Best Patchwork Challenge Podcasts (2025)

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Crypto’s power evolution: Lobbying, access, and the future of policy 15:44

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1d ago15:44

15:44

Crypto’s growing presence in Washington is entering a new phase. Following a high-profile presidential pardon and a surge in political spending across the digital asset sector, questions are emerging about how influence, lobbying, and access are shaping the policy environment for Web3. With major industry players building substantial political war …

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New Towns, new rules: reimagining growth for the 2030s? 11:29

8d ago11:29

11:29

In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike take a closer look at the New Towns Taskforce Final Report—commissioned by the UK Government. With 12 sites proposed and Development Corporations to lead delivery, the episode explores how this new wave of towns reframes post-war policy for today’s challenges. What does it all mean for the future of hous…

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PODCAST: Are people really to blame for their debt? 56:42

12d ago56:42

56:42

When you think of people in debt, what do you imagine? Irresponsible people who leave telephones ringing and hide from debt collectors, or people faced with an impossible situation? In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Ryan Davey, author of ‘The Personal Life of Debt’, about the true, everyday lives of indebted people. They discuss the people …

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Reorganising Local Government in England: 17 proposals, 56 councils -zero consensus? 9:42

14d ago9:42

9:42

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike dive into the September 2025 submissions for new unitary councils from Devolution Priority Programme areas in England—Norfolk, Suffolk, Greater Essex, Greater Sussex, Hampshire and Solent—and the 17 unitary proposals they’ve produced. With population sizes ranging from 146,000 to over 900,000, and counc…

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Pride In Place Programme: promise or patchwork? 12:11

21d ago12:11

12:11

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike look at the UK Government's new Pride in Place strategy and funding programme—a £5 billion commitment to hyper-local economic development across hundreds of 'doubly disadvantaged' neighbourhoods. Is this a genuine shift towards community-led renewal, or just another fragmented initiative from the centre…

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Total Place 2.0 and the politics of belonging 42:26

30d ago42:26

42:26

David and Mike are joined by John Denham—former UK Government Minister and present Director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics—to unpack the rise of English identity politics and its limplications for place-based inclusive growth in the country. From the imitations of current devolution strategies to the transformative potential of Tot…

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Crypto ETFs in focus: Are altcoins next for SEC approval? 18:02

1M ago18:02

18:02

October is shaping up to be a pivotal month for crypto ETFs, with 16 applications, many tied to altcoins like Solana, XRP, and Litecoin, awaiting final decisions from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. However, the new SEC-approved generic listing standards for exchange traded products could be a game changer for issuers. In this episode …

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How education is failing young working-class men 43:40

1M ago43:40

43:40

We often hear that working-class boys in education are misogynistic, aggressive and unwilling to learn. But how true is this? In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Alex Blower, author of ‘Lost Boys: How Education is Failing Young Working-Class Men’, about how the education system often fails these boys. They discuss the role of masculinity in t…

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Layer-1s in 2025: The backbone of crypto’s next chapter (feat. Algorand) 35:08

1M ago35:08

35:08

Layer-1s are still the backbone of crypto, but in 2025 their role is evolving. With Ethereum’s L2 ecosystem booming, modular blockchains on the rise and real-world adoption gaining momentum through stablecoins and tokenized assets, the question is no longer just about scalability. It’s about utility, users and where the next wave of growth will com…

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Is economic inactivity now the UK's biggest growth challenge? 11:53

1M ago11:53

11:53

In this episode David and Mike unpack the demographic shifts reshaping local economies. From the Bank of England’s warning on economic inactivity to the ONS’s mid-year population estimates and the so-called fertility crisis, the data paints a complex picture of ageing populations, challenges of out-migration in places, and worryingly low rates of l…

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Political instability, organisational churn, and the rise of hyper-localism—how LED practitioners are adapting in uncertain times 12:02

1M ago12:02

12:02

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore the growing political instability reshaping local economic development and placemaking in the UK. With the Reform Party gaining ground, over 40% of English councils now in no overall control, and local government distracted by the looming reorganisation, what does this mean for forward planning,…

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MiCA under pressure: Passporting or patchwork in Europe’s crypto market? 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

Europe’s landmark crypto law, the Markets in Crypto-Assets, promised a unified market across 27 member states. But less than a year into rollout, national regulators are already pushing back on its central feature: passporting. Is MiCA bringing the clarity Europe’s crypto industry needs or adding a new layer of uncertainty? In this episode of Byte-…

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Drugs: The path that led to prohibition 45:05

2M ago45:05

45:05

The goal of drug policy is clear, according to the United Nations, whose convention on narcotic drugs largely sets the framework for what individual states do. The aim, the UN says, is to end the ‘serious evil’ of addiction. This, it adds, is to be achieved by preventing public access to dangerous substances, while at the same time ensuring adequat…

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After the ministerial shake-up at MHCLG: what’s next for Local Economic Development in the UK? 10:40

2M ago10:40

10:40

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike return from the 2025 summer break to unpack the major shake-up at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). With Angela Rayner’s resignation and a new ministerial team in place, they explore what these changes could mean for local economic development and placemaking in the UK. …

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CBDC in the crosshairs: Congress debates the future of the digital dollar 18:05

2M ago18:05

18:05

CBDCs are back in the spotlight as the US Congress returns from recess. Lawmakers have tucked a ban on the digital dollar into the must-pass defense bill, framing it as a fight over privacy and surveillance. But is a CBDC really an imminent threat or just a political talking point? In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, host Savannah Fortis sits do…

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From faultlines to frontlines: Neoliberalism vs. people-powered movements 56:58

2M ago56:58

56:58

In many ways neoliberalism is an extreme ideology, much like fascism and communism, but we very rarely recognise it as such. It hides behind the free-market, deregulation and privatisation, but in reality it’s quietly increasing isolation, inequality, poverty, disease and environmental threat. In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Peter Beresfo…

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China’s stablecoin push: Can the yuan challenge the dollar? 20:11

2M ago20:11

20:11

China is considering launching a yuan-backed stablecoin, a surprising pivot after years of cracking down on crypto and pushing the digital yuan. What’s driving this move, and what does it mean for global markets and US dollar dominance? In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, host Savannah Fortis speaks with Martin Chorzempa (Peterson Institute for …

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Bitcoin, big money and the end of the old system: Tim Draper explains 21:55

3M ago21:55

21:55

In this episode of Decentralize with Cointelegraph, venture capital investor and Bitcoin advocate Tim Draper joins Cointelegraph reporter Vince Quill for a deep dive into the shifting tides of Bitcoin adoption. From the slow but inevitable embrace by institutions to the macroeconomic headwinds threatening the US dollar, Draper lays out why FOMO, re…

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Crypto treasury boom: Why public companies are stockpiling crypto 20:56

3M ago20:56

20:56

In this week’s Byte-Sized Insight, we explore the fast-growing world of crypto treasury companies: publicly traded firms using digital assets as strategic reserves. With billions in capital raised, these companies are giving investors new, regulated ways to gain exposure to not only Bitcoin (BTC) but assets like BNB and SOL. Host Savannah Fortis sp…

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Summer reflections: blue sky thinking for place leaders 11:01

3M ago11:01

11:01

What inspires transformation when the policy treadmill slows? And how can science fiction, cinema, and Nokia guide your next move?

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Stablecoin boom: The GENIUS Act’s ripple effects worldwide 13:06

3M ago13:06

13:06

This week on Byte-Sized Insight, we dive into the groundbreaking passage of the GENIUS Act, examining its profound impacts on stablecoins and global crypto markets. Joined by Fabian Dori, chief investment officer at Sygnum, we discuss how new US regulations are reshaping institutional confidence, redefining stablecoin use cases and prompting Europe…

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Health meets place: the NHS 10-Year Plan and local economic development 11:33

3M ago11:33

11:33

Can NHS reform be a catalyst for local economic renewal? Or will institutional churn stall the promise of community health?

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Senator Cynthia Lummis and the US crypto comeback: ‘Help is on the way’ 19:04

3M ago19:04

19:04

This week on Decentralize with Cointelegraph, we sit down with US Senator Cynthia Lummis, one of the most vocal and informed advocates for digital assets and financial innovation on Capitol Hill. Senator Lummis discusses her unlikely entry into the crypto world, how Wyoming’s early leadership shaped federal policy and what she sees as the biggest l…

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Place before sectors? Rethinking UK industrial strategy with Paul Swinney 36:35

3M ago36:35

36:35

In this episode, David and Mike are joined by Paul Swinney to explore the UK’s new industrial strategy. They ask: does it finally embrace a place-based model of economic development? And can it tackle the UK’s long-standing productivity challenge? From sectoral strengths and urban clustering to Freeports, fiscal devolution and the role of universit…

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Has Racism Really Changed? From Black Lives Matter to EDI Backlash and Beyond 41:56

4M ago41:56

41:56

Despite claims that we now live in a post-racial society, race continues to disadvantage those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds. In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Kalwant Bhopal, author of the second edition of ‘White Privilege: The myth of a post-racial society’, about why those from black and minority ethnic communities continue…

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The AI revolution is here, don't get left behind: Kevin O'Leary interview 30:53

4M ago30:53

30:53

In this special interview, Shark Tank investor and entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary joins Cointelegraph US Reporter Vince Quill for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of artificial intelligence, stablecoins and the battle for technological dominance between the US and China. Mr. Wonderful shares why he refuses to back companies that aren’t integra…

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Infrastructure or illusion? Assessing the UK’s new 10-Year National Infrastructure Strategy 11:43

4M ago11:43

11:43

Can the UK finally overcome its infrastructure inertia? Or will local leaders be eft without the resources they need to deliver much-needed projects?

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Crypto week in Congress: Can Washington finally deliver clarity? 14:29

4M ago14:29

14:29

The US House of Representatives has declared July 14–18 “Crypto Week,” with lawmakers set to debate and potentially vote on three major crypto bills — the CLARITY Act, the GENIUS Act and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act. In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we break down what’s at stake, who’s behind the legislative push and whether any of th…

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Happiness rankings: insightful or irrelevant for placemaking? 12:31

4M ago12:31

12:31

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore whether happiness rankings and well-being metrics have any real value in local economic development and placemaking. They ask: are these measures meaningful tools for policy—or just headline fodder? And if happiness does matter, how should it be measured and used by LED professionals?…

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Crossing the crypto divide: The West’s race for digital dominance 17:28

4M ago17:28

17:28

As the US races ahead with crypto legislation and capital inflows, Europe and the UK are betting on more even-paced regulatory clarity. But who’s actually leading the West’s crypto future? In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we map the geopolitical landscape of digital assets across the US, UK and EU and uncover the trade-offs between speed, cer…

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Feeding the future: rethinking local economies through the foundational lens 46:56

4M ago46:56

46:56

In this episode, David and Mike are joined by Professor Kevin Morgan to explore the foundational economy—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s reshaping local economic development. They ask: how can food systems, especially public sector food provisioning, become a catalyst for community wealth and well-being? And what can the Welsh experience t…

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Safety net or patchwork quilt? Getting to grips with the welfare state 48:10

4M ago48:10

48:10

The welfare state is often talked about as a universal safety net, a system designed to catch anyone who falls. But does that image really capture how different countries understand and organise welfare around the world? In this episode, George Miller talks to Professor Paul Spicker, author of What Is the Welfare State For?, about some of the histo…

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Water and place: threat, opportunity or both? 9:50

4M ago9:50

9:50

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore the economic implications of flooding and water scarcity. They ask: are water-related risks a barrier to growth or a strategic opportunity for innovation and regeneration? From smart water management and wetland restoration to the blue green economy and new demands from the infrastructure poweri…

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Crypto in a time of crisis: Markets, conflict, and real-world use cases 19:04

5M ago19:04

19:04

In times of crisis, markets may react but technology adapts. In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we examine how crypto behaves under pressure. First, Cointelegraph head of markets Ray Salmond and market analyst Marcel Pechman break down how digital assets react in times of war, political instability and macroeconomic uncertainty. Then, we shift …

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Spending Review 2025: A turning point for local economic development? 26:22

5M ago26:22

26:22

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the 2025 Spending Review and ask: is this the moment local economic development and placemaking finally get the long-term backing they need? And will Integrated Settlements, Green Book reforms and 10-year capital deals really change the game for Mayoral Combined Authorities and their partners? Th…

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Delay crypto laws now, pay later: The high stakes for the U.S. 26:14

5M ago26:14

26:14

The clock is ticking on meaningful crypto regulation in the US, and the consequences of continued inaction could be dire. In this episode of Decentralize with Cointelegraph, reporter Vince Quill sits down with Marta Belcher, president of the Blockchain Association and the Filecoin Foundation, to explore the urgent need for legislative clarity befor…

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Joining the dots: universities, policy, and place-based impact with Sarah Chaytor 33:22

5M ago33:22

33:22

In this episode, David and Mike speak with Sarah Chaytor about the University Policy Engagement Network (UPEN) in the UK and the evolving role of universities in shaping public policy. They ask: how can academic expertise be better integrated into local and national policymaking? And what does it take for universities to move from transactional rel…

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Is basic income the answer to our age of crisis? 39:08

5M ago39:08

39:08

As basic income trials take place around the world, the idea can no longer be dismissed as purely utopian. But can it truly reshape economies and societies? In this episode, Richard Kemp talks with Howard Reed and Elliott Johnson, two of the co-authors of Basic Income: The Policy That Changes Everything, about the reality of basic income. They expl…

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Bitcoin 2025: Has Bitcoin been captured by politics and institutions? 17:19

5M ago17:19

17:19

Is Bitcoin still the decentralized money movement it set out to be — or has it been co-opted by politics and institutions? In this week’s Byte-Sized Insight, Gareth Jenkinson travels to Las Vegas for Bitcoin 2025, where political figures, Bitcoin treasury companies, and institutional giants shared the stage. Featuring interviews with Metaplanet’s D…

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What does the rise of the Reform Party mean for economic development and placemaking in the UK? 12:43

5M ago12:43

12:43

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike examine theimplications of the Reform Party’s rise to local power in England following the May 2025 local government elections. With new Reform Mayors and councils now in place, they explore what this means for local economic development, public service delivery, and the future of place leadership. They…

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A humanist looks at the night sky 46:47

5M ago46:47

46:47

What does a humanist feel when they gaze up at the stars? In this episode, George Miller speaks to philosopher Richard Norman, author of What Is Humanism For?, about wonder, meaning and morality in a world without God. Their conversation traces Norman’s intellectual journey, from religious upbringing to secular commitment, and explores how humanism…

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Crypto op-eds: Who’s shaping the Web3 narrative and why it matters 41:25

5M ago41:25

41:25

This week on Decentralize with Cointelegraph, we’re diving into the often-overlooked engine behind crypto’s public perception: opinion pieces. Joining us are Cath Jenkin, Cointelegraph’s opinion editor; Nikki Brown, chief strategy officer of Melrose PR; and Amal Ibraymi, legal counsel at Aztec Network. Together, we unpack the true power of op-eds i…

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What do the May 2025 local election results mean for English devolution? 10:59

5M ago10:59

10:59

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the economic development and placemaking implications of the May 2025 local government elections in England. These saw the Reform Party gain two Combined Authority Mayors and control of several councils. They explore what this shift means for local growth, devolution, and regional collaboration. …

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GENIUS Act moves forward: Can it fix U.S. crypto regulation? 14:43

6M ago14:43

14:43

This week on Byte-Sized Insight, we’re heading to Capitol Hill, where US lawmakers are finally making moves on crypto regulation. From the Senate advancing the GENIUS Act — a major step toward federal stablecoin rules — to the reintroduction of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, which could protect developers from outdated licensing laws, cry…

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Power cuts and cyber attacks - economic development in the age of perma-crisis 10:52

6M ago10:52

10:52

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore how local leadership teams can build resilience into economic development and place-making strategies in an age of perma- crisis. Reflecting on recent power outages and cyber attacks, extreme weather and infrastructure shocks, they discuss how places can prepare for the unexpected. Drawing on le…

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The ageing crisis that no one’s talking about 59:19

6M ago59:19

59:19

Within the next 30 years the European workforce will be down by a quarter, upsetting the systems we have had in place for decades. In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Giles Merritt, author of 'Timebomb: When Ageing Explodes', about this impending ageing crisis. They discuss the multiple factors that have led us here, as well as what needs to …

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MiCA regulations in motion: Stablecoins, fragmentation, and who gets to stay in the EU 18:29

6M ago18:29

18:29

This week on Byte-Sized Insight, we’re diving into MiCA — the EU’s landmark crypto regulation — as it enters a critical implementation phase. From stablecoin restrictions to emerging licensing hurdles, what does MiCA mean for crypto’s future in Europe? Tether has already said it won’t play ball. Meanwhile, companies like BitGo are racing to comply …

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Can Innovation Districts and Knowledge Quarters deliver genuinely inclusive growth? 45:33

6M ago45:33

45:33

David and Mike are joined by Emma Frost, Chair of the UK Innovation Districts Group, to explore how innovation districts can drive inclusive growth. They discuss the essential ingredients of successful districts, how to manage the risks of exclusion and gentrification, and why collaborative leadership and long-term thinking can unlock their full po…

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From Ripple to DeFi student loan financing: Crypto’s expanding role in education 10:23

6M ago10:23

10:23

Can blockchain redefine the way student loans are financed and repaid? On the heels of Ripple’s $25 million donation to Teach for America, we connect the dots between initiatives building the infrastructure for Web3 adoption. In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, Animoca Brands co-founder Yat Siu breaks down how Pencil Finance is using Web3 to rei…

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What can local leaders do when faced with a major site closure like British Steel? 10:45

6M ago10:45

10:45

What can local leaders do when faced with the closure of a major employment site like British Steel in Scunthorpe that the UK government stepped in to save? When thousands of jobs are at stake is there a rulebook to follow or is politics all?