Is London on the brink of a meningitis outbreak?

Last year, the London Marathon ballot box achieved a personal best. Over one million applicants signed up for April’s upcoming event, and with only 10,000-15,000 places reserved for ballot entries, the competition for a spot is tougher than ever. Now, rumours are circulating that the Sunday event may become a two-day weekend as early as 2027 in order to accommodate the increased demand. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rick Pearson, the senior editor of Runner's World UK and co-host of the Runner's World podcast. The two discuss how a two-day event might unfold, tips for running novices, and also unpack the reasons why the London Marathon continues to hold its spot as the world’s most popular running event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since the release of Louis Theroux latest investigation, Inside The Manosphere, discourse has turned to a particular detail from the documentary — that the alpha male influencers had absent fathers. So, why has the focus shifted to single mothers?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rebecca Cox, author of How To Be a Happy Single Parent, who argues that single mothers are being unfairly labelled as ‘toxic’ in the debate surrounding Louis Theroux’s new documentary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travel disruptions are pushing British holidaymakers to divert their holiday plans away from the Middle East, and a lot of people have the same ideas. So which destinations will be crowd-free over Easter?In this episode, The Standard’s lifestyle director Suzannah Ramsdale sits down with travel writer Alicia Miller to discuss holiday destinations that are unlikely to be rammed with tourists in a couple of weeks, as well as tips for finding a great last minute deal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early hours of Monday morning, arsonists set fire to four ambulances run by a Jewish charity in a synagogue car park in North London. The attack has shaken British Jewry, amid growing concerns over the normalisation of antisemitism in the UK. In this episode, host Tamara speaks to the CEO of Campaign Against Antisemitism, Gideon Falter, about the attack and its lead up. She also speaks to Rabbi Sandor Milun, the managing director of a Jewish volunteering charity, Gift UK, about the attack that took place in the car park of his synagogue.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s Harley Street is best known as a centre of medical excellence. Are unqualified “tweakment” aestheticians threatening its reputation?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Niva Yadav, the Standard’s trainee journalist, who has been investigating the world of rogue cosmetic practitioners in Harley Street. The two discuss the medical status of dermal filler, whether the government’s attempts to regulate the industry go far enough, and tips on what to ask a cosmetic practitioner before undergoing a treatment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While London clubs increasingly face the risk of closure, ticketed events in multi-use spaces are becoming more popular. Even art galleries have started hosting after hours events. So, how different will clubbing look over the next few years?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rosalie Doubal, a senior curator of international art at Tate Modern, about the intersection of art, culture and clubbing, and whether she sees galleries becoming a vital part of late night infrastructure. Tamara also catches up with The Standard’s features writer and nightlife expert, Maddy Mussen, for a vibe check on London’s after-hours scene.Photograph: Tate (Ben Fisher) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 awards season delivered unforgettable fashion moments, from Jessie Buckley’s sculptural pink and red Chanel gown to Timothée Chalamet’s playful white Givenchy suit. Designers like Schiaparelli and Valentino dominated headlines, with the red carpet capturing the energy and creativity of major fashion weeks.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick is joined by business writer and branding specialist, John Arlidge, to discuss the changing landscape for legacy brands in a tougher environment. The two discuss the burgeoning second-hand market to the prevalence of high quality dupes, and ultimately, the downfall of the retail sector.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A student nightclub in Canterbury, Kent, is at the centre of a meningitis B outbreak that has so far caused over a dozen hospitalisations and two deaths.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to immunisation specialist Dr Helen Burford, who is a professor of Children's Health at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. They discuss the difference between meningitis strains, why this variant might have spread in a nightclub and whether Londoners need to take action to protect their health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was a significant British presence at this year’s Oscars, with UK film talent receiving 40 nominations and delivering several wins on the night.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance culture writer Laura Martin, who recently wrote for the Standard about why London could be the new ‘Lollywood’. They discuss whether that idea holds up after this year’s Academy Awards, and break down some of the biggest British success stories from Sunday night.Tamara also speaks to Lisa Walters, a former Head of Production in TV, who is among the many film and television professionals who have left the industry over the past year due to an ongoing work drought in the UK.Photograph: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As cocaine use continues to rise in the capital, we’re revisiting this episode exploring why London has been dubbed the ‘cocaine capital’ of Europe.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to freelance journalist Jordan Page, who recently investigated the capital’s latest Class A drug epidemic. They talk about how London’s pub culture intersects with the city’s cocaine habits, and why men in particular are using the drug more than ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.