Episode 70! Seventy episodes in, and somehow Debra and Peter still have plenty to talk about.This week, Peter's return to The West Wing sparks a fascinating conversation about leadership, integrity and the weight of public office. Is it simply one of the greatest TV dramas ever made, or does it remind us of a style of politics that feels increasingly rare?The conversation then turns to communications. From the Department for Education's Gemma Collins campaign to the challenge of promoting vocational education, Debra and Peter explore what makes a message land, who it's really aimed at, and why communications and policy need to work hand in hand.They also discuss the merger between The Felix Project and FareShare, using it as a springboard to explore charity brands, organisational identity and the balance between honouring the past and preparing for the future.Plus: why everyone seems to think they're a marketing expert, despite marketing and communications being professions that require actual qualifications and expertise. As Debra recalls from experience, few people can resist telling the comms team how to do their jobs. A timely reminder that José isn't just a pretty face, he also has a marketing degree.And finally, Bertie's unexpected rise through the ranks of Cameo stardom continues...If you've never watched The West Wing, this episode may convince you to give it a go.Send your questions to jblazquez@dsc.org.uk or comment below for the next episode!YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock TylerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter WanlessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

After a short break, Debra and Peter are back and straight into some big conversations.Peter shares his experience attending a Downing Street discussion about banning under-16s from social media, and outlines his four-point plan for tackling online harms. From safety by design to stronger regulation and the idea of a UK eSafety Commissioner, they explore what meaningful action could actually look like, and why the issue affects adults just as much as children.The conversation then takes a more personal turn as they reflect on confidence, kindness and the extraordinary impact of appreciation. From leadership teams publicly recognising each other, to thanking supermarket staff and complimenting strangers on train platforms, Debra and Peter discuss why making people feel valued matters more than we often realise.And finally, they dive into governance, trust and leadership boundaries, sparked by the Peter Murrell and Nicola Sturgeon story. How should organisations handle close personal relationships at the top? What happens when favouritism creeps into leadership teams? And why is fairness so important in organisational culture?Plus: Somerset cricket updates, Bertie’s unexpected social media fame, and a memorable story about Christmas drinks lists gone badly wrong.Send your questions to jblazquez@dsc.org.uk or comment below for the next episode!YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock TylerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter WanlessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.ukPodcast Producer: José Blazquez

Episode 68! Debra and Peter are back with a slightly existential question: what exactly makes a podcast “proper”? Debra has been in a real studio, on a comfy sofa, being filmed properly, which of course raises absolutely no questions at all about the professionalism of this podcast.From there, they reflect on emotion, vulnerability and what it means to be seen, literally and figuratively, when you’re in a leadership role. There’s crying, self-image, human complexity, and a reminder that most people are simply trying their best.They also discuss the London Marathon and the huge sums raised for charity, while asking some thoughtful questions about participatory fundraising. Does it matter why people run, cycle, climb or sit in tubs of beans, as long as money is raised? And are big fundraising moments missing a chance to help the public better understand how charities really work?Finally, Debra and Peter return to Julia Unwin’s reflections on charities disagreeing respectfully. They explore protest, anti-semitism, contested causes, trans-inclusive charities, ideology, democracy and the difficult line between standing firmly for what you believe and staying open to those who think differently.All this, plus ducklings, jackdaws, Pantosaurus, cricket balls, abseiling and a very carefully managed ice bucket challenge.Send your questions to jblazquez@dsc.org.uk or comment below for the next episode!YouTube Subscribe: YouTube.com/@DSCOnlineMore Debra Allcock Tyler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-allcock-tyler-8013214/More Peter Wanless LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sir-peter-wanless-b43aa372/Produced by: Directory of Social Change https://www.dsc.org.uk Podcast Producer: José Blazquez