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In this episode of Policy Matters, hosts Franz Buscha and Matt Dickson talk to Alex Bryson, Professor of Quantitative Social Science at University College London. Alex is one of the UK’s leading figures in sports economics and he firstly explains what sports economics is and how it can be used to draw policy inferences in other more familiar areas of economics. Franz, Matt and Alex then discuss the findings of Alex’s paper looking at whether people discriminate against black players when picking their ‘fantasty football’ team and what this might tell us about labour market discrimination. How football referees’ performances are impacted by their employment contract and how having 50,000 vocal fans scrutinising their decisions affects their decision-making are other topics under discussion. Finally, Alex explains how data from baseball can help us understand individual effort choices when working as part of a team.

Adam is joined by coach and speaker Palma Palmer about how definitions of masculinity and boundaries are changing directly as a result of the MeToo movement. Palma talks candidly about her early years and her need to deal with predatory men and what lessons can be learned by those who need help to make their boundaries clear. They also discuss whether men and being confused or diluting masculinity as a result of public opinion changing.

Political commentator, Mike Indian, Author of the Groucho Tendency Blog, tells Ed Bowsher how backbenchers from both parties are seizing power from the government as the Brexit crisis continues. Mike also discusses what the Labour Party’s next moves might be. And moving away from the UK, Mike explains the current US government shutdown, and suggests that Donald Trump might win the 2020 election.

As ever, James Cameron Wilson surveys the top ten films at the UK box office including ‘Glass’ at Number 1, and the new historical biopic, ‘Mary Queen of Scots.’ James is also very positive on his DVD of the Week – The Children Act starring Emma Thompson. And looking at the Oscar nominations, James is delighted that another Royal biopic – ‘The Favourite’ (on Queen Anne) - is up for ten awards.

Last week, the Prime Minister suffered a historic defeat, after the Withdrawal Agreement was voted down in Parliament by a margin of 230 votes. Today we're joined by Victoria Hewson and Dr Radomir Tylecote, of the IEA’s International Trade and Competition Unit. Interviewed by Madeline Grant, the pair examine what these developments mean and what renegotiation with the EU could hold, especially when it comes to securing the UK's ability to have an independent trade policy. They also discuss preparation for a 'no deal' Brexit or WTO departure, and the importance of timing and sequencing in trade negotiations. Finally, they assess the continued impasse around the Irish Border question.

Ed Bowsher chats to Melal Miah about the big stock market stories of the last week and looks ahead as well. Helal is quite impressed by Dixons Carphone’s latest results where online sales have held up well even though mobile phone sales did disappoint. Helal also explains Metro Bank’s share price tumbled 15% in just one day. Looking ahead, Shell will be issuing a fourth quarter update on January 31st – Helal explains how that update will have been affected by the falling oil price at the end of 2018.

Steve Caplin, although a fan of Amazon's Alexa, wonders if it's worth building into a bicycle or a piano! He also looks at self-tightening trainers using a smartphone, the most retweeted message ever, a way of finding lost keys, a double bass that fits in a small suitcase, a solar-powered yacht and a $350,000 Swiss watch with no numbers and no hands, which chimes and gongs to tell the time.

Want to keep up with the latest earnings updates from the States? Well join Chris Hill and the Motley Fool Radio Show team here on Share Radio, direct from Washington DC, for news, views and analysis of the US stocks that matter. In this week's show: Netflix rises on a price hike but slips on earnings; Atlassian hits a new high; UnitedHealth reports healthy earnings; Lululemon hits its stride; And Tesla makes a big cut; Analysts Andy Cross, Ron Gross, and Jason Moser discuss those stories, dig into the latest from American Express and Tiffany, and celebrate the life of Vanguard founder John Bogle; Plus, Reuters transportation writer Paul Lienert talks cars, trucks, and “big-ass” crossovers.

Inflation is within a whisker of its long-term target of two per cent – does that mean an interest rate rise off the table in 2019? Assistant editor Lee Boyce and host Georgie Frost talk about the latest inflation figures in the This is Money podcast – including why it has fallen, where it is heading next and what it means for savers. Savings rates are up, with nearly 100 accounts now matching or beating inflation. Lee explains a nifty trick on how to beat inflation with a one year fixed-rate savings account and boost the rate even further. We also discuss the House of Lords report which let rip over RPI and CPI, and why it matters to the pound in your pocket. Meanwhile, we reveal why it is important to not penny pinch on your travel insurance and how the zero per cent beer market is booming – and it's not just because of 'dry January'. This week, we don't have one, not two, but three coin stories for your enjoyment. How euro coins rattling around in your home could be worth a pretty penny and why 50p coins have had a moment in the sun.

Adam talks to Haleema Nawid, a mental health advocate who experiences severe mental health issues to the point of suicidal thoughts and clinical depression. Heleema even found herself homeless and on the receiving end of ambivalence and prejudice as a result of her mental health issues. She now campaigns to educate and inform people about their options regarding mental health and where they can find their voice.