Persephonica

🎙️ Introducing MISS ME? Join Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver for their transatlantic catch-ups, discussing the highs and lows of their lives and the biggest cultural moments of the week. A Persephonica production for @BBCSounds 🎧 linktr.ee/missmepod

As ever, if you want a real insider's take on British politics, you should be subscribing to Political Currency. @edballs worked with John Healey in the Treasury on regional devolution in the early 00s. Hear Ed's take on our new Chancellor in our latest episode...

“John Healey is not a Wes Streeting” In this week’s episode, Ed Balls reflects on his time working with John Healey in the Treasury and how these skills will shape him as Chancellor. He argues his communication style and views on the fiscal rules have earned him the top job. 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/pc  🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/PC_TV

“He gets next to no protection” After the killing of Ann Widdecombe last week, the debate over politicians’ security is heating up. In this week’s episode, George Osborne argues Nigel Farage profile means he is justified in wanting more police protection. 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/pc  🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/PCTV

Great to hear BBC Director-General Matt Brittin reference the Crossed Wires festival in his first appearance before Parliament. There are lots of exciting things happening in Sheffield’s growing creative cluster, and it’s encouraging to see the BBC recognising that.

“I hope Yvette’s in the mix.” Who will be Andy Burnham's chancellor? Ed explains why Ed Miliband is a top choice while George puts a word in for Yvette Cooper. 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/pc 🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/PC_TV

It was a privilege to give evidence to the @DCMS Select Committee as part of its BBC Royal Charter Review. As well as talking about our work with the BBC on YouTube-first formats, I made the case for the @BBC to help grow the burgeoning podcasting cluster emerging in Sheffield.

Dino Sofos, Chief Executive of podcasting production company @persephonica, tells MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee how the BBC is trying to reach younger audiences through putting its podcasts on YouTube 👇

“You are not serious people.” Tony Blair’s latest assessment of British politics reminded George Osborne of TV’s most famous characters and his struggle to relinquish power to his children. 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/pc 🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/PC_TV

“You just feel their frustration that they see it not going well.” George and Ed wonder what pushes former PM’s to speak out about the modern politics. For Tony Blair, his old rivalry with Gordon Brown’s may have played a part. 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/pc 🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/PC_TV

🎙️ NEW episode of Political Currency… 🤕 Does Makerfield expose the weakness of Reform? ⏮️ Is Tony Blair stuck in the past? ✚ Can Burnham solve the social care dilemma? 🎧 LISTEN NOW: tr.ee/pc

“It looks utterly powerless which is the worst thing for Downing Street to be.” Ed and George consider whether Keir Starmer could secure a better place in history if he took better control of the agenda. 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/pc 🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/PC_TV

🎙️ NEW episode of EMQs… 🗣️ Should heckling be banned in Parliament? ❓ Would we go back on Question Time? 🏛️ Is the Bank of England instilling fear in governments? 🎧 LISTEN NOW: tr.ee/EMQs 📨 SEND all your burning questions to our socials or questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

“This leadership election is underway, unchecked.” All the contenders in the unofficial leadership contest are outside the cabinet. Ed and George believe this gives the candidates a unprecedented freedom with no burden of collective responsibility. 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/pc 🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/PC_TV

“This is a really unprecedented situation.” George and Ed discuss Andy Burnham’s leadership challenge to Keir Starmer, who is ploughing on despite everything. 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/pc 🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/PC_TV

“I think there’s a constant Labour drumbeat of the past.” In his Makerfield by-election campaign Andy Burnham says Britain has been on the wrong path for 40 years. George and Ed discuss if his campaign has been too retrospective and the importance of owning your party’s political history. 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/pc 🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/PC_TV

Great to join @matt on the @themediaclubpod sofa.

🚨NEW MEDIA CLUB OUT NOW🚨 Who will be the next host of Strictly Come Dancing? Guests @heatherfallonn & @dinosofos discuss the rumours on the Media Club with @matt. Listen and watch now: 📺 youtu.be/Yb6yOB2lA4o 🔈 podfollow.com/themediaclub #Podcast

“Andy has to make a huge decision in his life, risking everything in a by-election.” The name echoing across Westminster is Andy Burnham. Can he find a seat to stand in, and will Labour’s NEC let him? Is there such a thing as a safe seat for Labour now, even for the King of the North? 🎧 LISTEN: tr.ee/hottake 🖥️WATCH: tr.ee/pc-live

🔥 Our newest hot take is now on all your podcast feeds… 🤔 Why bring back Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman? 🥊 Did Keir Starmer’s fightback speech work? ⏳ Is Andy Burnham’s return imminent? 🎧 LISTEN NOW: tr.ee/hottake

We're going live on YouTube at 1.30 to recap the fallout from the local elections and discuss Starmer's future. Has his speech today saved him? Or is a leadership challenge inevitable? Tune in to find out. 🖥️ WATCH on YouTube: tr.ee/pc-live