Business editor Deborah Hargreaves discusses the implications of the takeover by Lloyds TSB of HBOS, and how the government's role in merger talks differs from its stance on Northern Rock.
What does the current turmoil on the markets mean for you? We attempt to answer some consumer questions with our personal finance columnist Tony Levene.
How did Nick Clegg fare in his first party conference as the Liberal Democrat leader? Chief political correspondent Nicholas Watt reports from Bournemouth on a successful week for Clegg.
Robert Booth explains why the government has acted to improve design standards of new school buildings.
Europe editor Ian Traynor says new analysis of UN voting patterns illustrates in stark terms how the power and influence of the west are in decline.
And TV adventurer Bear Grylls talks to Patrick Barkham about eating slimy creatures for breakfast.
Hope you enjoy today's podcast, do post your comments below.
