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Common Sense with Mike Omoniyi

Common Sense with Mike Omoniyi

By Lets Talk Common Sense with Mike Omoniyi

Every week, we help you make sense of the world.

Fascinating guests and big topics.

Brought to you by The Common Network (@tcsnetwork)
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EP98: How To STOP Being A People Pleaser // Amani Simpson

Common Sense with Mike OmoniyiNov 22, 2023

00:00
01:00:38
EP98: How To STOP Being A People Pleaser // Amani Simpson

EP98: How To STOP Being A People Pleaser // Amani Simpson

E98: How To Stop Being A People Pleaser

In this Episode, M.T. is joined by Amani Simpson, an award-winning youth coach, speaker and filmmaker.

In this wholesome conversation they discuss how he moved from being stabbed to now working to save and inspire young people, his acclaimed short film 'AMANI' starring Joivan Wade, which has now been watched nearly 4 million times and how he thinks about his journey now.

Time Stamps

01:06 Did you choose your work or did your work choose you?
02:13 You were glad you got stabbed?
05:15 Getting bullied in school
12:00 Creating the short film AMANI with Jovian Wade
21:15 The hardest thing I've ever done
32:19 I've changed the narrative in my family
37:30 Advice for people who feel they aren't growing
52:51 Your new film Save Me
Nov 22, 202301:00:38
E97: Israel and Palestine: A DUMMIES Guide

E97: Israel and Palestine: A DUMMIES Guide

In this Episode, M.T. answers questions from our community on the crisis currently engulfing the Middle East.

Many of us don't know what to think and swimming through all the media narratives can be difficult. This is a good guide for anyone trying to make sense of some of the moving parts of the conflict.

Oct 25, 202333:31
E96: Rory Sutherland Addresses Biggest Problems In The World

E96: Rory Sutherland Addresses Biggest Problems In The World

Rory Sutherland is one of the world's leading consumer behaviour experts, the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy Advertising and an author.


In this, his second appearance on Common Sense Pod, we tackle a range of issues from AI to politics to big tech.


01:11 Tik Tok Algorithms

11:01 Changes to remote working

26:36 Elon Musk and Twitter

38:44 How can we harness AI

40:55 Im 10% Ghanaian

43:50 What is Conservatism

56:32 The problem with the Intellectual left

1:19:25 The right is correct about this

1:33:32 Dominic Cummings


Do let us know what you think

Oct 19, 202301:59:58
The Money Expert: How To Actually Get Out Of Debt | E95

The Money Expert: How To Actually Get Out Of Debt | E95

Timi Merriman-Johnson is an award-winning financial content creator, podcaster, author and founder of Mr MoneyJar, a UK-based financial education company.

02:20: How would you describe the work you do?
10.53: Rich dad poor dad
10:00: Why do you subject yourself to all this pain
15:27: What we think about people changes what we think about them
24:46: Growing in confidence
31:32: Organising your finances
Oct 11, 202350:47
E94: From Failure To The World Championships: Developing A Killer Mindset

E94: From Failure To The World Championships: Developing A Killer Mindset

Success is often defined as failing forward and not losing motivation. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to develop a resilient mindset

Alex Haydock-Wilson is a British track and field athlete. In 2023, he became British 400 metres champion. He was chosen to represent Great Britain at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August 2023 and came back with a bronze medal.

00:43: How are you feeling
03.20: My identity isn't built on winning
10:00: Why do you subject yourself to all this pain
26:08: Letting go of old identities
43:33: Why does the World Championship medal mean to you
47:42: The power of narratives
Oct 04, 202301:02:19
E93: From PRISON To Successful CEO | Kenny Imafidon

E93: From PRISON To Successful CEO | Kenny Imafidon

Kenny Imafidon is an entrepreneur, author, and social commentator

When he was arrested for a crime he didn't commit Kenny faced a minimum of thirty years behind bars – longer than the life he had lived.

In this podcast, we talk about his transformative time in prison, and the people and conversations that took him from being on trial for murder into the company of some of the most successful people in the world.

That Peckham Boy (His new book) is a real-life manifesto calling for positive change for those on the fringes of society.

Sep 27, 202354:55
E92: THIS Is Why Everyone HATES The News w/ Jodie Jackson

E92: THIS Is Why Everyone HATES The News w/ Jodie Jackson

According to Oxford, trust in the news has fallen across Europe and the proportion of people who say they avoid news has increased sharply across countries. Why don't we trust the news and what can we do about it?

Jodie is the founder of the News Literacy Lab, author of “You Are What You Read: why changing your media diet can change the world” and of children’s book, “Little Ruffle and The World Beyond“.

Over the past decade, Jodie has researched the damaging impact of the negativity bias in the news on our individual and collective mental health, as well as promoting the impact of solutions-focused journalism.


01:46 Who are you

02.49: Why does everyone hate the news

07:55: I stopped watching the news at 20

13:19: What is the news

21:56: The UK media system

40:35: Is society getting worse or better

46:33: How I slowly became right wing

Sep 20, 202301:07:40
EP91: What To Do If you Hate Your Job w/ Dr David Burkus

EP91: What To Do If you Hate Your Job w/ Dr David Burkus

The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. How can you make all those hours count?

One of the world’s leading business thinkers, Dr. David Burkus’ forward-thinking ideas and bestselling books are helping leaders build their best team ever.

He is the bestselling author of four books about business and leadership. His books have won multiple awards and have been translated into dozens of languages.

Since 2017, Burkus has been ranked multiple times as one of the world’s top business thought leaders.

Jul 19, 202356:17
E90: SIDE HUSTLES: How to Boost Your Income with w/ Kia Commodore

E90: SIDE HUSTLES: How to Boost Your Income with w/ Kia Commodore

It's never been more critical to have control of your money. Many people live paycheck to paycheck and are one bad month away from financial ruin This week I'm joined by Personal Finance Creator and Public Speaker, Kia Commodore to talk all things money! We delve into her personal journey, saving and making money. She even takes on Chat-GPT by answering some personal finance questions.

Time stamps

00:00 IntrO

01:13 Leaving London

07:06 What makes you want to talk about money online

12:27 People need to hear how to manage money right noT

13:56 Why isn't financial literacy taught in schools

23:54 What would you say to someone who pretty much spends what they make

28:31 Is making money harder than saving money

35:38 Comparison is stealing our money

44:57 What are some of the best side hustles you know


Turn your notification bells on so you are first to know when new episodes come out. 💌: Click here to join our community for free - https://csnetwork.substack.com/ 📹: All our videos are recorded at Common Sense Studios: studio.tcsnetwork.co.uk



Jun 20, 202301:09:16
 EP89: What I Learnt Running 17 Marathons w/ Emmanuel Ovola

EP89: What I Learnt Running 17 Marathons w/ Emmanuel Ovola

Could you imagine running 17 marathons? Think about how it would change you and who you would become. In this episode, M.T. is joined by Emmanuel Ovola, Physiotherapist and Nike Running Coach.


Through his work with Nike, he has helped thousands of people as a running coach through the Nike Run Club App. Emmanuel also creates content on social media aimed at helping runners reach their full potential.

00:37 How we first met 02:30 Life as a running coach 04:27 My experience debating at the Oxford Union 09:12 I've run 17 Marathons 11:30 Running makes us feel anything is possible 23:47 Should everyone run a marathon? 26:30 Marathons take you to some dark places 32:30 Dealing with Failure

Turn your notification bells on so you are first to know when new episodes come out. 💌: Click here to join our community for free - https://csnetwork.substack.com/ 📹: All our videos are recorded at Common Sense Studios: studio.tcsnetwork.co.uk
Jun 07, 202343:42
Common Sense Podcast Is Back For Season 3

Common Sense Podcast Is Back For Season 3

In this short episode, M.T. explains what you can expect from this new season!

___

Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free - https://csnetwork.substack.com/

May 23, 202303:22
E88: Calvin Robinson Tells Us Why Christians Should Oppose Gay Marriage

E88: Calvin Robinson Tells Us Why Christians Should Oppose Gay Marriage

Calvin Robinson is a British conservative political commentator, writer, and broadcaster.   

Calvin is known for speaking out on social issues and is a host on GB NEWS

In this episode we talk about Gay Marriage, His ministry and misconceptions people have about him

Time stamps

00:00 Intro

02:42 There seems to be an anti-truth movement and we need people to stand up for the truth

04:27 My experience debating at the Oxford Union

08:28 Church of England Bishops are leading people astray

14:30 Some people say you're just mean

18:40 The Guardian vs GB News

27:24 What are some misconceptions people have about you


Like what you watched? Click here to join our community for free  - https://csnetwork.substack.com/ 

Mar 14, 202333:57
EP87: How To Stop Letting People Walk All Over You W/ Courtney Daniella

EP87: How To Stop Letting People Walk All Over You W/ Courtney Daniella

Courtney Daniella Boateng is a content creator, digital entrepreneur, and community builder.

She is the co-founder of To My Sisters, one of the fastest-growing women's development communities, and is the Founder of CDB London, an e-commerce brand focusing on making hair and beauty 'easy' for everyday women.

Courtney is known for her transparency and vulnerability.

She is unafraid to look beyond the surface and dive deep into the topics which affect our well-being, self-growth and interpersonal relationships."

In this episode we delve into life trauma, building a successful business and using social media for your good.

Time Stamps: 

00:00 Intro

03:39 When did you know the internet was your thing

15:03 I've always been a performer

25:46 You owe it to yourself to explore

42:39 Do you think you overshare online

46:40 Balancing your private and public life

51:43 Trading New York stories


Mar 07, 202301:02:43
EP86: Who Will Win The Nigerian, USA and UK Elections? // M.T. Omoniyi

EP86: Who Will Win The Nigerian, USA and UK Elections? // M.T. Omoniyi

In the next 3 years, these three major countries will ask the people the same important question, who do you want your next leader to be?

The answer to these questions will change the look and feel of these countries for years to come. 

In this podcast, Mike breaks down the US and UK Elections

Time stamps 

00:00 Intro

02:37 Thank you

04:19 The United Kingdom

10:51 What's happening in the USA 

14:37 The Nigerian Elections

Thank you for watching or listening to our podcast

Feb 21, 202325:51
EP85: I Spent Years Helping The SUPER Rich Avoid Tax And Then Everything Changed w/ Stephanie Brobbey

EP85: I Spent Years Helping The SUPER Rich Avoid Tax And Then Everything Changed w/ Stephanie Brobbey

Stephanie practised as a private wealth lawyer in the City for a decade before launching the Good Ancestor Movement. She spent a decade advising millionaires and billionaires on how to avoid taxes and then in a dramatic turn, she is one of the leaders in a movement helping them give away money.


Time stamps

00:00 Intro

02:16 How did you get into what you do

05:18 Its the same people that own everything

08:31 How did everything change

15:52 I had an awakening

19:22 The party that changed everything

26:44 What kind of rich people want to give away all their money?

30:52 are rich people evil?

34:22 These billionaires are hypocrites

38:37 Its so hard to build wealth in the UK

46:47 Are there people that want you to fail

53:36 How is it navigating these circles for a black woman

01:03:05 What do you think about Liz Truss' plans for more tax cuts


Feb 14, 202301:07:10
EP84: STOP Taxing Young People On First $100,000 w/ Rory Sutherland

EP84: STOP Taxing Young People On First $100,000 w/ Rory Sutherland

Rory Sutherland the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, a senior advertising executive, and a man that knows how ideas win. He’s a columnist, an innovator and a trailblazer in the world of marketing and advertising.  

In this podcast, we tackle ideas and how they shape us

Time stamps

00:00 Intro

02:30 How would you describe the work you do

04:34 Uber did something genius with the map

08:56 How do you know all this stuff?

11:41 Career advice for young people

15:08 Polymathy is a lost art form

17:46 You shouldn't pay tax on the first 100k you earn

22:20 We need to stop forcing people to go to university

28:51 Local government vs central government

30:39 Liz Truss' ideas weren't totally bad

45:47 Advice for young people trying to get on the property ladder

58:25 Has marketing ruined the world?

01:03:16 People are too negative

01:11:27 I think you should always be 20% cynical

Feb 07, 202301:16:47
Renee Kapuku: How to Maximise 2023 So Its The Best Year Of Your Life

Renee Kapuku: How to Maximise 2023 So Its The Best Year Of Your Life

Renee Kapuku graduated first from Oxford, then Harvard and has now been building one of the fastest-growing women’s development communities in the UK.


She is a creative entrepreneur, speaker and content creator.


In this podcast we tackle personal growth, building a business with a friend how to ensure you can thrive for longer.


Time stamps

03:38 What's it been like building to my sisters?

06:37 Why do you focus on helping women?

09:19 What's it like doing business with your best friend?

14:03 Things got very intense

18:40 The time I lost £40,000 to a "friend"

29:51 Black men have a Privilege black women don't have

37:46 Do you take time to take stock of everything you have achieved?

45:47 We can't keep working till exhaustion

47:51 Making decisions under time constraints


___

#tomysisters #tomysisterhood

Jan 31, 202301:00:01
E82: Omid Scobie Tells Us The Truth About Prince Harry And Meghan Markle

E82: Omid Scobie Tells Us The Truth About Prince Harry And Meghan Markle

Everyone has an opinion on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle however how much of it is based on the media and much is based on the truth?

In this episode, I'm joined by Omid Scobie, the London-based journalist, author, and royal executive editor Omid Scobie. His New York Times bestselling biography on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Finding Freedom, is one of the best-selling royal books of all time and has seen Scobie become the most talked about royal correspondent of this generation.

In this episode, we take on the media portrayal of Harry and Megan. Is Megan really to blame for all of this? Did Prince Harry cross the line? Will the Royal family even survive?

Time stamps

00:45 How is writing your book going?

02:27 What do you think about the Netflix documentary

03:39 The history of colonialism and racism that sits at the heart of the royal family

06:35 Are you too close to Harry and Meghan?

07:31 A lot of royal correspondents are fake

09:16 They have ruined the royal family

10:34 Has Meghan cast a spell on Harry

18:04 Meghan was doomed

25:05 Imagine being Harry and Meghan

28:28 The Royal family don't need the media

30:46 Should Harry and Meghan go to the coronation of King Charles

-----

#meghanmarkle #princeharry #omidscobie #spare #princeharrybook 

Jan 24, 202336:09
EP81: What Happened In 2022 w/ Yeni Ope-Ewe

EP81: What Happened In 2022 w/ Yeni Ope-Ewe

Are you looking for a way to catch up on some of the biggest political developments in 2022? Look no further! Our end-of-2022 review podcast is the perfect way to catch up on all the political news you may have missed.

In this podcast, Mike and Yeni will break down the biggest stories and events of the year, offering in-depth analysis and some insight. From the latest developments in national politics to international relations and policy debates, we cover it all.

Join us as we review the key moments of 2022 and look ahead to what the future may hold. Whether you're a politics junkie or just want to stay informed, our end-of-2022 review podcast has something for everyone.

Dec 30, 202252:28
EP80: I need blood donations to stay alive w/ Bukky Bolarinwa

EP80: I need blood donations to stay alive w/ Bukky Bolarinwa

Sickle cell disease is the fastest growing genetic disorder in the UK - mostly affecting people of Black heritage – and we urgently need more blood donors from Black communities to come forward as they are more likely to have the blood type vital to treat this disorder.

I caught up with Bukky Bolarinwa who is the founder of Haima Health, their slogan is simple. Give blood give life. in this episode, we talk about her battle with the disease and how that informs her work.

00:00 Intro

01:44 Who are you

02:41 Did you choose the work or did the work choose you?

04:19 When did you first discover that you were different

04:52 How I found out I had Sickle cell

09:18 What is Sickle cell?

11:33 Can Sickle cell be cured or do you simply have to manage it?

12:34 For most people there is no cure for Sickle cell

14:46 Do you feel it's unfair because it's inherited

16:56 Should people who have the SS gene type get into relationships?

19:05 People in the UK don't know they carry the gene

26:26 People don't give blood

29:58 People like me need blood to stay alive

______

#nhs #givingblood #sicklecell #nigeria #donateblood #newpodcast givingblood #livingwithsicklecell #donate #givingbloodinnigeria

Dec 07, 202234:21
You are closer to being homeless than you think w/ Jack Gascoigne

You are closer to being homeless than you think w/ Jack Gascoigne

For the last five years’ core homelessness has been rising year on year in England, reaching a peak just before the pandemic when the number of homeless households jumped from 207,600 to 227,000. Why is this and how can we address it? 

Billy chip is an alternative currency for the homeless which allows the public to directly donate to rough sleepers without the fear of their donation being miss used for drugs or alcohol. 

In this episode, I sit down with Jack Gascoigne, communications director at Billy Chip to find out more about their journey and find into the homeless epidemic  

00:00 Intro 

02:44 What is the True valley

03:32 What were some of your fondest memories growing up

07:56 Who was Billy?

08:42 How did Billy die?

13:04 Starting a safe and secure currency to donate to homeless people

19:20 What's the reaction to Billy Chip been so far? 

25:45 How does actually work in practice?

31:46 Why does the UK have a homelessness problem?

32:09 How many people in the UK are homeless?

33:36 We focus on rough sleeping

34:28 Do you think it's possible to end homelessness

35:04 You can't have extreme wealth without extreme poverty

35:38 What about people who say homeless people just need to work harder?

36:20 Homeless people are not drug addicts

37:42 You are closer to homelessness than you think

41:35 How Generous is the UK Public

______

#homelessness #epidemic #homeowenership #billychip #donating #charitysector #roughsleeping #roughsleeper

Nov 29, 202249:42
EP78: Lessons Building a Luxury Fashion Business w/ Ayotude Rafui

EP78: Lessons Building a Luxury Fashion Business w/ Ayotude Rafui

What does it take to build a successful startup? To bring ideas into reality, to raise money, and bring people along?

Ayotunde is the founder of JENDAYA a luxury fashion marketplace where consumers living across the globe with a deep appreciation for the richness of our African culture could enjoy a curated shopping experience.

In this podcast, we talk about the Diaspora, the world's interest in Africa, and what it takes to bring an idea to reality.

______

00:00 Intro

02:47 Do founders have to sacrifice their friendship?

03:41 Attaching your well-being to your work

06:15 Is Saudi Arabia like Dubai

08:14 What kind of founder is Ayo and Mike?

08:45 I've always been interested in fashion

11:34 How hard is it to quit your job and follow your passion?

12:46: You have to hustle

14:04 Have we had sleepless nights as founders

17:06 What is Jendaya

17:06  How do I get  Balenciagas from Africa

22:20 Is all the new focus in Africa exploitative

24:22 Kelly Rowland and Ayra Starr

32:03 Raising millions for your business

40:08 When did you know you were on to something?

48:28 Ayo gives Mike style advice

Nov 01, 202258:05
EP77: What On Earth Is Happening In The Uk w/Marcel Brown

EP77: What On Earth Is Happening In The Uk w/Marcel Brown

In this special episode, M.T. answers questions from our viewers and listeners! We talk about all things from Kwasi Kwateng to Polymathy and the war in Ukraine. This is a really interesting episode you don't want to miss. M.T. is also joined by Marcel Brown on his first Common Sense Pod appearance.

Questions

Do you think we’re moving backwards or forwards in society?

Opinions on the mini-budget?

Should Kwasi Kwarteng have resigned?

How many strikes will we give Kwasi Kwarteng?

What will the impact of the Ukraine War post 2023

What are some tips for anyone who is a polymath?

How do you avoid burnout and dissatisfaction in a job role?

What is the common sense ethos and mindset?

Why should we have a platform for fruitful dialogue if people will disagree regardless?

How do echo chambers affect the Gen Z demographic?

-------


Oct 18, 202231:21
EP76: How To manage Stress And Make It Work For You w/ David Elikwu

EP76: How To manage Stress And Make It Work For You w/ David Elikwu

Mike is joined by Personal Development writer and content creator David Elikwu as they talk all things self-improvement, from desk setups to building discipline and following your passion.  


01:10 Who are you 

03:20 'What is the knowledge and how would you describe the community

04:43 Productivity isn't about working all the time

06:54 Let's talk about desk setups

08:30 Why do you have a treadmill under your desk?

12:10 Does working in 20-minute sprints actually work?

15:10 Why does everyone want to be an entrepreneur these days

18:03 Does your job need to be in your 'purpose'

21:13 Small part of something or a big part of nothing

23:48 There is an optimal point of stress

25:09 Managing stress and tension in our lives

29:53 Building discipline

32:05 Not all pain is good pain 

39:07 Everyone should wake up early

46:33 Building good habits

48:54 The power of routines

53:02 Why meal prepping changed the game



Aug 24, 202258:23
EP75: How Social Media Is Making You Lonely w/Alex Smith

EP75: How Social Media Is Making You Lonely w/Alex Smith

Forty percent of people over the age of 65  in the UK say their TV is their main form of company. Ten percent of general doctor’s appointments in the UK are made by an older person with no condition other than loneliness. Here in the US, the statistics aren’t any better—nearly half of Americans feel alone, young adults most of all. Makes you want to hide under your pillow, right?

In this episode, M.T. is joined by Alex Smith, CEO of The Cares Family, Alex Smith founded The Cares Family to connect people living in the same community to reduce their loneliness and the gaps across social, digital, cultural, and generational divides.


Like what you listened to? Click here to join our community for free  - https://csnetwork.substack.com/ 

_____________  


We are an Independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise. 

The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story....


Aug 16, 202258:02
EP74: We Are Changing The Podcast, Heres Why

EP74: We Are Changing The Podcast, Heres Why

The last two years have been an interesting ride. We are making big changes to the podcast and in the episode, M.T. Omoniyi explains why!

____

Aug 08, 202207:19
EP73: Why Are There Almost No Black Journalists In The Uk

EP73: Why Are There Almost No Black Journalists In The Uk

Only 0.2% of journalists in the UK are black. That’s not just a shame, it's a disaster. In this episode, M.T. is joined by trailblazer and journalist Afua Acheampong-Hagan as they discuss why there are so few black journalists in the UK.

00:00 Intro

1:19 Meeting at yang tv

3:09 Where are all the black journalists

8:00 How have you got to where you’ve got to

10:42 My first time on Good Morning British

15:03 Code-switching, how do you resist the pressure

17:40 Being only called to talk about race as a black person

20:47 What have you had to overcome as a black woman to be in this position

25:45 How black conservative women are perceived is not fair

31:21 Politics has gotten very nasty

37:14 Culture wars are so boring

40:16 the government doesn’t care about you going to the shops

44:50 Roe vs Wade

____

#failure #growing #blackjournlist #writers

Jul 26, 202258:42
EP71: The Boy That Went Viral From Knocking On Doors w/ Reggie Nelson

EP71: The Boy That Went Viral From Knocking On Doors w/ Reggie Nelson

This is a story that matters! In this episode, M.T. is joined by Reggie Nelson who went virial years ago because he was knocking on the doors of the wealthy in London after his dad died to get advice on how to turn his life around. Many know what he did but don't know the story behind what he did or what's happened since! 


He has a new book out:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Opening-Doors-Daring-Changed-Change/dp/178870472X


00:00 Intro 

01:35 First meeting in Nandos 

02:38 What's the process of publishing a book like?

09:00 Living close to Canary Wharf but not feeling like it was for us 

13:06 Appearing on the Steve Harvey Show 

19:22 People assume things were just given to me

21:13 I wanted to share with people what I did 

21:55 It takes 8 years to become an overnight success 

22:55 Growing up with alcoholic parents 

31:50 A new way to think about the impact 

39:47 We are all dealt a hand and we have to play it 

44:55 Are human beings fundamentally good or bad 

50:37 What was growing up like?


Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Raon2r  

Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PBNryR     


Like what you watched? 


Click here to join our community for free  - https://csnetwork.substack.com/

_____________  


We are an independent news outlet. We were founded by 500+ ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. This means we are not solely driven by profit margins or vested interests. 


We are a platform kept alive by our community who we exist to serve. In a digital age, where the news cycles moves at dizzying speeds, news has become noise.   


The Common Sense Network is a platform our readers visit to discover stories that matter. To discover stories from across the political spectrum, local stories, stories that hold power to account, that uncover wrongdoing, that empower the forgotten and the unheard. We are on a mission to build the broadest coalition of diverse commentators in the UK. Our articles are well researched, well written and straight-talking. We remain committed to providing multiple perspectives on issues because we believe, there are two sides to every story....



May 31, 202201:04:02
EP70: The Story Of Common Sense w/ Yeni Ope-Ewe
May 24, 202229:24
EP69 How Will This War In Ukraine End w/ Kenneth Cukier

EP69 How Will This War In Ukraine End w/ Kenneth Cukier

M.T. is joined by New York Times best-selling Author Kenneth Cukier to discuss how the war in Ukraine might reach its end.

Kenneth Cukier is deputy executive editor at The Economist. He is the coauthor of the New York Times Bestselling book “Big Data” with Viktor Mayer-Schönberger, which was translated into over 20 languages. Previously Kenn was the technology editor of the Wall Street Journal Asia in Hong Kong and worked at the International Herald Tribune in Paris. In 2002-04 he was a research fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Topics

  1. What does a win for Ukraine look like?
  2. Can we trust Boris Johnson's words?
  3. Is their west complicit in this war
  4. Media coverage
  5. War in the age of social media
  6. Why don't people trust journalists
  7. The place of curiosity in todays world

#ukraine #racisminukraine#commonsense #putin #russia #ukraine #ukraineracism #kremlin #zelensky #russiaandukraine #ukrainepodcast #russianpodcast #russiatoday #mtomoniyi #hastings #nyt

Mar 22, 202201:00:12
EP67: My Life's Purpose Put Me On Flames w/ Lord Micheal Hastings CBE

EP67: My Life's Purpose Put Me On Flames w/ Lord Micheal Hastings CBE

Lord Hastings is a Common Sense Pod favourite. In this episode, he shares intimately about how he organises and balances passions in his life. He talks about leadership and how we deliver systems change in the UK. We also rank and rate political leaders around the world

Topics

  • What is leadership?
  • The Conflict in Ukraine
  • Rating the leadership of leaders like Obama, Trump and Angela Merkel
  • How to keep your integrity
  • How do we get systems change

#ukraine #racisminukraine#commonsense #putin #russia #ukraine #ukraineracism #kremlin #zelensky #russiaandukraine #ukrainepodcast #russianpodcast #russiatoday #mtomoniyi #hastings #lordhastings

Mar 15, 202241:35
EP67: Can I Change The System From The Outside? w/ DISUNOMICS
Mar 08, 202254:19
EP66: What Is Actually Going On With Russia and Ukraine?

EP66: What Is Actually Going On With Russia and Ukraine?

M.T. takes questions from listeners of #CommonSensePodcast on the topic of Russia and Ukraine. The conflict has rightly dominated news cycles over the last few days, however, many may still be curious about the different moving parts and motivations.

Topics

- Is this the second cold war?

- The treatment of black people in Ukraine

- Why is President Putin doing this?

- Racism in the media

- How is this going to end?

- What happens next

____

#commonsense #putin #russia #ukraine #ukraineracism #kremlin #zelensky #russiaandukraine #ukrainepodcast #russianpodcast #russiatoday #mtomoniyi

Mar 01, 202222:42
EP65: How To Create Your Own Luck w/ Dr Christian Busch

EP65: How To Create Your Own Luck w/ Dr Christian Busch

M.T. is joined by Dr Christian Busch, the Director of the Global Economy Program at New York University. In this episode, they talk about creating your own luck as you navigate through life and much more

Christian teaches on purpose-driven leadership, entrepreneurship, emerging markets, and (social) innovation at NYU and at the London School of Economics. He served as Inaugural Deputy Director at the LSE's Innovation Center and is the co-founder of Sandbox Network, a global community of young innovators, as well as of Leaders on Purpose, an organization convening leading CEOs. Christian's bestselling book, The Serendipity Mindset (Penguin Random House), has been highlighted as a "wise, exciting, and life-changing book"

Topics

  • How to become a polymath
  • Joe Rogan and Spotify
  • What is the serendipity mindset
  • What lockdown taught us
  • How to turn random events into life-changing ones
  • Living in New York
  • New York vs London
  • The importance of fighting for survival

Intro song: 'YAH' by SAMSON: https://open.spotify.com/track/58BsL3UUNUGpqTAD1SvPKX?si=a74bfa78255a4f28 

Feb 22, 202254:41
EP64: Are All Politicians Corrupt? w/ Lord Michael Hastings CBE

EP64: Are All Politicians Corrupt? w/ Lord Michael Hastings CBE

M.T. challenges Lord Michael Hastings on UK politicians and corruption, the royal family and also the climate emergency.   

Lord Hastings is the former global head of corporate citizenship for KPMG International. He was previously the BBC's head of public affairs and then the first head of corporate responsibility (2003–06). He was the second chancellor of Regent's University London.


Topics:  

• Should MPs work second jobs? 

• Is Owen Patterson actually in the wrong? 

• The Royal Family  

• Costs of the royal family 

• Should we have an elected head of state? 

• Is the royal family value for money? 

• Advice for young changemakers 

• What can we learn from the American system?

• Climate change 

 ____  

#commonsense #gbnews #qanda #borisjohnson #sirdavidamess #debate #terrorism #southend #kierstarmer #eulogy

Nov 16, 202159:50
EP63: How Does Social Media Create Terrorists w/ Michael Mpofu
Oct 19, 202142:21
EP62: You Have To Create Your Own Energy w/ Lex Fitness

EP62: You Have To Create Your Own Energy w/ Lex Fitness

M.T. is joined by fitness influencer and bodybuilder Lex Fitness, in this episode they talk, COVID, getting fit after lockdown and their fitness journeys.

Join the conversation online using the hashtag #CommonSensePod

Sep 28, 202143:27
EP61: Community Q and A with Mike Omoniyi

EP61: Community Q and A with Mike Omoniyi

In this episode, Mike takes questions from our podcast community! Every few episodes we will have episodes like this. Micheal will take your questions. If you would like your questions to be considered for the next Q&A episode then send them over to hello@tcsnetwork.co.uk

Sep 21, 202135:09
EP60: I Was Held At Gun Point w/ Zuby

EP60: I Was Held At Gun Point w/ Zuby

In this episode Mike and Zuby tackle politics, transgenderism in sport, music, racism and the queen and more. The conversation was wide-ranging and very insightful. 


Join the conversation online #CommonSensePod

Sep 14, 202101:26:59
EP59: What On Earth Happened In Afghanistan?

EP59: What On Earth Happened In Afghanistan?

With the chaos ongoing in Afghanistan right now, one cannot help but wonder how we ended up in this position? It might not be a shock to many that the Taliban, after the western capitulation, retook the reigns again, however, what is shocking is how fast they were able to take over the country. While people can blame President Joe Biden for the U.S. withdrawal, he was not the only U.S. president who made questionable decisions. The Taliban control in the 1990s, the U.S. invasion in 2001, and Doha Deal in 2020 aided in the Taliban takeover.


Join the conversation online #CommonSensePod

Sep 06, 202121:35
EP58: How Lockdown Changed Everything w/ David Elikwu

EP58: How Lockdown Changed Everything w/ David Elikwu

As the world begins its slow pivot from managing the COVID-19 crisis to recovery and the reopening of economies, it’s clear that the period of lockdown has had a profound impact on how people live.

In this episode, M.T. is joined by entrepreneur David Elikwu as they discuss all the ways COVID has changed the world.

Join the conversation online #CommonSensePod

Aug 09, 202145:51
EP57: Is Social Media Ruining Evening? w/ Chirs Reevo

EP57: Is Social Media Ruining Evening? w/ Chirs Reevo

In this episode, M.T. talks all things social media with the Managing Director of Reeve Social, a Social Media agency based in Norwich.

Join the conversation online using the hashtag #CommonSensePod

Aug 02, 202141:26
EP56: Chimamanda Adichie and Social Media w/ Sithokozile Thabethe

EP56: Chimamanda Adichie and Social Media w/ Sithokozile Thabethe

M.T. is joined by Common Sense Political editor Sithokozile Thabethe as they discuss Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's latest essay.

On Tuesday, June 15, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie published a three-part essay on her website titled “It Is Obscene”. The essay started with personal anecdotes about two unnamed former students, who had criticised her openly for her comment on trans women in 2017, while also using her fame for their personal gain.

It went on to address the larger lack of nuance and compassion in discourses on social media, an issue Adichie has spoken of before in her criticism of cancel culture. While many have lauded Adichie’s essay for an apt representation of “woke” culture on social media, the motivation for this essay was also largely personal. Specifically, it was a public acknowledgement of her controversy with ex-student Akwaeka Emezi, who has been critical of Adichie’s views on trans women.

In It Is Obscene, Adichie criticises two writers who attended her creative writing workshops in Lagos. She befriended both, she says, and helped them get published. But both, in her view, betrayed her friendship by targeting her on social media and spreading malicious falsehoods.

Jun 21, 202101:01:11
EP55: British Identity and The 'Woke' Left w/ Calvin Robinson

EP55: British Identity and The 'Woke' Left w/ Calvin Robinson

Is the Left trying to control people?  

In this episode, M.T. is joined by Political Adviser, Broadcaster and commentator Calvin Robinson as they discuss Structural and institutional racism, the future of culture wars and so much more!   

Join the conversation online using the hashtag #CommonSensePod

May 17, 202159:21
EP54: The Future Of The Labour Party w/ DISUNOMICS

EP54: The Future Of The Labour Party w/ DISUNOMICS

Last week saw the Labour party in crisis. The party lost control of several councils and suffered defeat to the Tories in the Hartlepool by-election. Many are calling for the Labour party to begin a search for its soul. On This episode, M.T. is joined my commentator and podcaster DISUNOMICS as they try to make sense of what the next steps may be for The Labour Party.

Join the conversation online using the hashtag #CommonSensePod

May 10, 202146:03
EP53: Stop pretending, be yourself w/ Chris Williamson

EP53: Stop pretending, be yourself w/ Chris Williamson

In this episode M.T. Is joined my podcaster, Chris Williamson. They talk about maintaining authenticity as you navigate an increasingly complex world! They discuss productivity, personal development and politics. 


Join in the conversation using the hashtag #CommonSensePod

Apr 30, 202157:27
EP52: We need to cancel cancel culture w/ Nego True

EP52: We need to cancel cancel culture w/ Nego True

M.T. is joined by award-winning poet, rapper, author and podcaster Nego True as they discuss the weeks biggest news and creativity.

You can join the conversation using the hashtag #LTCS

Apr 12, 202101:01:30
EP51: Is The Uk Institutionally Racist w/ Femi Sorry

EP51: Is The Uk Institutionally Racist w/ Femi Sorry

A long-awaited report commissioned in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement has concluded, controversially, that there is no evidence of “institutional racism” in the UK.

While the study, led by Dr Tony Sewell, chair of the Commission on Race and Ethnic disparities, found there was evidence that “overt” prejudice exists, it ruled that there was no proof that it was structural.

Mike is joined by Political commentator Femi Sorry as they discuss whether the UK is Institutionally Racist

Join in the conversation online using #LTCS

Apr 05, 202145:49
EP50: Help! We Are Politically Homeless w/ DISUNOMICS

EP50: Help! We Are Politically Homeless w/ DISUNOMICS

In this episode, Mike is joined by political commentator DISUNOMICS as they look at the Governments vaccine roll-out programme, Black conservatism and Labour leadership

#LTCS

Mar 22, 202151:08
EP49: Do Black Lives Still Matter? w/ Busayo Twins

EP49: Do Black Lives Still Matter? w/ Busayo Twins

As we approach the one year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, Mike is joined by Policy Officer, Social Action Youth Worker and campaigner Busayo Twins to explore how things have progressed in the UK, one year on!

Join the conversation online using the hashtag #LTCS

Feb 21, 202144:55