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How can we create more compassionate leadership through more civil public discourse? We speak to Hannah Phillips to explore the importance of civility in politics, the role that gender plays, and the need for greater compassion in leadership.

Hannah Phillips is a Consultant with The Jo Cox Foundation, PhD student at the University of Oxford, and alumni of the Cumberland Lodge Fellowship scheme. She led the work on The Jo Cox Foundation’s recent Civility Commission report, which highlights that a more inclusive, fairer, and kinder public space is possible, and gives recommendations on how it can be achieved.

Democracy 101 is the monthly podcast series from Cumberland Lodge giving a comprehensive introduction to democracy. In this episode, we speak to Matteo Bergamini, Founder and CEO of Shout Out UK, about what mis-, dis-, and mal-information are, what issues arise because of false information, and what can be done to combat it.

In this episode of Five Minutes With... we speak to Kurt Barling, Professor of Journalism at Middlesex University and former BBC Special Correspondent. Kurt explores how we need to approach the challenges facing society, and how we can avoid polarisation in public discourse to find just responses.

A thought-provoking discussion recorded 28 June 2024, exploring the evolving landscape for Gen Z boys.

Recent studies show significant divergence in views on gender among young people (16-19 years). While many Gen Zs embrace progressive beliefs, a considerable number of young men still feel pressured to conform to traditional roles and behaviours such as stoicism and being the breadwinner. In a recent survey, one in five men overall said it’s harder to be a man than a woman today (emerging-tensions.pdf, kcl.ac.uk). This tension can be heightened by online content, commonly known as the ‘manosphere’, promoting more aggressive masculinity.

Despite these pressures, Gen Z is at the forefront of redefining masculinity to be more inclusive and emotionally expressive. Social media and pop culture also has a pivotal role to play in promoting these trends, supporting young men to value vulnerability and empathy as key aspects of manhood.

Our panel includes:
- Daniel Guinness, Managing Director at Beyond Equality – an organisation supporting men and boys to develop healthier identities and behaviours through conversation
- Kirsty Ruthven, Head of Education at Lifting Limits – an organisation developing a whole-school approach to gender equality through education and voices from the youth

How can we create a space for diverse discussion in our local community? In this episode, Daniel Stone explores how he brought people from all walks of life together in conversation to build a network of people interested in sharing their wisdom with one another.

Daniel Stone is the founder of the Birmingham-based charity, The Philosophers’ Yard, which provides a neutral space to explore life’s big questions. A community activist, project manager and former political campaigner, Daniel seeks to support initiatives that bring people together to develop wisdom and improve communities.

The views expressed in these podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily reflect those of Cumberland Lodge.

Democracy 101 is the monthly podcast series from Cumberland Lodge giving a comprehensive introduction to democracy. In this episode, we speak to Dr Ben Stanford, Senior Lecturer in Law at Liverpool John Moores University, on issues of voter registration and what you need to take with you to the polling station.