonie B Jackson is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Northumbria University and an editor of the journal Critical Studies on Terrorism.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-is-counterterrorism-forThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/11/12/podcast-the-problem-with-counterterrorism/Timestamps:01:15 - How did 9/11 and its aftermath play a role in your thinking about terrorism?02:24 - What was it that drew you to the field of counterterrorism in particular?06:48 - What are counterterrorism's animating questions or its concerns?08:03 - When did counterterrorism actually come on the agenda as something which merits very serious scrutiny?11:58 - What are the problems with the power counterterrorism grants?18:01 - How important is it to actually look at what works and what doesn't work within the field of counterterrorism? 21:38 - Do you see a great variety of counterterrorism approaches?24:35 - Do you think there's a public readiness to tolerate if not to embrace the things which have been done in the name of counterterrorism, especially in the last quarter of a century? 28:20 - Is there some way of reaching beyond the academic community and advancing this argument?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the US election approaches, MSNBC notes that the question of “what it means to be a man” is now a defining theme. In this episode, Jess Miles and Karen Lee Ashcraft revisit Karen's concept of 'viral masculinity' — a powerful current of aggrieved manhood fuelling far-right ideologies worldwide. They explore the manosphere, the online ecosystem where this resentment takes root, analysing how figures like JD Vance and Andrew Tate tap into youthful discontent and guide it toward political extremism. Ashcraft argues that, much like a public health crisis, the rapid spread of aggrieved masculinity affects society at every level, shaping policies, identities and even environmental stances. Offering tools for positive change, Karen discusses her concepts of 'lateral empathy' and 'critical feeling' as an alternative approach to defusing the far-right’s emotional momentum.Karen Lee Ashcraft is Professor of Communication at the University of Colorado Boulder. She grew up in the lap of evangelical populism, and her research examines how gender interacts with race, class, sexuality, and more to shape organizational and cultural politics.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/wronged-and-dangerousThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/10/29/podcast-viral-masculinity-and-the-far-right-karen-lee-ashcraft-on-gender-in-the-us-election/Timestamps:01:19 - Why do we need to consider gender when talking about the rise of populism?08:26 - How do you get from the manosphere to voting and politics?15:23 - How do you explain female far right leaders like Giorgia Meloni and Marine Le Pen?22:08 - Why is it important to envision the feeling of aggrieved manhood?24:14 - Why do you see aggrieved manhood as a public health problem?35:49 - What's the problem with feeling and emotion being ignored in many contexts?40:05 - How do individuals like JD Vance represent this viral masculinity?48:25 - What is lateral empathy, and why is it an important tool?56:11 - What are you working on now and what are your plans?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Generosity, rooted in love, courage and equality, shapes the Moomin ethos, underpinning not just the brand, but the business.In this episode, Jess Miles speaks with Paul Savage and Janne Tienari, co-authors of 'Moomin Management: Redefining Generosity', about what business can learn from Tove Jansson's beloved troll creatures.They discuss the Moomin principles for businesses around people management, strategic partnerships, digitisation and more, to create organisations that are kinder, curious and more successful.Paul Savage is Assistant Professor in Entrepreneurship at United Arab Emirates University. Janne Tienari is Professor of Management and Organisation at Hanken School of Economics.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/moomin-managementThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/10/22/podcast-what-can-business-learn-from-the-moomins/Timestamps:01:15 - Who are the Moomins?01:55 - What's your involvement with the Moomin organisation?05:38 - Can you explain what the Moomin ecosystem looks like?09:19 - Did the Moomin characters or the business come first?10:50 - Can you talk about generosity and the Moomin business?16:52 - Does the ethos of generosity make things faster?19:56 - Can you tell us about the emotion, relationality and humour at Moomin?24:44 - Why are parties so important at Moomin?27:32 - What first steps can people take to be a bit more Moomin?30:34 - How would Moomin deal with challenges businesses are currently facing like hybrid working and AI?35:55 - What's the one thing you want people to take away from the book?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A compelling discussion on the challenges faced by Black PhD students in academia. Guests William Ackah and Madina Wane, co-editors of 'The Black PhD Experience', offer a nuanced exploration of the lived experiences of Black scholars.Through personal narratives the book examines systemic barriers, microaggressions, the psychological toll faced by Black students and the strategies they employ to persist.This episode offers valuable insights for educators, researchers and policymakers seeking to understand and address the urgent need for greater equity and inclusion in higher education.William Ackah is Senior Lecturer in Black and Community Geographies at Birkbeck, University of London. Madina Wane is a research scientist working in the biomedical sector and the co-founder of the non-profit organisation, Black In Immuno.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-black-phd-student-experienceThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/10/09/podcast-the-black-phd-experience/Read the Leading Routes report: https://leadingroutes.org/the-broken-pipelineTimestamps:1:06 - What are your stories and how did you come to edit the book?5:59 - Can you talk about the approach you've taken with the book?9:24 - In what ways are widening participation efforts in academia performative?14:26 - How do individual actions align with structural racism to influence the experience?19:00 - Can you speak about the drain of the PhD experience?25:40 - How do black scholars support each other? 35:25 - What fundamental shifts in thinking are needed in higher education to make change possible?40:17 - Can you talk about the 5 areas for specific action?49:22 - Can you talk about the fictional last chapter?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Critical race theory has been problematised and demonised over the years but it has great potential for societal change.In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Rodney D. Coates, author of 'Critical Race Theory and the Search for Truth', about what critical race theory is and why it has found itself in the crosshairs of white nationalists.They discuss the truths we often don't hear about the transatlantic slave trade, the discrepancy that was created between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and why we need new dreamers to affect systemic change.Rodney D. Coates is Professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at Miami University. He is a public sociologist engaged in critical race, social justice, social movements, social policy, and practice.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/critical-race-theory-and-the-search-for-truthThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/09/24/podcast-critical-race-theory-and-the-search-for-truth/Timestamps:1:04 - What is critical race theory, and why has it ended up in the crosshairs of white nationalists? 6:45 - How did European nations explain away the transatlantic slave trade and was there a last effect?13:25 - Were European nations doing slavery differently than we'd seen before?24:04 - What happened to cause the discrepancy between Haiti and the Dominican Republic?30:20 - What racist systems of injustice met people who were part of the Great Migration in the US?34:53 - What's behind the attack on education with regards to critical race theory and what are their goals? 39:43 - Who benefits from stopping education on critical race theory?44:57 - How dangerous is the angry black woman trope in society? 51:08 - How can new dreams, and new dreamers, translate to systemic change?53:26 - Where can we find you online?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite economic development, modern slavery persists all around the world. The issue is not only one of crime but the regulation of the economy, better welfare, and social protections.In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Sylvia Walby and Karen Shire, authors of 'Trafficking Chains: Modern Slavery in Society', about this growing global issue.They discuss what trafficking chains are, how the forces of colonialism, capitalism and gender regimes affect modern slavery, and what changes are needed to correct our course.Sylvia Walby OBE is Professor of Criminology at Royal Holloway, University of London. She is Fellow of the British Academy, Fellow the UK Academy of Arts and Social Sciences, and Co-President of International Sociological Association’s TG11 on Violence and Society.Karen A. Shire is Professor of Comparative Sociology at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. She is a Member of the International Max-Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy, and President of International Sociological Association RC02 Economy and Society.Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trafficking-chainsThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/09/04/podcast-modern-slavery-in-society/Timestamps:01:25 - What is a trafficking chain?03:57 - Can you explain the main forces of inequality and how they affect one another?07:01 - Do we need consistency in law worldwide and what damage has this inconsistency already caused?11:59 - How difficult is it to gain a true picture of trafficking and modern slavery?14:30 - Can financial figures around trafficking help reach people who are anti-immigration?17:39 - What results do we see from the different sexual exploitation policies around the world?23:32 - Will this suffering continue as long as people are individualised and not supported as a group?26:47 - How does modern slavery shape the nature of our society and what changes are needed to correct our course?29:08 - Where can people find you online?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The life of a diplomat may seem far flung and unrelatable but, beyond the cocktails and canapes, there are ideas that can help us understand and work on social issues, such as increasing polarisation, and lessons to help us support ourselves.In this episode, Leigh Turner, author of 'Lessons in Diplomacy’ and former British ambassador who led posts in Ukraine, Turkey and Austria, talks about the lessons we all can learn from diplomacy.He divulges anecdotes from his career, looks at how diplomacy is changing and shares tips on how to overcome fear of the other and stay grounded in crisis situations.Leigh Turner is a former British ambassador who recently retired from the Foreign Office. Multilingual, he held diplomatic posts in Vienna, Moscow and Berlin, served as Ambassador to Ukraine, British Consul-General in Istanbul, Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, and Director of Overseas Territories in the FO. He has also written several political thrillers. Follow him on Twitter: @RLeighTurnerFind out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/lessons-in-diplomacyThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/08/20/podcast-what-diplomacy-means-in-the-real-world/Browse the photo gallery: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPJhpovCMttEde2QvKGvYvMqghvXHs7eHCiznVJlD0obfCi3npjDDwtV6QwZhYApw?key=YUFmekRaQldBd2wtT0xOWEFyWFp3eWVZMnpvQWFRTimestamps:1:14 - How did you become a diplomat and why did you want to write the book?3:42 - Can you tell us some stories from your career?6:21 - What would happen if there wasn't diplomatic immunity?9:47 - Who did you write the book for?13:17 - How does the book teach us about how the world works?20:33 - Is the spreading out of power a good thing?21:51 - What can diplomacy teach us about overcoming 'fear of the other'?27:36 - What is your advice for staying grounded and calm during a crisis?32:46 - What does the future of diplomacy look like?37:28 - What are your plans for the future?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the late 19th century, a French aristocrat came up with the idea of reviving the sporting contests that took place at Olympia in ancient Greece, and so the modern Olympics were born. The games have gone on to become one of the greatest spectacles on earth, but have never been free of controversy.Our guest in this episode of the podcast is Jules Boykoff, a political scientist at Pacific University, Oregon (and avowed sports fan), who has spent years investigating the impact of the Olympics on athletes, communities and host cities. Jules tells us, ‘Olympians to show their stuff on the global stage and for us to all stand in admiration. But I wrote What Are the Olympics For? to be a book for the critical, thinking sports fan who cares about sports or is interested in the Olympics, but really wants to see what's going on behind the scenes and understand the full complexity of the Olympics. So in the book, I try to celebrate athletes while at the same time critiquing those who make it more difficult for them to succeed.’Jules Boykoff is a professor of politics and government at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. His writing on the connection between politics and sport have appeared in the New York Times, the Guardian, the Nation, the Los Angeles Times and New Left Review. He is also a former professional soccer player who represented the US U-23 men’s national team in international competition. Follow him on Twitter: @JulesBoykoffFind out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-are-the-olympics-forThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/08/01/podcast-the-olympics-are-political-through-and-through/Timestamps:1:31 - When did the Olympics first make an impression on you, and what was that like?3:08 - What is the contrast between that 8 or 9-year-old you being excited by the Winter Olympics in 1980 and the you who's heading off to Paris?5:02 - Why does the question of what the Olympics are for matter?6:54 - How important is it to understand the nature of the IOC?12:53 - Has politics always been part of sport and the Olympics?16:18 - Does the Olympics bring genuine, long-lasting benefits for the wider community in the host cities?19:25 - Would we be going too far to say that the Olympics need cities more than cities need the Olympics? 21:14 - Are things happening that make you feel positive about the possibility of change?23:59 - Are there ever moments when you just think pulling it off just cannot be done without downsides?26:44 - Do you see the athletes as being absolutely key to positive changes?29:29 - What is your favorite piece of Olympic history or trivia or lore? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time was when museums were staid, dusty institutions. Those days are long gone. Now the focus is on making visiting a museum a positive, inclusive, meaningful experience for everyone who comes through the door – or visits online. It sounds good in principle, but how to do it in practice?  That question is at the heart of the latest title to join the What Is It For series, 'What are Museums for?' by Jon Sleigh. Jon is an arts and heritage engagement consultant who specialises in connecting audiences with artworks and collections, and in this episode of the podcast, he tells George Miller why he structured the book around conversations with museum professionals about specific exhibits in a wide range of institutions. He also talks about his childhood fascination with a museum tyrannosaurus … Jon Sleigh is a freelance arts and heritage Learning Curator, working nationally connecting audiences with artworks and collections for their advocacy. Follow him on Twitter: @jon_sleighFind out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/what-are-museums-forThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/07/19/podcast-museums-without-visitors-are-just-elaborate-storage/Timestamps:2:18 - What were your first encounters with museums like?9:45 - In what terms and for what reason did you come back to the world of the museum?13:11 - If we were in a museum today how might we encounter you?15:47 - Why is the question of 'who is the museum is for?' so central to addressing the question in your title?19:53 - How did you decide where to go and who to talk to?25:14 - How difficult was it to choose the actual objects?35:29 - What things in your conversations pointed to a bright future for museums?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Rebecca Megson-Smith speaks with Jen Shang, co-author of ‘Meaningful Philanthropy: The Person Behind the Giving’, about the high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals behind philanthropic giving. Having had unparalleled access to some of the world’s most reflective and thoughtful philanthropists, Jen explains how philanthropists experience what they do and the psychological challenges they need to overcome. Jen Shang is Professor of Philanthropic Psychology and Co-Director of the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. Jen Shang is the world’s only philanthropic psychologist.Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/meaningful-philanthropyThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/07/10/podcast-the-psychology-behind-philanthropy/Timestamps:1:24 - How did you get these philanthropists to talk to you?2:32 - What is meaningful philanthropy?4:36 - What is identity ceding and why is it important?10:05 - What is the connection between philanthropy and entrepreneurs?11:57 - Can philanthropy be meaningless?14:01 - Why are philanthropists important to study and understand?21:50 - What impact do you hope your book has?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the UK General Election on Thursday, Academics Stand Against Poverty have audited the manifestos to establish which parties are most likely to address poverty and enable British society to flourish.In this episode, Jess Miles speaks with Lee Gregory and Cat Tully about how the audit has been produced and why it matters. They discuss how the manifestos stack up, what all political parties can learn from the audit and what we should all be considering before voting.Cat Zuzarte Tully leads the School of International Futures (SOIF), a global non-profit transforming futures for current and next generations. SOIF also supports a growing network of Next Generation Foresight Practitioners. Previously, Cat served as Strategy Project Director at the UK Foreign Office and Policy Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit. She is on the board of Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP) global and in the UK, and has been visiting professor in Malaysia, UK and Russia.  Lee Gregory is an Associate Professor in Social Policy at the University of Nottingham, School of Sociology and Social Policy and is Chair of Trustees for ASAP UK. He has been involved in previous manifesto audits as an auditor and oversaw the development of the 2024 Audit and associated blog series.  Find out more about the audit at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/asap-manifesto-audit-2024The full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/07/01/podcast-scoring-the-general-election-promises-on-poverty/Timestamps:0:01:09 - Audit and Academic Stand Against Poverty0:07:31 - Improving well-being and opportunities 0:15:32 - Assessing political Parties' fiscal policies0:22:35 - Petition for Future Generations 0:30:05 - Future plans for ASAP UKIntro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the way we eat now is bad for our health, bad for animal welfare and bad for the planet, is veganism the answer? That’s the key question that Catherine Oliver of Lancaster University pursues in the latest addition to the What is it for? series. In this episode of the podcast, Catherine tells George Miller why she hopes 'What is Veganism For?' helps reframe the often-polarized debate around veganism by showing the role it plays in wider justice movements, talks about how veganism has gone from fringe to mainstream in the past decade, and describes how vegan eating (including banana blossom fritters) can be a joyful experience. Catherine Oliver is a lecturer in the Sociology of Climate Change at Lancaster University. A geographer interested in research beyond the human, she works on historical and contemporary veganism, the ethics and politics of interspecies friendship through human-chicken relationships, and multispecies ethnographic research, most recently with seabirds. Follow her on Twitter: @katiecmoliver.Find out more about the book: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/what-is-veganism-forThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/06/25/podcast-veganism-imagining-a-world-beyond-contemporary-food-systems/Timestamps:01:10 - Why did the seemingly straightforward question, what is veganism for, appeal enough to write a book?04:51 - Broadening the perspective on what led to contemporary veganism07:00 - An invitation to take the idea of change on board in a serious way09:51 - How do you see the aim of the book? 13:05 - Looking outward into the ways in which veganism can be practised and the various other things with which veganism can fruitfully intersect15:00 - Can you say something about your own particular trajectory that led to you writing this book? 17:51 - Is it becoming easier to become vegan? 21:48 - Should the emphasis be on eating a bit less meat and leaving veganism for later?  26:00 - The complications of big corporations 29:32 - Beyond the binary of vegan or not33:30 - In what ways is vegan eating potentially joyous? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danny Dorling and Jess Miles talk about his concept of peak injustice - that injustice and inequality are now so bad in the UK that it might just be that they can't get worse. In advance of 4 July, they talk about Keir Starmer and what the Labour party may offer, why higher taxes aren't a burden, how fear wrecks societies and the data that gives us hope that getting down from the top of the mountain of injustice might be possible.Danny Dorling is Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of St Peter’s College. He is a patron of RoadPeace, Comprehensive Future and Heeley City Farm. He has published over 50 books, including the best-selling Peak Inequality: Britain’s Ticking Timebomb (2018) and Injustice: Why Social Inequality Still Persists (2014). Follow him on Twitter: @dannydorling.Find out more about the book: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/peak-injusticeThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/06/21/podcast-danny-dorling-on-the-uk-election-and-hope-for-change/Timestamps:01:39 - What are the signs things might be getting less unequal?5:33 - How far are the parties going to tackle injustice, and are there any standout policies?9:59 - Why are people afraid of tax rises?13:01 - What are individuals going to have to accept in order to move away from this peak injustice?20:57 - When discussing what the next government have to do to move us away from peak injustice you said they have to want to do it. What did you mean by that?28:40 - What is the important role the left have to play in this election?33:09 - What do you want people, including the new government, to take from your book, 'Peak Injustice'?Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFollow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Convict’s voices have traditionally been ignored and marginalised in scholarship and policy debates, but how can we improve if we don’t learn from these lived experiences? Richard Kemp speaks with Jeffrey Ian Ross, author of ‘Introduction to Convict Criminology’, about why listening to convicts is essential to positively impacting corrections, criminology, criminal justice, and policy making. They discuss the origins of convict criminology as a discipline, the importance, and difficulty, of receiving higher education during incarceration, and the policy decisions that are necessary to improve our criminal justice systems.Jeffrey Ian Ross is Professor in the School of Criminal Justice and Research Fellow with the Center for International and Comparative Law and the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore. Follow him on Twitter: @jeffreyianross.Find out more about the book: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/introduction-to-convict-criminologyThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/06/14/podcast-how-listening-to-convicts-can-transform-justice/ Timestamps:1:41 - What was the literature on prisons before convict criminology, and what does convict criminology do differently?4:08 - What is prison life like and why is it important for us to understand it?7:08 - Was convict criminology 'rocking the boat' when it came to be?9:31 - Education in prisons is important, so how did it end up in the state it's in?15:56 - What's the financial support for inmates doing education?18:56 - How achievable is it for educated inmates to write academically about their experiences?25:30 - What do you say to people who disagree with inmates being educated?28:35 - What are the impacts of race, gender and class, and what are the dangers of activism?32:22 - How does convict criminology want to influence policy? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Follow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lurking, or reading the comments in an online group without writing a comment, is a common practice. But what does it mean to be a lurker?In this podcast host Jess Miles speaks with Gina Sipley, Associate Professor of English at SUNY Nassau Community College and author of Just Here for the Comments. Gina challenges our assumptions about lurking, revealing it to be a complex and valuable form of online engagement.They talk about the psychology of online behaviour, how lurking can be a form of resistance and social activism and the surprising value lurking brings to the world.Gina Sipley is Associate Professor of English at SUNY Nassau Community College. Sipley is a first-generation college graduate. Follow her on Twitter: @GSipley.Find out more about the book: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/just-here-for-the-commentsThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/05/22/podcast-how-lurkers-influence-the-online-world/ Timestamps:1:09 - Where did the title, 'Just Here for the Comments', come from?2:19 - Who did you study, and on what platforms?8:30 - Why does lurking have such a bad rep?11:35 - What grassroot actions are lurkers taking, and how does it challenge traditional ideas of online participation and activism?17:56 - Lurking as a privileged act20:11 - What value does lurking bring?23:36 - Who would you like to read the book, and what impact do you hope it will have? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Follow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

History is a key battleground in our increasingly bitter contemporary culture wars. In the polarized debates over who we are, the cry of ‘You can’t rewrite history’ regularly goes up. And is regularly met with the counterclaim that history needs to be rewritten.Virtually the only thing both sides can agree on is that the past matters. But why, and in what ways? And is there a route out of our current impasse? These are some of the questions tackled in this episode of the podcast, in which George Miller talks to Robert Gildea, emeritus professor of modern history at Oxford University, about his new book, What is History For?Along the way, Robert also reflects on his own career as a historian and what it has taught him about the role of history in our present political reality. Robert Gildea is Professor Emeritus of Modern History at the University of Oxford, and a specialist on French and European history in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2003 he won the Wolfson Prize for History. Follow him on Twitter: @RobertGildea.Find out more about the book: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/what-is-history-forThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/05/16/podcast-why-history-needs-to-be-rewritten/ Timestamps:1:51 - Robert's attempts to convince his father that he was cut out for a career as a historian6:18 - What drew you to history?13:37 - What do historians actually do?18:38 - What is the trajectory that historians normally follow?22:40 - Why is history more complicated than a settled body of knowledge?30:55 - Why history matters, and is still significant in the world today42:17 - Is it possible to have a truly successful reckoning with the past? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Follow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Racial justice is never far from the headlines, but, although the ideals of the legal system such as fairness and equality seem allied to the struggle, campaigners have been all too often let down by the system. In this episode Jess Miles and Bharat Malkani, author of ‘Racial Justice and the Limits of the Law’, talk through cases like those of the Colston Four and Shamima Begum, to explore this paradox and establish where change is possible. Bharat Malkani is Reader in Law at Cardiff University. His research connects human rights with criminal justice, with a particular focus on racism, miscarriages of justice and the death penalty. Follow him on Twitter: @bharatmalkani.Find out more about the book: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/racial-justice-and-the-limits-of-lawThe full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/04/22/podcast-can-the-law-deliver-racial-justice/ Timestamps:01:11 - How does the Colston Four case illustrate the relationship, and the paradox, between racial justice and the law?04:31 - How do six concepts from critical race theory explain the ways the law is limiting when it comes to racial justice?36:43 - What is anti-racist lawyering and is it possible within the system?42:16 - There are structural limits everywhere, not just in law. How does EDI relate to this and what should we think about?46:40 - If we are concluding that the law is too limited to achieve racial justice, what is there to learn and where can change be made? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Follow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, George Miller talks to the author of What are Prisons for?, prison inspector and visiting professor of law at Oxford Hindpal Singh Bhui, about why we lock so many people up. Prison populations have increased hugely in the past fifty years and vast sums of money are spent to keep over 11.5 million people behind bars, so you might think there is overwhelming evidence that prison ‘works’.However, hard evidence for this claim is lacking. ‘If we are to understand more about the purpose of prisons,’ Hindpal Singh Bhui argues, ‘we need to look much further and deeper than official statements and dominant narratives.’Dr Hindpal Singh Bhui OBE is an Inspection Team Leader at HM Inspectorate of Prisons and a Visiting Law Professor at the Centre for Criminology, University of Oxford. The full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/04/10/podcast-should-we-be-aiming-to-improve-prisons-or-abolish-them/ Timestamps:1:50 - What was your earliest impressions of prisons?4:34 - What is your current role?5:51 - What are prisons for day in and day out? 11:43 - Who gets sent to prison and why they get sent to prison?16:15 - Do you think that the abolitionist position helps take the debate forward? 20:12 - How do you begin to have a mature debate about change?24:36 - Are prisons a sort of epiphenomenon on top of deeper, wider social problems?27:28 - Were there any things that you discovered where you came upon something surprising or enlightening?30:10 - What is an example that you think is inspiring or points in a positive direction? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Follow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jessie Abrahams' new book reveals the extent of class inequality in schools in the UK.By telling Jessie's story and that of one of the young people in her research, this episode untangles the role aspiration plays for young people in school and the significance of the different choices that are available to different pupils in different schools.Jessie puts forward ideas for changes that we can make, despite the limitations of what is a fundamentally unequal system.Jessie Abrahams is Lecturer in Education and Social Justice in the School of Education at the University of Bristol. Follow her on Twitter: @AbrahamsJJ. The full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/03/20/podcast-class-inequality-and-denied-ambition-in-our-schools/ Resources:Find out more about the book: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/schooling-inequalityRead Jake's story for free: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/asset/12446/jacks-story-schooling-inequality-abrahams.pdfLearn more about the Paired Peers project: https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/projects/paired-peersExplore the Russel Group’s Informed Choices: https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/Discover the facilitating subjects: https://successatschool.org/advice/subjects/what-are-facilitating-subjects/204 Timestamps:01:58 – Jessie’s story and how she came to write the book05:37 – It’s about resources given to schools, not individual teachers08:24 – Jake’s story22:04 – Aspiration and the surprising difference between working and middle-class children30:39 – Blocking and the GSCE/A Level options available at different schools40:19 – The missed chance to level the playing field during COVID45:12 – Where can change be made? Intro music:Cold by yoitrax | @yoitraxMusic promoted by www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licensecreativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Follow the Transforming Society blog to be told when new articles and podcasts publish: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/follow-the-blog/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.