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In this episode of Policy Matters, hosts Matt Dickson and Franz Buscha talk to Martha Bloom, a researcher at the Science Policy Research Institute at the University of Sussex. Martha recently wrote a report examining the economic returns to creative arts degrees, the types of employment these graduates go on to and the motivations of those who undertake higher level creative education. Franz, Matt and Martha begin by discussing the difficulties facing the creative industries in the post-pandemic world, yet how the crisis has also highlighted the importance of these industries for the wellbeing of the nation. Martha then explains the ways in which creative arts graduates contribute to the economy both within the creative industries and more broadly, what her report reveals about their motivations and the benefits that they enjoy across a range of measures. The discussion then goes on to consider a related report co-authored by Franz and Matt, which examines the earnings and employment returns to different postgraduate degrees. This conversation again highlights the importance of skills and vocations that might not be highly paid but provide vital inputs into the economy and public life, and the danger of judging the value of education purely in terms of earnings.

Saving, spending, planning — you've got money questions and we've got answers. Every week host Alison Southwick and personal finance expert Robert Brokamp challenge the conventional wisdom on life's biggest financial issues to reveal what you really need to know to make smart money moves. In this week's show, Motley Fool Analyst Jim Mueller joins the team to answer your questions about calculating portfolio returns, why bother with cash or bonds, whether you should take defensive action because of the election, and much more. And if your kid is obsessed with retirement, find out how they could be on TV!

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: Intel falls on a big drop in its data center business; Netflix reports its weakest subscriber growth in 4 years; Tesla reports its 5th consecutive quarter of profitability; Southwest Airlines rises despite reporting its biggest loss ever; Chipotle falls despite a surge in digital sales; Procter & Gamble hits an all-time high; Boston Beer gets a big boost from hard seltzer and Twisted Tea; Coca-Cola reports better-than-expected profits; Quibi calls it quits; And Jack in the Box serves up chicken-scented face masks. Motley Fool analysts Ron Gross and Jason Moser discuss those stories, weigh in on some recent dividend hikes, and share two stocks on their radar: Ameris Bancorp and CRISPR Therapeutics. Plus, corporate governance expert and film critic Nell Minow shares some surprising insights on the state of the movie business.

Has the V-shaped recovery been put on hold ?Lockdowns across Britain’s major cities, the tier system and more businesses being forced to close their doors or operate far below usual business levels means the direction of travel has shifted dramatically from the summer’s optimistic reopening of the economy. It's likely that the UK will emerge from recession with growth over this quarter, but is it on track to head straight back into another slump? Coronavirus measures, rules that hobble some sectors and a renewed sense of fear will slam the brakes on – and the effect was great enough to make Rishi Sunak upgrade his support for jobs and businesses again this week. On this week’s podcast, Georgie Frost and Simon Lambert look at how bad this winter will be and whether Britain can battle its way out of the slump thanks to the resilience in parts of the economy that has surprised many this year. One element of the economy that is doing much better than expected is the property market and Rishi’s stamp duty holiday has come under fire for driving up house prices, so is it time to make it permanent, ease the need to rush and encourage people to move more often? Also on this week’s podcast, Georgie and Simon look at the latest temperature check of Britain’s retirement prospects and how hard the pandemic has hit them. And finally, buy a new appliance and it comes with a guarantee but do you really need to fill in that little form or go online to register it? Or is that just a swizz to get your personal details?

Adam Cox is joined by the CEO of Tax Aid, Valerie Boggs, to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on self-employed workers and how some are struggling with the new tax self-assessment processes. They talk through how Tax Aid is helping the most vulnerable members of society when it comes to understanding their tax, and the tax assessment process.

Adam Cox is joined by the co-founder of Mindspace, Yotam Alroy, to discuss how returning to the office has affected the mindset of Brits, looking at the fears and anxieties that may have arisen from this. They explore the benefits of working in an office environment, and what the future of office work may look like post-COVID.

Share Radio's technology editor Steve Caplin looks at the prediction that, in 50 years, robot judges will be commonplace. He also marvels at smart windows that darken in sunlight and become solar panels, at LG's rollable TV, at Nokia's forthcoming 4G network on the moon, at Quibi closing after just 7 months, at why dim light might make food taste worse and at a kitchen bin that turns organic waste into compost - for a price.

James Cameron-Wilson looks UK cinema box office, which has declined even further than the previous week's dreadful level. But new films are being released and he was hugely moved by the documentary I Am Greta, which was fortunate to film the Swedish schoolgirl at the start of her protest that was felt around the world. Available at cinemas and on Netflix is the recommended Aaron Sorkin's The Trial of the Chicago Seven, with the main roles all taken by Brits. And James also reviews favourably the British film Lynn + Lucy.

Ian Forrest of The Share Centre looks at the big themes currently influencing markets, such as China's economy, the UK lockdowns, Brexit and the forthcoming American Presidential election. He examines recent results from Reckitt's, Unilever and IAG and looks ahead to what might be expected from BT, Next, Shell & BP and Lloyds and other banks.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University on the Pope's move into the economic field, attacking property rights. He asks whether China's Belt and Road Initiative is anything like as successful as popular Western perception would have it. And he examines why Sweden, despite its peaceful reputation, is increasing military spending by 40%.