The Big Picture
News, Society & the Forces Shaping Our World
Hosted by Simone Rhodes · New episodes daily
Also on Podcast Addict & Podchaser.
Latest episodes
Why We Turn to Monsters When Life Breaks Open | The Big Picture
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Simone Rhodes explores the profound psychological and emotional reasons why humans turn to monsters, myths, and supernatural fiction when reality becomes too painful to bear directly. Focusing on…
Esther Rantzen’s Mama: When TV Became a Lifeline for New Mums | The Big Picture
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Simone Rhodes explores the profound impact of Esther Rantzen’s pioneering television show 'Mama' and its enduring legacy in supporting new mothers. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, when…
Why We Pack Lunch: The Quiet Power of Control | The Big Picture
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Simone Rhodes explores the psychological and economic underpinnings of packing your own lunch. This is not just a story about saving money on food; it is an examination of autonomy, mental health…
Campus Safety & Belonging: When Universities Feel Unsafe | The Big Picture
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Simone Rhodes explores the critical issue of campus safety and belonging, focusing on the rising sense of insecurity among Jewish students at major UK universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and…
The Quiet Rebellion of the Packed Lunch | The Big Picture
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Simone Rhodes explores the quiet rebellion of packing your own lunch. This isn't just about saving money on expensive office sandwiches; it’s a profound act of self-care, financial autonomy, and…
The Song That Unlocks Your Soul: Why We Can’t Help But Dance | The Big Picture
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Simone Rhodes explores the profound biological and emotional reasons why we cannot help but dance when the right song plays. This is not just a casual listen for music lovers; it is an essential…
The Weight of a Single Word: Why School Inspections Break People | The Big Picture
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Simone Rhodes explores the devastating human cost of high-stakes school inspections in England, specifically focusing on the Ofsted single-word grading system. This is not just a policy critique; it…
When Schools Face the Strike: Finding Calm in the Chaos | The Big Picture
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Simone Rhodes explores the human impact of school strikes in England, moving beyond the headlines to examine the emotional and social ripple effects on teachers, students, and parents. While the…