The UK’s tax system is set for a major shake-up as the Government rolls out 'Making Tax Digital'. From the 6th April 2026, around 850,000 sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000 will move away from annual selfassessment and instead keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC. New research suggests awareness of the reforms remains mixed ahead of the rollout. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is Stuart Miller, Director of Public Policy & Tech Research.
Guests: Stuart Miller
Published:
Chronic kidney disease is often a silent condition, but its effects can be serious. What many people don’t realise is that kidney health is also an overlooked cardiovascular risk factor. Because symptoms may not appear early on, chronic kidney disease frequently goes undetected. That’s why awareness and simple testing through your GP can be so important to help prevent premature cardiovascular disease deaths. Rory McGowan is joined by Fiona Loud to discuss this further.
Guests: Fiona Loud
Published:
New data from The Royal Kennel Club Census, based on nearly 20,000 UK dog owners, reveals fresh insights into Britain’s dogs ahead of Crufts. With walks averaging 1 hour and 16 minutes, agility owners report more exercise and higher training levels, and classic favourites like tennis balls and meat-based treats still dominate. Britain’s love of dogs remains as strong as ever. Joining Rory McGowan is Charlotte McNamara, Head of the Health and Breeding Department at the Royal Kennel Club, organisers of Crufts, who shares expert insight into the benefits of agility training — from improving focus and confidence to strengthening the bond between owners and their dogs — and explains why structured activity plays such an important role in canine wellbeing.
Guests: Charlotte McNamara
Published:
Original Broadcast: Modern Mindset
Across the UK, LGBTQ+ lives are increasingly shaped by court rulings, political debate, and headline-driven controversy. Questions about rights, safety, and recognition are being debated publicly — often without young people’s voices at the centre. At the same time, evidence shows LGBTQ+ young people face higher risks of poor mental health, isolation, and barriers to care, particularly when they cannot be open about who they are. In this context, initiatives like Purple Friday and its 'Paint It Purple' message matter. They offer visible, practical support in schools and communities, helping young people feel safe, valued, and supported at a time when it is needed most. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is Dr Mhairi Crawford, CEO of LGBT Youth Scotland.
Published:
New research from wedding planning app, Bridebook, reveals that the public thinks Valentine’s Day is the worst day to propose on — branding it clichéd and tacky. But if you did have grand plans to get down on one knee this February 14th — like 15,000 other couples across the UK — then don’t worry, because Rory McGowan's next guest can give you some top tips on how to make a proposal special and unique. Zoe Burke is the UK’s leading wedding expert and joins Rory now to discuss this, as well as some helpful wedding planning advice as we look ahead to the summer.
Guests: Zoe Burke
Published:
The UK is facing a growing skills shortage across defence, aviation and aerospace, just as demand is increasing. Employers warn the talent pipeline isn’t keeping pace, particularly in key STEM roles like engineering. Part of Lincoln College Group, the Air & Space Institute is a specialist further education provider focused on aviation, aerospace and space, offering hands-on training using facilities such as an Airbus A320neo, flight simulators and engineering workshops. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is Julie Sullivan, the Vice Principal for Curriculum, Apprenticeships and Operations at Lincoln College Group, alongside Hazel Bunting, a student from the Air & Space Institute.
Guests: Julie Sullivan,Hazel Bunting
Published:
A new study from cybersecurity company Surfshark has found that 2025 really was a bad year for data leaks. The UK is now 6th in the list of most affected nations globally, indicating a need for better internet safety. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this further is Dr Luis Costa from Surfshark.
Guests: Dr. Luis Costa
Published:
As New Year health trends take shape, a daily spoonful of extra virgin olive oil is gaining attention. Backed by celebrity fans like Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyoncé, and rooted in Mediterranean diets, research suggests it may support digestion, blood sugar, gut health, inflammation and heart health when taken regularly. Joining Rory McGowan to discuss this is Sarah Vachon, oil sommelier and educator, and founder of Citizens of Soil.
Guests: Sarah Vachon
Published:
Hip and knee replacements are among the most common planned operations in the NHS, yet waiting times continue to rise as demand grows and the population ages. In England, the average wait for a hip replacement is now close to 25 weeks — well beyond the NHS target of 18 weeks — leaving many patients living with chronic pain, reduced mobility and a loss of independence. For some, these delays can lead to worsening joint damage, increased risk of falls and significant emotional strain, forcing difficult decisions about their health and quality of life. Joining Rory McGowan is orthopedic surgeon Dr. Aurimas Širka.
Guests: Dr. Aurimas Širka
Published:
Rory McGowan is joined by Mary Hubbard, executive director of the first website created, WordPress, to answer these questions: Tell us more about the first website created? Why do websites still matter in an age dominated by apps and closed platforms? How have user expectations of websites changed over the last decade? What needs to happen to ensure the web remains open for the next 35 years? Where can listeners go for more information on this?
Guests: Mary Hubbard
Published:
