The Standard

On this very special episode, The Standard podcast’s Rachelle Abbott is in conversation with the producer, rapper, singer/songwriter and entrepreneur, will.i.am. Plus, they’re also joined by FYI.AI’s Fyilicia. FYI.AI, which stands for ‘Focus Your Ideas', is a messaging and productivity tool for creatives, founded by will.i.am and software developer, Sunil Reddy.In this episode:will.i.am’s relationship with AIThe story behind FyiliciaThe AI revolution, diversity, inclusivity and what he would say to the next US PresidentTo hear the full extended interview search Tech & Science Daily on your podcast provider, or click here.FYI is available to download for iOS from the App store and on Android from Google Play Store.

The Mayor of London sits down with London Standard Editor, Dylan Jones, to talk about all things politics.Sadiq Khan discusses the exodus of the capital’s rich, his goals for his unprecedented third term as mayor, the plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street, as well as issues surrounding housing and traffic.In part two, the Gaza marches, his message to London’s Jewish community, and who he would choose as his successor when he eventually steps down. To read Dylan’s full article click here

Incredible natural environments, cycling through the trees and living among the clouds. Sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks discuss the beauty of Ecuador, and how it's a great example of an economy that relies on Tourism. Learn how Ecuador's 'eternal spring' makes the best tasting fruit, and why you should think twice about negative headlines about a destination.Roque Sevilla, former Mayor of Quito, explains how tourism protects the country's biodiversity and natural environments, and why civil disturbances in Ecuador shouldn't impact your decision to travel there.Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.Follow us on X or on Threads.

Britain’s economy made a welcome return to growth in August after a pick up on the high street and in factories helped drive overall GDP.The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn reports that output was up by 0.2 per cent in the month following two months of flatlining in June and July, that’s according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.It comes a fortnight before Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils the Labour government’s first budget. Jonathan joins us with an analysis of the data and also discusses the significance of Santander withdrawing its cheapest mortgage deal - what does it signal?In part two, The London Standard’s beauty and wellness editor Madeleine Spencer on secrets from world’s best wellness clinics - that you can try at home - as the nights draw in and the capital’s cold, drying air whistles over our skin.We also discuss the wellbeing weapons deployed by supermodel Kate Moss, plus, the importance of a boiled egg and a good stretch.

The Conservative leadership race has been narrowed to Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, after once-favourite James Cleverly was squeezed out of the contest - to considerable surprise.Badenoch won 42 votes, Jenrick secured 41, but Cleverly took just 37, with 120 Tory MPs having taken part.So, what’s next, who is best to hold Sir Keir Starmer to account at the dispatch box - and how did James Cleverly’s leadership bid come unstuck?The Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil has the details from a dramatic day in Parliament and assesses the candidates’ chances.In part two, on World Mental Health Day, we’re looking at the impact of stress and anxiety on our lives, and small steps you can take if you’re having a difficult time. The Standard podcast is joined by Neil Shah, founder - and chief de-stressing officer - of the Stress Management Society, who discusses his own personal story, the pressures of the digital world and post-pandemic urban anxiety.If you’re struggling with themes discussed in this podcast, you can find support at samaritans.org and mind.org.uk 

Flights from Britain to Florida have been cancelled as the US state braces for what President Joe Biden warned could be the worst storm in a century.Approaching Category Five Hurricane Milton - just a fortnight after Category Four Hurricane Helene - has brought widespread disruption to the Sunshine State as officials urge residents to follow evacuation orders and airports, including Tampa International and Orlando, have temporarily closed.As this episode of The Standard podcast went live, millions of Floridians were in a race against time to evacuate before the hurricane makes landfall on Wednesday night at speeds of 155mph with 15ft-high storm surges expected.The Standard podcast is joined from Orlando by Jonathan Alingu, co-executive director of Central Florida Jobs With Justice, who explains how Floridans are preparing.In part two, Frieze art fair is back in its huge tent in Regent’s Park for the 21st year and we look at some of the highlights from this celebrated fixture in London’s cultural calendar, with The Standard’s head of culture, Nick Clark.

Transport secretary Louise Haigh has signalled the HS2 high-speed line will terminate in central London.She told Times Radio on Tuesday an announcement would be made soon on the controversial under-construction route from Birmingham into the capital - that’s expected at the Budget on October 30.There was uncertainty over HS2’s final stop amid funding worries and whether it would instead be at Old Oak Common further to the west of London.We’re joined by The Standard’s political editor Nicholas Cecil to discuss the project - forecast to cost over £66 billion - plus, rail nationalisation plans and government assurances over pensioners’ free bus passes.In part two, water companies in England and Wales have been hit with penalties of nearly £158 after regulator Ofwat published its annual performance report into the sector - and they’ve been told to knock the money off customers’ bills.The report revealed firms continue to miss targets on pollution, leaks and customer satisfaction. To find out what this means for consumers and discuss the impact of water privatisation, we’re joined by Dr Eleanor Shearer, senior research fellow at the Common Wealth think tank.

This October 7 marks one year from devastating terror attacks on Israel that set in motion a series of events plunging the Middle East into crisis.Hamas gunmen launched surprise cross-border raids from the Gaza Strip during the Jewish new year holiday of Rosh Hashanah, leaving with more than 1,200 Israelis killed and at least 250 hostages taken.Hostilities mushroomed to claim over 40,000 Palestinian lives, with Hezbollah in Lebanon and then Iran pushing into the conflict.In Britain, the 7 October attacks, were followed by a huge increase in antisemitism and anti-Muslim abuse.As vigils mark this sombre day, The Standard podcast hear reflections from Marie van der Zyl, World Jewish Congress commissioner for gender inclusion and equality, and former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.In part two, The Standard’s deputy political editor Jitendra Joshi discusses the weekend departure of Sue Gray, Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial chief of staff, and her successor at No.10, Labour’s election guru Morgan McSweeney.

Why fly when you can take the train? In this episode Sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and journalist Jon Weeks explore the best places to travel to by train and why, including Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden & Scotland. Find out when trains truly are the best option for your trip, and why the pros of travelling along the tracks often outweigh the cons of flying.Tine Murn the former director of the Slovenian tourism board explains his romantic view of train travel, and creating his own office among views of the alps in a comfortable carriage and incredible.Plus, executive producer of Green Traveller productions Richard Hammond explains the 'rail renaissance' underway in Europe, and explains how rail and coach travel is better for the planet and your pocket.Plus, find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here.Follow us on X or on Threads.