The NHS employs 1.5 million people across the UK, just over 2% of the population. However, life inside this mega-employer is quite unlike what most of us experience in our day jobs. This episode’s guest is responsible for helping shift the spotlight on the workers who take care of the UK’s population, with his hit comedy memoir, This is Going to Hurt.

Beyond the often-discussed funding and structural challenges, we'll explore the emotional toll that working within the NHS takes. Adam's unique perspective sheds light on the intense pressures, the bureaucratic hurdles, and the sheer human impact of providing healthcare under such demanding circumstances. We'll delve into the vital need for empathy and understanding towards NHS staff, and consider how society can better acknowledge their dedication. Furthermore, we'll discuss the importance of fostering a supportive work environment, addressing burnout, and advocating for improved mental health resources within the NHS. This conversation aims to move beyond headlines and towards a deeper appreciation of the individuals who form the backbone of our healthcare system.

From Doctor to BAFTA winner, Adam Kay, knows life inside the NHS, having spent 6 years working as a junior doctor, and his story has since been brought to the screen in a BBC TV series based on his experiences. We speak to Adam on the highs and lows of the NHS, how society views its workers, and what more could be done to support them.

Every day, we make financial decisions. From what to buy for lunch, to how we organise our pay - money is a central force in our lives. But have you ever considered how you make those choices? This episode explores the behavioural science behind how we make financial decisions, how we are influenced, and whether those choices are rational.

Often, our financial decisions are driven by emotions and biases, not just logic. This episode delves into the fascinating world of cognitive shortcuts and social influences that shape our spending habits. We'll examine how framing, defaults, and even the way information is presented can significantly impact our financial choices. Understanding these psychological triggers can empower us to make more informed and less impulsive decisions. We'll also discuss the role of nudges and interventions in promoting better financial wellbeing, and how these insights can be applied to improve both individual and societal financial outcomes.

Owain Service is the CEO and founder of CogCo, and previously the co-founder and Managing Director of the UK Government’s Behavioural Insights Team and before that, a Deputy Director of the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit. He has been at the forefront of how behavioural science can influence decision making, including when it comes to finances. 

This episode is about the Poverty Premium. The Poverty Premium designates the extra tax that low-income earners pay for essential goods and services; everything from utilities to credit to insurance, purely down to the money in their bank account.

This isn't merely an inconvenience; it's a systemic barrier that perpetuates financial hardship. We'll delve into the mechanics of this premium, exploring how factors like limited access to competitive markets, higher interest rates, and prepayment costs contribute to the burden. We'll discuss the real-life implications for individuals and families, and how this extra financial strain can impact their ability to build savings, manage debt, and improve their overall quality of life. Furthermore, we'll examine the social and economic consequences of the poverty premium, and how it contributes to wider inequalities within society. We'll explore the need for policy changes and innovative solutions to address this issue, including the role of financial inclusion initiatives and consumer protection measures. This episode aims to shed light on the hidden costs of poverty and inspire action to create a more equitable financial system.

Sara Davies, Senior Research Fellow in the School of Geographical Sciences at Bristol University and Associate Research Director of the University’s Personal Finance Research Centre. She's the author of the only research that quantifies the average cost of the poverty premium to the average low income household.

When you think of an illegal money lender, perhaps you think of a shady figure in a dark alley, or a faceless contact on a phone screen. You may not picture your next door neighbour, your work colleague, or even your friend. More than one million people in England are currently in debt to an illegal money lender, and two thirds of this group thought they were borrowing from a friend. Loan sharks prey on the financially vulnerable, those with unavoidable expenses, and no other financial choices - in this episode, we learn who they are, and how they’re being stopped.

This issue transcends simple financial transactions; it's a web of exploitation that traps individuals in cycles of fear and dependency. We'll explore the psychological tactics used by loan sharks, and how they cultivate a sense of trust that quickly turns into coercion. Beyond the legal ramifications, we'll discuss the devastating social impact of illegal lending, the ripple effect on families and communities, and the importance of fostering financial literacy to prevent vulnerability. We'll also highlight the crucial role of community support networks and how they can empower individuals to break free from these predatory relationships. This episode aims to raise awareness and provide practical information to help people recognise and avoid the dangers of loan sharks.

Cath and Anna work on the front line of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, working to investigate and prosecute loan sharks in the UK. Their team comprises specialist investigators and Liaise Officers who have experience in all areas of the legal and finance worlds.

This episode delves into the transformative power of a seemingly simple policy change: automatic enrollment in pension schemes. We explore how this innovation dramatically shifted the landscape of retirement savings in the UK. Prior to 2012, less than 50% of UK workers were actively saving for their future. Now, over 80% are, a testament to the profound impact of making pension contributions the default option. This episode's guest, a key architect of this change, illuminates the behavioural science underpinning this success.

We'll unpack the psychological barriers that previously hindered widespread pension saving and how automatic enrolment effectively bypassed those obstacles. We'll discuss the challenges of implementing such a large-scale shift, the meticulous planning required, and the ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program. Beyond the statistics, we'll examine the real-world implications for individuals, families, and the broader economy. This conversation extends beyond past achievements, prompting us to consider the next wave of innovations that can address pressing societal challenges. What are the emerging technologies, policy shifts, or behavioural interventions that hold the potential to improve the financial wellbeing of millions? We’ll explore the importance of continued innovation in the financial sector, and what can be done to further bridge the financial inequality gap.

Helen Dean CBE, was the CEO at Nest Corporation, the Trustee that runs the Nest pension scheme, from 2015-2024. Nest has over 13 million members and invests half a billion pounds a month on their behalf. Helen was one of the architects of the UK’s automatic enrolment programme, working from the Department of Work and Pensions; she has a long-standing interest in addressing financial inequalities and promoting financial resilience and was awarded a CBE in the 2021 for her services to saving.

This episode is around the Real Living Wage. It is the only UK wage rate based on the cost of living. It is voluntarily paid by over 14,000 UK businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage which meets everyday needs - and our guest is the person who calculates this very figure.

We'll delve into the critical distinction between the government's National Living Wage and the Real Living Wage, emphasising the importance of a wage that truly reflects the actual cost of living. We'll explore the methodology behind calculating the Real Living Wage, considering factors like housing, food, and transportation costs. We'll discuss the positive impact of businesses adopting the Real Living Wage, not only for their employees but also for the wider economy, and how it contributes to reducing in-work poverty. Furthermore, we'll examine the challenges faced by low-income workers in today's economic climate, and the role of the Real Living Wage in addressing these challenges. We'll also discuss the ongoing efforts to expand the reach of the Real Living Wage and encourage more businesses to adopt it, highlighting the importance of fair pay in creating a more equitable and sustainable society. This episode aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Real Living Wage and its significance in improving the lives of low-paid workers.

Nye Cominetti is the Principal Economist at the Resolution Foundation, an independent think-tank who do fantastic work on improving the living standards for those on low to middle incomes. Nye’s work is dedicated to making pay fairer for these workers. He authors the annual ‘Low Pay Britain’ report, as well as several other papers which dive into the lives, challenges and experiences of low-paid workers in the UK. He is also the man who leads on calculating the Real Living Wage, which has raised the standard of pay in so many businesses across the country.