Share Sounds

It's easy to understand how the big picture people hold is often quite the opposite to this episode title: every day the media seems full of bad news and awful stories. While it's important to remember that bad news sells, this often leaves a deep scar on listeners' perceptions, and that can grow into a mindset of retreat. In contrast, if we can develop a belief system that people are fundamentally good (that's not to say there are no malice or deceit, but more of a general outlook on life), it's possible to look outwards in a positive and empowering way.

James Cameron-Wilson reports UK box office up a remarkable 100%, thanks to the new #1 Inside Out 2, which took £11.3m. That's the biggest opening of the year and the 3rd biggest UK opening for an animated film. Pixar have done it again with an enjoyable adventure which is both exciting and funny. On Netflix, Glen Powell has a star-making turn in Richard Linklater's Hit Man, a romcom supposedly based on a true story. With a terrific script and great chemistry, it's an entertaining watch. And on Amazon Prime, Bad Behaviour sees Jane Campion's daughter Alice Englert do virtually everything in a bracingly original, disturbing, funny and touching drama.

Steve Caplin discusses the importance of cheese, red wine and chocolate for living longer. Artificial leather just got better by using pineapples. The $400,000 Genesis III helmet can make the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning jet invisible – while you're piloting it. There's a deflatable bike helmet which is safer than the hard type. And instead of autonomous vehicles, the University of Tokyo has developed a robot taxi driver which fits into any car. All this plus the downside of McDonalds using AI in their drive-throughs.

Russ Mould of A J Bell wasn't surprised that the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee opted for no change in interest rates, though he was surprised that the vote was yet again 7-2. Services inflation is still too high, as is wage growth, for the Bank to be comfortable easing off. He notes that the UK stock market is now worth more than the French, one positive sign. He will be interested to see what the new government does when it comes to planned reforms and the UK market. Have we become too risk-averse?

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University focuses on the "political atmospherics" or the "vibes" of the main parties. He considers this to be the only General Election in his lifetime that is more like a by-election, where most people are voting negatively. The Tories have essentially become the "untrusted socialists", as irrelevant as old Labour in the 70s and 80s. Labour is shapeshifting in a Tory Party way and could become the natural party of government. The LibDems are the closest to moderate old Labour while Reform UK are now the Thatcherites. As for the electorate: they are smart and don't change much.

Tools have accompanied us since the dawn of humanity, but few are as exciting and fearsome as Artificial Intelligence. That's why the Pope chose to talk to G7 leaders last Friday about this swiftly developing technology with his plea that politicians need to ensure that it benefits every human being. Artificial Intelligence is just one of the long-term concerns included in our pre-General Election survey, asking your opinion on issues not included in party manifestos: these include linking inheritance levies directly to inter-generational rebalancing, transforming the UK's welfare system, and reforming the 'second chamber' to enable proper long-term review of legislation. Please take part! Visit https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FU34N0/ Background music: 'The New Order' by Aaron Kenny

It’s manifesto week and Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems have laid out their vision for the country – along with the Green Party, Reform and others. The economy, tax and people’s finances are a cornerstone of the all the manifestos, but what are the main parties proposing and what could it mean for you? Georgie Frost, Angharad Carrick and Simon Lambert take a deep dive into the manifestos to see what’s there. If the country votes for a change and we do get the widely predicted Labour government, what will it mean for your money – and does talking about growth mean there’s an actual plan to deliver it? After 14 years in charge, were the Tories bold enough in their manifesto to derail Labour’s run at power? And do the Lib Dems have the policies that could shake things up, including a plan to substantially overhaul capital gains tax? Plus, what did Reform say? All this and more go under the microscope, along with a look at what has really happened to our taxes in a decade-and-a-half under the Conservatives. And finally, away from the election, how much did the most desirable new King Charles £5 note go for at a special auction this week?

Is the software giant still a growth company? Tim Beyers and Ricky Mulvey break down results from Oracle and why Microsoft is focusing on start-ups for the next leg of its AI strategy. Plus, 18 minutes in, Mary Long and Motley Fool analyst Anthony Schiavone look at Hershey’s near-term headwinds and long-term opportunity for investors. Companies discussed: ORCL, MSFT, DOCN, HSY. Article discussed: https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/microsoft-nadella-openai-inflection-9727e77a?mod=hp_lead_pos7. Host - Ricky Mulvey; Guests - Tim Beyers, Mary Long, Anthony Schiavone.

It’s not artificial intelligence. It’s Apple Intelligence. Nick Sciple and Ricky Mulvey discuss the updates from Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, and what they mean for the tech giant’s customers and investors. Plus, they look at how Cracker Barrel is trying to reinvent itself. Then, 18 minutes in, Alison Southwick and Robert Brokamp check in on the state of retirement. Got a question for Alison and Bro? Email it to [email protected]. Companies discussed: AAPL, MSFT, CBRL. Host - Ricky Mulvey; Guests - Nick Sciple, Alison Southwick, Robert Brokamp

The electrical dog collar is a rather cruel way of imposing a comfort zone by creating an aversion to crossing the perimeter. Adam Cox uses this analogy to describe what we often do to ourselves, drawing inwards to avoid the anxiety which can arise as we go beyond our comfort zone: it can lead to being somewhat of a recluse. Adam proposes rising to this challenge by building resilience for going beyond that perimeter, by developing new ideas and strategies better aligned with our vision for the future.