Best Mark Thompson and Steve Little Podcasts (2025)

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Net Zero has become a religion: Claire Coutinho on climate, identity and cooking 42:05

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15h ago42:05

42:05

The Shadow Energy Minister has transformed her party's approach to climate policy. In this extended conversation, Claire Coutinho sets out what changed her mind on net zero, a shift that has brought her into fierce debates with her opposite number, Ed Miliband. She also shares her feelings about what she calls a rising "ethno-nationalism" on the ri…

1
Free Speech Tsar: Arif Ahmed on how to avoid the 'abyss' of political violence 44:57

8d ago44:57

44:57

How do you protect and police freedom of speech on campus and in society? Arif Ahmed is a Cambridge Philosopher who is now responsible for enforcing new freedom of speech rules on universities, colleges and students. He took office at a time when there is particular focus on a vexed question: where the boundary should lie between free speech - whic…

1
Bridget Phillipson on life as education secretary 43:47

16d ago43:47

43:47

One of the two candidates to be deputy leader of Labour joins Nick at the end of party's conference in Liverpool. Bridget Phillipson opens up about how her own experience of poverty informs her political views on childcare, schools and universities. She also reveals her DJ set-list Producer: Daniel KraemerResearch: Chloe DesaveEditor: Giles Edwards…

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Genealogist Kelly Cornwell chats with the Genealogy Guy about research tips 34:36

17d ago34:36

34:36

By Armchair Genealogy

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EP34: 2025 Mid-Year AI Review, FamilySearch Full-Text Goes Live, Nano Banana Photo Restoration Tips, AI's Environmental Impact 1:17:07

19d ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little review the biggest AI breakthroughs of 2025 so far, from DeepSeek's open-source revolution to GPT-5's unified reasoning model. Mark and Steve also celebrate FamilySearch's Full-Text Search moving from experimental labs to the main website, covering 1.4 billion records across 4,300 collections plus new summari…

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Preparing Farage for Power: Danny Kruger on defecting to Reform UK 43:29

22d ago43:29

43:29

Danny Kruger had been at the heart of the Conservative Party since it was led by David Cameron, until he decided that party was "over". He is now a Reform UK MP and has been tasked with preparing the party for government. He sits down with Nick to explain why we need a "revival" of Christian conservatism. Producer: Daniel KraemerReserach: Chloe Des…

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Lucy Powell: People have lost sense of Labour's values 42:22

1M ago42:22

42:22

Lucy Powell on why and how she was sacked by Keir Starmer, and why she now wants to be his Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Producer: Daniel KraemerEditor: Giles EdwardsBy BBC Radio 4

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'Build Baby Build': The new housing secretary, Steve Reed 36:55

1M ago36:55

36:55

Steve Reed was given the job of Housing Secretary as the result of crisis, after the resignation of his close friend Angela Rayner. But he has been part of the inner circle preparing Keir Starmer's rise to power from the beginning, having recruited the man who ended up as the prime minister's Chief of Staff. In this interview, he gives Nick a behin…

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EP33: ChatGPT 5 Aftermath, Nano Banana Image Revolution, Save Time with AI Citations, Anthropic Changes its Stance on Chat Privacy, The AI Browser Wars Heat Up 1:05:49

1M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little return from summer break to discuss the mixed reception of ChatGPT 5 and how OpenAI responded to user feedback. They explore Google's game-changing Nano Banana (Gemini Flash Image) model that revolutionizes selective image editing, reigniting debates about AI photo restoration in genealogy. This week's Tip of…

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China, Russia and us: Tony Radakin on four years as Chief of the Defence Staff 49:53

1M ago49:53

49:53

An exclusive exit interview with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin on the week he steps down as the UK's military chief. Radakin's time as head of the armed forces was dominated by responding to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As he leaves, he is adamant that the UK is "safe" and that the war has been a "disaster" for Putin. He also talks about the…

1
Ruth Wilmore, Events and Education Manager at the Society of Genealogists (SOG),. 29:30

2M ago29:30

29:30

Ruth Wilmore, Events and Education Manager at the Society of Genealogists (SOG), shares her genealogy journey, with the Genealogy Guy, sparked by a childhood book and a 200-year-old mourning ring. And discusses the great work going on at Society of Genealogists.By Armchair Genealogy

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EP32: ChatGPT-5 Arrives, Study Mode for ChatGPT, Claude 4.1 Upgrade, OpenAI Goes Open Source, Earnings Season Good for Big AI, Google Loses Another Monopoly Appeal 1:02:07

2M ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore the groundbreaking release of ChatGPT-5, which arrived after over a year of anticipation. They discuss how this new model transforms the AI landscape with better reasoning, larger context windows, and dramatically reduced hallucinations. The hosts examine OpenAI's new Study and Learn Mode, which acts …

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EP31: Special Episode - ChatGPT-5 Finally Drops with Big Improvements for Genealogists 24:03

2M ago24:03

24:03

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little deliver a special same-day episode covering the long-awaited release of ChatGPT-5, which launched today, August 7, 2025. They explore the most significant improvements in the upgrade for genealogists, including automated model selection that eliminates confusing settings for beginners, enhanced reasoning capa…

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EP30: ChatGPT Agent Can Research For You, Security In The Age of AI, What AI Is Good For, AI Office Suite Wars Heat Up 1:10:27

2M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore OpenAI's groundbreaking ChatGPT Agent, demonstrating how this autonomous tool can research, analyze, and perform complex tasks on your behalf. Next, they address important security concerns to consider in the new world of AI agents, introducing practical guidelines for protecting sensitive family data…

1
Dave Annal chats with the Genealogy Guy about researching your family tree 34:36

3M ago34:36

34:36

In this episode on armchair genealogy, Dave Annal from Lifelines Research shares why real research still matters. We talk dodgy digital records, the dangers of ai in history, and how reconstructing a family properly can reveal the truth behind the names. 👂perfect for beginners & seasoned researchers alike — with tips, stories, and a few rants about…

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EP29: Perplexity's Comet Browser Revolutionizes Research, Grok 4 Released, Context is King, Google’s Video Generator Gets an Upgrade, ChatGPT Agent Launches 1:06:51

3M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore Perplexity's groundbreaking Comet browser, which brings AI directly to web pages and can autonomously navigate sites to collect genealogical data. They examine Grok 4's impressive benchmark performance while discussing its limitations for genealogical research and safety concerns. This week's Tip of t…

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EP28: AI-Based Transcriptions Transform Genealogy, FamilySearch Interview with David Ouimette, Grok 4's Anticipated Release, Apple Changes Its AI Strategy 1:02:04

3M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore how AI-based transcriptions are revolutionizing genealogical research across the industry. They examine FamilySearch's Full-Text Search expansion to over 1.25 billion records and Ancestry's new document transcription tool. The episode features an exclusive interview with David Ouimette from FamilySear…

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The Friedrich Merz One 34:03

3M ago34:03

34:03

The German Chancellor speaks candidly about Trump's attitude to Europe, war on the continent, and the future relationship Britain Producer: Daniel KraemerResearcher: Chloe DesaveEditor: Giles EdwardsBy BBC Radio 4

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EP27: AI Image Restoration Concerns, Perplexity's Future, Copyright Cases Are Shaping The Future of AI, Project Workspaces Help You Stay Organized 1:13:23

3M ago1:13:23

1:13:23

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little examine the controversial rise of AI image "restoration" and discuss how entirely new images are being generated, rather than the original photos being restored. This is raising concerns about the preservation of authentic family photos. They discuss Mark's reconsideration of canceling his Perplexity subscrip…

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The Josh Babarinde One 33:33

3M ago33:33

33:33

The Lib Dem Justice Spokesperson managed to persuade ministers to change domestic abuse law within a year of being elected to parliament. Josh Babarinde tells Nick how his own childhood experience spurred him on to push for reform. He also explains how a beer mat persuaded him to join the Liberal Democrats. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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EP26: Gemini and Claude Updates, RootsTech Panel on Responsible AI, Interview with Jessica Taylor of Legacy Tree Genealogists, ChatGPT 5 Announcement 1:02:12

3M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little discuss recent updates from Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude that are reshaping AI capabilities for genealogists. Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro with its massive context window and Claude 4's hybrid reasoning models that excels at both writing and document analysis. They share insights from the RootsTech panel on …

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The Keir Starmer Prime Minister One 46:31

4M ago46:31

46:31

After some of the most tumultuous days of his premiership, Keir Starmer sits down with Nick in Downing Street, to reflect on a year in power. In a wide-ranging interview, the prime minister defends his style of leadership, while taking responsibility for the setbacks. He also opens up about losing his brother last year and his personal relationship…

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Jon Marie Pearson chats with the Genealogy Guy about using social media in Genealogy 28:48

4M ago28:48

28:48

Jon Marie Pearson chats with the Genealogy Guy about using social media in genealogy research. She highlights the importance of virtual communities, sharing personal stories of finding her biological half-brother on Facebook. Jon Marie emphasises the need for genealogists to use keywords in their profiles and actively engage on platforms like Faceb…

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Trump's America: The Scott Perry One 31:27

4M ago31:27

31:27

A Republican Congressman outlines the values that lie behind his conservative politics. Scott Perry is the Representative for Pennsylvania's 10th District, a Trump ally, an Iran hawk who sits on the Foreign Affairs Committee, and a veteran, who flew combat missions in Iraq before turning his attention to politics. He joins Nick down the line from W…

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The Douglas Alexander One 43:09

4M ago43:09

43:09

The Trade Minister explains how a penalty shootout played a role in his government appointment. Douglas Alexander has the same job that he had 20 years ago in Tony Blair's government. He reflects on how the world has changed in that time, and his motivation for returning to politics after a humiliating defeat in 2015.…

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The Mel Stride One 37:41

4M ago37:41

37:41

The Shadow Chancellor sets out his vision for a more "thoughtful" politics and faces up to the challenge of winning the argument before the next general election. Sir Mel Stride reveals what he admires about his opposite number, Rachel Reeves, and why a world war two commander is one of his political heroes. He also has a warning about what the Bri…

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EP25: ChatGPT 4o Transforms Image Generation, Jarrett Ross on AI Facial Recognition, Enhanced Image Analysis with O3 1:08:53

4M ago1:08:53

1:08:53

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore OpenAI's revolutionary update to ChatGPT 4o's image generation capabilities, which now creates photorealistic images with accurate text and consistent characters across multiple images. They interview Jarrett Ross from The GeneaVlogger YouTube channel, who shares how he uses AI in his business and in …

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The Jacinda Ardern One 33:32

5M ago33:32

33:32

How does it feel to be held up as the 'anti-Trump' by progressives across the globe? Jacinda Ardern was prime minister of New Zealand for 6 years and is now committed to promoting empathy and kindness in world leadership. She joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on her unexpected rise to power and being described as a 'global pinu…

1
Charlie Greene from Remento chats with the Genealogy Guy 30:57

5M ago30:57

30:57

The Genealogy guy chats with Charlie Greene, co-founder of Remento, chats about the inspiration that led to the platform, which helps families capture and preserve stories and memories. Charlie shares his personal experience of digitising home videos to keep his father's memory alive and the emotional impact of recording his mother's stories during…

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The Tanni Grey-Thompson One 40:50

5M ago40:50

40:50

After 15 years as a member of the House of Lords, Tanni Grey-Thompson reflects on how a career at the top of sport prepared her for the world of politics. The crossbench peer speaks to Nick about what she sees as a dangerous relationship between benefit reforms and legalising assisted dying. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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The Eluned Morgan One 45:54

5M ago45:54

45:54

The First Minister of Wales sets a marker to the left of Keir Starmer, setting out her vision of a "Red Welsh Way", drawing inspiration from Gavin and Stacey. Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

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The Richard Tice One 38:17

5M ago38:17

38:17

Reform UK’s deputy leader reflects on a year of political success, a privileged upbringing and the cabinet job he’s eyeing up Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

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The Joe Biden One 29:41

5M ago29:41

29:41

To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, former president Joe Biden sits down with Nick Robinson for an exclusive interview, his first since leaving the White House. He issues a stark warning about the future of the western alliance and criticises his successor’s approach to foreign policy. In this extended interview, Biden also reflects on his deci…

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Mark Bayley chats with the genealogy Guy about updates on maps @ thegenealogist.co.uk 29:24

6M ago29:24

29:24

Mark Bayley from TheGenealogist.co.uk discusses updates to their Map Explorer section, highlighting the expansion of the Lloyd George Domesday records to include Bedfordshire, Dorset, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Northamptonshire, Surrey, and Wiltshire, with more counties planned for 2026. He explained the historical context of these records, create…

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Dr. Karen Cummings from Pharos Tutors chats with the Genealogy Guy 31:07

7M ago31:07

31:07

In this episode of Armchair Genealogy, the Genealogy Guy dives into the power of family history shows and why sharpening your research skills is a game-changer. Special guest Dr. Karen Cummings from Pharos Tutors shares her journey from pharmaceutics to genealogy education—proving it’s never too late to follow your passion! Discover how Pharos Tuto…

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Bonus: The Rishi Sunak Lessons from Downing Street One - Part 2 1:01:28

8M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

In the second, bonus instalment of this exclusive interview with the former prime minister, Rishi Sunak opens up about his time as Chancellor and Prime Minister, including how his relationship with Boris Johnson fell apart, why he regrets his "Stop the Boats" slogan and what comes next for someone who has become an elder statesman, aged 44. Produce…

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The Rishi Sunak Lessons from Downing Street One 58:32

8M ago58:32

58:32

An exclsuive in-depth interview with the Rishi Sunak. In this first instalment, the former prime minister tells stories from behind the scenes on the world stage explains why he thinks we must now cut welfare spending to fund defence. Sunak reflects on how a sense of duty - inspired by his Hindu faith - helped drive his political career, and reflec…

1
Mark Thompson & Steve Little chat about AI with the Genealogy Guy 32:02

8M ago32:02

32:02

The Genealogy Guy discusses the impact of AI on genealogy with Steve Little and Mark Thompson from the Family History AI Show. Mark, a retired technologist, and Steve, a language and technology enthusiast, highlight AI's rapid evolution, particularly with ChatGPT. They emphasize the importance of scepticism and experimentation, noting that AI's acc…

1
The Carla Denyer 2025 One 33:15

8M ago33:15

33:15

The co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales joins Nick for a conversationBy BBC Radio 4

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EP24: DeepSeek AI Shakes The World, FamilySearch Full-Text Turns One, Microsoft and Google Drop AI Prices, Instructional vs. Reasoning Models 54:55

8M ago54:55

54:55

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore how DeepSeek has dramatically changed the AI landscape by releasing a powerful, inexpensive, open-source model that challenges American dominance in AI. They celebrate the first anniversary of FamilySearch's Full-Text Search, which has expanded from three collections to three thousand in just one-year…

1
The Heidi Alexander One 41:41

8M ago41:41

41:41

The Transport Secretary on Corbyn, Ukraine and growing up in Swindon Producer: Lauren TavrigerBy BBC Radio 4

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The Charlie Taylor One 40:20

8M ago40:20

40:20

The Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales on how he went from being a teacher at a school for kids with beahvioural problems, to being the leading voice on prison conditions. He tells stories of cheap suits, perspex windows, being the subject of offensive graffiti, and explains how he retains optimism. Producers: Lauren Tavriger and Dani…

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The Zia Yusuf One 48:06

8M ago48:06

48:06

Who is the 38-year-old, Muslim, second-generation immigrant chairman of Reform UK? Zia Yusuf joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to tell his story, lay out his party's path to power, and share his thoughts on Boris Johnson, Elon Musk, Suella Braverman and his boss, Nigel Farage. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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EP23: AI Predictions for 2025: Agents, Local Models, Social Media Chatbots, Writing with AI, Costs Keep Dropping 48:10

8M ago48:10

48:10

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little share their predictions for artificial intelligence developments in 2025, with a special focus on how these changes will affect genealogists and family historians. They explore the emergence of AI agents, the shift to running language models locally on personal devices, and the introduction of chatbots to soc…

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Jonny Perl @DNAPainter chats with the Genealogy Guy 28:05

9M ago28:05

28:05

Discover the fascinating story behind dna painter with Jonny Perl, a web developer and genealogist who turned his own dna testing experience into an invaluable tool for family history enthusiasts. In this episode,Jonny shares how dna painter helps users visualize family trees, interpret dna matches, and uncover relationships through powerful featur…

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The Chris Philp One 41:50

9M ago41:50

41:50

The Shadow Home Secretary joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on mistakes of the last government, humility in opposition and his anger at the new government. Chris Philp also opens up about the impact of caring for his premature baby twins and what he has learned from success and failure in business. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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The Kim Leadbeater One 42:32

9M ago42:32

42:32

The Labour MP sits down with Nick to reflect on how she went from selling beds in her Yorkshire hometown, to being at the forefront of political debate, as the face of the campaign to legalise assisted dying, and how the murder of her sister, Jo Cox, helps explain the journey. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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EP22: The Google Empire Strikes Back: Deep Research Challenges Perplexity, NotebookLM's Big Updates, and Facebook Adds AI to Groups 1:00:51

9M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore Google's powerful end-of-year releases that challenge other AI platforms. They examine Google's Deep Research tool and its ability to quickly create comprehensive research reports by combining information from multiple sources. Next, they discuss Facebook's controversial introduction of AI assistants …

1
The Rachel Reeves Chancellor One 34:30

9M ago34:30

34:30

The Chancellor reflects on her first six months in power and what lies behind her determination that she has "what it takes" to "turn things around". Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

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EP21: 12 Days of OpenAI Deep Dive, ChatGPT Canvas Easier to Use, Voice & Vision Unite in ChatGPTs mobile apps, Tips for Free AI Tools 53:20

9M ago53:20

53:20

Co-hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little explore OpenAI's "12 Days of OpenAI" campaign, particularly focusing on their new reasoning models and the expanded availability of Canvas across all ChatGPT models. They examine how ChatGPT's new camera view in Advanced Voice Mode transforms mobile research capabilities, demonstrating real-world applications…

Mark Thompson And Steve Little Podcasts