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Why Stories Matter More Than Ever with Frank Cottrell-Boyce
01:02:10|What role do stories play in shaping who we are?In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Frank Cottrell-Boyce—award-winning author, screenwriter and former Children's Laureate—to explore storytelling as one of the foundations of culture, identity and community.Reflecting on a career that spans television, film and children's literature, Frank discusses why stories matter, how childhood has changed, and why reading remains one of the most powerful ways to cultivate imagination, empathy and hope.The conversation also explores faith, national identity and the role storytelling can play in helping Britain navigate an increasingly fragmented political and cultural landscape.Topics include:Frank's journey from television drama to children's fictionThe purpose of the Children's LaureateReading, literacy and childhood todayStorytelling in the digital ageWhy stories read aloud have such lasting powerChildhood, imagination and resilienceCatholic faith and hopeThe London 2012 Olympic Opening CeremonyStorytelling, politics and national identityGuestFrank Cottrell-Boyce is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter and former UK Children's Laureate. He has written bestselling children's books including Millions, Cosmic and The Astounding Broccoli Boy, as well as acclaimed screenplays such as Hilary and Jackie, Welcome to Sarajevo and the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.About Turning WorldHosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman, Turning World explores politics, culture, faith and public life through thoughtful conversations that go beyond headlines and ideology. Each episode asks not only what's happening in the world—but what stories shape the way we understand it.
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Can Andy Burnham Rebuild Labour? | Kevin Meagher | Turning World
01:08:34|Andy Burnham's rise to the Labour leadership has prompted renewed debate about the party's future, its relationship with working-class communities and whether it can reconnect with voters who have drifted away over recent decades.In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by political commentator and author Kevin Meagher to examine what Burnham's leadership might mean—not just for Labour, but for British politics more broadly.The conversation explores class, regional identity, faith, immigration and the changing political landscapes of both Britain and Ireland, asking whether Labour can once again become a movement rooted in community, belonging and shared purpose.Topics include:Andy Burnham and Labour's futureWorking-class identity and political representationNorthern England and WestminsterPolitical legitimacy and leadershipFaith, Catholicism and public lifeChristian nationalism in British politicsIrish reunification and political changeImmigration and populismRebuilding trust in democratic politicsGuestKevin Meagher is a political commentator, author and former government adviser. He has written extensively on British politics, Labour, devolution and Ireland, including the book A United Ireland: Why Unification Is Inevitable and How It Will Come About.About Turning WorldHosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman, Turning World explores politics, culture, faith and public life through thoughtful conversations that go beyond headlines and ideology. Each episode seeks to understand not just what is happening, but why—and what it means for the future.Produced by Opus MediaIs Labour Facing an Existential Crisis? | Neal Lawson | Turning World
51:47|The Makerfield by-election has been described as one of the most significant political moments in recent years. But what does it really tell us about the future of British politics?In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by political thinker Neal Lawson to explore the questions beneath the headlines.The conversation examines whether Labour can reconnect with its traditional working-class roots, the rise of Reform UK, the possibility of a progressive alliance, and whether modern politics has become disconnected from the people it claims to represent.Moving beyond electoral tactics, the discussion also considers whether Britain's political crisis is ultimately cultural and moral rather than simply economic.Topics include:The significance of the Makerfield by-electionAndy Burnham and Labour's futureReform UK's electoral challengeProgressive alliancesWorking-class identity and political belongingThe legacy of neoliberal economicsPolitics beyond left and rightMorality, faith and Labour's ethical traditionWhether politics has lost its sense of purposeGuestNeal Lawson is a political commentator, campaigner and founder of Compass. He has spent more than two decades arguing for democratic renewal, political reform and a more plural, collaborative approach to British politics.About Turning WorldHosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman, Turning World explores politics, culture, faith and public life through thoughtful conversations that go beyond headlines and ideology. Each episode seeks to understand not just what is happening, but why—and what it means for the future.Can Local Journalism Save Democracy? | Laurence Thompson
01:04:29|In this episode, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Laurence Thompson of Liverpool Post for a conversation about journalism, identity and cultural storytelling.The discussion explores the role of local journalism in holding power to account, shaping civic identity and preserving meaning in an increasingly fragmented world.Topics include:• Local journalism and democratic accountability• Journalist-politician relationships• Liverpool and Manchester identities• Cultural production and civic pride• Writing and poetry• Catholicism and artistic expression• Meaning, memory and nostalgiaGuest bio:Lawrence Thompson is a journalist and writer with Liverpool Post, covering politics, culture and civic life across the Liverpool City Region.What We Heard on the Streets of Makerfield
07:11|In this special episode of Turning World, Jon Egan reports from Makerfield after a day spent speaking to local residents, campaign teams and political operatives during one of Britain's most closely watched by-election campaigns.Rather than focusing on polling or Westminster commentary, Jon reflects on the conversations taking place on the ground and what they reveal about trust, political identity and the mood of voters.The discussion explores: • The issues people are actually talking about • Whether Labour remains connected to its traditional voters • Reform UK's appeal in former Labour areas • Political disengagement and voter frustration • What campaigners are seeing on the doorstep • Whether the result has national implicationsA field report from the front line of British politics.Produced by Opus Media.Bonus Episode: Why So Many People Feel Politically Homeless
33:19|In this bonus episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman explore a question increasingly felt across the political spectrum: why do so many people no longer feel at home in politics?As traditional party loyalties weaken and trust in institutions continues to decline, political debate often seems unable to address deeper questions about belonging, meaning, identity and purpose.This conversation examines whether the crisis facing politics is ultimately a cultural and spiritual one.Topics include: • The decline of traditional party politics • Political homelessness and alienation • Fragmentation and social disconnection • Keir Starmer and the future of Labour • Jeremy Corbyn and political realignment • Politics as branding and performance • Beyond left and right • Paul Kingsnorth and cultural grief • Eastern Orthodoxy and spiritual renewal • Meaning, belonging and identity • Human values and political renewal • Paradox in public lifeAbout Turning World:Turning World is hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman and explores politics, culture, faith and public life in a time of uncertainty and transformation.Through open and thoughtful conversations, the podcast examines the questions that sit beneath today's headlines and seeks understanding beyond ideological tribes.Produced by Opus Media.Counterculture, Community and the Search for Meaning | Jeff Young
01:02:29|In Episode 5 of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman explore one of the defining questions of our age: why do so many people feel disconnected from meaning, place and community?Drawing on literature, cultural history, spirituality and personal experience, this conversation examines what has been lost as communities become more homogenised, public life becomes more managed and genuine face-to-face conversation becomes increasingly rare.Topics include: • Counterculture and non-conformity • Independent thinking and self-education • The legacy of literary and underground movements • Sense of place and local identity • Nostalgia and memory • Political uses of nostalgia • The disappearance of grassroots culture • Meaning and modern life • Sacred experience and mysticism • John Moriarty and deep attention • Conversation, listening and human connection • Paradox and the complexity of being humanAbout Turning World:Turning World is hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman and explores politics, culture, faith and public life in an age of uncertainty and transformation.The podcast creates space for thoughtful conversations that don't fit neatly into ideological boxes, seeking understanding rather than certainty.Produced by Opus Media.