What Were You Thinking?
35 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago -Former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them.
What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected.
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
David Davis on his Heated Moments with Thatcher
September 02, 2022 16:05 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBIn this special episode Laura speaks to David Davis, former Brexit Secretary and Conservative Leadership Contender when he campaigned against David Cameron. We talk about his interesting background – raised by a Communist Grandfather and growing up in what he described as a ‘slum’ – his heated moments with Margaret Thatcher and what both leadership contenders could learn from her and President Lincoln when forming the next government. As well as his close to death experience.
Penny Mordaunt on the Leadership Election and Foreign Policy Challenges
September 02, 2022 15:52 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBIn this special episode Laura speaks to Penny Mordaunt, former Defence Secretary and International Development Secretary who recently came a very close third in the Conservative Party Leadership Contest with close to a third of the MPs’ votes. They talk about her upbringing, the international challenges we are facing, her experiences in the leadership contest and the cost of living crisis.
Ayesha Hazarika on Life as a Labour Adviser
September 12, 2021 11:15 - 51 minutes - 38.5 MBIn this episode Laura speaks to Ayesha Hazarika, who worked in Westminster for many years as Political Adviser to Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband before becoming a stand-up comedian, broadcaster and columnist. They take a trip down memory lane, hearing all about the unusual situation of being shared by two senior politicians, Harriet and Ed, and how Ayesha ended up on the stage. They also talk about the people who inspired her thinking and who had a particular impact on her life and career. ...
Jeremy Hunt on the Pandemic, Foreign Policy and the Future of the Conservative Party
August 22, 2021 18:19 - 51 minutes - 37.8 MBIn this episode Laura speaks to Jeremy Hunt, former Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary and runner up in the last Conservative Party Leadership Election. He currently chairs the Health Select Committee in the House of Commons. They discuss a wide range of issues, including the COVID-19 situation we find ourselves in and what lessons we should takeaway, the debate around face masks, and maternity health, an issue Jeremy was particularly passionate about whilst Secretary of State for Health, ...
Gillian Keegan on Going Back To School and Starting a Second Career
July 18, 2021 20:20 - 49 minutes - 37.7 MBLaura is joined by Gillian Keegan, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills in the Department for Education and MP for Chichester. It was through a chance encounter that Gillian embarked on the route of becoming a Member of Parliament and she talks about the very special person who was pivotal in that change in career – and of many other female Conservative MPs for that matter! They also discuss the importance of skills and lifelong learning. Gillian is well known for being the first apprent...
Simon Hart MP on the Union and Cabinet Meetings on Zoom
July 04, 2021 15:48 - 53 minutes - 39.2 MBLaura Round speaks to Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales about the Union, the pressures it is facing and what government is doing to preserve it. They also discuss devolution, his route in to Westminster and what it’s like doing weekly Cabinet Meetings over Zoom! In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Simon a...
Tobias Ellwood MP on the Need for Vigilance
June 16, 2021 21:25 - 43 minutes - 30.8 MBLaura Round speaks to Tobias Ellwood MP, Chair of the Defence Select Committee and former Defence and Foreign Office Minister. They talk about the security threats facing the UK and the West and what foreign policy for Global Britain could look like. He pulls no punches. They also discuss the people, places and experiences that have impacted his thinking, in particular former US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis. You can follow Tobias Ellwood on Twitter on @Tobias_Ellwood and Laura Round on @La...
Alastair Campbell on the Thick Of It, Leadership & Keir Starmer
June 02, 2021 11:46 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBLaura Round speaks to Alastair Campbell. Alastair rose to prominence as Tony Blair’s Director of Communications in Number 10 and has remained a household name till this day! He is widely believed to be the inspiration for Malcom Tucker in the Thick Of It and has published countless book. Most recently Volume Eight (!) of his famous diaries. They cover a wide range of topics, including what makes a good leader, his thoughts on Keir Starmer, and some of his most memorable experiences whilst i...
Baroness Sugg on No10, Development and Discovering Larry the Cat
May 23, 2021 10:48 - 53 minutes - 40.1 MBIn this episode, Laura speaks to Baroness Sugg, former Minister for Sustainable Development and Head of Operations and Campaigns in Number 10 for David Cameron. Liz talks about working in Downing Street, the challenges faced whilst being on the road with a Prime Minister (including an extraordinary anecdote involving President Putin), how she became passionate about international development and explains why she decided to resign as Minister last year. Liz also reveals how Larry the Cat came...
Mark Sedwill on Sir Humphrey, Whitehall and National Security
May 18, 2021 14:55 - 53 minutes - 39.4 MBIn this episode, Laura speaks to Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor. How accurate is Yes, Minister? Mark gives the inside track on the workings of Whitehall and the role of Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor. We also discuss Britain's foreign policy, national security, the relationship between civil servants and Special Advisers and his love for Audrey Hepburn... In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politic...
Julia Gillard on Life as a Prime Minister and Diplomacy
May 17, 2021 16:39 - 47 minutes - 36 MBIn the first episode of Series 3, Laura speaks to Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of the Global Partnership for Education. Julia talks about the people, places and experiences that have impacted her thinking. As Australia's first female Prime Minister they discuss what it was like attending international summits as often the only female leader in the room. Julia also talks about girls education and the importance of the Global Education Summit taking place in July...
Trailer - Series 3
May 16, 2021 18:05 - 1 minute - 1.27 MBFormer political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. Guests this season include former Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, former Cabinet Secretary, Mark Sedwill, former Director of Commu...
Lord Benyon on Being on the Naughty Step
February 24, 2021 18:46 - 1 hour - 53.1 MBIn the final episode of Series 2, Laura speaks to Lord Benyon, former MP for Newbury and Environment Minister. Richard spills the beans on a private meeting with the Prime Minister and Dominic Cummings when he and twenty other Conservative rebels got their whips removed when trying to prevent a no-deal Brexit. It wasn't the first time he found himself on "the naughty step". Richard also tells us about his passion for the environment and marine conservation as well his campaign for the Magnit...
Caroline Lucas MP on Going Green
February 11, 2021 20:16 - 58 minutes - 42 MBLaura speaks Caroline Lucas MP, former leader of the Green Party and MP for Brighton Pavilion. Caroline's route into politics was in many was a coincidental one. They talk about her journey into politics and when she started to develop a passion for the environment. What's also fascinating is how she has to operate in the House of Commons as the only MP in her party. It comes with all sorts of challenges. For starters, she does not have a whips office or other support in place that most MPs ...
Karin von Hippel on Global Threats and Working at the State Department
January 28, 2021 19:25 - 54 minutes - 38.9 MBLaura speaks to Dr Karin von Hippel, Director General of RUSI. Prior to this Karin worked in the US State Department for six years in Obama’s Administration, including as the Chief of Staff to General Jon Allen, who was the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL. She has experience in over two dozen conflict zones and worked for the UN in Somalia and Kosovo. They talk about her time in the State Department and working in conflict zones, as well as the current se...
Baroness Jenkin on Getting More Women in Parliament
January 21, 2021 19:32 - 1 hour - 51.4 MBLaura speaks to Baroness Jenkin who is considered a Fairy godmother by many female Members of Parliament. In 2005 she founded Women2Win with Theresa May and she has campaigned to get more women elected ever since. They also discuss Anne’s hate of all waste, the importance of tackling obesity and what life’s like in the House of Lords. Do you know a woman who would make a great MP? Ask Her To Stand! And if you are interested in standing yourself and want to know what it involves please go to...
Alice Albright on the Power of Education
January 14, 2021 17:19 - 53 minutes - 38.5 MBLaura talks with Alice Albright, CEO of Global Partnership for Education. Alice talks about the importance of education in lower income countries. They also discuss her time working for the Obama Administration and Obama's leadership. Alice is the daughter of Secretary Madeleine Albright and shares what it was like growing up with such a powerful and trailblazing mother.
Baroness Sally Morgan on Tony Blair and Education
December 11, 2020 17:57 - 51 minutes - 38.3 MBThis week Laura talks to Baroness Sally Morgan, Trustee of the Big Tent Ideas Foundation. She was Tony Blair's press secretary and worked in Downing Street for 8 years, Minister for Women and Equalities, chair of Ofsted, was on the Olympics Delivery Authority, and is now Master of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. They talk about the Iraq vote, Sinn Fein coming to Number 10 for Peace talks, the path to civil partnerships and the power of Tessa Jowell in getting the Olympics to the UK. You can...
Preet Gill MP on the Patchwork Foundation and the Shadow Cabinet
December 03, 2020 20:55 - 48 minutes - 35.6 MBThis week Laura talks with Preet Gill MP, Shadow of State for International Development. Preet shares how her dad and family influenced her, her experience as Shadow Secretary for International Development, Labour's views on the creation of the FCDO, COP26, and the changes in the Labour Party. Preet has been named MP of the Year in the prominent Patchwork Awards. You can follow Preet and Laura on Twitter: @PreetKGillMP and @LauraRound ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor...
Preet Gill MP on winning Patchwork MP of the Year
December 03, 2020 20:55 - 48 minutes - 35.6 MBThis week Laura talks with Preet Gill MP, Shadow of State for International Development. Preet shares how her dad and family influenced her, her experience as Shadow Secretary for International Development, Labour's views on the creation of the FCDO, COP26, and the changes in the Labour Party. Preet has been named MP of the Year in the prominent Patchwork Awards. You can follow Preet and Laura on Twitter: @PreetKGillMP and @LauraRound ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor...
Sir Craig Oliver on Referendums and Reshuffles
November 26, 2020 05:23 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBThis week Laura talks with Sir Craig Oliver, former Director of Communications and Politics to the Prime Minister, David Cameron. Craig shares his experience of being 'thrown into the white water rapids' on joining Number 10, his experience of campaigning on two Referendums and the privilege of flying around the world; seeing and hearing world leaders and occasionally eating some very unusual food, plus a surprising anecdote of David Beckham. Parental Advisory. You can follow Craig and Laur...
Anne-Marie Trevelyan on COP26 and Fighting Covid-19
November 18, 2020 21:49 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBIn this episode, Laura talks to Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, who is the UK International Champion on Adaptation and Resilience for the COP26 Presidency. Anne-Marie discusses her interest in defence matters, her quick turnaround from Minister for the Armed Forces to Secretary of State for International Development, the importance of COP26 and how her father influenced her life in absentia. You can follow Anne-Marie and Laura on Twitter: @annietrev and @LauraRound. ++ In What Were You Thinking ...
Anthony Mangnall MP - Parliament: The Next Generation
November 11, 2020 20:58 - 54 minutes - 46.9 MBIn this episode, I talk to Anthony Mangnall MP, who was elected as Member of Parliament for Totnes in 2019. Anthony shares his thoughts on the UK and China relationship, working for William Hague, shockingly low vaccination rates in South Devon - and the conspiracy theories he's encountered, his love for constituency work and the importance of a handwritten letter. You can follow Anthony and Laura on Twitter: @AnthonyMangnal1 and @LauraRound. ++ In What Were You Thinking former political ...
Matt Forde on Getting Drunk in Number 10
October 21, 2020 18:34 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBLaura talks to Matt Forde, Comedian, Podcast Host and Author whose hugely entertaining new book, ‘Politically Homeless’, explores themes such as tribalism, the curse of complacency and why some politicians refuse to speak normally. In this episode, Matt talks about inequalities in Britain, getting into politics at an early age and working for the Labour Party, and what it's like being the voices of Trump, Boris and Starmer on the new Spitting Image. He also shares anecdotes about Tony Blai...
Iain Dale on the Modern Media
October 13, 2020 20:49 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBIn this episode, Laura talks to Iain Dale. Iain is a well known political commentator and author who has recently written about why we've all become so disrespectful and intolerant. In this episode, they talk about how the media landscape has changed, what it's like interviewing Boris Johnson and what makes a good interview. Laura and Iain also discuss how we can all emerge from tribalism and division and become more respectful to each other and those who govern us. Save the bees! Support ...
Ruth Smeeth on Corbyn and Cancel Culture
October 07, 2020 20:36 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBIn this episode Laura is joined by Ruth Smeeth, Former Labour MP and CEO of Index on Censorship. Ruth talks championing free speech and the rise or "Cancel Culture", her battles with the Labour leadership under Corbyn to combat anti-Semitism within the party and toxicity in politics today. You can follow Ruthand Laura on Twitter: @RuthSmeeth and @LauraRound ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find...
Rory Stewart on Entering and Leaving Politics
September 30, 2020 20:41 - 43 minutes - 36.7 MBFormer political adviser Laura is joined by Rory Stewart OBE, best selling author, former Cabinet Minister and Senior Fellow at the Jackson Institute, Yale. They discuss the experiences, places and people that have inspired his thinking. Rory talks about his journey into politics, and in turn his high profile departure from politics; his 6,000 mile walk across Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Nepal; his experiences as Africa for Minister and Secretary of State for International Develop...
Nimco Ali on Feminism and the Myth of the African Superwoman
September 23, 2020 20:27 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBIn this episode Laura is joined by Nimco Ali OBE, Activist and Co-Founder of the Five Foundation. They discuss Nimco's campaign to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation and finding support in unexpected places. They also cover feminism, the myth of the African superwoman, and much more. You can follow Nimco and Laura on Twitter: @NimkoAli and @LauraRound ++ In What Were You Thinking former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out a...
Dom McVey on why Doing Good is Good Business
September 16, 2020 22:14 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBLaura Round is joined by Entrepreneur Dominic McVey. He isn't your average businessman. Dom was recognised by the Queen as a pioneer in entrepreneurship at the age of 18 and was a millionaire by the age of 15. He passionately believes that the private sector has a huge role to play in improving society and he talks in this podcast why it’s important for businesses to have a purpose and do good. His mantra is “doing good is good business”. Dom is 35 years young and has already set up s...
Lord Jack McConnell on Scotland and the Future of the Union
September 09, 2020 20:47 - 58 minutes - 51.1 MBLaura Round is joined by Rt Hon Lord Jack McConnell, Former First Minister of Scotland. They discuss the future of the Union, how English politicians can engage better with Scotland and the future of the House of Lords. He also shares memories of relaxing at the bar at Gleneagles during the G8 summit with world leaders including Chancellor Shroder, President Chirac, Prime Minister Koizumi and President Putin. You can follow Jack and Laura on Twitter: @LordMcConnell and @LauraRound ++ In W...
Tom Tugendhat on Diplomacy and His Time in Afghanistan and Iraq
September 01, 2020 19:25 - 27 minutes - 22.7 MBLaura Round is joined by Tom Tugendhat MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. They discuss diplomacy, the power of tech and what impact his time serving in Afghanistan and Iraq foreign policy and working as a journalist in the Middle East have had on him and his politics. He also shares his secret to building strong relationships with politicians around the world. You can follow Tom and Laura on Twitter: @TomTugendhat and @LauraRound ++ In What Were You Thinking former politic...
Jess Phillips on Tribalism and the Need for Women in Power
August 27, 2020 12:44 - 55 minutes - 35.9 MBLaura Round is joined by Labour MP Jess Phillips about what has influenced her views and priorities as a politician. It is clear that her time working at Women’s Aid has had a profound impact on her politics, not least now she’s Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding. We talk about gender equality, the idea of an exchange programme for MPs and how entering parliament changed some of her views whilst she has always stayed loyal to her core principles. We also talk about trib...
Nick Timothy on life in No10 and visiting the White House
August 25, 2020 20:48 - 54 minutes - 48.5 MBIn the first episode of What Were You Thinking, Laura is joined by Nick Timothy who was Joint Chief of Staff to Theresa May in Number 10 and in the Home Office. Nick provides a rare glimpse into what it is really like working in Downing Street. It is a fascinating discussion where he talks about the threats of China, Theresa May's change of heart on Huawei and his concerns around policing. Nick even shares stories from a meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office, which he hasn’t discu...
Nick Timothy on Life in No10 and Visiting the White House
August 25, 2020 20:48 - 54 minutes - 48.5 MBIn the first episode of What Were You Thinking, Laura is joined by Nick Timothy who was Joint Chief of Staff to Theresa May in Number 10 and in the Home Office. Nick provides a rare glimpse into what it is really like working in Downing Street. It is a fascinating discussion where he talks about the threats of China, Theresa May's change of heart on Huawei and his concerns around policing. Nick even shares stories from a meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office, which he hasn’t discu...
Trailer - What Were You Thinking?
August 08, 2020 10:54 - 1 minute - 1.53 MBFormer political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business people to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. What motivates them? Why did they decide to do what they do? What are the most memorable and surprising situations they have found themselves in? The answer is often unexpected. What Were You Thinking is in partnership with the Big Tent Ideas Festival, the non-partisan festival of politics, culture, technology and f...