The Memo with Kaylem Shepherd

In this episode of The Memo - Part 1, Kaylem sits down with George Abaraonye, the former President-elect of the Oxford Union, for a raw and honest conversation about life behind the headlines.Before the controversy, before the scrutiny, there was a story. In this first chapter, George opens up about his early life, the influences that shaped him, and his journey into the world of debating where ambition, intellect, and identity all collided.From lecture halls to the debating chamber, this is the story of a young man on the rise… until one moment changed everything.After private messages surfaced that sparked national backlash, George reflects on what it’s really like to be thrown into the public eye and the emotional toll of having your character questioned in real time.Unfiltered, reflective, and deeply human, this is the start of a story that goes beyond the headlines.It’s not about the drama. It’s about context. It’s about understanding. And it’s about what comes before the fall.Drop your thoughts and questions, join the conversation.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast» Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast» Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: Spotify – The Memo» Listen on Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts – The Memo

In this special episode of The Memo, Kaylem is joined by Sam Kiley, World Affairs Editor of The Independent and one of today’s most experienced foreign correspondents. With more than three decades reporting from war zones around the globe from Iraq and Afghanistan to Israel and Ukraine. Sam brings unparalleled insight into the unfolding conflict between the United States and Iran.We take a dive into Donald Trump’s escalating war on Iran, unpacking the strategic missteps, regional implications, and global repercussions of America’s decision to launch military action against Tehran. From the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and questions about the future of Iranian leadership, to the broader consequences for Middle East stability and international law. Whether you’re trying to make sense of the headline-grabbing developments or seeking a grounded analysis of what comes next. Sam’s frontline experience and expert perspective will help you understand not just what happened - but why it matters.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast» Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast» Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: Spotify – The Memo» Listen on Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts – The Memo

In this episode of The Memo, Kaylem sits down with Julia Willemyns, Co-founder of The Centre for British Progress, to explore how Britain can better attract and retain exceptional talent from around the world.From visa reforms to the Global Talent and High Potential Individual routes, Julia explains why the UK’s exceptional talent system is underused, how it can be made more visible and accessible, and why drawing top scientists, founders, creatives, and technologists is critical for Britain’s economic future.Kaylem and Julia dive into the role of immigration in driving innovation, the challenges of current policies, and the reforms that could help Britain compete globally for the best and brightest minds.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast» Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast» Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: Spotify – The Memo» Listen on Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts – The Memo

In this episode of The Memo, Kaylem sits down with Kane Emerson to break down the YIMBY vs NIMBY debate and what it means for the future of housing in the UK.From planning reform to housing supply, Kane explains the rise of the YIMBY movement, why housing has become one of the UK’s most contentious political battles, and how local opposition continues to shape — and limit — development.Kaylem and Kane dive into the realities of the UK housing crisis, the political and social barriers to building more homes, and whether YIMBY offers a real solution to affordability, access, and opportunity for the next generation.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast» Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast» Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: Spotify – The Memo» Listen on Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts – The Memo

In this episode of The Memo, Kaylem sits down with George Main Sin, a member of the UK Youth Parliament, to talk about why young people’s voices are more important than ever in modern politics.From shaping policy to challenging the status quo, George shares his experiences in the Youth Parliament, the impact young people can have on government decisions, and how engagement today can shape the leaders of tomorrow.Kaylem and George dive into the challenges of youth representation, the barriers young people face in politics, and why getting involved now is crucial for the future of the UK.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast» Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast» Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: Spotify – The Memo» Listen on Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts – The Memo

In this episode of The Memo, Kaylem sits down with Miami Republican Committeewoman Angie Wong, a prominent voice in conservative politics and a strategist who’s seen firsthand how power is shaped behind the scenes.As the Republican Party stands at a critical crossroads, Angie offers her candid take on where the GOP is heading, what Mandanhi’s surprise mayoral win in New York means for a nation already on edge, and whether releasing the Epstein files could shift the global political landscape.From internal party battles to the broader question of America’s political identity, Kaylem and Angie dive into how the GOP can redefine itself, whether unity is still possible, and what the world should expect from the next phase of U.S. politics.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast» Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast» Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: The Memo» Listen on Apple Podcasts: The Memo

In this episode of The Memo, Kaylem sits down with Carl Cashman, the rising star of the Liberal Democrats and the man campaigning to lead Liverpool City Council. Dubbed “Britain’s sexiest politician” by fans online, Cashman talks candidly about life in the public eye, his vision for Liverpool’s future, and what it will take to rebuild trust in local politics.From viral headlines to serious policy, Carl and Kaylem dive into how personality and principle collide in modern politics, the challenges of reviving the Lib Dems’ identity, and why he believes a new generation of leaders can bring real change to British cities.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast» Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast» Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: Spotify – The Memo» Listen on Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts – The Memo

Politics and culture are shifting fast. The Memo with Kaylem Shepherd goes beyond the noise to expose the real forces shaping young lives around the world. From housing crises and climate collapse to identity, justice, and power, this podcast unpacks the urgent issues behind today’s headlines. With sharp interviews, fearless questions, and zero fluff, Kaylem brings fresh voices and unfiltered truth to the table. No spin. No empty takes. Just the raw conversations a generation demanding change needs to hear.This isn’t punditry. This is The Memo.

This week on The Memo, Kaylem Shepherd sits down with Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko for an unfiltered and deeply human conversation on War, Resilience, and the Mental Toll of Survival.We are nearly 1,120 days since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and millions of Ukrainians are still living under constant threat air raids, missile strikes, blackouts, displacement, and unimaginable loss. Oleksiy Goncharenko, speaking from inside Ukraine, brings raw insight into the daily psychological battle Ukrainians are fighting: not just against tanks and drones, but against fear, trauma, and emotional exhaustion.In this powerful interview, Oleksiy opens up about the resilience of ordinary Ukrainians, from frontline soldiers to families sheltering underground. He shares firsthand stories of grief, hope, and resistance, and doesn’t hold back on the mental health crisis unfolding beneath the surface of Ukraine’s war effort.Together, Kaylem and Oleksiy unpack what it really feels like to live through a war you didn’t choose: the survivor’s guilt, the sleepless nights, the anger, the numbness and the determination to keep going.They also dive into what the world often gets wrong about Ukraine, the emotional cost of being a public voice during a national trauma, and why mental resilience has become as critical as military defense. If you want to understand the human side of this war, beyond headlines and geopolitics — this episode is a raw, emotional, and essential listen.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.

This week on The Memo, Kaylem Shepherd sits down with former Labour councillor Daisy Blakemore-Creedon for a powerful and personal conversation on Young Voices in Politics: Speaking Out and Standing Alone.At just 18, Daisy made headlines when she won a seat on Peterborough City Council while still preparing for her A-levels. But just a year later, she has resigned from the Labour group, citing a toxic environment of bullying, marginalisation, and unaddressed antisemitism within her local party. In this candid interview, Daisy shares her journey from hopeful young campaigner to independent councillor, revealing the pressures, betrayals, and difficult choices that shaped her path.Together, Kaylem and Daisy explore the reality of youth in politics: what it takes to stand up for your values, the emotional toll of internal party conflicts, and how identity, race, and religion intersect in today’s political spaces. They also delve into the serious allegations she’s raised — including the delayed handling of a formal complaint and what she describes as deeply hurtful accusations of racism.Is British politics truly open to new, diverse voices — or are young changemakers being silenced from within? This episode unpacks the risks of speaking out, the cost of political courage, and what Daisy’s experience says about the state of local democracy and accountability today.Whether you’re politically active or just questioning who politics really works for, this is a must-listen conversation that puts truth, transparency, and integrity at the centre.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast» Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast» Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: Spotify – The Memo» Listen on Apple Podcasts: Apple Podcasts – The Memo

This week on The Memo, Kaylem Shepherd welcomes journalist and broadcaster Benjamin Butterworth for an in-depth conversation on A Nation Divided: The Polarisation of UK Politics.Is Britain more politically and culturally divided than ever before? Together, they explore how growing polarisation is reshaping the UK’s political landscape from escalating culture wars and shifting party loyalties to the social and emotional impact on everyday life. They unpack what’s driving these divisions and whether they represent a fundamental crisis or simply a new phase in British democracy.The discussion also delves into the heated debates around free speech and the representation of the LGBT+ community in politics. How do we balance protecting rights with open dialogue? Are political and cultural conversations becoming more inclusive or more polarised? Benjamin and Kaylem take a nuanced look at these questions, highlighting the challenges and complexities behind the headlines.This episode offers a thoughtful, no-spin exploration of some of the most urgent issues shaping young people’s political realities today. Whether you’re politically engaged or just curious about what’s really going on, this conversation gives you the insights to understand and navigate a nation divided.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast » Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast » Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gJIk5r5p6IUdx0Q8FUn8p?si=974f8fd480534d60» Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-memo-with-kaylem-shepherd/id1816567705#UKPolitics #Polarisation #TheMemoPodcast #BenjaminButterworth #FreeSpeech #LGBT #CultureWars #Labour #Tories #KeirStarmer #RishiSunak #Tiktok #KaylemShepherd #DonaldTrump #KemiBadenoch

This week on The Memo, Kaylem Shepherd sits down with housing campaigner and journalist Harry Scoffin, Founder of Free Leaseholders for an open and thoughtful conversation about the UK’s leasehold system.Is leasehold a dated legal structure that puts homeowners at a disadvantage, or is it a necessary part of the modern property market? Together, they trace the history, unpack the complexities, and examine the real-world effects leasehold arrangements have on families and communities across the country.From legal challenges to everyday frustrations, this episode sheds light on a system many find confusing and contentious. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or simply interested in how housing policy shapes society, this discussion offers valuable insights and perspectives.What’s your experience with leasehold? A necessary system or a trap? Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast » Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast » Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gJIk5r5p6IUdx0Q8FUn8p?si=974f8fd480534d60» Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-memo-with-kaylem-shepherd/id1816567705Have questions or story ideas? Get in touch: [email protected]#Housing #Leasehold #UKPolitics #HousingMarket #TheMemo #KaylemShepherd

This week on The Memo, host Kaylem Shepherd sits down with Matthew Torbitt , advocate for prison reform and ending homelessness, freelance writer, and broadcaster for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on some of the most urgent issues facing the UK today.Together, they explore Labour’s current political trajectory and what it means for the party’s future and the country at large. They unpack Nigel Farage’s ongoing influence on UK politics and how his style and strategies continue to shape public debate. The conversation then shifts to the complex, often overlooked realities of homelessness in Britain — examining the root causes, policy challenges, and human stories behind the headlines.This episode is a compelling mix of fresh insights, bold perspectives, and critical analysis. Kaylem and Matthew challenge assumptions and invite listeners to think deeply about the social and political forces shaping modern Britain.Whether you’re politically engaged or simply curious about the state of the nation, this episode offers thoughtful discussion that will spark new ideas and meaningful conversations.Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast » Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast » Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gJIk5r5p6IUdx0Q8FUn8p?si=974f8fd480534d60» Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-memo-with-kaylem-shepherd/id1816567705Have questions or story ideas? Get in touch: [email protected]

This week on The Memo, host Kaylem Shepherd is joined by Harrison Allman-Varty, who became the UK’s youngest councillor in 2022, for a dynamic and insightful conversation on The Rise of Gen Z Politicians: Disrupting Power or Playing the Same Game?They explore what it really means for Generation Z to step into politics, challenging old systems and reshaping public discourse. From the push for Vote 16 and the urgent realities of climate change, to the challenges young politicians face — including bullying in Parliament — Harrison and Kaylem unpack the promises and pitfalls of youth political engagement.The discussion also tackles whether the UK needs a dedicated youth parliament to better represent young voices and drive meaningful change.This episode offers a candid, thought-provoking, and bold look at Gen Z’s growing influence in politics. Whether you’re politically curious or already engaged, expect fresh perspectives and spirited debate on the future of power and participation.Subscribe & follow for more:» Subscribe to The Memo: /@thememopodcast » Follow us on TikTok: tiktok.com/@thememopodcast » Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/kaylemshepherd» Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gJIk5r5p6IUdx0Q8FUn8p?si=974f8fd480534d60» Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-memo-with-kaylem-shepherd/id1816567705Have questions or story ideas? Get in touch: [email protected]

In this candid episode of The Memo, host Kaylem Shepherd sits down with guest Albie Amankona (Broadcaster and Financial Analyst) and dive deep into the reality of “Broken Britain.” From the chaotic fallout of Brexit to the glaring gaps in leadership, we’re breaking down exactly how years of Tory mismanagement have left Britain facing a crisis of confidence, opportunity, and unity. Why are young people feeling more shut out than ever? Is there any real hope for change? Albie, known for his raw takes on UK politics, unpacks it all and calls out what needs to happen if we’re ever going to turn the tide. Buckle up for an unfiltered conversation on the future of Britain—this is The Memo you won’t want to miss.