Mark and Pete
555 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratingsCommentary on social, economic and religious issues from a Christian worldview perspective. Faith and culture and economics are intertwined, Mark and Pete's analysis brings in their experience in the differing words of hard hitting business and caring pastoral church settings. Features a poem with each episode on the theme. Mark and Pete: a businessman and a pastor. Listen on Flame Radio 1521MW in NW England and podcasts on iTunes. Website: markandpete.com
Twitter: @markandpete
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Britain is broke from going woke: can it be repaired?
April 21, 2024 18:09 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBIn 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 ...
Scrabble Together: the dumbing down of the great word game.
April 14, 2024 18:15 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBIn 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 ...
Should we arrest people for being smelly?
April 07, 2024 17:36 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBA 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.
Why did Nike redesign the England flag?
March 24, 2024 18:45 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBThe 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: https://www.s...
Why are there so many lawsuits?
March 17, 2024 18:45 - 12 minutes - 11 MBIn 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.
Why are households worse off after the budget?
March 10, 2024 19:07 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBBecome 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.
Should broadband access be compulsory across the UK?
March 03, 2024 19:18 - 12 minutes - 11 MBA 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 a...
Should MPs be suspended for airing their political views?
February 25, 2024 18:08 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBBecome 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?
Is Britain Riding on the Crest of a Slump?
February 16, 2024 21:16 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBPeople 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, wha...
20th Anniversary of Facebook: how it changed the world!
February 16, 2024 20:11 - 14 minutes - 12.8 MBFacebook'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.
Elmo for President!
February 04, 2024 18:56 - 8 minutes - 8.21 MBOn 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: https://www.spreake...
Doomsday Clock: is mankind running out of time?
January 28, 2024 19:03 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBThe “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’s Port Talbot: what should the UK government do next?
January 21, 2024 19:24 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBTata 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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
The post office scandal: the worst corporate injustice in history?
January 14, 2024 18:46 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBThis 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...
Is DIsney's expired copyright taking the Mickey?
January 07, 2024 18:41 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBIt 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? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
New Year Gongs and Bongs
December 31, 2023 18:42 - 9 minutes - 8.73 MBOn 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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Foretelling for 2024
December 24, 2023 19:02 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBPeering 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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
What is the true meaning of Christmas?
December 16, 2023 21:57 - 9 minutes - 8.3 MBThe 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 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Has the game of golf become too hard hitting?
December 10, 2023 18:30 - 10 minutes - 9.52 MBOn 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 answer...
Should Taylor Swift be Time Magazine's Person of the Year?
December 10, 2023 18:06 - 7 minutes - 6.74 MBTime 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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker....
Should the Elgin Marbles remain in Britain?
December 03, 2023 18:40 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBSeen 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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Global Wine Production Disaster!
November 26, 2023 18:16 - 9 minutes - 8.26 MBPoor 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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
The Desperation of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
November 19, 2023 19:01 - 12 minutes - 11 MBThe 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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Social media: should Gary Lineker shut up?
November 12, 2023 18:34 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBCarol Vorderman and Gary Lineker have been very vocal on social media, but only one of them have lost their job.The BBC’s announcement of an independent review of its social mediaguidelines was aimed at defusing the crisis over Gary Lineker’s tweets over government ministers’ language about its asylum policies and bring the presenter back into the fold, at least in the short term.However, the practicalities of creating a set of rules to rein in star behaviour, while avoiding accusations of st...
The Beatles Now and Then: an AI future?
November 05, 2023 18:54 - 10 minutes - 9.41 MBFollowing a lot of hype—and a quarter century of work—“Now and Then,” presumably the last song to feature all four original Beatles, is here. Is AI the future? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Getting away with smuggling Cocaine.
October 29, 2023 18:31 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBThe war on drugs has failed. Why, with cocaine smuggling at recorde "highs" what can be done. Mark and Pete weigh in. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Who is better for Britain: Keir Starmer or Rishi Sunak?
October 22, 2023 17:47 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBWith the recent by-election losses the Conservative party led by Rishi Sunak looks like it maybe in trouble at the next genereal election which would mean Keir Starmer replacing Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister. Is this a good thing? Who is better for Britain? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Throw away clothes cause a textile mountain
October 15, 2023 17:05 - 10 minutes - 9.31 MBEuropeans throw away 2 million tonnes of textiles each year. Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned. Many of us donate our unwanted clothes to charity shops & clothing collection banks - but do we really know what happens to them then? What is the solution? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Bedbugs: an infestion in France
October 08, 2023 17:29 - 9 minutes - 8.27 MBMarc et Pierred enqueter. Paris is burning its luggage and bed linen as it battles a “scourge” of bedbugs, stoking fears of infestation around the world as pest controllers report an uptick in inquiries and transport operators and hoteliers seek to assuage concerns. The city of light is reportedly under siege from the nocturnal bloodsuckers, leading the French transport minister, Clément Beaune, to meet transport operators. “It’s a real nightmare,” says Yacine, a schoolteacher in Paris who d...
Why was Hadrian's Wall Sycamore Gap Tree Cut Down?
October 01, 2023 17:42 - 9 minutes - 8.67 MBThe world famous Sycamore Gap tree may regrow after being felled in a shocking act of vandalism, but it will take years to reach any height and is unlikely to be as “statuesque” as before. The sycamore, which was in the 1991 Kevin Costner hit Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, was one of the world’s most photographed trees. People had got engaged under it, loved-ones’ ashes were scattered at its base, but the 108ft tree next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland was felled overnight on Wednesday. ...
Should women still do most of the housework?
September 24, 2023 17:25 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBBoth men and women agree that women spend much more time each week on average - both on household work and on looking after family members. What do we do abou this? Mark and Pete have the answers Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
The UK national anthem is too boring.
September 17, 2023 17:19 - 6 minutes - 5.86 MB'God Save the King' is the national anthem of the United Kingdom, and it has been in use since the 18th century. The question of whether it should be changed is a matter of public debate. Some people argue that the anthem should be updated to reflect the diversity of modern Britain, while others argue that it is an important part of the country's cultural heritage. Ultimately, whether or not to change the national anthem is a decision for the people of the United Kingdom to make. What should ...
Daniel Khalife and the poor security of prisons today
September 10, 2023 17:28 - 15 minutes - 14 MBA soldier turned terror suspect, Daniel Abed Khalife has been the subject of a nationwide manhunt, having finally been captured 75 hours after outwitting the guards at a London prison. What is the state of the prisons in the UK today? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Why are over 100 English schools closing down?
September 03, 2023 17:21 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB104 schools and colleges are told to partially or fully close due to concrete fears. It comes as children prepare to return to their classes after the summer holidays Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Paddington Bear stamps released by Royal Mail
August 27, 2023 17:48 - 9 minutes - 8.37 MBPaddington Bear is to appear on 10 special stamps released by the Royal Mail to mark his 65th anniversary. Six of the stamps feature images from animator Ivor Wood's comic strip cartoons first published in the London Evening News in the 1970s. The other four stamps capture moments from the BBC television series that Wood designed and directed from 1976. The Peruvian bear first appeared in 1958 in Michael Bond's book A Bear Called Paddington. What next for characters on stamps? Mark and Pete h...
The Carbon Footprint of Rishi Sunak
August 20, 2023 17:52 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBRishi Sunak has insisted he cares about reaching net zero but that the 2050 target needs to be achieved in "a proportionate and pragmatic way". The prime minister has faced criticism from environmental groups and some of his own MPs that he is not committed to tackling climate change and in fact flies everywhere and had a masive carbon footprint. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
A hawk a snake and a wounded woman.
August 12, 2023 20:00 - 10 minutes - 9.69 MBA hawk and a snake were involved in a sneak attack on an innocent woman. Is this part of a wider wildlife conspiracy? Mark and Pete investigate Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
The good and evil about drones
August 06, 2023 19:10 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MBDrones are being used for good, such as delivering medical supplies to remote areas or helping with search and rescue efforts. However, there have also been instances where drones have been used for less than savory reasons, such as spying on people or dropping explosives. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
The Raphael brand makes a painting valuable
July 29, 2023 20:34 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBA mystery work which was recently found to "undoubtedly" be by Renaissance painter Raphael has gone on show in Bradford, the first time it has ever been seen on public display. Teams from the University of Nottingham and University of Bradford used facial recognition technology to examine the painting, known as the de Brécy Tondo. They found the faces were identical to those in a Raphael altarpiece. It will now be on display at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery for two months. The de Brécy Tondo, w...
Is Barbie an old fashioned stereotype?
July 22, 2023 20:33 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBSince the 2010s, Barbie and her crew’s characteristics have undergone a makeover. After creators at Mattel faced backlash for portraying Barbie in stereotypically 'feminine' ways, new versions of the doll were released that began to step outside the traditional hot-pink, fashionista Barbie. With the new Barbie movie out, it is time for Mark and Pete to reassess the Barbie doll. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Elton John: Goodbye yellow brick road
July 15, 2023 20:25 - 13 minutes - 12 MBElton John said recently: “It’s time to come off the road so I can fully embrace the next important chapter of my life.” His final tour " Good bye yellow brick road" having just ended, how did he do and what next for the flamboyant maestro? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Farewell to an affordable Ford.
July 08, 2023 20:24 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBThe Ford Fiesta is stopping production and it's the end of and era. What was this icon like to drive and what is the future for the motoris? Mark and Pete have the answers. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Serving up the perfect strawberry for Wimbledon.
July 01, 2023 20:16 - 10 minutes - 9.42 MBA farm in England are developing the perfect strawberry to eat at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Marion Regan’s family business started in 1893 when Bernard Champion arrived just over 31 miles away from Wimbledon in Mereworth with an ambition to become a leading fruit grower. Wild strawberries flourished in the local woods so he planted his first crop that year. Now farming approximately 500 hectares Hugh Lowe Farms, under the guidance of Marion, are one of the largest soft fruits grower...
Musk vs Zuckerberg: the ultimate cage fight
June 24, 2023 20:31 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBElon Musk tweeted Mark Zuckerberg saying he was 'up for a cage fight' with him. Zuckerberg took a screenshot of Musk's tweet and replied 'send me the location' Conversations continue between Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Dana White ... and while the billionaires are itchin' to get their hands on one another, there's is an issue preventing the fight from being made official -- Elon's weight advantage. Our sources tell us the guys are still serious about fighting in an Octagon, and as the UFC...
Have video games become too realistically violent?
June 17, 2023 20:21 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBSome research shows that playing violent video game exposure can increase aggressive thoughts, aggressive feelings, and physiological arousal whereas other reports deny this. What is undeniable is that some games are becoming more violent and extremely realistic. Will this realism impact people more? Mark and Pete investigate. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Is virtual better than reality?
June 10, 2023 19:53 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBThe Apple Vision Pro is Apple's first official mixed reality headset. And you can see our first impressions in our Apple Vision Pro hands-on review. And let's be clear — when we say mixed reality, we mean it. While the headset may look like a contender for the best VR headset on the market, it is not designed to keep you immersed in a virtual world. Features such as EyeSight and Digital Persona ensure that not only are you still engaged with the physical world, but the physical world remain...
Warning: Taylor Swift Causes Amnesia
June 03, 2023 20:04 - 10 minutes - 9.33 MBAs Taylor Swift tours across the country, some fans are claiming they have “post-concert amnesia,” saying they have trouble remembering the concert. Mark and Pete investigate. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Why is there a record number of treasure finds in England and Wales?
May 27, 2023 19:33 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBMore than a thousand treasure finds were reported last year to coroners in England and Wales - the highest number since the Treasure Act was made law. The county with the most finds was Norfolk, with 98 of the 1,087 finds reported across the two countries. What's all this about, why is it happening? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.
Sewage Spills increase your Bills
May 20, 2023 20:22 - 10 minutes - 10 MBBills will rise across the UK for ‘between 50 to 100 years’ to pay for sewerage improvement, Water UK has said. The trade body apologised on behalf of English water companies on Thursday for sewage discharged into rivers and coastal areas. It said investors will front £10 billion to pay for improvements to storm overflows, aiming to cut the number of spills by up to 140,000 each year by 2030, compared with the level in 2020. This lack of care and attention by the water companies is bad on s...
Will AI take over human beings?
May 13, 2023 20:15 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBArtificial Intelligence assists people with repetitive and time-consuming jobs. Artificial intelligence or AI performs various everyday tasks with expertise and almost all repetitive tasks can be automated by using AI. But, can AI actually replace humans? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-and-pete--1245374/support.