Talking Jack: Recent Episodes
Megan and Claire
Talking Jack is a podcast created by twin sisters, Megan and Claire.
The show takes a light hearted approach to dicussing and dissecting everyday issues in society and culture. Ranging from poltical issues, pop culture, socioeconomic concerns and those everyday phenomenons.
Weekly episodes will be researched and hosted by either Megan or Claire with the other in the dark about the chosen topic. Join us for a light-hearted conversation delving into the everyday.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Recorded and Mixed on: Audactiy
Music: Anton Vlasov on Pixabay
Episode 2.6
In this episode we look back at the COVID-19 pandemic and reflect on what happened over these couple of years in the United Kingdom. From controversies around lockdown rule flounting, conflicting health advice and insufficient testing and health provisions, the response to the pandemic certainly did not come without criticism. We reflect on these and most crucially on the ways in which our personal and collective experiences have changed how we live life today. The legacy of the pandemic can be felt across society and has indeed impact economy, mental health and day to day life. Has this changed life for the better or worse and what have we learnt?
This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Spotify for Podcasters
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 2.5
In this episode we examine the origins of the term 'culture wars' and the debate around the existence of such a thing. We focus mostly on the United Kingdom by tracing the sociopolitical histroy of post-war Britain up to today, in order to give some context to modern British culture. In this episode, we have tried to stray away from specific 'culture war' issues and, instead, we discuss the reasons for rising tensions in spaces online like social media and whether there are clues to the cause of this in the experiences of past generations.
This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Spotify for Podcasters
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
In this final episode of Rock Icons’ first season exploring the career of Pink Floyd and its members, we will detail their standout moments from the 1990s to present day. This will include taking a look at Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason’s final performance as a four-piece together for Live 8 in 2005.
Sources Cited:
Blake, M. 2013. Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd (Updated). Aurum Press: London.
Musical Milestones, 2016. Pink Floyd – Album by Album: The Definitive History. Music Milestones.
Fotostrasse. Available from: https://fotostrasse.com/roger-waters-the-wall-live-in-berlin/#.Y_SSM3bP25d
Taylor, T. 2021. Looking back at Roger Waters landmark performance of ‘The Wall’ in Berlin, 1990. Far Out Magazine. Available from: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/roger-waters-performance-the-wall-berlin-1990/
DeRisco, N. 2017. How Roger Waters reanimated his legend on ‘Amused to Death.’ Ultimate Classic Rock. Available from: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/roger-waters-amused-to-death-album/
Garrad, S. 2015. Album Review: Roger Waters – Amused to Death. Renowned for Sound. Available from: https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-roger-waters-amused-to-death/
Graves, T. 1994. The Division Bell. Rolling Stone. Available from: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/the-division-bell-187918/
Fowle, K. 2014. Pink Floyd’s The Division Bell is a lesson in the unfortunate power of nostalgia. AV Club. Available from: https://www.avclub.com/pink-floyd-s-the-division-bell-is-a-lesson-in-the-unfor-1798275146
Classic Rock Review. 2014. The Division Bell by Pink Floyd. Classic Rock Review. Available from: https://www.classicrockreview.com/2014/05/1994-pink-floyd-division-bell/
Franqueli, A. 2014. PINK FLOYD: THE DIVISION BELL (20TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION). PopMatters. Available from: https://www.popmatters.com/184220-pink-floyd-the-division-bell-20th-anniversary-deluxe-edition-2495633592.html
DeGagne, M. 1996. Broken China – Richard Wright. All Music. Available from: https://www.allmusic.com/album/broken-china-mw0000613524
Taysom, J. 2020. Revisiting Pink Floyd's unlikely reunion for a barnstorming show at 'Live 8'. Far Out magazine. Available from: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/pink-floyd-reunion-roger-waters-david-gilmour-live-8/
Black, J. 2022. When Pink Floyd reunited for Live 8: "It was like sleeping with your ex-wife". Classic Rock. Available from: https://www.loudersound.com/features/pink-floyd-reunite-at-live-8
Billboard. 2005. Pink Floyd Dazzles At Live 8 Reunion. Billboard. Available from: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/pink-floyd-dazzles-at-live-8-reunion-62208/
Petridis, A. 2014. Pink Floyd: The Endless River review – a fitting footnote to their career. The Guardian. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/nov/06/pink-floyd-the-endless-river-review
Sullivan, C. 2015. David Gilmour: Rattle That Lock review – Pink Floyd guitarist's melancholy fourth. The Guardian. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/sep/17/david-gilmour-rattle-that-lock-review
Riding, A. 2005. 'Ça Ira,' opera witha dash of Pink Floyd. The New York Times. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/22/arts/a-ira-opera-witha-dash-of-pink-floyd.html
Sputnik Music. 2006. Roger Waters – Ca Ira. Sputnik Music. Available from: https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/4899/Roger-Waters-%C3%87a-Ira/
Gramophone. 2006. Waters Ca Ira - Spirited performances aren’t enough to lift Waters’s revolutionary project. Gramophone. Available from: https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/waters-%C3%A7a-ira
This episode charts the career of Pink Floyd through arguably its most difficult decade, the 1980s, because this would see Roger Waters eventually leave the band and bring about a new era with David Gilmour at the helm.
Sources Cited:
Blake, M. 2013. Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd (Updated). Aurum Press: London.
Mason, N. 2004. Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd. Wiedenfield & Nicolson: London.
Wikipedia. Pink Floyd. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floyd
Musical Milestones, 2016. Pink Floyd – Album by Album: The Definitive History. Music Milestones.
Mann, R. 2013. 30 Years On: Pink Floyd's The Final Cut Revisited. The Quietus. Available from: https://thequietus.com/articles/12504-pink-floyd-the-final-cut
Starkey, A. 2021. Revisiting Pink Floyd's lowest ebb: 'A Momentary Lapse of Reason'. Far Out. Available from: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/pink-floyd-a-momentary-lapse-of-reason/
Classic Rock Review, 2012. A Momentary Lapse of Reason by Pink Floyd. Classic Rock Review. Available from: https://www.classicrockreview.com/2012/09/1987-pink-floyd-amlor/
Singsaas, F. 2022. Pink Floyd – The Final Cut (1983) – Classic Album Review. Now Spinning Magazine. Available from: https://nowspinning.co.uk/pink-floyd-the-final-cut-1983-classic-album-review/
Cook, J. 2014. About Face by David Gilmour. Class Rock Review. Available from: https://www.classicrockreview.com/2014/10/1984-david-gilmour-about-face/
This is a supplementary episode to the previous one which looked into Pink Floyd’s career in the 1970s. Their last album of the decade (released in 1979) was The Wall, and this episode is dedicated specifically to this concept album.
Sources Cited:
Thompson, D. 2013. Roger Waters: The Man Behind the Wall. Backbeat Books: Milwaukee.
Blake, M. 2013. Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd (Updated). Aurum Press: London.
Mason, N. 2004. Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd. Wiedenfield & Nicolson: London.
Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall. 2000. Directed by Bob Smeaton [Film]. Channel 4: UK.
Wikipedia. Pink Floyd. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floyd
Powell, P. (n.d.) The 1980/81 Wall concert performances in detail. Brain-damage. Available from: https://www.brain-damage.co.uk/the-wall/the-1980-81-wall-concert-performances-in-detail.html
Lifton, D. 2015. How Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ Tour Reinvented The Rock Concert. Ultimate Classic Review. Available from: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/pink-floyd-the-wall-tour/
Pink Floyd – The Wall. 1982. Directed by Alan Parker [Film]. United International Pictures.
Schaffner, N. 1991. Saucerful of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Odyssey. Sidgwick & Jackson: London.
Malcolm, D. 2016. Pink Floyd’s The Wall film review – archive. The Guardian archive. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jul/15/pink-floyd-the-wall-film-review-1982
Jankowska, B. 2018. Distorted identity, madness and trauma: the struggle for identity in Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Currents: A Journal of Young English Philosophy Thought Review, 4, pp. 129 – 146.
Urick, B. 2010. A Complete Analysis of Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Available from: https://thewallanalysis.com/ - I REFER TO 'URICK' AS 'UBRICK' IN MANY PLACES IN THIS EPISODE AND I WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGISE FOR THIS MISTAKE!
Simmons, S. 2009. Pink Floyd: Goodbye Blue Sky. Guitar World. Available from: https://www.guitarworld.com/features/pink-floyd-goodbye-blue-sky
Reising, R. 2006. 'Speak to Me': The Legacy of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon. Routledge: London. [see, Kimi Karki essay]
Sundermann, L. & Scullin, J. 2019. We Do Need an Education: Teaching Pink Floyd: The Wall. SIAS Faculty Publications.
Romero, J.S. & Cabo, L.M.V. 2006. Roger Waters’ Poetry of the Absent Father: British Identity in Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’. Atlantis, 28(2), pp. 45-58. Available from: http://www.jstor.org/stable/41055246
In the third episode of this Pink Floyd season of Rock Icons, we return to the band’s career, now in, what could be classed as, their heyday of the 1970s (including Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here – a specific next episode will be dedicated to The Wall). We will tour through their key albums of this decade and chart how success effected the band.
Sources Cited:
Blake, M. 2013. Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd (Updated). Aurum Press: London.
Fielder, H. 2013. Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall. Race Point Publishing: New York.
Wikipedia. Pink Floyd. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floyd
Starkey, A. 2022. The understated genius of Pink Floyd album ‘Meddle’. Far Out. Available from: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/understated-genius-pink-floyd-meddle/
Denshaw, R. 2022. Pink Floyd at the Rainbow: ‘many of the audience left in tears’ – archive, 1972. Guardian Archive. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/feb/18/pink-floyd-at-rainbow-review-dark-side-moon-1972
Jones, C. 1996. Echoes: Pink Floyd – The Stories Behind the Songs. Omnibus Press: London.
Winthrop-Young, G. 2016. Implosion and Intoxication: Kittler, a German Classic, and Pink Floyd. Theory, Culture & Society, 23(7-8). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1177/0263276406069884
Wardle, D. 2021. The Cover Uncovered: A peek behind the artwork of Pink Floyd album 'Dark Side of the Moon'. Far Out. Available from: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/pink-floyd-album-art-dark-side-of-the-moon-story/
Povey, G. 2007. Echoes: The Complete History of Pink Floyd. Mind Head Publishing: London.
Jonze, T. 2019. Lunar tunes: culture's fascination with the dark side of the moon. The Guardian. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/03/culture-fascination-with-the-dark-side-of-the-moon
Fielder, H. 2022. Dark Side of the Moon: why is it so bloody popular? Classic Rock. Available from: https://www.loudersound.com/features/dark-side-of-the-moon-why-is-it-so-bloody-popular
Reising, R. 2006. 'Speak to Me': The Legacy of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon. Routledge: London.
Pink Floyd: The Story of Wish You Were Here. 2012. Directed by John Edginton [Film]. BBC Four: London, UK.
Lyng, E. 2022. 45 years on from Pink Floyd album ‘Animals’. Far Out. Available from: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/45-years-of-pink-floyds-animals/
DeRiso, N. 2017. How Pink Floyd’s Muscular, Political ‘Animals’ Changed Everything. Ultimate Classic Rock. Available from: https://ultimateclassicrock.com/pink-floyd-animals-album/
Schaffner, N. 1991. Saucerful of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Odyssey. Sidgwick & Jackson: London.
Easlea, D. 2022. Raving and drooling: how Pink Floyd made Animals. Prog. Available from: https://www.loudersound.com/features/raving-and-drooling-how-pink-floyd-made-animals
Thompson, D. 2013. Roger Waters: The Man Behind the Wall. Backbeat Books: Milwaukee.
This is a supplementary episode to the previous one exploring the early years of Pink Floyd. Here, we will be specifically discussing the life and work of original frontman Syd Barrett and looking at his own legacy and the musical imprint he left even after departing Pink Floyd.
Sources Cited:
Chapman, R. 2010. A Very Irregular Head: The Life of Syd Barrett. Faber & Faber: London.
Fielder, H. 2013. Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall. Race Point Publishing: New York.
Heylin, C. 2012. All the Madmen: Barrett, Bowie, Drake, the Floyd, The Kinks, The Who and the Journey to the Dark Side of English Rock. Constable: London.
Classic Rock Review. 2015. The Madcap Laughs by Syd Barrett. Class Rock Review. Available from: https://www.classicrockreview.com/2015/05/1970-syd-barrett-madcap-laughs/
‘theindiependent’, 2015. A Blast From The Past: The Madcap Laughs // Syd Barrett. Indiependent. Available from: https://www.indiependent.co.uk/blast-past-madcap-laughs-syd-barrett/
Harris, J. 2006. Barrett’s influence. The Guardian. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/jul/12/popandrock.sydbarrett2
Marriott, J. 2016. Interview: Ian Barrett on the legacy of Syd Barrett. God Is In The TV. Available from: https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2016/01/22/interview-ian-barrett-on-the-legacy-of-syd-barrett/
Wikipedia. Syd Barrett. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syd_Barrett
Wikipedia. Pink Floyd. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floyd
Episode 2.4
In this episode we delve guilt free into the romcom movie land. Long having been disregarded as 'chick flick' films, romcoms have endured since the first motion picture but reflect our cultural understanding and experiences of life, love and dating. However, with genre has not been without its faults, often tied to the formulaic and perhaps problematic narratives which has made it hard for good romcoms to come through, let alone stand the test the time. We look back at some of our favourite romcoms and how the genre has evolved over the decades from its nineties heydey to the fatigue of the 2000s. It is often cited that the modern romcom has died but despite the challenges facing these films, we look at what it takes to reinvent the genre and make it as culturally significant as it once was.
This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
For the second episode of our Rock Icons season on Pink Floyd, we will give a fuller explanation of the life and work of the band in its formative years in the decade of the 1960s.
Sources Cited:
Fielder, H. 2013. Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall. Race Point Publishing: New York.
Blake, M. 2013. Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd (Updated). Aurum Press: London.
Mason, N. 2004. Inside Out: A Persona History of Pink Floyd. Wiedenfield & Nicolson: London.
Wikipedia. Pink Floyd. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floyd
Schaffner, N. 1991. Saucerful of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Odyssey. Sidgwick & Jackson: London.
‘Altrockchick’, 2018. Pink Floyd – Classic Music Review – The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. 50thirdand3rd. Available from: https://www.50thirdand3rd.com/pink-floyd-classic-music-review-the-piper-at-the-gates-of-dawn/
Easlea, D. 2007. Pink Floyd A Saucerful Of Secrets Review. BBC Music. Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/b2f9/
This is a new series under the name of the Talking Jack podcast called Rock Icons, in which we will explore the work of bands and artists who have helped define the rock genre. To launch the series, we are starting with a season about the band Pink Floyd. For this season, we will chart the timeline of this legendary group, discuss its key members, and delve into Pink Floyd’s vast discography.
This first episode provides a brief overview of Pink Floyd’s legacy and makes the case for why are icons of not just rock but the music industry in general.
Sources Cited:
Rolling Stone, 2020. The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Available from: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/
Wikipedia. Pink Floyd. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Floyd
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 2022. Pink Floyd. Available from: https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/pink-floyd
Mabbett, A. 1996. Pink Floyd: Hall of Fame Essay. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Available from: https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/pink-floyd
Gilmore, M. 2007. The Madness and Majesty of Pink Floyd. Rolling Stone. Available from: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-madness-and-majesty-of-pink-floyd-230036/
Masterclass, 2021. Psychedelic Rock: The History and Sound of Psychedelic Rock. Masterclass. Available from: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/psychedelic-rock-explained
Masterclass, 2021. Progressive Rock Guide: A Brief History of Prog Rock. Masterclass. Available from: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/progressive-rock-guide
Murphy, S. 2013. PINK FLOYD: THE PROG ROCK ARCHETYPE. Pop Matters. Available from: https://www.popmatters.com/171044-pink-floyd-the-prog-rock-archetype-2495760169.html
Weigel, D. 2017. The Show That Never Ends: The Rise and Fall of Prog Rock. W.W. Norton & Company: New York.
Sanneh, K. 2017. The Persistence of Prog Rock. The New Yorker. Available from: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/06/19/the-persistence-of-prog-rock
Episode 2.3
In this episode we take a brief tour of the Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) world. MLMs have been on the rise since social media has made it easier to advertise, influence and reach out to consumers and sellers, and the need for quicker ways to make money was also heightened again during the lockdown measures following the COVID-19 pandemic. Although, MLMs are not new. So what exactly is meant by an MLM, and just how good are the promises they make? We explore all of this as we take a look at the arguments from both sides of the debate, and this debate is growing stronger with the emergence of a vocal anti-MLM movement.
This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Sources cited in this episode:
· Direct Selling Association – https://dsa.org.uk/
· Flynn, E. 2019. Secrets of the Multi-Level Millionaires: Ellie Undercover. BBC Three. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p076n2hg/secrets-of-the-multilevel-millionaires-ellie-undercover
· Jani, J. 2020. The Multilevel Marketing Cults: Lies, Pyramid Schemes, and the Pursuit of Financial Freedom. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He1bgJ0sqtw
· Martin, H. 2021. What does the DSA, the ‘regulatory body’ for MLMs in the UK, actually DO? Talented Ladies Club - https://www.talentedladiesclub.com/articles/what-does-the-direct-selling-association-dsa-the-regulatory-body-for-mlms-in-the-uk-do/
· Multi-Level Marketing Businesses and Pyramid Schemes - https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/multi-level-marketing-businesses-pyramid-schemes
· Napoletano, E. & Curry, B. 2021. Understanding Multi-Level Marketing - https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/multi-level-marketing-mlm/
· Taylor, J.M. 2011. The Case (for and) against Multi-level Marketing - https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/public_comments/trade-regulation-rule-disclosure-requirements-and-prohibitions-concerning-business-opportunities-ftc.r511993-00017%C2%A0/00017-57317.pdf
· The Financial Diet, 2022. A Former MLM Top Earner Breaks Down The Reality Of The Industry. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X85LvcpZlcI
· Tighe, D. 2022. Global Direct Selling Market - statistics & facts. Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/4883/direct-selling-market/#topicOverview
· Wikipedia – Multi-level Marketing - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-level_marketing
· Woman’s Hour, 3 June 2020 - Drummer Meg Learmonth, Direct selling and women, Anorexia in lockdown, The Other One – BBC Radio 4, Woman’s Hour https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000jmm9
Episode 2.2 On this episode we explore the world of trends. In today's digital age, we are driven by trends expediated by social media platforms but where do these trends come from and are they important? Trends have always existed in various forms and at different levels and they can help us make sense of our society and culture as well as forecast what will happen in the future. Trend sociology can help prove particuarly insightful for businesses too but what about the microtrends we attempt to fit into it or resist in our everyday lives? We explore the differences between trends and fads and the reasons why we feel compelled to follow them or when we stop caring.
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This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 2.1 On the first episode of 2023, we are delving deep into the issues surrounding mental health and specifically mental health stigma. As this topic is particuarly broad, we will be focusing on mental health diagnosis within the Western world and specifically the UK, focusing on the DSM with mentions of suicide, eating disorders, OCD, depression and anxiety. The opinions and areas dicussed in this episode reflect the presentors experiences and the information given is not be taken as compensation for a proffessional diagnosis or advice.
Sadly, across Western culture we are witnessing a rise in mental health issues and congruently an increase in the number of people seeking help and diagnosis, it thus important to examine the possible causes of this epidemic and whether the proper care exists to deal with such demand. At the same time, awareness of such issues is increasing and in this episode we discuss to what extent mental health stigma has been broken down and what more we can do as a society.
We urge anyone who is struggling with any of the mental health issues dicusssed in this episode to seek help through the resources below:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/
https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/
https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
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This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.17 On this episode we delve into the world of streaming. Focusing on the kingpin, Netflix, we briefly reflect on how Netflix started and what how it grew to becoming one of the biggest players in the media distribution industry. From humble beginnings as a tech DVD rental company, Netflix began a new culture of online streaming and binge-watching but with such successful comes plenty of competition. We examine the issues Netflix faces from major competitors, pricing and an ever increasing subscriber fatigue and ask what does the future hold for Netflix and the world of streaming and can it stay on top?
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This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.16 On this episode we look into the global environmental movement, Extinction Rebellion. Focusing on the movement's origins, growth and impact in the United Kingdom, we discuss the various opinions on the movements often controversial use of civil disobiendence to draw attention to the climate change debate and incite government change. With the growth of similar groups such as Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil, we look at the effects of such movements and whether or not the actions taken are the best way to enact change both at the civil and political level.
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This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.15 On this episode we examine the current state of the UK housing market. In the midst of a cost of living crisis and resulting housing crisis, we examine how the UK got to this position and break down what exactly make up the current crises across both the rental and buying sector. With many young people in Britain struggling to get on the first wrung of the property ladder, we look at the issues preventing them from doing so and examine whether or not home ownership is an attainable goal for many young people. Does owning one's own home still mark a milestone of successful adulthood and if so, where does Britain go from here? __________________________________________________________________ This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan. Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire Hosted on: Anchor Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.14
On this episode we celebrate the Beatles upcoming 60th Anniversary by exploring what made the band so popular and if their legacy deserves its place in musical history or whether they really can be classed as overrated. The Beatles remain one of the best selling and record breaking artists of all time despite only being together for eight years. Their music spoke to a whole new generation and inspired countless more; we break down some of the myths surrounding the band, discuss some of our favourite and least favourite songs and try to explain just what made the Beatles such musical icons.
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SOURCES:
Beatlemania: 'the screamers' and Other tales of fandom (2013) The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/sep/29/beatlemania-screamers-fandom-teenagers-hysteria (Accessed: October 7, 2022).
Campbell, K.L. (2022) The beatles and the 1960s: Reception, revolution, and Social Change. London: Bloomsbury Academic.
Feldman-Barrett, C. (2020) Beatlemania, Museum of Youth Culture. Available at: https://museumofyouthculture.com/beatlemania/ (Accessed: October 7, 2022).
Feldman-Barrett, C.J. (2022) A women's history of the beatles. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Academic.
MacDonald, I. (2008) Revolution in the head: The Beatles' Records and the sixties. London: Random House.
Penny lame (2003) The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/nov/18/thebeatles.popandrock (Accessed: October 7, 2022).
R/unpopularopinion - the beatles are overrated (no date) reddit. Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/unpopularopinion/comments/6y5pf6/the_beatles_are_overrated/ (Accessed: October 7, 2022).
Ramirez, K. (2020) Ramirez: The Beatles are overrated, The Heights. Available at: https://www.bcheights.com/2018/02/02/beatles-overrated/ (Accessed: October 7, 2022).
Richards, C. (2021) Perspective | the Beatles are overrated. that's our fault, not theirs., The Washington Post. WP Company. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/beatles-get-back-criticism/2021/11/30/adfd7eca-5202-11ec-9267-17ae3bde2f26_story.html (Accessed: October 7, 2022).
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This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.13
On this episode we take a journey into the evolution of the literary heroine. Starting from depictions in greek mythology, we examine how the heroine has changed and shaped throughout history from Shakespeare to the modern day. From the idealised virgin, the demonised spinster to the flawed and dissociative feminist of post modern literature, we see how similar tropes throughout literature are reimagined, challenged and often reinforced. What do the heroines and female characters in seminal works throughout the eras say about the treatment of women in their society and time?
This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.12
On this episode we discuss theme parks; delving into the history of amusement parks and the pyschology behind such thrill seeking. The theme park as we know it today was revolutionised by the Victorian's and we look at their legacy and how they birthed some of modern days best rollercoasters. By examining the effects of rollercoasters we look at what makes them so appealing to people, whilst also delving into how dangerous they really by getting to grips with some of the most horrific ancidents across British parks.
This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.11
On this episode we discuss British higher education, delving into the relevancy of a UK university degree today. Once seen as a revered and elite accomplishment, university degrees are more common today than ever before; we examine the clout of a British university degree and delve into the cost of attaining one. Taking into consideration the quality of teaching, the cost and the reputation behind higher education qualifactions we'll be asking is a university degree really the golden ticket to mobility or just another rung on the ladder?
This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.10
On this episode we discuss the British Broadcasting Corporation, also known as the BBC. As the BBC celebrates its centenary in 2022, we delve into the history of the corporation and how it became a broadcasting stalwart. From revered public broadcaster to recent controveries surrounding journalisitc bias, pay-gap scandals and the ever divisive licence fee, we break down the positives and negatives of the BBC; a bias governmental mouthpiece or an emblem of impartial journalstic integrity?
This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.9
On this episode we discuss the British Monarchy. Does the current Royal Family reflect the traditional institution and are they still relevant today? Part One delvedinto the history of the British Monarchy and examined how it got to where it is today; asking how the current Royal Family work and where does it go from here? In the second part of two episodes, we break down the heyday of the Royal Family and the current controversies plaguing them of late. It will look into how much the Royal Family cost Britain and discuss whether they really are a benefit or hindrace to modern British society.
This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.8 On this episode we discuss the British Monarchy. Does the current Royal Family reflect the traditional institution and are they still relevant today? In the first part of two episodes, we delve into the history of the British Monarchy and examine how it got to where it is today; how does the current Royal Family work and where does it go from here? Part Two will break down the heyday of the Royal Family and the current controversies plaguing them of late. It will look into how much the Royal Family cost Britain and discuss whether they really are a benefit or hindrace to modern British society. This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan. Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire Hosted on: Anchor Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.7
On this episode we discuss the ever popular True Crime genre. What makes this genre so compelling across literature, documentary and podcast seasons. Having transcended across media platforms from factual news programmes, trashy cable shows, to the stylish overproduced Netflix documetaries and abundent podcast seasons, true crime is now as popular as its ever been. We delve into the genre's rebirth and explore whether or not the fascination is harmless or insidiously exploitative.
This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.6
On this episode we discuss the TV sitcom, Friends. What makes this sitcom still so popular and how did it embed itself into popular culture history? Having completed its original run 18 years ago, is Friends still as popular today and what exactly sets this show apart? In the second part of two episodes, we break down the shows popularity and delve into how so many years later, the Friends frenzy may finally be over, thanks to the many problematic issues the show either got wrong or failed to tackle entirely.
This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.5
On this episode we discuss the TV sitcom, Friends. What makes this sitcom still so popular and how did it embed itself into popular culture history? Having completed its original run 18 years ago, is Friends still as popular today and what exactly sets this show apart? In the first part of two episodes, we delve into the sitcom landscape of the 1990's examining the appeal of sitcoms and why Friends spoke to a whole new generation and why it continues to do so. Part Two will break down the shows popularity and delve into how so many years later, the Friends frenzy may finally be over, thanks to the many problematic issues the show either got wrong or failed to tackle entirely.
This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.4
On this episode we dissect the horror genre. What makes this genre in film, litertaure and television so enduringly popular? Is this genre becoming more mainstream and what do these narratives say about the society they are being produced in? We delve into the history of horror from the Gothic to the modern day supernatural, discussing the ways in which horror resurges in moments of national crisis and how these narratives reflect cultural, social and econmic anxieties of their given time.
This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.3
On this episode we delve into the realm of influencing, in particular fitness influencers. In the wake of a global pandemic, the health and fitness industry has seen a steady increase in consumers, with thanks to the rise of fitness influencers across social media. We examine the origins of social media influencer marketing and dissect how and why the fitness influencer industry has taken off. With so much information, guidance and content online, are fitness influencers helping or hindering people who want to increase their health and fitness?
This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan.
Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted on: Anchor
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.2 On this episode we discuss all things generational. Where did the generation zeitgeist come from and why do we care about defining ourselves in periodic cohorts? From baby boomers to Gen Z's, these markers act as a way of exploring identity and our place in society but are these characteristics substantiated or just purely arbitary? We look into what defines each generation, why we use such categorization and whether generational change is the cause of social and historical change or a bi-product of such change? This episode is presented by Claire and discussed with Megan. Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire Hosted on: Anchor Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby
Episode 1.1
On today's episode we analyse all things reading. What does this once prestigious past-time say about you? Has the perception of reading and the 'bookworm' image changed over the years? We explore how people's attitude towards reading books has changed and delve into why reading may have fallen out of popularity or perhaps just shifted in today's society.
This episode is presented by Megan and discussed with Claire.
Sources referenced in episode:
§ https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/01/06/three-in-ten-americans-now-read-e-books/
§ http://marketresearchworld.net/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=102
§ https://www.indy100.com/news/the-countries-that-read-the-most-books-7348401
§ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/284286/reading_for_pleasure.pdf
§ https://yougov.co.uk/topics/entertainment/articles-reports/2020/03/05/world-book-day-britons-reading-habits
§ https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books
§ https://www.vox.com/culture/2020/5/11/21250518/oliver-j-robinson-interview-pandemic-anxiety-reading
§ https://mancunion.com/2020/02/03/how-instagram-made-books-cool-again/
§ Furedi, F (2016). Moral Panic and Reading: Early Elite Anxieties About the Media Effect. Cultural Sociology. Available with access at: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1749975515626953
§ Williams, R (1971) The Long Revolution. Harmondsworth: Penguin.
§ Furedi, F (2015). Power of Reading: From Socrates to Twitter, Bloomsbury.
§ Althusser, Louis; Balibar, Étienne (1977). Reading Capital. London: New Left Books. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reading_Capital
§ Olave, M.A.T (2017). Reading matters: Towards a cultural sociology of reading. American Journal of Cultural Sociology 6(3), 417-454. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41290-017-0034-x
See also:
§ https://yougov.co.uk/topics/arts/survey-results/daily/2021/09/06/c4828/3
§ https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED496343
§ Brantlinger, P (1998) The Reading Lesson: The Threat of Mass Literacy in Nineteenth-Century Fiction. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
§ Kraaykamp, G., and Dijkstra, K. (1999) Preferences in leisure time book reading: a study on the social differentiation in book reading for the Netherlands. Poetics 26(4): 203–234 (as cited by Olave, 2017).
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Written and recorded by: Megan and Claire
Hosted by: Anchor
Recored and mixed on: Audacity
Music by: Anton Vlasov on Pixaby