The Why? Curve
Each week Phil Dobbie and Roger Hearing get to grips with one issue that impacts our lives. It could be economic, social, technological or geopolitical. Whatever the subject, they'll talk to the experts who can give help explain what's really going on. And Phil and Roger back it up with their own research and opinions. It's half an hour to get across one of the key issues of the time, and they promise, it'll never be boring.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 38 minutes
- Episodes
- 171
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Wish You Weren’t Here - The Tourism Trap
We all need a holiday right now, somewhere drier and hotter than Britain. But do our favourite resorts want US? Protesters fire water pistols at visitors in Barcelona, thousands turn out in Tenerife …
00:34:05 |
Thu 11 Jul 2024
Election Day - But Does Your Vote Count?
What's the point in voting? The answer, if you're not in a seat where there's a chance your candidate will come first or second, is not much. The first-past-the-post system means many, or even most o…
00:40:48 |
Thu 04 Jul 2024
The Final Furlong
Just a week to go before a voting day that’s likely to lead to a radical change in the UK’s political landscape. But what have we learnt about the parties and the personalities that will dominate the…
00:38:36 |
Thu 27 Jun 2024
Not Ready For Government - Should We Train Politicians?
With Labour almost certain to take the reins of power on July 5th, almost none of the incoming ministers have ever run anything bigger than a church fete. Right away they will have to take over billi…
00:37:21 |
Thu 20 Jun 2024
Getting Through - Connecting with voters in 2024
TV debates, TikTok stunts, falling off a paddleboard - does any of it influence how people vote? What works in an election campaign? Does ANYONE read a manifesto? How can politicians connect effectiv…
00:38:42 |
Thu 13 Jun 2024
There’s No Money Left - What The New Chancellor Might Find
Promises galore - more doctors’ surgeries, pension triple-lock plus, free social care, a boost in the size of the army - but how much of any of this can we afford, whoever gets into Number 10 on July…
00:39:10 |
Thu 06 Jun 2024
International Justice?
Are leaders ever held to account for starting wars or killing civilians. The International Criminal Court has already issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin, and one is in prospect for Israel’s …
00:29:46 |
Thu 30 May 2024
Ukraine - On The Brink Of Defeat?
The new Russian offensive towards Kharkiv suggests Moscow has seized the initiative in the two-year conflict. With not enough ammunition or soldiers, can Kyiv hold the line? Is the support from the E…
00:34:14 |
Thu 23 May 2024
Social Media For Young People - Moral Menace Or Moral Panic?
With almost everyone under 30 on TikTok or Instagram, and claims of rampant bullying, sexploitation and pornography - is there any way to protect young people from the harmful effects? The social med…
00:41:33 |
Thu 16 May 2024
Small Boats Leading To Small Votes? - UK Politics In 2024
As the smoke clears from the low-turnout council elections, what have we learnt about the prospects for the upcoming general election? Are the Tories heading for oblivion, or (as Rishi believes) a hu…
00:38:04 |
Thu 09 May 2024
Migration - What's Driving The Small Boat Journey?
Why do they do it - people willing to crowd into small boats, put their lives at risk and pay thousands of pounds to cross the Channel? There's no sign threats of deportation to Rwanda will make any …
00:39:07 |
Thu 02 May 2024
Danger Zone - The Middle East Crisis
On the edge of global conflict - the world held its breath as Israel and Iran attacked each other directly for the first time. But have we really stepped back from the brink? There’s no end in sight …
00:38:43 |
Thu 25 Apr 2024
A Growing Problem - Can We Keep Expanding The Economy?
Growth in our economy - that’s what politicians tell us we need. But do we? And what sort of growth? And won’t that just hurt the planet even further? Is expanding GDP the only way to keep us all hap…
00:39:05 |
Thu 18 Apr 2024
Is it 1939 in Europe?
A dictator set to succeed in grabbing another sovereign nation, and challenging, with tanks and missiles, the political landscape of Europe - is this, as the Polish prime minister says, our 1939? Sho…
00:38:14 |
Thu 11 Apr 2024
Why Is Populism So Popular?
Populist parties are gaining ground - Reform in Britain looks likely to be a major challenge for the Tories. And Donald Trump's MAGA movement looks set to propel him into the White House in November.…
00:40:38 |
Thu 04 Apr 2024
Electric Cars In The Slow Lane?
What’s happened to electric cars? Weren’t we all supposed to be driving one by now? Is it the cost, the range or the lack of charging points? Is the government still on track to phase out new petrol …
00:39:51 |
Thu 28 Mar 2024
Prisons In Crisis
Our prisons are at breaking point - too many inmates and not enough cells. How did we get to the point of having more a higher proportion of the population behind bars than any other country in Weste…
00:42:46 |
Thu 21 Mar 2024
Councils of Despair
What happens when the bins aren't collected, the roads are full of holes and the libraries are shut - because the council's gone bankrupt? That's the dilemma facing local government. Europe's largest…
00:39:52 |
Thu 14 Mar 2024
The Gaza Effect
Gaza casts a long shadow. In the midst of an economic crisis, in an election year, with transport, education and the NHS all limping along, what is the dominant subject, splitting parties and decidin…
00:40:40 |
Thu 07 Mar 2024
UK Budget - Fiscal Headroom Or Financial Headache?
It’s a question taxing Jeremy Hunt - cut back on what we all pay to the government, or use his small surplus to prop up schools, hospitals and other neglected public services? Is his budget intended …
00:38:01 |
Thu 29 Feb 2024
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