Share Sounds.

Individual achievement is recognised in many walks of life, and that recognition spurs people on to achieve even greater things. With education, good exam results and university entrance are celebrated, but this doesn't do much for those who find it difficult to get started in the first place. That's why The Share Foundation's introduction of incentivised learning is so important for young people in care, achieving an attitudinal transformation as they progress through the six-step Stepladder course. We need acceptance of incentivised learning to break the cycle of deprivation. Background music: 'Everything Has a Beginning' by Joel Cummins

The Bank of England decided to hold the base rate for the sixth time in a row this week – but was it the right decision? Should the MPC have been bold and made a cut? What does it mean for our mortgages and savings? And when will a move come - and in what direction? Georgie Frost, Simon Lambert and Lee Boyce talk about the base rate decision and what happens next. In the world of property, the number of homes being devalued is on the rise. So, what's going on? And what can you do if it happens to you? Bungalows are having a moment. They're not just for the elderly and downsizers, young families and first time buyers are also increasingly interested - pushing the price of them higher since the pandemic. Energy firms have been trying to push smart meters on us for years: have they uncovered a new trick to get us to make the swap? And finally, it's been good news for JD Wetherspoon - the no frills pub chain said it expects annual profits to come in towards the 'top end' of forecasts. Where do you stand on Spoons? Lee and Simon face-off with different pints of view on the pub giant.

Relatively strong earnings results from Shopify and Roblox were overshadowed by questions about the outlook for the rest of the year and whether consumers will keep up the online shopping and in-game spending. Ron Gross and Andy Cross discuss Disney’s path to streaming profitability, and the warnings from Shopify and Roblox that growth in the back half of 2024 might be a bit lighter, Trade Desk’s relative strength in a tough earnings environment, and Airbnb bracing for some travel slowdown, and how drinkmaker Celsius continues to find the energy for growth. Then, 19 minutes in, Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner provides some timeless advice for college grads. Finally, 27 minutes in, Ron and Matt break down two stocks on their radar: Toast and Trex. Stocks discussed: DIS, SHOP, RBLX, TTD, ABNB, CELH, TREX, TOST. Host - Dylan Lewis; Guests - Andy Cross, Ron Gross, David Gardner, Mary Long.

When Warren Buffett talks, investors listen. We unpack the quotes and commentary from the market’s most anticipated annual meeting and check in on the state of Berkshire Hathaway. Jim Gillies and Dylan Lewis discuss Berkshire’s past and future succession-planning, what Buffett’s cash stack and shrinking Apple position might signal about his view of the market and tax policy, and why investors shouldn’t be looking at Berkshire on a strictly total-return basis. Companies discussed: BRK.A, BRK.B, AAPL. Host - Dylan Lewis; Guest - Jim Gillies

There are many reasons why people suffer from insecurity, a loss of confidence, or a sense of feeling unworthy: it could be personal issues or the circumstances in which you find yourself. The concept of 'The Hero's Journey' forms the bedrock of many stories and films where an ordinary person beset by challenges experiences something well out of their comfort zone, introducing a very new perspective on life. Through that experience they learn something about themselves, some as yet undiscovered strengths, and are then challenged to test that new realisation. As a result, their new sense of confidence builds as the journey unfolds — and that sense of insecurity is transformed into a new strength, enabling them to achieve their real potential in life.

With the Bank of England's MPC displaying "studious inactivity", Russ Mould of A J Bell looks at why interest rates are so important to pricing in stock markets. Despite no change in rates, the UK market is now anticipating a cut soon helped by the Swedish Riksbank cutting its rates for the first time in 8 years, along with other European banks. Russ also looks at the types of shares that will benefit from falling rates – assuming investors are reading the runes correctly.

Professor Tim Evans of Middlesex University looks at shadow foreign secretary David Lammy's attempts to woo Donald Trump as well as Joe Biden. With even the Prime Minister appearing not to believe the Conservatives will be in Government soon, he considers the future of the party and "Conservatism", wondering if there is going to be a massive shake-up of the order of British politics. And he looks at the shocking state of the NHS estate, with over 2,000 hospital buildings predating the birth of the NHS in 1948.

James Cameron-Wilson takes Simon Rose through the UK box office chart, up 27% on the week. New #1 is The Fall Guy about a stunt man. But James found Ryan Gosling smug and obtruse and Emily Blunt irritating in a noisy & cheesy film that, while possessing some impressive action scenes, makes little sense. At #6 is boring low-budget horror Tarot, which is one star all the way. James, however, did enjoy Amazon Prime's The Idea of You with Anne Hathaway romancing a much younger pop star. Often delightful and touching – in a rom com sort of way – James felt it was like a music version of Notting Hill.

Steve Caplin delves into the world of gadgets. You can swim faster with an underwater bike or the thrusters of the Jetdrive Pro. You can speedwalk with Moonwalker robotic shoes. There's an electric quadricycle and a personal flying system. You can now strap bike clips to your shoes. If you're after a megayacht, Bill Gates is selling his – unusued. The new Swiss Army Knife has no blades. And accountants BDO will no longer be doing Zoom interviews to cut down on cheating.

England delivered a withering verdict on its ruling Conservative Party last week, but the motley spread of replacement parties plus low turnout revealed a population thoroughly disenchanted by politics. Democracy is calling for a fresh perspective, based on reason and logic. We need to draw inspiration from people like Thomas Jefferson who said, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' Background music: 'Freedom' by Dan Lebowitz