Songs can be mixed blessings. Screamin' Jay Hawkins' most famous one brought bliss to all who touched it - except its composer. Credits: AP MUSIC LTD, Universal Music International Ltda., Rhino  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For more than 50 years, this ballad's haunting charms have proved irresistible to many of the world's leading musicians. Credits: Firefly Entertainment, Black Sheep Music, X5 Music Group, Manhattan Records, UMC, Mute/BMG, Sony Music Classical, RCA Records Label  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Paul Anka originally wrote the song for, and in the persona of, Frank Sinatra, claiming he'd "never written something so chauvinistic, narcissistic, in-your-face and grandiose."  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Japanese hit has been renamed and redefined by western artists from the Gipsy Kings to Snoop Dogg. Credits: JB Production, K-Tel, New Jersey, 2012 Carinco Neue Medien AG  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

David Cheal traces the song's journey from a forgotten 1950s melodrama to an enduring love ballad covered by Nina Simone, David Bowie and George Michael. Credits: Old Style, Blooming Jazz Records, Rhino/Warner Bros., Parlophone UK, One Little Indian Ltd, Lakeshore Records, Sony Music Entertainment UK Ltd.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Amy Walker on how a saccharine love song was transformed by Otis Redding into a provocative and impassioned soul classic. Credits: Baierle Records, Cool Note, 104pro Media, Daxa production, Digital Remasterings, ABKCO Music & Records Inc., Rhino Atlantic, Universal Island Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, LLC/Shawn Carter  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Harriet Fitch Little on how Dolly Parton's anti-work anthem went from the movies to the White House to a muddy field in Glastonbury. Credits: Sony Music Entertainment, Capitol Steps, Pumpin' UK Records, Dolly Records, BBC/Glastonbury  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sue Norris on how Cissy Houston and Gladys Knight respectively transformed the sound, and meaning, of Jim Weatherly's country number. Credits: X5 Music Group, Jim Weatherly, Carinco AG, Capitol Records LLC.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Peter Aspen looks at how The Eagles turned a few improvised chords into one of the most iconic, and enigmatic, rock songs of the 1970s. Credits: Rhino/Elektra, Parlophone UK, UMG Recordings, Elemental Records, Sony Music Entertainment  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Helen Brown looks at how the most successful Disney song of all time became an unlikely favourite among prisoners and a "coming out anthem" for the LGBT community. Credits: Walt Disney Records, Black Crow Records  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ian McCann looks at how a turn-of-the-century Neopolitan ballad was adapted into a hit for Elvis, before becoming an anthem for ice cream lovers and football fans alike. Credits: Bongiovanni, Delta, AP Music Ltd, Nuova Canaria, Randy's Group, Inc, Autarc Media GmbH  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sue Norris explores how a B-side by a little known American singer, Gloria Jones became a cult hit on the 1970s English northern soul scene, before being turned into one of the most recognizable pop songs of all time by Soft Cell. Credits: Universal Music TV, Universal Music Enterprises, Parlophone UK, Interscope Records, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Tacca Musique  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ian McCann takes a look at one of the greatest and most culturally influential rap songs by genre pioneers Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five. A hit urban anthem, it almost wasn't recorded... Credits: Castle Communications, Warner Bros, Wagram Music, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Atlantic Records  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Helen Brown looks at how Serge Gainsbourg's infamously salacious love song originally written for Brigitte Bardot would become a hit for the French composer and his English girlfriend Jane Birkin, despite facing widespread bans and condemnation. Credits: Mercury France, Mercury Music Group, Rarity Music, Parlophone UK, Barclay.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

David Cheal looks at how Bob Dylan took inspiration from an old Scottish border ballad while writing this era-defining apocalyptic vision of what he saw as the violent, ignorant and hypocritical socio-political landscape of 1960s America. Credits: Sony Music Entertainment Inc, A Wing & A Prayer Ltd, Vanguard Records, Virgin Records. Patti Smith Nobel ceremony recording courtesy of: Nobelprize.org.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

David Honigmann looks at how a sleeping Keith Richards dreamt up a riff that would later develop into a number one hit for Rolling Stones and become one of the most recognisable rock anthems of all times. Credits: ABKCO Records Inc, Universal International Music B.V, Rhino Atlantic, Virgin Records Ltd.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Twenty years after they headlined Glastonbury, Radiohead return to the British music festival. FT pop writers Ludovic Hunter-Tilney and David Cheal discuss the band's lullaby of despair 'No Surprises' from their 1997 album OK Computer. Credits: Sire/Warner Bros, mudhutdigital.com, XL Recordings, Easy Star, SKIP Records  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The singer’s old label boss called the song ‘a morbid mess’, but it shot to number one in the US. Ahead of the 40th anniversary of Elvis’s death in August, FT pop writers Peter Apsden and David Cheal discuss the song's origins, dark appeal and afterlife. Credits: 104pro Media, Legacy Recordings, Entertain Me Ltd, Spectrum, Omnivore Recordings, Vengeance Records  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It achieved distinction in an era of elemental riffs, and journeyed effortlessly to and fro across the Atlantic. It also marked a turning point in the career of the greatest guitarist who ever lived: Jimi Hendrix. FT pop writers Peter Aspden and David Cheal discuss "Wild Thing" 50 years after Hendrix's groundbreaking performance at the Monterey Pop festival.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In a special episode to mark the publication of The Life of a Song book, FT pop critics Helen Brown, David Cheal and Ludovic Hunter-Tilney debate whether a song can really change the world. Hear the stories behind the hits, from Bowie's 'Starman' to Jay-Z's 'Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)'.  

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From Bob Dylan to Adele, the song that was first called 'a spare ballad undermined by greetingcard lyrics' is now a karaoke tearjerker. FT pop writers David Cheal and Helen Brown debate the origins, meanings and cover versions of 'Make You Feel My Love'.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Billie Holiday’s 1939 'Strange Fruit' was called 'the first significant protest in words and music, the first unmuted cry against racism'. Other singers attempted it, from Nina Simone and Diana Ross to Jeff Buckley and Kanye West. But could any match the power of the impassioned original? FT pop writers David Cheal, Fiona Sturges and Helen Brown discuss the song's origins and afterlife.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What makes a good Christmas song? Should it be cheesy or serious? And why do millennials love them? 

FT pop writers discuss festive classics old and new - from carols to Mariah Carey, Greg Lake to Phil Spector, Sufjan Stevens to Run-DMC. Plus, which 2017's best Christmas song: Gwen Stefani's 'You Make it Feel Like Christmas' or Sia's 'Santa's Coming for Us'?

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Set against a backdrop of protest and upheaval, the songs released in 1968 represent a turning point in music. FT pop writers David Cheal and Peter Aspden are joined by author Tot Taylor to debate the year's most important songs and artists, from Tyrannosaurus Rex, The Beatles and Pink Floyd to Joni Mitchell and Tim Buckley.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When "Wuthering Heights" was released 40 years ago this year, it became the first song written and performed by a woman to reach number one in the UK charts. What was the song's — and Bush's — special appeal? Why have there been more parodies than straight covers? And why is it so popular now, with re-enactments of the music video taking place around the world? FT music writers Jude Rogers, Helen Brown and David Cheal discuss the song and its afterlife.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A history of coffee and its role in global capitalism is fact-filled and entertaining if occasionally over-caffeinated

Urgent action needed to avoid human and economic catastrophe

If ever there was a word that needed to be retired it's 'retirement'. The kind of images this word conjures up is sunny beaches and no longer having to set an alarm clock, or a stressful feeling about how much longer you will need to work to afford such a lifestyle. This week author Don Ezra talks to FT Money editor Claer Barrett about how best to get to and enjoy what used to be called retirement. Next up, if you're heading off on holiday soon then listen to our top tips on how to get the best deal on your holiday money. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Presenter Claer Barrett and guests explore how under 40s are using the Lifetime Isa to save for a property, or invest for the future. What strategies are younger investors taking? Plus the new rules on automatic compensation when broadband goes down, and the six ways pensions scammers are most likely to try and con you - would you fall for it? 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Having a baby is one of the best things that could happen in your life - but sadly it could also be the worst thing that could happen to your finances. We discuss the effects of the gender pay gap. Plus FT Money editor Claer Barrett talks to guests about what kind of investor Adrian Mole could have grown into. And what could happen to the 'best buy' lists used by fund supermarkets in the wake of the Woodford scandal?

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hundreds of thousands of investors with money trapped in the Woodford Equity Income fund found out this week that the fund is to be liquidated, the fund manager would be sacked and that their money would be returned to them eventually. Claer Barrett, FT money editor, talks to guests about how much money investors have lost and how much they are likely to get back and when. Plus we hear from someone who was landed with a £476 fine and a criminal record - just for forgetting to charge her iphone. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There's been a series of scary surveys this week about how much we need to save to fund our retirement so Claer Barrett, FT Money editor, has invited Moira O'Neill from Interactive Investor joins onto the podcast to talk us through the numbers. Next up, have you heard of a Susu? Emma Agyemang reveals details about the revival in this decades-old method of saving. And finally, the FT's Rich People's Problems columnist James Max joins us in the studio to discuss the cost of getting a new puppy.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How to find a financial adviser - a relationship with an adviser you can trust is something that FT readers often tell us is hard to come by. FT Money editor Claer Barrett talks to Damian Fantato, deputy editor of FT Adviser about the solution. Plus, with less than a month to go until the general election, financial advisers tell us they are getting calls from a lot of worried clients - we discuss what's troubling them. And finally, the rise of the 40-year mortgage - Paul Lewis, presenter of BBC Moneybox is here to share his own worries about extra long hours.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On this week's FT Money show we discuss investment trusts and the different ways investors can use them in their portfolios. Presenter Emma Agyemang, FT Money reporter, talks to Jason Hollands, managing director at Tilney Group and Moira O'Neill of interactive investor about how listeners can invest alongside the wealthiest families. Plus, the dividend heroes - which offer the most consistent income and are they still a good option for investors? And finally, Merryn Somerset Webb tells listeners why she thinks investment trusts have a better chance of lasting a lifetime compared to other assets.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The general election and your finances - with a week to go, what changes could the major parties bring in? Presenter Claer Barrett talks to Rachael Griffin, a tax expert at Quilter, about the pledges. Next up on the show if you're self employed, have you got a pension? A third of self-employed women say they are saving nothing into a pension. Blogger Emma Maslin, better known as the Money Whisperer, has lots to say on this topic. And finally - they might say it's vulgar to talk about money, but James Max, our Rich People's Problems columnist is here to explain why he loves cash.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Student debt in the US is crippling millions of Americans. Last year the amount students owed came to a total of $1.6tn - that's 8 per cent of the country's national income. This week we hear from one of the 45m students paying back debts to the government. FT Money Show presenter Lucy Warwick-Ching talks to FT reporter Alice Kantor about why university is so expensive in the US compared to the UK and whether there is anything that can be done about it.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you been mis-sold pensions advice? FT Money Show presenter Claer Barrett talks to the FT's pensions expert Josephine Cumbo about the suitability of financial advice in relation to retirement planning. Next up on the show we discuss how the new bank overdraft rules could affect you. And finally, does your financial adviser speak your language? FT columnist Moira O'Neill has spoken out against the widespread use of Latin terms in the investment world - should it be allowed to continue ad infinitum?   

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join our campaign for clear pension charges - FT Money has been exploring the impossibility of comparing the costs of drawdown plans. The FT is calling on the pensions and advise industry to be transparent about charges to help people to shop around. In this week's show, FT Money Show presenter Claer Barrett interviews o the FT's pensions expert about our campaign. Next up, the spread of the coronavirus has given world stock markets a nasty turn - FT Moneys' new investment reporter, Madison Darbyshire, talks about how investors are reacting. And finally, to cheer listeners up a bit - James Max, our Rich People's Problems columnist is here to discuss a burning issue - the government's proposed ban on coal fires. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Could Isas overtake pensions as the UK's tax-saving vehicle of choice? The tax benefits of pensions have been steadily eroded over the past decade but at the same time, Isas have been coming into their own. Most people approaching retirement today will rely on a combination of pensions and Isa income. In this week's show, FT Money Show presenter Claer Barrett takes a break from covering the coronavirus and what it means for your money, and interviews the FT's Money Mentor columnist about why investors like Isas so much and how these investments compare to pensions. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Claer Barrett explores some of the biggest issues facing small investors with investment columnist Merryn Somerset Webb and Fidelity’s Maike Currie. 

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Reduction is second in under a month as country braces for an extended coronavirus lockdown

World leaders call for an urgent debt moratorium and unprecedented health and economic aid packages

An attempt to solve Africa’s poverty riddle

A self-effacing intellectual who rose to the very centre of power

Use of community health workers to identify cases draws heavily on experience battling tuberculosis and HIV

How much sleep do we need to get the most out of our waking hours?

Many travails exist beyond being judged by your sex

Which conferences are worth your time and money? Here’s how to decide

Artisans provide antidote to today’s frenzied lifestyle

Olga Zoutendijk’s appointment as chair of ABN Amro is a landmark, and the bank is better for it