Why should I subscribe to The Bench Report on Substack?
Great question, my honorable friend! The answer? Here, you can find exclusive extended shownotes for episodes of The Bench Report Podcast.
Subscribe to receive more in-depth analysis than the regular show notes for the two most downloaded episodes each week. Delivered to your inbox every Tuesday and Thursday.
While you can catch our weekday episodes on your favorite platforms like Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, subscribing here ensures you never miss a detail!
About me.
Yorkshireman, ex-primary school teacher, 15 years and counting working in education technology. Dad of two, elite village cricketer, knackered footballer. Fascinated by UK and US politics and the crazy world my kids will be taking over. Fan of mid 90’s to early noughties surrealist comedy sketch shows.
Here’s me.
I’m trying to sort out that tariff situation. He didn't listen.
The inspiration.
Aside from a general curiousity about life, there is a personal connection. I lost two close friends to rare cancers - two people who had confidence in me and inspired me to work smarter, not harder. It was frustrating to see how the system worked as they and their families went through their respective battles. You may note that one of the very first podcast episodes is on the Rare Cancers Bill.
I also have two children who are growing up, asking more questions about the world around them. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail, as my driving instructor told me. Four times.
Did I say two children? I meant three…
Pledge your support
If you would like extended shownotes of ALL podcast episodes, plus Substack exclusives, please consider a pledge.
I just want to highlight what it costs to keep 'The Bench Report' going each month. Call it an 'expenses declaration' if you will ;-).
BuzzSprout for hosting the podcast
Google One for storage
Buffer for social media scheduling
Canva for marketing
I'd love to upgrade these tools to create even more content for you all, including those extended shownotes for all episodes. There's so much interesting source material in the Parliamentary archives that can be adapted into new bonus episodes and SUBSTACK exclusive posts.
Your generosity will help to make UK politics more accessible and hold those in power accountable.
You'll also have my eternal gratitude and and the honour of being an official 'Benchwarmer'.
Please do consider a pledge. You’ll see this option after you subscribe - be reassured there’s no charge until I enable paid subscriptions.
A note on source material
Just the one source, but it’s a biggie - the official records of the UK Parliament. You can be sure the information you are hearing / reading is exactly what the decision makers in parliament are talking about.
NO OUTSIDE CHATTER.
All the content here is publicly available and repurposed under the Open Parliamentary Licence.
Find me in the Smoking Room (not smoking)
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Email Tom: thebenchreportuk@gmail.com
