Podcasts

Historically, economics as a discipline has been dominated by men – and despite increases in the proportion of female lecturers and professors in recent years, women remain under-represented. In this episode of Policy Matters, hosts Matt Dickson and Franz Buscha talk to Sarah Smith, Professor of Economics at the University of Bristol and head of the Royal Economics Society’s Women’s Committee. They discuss the need to change girls’ perceptions of what economists actually do, and to encourage more young women to take economics at A-level and at University. Sarah explains how within academia there remain barriers to career progression for women and that raising awareness of this amongst the male-dominated hierarchies is an important step in helping to level the playing field. The discussion closes thinking about what economics can learn from other disciplines that have made greater strides towards gender equality.

Two years ago, nurses and doctors warned that the annual NHS winter crisis was now ​‘the new normal’. In the cold weather, hospitals were overwhelmed by patients that they did not have the space to treat. But we’ve had a milder winter this year. Is the same true for the health service? The prime minister announced a new 10 year plan for the NHS in England, promising ​‘world class’ care. But critics say nothing much has changed – and that the NHS will continue to lurch from crisis to crisis. This week, we’re taking the NHS’ temperature with nurse and campaigner Danielle Tiplady, lead organiser of Just Treatment Diarmaid McDonald, and NEF senior researcher Daniel Button.

Oxfam reported that in the 10 years since the financial crisis, the number of billionaires around the world has nearly doubled. It’s fair to say, the economy isn’t working for everyone. Every week on this podcast we look at a different economic problem and how to solve it, but what if economics itself – the way we teach it, talk about it and think about it – is the real problem? Ayeisha Thomas-Smith is joined by three people working to democratise economics and change how it’s taught across the country: co-director of Rethinking Economics Maeve Cohen, Chief Exec of Economy Joe Earle, and Polly Trenow from the Women’s Budget Group.

Graham Spooner of The Share Centre looks at recent news from Associated British Foods (owners of Primark), Standard Chartered Bank, ITV, International Consolidated Airlines and the link-up between Marks & Spencer and Ocado. He looks ahead to what we might expect from Paddy Power Betfair, Melrose and Legal & General.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at the challenge to Jeremy Corbyn as Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson establishes a group of moderate MPs within the party. What might happen to the Labour Party? He also looks to Latin America and the effect the rise of Evangelicalism is having. And he looks at why Zimbabwe is cosying up to Russia.

James Cameron-Wilson dissects the UK box office figures from half-term week, with the top new film, Liam Neeson in Cold Pursuit, only coming in at #6. In at #8 is On The Basis of Sex while Oscar-nominated foreign movie Capernaum, one of James’s favourite films of the past year, can only manage a debut at #15. James reviews for home release crowd-pleaser Bohemian Rhapsody, which did so well at the recent Oscars, the results of which James analyses. Next week, we find out what effect, if any, the Oscars have had on the box office.

Richard Foster-Fletcher of Toastmasters International talks to Simon Rose about the best ways of grabbing attention when giving a speech. He offers advice on how to open a speech and imparts tips on keeping the audience with you in an era when people are more easily distracted than ever. As he explains, the preparation you make before the speech can be just as important as what you say when you're on your feet delivering it.

Steve Caplin is impressed that Elon Musk was so horrified by a fake text generator that he refused to allow it to be released. He also examines what happened to the company that enabled oldies to be injected with youngsters' blood. He also majors on a company converting old Minis to run on electricity, a drone-netting grenade and a beautiful-looking system for growing fruit and vegetables indoors.

Welcome to the new This is Moneyball podcast, where money and sports collide. Co-hosts Lee Boyce, assistant editor at This is Money and broadcaster Georgie Frost in the debut episode discuss the important of sport to the economy. We cover figures showing the true value of sport to the UK economy and ask: should sports stars be entitled to a tax break, as per comments from rugby ace James Haskell? Elsewhere, how much as the equine flu outbreak that rocked horse racing cost the economy? With Aaron Ramsey heading to Juventus on a bumper contract, we talk about the future of the Bosman ruling and if he really will be earning £400,000 per week. MP Vicky Foxcroft is calling for equal pay for men and women's FA Cup – we talk through whether that would be a fair move. Can you tackle the first of our tricky sports maths questions involving three legends - Eric Cantona, Andy Murray and Ronnie O'Sullivan? And finally: if you received a giant windfall, would you buy a sports club?

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: Kraft Heinz plummets on weak earnings and an SEC subpoena; Stamps.com loses an Uncle Sam-sized partner; Wayfair delivers; And Zillow renovates. Analysts Andy Cross, Ron Gross, and Jason Moser discuss those stories and dig into the latest from Boston Beer, Domino’s Pizza, Texas Roadhouse, and Walmart. Plus, Motley Fool CFP and retirement expert Robert Brokamp talks tax tips and retirement planning.