In the recent 2024 London Marathon, a remarkable story unfolded, one that perfectly embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination. Seventy-five-year-old Fred Tomlinson wasn't the fastest runner on the course, but his journey and finish might just be the most inspiring of all. Long after the front runners had crossed the finish line and the crowds had begun to disperse, Fred was still out there, each step a testament to his commitment not just to the race, but to a greater cause.So...

In this provocative episode we into the heated discussion surrounding the economic impact of progressive policies in Britain under the title "Britain is Broke from Going Woke: Can It Be Repaired?" The episode kicks off with a poem illustrating  the central argument: that Britain's embrace of "woke" principles, such as extensive diversity and inclusion initiatives and environmentally focused economic reforms, has led to significant financial strain on the nation's economy. Become a supporter...

In this episode , we delve into the controversial changes to one of the world's most beloved word games, Scrabble. Recent updates aimed at making Scrabble more accessible have sparked a heated debate among enthusiasts who fear these changes might dilute the game's intellectual challenge. We'll explore what this means for the future of Scrabble. Join us as we unpack whether Scrabble is truly being "dumbed down" or if these changes are a smart move to broaden its appeal. Tune in to dissect the...

A bill in the Commons could criminalise rough sleepers if they cause a nuisance, including "excessive" smells. More than 10 Conservative MPs are backing changes to ensure action is only taken against people who are begging and not just sleeping rough. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

The cross of St George should not be messed with, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says, weighing in on a row over the colours of England's football team kit. Earlier, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer joined the chorus of prominent voices taking issue with Nike's design for the new kit. The design takes creative licence with the cross by adding navy, light blue and purple to the traditional red. But there are no plans to change or recall the shirt. Become a supporter of this podcast:...

In this episode, we delve into the growing concern of too many lawsuits inundating our legal system. We explore the complexities and consequences of the litigious culturea and shed light on the strain of these lawsuits.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.This was a Budget where the chancellor attempted to portray himself as a careful, cautious custodian of the economy. The National Insurance fall, alongside the same cut a few months back, amounts to a big tax cut. But there was nothing wildly surprising in what Jeremy Hunt had to say, no fireworks that are likely to instantly transform the Conservatives' prospects.

A couple unable to stream films or video call in their small village say they have been quoted more than £100,000 to upgrade their broadband. Kevin and Lynda Mortimer said their current 1Mb/s connection was "rubbish". It also falls well below the 10Mb/s set out in legislation, which everyone in the UK has the right to request.Is there such a thing as a human right to internet? Currently, the answer to both of these questions is 'no'. Recently introduced laws, however, mean that homeowners...

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete-1245374/support Lee Anderson has been suspended from the Conservative party following comments he made about Sadiq Khan. The former deputy party chairman used an appearance on GB News on Friday to claim the London mayor had ‘given our capital away’ to Islamists, who he referred to as Khan’s ‘mates’. What do we make of all this?

People spending less, doctors' strikes and a fall in school attendance dragged the UK into recession at the end of last year, official figures show. The economy shrank by a larger than expected 0.3% between October and December, after it had already contracted between July and September. The UK is in recession if it fails to grow for two successive quarters. The figures raise questions over whether Rishi Sunak has met his pledge made last January to grow the economy. What is happening,...

Facebook's 20th anniversary: ​​3 billion people connected around the world. A lot has changed since Facebook emerged 20 years ago, in 2004. From a modest social network created by students in a Harvard dorm, it has transformed into a gigantic platform for global connection between billions of people. We celebrate and analyse how it has changed the world. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

On social media this week, Elmo – yes, the red fuzzy Sesame Street character – posed a question to his followers, with nothing but good intent. "Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?" the X page for Elmo posted. A barrage of responses – tens of thousands of them – were brutally honest and downright cynical about the dread people are feeling. What does this say about politics and society today? Mark and Pete have the answers. Become a supporter of this podcast:...

The “Doomsday Clock” of The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was kept at 90 seconds to midnight this week—the closest to midnight that the clock has been set since it was created in 1947. Midnight is defined by The Bulletin as “nuclear annihilation.” Is this the right approach? Mark and Pete have the answers. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.

Tata Steel will close its two blast furnaces in Britain by the end of this year, with the loss of up to 2,800 jobs at its Port Talbot steelworks in Wales. The closures are part of India-owned Tata Steel's plan to turn around its loss-making UK steelmaking business by switching to lower carbon electric arc furnaces. What should be done? Mark and Pete have the answers.

This scandal is hard to believe, it is that bad. Those in charge of the Post Office wanted to protect their bonuses, they didn’t want to make their own jobs a little more difficult, or admit that they might have made some errors. More junior staff just didn’t want to make a fuss, I suspect. Frankly, if they had come clean and said “look, the Fujitsu system is flawed, so maybe it is not the sub-postmasters fault”, then it would not really have been that big a deal. But out of greed, laziness...

It is now the case, as of 1 January 2024, that it is possible for individuals and companies to rework and use the earliest version of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This is because the US copyright has expired in the earliest versions of the cartoon characters which were shown in the Steamboat Willie film. What does the mean for the future of Disney and its beloved characters?

On Sunday (31st Dec 23), London’s Big Ben commemorated the 100th anniversary of its New Year’s “bongs” being broadcast worldwide. Also the New Years honours list of knighthoods and the like was announced. Mark and Pete comment with a mix of jollity and abject horror.

Peering into our crystal ball for 2024, we predict that businesses will keep churning out AI tools, and that this will effect everything from wars to elections to religion to business opportunities. As ever Mark and Pete have the answers.

The true meaning of Christmas is found in a certain gift give to us by God. And in presents given and the presence of loved ones. Mark and Pete give the real meaning a business, religious and popular music perspective. Includes music by Mariah Carey https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0774P1WMN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_d_asin_title_340_o00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

On Wednesday, the USGA and R&A released a wide-ranging and detailed look at distance in the game of golf, and specifically, how it’s changed over the years. It’s part of the governing bodies’ years-long investigation into whether technology in golf needs to be reigned-in. In sharing the findings, the duo makes clear that their focus is on “the longest hitters,” and not “impacting hitting distances for shorter hitters at the recreational level.” What's to be done? Mark and Pete have the...

Time magazine named US pop superstar Taylor Swift as its Person of the Year, calling the musical force of nature the "hero of her own story". Swift has smashed industry records this year with both her tour and the film of the globetrotting musical cavalcade that is estimated to bring in over $3 billion (US$2 billion) of revenue as her adoring fans flock to see her in the flesh. But is that really enough? Mark and Pete have the answer.

Seen as symbols of freedom in Greece, the Parthenon Marbles were controversially removed from the country by Elgin a British diplomat in a move which ignited a debate which has lasted for more than two centuries - and which could now be about to take another significant twist. What is to be done? Mark and Pete have the answers.

Poor weather around the world is likely to cause global wine production to drop to a six-decade low this year. The International Organisation of Vine and #Wine (OIV) says that wine production around the world is likely to be about 7% lower in 2023 than last year. Such a yield would be the worst since 1961.

The upcoming series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! has been hit by a last minute glitch weeks before the launch - with a huge star being asked to fly to Australia at the 11th hour to complete the line-up.