S7 EP18: Ed Balls

Parenting comes with numerous challenges, and we're all figuring it out as we go. Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, the hosts of Parenting Hell, discuss these challenges each week with famous parents and listeners. In this episode, they spoke about the online gaming platform, Roblox. Roblox allows users to create avatars and build virtual worlds, which can be accessed using unique profile names. When Josh's daughter wanted to join Roblox and couldn't find a suitable profile name, she became frustrated. The hosts joked about the absurdity of having to come up with unique names, as the suggestions from the platform can be difficult to remember and pronounce. This episode highlights the challenges of modern parenting, including navigating the digital world with children and dealing with the frustrations that come with it. The hosts also emphasized the importance of staying relatable and keeping the podcast sexy, even when discussing the trials and tribulations of parenting.

Our reliance on digital technology and the collection of personal data has become a contentious issue. The speaker expresses frustration over being asked for personal information, such as email addresses, during everyday transactions. He shares a nostalgic story about receiving a paper receipt for a taxi ride in the past and reflects on the convenience of going phone and cashless. However, he acknowledges that this convenience comes at a cost, including the potential loss of privacy and the pressure to constantly be connected. The speaker also ponders the reasons behind the shift towards digital and wonders about the motivations of those in power. The conversation then shifts to the topic of early morning activities for children, with the speaker expressing skepticism towards the necessity and practicality of some extracurricular activities. Ultimately, the speaker expresses a preference for a more balanced and flexible schedule that accommodates his personal needs and preferences.

Josh Widdicombe's morning productivity peaks around 10:11 AM, and he believes that if he held a residency at a specific time and location, he might not sell as many tickets as if he traveled around. Additionally, Widdicombe shared a humorous anecdote about his friends mistaking him for a reception teacher during a pub quiz. Furthermore, during the conversation, Widdicombe and his co-host discussed the importance of communication and organization in regards to schooling, particularly when it comes to school schedules and calendars. Widdicombe mentioned that 20 years ago, the technology we have today for managing school schedules was not available, making communication and organization more challenging. Lastly, Widdicombe also touched on his experience as a parent, sharing a story about how he had mistakenly taken his children to school on an inset day, leading to some embarrassment. Despite this, he emphasized the importance of being involved in their education and being present for important events, even if it means making mistakes along the way.

During the early days of the Blair government in the late 1990s, politicians were hesitant to use digital communication tools like email due to concerns about security and potential embarrassment. Instead, they relied on traditional methods like paper and tape recorders. However, as technology advanced and became more commonplace, they began to adapt and integrate it into their work and personal lives. A notable example is the role of Yvette Cooper's mother as a supportive grandmother who helped care for their children, allowing them to call on her in times of need. Overall, this conversation highlights the importance of adapting to new technology while also recognizing the value of traditional methods and personal support systems.

Gender roles and attitudes towards childcare were noticeably different during commuting hours on trains in the UK during the speaker's experience. Men were more likely to offer help to a woman traveling with young children, while women were less likely to receive offers of assistance. This difference in behavior could be attributed to societal expectations and perceptions of gender roles, with men feeling it was acceptable to offer help, while women might have perceived offers as criticisms. The speaker's family's situation changed when she lost her seat in the 2015 election and her children's social lives shifted, but they later welcomed a Ukrainian family into their home, creating a new dynamic and expanding their cultural horizons.

Ed Balls, a former British politician, surprised everyone, including his own children, when he competed on the popular dance show "Strictly Come Dancing" despite initial hesitation from his family. The experience was life-affirming for him, and although it brought some embarrassment to his children, it also opened new opportunities. Prior to Strictly, Balls was the Secretary of State for Schools, making parents' evenings an awkward experience due to his public status. After the show, his recognition increased, with some people expressing past dislike towards him but then expressing newfound appreciation. Balls' children were against his participation, with the youngest one being too embarrassed to attend, and the oldest ones able to come but kept separate from him on the live show. Despite the initial embarrassment, Balls' experience on Strictly led to a new career path, showcasing that unexpected opportunities can bring both good and worrying outcomes.

Stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing new experiences, as Ed Balls did on Strictly Come Dancing, can lead to unexpected growth and a new perspective on life. Balls found that being an actor allowed him to separate himself from his political persona and connect with people on a more personal level. However, the experience also came with challenges, such as adapting to new roles and dealing with criticism from his family and the public. Despite these challenges, Balls learned the value of hard work and dedication, and discovered that being true to oneself, whether as a politician or an actor, is essential. In a democracy, it's crucial that politicians remain human and relatable to the people they serve. By stepping outside of the "big politician" persona, Balls was able to show a more authentic side of himself, and in turn, build a stronger connection with his audience.

When Theresa May became the first female prime minister of the UK while having young children, she and her husband had to navigate the complexities of balancing their political roles and family life without precedent. They decided to keep their children out of the political spotlight, but also had to deal with the media presence at their home. They established rules to protect their children's privacy, such as having someone go outside to distract the media when the children were leaving for school. This approach allowed their children to have a normal upbringing while being part of the political world. It's a challenge for public figures to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives, especially when they have young children and face intense media scrutiny.

Protecting children's privacy is crucial, especially in the public eye. The speaker shared an experience where their children's privacy was at risk due to their surname's notoriety. Despite the media's insistence on public interest, the speaker was able to prevent their children's names and photos from being published. However, this was not an easy feat and required careful planning and legal intervention. The speaker emphasized that this was a difficult lesson learned before having children, as they had grown up with a surname that was a common name in their hometown but became a source of embarrassment due to its association with another unrelated family. The speaker also shared an instance where their surname caused inconvenience during a World Cup semifinal match. Overall, the speaker's experience highlights the importance of protecting children's privacy and the potential consequences of not doing so.

Politics and public perception are heavily influenced by image and the way politicians present themselves. During their conversation, Tony Blair and George Osborne reflected on their past regrets, including being "too macho" and not spending enough time with their families. They also discussed the importance of authenticity in politics, noting that those who try too hard to pose for the cameras often come across as insincere. They reminisced about iconic political photos, such as the Kennedy family's informal White House images, and criticized those who appear uncomfortable or awkward in photographs. Blair shared stories about the challenges of dealing with the media, including being photographed during football games and having unflattering images published. Ultimately, they agreed that it's difficult for politicians to live normal lives while under constant public scrutiny and that authenticity and relaxation often come across as genuine and endearing to the public.

Being a prime minister and being a good parent can be a challenging balance. During a conversation, the speakers discussed their thoughts on which prime minister they believe would make the best parent based on their personalities and past actions. They considered Gordon Brown's focus, David Cameron's fun-loving nature, Boris Johnson's inconsistency, and Tony Blair's leadership skills. However, they concluded that anyone who reaches that level of leadership likely prioritizes their position over their family, but they also emphasized the importance of putting family first when possible. They shared personal experiences of understanding when to prioritize work and when to prioritize family, and they acknowledged that all prime ministers they have known have worried about getting the balance right. Boris Johnson's situation with his children was brought up, but it was unclear if it was a genuine concern or a rumor. Ultimately, the conversation highlighted the complexity of balancing a high-pressure career with family life and the importance of prioritizing both when possible.

The speaker shared insights from a conversation with a rival podcaster who gave unsolicited advice, which turned out to be quite abusive but also revealing. The rival suggested not to post regularly, do it slapdash, and not to mention it on social media. However, he also advised to keep the content fresh, new, and focus on insider information, especially in politics and economics. The speaker also discussed the potential impact of rising interest rates on the economy and politics, suggesting it could be difficult for the current government to be reelected. Overall, the conversation provided insights into the competitive podcasting landscape and the potential economic and political implications of current events.

Robert Peston, a well-known journalist, surprised many by forming a post-punk band called "Centrist Dad" with Simon and John Wilson. They performed at a local street party, drawing a large crowd that included political figures Ed Miliband and Keir Starmer. Despite initial reservations from his kids, Peston's drumming skills were impressive, and the crowd was entertained, with some even mistaking him for a famous musician. The event sparked a discussion on etiquette at gigs, with Rowetta from Happy Mondays advocating for an inclusive and lively atmosphere. Peston, known for his serious journalistic demeanor, proved to be a surprising and entertaining performer, demonstrating that even the most unexpected hobbies can bring joy and connection to a community.

Ed Miliband, a former British politician, shared stories from his unconventional and entertaining experiences outside of politics, including climbing a mountain with Little Mix and performing at the Royal Albert Hall with Harry Hill and Frank Skinner. Miliband expressed his enjoyment of these experiences and how they were less stressful than politics, but acknowledged the importance of inspiring the next generation to make the world a better place through politics, despite its challenges and harsh realities. Miliband also shared that he and his family have dealt with security issues but never had personal security, except for the prime minister and select government officials.

Despite the small quirks and annoyances in a relationship, the love and dedication each partner brings to their roles as parents is what truly matters. The speaker shared an anecdote about his partner's unwavering commitment to making special occasions memorable for their children, even when she's tired or overwhelmed. He also mentioned a habit of hers that annoys him, but he's learned to accept because it's a part of who she is. The conversation ended with a lighthearted moment about the potential for a news story revealing one of her habits. Overall, the discussion emphasized the importance of appreciating and accepting each other's strengths and weaknesses in the context of parenthood.

During a podcast recording with former politicians George Osborne and Ed Balls, the hosts, Rob and Josh, discovered they had different levels of familiarity with each other's backgrounds and political careers. Rob admitted to not knowing much about Ed Balls' political history and felt uncomfortable when Ed brought up their past political disagreements. Josh, on the other hand, was more prepared and knew about Ed's career in politics and his appearances on shows like "Good Morning Britain" and "Strictly Come Dancing." The conversation also touched upon the challenges of navigating political banter and the loaded nature of politics in general. Overall, the episode highlighted the importance of preparation and knowledge when engaging in discussions with individuals from various backgrounds and fields of expertise. Listen to the Political Currency podcast for more insightful conversations between George Osborne and Ed Balls.