Walescast – Details, episodes & analysis

The Plaid Cymru leader and Ynys Mon MS joins Felicity Evans and James Williams at the National Eisteddfod to reflect on a career which spans both journalism, politics and a little bit of showbusiness. In a wide-ranging interview he discusses growing up as the son of a musical collaborator with Dafydd Iwan, the four big decisions he's had to make in his political career - and the records he would take to a desert island.

From Ystalyfera comprehensive school to Wales’ education minister via Oxford and the law – the Labour MS for Neath, Jeremy Miles, has an impressive c.v. and skills set. But when Felicity Evans and James Williams met him at the Gnoll Estate Country Park in the heart of his constituency for a wide-ranging interview covering the experiences that have shaped his politics, they discovered how he met his match - in the shape of a former attorney and First Lady, diplomat and US presidential candidate turned relationships counsellor.

The Conservative MP for Brecon and Radnorshire joins Felicity Evans and James Williams at the Royal Welsh Show to reflect on her political career. In a wide-ranging interview she discusses growing up as the daughter of an MP and government minister, why she is confident of retaining her seat at the next General Election and how she approaches representing Wales's largest constituency

The Welsh Government’s economy minister joins Felicity Evans and James Williams in the pavilion of Lisvane Cricket Club to talk about his love of the game, his time as health minister during the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis. Questions about his future ambitions are met with a defensive, straight bat but he does open up on his go to karaoke tune.

This episode includes a personal account of discrimination, with graphic racist language, which listeners could find upsetting.

The Conservative MP for Ynys Mon Virginia Crosbie joins Felicity Evans and James Williams at the Anglesey Show to reflect on her late-blooming political career. In a wide-ranging interview she discusses how her approach to life has been shaped by personal trauma and her priorities for her island constituency.

The former Plaid Cymru leader Dafydd Wigley joins Felicity Evans and James Williams at the National Slate Museum in Llanberis to reflect on half a century in frontline politics. Now in the House of Lords, he looks back at the highs and lows of his political career, from the dying days of James Callaghan’s Labour government in 1979, through to the high drama of the devolution referendum of 1997 and beyond. And then there's his connection to a 1930s Chicago gangster and Public Enemy Number 1.

Welsh Secretary and MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Simon Hart joins Felicity Evans and Dan Davies at a static caravan in Pendine Sands Holiday Park to talk about his day job as a minister, what's next for the future of the Union and why bird enthusiasts from across the UK flocked to his garden.

He also recalls how he and other senior politicians feared for the PM's life after he was admitted to intensive care with Covid, during the height of the pandemic.

Producer: Emilia Davies

Fliss and James catch up with former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood who reflects on her time with the party, how she first got involved in politics and what she plans on doing next.

She also recalls what happened in the green room moments before her and other party leaders appeared on a televised debate during the 2015 general election.

Producer: Emilia Davies

Felicity Evans and James Williams join former education minister and Welsh Liberal Democrat Kirsty Williams on her farm in Brecon to chat about her life in politics, why she became an MS and what it was like to hold such a prominent position in the Welsh Government during the pandemic.

She tells the team what she plans on doing next and recalls a memorable moment meeting the former US President Barack Obama.

Producer: Emilia Davies

Wales' Climate Change minister, Julie James joins Fliss and James in a sunny park in Swansea to talk about her new role in government, her globe-trotting childhood and what it’s like to have a famous brother.

She also tells them how one tragedy changed her life forever.

Producer: Emilia Davies