Best Plan Sponsor Council of America Podcasts (2025)

1
Starmer moves right on immigration 31:46

15h ago31:46

31:46

This week saw potentially the boldest moment of Keir Starmer’s leadership, as the Government announced its white paper - Restoring Control over the Immigration System. According to the Prime Minister, it marks a a significant overhaul of UK immigration policy. The headlines, however, have been less kind - focussing on the wording of his speech anno…

1
An American in the Vatican 32:27

2d ago32:27

32:27

For the first time, the Conclave of cardinals at the Vatican have elected an American pope. Pope Leo XIV has ascended to the papacy following the death of his modernising predecessor, Pope Francis. Katie Stallard is joined by writer Madoc Cairns and the New Statesman’s Finn McRedmond to discuss Francis’s legacy and Leo’s future. Read: Pope Francis'…

1
Turner at 250: why Britain's most influential artist still matters 37:54

1d ago37:54

37:54

2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Mallord William Turner, widely celebrated as Britain's greatest landscape painter. -- YOUR NEXT EPISODE: The untold story of Picasso's muses -- Yet, beyond the familiar image of the "painter of light", Turner was a complex figure whose radical art often baffled his contemporaries. Tom Gatti me…

1
Do the Greens need a more charismatic leader? 23:05

7d ago23:05

23:05

The team answer questions on the Green party's charisma issue, how Reform's power in local council could hurt their overall polling, and whether too many Lib Dems are vegan. Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Ben Walker, Megan Kenyon, and George Eaton. Listen to our episode on constitutional issues Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hoste…

1
The Labour party is turning in on itself 32:44

8d ago32:44

32:44

Tom McTague, the incoming editor of the New Statesman, joins Andrew Marr to discuss Labour's rocky week following Reform's dramatic wins, the India and US trade deals, and also his vision for the future of the publication. Read more: New Statesman International Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac…

1
A year undercover on the far right 28:42

9d ago28:42

28:42

The far right now makes up a third of terrorism convictions and a majority of referrals to the governments Prevent counter-radicalisation scheme But what fuels the far-right and how influential are they becoming? Harry Shukman, journalist and researcher at HOPE not hate, an anti-fascist organisation, went undercover with the British far right to fi…

1
100 years of The Great Gatsby 49:44

11d ago49:44

49:44

Tom Gatti meets authors Sarah Churchwell and Erica Wagner to discuss why The Great Gatsby is still relevant a century after it was published. Considered by many to be the great American novel, F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic tale of ambition, class and the American dream continues to resonate today. Sarah Churchwell and Erica Wagner joined Tom Gatti a…

1
Reform wins: dire for Labour, existential for Tories 24:23

14d ago24:23

24:23

Yesterday elections took place up and down the country, for councils, six mayoral contests, and a by-election. What we’re looking at today is a big win for Nigel Farage’s Reform - and a seismic shift in British politics. Hannah Barnes is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker and senior editor George Eaton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva…

1
Trump finally invests in Ukraine 23:17

15d ago23:17

23:17

Overnight, Ukraine and the United States have signed a long-awaited minerals deal. Hannah Barnes is joined by political editor Andrew Marr and international editor Megan Gibson to discuss what this means for Ukraine's security and the future of the conflict with Russia, and later in the episode the team look at Mark Carney's anti-Trump win in Canad…

1
Trump's 100 day fight with democracy 35:18

16d ago35:18

35:18

In the short period which has elapsed since Donald Trump took office (again) in January, he has slashed public health funding, gone after education, attacked media freedom, and challenged the authority of the legal system of the courts. Some of this seems outright reckless, but some of the actions taken by this Trump administration mirror the polit…

1
Do billionaires truly benefit the country? 17:17

21d ago17:17

17:17

The politics team answers listener questions on council tax, the voters ignored by Labour and the Tories, and the true value of billionaires. Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Acast. See acast…

1
Ukraine peace talks crumble 24:13

22d ago24:13

24:13

After the purported 'Easter truce' fighting has resumed in Ukraine and Russia, meanwhile peace talks in the West have broken down with the US speaking to Russia separately. Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr to discuss this week in UK politics, and later in the episode by Rachel Cunliffe and George Eaton to look at Reform UK's surging popularit…

1
This isn't China's first rodeo (or trade war) 32:23

23d ago32:23

32:23

China's modern history is also a story about trade. So how will the echoes of the past 200 years shape the trade war that Donald Trump has waged on the world's second largest economy? Katie Stallard is joined by Rana Mitter and Kevin Xu. Read: What will China look like in 20 years Read: Interconnected Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

1
Should we have an elected House of Lords? 31:45

28d ago31:45

31:45

Former senior civil servant Jill Rutter joins the podcast to answer listener questions on the inner workings of government. This episode is hosted by the New Statesman's associate political editor, Rachel Cunliffe. Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsletter: Morning Call Submit a question for a future episode: You Ask Us Hosted on Aca…

1
America's greatest hoax 23:39

29d ago23:39

23:39

How did a joke gone awry in 1967 forever changed the nation’s relationship with the truth? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by Phil Tinline, a regular writer for the New Statesman and author of the new book Ghosts of Iron Mountain: The Hoax that Duped America and its Sinister Legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Big Pharma: Gaming the system 25:42

1M ago25:42

25:42

Major pharmaceutical companies - or Big Pharma - research, develop and distribute medicines and treatments that we rely upon. However, their pursuit of commercial interests has often led to accusations of prioritising profits over the healthcare of patients both in the UK and beyond. Katie Stallard is joined by doctor and medical commentator Dr Phi…

1
Can the government’s AI Action Plan drive innovation and growth in the UK? 20:22

1M ago20:22

20:22

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new 50-point AI Opportunities Action Plan aims to drive national growth and transform public services. In this episode host Jon Bernstein talks to AWS Director of Technology for the UK Public Sector Holly Ellis, and Director of Government Innovation Policy at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Alexander losad about…

1
Runcorn by-election decisive for British politics 27:23

1M ago27:23

27:23

The first of May is set to be a big day for local government with council elections, mayoral races, and even a by-election taking place. Rachel Cunliffe is joined by senior data journalist Ben Walker to discuss what's being contested and where the polls stand at the moment. Read more from Ben here Sign up to the New Statesman's daily politics newsl…

1
A big bad week for money 22:28

1M ago22:28

22:28

Thanks to Donald Trump and his dodgy formula, last week tariffs were applied to countries all over the world. Consequently, the stock markets had their worst downturn since the pandemic. And economists warned of a weakened dollar, trade wars, and global recession. The White House denied for days that the US would back down on the tariffs. Until yes…

1
Strongman at The Hague: The fall of Duterte 25:10

1M ago25:10

25:10

Rodrigo Duterte led a bloody war on drugs — now he faces The Hague. As the former Philippine president is brought closer to justice, what could his fall could mean for other powerful figures with ICC warrants, including Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu? Katie Stallard is joined by photojournalist Basilio Sepe and political scientist Kelebogile…

1
The untold story of Picasso's muses 31:04

1M ago31:04

31:04

The women who loved Picasso shaped his art in surprising ways. -- YOUR NEXT EPISODE: Why we can't let go of Never Let Me Go -- "We look at paintings to imagine other worlds, other times. They are doors into an alternative, creative way of life." So writes Sue Roe in her latest book, Hidden Portraits: the Untold Story of Six Women Who loved Picasso.…

1
Three Common Retirement Plan Admin Problems—and How They’re Solved 11:59

1M ago11:59

11:59

Mike Kelly, Strategic Accounts Director at Inspira Financial, joins Plan Sponsor of America’s (PSCA) John Sullivan for an in-depth discussion of the common problems that plan sponsors encounter while managing their retirement plans—as well as possible solutions to those problems. Here’s what they had to say.…

1
Russia's next war? 22:56

1M ago22:56

22:56

As Putin wages a shadow war across the European continent—and the US commitment to NATO grows uncertain—we ask: would the West really defend the Baltic states if Russia advanced? Andrew Marr is joined by Oliver Moody, Berlin bureau chief for The Times and author of Baltic: The Future of Europe. Drawing on deep history, extensive reporting, and sobe…

1
American beef 22:11

1M ago22:11

22:11

Yesterday the US president Donald Trump unveiled his plans for his long trailed tariff liberation day. After a lengthy ‘speech’ about the cost of eggs and why the rest of the world wont buy American chicken and beef, Trump unveiled the quote unquote reciprocal tariffs the US will impose in the coming week. So do the figures add up? And what will th…

1
The fight for Greenland 36:22

1M ago36:22

36:22

US President Donald Trump has his sights set on making Greenland part of the US, claiming the autonomous, self-governing territory of Denmark is essential "for national security and international security." However, the vast majority of Greenlanders have said they do not want to become part of the US. Denmark has also strongly opposed the suggestio…

1
The ageing rock gods and me - Kate Mossman on meeting KISS, Bon Jovi, Terence Trent D'arby and more 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

"Meet your heroes - it'll help you get over them" Kate Mossman is known for her singular, surprising and ultra-perceptive interviews - in which she often reveals more about her subjects than sometimes they appear to know themselves. And there is one breed of interview subject Kate has written about more than any other: the ageing male rock star. If…

1
Driving Success: Why Plan Sponsors Should Prioritize Retirement Income Solutions 12:44

2M ago12:44

12:44

In this episode, we explore the importance of retirement income for plan sponsors in today's uncertain economic landscape. Joining us are Gordy Stead, Head of Institutional Sales, and Danielle Kelso, Senior Institutional Solutions Consultant from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz). They provide insights into the role of guara…

1
Why aren't we getting a wealth tax? 21:51

2M ago21:51

21:51

How would it work? Can a state really find out how rich someone is? If Britain were to introduce serious wealth taxes, would the super rich simply leave? Rachel Cunliffe is joined by the political editor Andrew Marr and business editor Will Dunn to discuss the prospect of a wealth text, and the implications of the Houthi PC small group on Westminst…

1
Unpacking a grim Spring Statement 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

Growth has halved, welfare has been cut, and defence is hoovering up more and more. Things are looking, and sounding, pretty grim for the Chancellor - and in yesterday's Spring Statement we learned what the fallout from this harsh economic reality will be. Rachel Cunliffe is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr and economist B…

1
Are we living through an overdiagnosis epidemic? 43:51

2M ago43:51

43:51

In today's Spring Statement Labour are having to make cuts - and welfare has been hit hard. Last week the health secretary Wes Streeting said that too many people were being written off work due to overdiagnosis. A statement which received considerable backlash. But what do we really mean by overdiagnosis? And how is it affecting public health? Han…

1
Why we can't let go of Never Let Me Go 29:22

2M ago29:22

29:22

Kazuo Ishiguro's most popular novel is as relevant today as when it was published 20 years ago. -- When it was published in 2005, Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Never Let Me Go was acclaimed by critics and shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Twenty years on – having been adapted for stage and screen and adopted as a set text for schools – it is Ishiguro’s mo…

1
Why can't the left be mobilised? 15:55

2M ago15:55

15:55

Are Labour on track for their target of 1.5million homes? What is NHS England? Why can't the Green's electrify the left in the same way that Reform has done for the right? What will the consequences be of cutting international aid? Hannah Barnes answers listener questions with the New Statesman's political editor, Andrew Marr, and associate politic…

1
Is Boris Johnson ... back? 28:26

2M ago28:26

28:26

The prospect of peace in Ukraine, Liz Kendall's welfare cut announcements, and while Kemi Badenoch flails as Conservative leader ... who's waiting around the corner for her job? Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and Rachel Cunliffe to discuss this week in Westminster and beyond. Read: A Labour welfare revolt is still brewing, Diane Abbott rail…

1
Nato’s fragile future 31:46

2M ago31:46

31:46

Since Nato’s inception in 1949, the US has always formed a central part of the alliance and been the biggest contributor to its defensive strength. However, since his second term began, President Donald Trump has shifted the US’s allegiances towards Vladimir Putin’s Russia and away from Nato. Simultaneously, the US President has repeatedly criticis…

1
How The Beatles' love story shaped the 20th Century 43:10

2M ago43:10

43:10

A fateful meeting at a village fête "tilted" the 20th Century "on its axis" So argues Ian Leslie in his new book, John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs. In the book, Leslie argues that The Beatles didn't just dominate pop culture - they redefined how we see ourselves. He reframes the relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney as a kind of l…

1
Panic! at the "Nigel dog-and-pony show" 17:28

2M ago17:28

17:28

Given the Rupert Lowe drama, what does the future looks like for Reform and Farage? Hannah Barnes is joined by Andrew Marr and George Eaton to answer listener questions about trouble in Reform land and where to watch in the upcoming local elections. Read: Inside the Reform civil war, Will the Farage-Lowe saga hurt Reform at the polls?, A Reform Lab…

1
It's time to debloat the flabby state 28:43

2M ago28:43

28:43

This morning the PM announced that the state is overstretched and unfocused. The solution? NHS England has been scrapped, quangos are to be slashed, and the civil service shrunk. Do we finally have a vision of Starmerism? Hannah Barnes is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, and later in the episode by business editor Will Du…

1
The return of America First 27:41

2M ago27:41

27:41

In recent weeks President Trump’s foreign policy pronouncements have been loud and abrasive. American allies watched in barely concealed dismay as the US president shouted at Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval office. Since then Trump has halted military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine and embarked on trade wars with Canad…

1
Lady Gaga and the evolution of the pop icon 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

Lady Gaga rewrote the rules of female pop stardom. Now she's back with a new album. Can she do it again? Kate Mossman reviewed Lady Gaga's latest album, Mayhem, for the New Statesman and joins Tom Gatti on the Culture podcast to discuss the changing face - and powerful influence - of pop music. Read Kate's review here: https://www.newstatesman.com/…

1
What do Reform voters think of Trump? 23:48

2M ago23:48

23:48

Could Farage’s lack of criticism of Trump damage Reform’s prospects in future UK elections? The team answer listener questions on Trump and Reform, the prospects of the Tories in the local elections, and the point of state visits. Read: The The strange rise of the pro-Russia right, Tories’ anti-Farage opportunity Sign up to the New Statesman's dail…

1
Welfare cuts spell trouble ahead for Labour 20:46

2M ago20:46

20:46

The politics team discuss Starmer's week on the world stage and whether he can be the pivotal bridge between Ukraine and the US, as well as the prospective welfare cuts which have been announced ahead of Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement. Hannah Barnes is joined by the New Statesman's political editor Andrew Marr, and senior editor George Eaton. List…

1
Europe's battleground: war or peace? 31:13

2M ago31:13

31:13

Not even a week ago European countries were hailing the prospects of peace in Ukraine, but after a disastrous visit to the White House for President Zelensky, and the pause of aid from the US government - things have soured. In this episode we’re asking what role Europe can play in the future of Ukraine. Kate Lamble is joined by Sam Greene and Hans…

1
How to protect elections in the age of AI | Sponsored 20:04

2M ago20:04

20:04

The rapid rise of generative AI has revolutionised creativity while also raising significant challenges. The rapid rise of generative AI has revolutionised creativity while also raising significant challenges. In this episode, we explore how responsible innovation can reduce misinformation's impact and protect creators. Host Jon Bernstein is joined…

1
Andrey Kurkov: "Life is now measured in Orwells and Kafkas" 26:35

2M ago26:35

26:35

Reflecting on the passing of the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, award-winning author Andrey Kurkov has written the diary for this week’s New Statesman magazine. In this conversation, with Tom Gatti, Kurkov contemplates daily life in his hometown, Kyiv, and how the war has changed him as a writer. Hosted on Acast. See acast…

1
Starmer & Trump: a (qualified) victory? 20:35

3M ago20:35

20:35

Keir Starmer returns victorious from his meeting with Donald Trump. But was it the success it seems? Andrew Marr, Hannah Barnes and Rachel Cunliffe answer listener questions on the New Statesman podcast. Also in this episode: Has Zelensky "put one over" on Trump with the rare earth minerals deal? Trump's "mob boss" geopolitics How the UK could make…

1
Andrew Marr: "National service, watch this space" 27:17

3M ago27:17

27:17

Keir Starmer has promised defence spending will reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next Parliament. There’s been some sparring over exactly how much money this equates to, has a maths crime been committed? And how far can this money go? Hannah Barnes is joined by political editor Andrew Marr and business editor Will Dunn, and later in the prog…

1
The Godfather of Maga 26:14

3M ago26:14

26:14

Last week Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief strategist for the first seven months of his first term in office, graced the stage at CPAC (the annual Conservative Political Action Conference) to rapturous applause. "We're not going to retreat. We're not going to surrender. We're not going to quit. Fight! Fight! Fight!" Although Bannon fell out of favour wi…

1
Why Britain isn't working - with Alison McGovern, Minister of State for Employment 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

The number of working age people out of work in Britain 2010 was around 9 million. In 2025? Around 9 million. But why is worklessness in Britain now deemed a crisis, and what can the government do to fix this? Will Dunn, the New Statesman's business editor, is joined by Alison McGovern, Minister of State for Employment. Sign up to the New Statesman…

1
Russia has been brought in from the cold 37:27

3M ago37:27

37:27

Donald Trump has reached out to Vladimir Putin, over the heads of Ukraine and Europe. The Western alliance is fracturing, so what comes next? Can European nations find the defence budget? And whose terms will this war end on? Hannah Barnes is joined by Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of War Studies at Kings College London, and later in the pr…

1
Did JD Vance boost Germany's far right? 26:12

3M ago26:12

26:12

Last Friday the US Vice President - JD Vance, took to the stage and railed against his country’s European allies, accusing them of not listening to voters on issues of migration and free speech. That speech raised serious questions about how the transatlantic alliance will be transformed. But Vance also called into question the "democracy" of the f…

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