Talk Podcasts Marcus Stead

Marcus Stead and Greg Lance-Watkins discuss the topic of assisted dying in a way that is both sensitive and forthright.

This is a complicated subject matter that generates strong opinions on all sides. On the one hand, few would argue against the principle that people should be allowed to die with dignity and minimal suffering when all meaningful quality of life has gone.

On the other hand, legalising assisted dying could be a slippery slope – if we’re not careful, vulture family members may end up pressurising elderly relatives to end their own lives if they are set to benefit from their wills, and the mentally unwell could see assisted dying as an option where what they really need is better support.

Greg brings an interesting perspective on this – he has been battling kidney and bladder cancer for well over two decades – he’s doing alright at the moment but he knows what it’s like to face death.

The podcast is available on the Talk Podcasts website, iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and the iTunes app.

The Princess of Wales has revealed in a video message that in January, she underwent major abdominal surgery. While the surgery was successful, tests after the operation showed that cancer had been present, and she is now undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy.

Kate’s announcement is yet another setback for the Royal Family, following the news last month that the King has a form of cancer, and the Duchess of York has revealed that she, too, is suffering from a form of skin cancer.

We send our best wishes to all three and will be remembering them in our prayers.

In this podcast, Marcus Stead and Greg Lance-Watkins discuss whether the recent difficulties could have been handled better by the Royal Family’s public relations team, and whether the clumsiness of it all played straight into the hands of vile trolls who have been spreading cruel and malicious rumours about the Princess of Wales.

The Mother’s Day photo that was pulled appears to be a collage of other photos blended together. The image of Catherine looks like one that appeared on the front of Vogue magazine some time ago.

The grainy video of Kate ‘out shopping’ with William that The Sun ran as an exclusive in the days before her announcement is certainly very odd. The woman in it looks to be no older than her late teens or early 20s, and her facial features are different to Kate’s. We also do not see a clear image of William to identify it as him.

Good public relations is about clarity and controlling the story, and Kensington Palace have failed in those objectives.

The discussion moves on to wider themes – where is the line to be drawn between the public having ‘the right to know’ and respect for the privacy of the Royal Family? What can be done about online trolls, who can spread appalling rumours without consequence?

Prince Harry and Meghan have burnt their bridges with the Royal Family – if they had handled things differently in recent years, they could have held the fort while other senior members of the family receive treatment and recuperate in the months ahead. Their narcissistic behaviour means that is not possible.

The podcast is available on the Talk Podcasts website, iTunes, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify and the iTunes app.

Time To Reflect

Where is Julie and how is Hollie over two decades on from Michael’s death and how does she feel about the MOD and remembrance services?

Blood Money

No amount of money - big or small - equates or compensates for Michael’s death.
Hear how the MOD admit negligence - but it is not quite 100%.

Julie makes the trip to Sierra Leone to see where Michael was killed. Suddenly, and only now, do the Ministry of Defence begin to admit liability for Michael’s death...

Just over one year on from Michael’s death, it is time for the inquest. Will Julie finally get any answers?

The podcast series is available on the Talk Podcasts website, iTunes, Google Podcasts, SoundCloud, Spotify and the iTunes app.