Shows
Deep DiveHow Mobile Phones Are Powering Financial InclusionIn this episode of Deep Dive, we unpack the latest findings from the Global Findex 2025 report to explore how mobile phones are transforming access to financial services worldwide. From mobile money platforms in Sub-Saharan Africa to the surge of digital payments in Latin America, we examine the data behind a decade-long shift that’s bringing banking to billions.We also discuss the gender and income gaps that remain, the risks of digital scams, and what it will take to connect the 1.3 billion people still excluded from the financial system. Whether you’re a policymaker, fintech innovator or curi...2025-07-3028 minDeep DiveExposing the UK Post Office Horizon IT ScandalJoin us on this week’s Deep Dive as we unravel the Post Office Horizon IT scandal—a story of “phantom shortfalls” that ruined thousands of lives. We’ll trace Horizon’s rollout, hear from former postmasters who faced wrongful convictions and financial ruin, and explore how a supposedly infallible system became a weapon of injustice.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Horizon’s bugs and design flaws led to phantom accounting errors that postmasters were forced to explain or repay.The human cost: from shattered businesses and bankruptcies to tragic suicides and lifelong tra...2025-07-0816 minDeep DiveWhy Your MP Cares About Rare Cancers NowIn a rare moment of cross-party unity, Parliament is fast-tracking legislation that could transform care for thousands of cancer patients left behind by the system. This week on Deep Dive, we investigate the surprising political story behind the Rare Cancers Bill – and why MPs who can’t agree on Brexit or budgets are suddenly aligned on this issue.We’ll unpack:The shocking math behind so-called "rare" cancers (spoiler: they cause 55% of UK cancer deaths)How a grieving sister’s bake sale sparked a clinical trial – and changed the political calculusWhy pharmace...2025-07-0313 minDeep DivePregnancy with Sickle Cell, ReimaginedWhat happens when a long-overlooked condition meets one of life’s most vulnerable moments? In this episode, we unpack the World Health Organization’s groundbreaking new recommendations on managing sickle-cell disease during pregnancy, childbirth, and the interpregnancy period. From pain management to fetal monitoring, this conversation explores how global health experts are rethinking care to reduce risks and reimagine outcomes for women with sickle cell. Tune in as we break down the science, the stakes, and the global call to action.2025-07-0117 minDeep DiveUncovering Ireland’s Tobacco-Cancer CrisisIn this episode, we explore the stark new data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland’s landmark report on Tobacco-Related Cancers in Ireland (1994–2022). Despite decades of progress in reducing smoking, tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of cancer — and the report finds that nearly 15% of invasive cancer cases in 2022 were still caused by smoking.We dig into the trends in incidence, mortality, and survival, the impact of socioeconomic inequality, and what Ireland’s failure to meet its 2025 “tobacco endgame” target means for public health. Plus, we examine the real-world implications for policymakers, clinicians, and cancer prevention advocates.2025-06-3011 minDeep DiveBuilding a Tobacco-Free FutureIn this episode, we dive into the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025, marking 20 years since the launch of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The report reveals how far the world has come—and how far we still have to go—in the fight against tobacco, which remains one of the leading causes of preventable death globally.We explore:The rise and global spread of graphic health warnings and plain packagingWhy mass media campaigns are powerful but underutilized toolsHow countries are resisting the tobacco industry's evolving tac...2025-06-2521 minDeep DiveState of the News 2025: Algorithms, Influencers, and DistrustAs traditional news media continues to lose ground, where are people really getting their information — and can they trust it?In this episode, we dive into the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2025, the most comprehensive global analysis of how news consumption is evolving. From the decline of TV and print to the dominance of TikTok, YouTube, and influencers as news sources, the report paints a stark picture of shifting habits — and rising challenges.We explore:Why younger audiences are abandoning mainstream outletsHow social platforms and personalities are shaping public opinion...2025-06-2417 minDeep DiveWhat’s Fueling the Global Cholera Surge?In this episode, we unpack the alarming resurgence of cholera sweeping across 26 countries, as detailed in the latest World Health Organization situation report. Despite fewer reported cases compared to last year, the death toll has more than doubled—raising urgent questions about access to clean water, vaccine shortages, and the impact of conflict and climate change.From South Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we explore why health systems are struggling, what’s being done on the ground, and how the global response is falling short. Tune in as we break down the numbers, the narr...2025-06-1719 minDeep DiveHunger HotspotsIn this episode, we dive into the latest FAO–WFP early warning report that reveals a stark reality: millions of people across 13 countries are at risk of acute food insecurity between June and October 2025. From the worsening hunger crisis in Nigeria to famine-like conditions in Sudan and Gaza, we explore the key drivers—conflict, economic collapse, climate extremes—and the global failure to act fast enough. Why are humanitarian funds drying up just as needs hit record highs? What does this mean for the world’s most vulnerable? Join us as we unpack the data, the stories behind t...2025-06-1717 minDeep DiveThe New Economics of ImmunisationIn this episode, we dive into the changing landscape of global vaccine financing. As traditional donor support declines, countries like Nigeria are navigating new paths to fund immunisation systems—partnering with multilateral development banks like the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and others. These institutions, more often associated with roads and infrastructure, are now helping build the financial backbone of public health. We explore how Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is blending grants with concessional loans to help countries take ownership of their vaccine programmes, invest in long-term health systems, and prepare for the next pandemic. ...2025-06-1215 minDeep DiveWhy Child Labour Still Persists WorldwideIn this episode, we unpack the latest Child Labour: Global Estimates 2024 report by the ILO and UNICEF, which reveals that 138 million children are still engaged in child labour globally — with 87 million in Sub-Saharan Africa alone. Why, despite decades of progress, are so many children still denied their right to childhood, education, and safety? We explore the data, trends, and human stories behind the numbers — from Nigeria’s growing burden to the fragile gains in Asia and Latin America. Tune in for insights, expert analysis, and what needs to happen next to meet the world’s long-missed promises.2025-06-1129 minDeep DiveTrust, Taxes & Growth in Sub-Saharan AfricaWill 2025 be the year Sub-Saharan Africa’s economy finds its rhythm—or slide further off-beat under debt, drought, and distrust? In this Deep Dive, we unpack the World Bank’s Africa’s Pulse—Spring 2025, a candid look at the region’s near-term outlook and the governance fixes that could turn fragile momentum into inclusive prosperity.Listen in as we:Decode the growth map—why nimble mid-sized economies are outpacing giants like Nigeria, South Africa, and Angola, and what that means for the continent’s headline numbers.Confront the triple threat of conflict, climate shocks, and food...2025-05-0825 minDeep DiveLiquid Assets: Re-pricing Water for a Thirsty PlanetWater powers everything—from the food on our plates to the chips in our phones—yet we still treat it like an infinite freebie. In this Deep Dive, we explore a sweeping new blueprint that reframes H₂O as the world’s most undervalued economic asset and lays out five bold missions to secure a truly circular water future.Listen in as we:Trace the hidden economics of water and reveal why pricing signals, subsidies, and market incentives keep pushing scarcity to the breaking point.Unpack the report’s five missions: building a circular w...2025-05-0515 minDeep DiveHow Everyday Choices Can (and Can’t) Cool the PlanetCan swapping steaks for lentils or ditching a short-haul flight really move the climate needle? In this Deep Dive, we unpack a sweeping new working paper that measures the true emissions-cutting power of personal behaviour changes—then tests those numbers against real-world psychology.Tune in as we:Break down the study’s “Priority Shifts,” from slashing gas-car mileage and home fossil-fuel use to trimming air travel and animal-product consumption.Examine which behavioural nudges—price signals, social norms, default settings, smart tech—actually stick, and why.Explore the yawning gap between theoretical emissions sa...2025-05-0115 minDeep DiveCode of Care: Navigating AI Governance for Health in AfricaOn this installment of Deep Dive, we plunge into a groundbreaking report that charts the fast-evolving landscape of artificial-intelligence and data-science governance across Africa’s health sector. From Lagos to Lusaka and Cairo to Cape Town, policy frameworks are emerging—but awareness is low, institutions are overstretched, and critical voices (especially women) are still fighting for a seat at the table.Join our conversation as we:Map the current patchwork of AI and data-governance policies in Southern, Eastern, Central, Northern, and Western Africa, spotlighting both bright spots and blind spots.Hear first-hand insights from...2025-04-3031 minDeep DiveCharge Ahead: Batteries, Solar, and the New US Electricity FrontierIn this illuminating episode, we dive into the transformative shifts reshaping America's electricity landscape in 2024. For the first time ever, wind and solar power have overtaken coal generation, marking a critical turning point toward renewable energy dominance. We explore how surging electricity demand has driven unprecedented growth in solar power, outpacing even natural gas expansion. Battery storage emerges as a key player, powering solar's rapid ascent and shaping the future of a cleaner, smarter grid. Join us as we unpack the implications for emissions, electrification trends, and the innovations setting the stage for America's next energy chapter.2025-04-0111 minDeep DiveBreaking the Gas Habit: Can the EU Quit Russian Gas in Time?In this episode, we unpack Ember's latest report, "EU's Russian Gas Phase-Out: The Final Push," which critically evaluates Europe's ambitious goal of eliminating Russian gas imports by 2027. Despite strong political pledges, Russian gas imports unexpectedly rose in 2024 amid soaring prices and unstable suppliers. The EU's current strategy—massively expanding gas infrastructure—might lead to costly underused assets and hinder genuine energy independence. Join us as we explore the report’s urgent recommendations: setting legally binding targets, slashing gas demand, and optimizing existing infrastructure. Is the EU prepared to take decisive action, or will it remain vulnerable to energy instability? Tune i...2025-03-2814 minDeep DiveBorn but Not Registered: The Invisible GenerationIn this episode, we unpack UNICEF's revealing 2024 report, The Right Start in Life, shedding light on the global state of birth registration. Despite remarkable progress—with over half a billion births officially registered in the past five years—150 million children worldwide remain invisible in official records, deprived of fundamental rights and protections. We explore the critical importance of birth registration in establishing legal identity, gaining access to essential services, and protecting children's futures. Highlighting deeply personal stories from families navigating this complex issue, we delve into why regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia lag behind. 2025-03-2314 minDeep DiveBrowser Battles and Cloud Gaming Barriers: Unpacking UK's Digital CompetitionIn this Deep Dive episode, we unpack a significant report investigating the competitive landscape of mobile browsers and cloud gaming services in the UK. The report, by an independent inquiry group, reveals critical insights into how dominant market forces shape user choices and competition. Join us as we explore the interplay between browser choice and user behavior, delve into the tactics platforms use—like default settings and mandatory pre-installations—that influence user decisions, and analyze the hurdles cloud gaming providers face when navigating restrictive app store policies. This episode sheds light on how these market dyna...2025-03-1821 minDeep DiveCan We Turn the Tide on Obesity?Childhood obesity rates are skyrocketing across the globe, and by 2050, one-third of all children and adolescents are projected to be overweight or obese. But what’s really driving this trend? And more importantly, can we reverse it?In this deep dive, we unpack the latest research from The Lancet, exploring the complex web of factors fueling the obesity crisis—from globalization and urbanization to food marketing and socioeconomic disparities. We discuss the shifting trends, the regions most affected, and what the future holds if urgent action isn’t taken.Join us as we break down the sc...2025-03-0518 minDeep DiveForecasting the Future: Climate, Energy, and the Road AheadIn this episode of Deep Dive, we explore how climate variability shaped renewable energy in 2023 and what it means for the future of global energy systems. From the dramatic shift from La Niña to El Niño to regional energy triumphs and setbacks, we break down the year’s biggest trends in wind, solar, and hydropower.How did extreme weather impact energy production and demand? Can seasonal climate forecasts help us stay ahead of disruptions? And what lessons can policymakers, industries, and communities take from 2023 to build a more resilient, sustainable energy future?Join us a...2025-03-0424 minDeep DiveHow profitable are tobacco companies?We discuss the British American Tobacco (BAT) 2024 Annual Report details the company's financial performance, governance, and sustainability initiatives. It outlines BAT's strategic shift towards "A Better Tomorrow" by focusing on smokeless products and reducing the health impact of its business. The report covers financial statements, risk factors, remuneration policies, and compliance efforts, including the Supplier Code of Conduct and environmental policies. BAT's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and fair remuneration is highlighted, alongside its efforts to address climate change and promote responsible marketing. The document serves as a comprehensive overview for investors, providing insights into BAT's fina...2025-02-1914 minDeep DiveHMRC’s Missing Billions: Why Tax Evasion PersistsIn this episode of Deep Dive, we uncover the staggering £5.5 billion tax gap caused by evasion in the UK’s retail sector. Despite government crackdowns and new legislation, tax cheats continue to exploit loopholes, from online marketplaces dodging VAT to rogue directors using “phoenix” companies to escape liabilities.Why has HMRC struggled to rein in tax evasion? Are weak enforcement, corporate loopholes, and outdated policies allowing fraudsters to thrive? We explore the findings of the latest Public Accounts Committee report, speaking with experts on financial crime, tax justice advocates, and policymakers to understand why billions are slipping through...2025-02-1733 minDeep Dive2024 Global Climate ReportThe 2024 NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information global climate report details record-breaking high temperatures globally and regionally, exceeding previous records by significant margins. This warming trend is evident across land and ocean temperatures, impacting various regions such as North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, with varying degrees of severity and consequences.
The report also highlights record low snow and ice extents, alongside substantial changes in precipitation patterns, leading to extreme weather events including floods, droughts, and wildfires. The data underscores a continuing acceleration in global warming since 1850, with particularly rapid increases noted since 1975.2025-01-2813 minDeep DiveBaton Rouge Marine Casualty ReportWe discuss a UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report details the electrocution fatality of a chief engineer aboard the motor yacht Baton Rouge. The accident occurred in Antigua due to the engineer working on live electrical wiring in an inadequately assessed "enclosed space," without a permit to work.
The investigation highlighted failings in the yacht's safety management system, specifically its definition of "enclosed space," and the lack of adherence to permit-to-work procedures. Consequently, the yacht's management company implemented corrective actions, leading the MAIB to issue no further recommendations.
The report underscores the importance of...2025-01-2713 minDeep DiveTakers, Not Makers: Colonialism's Unjust WealthThis Oxfam report, "Takers, Not Makers," examines the enduring legacy of colonialism and its contribution to extreme global inequality. It highlights how historical injustices, including slavery and land dispossession, continue to fuel the vast wealth of billionaires while billions remain in poverty.
The report details the mechanisms perpetuating this inequality, such as unequal global institutions, exploitative trade practices, and the concentration of financial power in the Global North.
Finally, it proposes solutions focusing on drastically reducing inequality, addressing historical injustices through reparations, and reforming global governance to empower Global South nations.2025-01-2118 minDeep DiveBuying Greenland: An Investment OpportunityThis Alphaville LLC research report from January 2025 revisits the investment case for Greenland, maintaining a “buy” rating and a $1.1tn valuation. Despite Greenland's shrinking size and economic challenges, the report highlights potential upside from renewed merger and acquisition speculation, particularly driven by America Corp's interest in acquiring the territory. The report also notes the strategic importance of Greenland's resources in the context of climate change and renewable energy. While acknowledging significant risks, the authors believe the alignment of interests between Greenland's stakeholders and America Corp increases the likelihood of a deal. A disclaimer mentions prior compensation received from Greenlandic enti...2025-01-1813 minDeep DiveFuture of Jobs Report 2025: Key Findings and TrendsTechnological change, geoeconomic fragmentation, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts and the green transition – individually and in combination are among the major drivers expected to shape and transform the global labour market by 2030.
The Future of Jobs Report 2025 brings together the perspective of over 1,000 leading global employers—collectively representing more than 14 million workers across 22 industry clusters and 55 economies from around the world—to examine how these macrotrends impact jobs and skills, and the workforce transformation strategies employers plan to embark on in response, across the 2025 to 2030 timeframe.2025-01-1739 minDeep DiveWorld's Safest Airlines 2025AirlineRatings.com, a safety and product rating website, published its 2025 rankings of the world's safest airlines. The rankings consider factors like serious incidents, fleet age, pilot training, and financial stability. Several airlines debuted or were notably absent from the lists this year compared to 2024. The website also offers a flight booking platform integrating safety ratings.2025-01-1619 minDeep DiveGlobal Combat Air Programme: A UK Defence Committee ReportThis report, from the UK Parliament's Defence Committee, examines the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaborative project between the UK, Japan, and Italy to develop a next-generation combat aircraft for service from 2035. The report details the programme's history, structure, and challenges, including affordability, workforce, and export considerations.
Key concerns highlighted are managing costs effectively, maintaining a skilled workforce, and navigating the complexities of international partnerships. The report includes recommendations for mitigating risks and ensuring the programme's success, emphasising the importance of timely decision-making and transparent communication.
Finally, the report assesses the potential for future...2025-01-1519 minDeep DiveJournalism, Media, and Technology Trends and Predictions 2025Today's Deep Dive is on Nic Newman and Federica Cherubini's Journalism and Technology Trends and Predictions 2025 report, published by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, examines the challenges and opportunities facing the news industry in 2025. The report, based on a survey of 326 news executives, highlights concerns about political attacks on journalism, economic headwinds, and the disruptive potential of AI.
Positive findings include increased confidence in business prospects, though concerns remain about declining traffic from social media and search engines. The report also explores the rise of news influencers, the need for talent retention, combating news fatigue, a...2025-01-1419 minDeep DiveUnderstanding and Addressing Misinformation About ScienceWelcome to this Deep Dive on a report, compiled by a committee of experts from various universities and organisations, that examines misinformation about science. It explores the sources, spread, and impacts of this misinformation, considering factors such as digital platforms, industry influence, and societal inequalities. The report also analyses existing interventions to counter misinformation, including prebunking and debunking techniques, and offers recommendations for future research and policy. The research highlights the complex interplay between scientific knowledge, public perception, and the modern information landscape. Finally, the report includes a list of contributors and their affiliations.2025-01-1327 minDeep DiveEbola Ring Vaccination in the DRCWe discuss a research article that. reports on a large-scale, non-randomised study evaluating the effectiveness of ring vaccination, alongside standard Ebola virus disease (EVD) control measures, during the 2018-2020 outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The study involved vaccinating over 265,000 individuals, primarily contacts and contacts-of-contacts of EVD cases, with the rVSV-ZEBOV-GP vaccine. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in EVD incidence ten days post-vaccination, supporting earlier findings from a randomised trial in Guinea. The study also analysed various factors influencing EVD risk and found no serious vaccine-related adverse events. Comparisons with the Guinean trial helped assess the vaccine's independent...2025-01-1209 minDeep DiveGlobal Economic Prospects: Low-Income CountriesWe discuss the latest World Bank report that assesses the economic prospects of low-income countries (LICs), noting a marked slowdown in their progress towards middle-income status since 2010. The report analyses the macroeconomic features of LICs, highlighting challenges such as conflict, climate change, and weak institutions, alongside opportunities like demographic dividends and natural resource endowments. Policy priorities for improved graduation prospects are identified, including increased investment, improved governance, and greater international support. Case studies of successful growth accelerations in some LICs are examined to illuminate pathways to sustainable development. Finally, the report emphasizes the need for context-specific policies and increased...2025-01-1125 minDeep DiveAsylum Seekers' Right to Work in the UKIn this Deep Dive, we explore the findings of Focus on Labour Exploitation's (FLEX) latest report on the challenges faced by asylum seekers in the UK as they navigate the complex process of gaining permission to work.
Through compelling interviews with asylum seekers and support workers, the report sheds light on critical barriers such as limited access to information and legal aid, lengthy waiting periods, job restrictions, and difficulties proving the right to work.
We also discuss the impact of these challenges on asylum support and accommodation eligibility. Tune in as we examine FLEX's recommendations...2025-01-1020 minDeep DiveEngland Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report: Week 1, 2025In this Deep Dive, we discuss the report from the UK Health Security Agency that details respiratory virus surveillance in England during the final week of 2024. Key findings show high influenza activity, baseline COVID-19 levels, and low respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity.
The report uses various data sources, including laboratory testing, general practitioner consultations, and hospital admissions, to monitor the trends.
Influenza A(H1N1) was the dominant influenza subtype. Data on vaccination uptake for both influenza and COVID-19 are also included, highlighting lower-than-previous-years influenza vaccination rates in some age groups.2025-01-0919 minDeep DiveEvery Drop Counts: A Deep Dive into Global Water Extremes and Climate ResilienceIn this episode, we explore the findings of the Global Water Monitor 2024 Report, unpacking the alarming trends of record-breaking droughts, devastating floods, and the growing precipitation paradox.
From the cascading impacts of climate change to the surprising resilience of global vegetation, we discuss how these changes are reshaping our world. Join us as we navigate through real-world stories of affected communities, the critical need for climate adaptation, and practical steps individuals can take to make a difference.
Every drop counts—let's dive in!2025-01-0816 minDeep DiveHow Alcohol Causes CancerThis Deep Dive focuses on the Surgeon General's 2025 Advisory that highlights the strong causal link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk, citing numerous studies showing increased risk for at least seven cancer types.
The advisory emphasises that even moderate drinking increases cancer risk, and that public awareness of this remains low.
Key recommendations include updating alcohol warning labels to include cancer risks and strengthening public education campaigns. The report extensively details the biological mechanisms by which alcohol causes cancer and provides data on absolute and relative cancer risks associated with varying levels of alcohol consumption. 2025-01-0717 minDeep DiveThe Fight for Healthier Smiles: Tackling Dental Inequality and Fluoridation DebatesDive deep into the fascinating world of dental health as we unpack the latest UK parliamentary report on water fluoridation. Discover the shocking statistics about children's dental health in England, explore the science behind fluoride, and join the debate on whether water fluoridation is the ultimate solution.
From innovative programs like Scotland’s Child Smile to alternative treatments such as fluoride varnish, this episode highlights the need for a holistic and equitable approach to dental care. Tune in for insights, controversies, and a look into the future of oral health policies and technologies. Let’s make those smil...2025-01-0417 minDeep DiveThe Future of ChildhoodUNICEF's State of the World's Children 2024 report examines the future of childhood, focusing on the world in 2050. Three megatrends—demographic shifts, climate and environmental crises, and frontier technologies—are identified as shaping children's lives. The report presents various scenarios illustrating potential outcomes based on different levels of progress, highlighting the significant impacts these megatrends will have on child survival, well-being, and opportunities. The report concludes with recommendations for governments and stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure a brighter future for all children. Young people's perspectives are integrated throughout.2025-01-0426 minDeep DiveAccelerating to Net Zero: UK Government ResponseWe discuss this government report responds to the Climate Change Committee's 2024 Progress Report, outlining the UK's actions to accelerate its net-zero targets. The report details immediate actions taken, including lifting the onshore wind ban and launching initiatives like Great British Energy, to meet the Clean Energy Superpower Mission. It also addresses recommendations from the CCC across various sectors, such as energy, transport, and buildings, and includes progress reports on key metrics.
Furthermore, we discuss the roles of devolved governments in achieving net-zero goals and sets out future plans for meeting carbon budgets and nationally determined contributions. Finally...2025-01-0314 minDeep DiveState of the Climate 2024State of the Climate 2024: A Deep Dive into COP29 Findings
In this inaugural episode of Deep Dive, we explore the State of the Climate 2024 report released at COP29 by the World Meteorological Organization. Together, we unravel the data behind record-breaking global heat, greenhouse gas spikes, melting ice, and rising sea levels, and connect these planetary changes to their human impacts—ranging from food crises to climate-induced displacement.
We also delve into the solutions presented in the report, from global climate action frameworks to local adaptation strategies, and highlight the role individuals, communities, governments, and businesses mu...2024-12-2717 min