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Podcast about local economic development and placemaking. Co-hosted by Mike Spicer of PolicyDepartment and David Marlow of Third Life Economics. Mike, David and guests address the divisive, often unspoken issues facing economic development professionals in 2020s Britain. Website: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
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Bump Podcast Lab
Ali Colwell, Arnoud Schoofs, Brett Kobie, Habib Msallem, Koen Huyghe, Lumawig Peeters, Malte Ketelsen, Mike Ball
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Bump co-creates strategy-led podcasts for policy micro-communities with ambitious policy communicators and public affairs pros. This is our feed of format experiments and live recordings from our Podcast Lab live events.
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Behind every masterpiece are quiet moments you never knew - until now. We bring you the golden age of cinema to your pillow, offering calm, voice-led journeys through iconic movies, unforgettable performances, and the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped film history. Whether you’re a devoted cinephile or simply curious about the stories behind the silver screen, this show invites you to unwind with the art of film, one quiet night at a time. Subscribe or listen ad-free with Whisper Premium ...
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Princeton Psychotherapy Center offers expert Telehealth Therapy in Princeton, making high-quality mental health support more accessible than ever. This trusted practice provides virtual counseling sessions led by licensed therapists who specialize in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and more all from the comfort of your home. With a secure online platform, clients receive personalized care without the need to commute or rearrange their busy schedules. Telehealth ses ...
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Infrastructure or illusion? Assessing the UK’s new 10-Year National Infrastructure Strategy
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11:43
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Can the UK finally overcome its infrastructure inertia? Or will local leaders be eft without the resources they need to deliver much-needed projects?
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Happiness rankings: insightful or irrelevant for placemaking?
12:31
12:31
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore whether happiness rankings and well-being metrics have any real value in local economic development and placemaking. They ask: are these measures meaningful tools for policy—or just headline fodder? And if happiness does matter, how should it be measured and used by LED professionals?…
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Feeding the future: rethinking local economies through the foundational lens
46:56
46:56
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In this episode, David and Mike are joined by Professor Kevin Morgan to explore the foundational economy—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s reshaping local economic development. They ask: how can food systems, especially public sector food provisioning, become a catalyst for community wealth and well-being? And what can the Welsh experience t…
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Water and place: threat, opportunity or both?
9:50
9:50
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore the economic implications of flooding and water scarcity. They ask: are water-related risks a barrier to growth or a strategic opportunity for innovation and regeneration? From smart water management and wetland restoration to the blue green economy and new demands from the infrastructure poweri…
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Spending Review 2025: A turning point for local economic development?
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26:22
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the 2025 Spending Review and ask: is this the moment local economic development and placemaking finally get the long-term backing they need? And will Integrated Settlements, Green Book reforms and 10-year capital deals really change the game for Mayoral Combined Authorities and their partners? Th…
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Joining the dots: universities, policy, and place-based impact with Sarah Chaytor
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In this episode, David and Mike speak with Sarah Chaytor about the University Policy Engagement Network (UPEN) in the UK and the evolving role of universities in shaping public policy. They ask: how can academic expertise be better integrated into local and national policymaking? And what does it take for universities to move from transactional rel…
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What does the rise of the Reform Party mean for economic development and placemaking in the UK?
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike examine theimplications of the Reform Party’s rise to local power in England following the May 2025 local government elections. With new Reform Mayors and councils now in place, they explore what this means for local economic development, public service delivery, and the future of place leadership. They…
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What do the May 2025 local election results mean for English devolution?
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10:59
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the economic development and placemaking implications of the May 2025 local government elections in England. These saw the Reform Party gain two Combined Authority Mayors and control of several councils. They explore what this shift means for local growth, devolution, and regional collaboration. …
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Power cuts and cyber attacks - economic development in the age of perma-crisis
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore how local leadership teams can build resilience into economic development and place-making strategies in an age of perma- crisis. Reflecting on recent power outages and cyber attacks, extreme weather and infrastructure shocks, they discuss how places can prepare for the unexpected. Drawing on le…
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Professional Telehealth Therapy in Princeton for Convenient and Confidential Mental Health Support
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Princeton Psychotherapy Center offers expert Telehealth Therapy in Princeton, making high-quality mental health support more accessible than ever. This trusted practice provides virtual counseling sessions led by licensed therapists who specialize in treating anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and more all from the comfort of your ho…
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Can Innovation Districts and Knowledge Quarters deliver genuinely inclusive growth?
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45:33
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David and Mike are joined by Emma Frost, Chair of the UK Innovation Districts Group, to explore how innovation districts can drive inclusive growth. They discuss the essential ingredients of successful districts, how to manage the risks of exclusion and gentrification, and why collaborative leadership and long-term thinking can unlock their full po…
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What can local leaders do when faced with a major site closure like British Steel?
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What can local leaders do when faced with the closure of a major employment site like British Steel in Scunthorpe that the UK government stepped in to save? When thousands of jobs are at stake is there a rulebook to follow or is politics all?
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Trump, tariffs, and local economic development
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10:33
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What does an aggressively protectionist US trade policy mean for local economies in the States and further afield? Can it re-industrialise Appalachia, or is it doomed to fail?
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Transforming place-based growth with Mayoral Combined Authorities: insights from NECA CEO Henry Kippin
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44:57
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In this episode, David and Mike explore the transformative potential of Mayoral Combined Authorities in England for economic development and public services. They are joined by Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Combined Authority and one of the few professionals in the sector to have occupied senior positions in three MCAs . Through t…
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St Helena Airport: South Atlantic lessons for the UK's local economies
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the implications of the recent NAO report on St Helena's Airport for local economic development and devolution in the UK. They explore the lessons that can be dawn from the airport's business case and its proposed contribution to the island's financial self-sufficiency. Join them as they ask: how…
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Does the UK's Plan for Neighbourhoods mark a change in policy direction or repackage the status quo?
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8:44
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the UK Government's newly announced Plan for Neighbourhoods. They explore whether this initiative represents a genuine step change for local economic development or if it's merely a repackaging of the previous government's approach. They ask: how can we learn from past experience to maximise the …
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How to be an effective place champion: lessons in tech-led economic development from Cambridge Ahead
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David and Mike explore Cambridge's tech-led economic development, its role as a global tech hub, and the challenges and opportunities of being a focus of national growth plans. Joined by Dan Thorp, CEO of Cambridge Ahead, they discuss lessons for other city regions and how non-governmental place champions like CA can effectively promote their succe…
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How will a surge in defence spending affect local economic development in the UK?
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore the implications of the UK Government's announcement that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a longer-term goal of 3%. Which regions will benefit most? And how should local economic development leaders and professionals respond to the resulting opportunities and challeng…
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David and Mike speak are joined by Ian Fytche, long-serving former CEO of North Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire. They ask: will the current approach to local government reform take the ‘local’ out of local authorities in England? And how is placemaking impacted by scale and does it demand different types of leadership?…
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Should your Local Growth Plan include an AI Growth Zone?
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What is an AI Growth Zone in the UK? Should your area be making plans for one? And what does this latest flavour of economic zone say about the future of zonal policies and designations in Britain? Join David and Mike as they unpack the issues.
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How can local government balance economic growth and environmental goals?
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8:44
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With its recent announcements of support for environmentally contentious projects like building a third runway at Heathrow Airport, has the UK Government struck the right balance between its economic growth and environmental priorities? And how can we manage any economic and environmental tensions and trade offs locally? In this short Espresso Shot…
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Decoding Rachel Reeves growth plan for local economic development in the UK
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9:52
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In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike delve into the implications of Rachel Reeves' January 2025 growth plan for local economic development and regional disparities across the UK. They explore whether the measures announced will shift priorities for sub-national growth strategies and discuss the potential impacts on local decision-makers an…
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How to empower local communities through inclusive innovation and participatory democracy?
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43:41
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How can local communities actively participate in and share the benefits of major government reforms and changes? Join David and Mike as they explore the pathways to inclusive innovation and participatory democracy with Kersten England, a champion of community empowerment. In this episode, they dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of ens…
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What's going wrong with the UK's economic and labour market statistics?
9:53
9:53
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In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike reflect on the growing chorus of high-profile criticism of the quality of UK official statistics and what this might mean for local economic development. They ask - what are the issues, and what are the consequences of this data crisis? How should sector professionals and local leadership teams respond?…
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In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike consider the absence of hard commitments to fiscal devolution in the UK Government's Devolution White Paper. Was the government right to exclude this? How long can local revenue raising remain off the table for England, with new tourist levies in the Pipeline for Scotland and Wales? What options are avai…
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Is bigger always better for local government reorganisations?
10:33
10:33
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In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike discuss the parameters of the upcoming local government reorganisation set out by the UK Government in its Devolution White Paper. They ask: does a target size for English Unitary Authorities of 500k+ make any sense in economic development or placemaking terms? And how can local economic development and …
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Hopes and fears for UK local economic development in 2025
14:21
14:21
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Mike and David take to the LEDC crystal ball again as a new year beckons. What will be the key challenges and opportunities at the forefront of UK local economic development and placemaking in 2025? Could it be a year of bold progress for devolution? Will new strategic plans stick, and even if they do, how far can planning reform on its own fix bro…
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Creating ‘healthy’ local economies and communities
45:18
45:18
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David and Mike are joined by Richard Stubbs, CEO of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber. They explore how health and economic agendas are co-dependent in creating healthy and prosperous local communities.
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Enjoy this brief teaser from our latest podcast episode. To listen the full version ad-free as well as get access to many more episodes and shows, get your free trial of Whisper Premium today: www.whisper.fm --------------------------------- Journey with us back to Russia in 1966 and witness the majestic blend of historical interpretation and symbo…
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Will the Get Britain Working White Paper get your place working?
11:13
11:13
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Mike and David give the local economic development and placemaking perspective on the UK Government's GetBritain Working White Paper (GBWWP). What is its major significance for local and regional leadership teams? What does it mean for those working on England's Local Growth Plans?
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Compilation Episode: Narrated by Erik Stone
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58:05
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Season 2 is coming soon! This time we have a compilation of episodes read by our wonderful narrator, Erik Stone. The Wizard of Oz (1939) Forrest Gump (1994) Singin' in the Rain (1952) Can't wait for more episodes? Enjoy a free trial of Whisper Premium and enjoy our full range of exclusive and bonus episodes, all ad-free. Visit www.whisper.fm.…
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Enjoy this brief teaser from our latest podcast episode. To listen the full version ad-free as well as get access to many more episodes and shows, get your free trial of Whisper Premium today: www.whisper.fm --------------------------------- Immerse yourself in the dark and shadowy world of 1950s Hollywood with this episode of "Sleep with Classic F…
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Compilation Episode: Narrated by Edmund Lewis
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Season 2 is coming soon! This time we have a compilation of episodes read by our wonderful narrator, Edmund Lewis. Casino Royale (2006) Annie Hall (1977) 1917 (2019) Can't wait for more episodes? Enjoy a free trial of Whisper Premium and enjoy our full range of exclusive and bonus episodes, all ad-free. Visit www.whisper.fm.…
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Enjoy this brief teaser from our latest podcast episode. To listen the full version ad-free as well as get access to many more episodes and shows, get your free trial of Whisper Premium today: www.whisper.fm --------------------------------- In this episode we visit the monochrome dreamscape of Tokyo Story, a cornerstone of Japanese cinema from the…
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Facing the storm: Jack Shaw on England's Local Authority financial crisis
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45:25
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Join David and Mike as they dive into England's local authority financial crisis with leading expert Jack Shaw. Hear about the new insights from recent research and the glimmers of hope for reform and recovery. Tune in for a must-listen discussion on the future of local governance and financial resilience. Read Jack's recent paper with Professor An…
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Season 2 is coming soon! Meanwhile, please enjoy an episode from our sister show, Sleep with Classic Books. | Can't wait for more episodes? Enjoy a free trial of Whisper Premium and enjoy our full range of exclusive and bonus episodes, all ad-free. Visit www.whisper.fm. The Leatherstocking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper (1841) | Brace yourselves – …
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Enjoy this brief teaser from our latest podcast episode. To listen the full version ad-free as well as get access to many more episodes and shows, get your free trial of Whisper Premium today: www.whisper.fm --------------------------------- Ingmar Bergman's classic, "Wild Strawberries" (1957) is our subject for this episode of 'Sleep with Classic …
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Should Mayoral Combined Authorities run public services?
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David and Mike review proposals to extend MCA powers and responsibilities, as set out in the Public Services Reform and Devolution report by Sam Freedman and Labour Together.
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Bonus Episode: Sleep with Ambient Sound
1:01:52
1:01:52
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Season 2 is coming soon! Meanwhile, please enjoy an episode from our sister show, Sleep with Ambient Sound. | Can't wait for more episodes? Enjoy a free trial of Whisper Premium and enjoy our full range of exclusive and bonus episodes, all ad-free. Visit www.whisper.fm. Celestial Dreams: Binaural Beats for Deep Sleep | Tune in to the resonating pow…
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Enjoy this brief teaser from our latest podcast episode. To listen the full version ad-free as well as get access to many more episodes and shows, get your free trial of Whisper Premium today: www.whisper.fm --------------------------------- We're on the rain-soaked docks of Elia Kazan's 1954 gritty drama "On the Waterfront" for this episode, unrav…
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Making the UK's Industrial Strategy work for places
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In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike discuss the Green Paper consultation for the UK's new Industrial Strategy. What is it proposing, and how does this relate to what has gone before? How should local leaders respond?
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Season 2 is coming soon! Meanwhile, please enjoy an episode from our sister show, Sleep with Science. | Can't wait for more episodes? Enjoy a free trial of Whisper Premium and enjoy our full range of exclusive and bonus episodes, all ad-free. Visit www.whisper.fm. Lunar Mysteries: Unraveling the Secrets of Earth's Moon | Discover the mystique of Ea…
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Enjoy this brief teaser from our latest podcast episode. To listen the full version ad-free as well as get access to many more episodes and shows, get your free trial of Whisper Premium today: www.whisper.fm --------------------------------- Prepare for a cinematic adventure like no other. We shall delve into the spellbinding world of Christopher N…
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What did Autumn Budget 2024 do for local economic development in the UK?
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In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike dissect the 2024 Autumn Budget Statement. Find out what it all means for economic development, devolution, and placemaking in the UK.
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Season 2 is coming soon! Meanwhile, please enjoy an episode from our sister show, Sleep with Psychology. | Can't wait for more episodes? Enjoy a free trial of Whisper Premium and enjoy our full range of exclusive and bonus episodes, all ad-free. Visit www.whisper.fm. The Intersection of Psychology and Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Futur…
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Enjoy this brief teaser from our latest podcast episode. To listen the full version ad-free as well as get access to many more episodes and shows, get your free trial of Whisper Premium today: www.whisper.fm --------------------------------- The chilly expanse of Swedish cinema is our backdrop as we explore the cinematic masterpiece – 'The Seventh …
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Season 2 is coming soon! Meanwhile, please enjoy an episode from our sister show, Sleep with Philosophy. | Can't wait for more episodes? Enjoy a free trial of Whisper Premium and enjoy our full range of exclusive and bonus episodes, all ad-free. Visit www.whisper.fm. Baruch Spinoza (b.1632) | Baruch Spinoza. A philosopher who dared to challenge the…
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Enjoy this brief teaser from our latest podcast episode. To listen the full version ad-free as well as get access to many more episodes and shows, get your free trial of Whisper Premium today: www.whisper.fm --------------------------------- *Please note that this particular episode includes specific film scene references which may be unsuitable fo…
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Spatial rebalancing with Henry Overman - Econ 101 for local growth
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47:34
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Can ‘Economics 101’ and radical incrementalism reshape local economic development? David and Mike explore this and more with Professor Henry Overman. Tune in for a deep dive into practical economic strategies and their impact on our cities and communities.
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Season 2 is coming soon! Meanwhile, please enjoy an episode from our sister show, Sleep with Mythology. | Can't wait for more episodes? Enjoy a free trial of Whisper Premium and enjoy our full range of exclusive and bonus episodes, all ad-free. Visit www.whisper.fm. The Creation of the World (Norse mythology) | Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing jou…
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