The Londoners News

Is there sufficient public access to swimming spots in increasing summer heatwaves?

15 jul 2026, 10:39 · 13 min

<p>London, and the UK as a whole, has just experienced two scorching heatwaves. </p><p>Along with it came familiar stories of the public suffering under the heat. </p><p>One topic that hits headlines each time a heatwave comes round is swimming. Tragically, many of those stories are around people who have died from swimming in unfamiliar outdoor swimming spots. </p><p>This begins to beg certain questions. When it is so hot and people just want to bathe and cool down, where can they go? This podcast discusses current public provision of pools and lidos and asks: what can be done to improve how people engage with swimming and their access to it? </p><p><br></p><p>Presented and produced by Lucy Giles.</p>

Behind the Byline: Diversity in Sports Media

14 jul 2026, 11:30 · 12 min

<p>Tahmina Rahman explores the barriers and opportunities shaping modern sports journalism. Featuring the Operational Director of BCOMS (Black Collective of Media in Sport), this podcast uncovers why representation matters, what progress has been made, and how the next generation of journalists can help create a more inclusive future for sports media.</p>

What's happened to live studio audiences in UK comedy?

14 jul 2026, 9:02 · 9 min

<p>In recent years, we've stopped hearing the sound of a live studio audience laughing along from our television speakers, but are they making a comeback? </p><p>Following the success of <em>SNL UK,</em> this episode explores changing comedy tastes and why audiences may be rediscovering the joy of laughing together.</p><p>Produced and presented by Sabine Batalla.<em> </em></p>

'The Sound of Fear' - interpreting the Muslim call to prayer

7 jul 2026, 14:00 · 13 min

<p>Britain has had its worst year on record for anti-Muslim hate. Mosques have been targeted, and one sound sits at the centre of the argument. Rashmi Varma investigates what the science of sound and fear reveals about the Muslim call to prayer — and asks whether the way we hear it can change.</p>

Is the “Yankification” of British English really happening?

7 jul 2026, 9:04 · 29 min

<p>Brits like to stand firm in preserving the character of the national language – and that means a strong opposition to Americanisms.</p><p> </p><p>In this episode, Abena Oppon speaks to social media personality Chikamso, and academics Professor Lynne Murphy and Christian Ilbury, to find out why people worry about Americanisms, and what is really going on. </p><p> </p><p>Link to tweet referenced in pod: <a href="https://x.com/jjammiedodgerr/status/2054180697573638526?s=46">https://x.com/jjammiedodgerr/status/2054180697573638526?s=46</a> </p>

Can Millbank Tower swing the next general election?

3 jul 2026, 16:00 · 11 min

<p>As the Conservative Party continues to struggle to recover from their disastrous result at the 2024 General Election, there are two institutions quietly changing that suggest the decline may be terminal.<br />Millbank Tower, a former Conservative HQ is now a Reform office and Newcastle Conservative Society is now a Reform society. Is this the end of the Tories?</p><p><br /></p><p>Bartholomew Roberts investigates.</p>

What is happening to veganism?

3 jul 2026, 9:50 · 13 min

<p>You may have seen the #carnivorediet going viral on social media, or major restaurant chains reducing their vegan options. </p><p>In this episode, Imogen Mingos speaks to the Vegan Society and plant-based MasterChef finalist Sophie Sugrue to find out why this might be and if veganism is here to stay.</p><p></p>

London on Screen - Episode 3: The Independents

17 abr 2026, 12:00 · 23 min

<p>In the final episode of ‘London on Screen’, we will be taking a look at the independent film scene. </p><p>The past two episodes have delved into both the nostalgic and gritty films that represent London, but in this episode we are looking at the lesser-known and up-and-coming filmmakers within the London film industry. </p><p>We also speak to a student filmmaker and the founder and director of the Soho London Independent Film Festival. Enjoy!</p><p>------------------------------------</p><p>Credits:</p><p>Intro/Outro music courtesy of RAO Sogno Sospeso and Soundcloud </p><p>Interview music courtesy of Pixabay</p><p>Podcasters Yumna Iqbal, Heidi Munn and Evie James</p><p>Interviewees Classic de Gale and Liz Farahadi</p>

London on Screen - Episode 2: Real-life London

16 abr 2026, 12:00 · 22 min

<p>In this episode of London on Screen, we explore how the ‘real London’ is shown in film, and what that term really means to us. </p><p>From Guy Ritchie films to Paddington in Peru, the capital is shown in all different lights, but which one feels most authentic?  </p><p>Featuring interviews with freelance film critic Bella Madge and producer of <em>‘Elephant Families’ </em>Elena Escalante. </p><p>Intro/outro courtesy of RAO Sogno Sospeso</p><p>Interview sound effect courtesy of Pixabay</p><p>Hosts: Heidi Munn, Yumna Iqbal and Evie James </p>

London on Screen - Episode 1: The Icons

15 abr 2026, 12:00 · 18 min

<p>In this first of three episodes exploring London via the silver screen, we talk about the most iconic films set in London and why we think they’ve made such a cultural impact. </p><p><br></p><p>---------------------------</p><p>Intro/Outro courtesy of RAO Sogno Sospeso</p><p>Interview sound effect courtesy of Pixabay</p><p>Hosted by Evie James, Heidi Munn, and Yumna Iqbal</p>

Underground Exposure - Episode 3: Art

10 abr 2026, 12:00 · 20 min

<p>On this episode of Underground Exposure, hostsJacob, Macie, and Keiley take a deep dive into London’s art scene, where talent meets barriers of money, space and access.</p><p>Emerging artists speak honestly about debt, family, survival and what it really takes to keep creating.</p><p>From studios to institutions, we ask who gets to make art in this city, and who gets left out.</p><p>------------------------------------------------- </p><p>CREDITS:</p><p>Hosts - Jacob, Macie, Keiley </p><p>Sound FX - Pixabay </p><p>"Sound of the Underground"- Cover by Miranda Cooper: Courtesy of Soundcloud</p>

Underground Exposure - Episode 2: Sport

9 abr 2026, 12:00 · 21 min

<p>Welcome to the Underground Exposure podcast, where we discover how easy, or difficult, it is to make it in London’s music, sport and art scene.</p><p>Sport plays a vital role in shaping communities, and in a citylike London, opportunities are everywhere, but so are the challenges. </p><p>In this episode, we take a closer look at what it really takes to build a sporting career in such a fast-paced environment, from job opportunities to the financial pressures athletes face.</p><p>We speak with Ross White, first team manager of Sholing FC, who shares insight into the sacrifices often made behind the scenes, and GB bobsleigh athlete Maddison Illsley, who reflects on the time, money and resilience required to push forward and make the most of the opportunities available.</p><p> Join us as we look at the challenges of London’s sports industry and explore how shifting your mindset can open up new possibilities.</p><p><br></p><p>---------------------------------------------</p><p>Sounds of the Underground- Miranda Cooper (Soundcloud)</p><p>Muckaniks - Sully (Soundcloud) </p><p>Streatham Instrumental Remake (prod. Vietbeats_) - UploadsUploads (Soundcloud)</p><p>LDN (originally performed by Lily Allen) [Karaoke Backing Track] - Paris Music</p>

Underground Exposure: Episode 1 - Music

8 abr 2026, 14:25 · 20 min

<p>Welcome to the Underground Exposure podcast, where we discover how easy, or difficult, it is to make it in London’s music, sport, and art scene.</p><p>Music brings people together; it’s a way to form communities and London is full of this. </p><p>In this episode, we dive into the ideas of social media, along with the financial challenges in London as well as the never-ending opportunities due to being such a creative city.</p><p>New musicians joined us to share their experiences too! Singer-songwriter Charlotte Shaw revealed her financial challenges including the need to sacrifice her leisure activities in order to afford better equipment. Whereas singer-songwriter Natalie Shay expressed her gratitude for social media and how it is the music industry’s version of LinkedIn.</p><p>Join us to discuss how you can face the challenges of London’s music industry by looking at it all from another angle.</p><p>-----------------------------------------</p><p>Intro and outro music credit: Miranda Cooper via Soundcloud</p><p>Higher and Lower questions music credit: LDN (orginally performed by Lily Allen)[Karaoke Backing Track] - Paris Music via Soundcloud</p><p>Hip-hop music, RnB music, drumroll, and money sound: Pixabay</p><p>Music credit: Purple Planet</p>

Talking about talking - accent bias in broadcasting

19 mar 2026, 10:00 · 15 min

<p>When you watch or listen to the news, you're likely to hear just one accent: received pronunciation, an accent so synonymous with major broadcasters that it's been dubbed "BBC English".</p><p>In this episode, Oliver Whitmore speaks to Investigative and Human Rights Journalist Megan Ioannides, who has reported on accent bias in broadcasting.</p>

London's unique role in Winter Olympics origins

18 mar 2026, 16:15 · 14 min

<p>When you picture the Winter Olympics, London isn’t the first place that comes to mind. Despite a lack of snow and slopes, Britain helped shape the Games’ earliest moments. From forgotten rinks to untold pioneers, this is the hidden story that changed winter sport forever.</p><p><br></p><p>Presented and produced by Callum Milne.</p>

Underground Voices

12 feb 2026, 18:11 · 13 min

<p>Have you ever wondered who voices the announcements on the London Underground?</p><p>What is it about female voices that makes them more suited to tell you to “mind the gap”?</p><p>Underground Voices explores the women behind the announcements on the Tube, and why their industry is under threat from AI.</p><p>Presented and produced by Emily Stevens.</p>

Learning Shakespeare in the 2020s

12 feb 2026, 10:17 · 15 min

<p>Playwright and contemporary of William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, claimed the Bard was “not for an age, but for all time.” Four centuries later, our age looks very different to his – so does that still hold? </p><p>This podcast investigates Shakespeare’s place in modern classrooms – from a new Royal Shakespeare curriculum to lessons at a top-ranking London primary school. </p><p><br></p><p>Presented and produced by Emily Driver. </p>

Heathrow's third runway remains controversial a year after Labour's backing

11 feb 2026, 16:53 · 15 min

<p>As the anniversary of Rachel Reeves voicing her backing for a third runway at Heathrow came and went, it was clear that the longstanding project is still mired in controversy both local and national.</p><p>Londoners journalist Rich Brann spoke to some of the major voices demanding that the government to think again, both of them having campaigned for decades against the runway's building.</p>

'Youth is wasted on the young' - what if we could extend our life?

11 feb 2026, 14:51 · 13 min

<p>In this podcast, Lucy Carrier-Pilkington investigates longevity medicine – the booming scientific field and cultural phenomenon which aims to increase human lifespan and health span well beyond what we consider the natural age to die. We hear from Dale, a 44-year-old gaming developer from Australia, who has been involved in the longevity community for almost two decades. He discusses his philosophy about longevity and what mankind could do if it had more time on its hands.</p>

Blue Monday: does the most depressing day of the year actually exist?

10 feb 2026, 10:57 · 14 min

<p>Blue Monday was labelled the most depressing day of the year more than 20 years ago, before being exposed as part of a marketing stunt.</p><p>But who decided on this day? How reliable is the research? Why does the idea persist?</p><p>And what can we truly learn from the concept of Blue Monday?</p><p><br>Londoners journalist Alexandra Herlaut Reinhardt speaks to a marketing expert, explores the mental health angle, and even tracks down the man who created the original concept in 2005, to find out more.</p>

Clapham Grand celebrates 125th birthday

28 ene 2026, 11:09 · 14 min

<p>In November, the Clapham Grand - a nightlife venue and Grade II-listed building located beside Clapham Junction station - turned 125-years-old. In this podcast, we’ll be diving into its history and learning about how it has stood the test of time when London’s nightlife scene is on its knees.</p>

Heart of Irish: Irish speaking meets in London

22 jul 2025, 12:00 · 15 min

<p>Irish speaking is undergoing a popularity boom, not only in Ireland but in London too. To find out more, the Londoners met up with participants of Croí na Gaelige, an Irish-speaking collective who organise meet-ups to maintain their speaking ability.</p><p>Presented and produced by Charlotte Wilson.</p><p><br></p><p>Music: ‘Irish jig’–Musictown (sourced from Pixabay)</p><p>‘Fire of the Holy Ghost–Irish Punk Rock Metal with Bagpipes’–nickpanek620 (sourced from Pixabay)</p>

Bloomsday - a celebration of James Joyce's Ulysses

22 jul 2025, 9:00 · 13 min

<p>16 June marked the celebration of Bloomsday, the anniversary of modernist novel <em>Ulysses</em> by Irish author James Joyce. The day often includes re-enactments of Joyce’s 1922 text, Edwardian dress-up and pub crawls both in Ireland and across the world. </p><p>Drawing on discussions from Irish actor Frank Grimes and University College London Joyce specialist Scarlett Baron, this podcast episode reminisces on the legacy of <em>Ulysses</em>, and how the celebrations of Bloomsday immortalises both the text and its author, 103 years after publication.Presented and produced by Amelia Young.</p>

Teddington's fashion boutique with an LA twist

21 jul 2025, 12:00 · 14 min

<p>Welcome to Kitt’s Corner, where we talk with inspiring entrepreneurs. Today’s guest is Dianne Yarlett, owner of Nova Fortuny — Teddington’s boutique with a Los Angeles twist.</p><p> Audio: Dianne Yarlett, Paul Williams, “It’s You"</p><p>Produced and presented by Kitt Garrett.</p>

London's life drawing revival

21 jul 2025, 8:34 · 14 min

<p>‘London’s life drawing revival’ explores how life drawing has adapted to a contemporary context, why it's become so popular now, and what impact Covid had in its transformation. We talk to figures behind some of London’s most exciting classes, including models and artists at London Drawing, to find out more.</p><p><br></p><p>Presented and produced by Emily Buckley Bunn.</p>

The Climate Connection episode two: Survival of the Fittest - adapting to a warming world

9 may 2025, 14:31 · 22 min

<p>Welcome to the Climate Connection podcast, where we dive deep into the effects of climate change on London. </p><p>In this episode we discuss the effects of climate change on animals and wildlife in London. </p><p>Special thanks to Royal Parks, London Wildlife Trust and Conor Walsh for participating in this episode. </p><p><br></p><p>Audio credits: Pixabay and Purple Planet (https://www.purple-planet.com/)</p><p>Episode image credit: Timur Valiev from Unsplash</p>

Climate Connection episode one: Weathering Change

9 may 2025, 10:56 · 21 min

<p>Welcome to the Climate Connection podcast, where we dive deep into the effects of climate change on London. </p><p>This first episode is called ‘Weathering Change’ and focuses on the impact climate change will have on the weather system, and what this will mean for those living in London. </p><p>We have some fantastic guests on this episode, including the Met Office’s Amy Doherty and the Chair of the London Climate Ready Partnership, Bob Ward. </p><p>This fascinating episode discusses the debate surrounding climate change, the problems that climate change brings with it and the science behind this increasingly complicated topic.</p><p>Music Credit - Pixabay & Purple Planet</p><p>Cover Image Credit - Timur Valiev from Unsplash</p>

Headlock History: Conclusion

29 abr 2025, 13:39 · 25 min

<p>In the final episode of the Headlock History podcast, Thomas wraps up the findings from previous interviews and aims to tackle the two key questions of the podcast: why was British wrestling removed from TV in 1988, and was the independent wrestling boom in the 2010s a revival of the sport in Britain.</p><p>Full versions of the whole podcast series are available on the BritWresCentral YouTube account: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA"><u>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA</u></a></p><p>Music: Urban Hip-Hop by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/</p><p>Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/</p><p>Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)</p><p><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"><u>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/</u></a><br></p>

Headlock History - Episode 4: Jack Critchlow (Critchy)

29 abr 2025, 13:33 · 20 min

<p>In this episode of the Headlock History podcast, British professional wrestler Jack Critchlow (Critchy) discusses his own career, training during the 2010s period.</p><p>Full versions of the whole podcast series are available on the BritWresCentral YouTube account: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA"><u>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA</u></a></p><p>Music: Urban Hip-Hop by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/</p><p>Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/</p><p>Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)</p><p><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"><u>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/</u></a><br></p>

Headlock History - Episode 3: Benjamin Litherland

29 abr 2025, 13:29 · 46 min

<p>In this episode of the Headlock History podcast, Ben Litherland, author of <em>Wrestling in Britain: Sporting Entertainments, Celebrity and Audiences</em>, joins Thomas to critically examine British professional wrestling within a wider socio-cultural framework. </p><p>They discuss how wrestling has reflected and shaped ideas about class, celebrity, and entertainment in Britain, moving beyond nostalgia to explore its deeper cultural significance. Ben offers a sharp and insightful analysis of wrestling’s place in British society.</p><p>Extended versions of the podcast series are available on the BritWresCentral YouTube account: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA"><u>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA</u></a></p><p>Music: Urban Hip-Hop by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/</p><p>Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/</p><p>Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)</p><p><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"><u>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/</u></a><br></p>

Headlock History - Episode 2: Ciaran McConnell

29 abr 2025, 13:16 · 32 min

<p>In this episode of the Headlock History podcast, Infinite Wrestling co-founder and former promoter Ciaran McConnell joins Thomas to discuss what happened after British wrestling was taken off television in 1988. We discuss the conditions leading to the scene eventually rebounding, with the advent of wrestling schools, tribute shows and new influences leading to a creative and commercial boom in the 2010s.</p><p>Extended versions of the podcast series are available on the BritWresCentral YouTube account: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA</a></p><p>Music: Urban Hip-Hop by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/</p><p>Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/</p><p>Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)</p><p><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/</a><br /></p>

Headlock History - Episode 1: Wrestling Heritage

17 abr 2025, 15:15 · 33 min

<p>In this episode of the Headlock History podcast, the guests are the team behind Wrestling Heritage, a massive online archive of British professional wrestling history. We explore wrestling's cultural grip during the World of Sport era and the factors that led to its decline in the 1980s. We also dig into their personal memories and the enduring appeal of wrestling.</p><p><br></p><p>Extended versions of the podcast series are available on the BritWresCentral YouTube account: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA">⁠<u>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA</u>⁠</a> </p><p><br></p><p>Music: Urban Hip-Hop by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/</p><p>Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/</p><p>Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)</p><p>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/</p>

Headlock History: a series dedicated to British wrestling through the years

17 abr 2025, 15:08 · 2 min

<p>An introduction to the Headlock History podcast series, where journalist Thomas Brace will explore the history of British professional wrestling from the golden era to the present day.</p><p><br></p><p><br>Extended versions of the podcast series are available on the BritWresCentral YouTube account: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA"><u>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEm2MtlHi-Q9GE4qPkW8tA</u></a> </p><p><br></p><p>Music: Urban Hip-Hop by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/</p><p>Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/</p><p>Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)</p><p><a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/">⁠<u>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/</u>⁠</a></p>

Americans in London digest Trump's election victory

6 mar 2025, 13:00 · 15 min

<p>“I’m scared to go home” - this podcast dives into the emotions of young Americans living in London, facing turmoil after Donald Trump’s election win. From the policy to the personal, Trump’s win had a big impact on them, and returning to their home country won't be the same. </p><p>Presented by Sam Norman.</p>

How the media covers crime stories - and the impact of social media sleuths

4 mar 2025, 13:00 · 22 min

<p>The media landscape is rapidly changing with the emergence of social media. Presenter Lucy White delves into how news coverage has adapted to the change - speaking with Daily Mail’s associate editor Charlie Lankston, and BBC’s head of Editorial Standards Tim Burke. They discuss the coverage of the Idaho Murders, Luigi Mangione and Nicola Bulley's disappearance, and how American media is given far greater freedom than the British press.</p>

Women's football and its broadcasting problem

3 mar 2025, 13:00 · 14 min

<p>Women’s football has continued its great rise in England, especially in the WSL. However, there are gaps appearing in the coverage from major broadcasters, from wrong names to limited analysis. In talking to Rob Pratley and Lucy Jones, we look deeper into the issues in the WSL broadcasting, and around the globe.</p><p><br /></p><p>Presented by Liberty Simons.</p>

Our Sky Is Not Blue: Afghan musicians in London

2 mar 2025, 13:00 · 19 min

<p>Dylan Trenouth interviews Afghans in London about the role that music plays in their life. This programme was inspired by the ‘Last Torch’ movement, which saw Afghan women singing online, in protest of the current regime’s ‘Morality Laws’. The Taliban, as part of a system of suppression against women, have banned female voices in public. </p>

The power of guide running in the disabled community

1 mar 2025, 13:00 · 14 min

<p>In this podcast, visually impaired (VI) runner Chris Blackabee and guide Harriet Somers explain the power of guide running and how it has transformed disabled sport, putting people on start lines they never believed possible. </p><p>The conversation, hosted by Blaise Cloran, offers a fascinating insight into how the sport combats social isolation in the disabled community.</p>

Sobriety, poetry and the power of sharing stories

28 feb 2025, 13:00 · 14 min

<p>Chris Buckland is a recovering addict who, after more than a year of sobriety, has turned to social media to share his poetry and words of wisdom with the public. In this podcast, sit down with host Milly Morgan and Chris to learn more about his journey through addiction, and enjoy readings of his poetry. </p>

Dance studio aiming to make ballet accessible for non-white communities

27 feb 2025, 10:15 · 14 min

<p>A south west London dance studio is striving to make ballet accessible for non-white communities.  </p><p> </p><p>This podcast features Ruth Essel, the Founder of<a href="https://www.pointeblack.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"> <u>Pointe Black</u></a>, who strives to break down a wide range of barriers to accessing ballet. Ultimately, her mission is to  “inspire, empower and nurture” their community.</p><p><br></p><p>Episode hosted by Aastha Trivedi.</p>