Martin Shipton Meets...

Dawn Bowden, Labour AM for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, talks of her roots in trade unionism, how our NHS is under constant attack and the divided politics of Brexit. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Mark Reckless is leader of the Brexit Party group in the National Assembly.The AM reveals how as Tory MP he worked with Labour to inflict EU-related defeats on David Cameron.H tells Martin how he became a key figure in the campaign to press for a referendum and how he got the backing of MPs to cut the EU budget. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Mark Cotter doesn't conform to the stereotype of a leading barrister. He doesn’t come from a well-heeled background, nor did he attend a fee-paying boarding school.He has been involved in many high profile cases, and earlier this year successfully defended Oritse Williams, of the boyband JLS, on a rape charge.He talks about the significance of mobile phones data in criminal cases, legal aid blackspots and how complex fraud trials may become a thing of the past. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Lord Mike German was the first leader of the Lib Dems in the National Assembly, and is now is the party's UK treasurer.He makes revelations about the early years of the Assembly, speaks on the lessons of coalitions, and recalls the expenses scandal that saw him temporarily step down from his role as deputy First Minister. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Recorded from a bustling Westminster, Plaid Cymru's Jonathan Edwards talks the impact of Brexit on Welsh independence and why he feels devolution is under attack.The MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr also tells Martin of a "yearning for change" in Wales and why he believes his party have the strongest candidate for First Minister. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Paul Davies tells of his journey from Ceredigion bank manager to leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly.He tells Martin why he's determined to kick Labour out of power, why we should respect the public's wishes to leave the EU, and of his trust in Boris Johnson to lead the country. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, Glyn Davies, discusses the role of the Wales Office, the state of his party and reveals why he won't stand again as MP.The farmer's son recalls how his father was disappointed when he passed all his O Levels and how the Young Farmers movement changed his life.He also speaks about learning to speak Welsh in his 50s, running quangos and why a second Brexit referendum would destroy his party. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Step inside the world of the House of Lords with Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson in Westminster.The Paralympian speaks of her Cardiff childhood and the big family sacrifices that have enabled her transition from sport to politics.She tells Martin why she's fighting for better accessibility on public transport along with welfare reform, and what being Welsh means to her. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

MP Liz Saville Roberts tells her political story from learning Welsh at Aberystwyth University to becoming the Plaid Cymru's group leader in Parliament.She talks about the frustrations of "soap opera" Westminster, the prospects of Welsh independence and reveals why she would love to become an AM. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Hefin David, the Labour AM for Caerphilly, speaks on the power distance between people and politics.He also discusses the Caerphilly council officers' pay scandal, STV and why we need more AMs in Wales. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Recorded live from the Urdd, Welsh language campaigner Toni Schiavone, of Cymdeithas Yr Iaith, speaks on political identity and the evolution of the movement. He tells Martin why he believes every child leaving school in Wales should be able to speak Welsh - and why the resistance to extending Welsh language rights in the workplace is greater among politicians than the private sector itself. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Delyth Jewell became Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales East at the start of 2019, after the tragic death of Steffan Lewis.She tells Martin about the guilt she felt taking on the job, her work on stalking at Westminster and why she believes Wales will become independent far more quickly than many will have dared to dream of. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

One of Wales' leading writers discusses his new novel Throw Me to the Wolves, which is loosely based on the treatment of his former teacher Christopher Jefferies, an initial suspect in the murder of Joanna Yeates.Professor Patrick McGuinness, who lives in Caernarfon, speaks of his upbringing in English boarding schools, and of living in Bucharest under the last communist leader of Romania.He also talks on the state of nationhood in Wales and the legitimacy of Westminster rule. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

CEO of Wales Co-operative Centre, Derek Walker, sets out why social enterprises and cooperative business models can be at the centre of a more inclusive economy.He also discusses the state of the trade union movement, dramatic changes in the workplace and the impact of Brexit.Derek, who was one of Stonewall's first employees in Wales, also talks about the progress of LGBT equality in Wales. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Meri Huws has reached the end of her seven-year tenure as Welsh Language Commissioner.She looks back at what she's achieved in the role and sets out what must happen next to ensure people in Wales can live their lives through Welsh to the extent that they wish.She also recalls the activism and civil disobedience of her youth as a member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, during which she occupied holiday homes. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

David Melding takes Martin through his route to becoming a politician, which included backing the No campaign opposing the creation of the institution he now sits on.The AM for South Wales Central explains why he doesn't support calls for second Brexit referendum, despite being a passionate Remainer.He also shares his thoughts on how the 2021 Assembly elections will pan out for Wales's political parties. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Daran Hill is the managing director of public affairs company Postif Politics.He discusses lobbying in Wales - does it have a bad name? And should it be regulated more closely?He also speaks on navigating political friendships and the significance of Carl Sargeant's death on Welsh politics. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Jane Dodds, who became leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in 2017, describes her political journey.She tells Martin why she believes the new Independent Group in Westminster could signal the end of two-party politics, about the challenges of being leader without holding elected office and her optimism for the 2021 Assembly elections. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

Lord Peter Hain talks devolution, Brexit and racism.The former MP for Neath also warns of the erosion of his party's traditional base, amid the "most disillusioning period in British politics" he's experienced. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy

The Labour AM for Cardiff Central tells of her journey to the Assembly via Latin America, a career in journalism and heading up a Sure Start programme for disadvantaged parents.She speaks on inequality, the Labour party resignations and her controversies; Her criticism of the M4 Relief Road, and her suspension for comments made about the Jewish community.And the former chair of the All Wales European Programme Monitoring Committee says a no-deal Brexit would be like suicide. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy