Glasgow Social Sciences Hub

Spotlight podcast

The University of Glasgow Spotlight podcast discusses public policy and the political process – at a local, national and international level – through a Scottish lens. 

It brings together the very best insights from across the University of Glasgow and beyond in an accessible and engaging way. 

Visit the Centre for Public Policy website for the latest Spotlight Podcast episodes.

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Listen to the episode archive below

Spotlight Podcast 5.5: Child Poverty and The Public Debt Crisis

Professor Kezia Dugdale hosted a political panel on poverty, public debt, and governance, featuring key Scottish policymakers and research by Professor Morag Treanor.

Listen to Spotlight Podcast 5.5: Child Poverty and The Public Debt Crisis.

Spotlight Podcast 5.4: Council Tax and International Security

This week, Nicola McEwen speaks with Dr Marcin Kaczmarski on Ukraine and Europe’s response to US policy shifts, while Kez Dugdale discusses Scotland’s council tax rises with Professor Ken Gibb.

Listen to Spotlight Podcast 5.4: Council Tax and International Security. 

Spotlight Episode 5.3: Why is prevention so hard?

Why is prevention so hard in public policy? We explore the challenges and solutions with Caroline Gardner and Fiona Duncan.

Listen to Spotlight Episode 5.3: Why is prevention so hard?.

Spotlight Podcast 5.2: The Price of Austerity

On this episode we’re exploring the impact of austerity on life expectancy, population health and health inequalities across the UK.

Listen to Spotlight 5.2: The Price of Austerity.

Trump 2.0: What next for US and global politics?

In today’s episode, we’re discussing the big news of the week: the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Hosts Nicola and Kez speak to two experts in political philosophy and foreign policy to find out what the return of Trump means for the United States and the rest of the world.

Listen to Spotlight Trump 2.0: What next for US and global politics?

Spotlight: Series 4

Spotlight 4.7 Delivering Mission-Led Government

This week, Kezia Dugdale chats with Sarah Davidson (Carnegie UK) and Ian Elliott (Centre for Public Policy) about the Prime Minister's Mission-Led Government approach. They explore its practicalities, the Treasury's role, lessons from devolved nations, and the power of communication in restoring public trust.

Listen to Spotlight 4.7 Delivering Mission-Led Government.

Spotlight 4.6 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

This week’s episode of Spotlight focuses on some of the vital work happening at the University of Glasgow in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and takes a look at some of the legal reforms passing through the Scottish Parliament on this issue.  

Spotlight 4.5 Poverty, Policy and the Budgets

Kez Dugdale discusses the Budget's impact on UK families facing poverty with guests Chris Birt from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Professor Morag Treanor of the University of Glasgow, and Graeme Roy, who explains the Budget process and its implications for Scotland and the upcoming Scottish Government Budget. 

 

Spotlight 4.4 US Election: The race to the White House

As the November 5, 2024, US Presidential Elections near, University of Glasgow experts discuss election dynamics, misinformation, and climate policy implications related to Trump and Harris.

Spotlight 4.3 Alternative Economic Development Approaches

In this episode, Prof Graeme Roy and Dr David Waite discuss Doughnut Economics and Community Wealth Building, exploring how these models promote inclusive, sustainable cities.

Spotlight 4.2: Ten Years on from Indy Ref, What Next?

In this episode, Nicola McEwen speaks with Kezia Dugdale, former Scottish Labour leader, and Stephen Noon, former senior policy adviser to the SNP Government, about their referendum experiences and a forthcoming report on Scotland’s constitutional future, followed by a discussion on public opinion and polling with University of Glasgow researcher Mark McGeoghegan.

Spotlight 4.1: The Programme for Government

Episode on the Programme for Government with Ken Macintosh and Liz Lloyd.

 

Spotlight: On the Election

The University of Glasgow and the Centre for Public Policy logos at the top with text below stating Season 3 Episode 10 Spotlight in conversation with Mary McAleese. Below are greyscale portraits of Graeme Roy and Mary McAleese.

Spotlight: In conversation with Mary McAleese

UofG Spotlight host Professor Graeme Roy is joined by the former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese to talk building bridges, social justice, and taking the long view in policy making.

 

Spotlight: On the Election - The Politics and the Prospects

Episode on final stage of the election race with Stephen Noon, formally senior policy adviser for the first SNP Government and Eddie Barnes, former adviser to Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Conservative, with hosts Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale.

Spotlight: On the Election - Climate Policy: The Science and the Politics

Episode on climate policy with Chris Stark, Chief Executive of The Carbon Trust and Professor Gioia Falcone, Director of the Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy at the University of Glasgow.

 

Spotlight: On the election - A Deep Dive into Immigration Policy

Episode on immigration policy with Professor Sergi Pardos-Prado, Dr Dan Fisher and Professor Nasar Meer, all from the University of Glasgow.

Spotlight: On the Election: Policy Insights Live

Episode with leaders from across civil society in an online event to discuss the UK General Election – polling, the campaigns, and the big challenges ahead for the next government.

 

Spotlight: On the Election - The UK’s Future with Europe

 

Episode on Europe with Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe at King’s College London.

Spotlight: On the Election - The Economy and Living Standards

Episode on the State of the Economy with Prof. Kezia Dugdale, Prof. Graeme Roy, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli and Dr Tanya Wilson, University of Glasgow.

 

Spotlight: On the Election - The state of the race

Episode on the state of the electoral race with Prof. Nicola McEwen, Prof. Kezia Dugdale, Stephen Noon and Eddie Barnes.

 

Spotlight: Series 3

Spotlight podcast 3.9: Deaths in Custody

Episode on Deaths in Custody with Kezia Dugdale and Prof Sarah Armstrong.

Spotlight podcast 3.8: The Promise

Fraser McKinley, Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland, and Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive of Carnegie Trust UK.

Spotlight podcast 3.7: Minority Government

Special episode on Minority Government with Nicola McEwen and Geoff Aberdein.

Three alcohol shelves filled with different alcohol. Source: School of Law Ruth O Donnell

Spotlight 3.6: Minimum Unit Pricing

Spotlight podcast discusses Minimum Unit Pricing ahead of an anticipated rise by the Scottish Government.

Person holding the UK budget Red box. Source: School of Law Ruth O donnell

Spotlight 3.5: UK Spring Budget special

Spotlight podcast discusses the 2024 UK Spring Budget Special 

The River Clyde in Glasgow with the Clyde Arc also known as the Squinty Bridge and the Finneston Crane in the distance. Source: School of Law

Spotlight 3.4: Regional inequalities and inclusive growth

Spotlight podcast discusses the priorities for the Glasgow City region through the Universities policies lab. .

A football sitting on the grass of a football pitch with the stadium seating in the background. Source: School of Law

Spotlight 3.3: Brain injuries, sport and dementia

The relationship between traumatic brain injuries resulting from sporting activities and the link to dementia.

Spotlight 3.2: Climate change

The pressing issue of climate change and its multifaceted implications..

Spotlight 3.1: Public Policy at UofG and the SNP Annual Conference

Prof Nicola McEwan on the new Centre for Public Policy and political analysis of the recent UK byelections.

Spotlight: Series 2

Someone using their finger to knock over a domino which is lined up with several others so they will all fall one after another

Spotlight 2.18 Nudge theory and the new Centre for Public Policy

Nudge theory in behavioural economics, and the aims of the new Centre for Public Policy.

Primary age children in a classrom smiling as they listen to a teacher

Spotlight 2.17: Scottish Education and the harms of poverty in Scotland

The future of Scottish education and the social and economic harms of poverty in Scotland.

A view over Scottish hills and lochs

Spotlight 2.16: Water rights and the John Smith Centre

Discussion of legal rights over water and the work of the John Smith Centre.

A cartoon of people walking in a queue including a person with a guide dog

Spotlight 2.15: Economic development and young women's health

This episode discusses the ‘persistence’ in economic development and the effect of historical events on modern-day social outcomes.

Graphic of differently coloured silhouettes of people in small groups

Spotlight 2.14: New Scots and diversity in economics

This podcast examines the diversity problem in economics and discusses the New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy.

A graphic of a hand holding a quill pen and the text 'A Survey of 60,000 writers'

Spotlight 2.13: Author earnings and fiscal sustainability for Scotland

This episode looks at author earnings and inequalities post-pandemic and a new report on long term fiscal sustainability for Scotland.

A green young plant growing in brown soil with sunlight filtered though green leaves

Spotlight 2.12: Gender sensitive parliament & sustainability

The concept of gender sensitive parliament and learning more about sustainability and community-led environmental and climate action.

Two people's hands holding bills with a calculator on the table

Spotlight 2.11: Business history and debt recovery

Lessons from history on economic growth and a campaign to pause public debt recovery for low-income families in Scotland.

Cartoon of lots of people including police officers, doctors, all wearing medical face masks

Spotlight 2.10: Section 35 and impact of COVID-19 on migrant workers

The use of Section 35 by the UK Government and research on the impact of COVID-19 on migrant workers.

Logo with a graphic portrait of Adam Smith and the text ' Adam Smith 300 Year Anniversary 1723-2023'

Spotlight 2.9: Adam Smith tercentenary

Diverse academics at Glasgow covering a range of disciplines discuss chat Adam Smith and his contribution to economics, law, philosophy and the arts.

A Saltire flag - a diagonal white cross on a dark blue backgound - flying against a light blue sky

Spotlight 2.8: Scotland's constitution and the Civil Justice Hub

Scotland’s constitutional future, the impact of Brexit and how Britain’s political landscape might change

An image of tenement buildings overlaid with turquoise colour and the text 'ROAD TO HOME'

Spotlight 2.7: Global Scotland and homelessness

The historical context which has produced today's global Scotland, and understanding homelessness.

An adult's arm around the shoulders of a young child holding a soft toy

Spotlight 2.6: Impact of COVID on young people and energy efficient housing

The impact of COVID-19 on young people, and housing policy and energy efficiency standards.

The dome of the US Capitol against a blue sky

Spotlight 2.5: US midterm elections

What to expect from the US mid-term elections taking place on 8 November.

Cars going in both directions on a motorway with tall sides and signs overhead

Spotlight 2.4: Media in Scotland strategy and net zero city centres

A strategy to support and strengthen the media in Scotland and the redesign of city centres to meet net zero climate targets.

People at the front of protest march carrying a banner which reads ' We Demand Better. Enough is Enough'

Spotlight 2.3: Industrial disputes and poverty in Scotland

What we can learn from industrial disputes of the 1970s and 80s, and poverty in Scotland today including what can be done to address it.

A image of the world dotted with clusters of lights on parts of the continents

Spotlight 2:2: Future Global Shocks

Jeane Freeman and Mike Russell introduce the Future Global Shocks lecture series.

Logo with two overlapping arrows and the text 'Programme for Government 2022-23'

Spotlight 2:1: Programme for Government

The Programme for Government and implicaions for politics and public policy in Scotland.

Spotlight: Series 1

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Spotlight 34: Migration and place research

 A focus on migration and borders, and insights into a new UK-wide research programme into place and communities.

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Spotlight 33: Productivity and workplace dialogue

Productivity in the UK and abroad, and social dialogue in workplaces.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 32: Care experienced young people and The Promise

Focus on public policy as it affects care experienced young people.

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Spotlight 31: Wellbeing and social determinants of health

Impacts of the environment, society and economy on wellbeing, and the social determinants of health outcomes.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 30: War on Ukraine and data biases

Political repercussions of the War on Ukraine, and how approaches to generating data can lead to biases in decision-making.

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Spotlight 29: Inequalities and health outcomes

The human right to a healthy environment and tackling connections between economic inequalities and health outcomes.

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Spotlight 28: The planning system and trust in politics

Citizens' involvement in the planning system and John Smith Centre research on trust in politics.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 27: Ukraine War

Russia's war against Ukraine and what it means for Ukraine, Russia, Europe and the world.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 26: Refugees in Afghanistan and Adam Smith 300

The growing refugee crisis in Afghanistan and the legacy of 18th century philosopher and writer Adam Smith.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 25: Global Scotland and economic inequalities

Scotland's place in the world and inequalities in our economy..

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 24: Robert Burns' relevance today

An insight into the work of Robert Burns and his relevance for today.

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Spotlight 23: Mental health in COVID-19 and 2022

Research into mental health during COVID-19 and news predictions for 2022.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 19: Climate law, COP26 and soil health

Climate law and governance, the start of COP26 and global soil health.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 22: Homelessness and a learning disabilities app

Housing and homelessness, and an app developed with people with learning disabilities

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 21: Living wage, government budgets and energy costs

The living wage, worker performance and business productivity; budgets and long-term financial decisions; and rising energy costs.

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Spotlight 12: Plastics, technology and politicians in academia

Plastics in the seas, technology and politicians' role in academia.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 20: Media and climate politics, COVID-19

Media and climate politics, and how advice services adapted in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 18: Assisted dying

The legislative issue of assisted dying.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 17: Refugee integration and youth violence reduction

 Refugees and integration, and public health, youth and violence reduction.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 16: Scottish Independence

Reflections on Scottish independence, seven years after the Referendum.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 15: Programme for Government, opposition, and COP26

The Scottish Programme for Government, the role of opposition parties, businesses and lobbying/campaigning organisations, and COP26.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 14: Poverty, energy and COP26

Poverty and trauma, energy and Scotland's economy, and COP26.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 13: Levelling up, proportional representation, and COP26

The levelling up agenda and EU Structural Funds, 20 years of UK proportional representation  and all about COP26.

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Spotlight 11: Civil Law in Scotland and adult education

Developments in Civil Law in Scotland and equity in adult education.

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Spotlight 10: 10 years since the Christie Commission

Reflecting on 10 years since the publication of the Christie Commission on public services reform.

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Spotlight 9: UK Gambling Act, football and gambling

The UK Gambling Act, dealing with interest groups and the relationship between football and gambling.

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Spotlight 8: Exams, Scotland's attainment gap and OECD report

UK school exams and Scotland's schools, the attainment gap and the OECD report..

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Spotlight 7: Scottish Parliament elections and post-COVID economy

Election results in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK and prospects for the post-COVID economy.

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 6: COVID inequalities and the UK future

COVID inequalities and the political future of the United Kingdom..

Logo on a dark blue background with a lit lightbulb and the word 'Spotlight' underneath in capitals. 'Spot' is solid yellow whereas 'light' is outlined in yellow. At the top is the Glasgow University crest.

Spotlight 5: Tax and spending pledges and 'Not Proven'

Tax and spending election pledges and judicial reform of the 'Not Proven' verdict.

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Spotlight 4: Scottish Election Study and economic wellbeing

The latest Scottish Election Study and how public attitudes might shape outcome of the forthcoming election..

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Spotlight 3: Social care and welfare policy reform

Discussion about inequalities, social care reform and implementation of welfare policy.

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Spotlight 2: Election campaigns and manifestos

Reporting during an election campaign and how a party manifesto is compiled.

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Spotlight 1: Scottish political manifestos and housing policy

Scottish party political manifestos, their costing - and credibility - and housing policy.