Devoncast

In this packed edition of Devoncast, we speak to the leader of Exeter City Council Phil Bialyk 10 years on from the Royal Clarence Hotel fire. Plymouth Civic Centre’s regeneration is underway as restoration starts on the listed concrete landmark. Lisa Brammer from Team Plymouth talks about their project uniting the MOD with Plymouth City Council and local academic institutions.  And we speak to the artistic director of a theatre company which visits people in their homes. Finn Aston presents this week's edition.

One low traffic neighbourhood in Exeter is about to get its traffic back. Will opposing sides ever agree? Local democracy reporter Guy Henderson has been following the story of Dryden Road, Exeter, since it was given over to 'active travel'.The Devon Business Show is the major autumn event from the Devon Chamber. We meet a college, a charity and a business there to talk apprenticeships, the economic background and how business can support the charity sector.And West End hit show Mrs Doubtfire is in the county. Actor Gabriel Vic has been donning frock and mask for four years - and he's going to keep on doing it.Devoncast is the podcast from Devoncast Radio - on digital radio and online. Our back catalogue is at www.devoncastradio.co.uk

With the government's housing targets coming with a stick to whack councils who miss them, it's a problem for East Devon, who fell just 21 homes short last year. But that's not their fault, they claim. Houebuilders are the ones that build houses - it's in the name. Local democracy reporter Bradley Gerrard says the punishment is like getting detention for your classmate not doing their homework.Happy silver anniversary Jurassic Coast. It's 25 years since the land between Swanage and Exmouth gained Unesco World Heritage accreditation.We've a report from Sandy Park, where Exeter Chiefs bagged their first Prem win of the season, in front of a patchy crowd. Director of Rugby Rob Baxter says he understands the pressures and options people have when deciding how to spend their money.And if you're feline like taking in a show, Cats, the Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical, is at Plymouth's Theatre Royal.

In the programme today, former MP for Plymouth Moor View and minister of state for veterans affairs Johnny Mercer talks about his life after politics following the release of his new book No way to Run a Country. Great Torrington residents protest about the prospect of a £14 million data centre opening on their doorstep which could be bigger than the town itself. And a new film is set to be screened at the Exeter Picturehouse soon following the work a charity is doing with animals in war zones- particularly in Ukraine. We talk with Pen Farthing, the founder of Nowzad.Josh Tate and Finn Aston host this edition.

Labour MP for Exeter Steve Race talks about Sir Keir Starmer standing down as an MP and his thoughts following the Andy Burnham’s first PMQ’s.  Local Democracy Reporter Alison Stephenson speaks on the local government reorganisation in Devon being put on hold.  And Maz Evans talks Shakespeare ahead of her Budleigh Salterton literary festival appearance. Finn Aston hosts this week's edition.

MPs are back in parliament for the new term, but for one, Exmouth and Exeter East member David Reed, the summer beard could have precipitated a tumble down the sexy MPs' survey - he was top, bar one until recently.A North Molton couple have taken to sea to help with medical care on a Mercy Ship in North Africa. Exeter Chiefs didn't end pre-season well. We report from Sandy Park.And backstage at Moulin Rouge: The Musical as it hits Plymouth.

Devon's getting around £6 million of new funding to support the county's homeless population, with a view to providing accommodation to all who need it by Christmas. Exeter MP Steve Race (Labour) says it's much-needed cash for a complex problem.Trains are on the mind of Rebecca Smith, the Conservative MP for South West Devon. She wants the government to get the Plymouth to Tavistock line back on track. A new Theatre Royal Plymouth co-production, Badgers, has been at the Edinburgh Fringe. We speak with playwright Malaika Kegode ahead of its run at the Drum Theatre.And a new book explores the rich history of Sidmouth's Manor Pavilion, unique in retaining its summer rep season. Download the podcast, and hear more Devoncast programmes by asking your smart speaker to play Devoncast Radio.Plus a pre-season match report as Plymouth Albion host Cornish Pirates - and how to get involved in our sports reporting in the forthcoming season.

Lib Dem MP Caroline Voaden expresses her opinions on Devon not having a directly elected mayor. It’s results time for thousands of students across the county we hear from an expert who gives advice on what to do next and a 20-year-old Devon woman is set to climb Mount Kilamanjaro very soon as Finn Aston hosts this edition of Devoncast.

 An action packed edition of Devoncast this week.  We speak to Ben Stafford-Davies who is based in South Devon and helps men make friends and tackle loneliness. He gives insights around male loneliness.  Exeter based comedian Molly Kinsey is on the show and talks about a stroke she suffered when she was just 29 years old and how it led her down the road of comedy.  And it’s time to talk about Panto season here in Devon! Sleeping Beauty is at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth and Devoncast speaks to some of its stars!  Josh Tate and Finn Aston present this edition.

Defence minister Luke Pollard MP talks LGBTQ+ veteran reparations and Russian warships off of Plymouth's coast. Exeter City players receive CPR training from local charity ahead of the new season and Tiverton High School looks to relocate amid planning problems.