Podcasts presented by Simon Rose

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University considers the possible future course for the Brexit process in the wake of the Government's unprecedentedly large defeat in the House of Commons. He also looks at the current economic and political state of the EU itself, finding one ray amidst the gloom in the preparations made for Brexit by the authorities in Cornwall. He also marks the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table.

James Cameron-Wilson surveys the UK box office, dominated by period pieces. Stan & Ollie takes the #1 spot, followed by The Favourite & Mary Poppins Returns. Keira Knightley in Colette comes in at #7 with The Upside, remake of French hit Untouchable, at #8. Jason Reitman's movie on Gary Hart, The Front Runner, only manages #18. For home release, James reviews The Escape with Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper.

Want to keep up with the latest earnings updates from the States? Well join Chris Hill and the Motley Fool Radio Show team here on Share Radio, direct from Washington DC, for news, views and analysis of the US stocks that matter. In this week's show: Costco and Target report big holiday numbers; Macy’s tumbles on disappointing December sales; Bed, Bath, and Beyond goes above and beyond; Activision Blizzard loses control over Destiny; And Taco Bell goes on a health kick. Analysts Aaron Bush, Andy Cross, and Ron Gross discuss those stories and weigh in on Ford Motor, Constellation Brands, and Interactive Brokers. Plus, analyst Rex Moore joins us from Las Vegas to talk self-driving cars and other cutting-edge technologies at CES.

Political commentator Mike Indian, author of the Groucho Tendency blog, talks to Simon Rose about the latest developments in the Brexit saga. After further defeats in the Commons, Theresa May will soon find out how she fares in the Meaningful Vote on her deal. What will happen if she loses the vote, though, as she's widely expected to do. What are the viable alternatives? Has John Bercow lost the confidence of too many MPs? Are Parliament's actoins undermining democracy? How likely is another election? Or another referendum?

Steve Caplin casts a frequently-disbelieving eye over some of the exhibits at the Consumer Electronics Show. Among exhibits were a roll-up TV, a treadmill that generates electricity as you run, a cat feeder with facial recognition, a dog dryer, Lamborghini's massage chair, a bluetooth nappy sensor and a car with legs that can climb a five-foot wall! There's also an idea for recycling Christmas trees, a look at Netflix's interactive drama and a recommended compact Bluetooth speaker.

Ian Forrest of The Share Centre examines the current state of the UK market, weighed down by Brexit uncertainty and other factors. He looks at a raft of updates on Christmas trading, including the likes of Morrison's, Sainsbury's and Tesco, wondering what conclusions we can draw about the retail sector. He also discusses the recent statement from Taylor Wimpey and looks ahead to expected news from Whitbread (minus Costa), Associated British Foods and Boohoo.

James Cameron-Wilson examines the UK box office, where much-garlanded The Favourite is snapping at the heels of Mary Poppins Returns. He also discusses the Robert Zemeckis Welcome to Marwen as well as RBG, the documentary about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. His DVD of the week is the Icelandic drama Under The Tree and James also pores over the Golden Globes and the BAFTA nominations.

Want to keep up with the latest earnings updates from the States? Well join Chris Hill and the Motley Fool Radio Show team here on Share Radio, direct from Washington DC, for news, views and analysis of the US stocks that matter. In this week's show: Which stocks have true potential for upside this year? What industries and trends should investors be watching? Which CEOs are on the hot seat? And which stocks should investors avoid? Aaron Bush, Matt Argersinger, Jason Moser, and Ron Gross discuss 20 potential investing opportunities in the year ahead and make some reckless predictions. Plus, we discuss Apple’s latest stumble and upcoming IPOs we’re excited to see.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University ponders what the biggest security threats around the world might be in 2019. He also considers whether what one commentator calls "The Mad World of Theresa May" might have lured the EU into a trap that makes a no-deal Brexit more likely and how the Police in the UK are losing the war against guns.

Graham Spooner of The Share Centre looks at Next, the first of the retailers to reveal how Christmas trading went. As he discusses, soon to come will be Morrisons, Marks & Spencer and Tesco, all still struggling to cope with Aldi and Lidl and all facing ongoing restructuring. There's also a trading update coming from Taylor Wimpey which will give an indication of what's happening in the housing sector.