In a twist that has left political pundits and voters alike scrambling, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for a UK general election on July 4th. This unexpected announcement comes at a time when many believed the election would be delayed until November. The move has sparked a flurry of reactions and speculation about the motivations behind such timing. Key Insights from the EpisodeShock and Speculation: Steve O'Neill, expressed his surprise at the timing, noting that many expected a...

In Glen's Steps: A Journey with Dementia is a deeply personal and heartfelt podcast series that explores the impact of dementia on Glenroy Brown, a man of remarkable character, and his family. Through candid conversations, personal reflections, and expert insights, we share the journey of his life, from his early years in Jamaica to his current experiences with dementia. This series offers an intimate look at the challenges, changes, and unexpected joys that come with living with this...

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown dives deep into the unfolding crisis in Haiti, a nation with a rich yet tumultuous history. From its days as the world's richest colony to becoming the first black republic and now one of the poorest countries, Haiti's journey has been marked by resilience against relentless adversity. Joining us to dissect the current civil collapse is Michael John Downey, president and director general of Downey Global Strategies, an expert in...

Description:In this episode of Mid Atlantic, join host Roifield Brown in Birmingham and guests Leah Brown in Broadstairs, and Tonye Altrade in London, as they analyse the dramatic outcomes of the UK's 2024 local elections. Labour is celebrating its noteworthy victories in the West Midlands and London, while the Conservative Party grapples with significant losses, marking its worst performance since 1996. This episode delves into the implications of these results on national politics, the...

In this weeks "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown and guest expert Mouin Rabbani explore Palestinian politics, with a special focus on the Palestinian Authority and Fatah under Mahmoud Abbas's leadership. They look at the historical evolution of Fatah, the pivotal roles within the Palestine Liberation Organisation, and the controversial dynamics between the Palestinian factions and Israel. The discussion also touches upon the shifting public opinions and the internal and external pressures...

Welcome to this episode of the MidAtlantic podcast where we look at the news and views for both sides of The Atlantic. I'm your host, Roifield Brown, and joining me today are a panel of keen observers from across the globe: Kate Smurthwaite and Tonye Altrade from London, Michael Donahue from Los Angeles, and Zee Cohen Sanchez tuning in from Nevada. Today we delve into the intricate layers of one of the most unprecedented legal and political dramas in American history. the criminal trial of...

Host Roifield Brown is joined by Michael Kaplow from the Israel Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., to dissect recent developments in Middle Eastern geopolitics. They focus on the intense dynamics following Israel's recent military actions against an Iranian consulate in Syria and the consequential Iranian missile barrage. The episode delves into the international outcry, the debate over the legality of the actions under international law, and the potential repercussions on global...

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown speaks with seasoned journalist and former head of the BBC in London, Jane Mote. They discuss the challenges facing the BBC, including financial pressures from its traditional license fee model and the broader decline of traditional media in the UK amidst digital transformation. Moat emphasises the necessity for the BBC to adapt to changing consumer preferences, where people favour streaming services like Netflix over traditional...

In the first of the Midatlantic Essays, I explain the failure of privatised water and why we need to bring it back into public ownership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast episode from "Mid Atlantic" with host Roifield Brown features the topic of bail and criminal justice reform in the U.S., contrasting it with the UK's approach. The guest, Jeffrey J. Clayton, Executive Director of the American Bail Coalition, https://ambailcoalition.org provides insights into the complexities of the American bail system, its historical background, current challenges, and debates surrounding reform efforts. The episode illuminates the stark differences in how bail...

Roifield Brown and panel navigate through the turbulent political climates of both the United States and the UK, focusing on two major stories that have captured headlines and stirred considerable debate. The episode unfolds against the backdrop of Florida's contentious new six-week abortion law and the anticipation of a landslide victory for the Labour Party in the UK's next general election. The discussion on Florida's abortion law reveals a deep-seated concern over reproductive rights,...

Podcast Episode Summary:In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, host Roifield Brown sits down with Ian Sanders, host and producer of Cold War Conversations, to dive deep into the Cold War's impact on the Middle East. Through a detailed and engaging discussion, they explore the geopolitical dynamics, conflicts, and the roles of global superpowers in shaping the region's history. This conversation sheds light on lesser-known aspects of the Cold War, emphasising the importance of oral histories in...

Host Roifield Brown looks into the escalating crisis in Gaza, its severe humanitarian implications, and the resulting shifts in Israel's global standing. Joined by Michael Kaplow of the Israel Policy Forum, the discussion centres on the unfolding human tragedy in Gaza, where an imminent famine threatens millions, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) contemplate a new offensive amidst widespread food insecurity. The conversation navigates the intricate web of political manoeuvres by Prime...

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown, from Birmingham, engages in a riveting discussion on the latest political developments on both sides of the Atlantic, focusing on Bernie Moreno's recent victory in the Ohio GOP Senate primary and the unfolding challenges facing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. With the insights of political analyst Aram Fischer, pollster Logan Phillips, and UK-based political consultants Leah Brown and Cory Bernard, the episode delves into the implications...

Description:One week after Frank Hestor's attack on Diane Abbott, we explore the persistent challenges of racism and misogyny within the British political landscape. Our distinguished panel, featuring MP Claudia Webb, Leah Brown from Broadstairs Consulting, and political analyst Corey Bernard, look at the troubling experiences faced by black women in positions of power, particularly highlighting the distressing experiences of Diane Abbott. As we dissect the implications of leadership in...

Host Roifield Brown engages with Ira Shapiro, the author of "The Betrayal," to dissect the legacy of Senator Mitch McConnell. The discussion delves into McConnell's significant yet contentious 17-year tenure as the top Republican in the U.S. Senate, a period marked by strategic mastery and polarizing partisanship. Shapiro, offering insights from his comprehensive examination of McConnell's career, paints a portrait of a politician whose actions have indelibly shaped American politics. The...

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, we welcome Raj Kandola, Director of External Affairs at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, to dissect the 2024 Spring Budget announced by UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. As the nation moves closer to the next general election, this budget has garnered attention for its strategic tax adjustments, investment allocations, and potential impacts on the economic landscape. Raj provides an expert analysis of how these fiscal policies may or may not shape the...

Today we look into the dynamics of the American presidential race, focusing on the Super Tuesday and the unique characteristics of this election cycle. Join us as we explore insights from Dr. Steve Hewitt, an associate professor of North American history at Birmingham University, shedding light on the age factor, potential legal challenges, and the evolving nature of political parties in the U.S. Don't miss this thought-provoking analysis that goes beyond the ballot box, offering a glimpse...

Summary: Today we look at the high-stakes drama of American politics amidst looming government shutdown threats and internal GOP conflicts. Joined by experts Tonye Altrade, Aram Fischer, Logan Phillips, and Zee Cohen Sanchez, the conversation explores Speaker Mike Johnson's contentious budgeting strategies, the Republican Party's internal struggles, and the potential repercussions on US governance. Shifting focus to the UK, the panel discusses the provocative comments by MP Lee Anderson about...

We have a comprehensive dialogue with Dr. Robert Marbut, a renowned figure in the realm of homelessness advocacy and a former appointee of President Trump to lead the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Dr. Marbutt known for his pragmatic approach to tackling homelessness, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of this crisis, emphasising the need for a nuanced understanding and targeted interventions. Show Notes: Introduction to Dr. Robert Marbut:Background in homelessness...

In the ever-evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, few names resonate as profoundly as Kevin Jennings. A guest on the "Mid Atlantic" podcast, Jennings, a leader of Lambda Legal, provided an illuminating discourse on the history and ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. His insights offered a rare window into the resilience and triumphs that have marked the movement from its nascent days to the current era. Jennings' tenure at Lambda Legal stands as a testament...

In this episode of the Mid Atlantic Podcast, we look into the complex world of AI and political bias with expert guest Maxim Lot. A seasoned journalist and data connoisseur, Maxim brings over 15 years of experience to the table, having worked with ABC, Fox, and as the founder of Maxim True Substack. His latest project, TrackingAI.org, is at the forefront of analysing political biases in AI, offering a unique perspective on the issue. The discussion navigates through the intricacies of data...

Today we delve into the highly charged topic of President Joe Biden's age and its political ramifications. Host Roifield Brown leads a panel of experts through an incisive discussion, beginning with Robert Herr's report on Biden's handling of classified documents and his response about his son, Beau. The conversation pivots to the media's portrayal of Biden and Trump, exploring biases and the impact on public perception. As the debate heats up, our panelists weigh the consequences of an aging...

Today we delve into the world of Wayne Campbell, renowned street photographer and visual activist. Wayne shares his unique journey from capturing powerful moments in protests to creating an evocative gallery and book. His work, symbolising mental health, resilience, and the potency of activism, transcends traditional photography, offering a profound commentary on contemporary issues. Join us as Wayne discusses the impact of his peers, the significance of his gallery and self-published book,...

Rami Khoury, Director of Global Engagement at the American University of Beirut. This conversation sheds light on the ongoing Israeli invasion of Gaza and its ramifications. Khoury, an acclaimed journalist and academic, brings a unique perspective, honing in on the imminent famine crisis in Gaza and exploring the historical context of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of Palestine, the role of Hamas, and the shifting global response to this century-old...