In this 6-part series, comedian and activist Mark Thomas, in his typical style of drawing attention to things the government might rather we forget, talks to essential workers about how they carried on, continuing to hold things together, while the government, in the words of Boris Johnson was ’totally fucking hopeless”. Mark asks what changed for them, what stayed the same, and what the future holds.

This week Mark talks to carers, refuse collectors, tube drivers, amazon drivers and teachers about how Covid 19 shone a light on Key Workers. One minute they were deemed ‘low skilled’ the next the Prime Minister is clapping his hands on the doorstep of Downing St, hailing NHS and Key Workers. So what how happened? Did Britain reevaluate the working class? How were Key Workers seen buy public and government? And will any changes last?

Mark's previous podcast collecting working peoples testimony was for the Wellcome Collection - Mark Thomas’s Lockdown Check Up - which followed NHS and care staff through the first lockdown has now been put into the Wellcome Collection permanent archive.
 
www.markthomasinfo.com

KEYWORDS Episode 1 - In Plain Sight

In this 6-part series, comedian and activist Mark Thomas, in his typical style of drawing attention to things the government might rather we forget, talks to essential workers about how they carried on, continuing to hold things together, while the government, in the words of Boris Johnson was ’totally fucking hopeless”. Mark asks what changed for them, what stayed the same, and what the future holds.

This week firefighters, cleaners, and carers , amongst others, talk to Mark about how they worked to help their communities through Covid 19. Workers have gone the extra mile for a long time covering the gaps caused by austerity and with the advent of the pandemic they have been asked once again to head to the frontline and make that extra effort.

Mark's previous podcast collecting working peoples testimony was for the Wellcome Collection - Mark Thomas’s Lockdown Check Up - which followed NHS and care staff through the first lockdown has now been put into the Wellcome Collection permanent archive.

www.markthomasinfo.com

KEYWORDS Episode 2 - Going The Extra Mile

In this 6-part series, comedian and activist Mark Thomas, in his typical style of drawing attention to things the government might rather we forget, talks to essential workers about how they carried on, continuing to hold things together, while the government, in the words of Boris Johnson was ’totally fucking hopeless”. Mark asks what changed for them, what stayed the same, and what the future holds.

In this episode Mark asks Key Workers how they managed with social distancing. The best way of beating Covid 19 is not catching the virus, a task that eluded the Prime Minister, the Health secretary and the Chief Medical Officer all at the same time....They may not be the best bench mark for how easy it is to catch the virus but you get the point.... From cleaners to bus drivers, waiters to carers Mark asks workers how they held it all together, kept the country going and stayed safe?

Mark's previous podcast collecting working peoples testimony was for the Wellcome Collection - Mark Thomas’s Lockdown Check Up - which followed NHS and care staff through the first lockdown has now been put into the Wellcome Collection permanent archive.

www.markthomasinfo.com

KEYWORDS Episode 3 - Keeping Your Distance

In this 6-part series, comedian and activist Mark Thomas, in his typical style of drawing attention to things the government might rather we forget, talks to essential workers about how they carried on, continuing to hold things together, while the government, in the words of Boris Johnson was ’totally fucking hopeless”. Mark asks what changed for them, what stayed the same, and what the future holds.

With testimony from Amazon workers, carers and a host of other key workers about how they survived work through the pandemic. How did they manage their lives and their work when so many public services had been cut by austerity? Mark talks to firefighters about the importance of humour and care workers about making their own PPE with knicker elastic. 

Mark's previous podcast collecting working peoples testimony was for the Wellcome Collection - Mark Thomas’s Lockdown Check Up - which followed NHS and care staff through the first lockdown has now been put into the Wellcome Collection permanent archive.

www.markthomasinfo.com

KEYWORDS Episode 4 - Holdng On

In this 6-part series, comedian and activist Mark Thomas, in his typical style of drawing attention to things the government might rather we forget, talks to essential workers about how they carried on, continuing to hold things together, while the government, in the words of Boris Johnson was ’totally fucking hopeless”. Mark asks what changed for them, what stayed the same, and what the future holds.

This week Mark asks key workers about the financial and health impact of covid 19 on their lives. Talking to pub workers, McDonalds staff, carers, bus drivers and cleaners about the financial burdens they have borne this week we ask: What is the knock on effect of the UK having the worst sick pay rate in Europe? How can Johnson claim the arms of the state were put around the working class when 8 million people fall through the gaps of Statutory Sick Pay levels and eligibility? We all knew that Black and Asian workers were disproportionately effected by Covid 19 but what was done about it? 

Mark's previous podcast collecting working peoples testimony was for the Wellcome Collection - Mark Thomas’s Lockdown Check Up - which followed NHS and care staff through the first lockdown has now been put into the Wellcome Collection permanent archive.

www.markthomasinfo.com

KEYWORDS Episode 5 - Paying The Price

The Things About Us examines British identity: what are we like, what do we think we're like, and what's in the gap in between?

This week, Mark looks at the land of our nation: who owns it, what can we do on it? And with the help of the SOAS's Guy Standing, he looks at the most significant document you've probably never heard of: The Charter of the Forest. 

The Things About Us is written and presented by Mark Thomas. It was recorded on tour at the Darwen Library Theatre, and at King's Place as part of the London Podcast Festival. It was produced by Susan McNicholas and Ed Morrish. Thanks to Lush for their support, and to Dr. Feelgood for the use of their music.

If you want to say hello on social media, Mark Thomas is @markthomasinfo.

Mark's photo is by Steve Ullathorne (ullathorne.photoshelter.com/index) and the design is by Greg Matthews (designbygreg.uk/)

The Things About Us: The Charter of the Forest

Mark Thomas presents his new podcast series. Politics/activism/jokes.

KEYWORDS Episode 5 - Paying The Price

The Mark Thomas Podcast

Related tracks