Professor Richard Wyn Jones, head of the Wales Governance Centre at Cardiff University, talks devolution, "Little Britain" and cultural warfare. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesAv Reach Podcasts

Shereen Williams, CEO of the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales, speaks on adapting to Welsh life from Singapore, and her community work with victims of coercive control. Discussing religious conservatism, she tells Martin that the first time she wasn't allowed in a mosque because of her gender was here in Wales, and calls for the na…

General secretary of TUC Wales, Shavanah Taj, talks about systemic structural discrimination and her own personal experiences. She tells Martin why the trade union movement must be better organised, louder and more supportive of one another, if they are to hold the UK Government to account and meet the challenges of Brexit. For information regardin…

The first female Bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann, talks women in the church and the foundation of her faith. She recalls her frustration and hurt as she waited five years to be ordained and what is was like to come out after hiding her sexuality through fear. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your…

How do you get more Welsh speakers watching S4C? Chief executive Owen Evans speaks on viewing figures, the move to Carmarthen, improving quality of programmes and its relationship with the BBC. He also discusses putting power back into our classrooms, recalling his time as director of the Welsh Government's education department. For information reg…

Poet Menna Elfyn began writing at the age of 15, struck by the injustice of the Vietnam war and Treweryn Valley. She talks about her journey as a woman writing in Welsh to acceptance as a serious poet. And she recalls the stigma of writing about miscarriage in the 1970s and how activism saw her in prison twice. For information regarding your data p…

Deputy Economy and Transport Minister Lee Waters on how a major part of the Welsh Government’s role is to nourish communities that have been abandoned by economic forces. The Llanelli AM also recalls his time working as special adviser to Welsh Secretary Ron Davies, and explains why he argued against the M4 relief road. For information regarding yo…

Dr Sophie Quinney explains how she helped to establish a gender identity service in Wales after a huge unmet need. She is joined by patient Ben Marriott, who talks about the mental health suffering of young trans people. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic…

Baroness Anita Gale of Blaenrhondda speaks on women overcoming prejudice in politics. She discusses all-women shortlists and twinning, the resistance and why she's optimistic for the future of the Labour party. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

The former Labour AM for Rhondda is now an academic at Cardiff University. He shares his views on what's gone wrong for the Labour party, explains why he left and who he'd back for leader. He also discusses local government reform in Wales and Brexit. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choi…

Sian Lewis is chief executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, the largest Welsh language employer in the third sector. She explains what the youth movement is doing for Wales, its international strategy and how Welsh is overcoming reluctance and resistance of the past. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about you…

Russell Goodway, cabinet member for investment and development at Cardiff Council, tells Martin Shipton how he entered politics "by mistake". He talks of his vision for Cardiff, on devolution, the abandonment of the Valleys and the Labour Party recovery. And he addresses the public concerns about Cardiff Bus Station. For information regarding your …

Paul Murphy, who helped deliver the Good Friday peace agreement in Northern Ireland, recalls the occasion when he looked round a negotiating room and realised he was the only person present who wasn’t a murderer. As he publishes his memoir Peacemaker, the former MP for Torfaen speaks about the pressures of his role in bringing Loyalists and Republi…

The Labour Assembly Member for Pontypridd speaks on improving the conditions of Welsh workers, constitutional dysfunction and why he sees the future of the UK as a voluntary union of nations if it's to survive. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Fay Jones is standing in the marginal seat of Brecon & Radnorshire, which she hopes to regain from Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds to become Wales's first female Conservative MP. She talks about the Ross England affair and Alun Cairns, working for Prince Charles and the prospects of Welsh farmers post-Brexit. For information regarding your…

From a teenage thief to a born-again Christian pastor who spoke in tongues, Richard Taylor is one of the most unusual General Election candidates in Wales. Now a disciple of Nigel Farage, he tells Martin Shipton why he's "not your standard politician" as he mounts a challenge to Labour in Blaenau Gwent. For information regarding your data privacy, …

Investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr tells Martin Shipton how she became tied up in the murky world of information warfare as she uncovered the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal - and the toll it has taken on her own life. They also talk of her roots in Wales and the state of political accountability. For information regarding your data pr…

Labour AM Alun Davies has a panic button by his bed because of the toxic political environment created by Brexit. He tells Martin Shipton why progressive forces need to win a "culture war” against those who have turned Britain into a society not at peace with itself. He also explains why he has no faith in Jeremy Corbyn to win a General Election. F…

Is it ever ok to smack your child? Vivienne Laing, head of policy and public affairs at NSPCC Cymru, discusses the plans to change the law in Wales to end the legal defence of reasonable punishment when parents discipline children. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone…

Labour MEP for Wales Jackie Jones talks about her belief in the European Union, why it's had low esteem in the eyes of many Brits and faced four decades of negative portrayal. She also discusses the apparently contradictory policy of the Labour party on Brexit. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about yo…

Dawn Bowden, Labour AM for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, talks of her roots in trade unionism, how our NHS is under constant attack and the divided politics of Brexit. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesAv Reach Podcasts

Mark Reckless is leader of the Brexit Party group in the National Assembly. The AM reveals how as Tory MP he worked with Labour to inflict EU-related defeats on David Cameron. H tells Martin how he became a key figure in the campaign to press for a referendum and how he got the backing of MPs to cut the EU budget. For information regarding your dat…

Mark Cotter doesn't conform to the stereotype of a leading barrister. He doesn’t come from a well-heeled background, nor did he attend a fee-paying boarding school. He has been involved in many high profile cases, and earlier this year successfully defended Oritse Williams, of the boyband JLS, on a rape charge. He talks about the significance of mo…

Lord Mike German was the first leader of the Lib Dems in the National Assembly, and is now is the party's UK treasurer. He makes revelations about the early years of the Assembly, speaks on the lessons of coalitions, and recalls the expenses scandal that saw him temporarily step down from his role as deputy First Minister. For information regarding…

Recorded from a bustling Westminster, Plaid Cymru's Jonathan Edwards talks the impact of Brexit on Welsh independence and why he feels devolution is under attack. The MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr also tells Martin of a "yearning for change" in Wales and why he believes his party have the strongest candidate for First Minister. For information…

Paul Davies tells of his journey from Ceredigion bank manager to leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly. He tells Martin why he's determined to kick Labour out of power, why we should respect the public's wishes to leave the EU, and of his trust in Boris Johnson to lead the country. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acas…

Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, Glyn Davies, discusses the role of the Wales Office, the state of his party and reveals why he won't stand again as MP. The farmer's son recalls how his father was disappointed when he passed all his O Levels and how the Young Farmers movement changed his life. He also speaks about learning to speak Welsh in his…

Step inside the world of the House of Lords with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson in Westminster. The Paralympian speaks of her Cardiff childhood and the big family sacrifices that have enabled her transition from sport to politics. She tells Martin why she's fighting for better accessibility on public transport along with welfare reform, and what bein…

MP Liz Saville Roberts tells her political story from learning Welsh at Aberystwyth University to becoming the Plaid Cymru's group leader in Parliament. She talks about the frustrations of "soap opera" Westminster, the prospects of Welsh independence and reveals why she would love to become an AM. For information regarding your data privacy, visit …

Hefin David, the Labour AM for Caerphilly, speaks on the power distance between people and politics. He also discusses the Caerphilly council officers' pay scandal, STV and why we need more AMs in Wales. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Recorded live from the Urdd, Welsh language campaigner Toni Schiavone, of Cymdeithas Yr Iaith, speaks on political identity and the evolution of the movement. He tells Martin why he believes every child leaving school in Wales should be able to speak Welsh - and why the resistance to extending Welsh language rights in the workplace is greater among…

Delyth Jewell became Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East at the start of 2019, after the tragic death of Steffan Lewis. She tells Martin about the guilt she felt taking on the job, her work on stalking at Westminster and why she believes Wales will become independent far more quickly than many will have dared to dream of. For information regarding …

One of Wales' leading writers discusses his new novel Throw Me to the Wolves, which is loosely based on the treatment of his former teacher Christopher Jefferies, an initial suspect in the murder of Joanna Yeates. Professor Patrick McGuinness, who lives in Caernarfon, speaks of his upbringing in English boarding schools, and of living in Bucharest …

CEO of Wales Co-operative Centre, Derek Walker, sets out why social enterprises and cooperative business models can be at the centre of a more inclusive economy. He also discusses the state of the trade union movement, dramatic changes in the workplace and the impact of Brexit. Derek, who was one of Stonewall's first employees in Wales, also talks …

Meri Huws has reached the end of her seven-year tenure as Welsh Language Commissioner. She looks back at what she's achieved in the role and sets out what must happen next to ensure people in Wales can live their lives through Welsh to the extent that they wish. She also recalls the activism and civil disobedience of her youth as a member of Cymdei…

David Melding takes Martin through his route to becoming a politician, which included backing the No campaign opposing the creation of the institution he now sits on. The AM for South Wales Central explains why he doesn't support calls for second Brexit referendum, despite being a passionate Remainer. He also shares his thoughts on how the 2021 Ass…

Daran Hill is the managing director of public affairs company Postif Politics. He discusses lobbying in Wales - does it have a bad name? And should it be regulated more closely? He also speaks on navigating political friendships and the significance of Carl Sargeant's death on Welsh politics. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast…

Jane Dodds, who became leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in 2017, describes her political journey. She tells Martin why she believes the new Independent Group in Westminster could signal the end of two-party politics, about the challenges of being leader without holding elected office and her optimism for the 2021 Assembly elections. For inform…

Lord Peter Hain talks devolution, Brexit and racism. The former MP for Neath also warns of the erosion of his party's traditional base, amid the "most disillusioning period in British politics" he's experienced. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

The Labour AM for Cardiff Central tells of her journey to the Assembly via Latin America, a career in journalism and heading up a Sure Start programme for disadvantaged parents. She speaks on inequality, the Labour party resignations and her controversies; Her criticism of the M4 Relief Road, and her suspension for comments made about the Jewish co…

When Dr Sibani Roy first moved to North Wales, she didn't feel welcome. Her experiences led her to found the North Wales Association for Multicultural Integration, which is working to build up a cohesive community. Dr Roy, a medical ethicist and former mayor of Colywn Bay tells Martin about her mission for integration, rather than assimilation. For…

Former Cardiff Central MP Jon Owen Jones speaks about the lack of scrutiny in devolved Wales. He tells Martin of life in pre-devolution politics and his time spent as a junior minister at the Welsh Office. He also recalls the Alun Michael and Rhodri Morgan row, and the reasons behind the demise of the Forestry Commission, which he chaired until 201…

A year has passed since Jack Sargeant became one of Wales's youngest politicians at the age of 23, in a by-election triggered by the death of his father Carl. The Welsh Labour AM for Alyn and Deeside tells Martin how he's carrying on the legacy of his father while determined to make his own mark on the job. He also talks kinder politics, the future…

Mike Joseph's German Jewish parents escaped Europe on the day war broke out in 1939. The journalist turned genocide historian spent time tracing his relatives but was only able to identify the SS leader who coordinated their killings. He tells Martin about the fine line between correcting historic injustice while not perpetuating contemporary injus…

The devolution expert and former Wales international tells Martin about her career journey, juggling academia with football. The professor of public policy at Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre talks about the biggest weaknesses at the Welsh Assembly - a lack of pluralism and bravery. For information regarding your data privacy, visit aca…

Journalist and communications consultant Guto Harri lifts the lid on working for Boris Johnson and Rupert Murdoch. He tells Martin why he's been called a traitor, and about his return to Wales for new S4C politics series Y Byd yn ei Le, as they discuss Brexit and the so-called meaningful vote. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acas…

Andrew Morgan explains his journey from bricklayer to leader of one of Wales' biggest councils, Rhondda Cynon Taf. He talks about coping with austerity, cynicism in politics and the impact of a no-deal Brexit. The chair of the Cardiff Capital Region also explains how the body hopes to create thousands of new jobs in South Wales. For information reg…

Ann Clwyd has represented the Cynon Valley as MP since 1984, and was previously MEP for Mid and West Wales.. The Labour politician tells how her early career as a Guardian journalist forged her strong links with South Wales' coal miners, and recalls the day she went underground to save Tower Colliery. She also tells Martin why she believes Tony Bla…

Author Daryl Leeworthy talks about the rise and fall of social democracy in South Wales. He tells Martin that if we're to improve the lives of people in South Wales, we need to recapture the culture of our radical past. His book Labour Country is published by Parthian Books. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn…

What happens if you are convicted for a crime you didn't commit? Solicitor Glyn Maddocks has spent much of his career representing victims of miscarriages of justice. He tells Martin why the British legal system isn't working and why it must change. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choice…