E118: The Reality of Being a Black Man in the UK | Tobi Bakere

E122: Is British Politics Breaking? | Mamdani, Mandelson & The Rise of Reform

In this Q&A episode, Mike takes on some of the biggest questions shaping UK politics right now.We get into the rise of figures like Zohran Mamdani and Peter Mandelson, unpack what’s really happening ahead of the May elections, and ask whether the growth of Reform UK and the Green Party signals a deeper shift in British political identity.Is this just another political cycle, or are we watching something more fundamental unfold?This episode is part analysis, part reflection, and part reality check. If you’re trying to make sense of where the UK is heading, this is one to watch.Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Where do you think British politics is going?Subscribe for more conversations that cut through the noise.

EP121: Choosing Music Over The "Safe" Path | Jon Onabowu

He got replaced at church… and it changed his life.From that moment to witnessing Stanley Clarke live, Jon Onabowu's journey into jazz was built on pressure, passion, and purpose.Now with a debut album on the way, he’s redefining jazz—not as something old, but something alive, evolving, and deeply human.This isn’t just music… it’s an invitation.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.ukWHO ARE WEThe Common Sense Network is an Independent bi-partisan news outlet. We were founded by 500 ordinary people who saw a problem with the mainstream media and did something about it. We are on a mission to make democracy healthier by bringing people who disagree together. 👉🏽 CONNECT with Common Sense Network Website: http://bit.ly/TCSNetworkHomeYoutube: http://bit.ly/TCSNetworkYoutubeFacebook: http://bit.ly/TCSNetworkFacebookTwitter: https://twitter.com/TCSNetworkInstagram: http://bit.ly/TCSNetworkInstagramNewsletter: https://www.tcsnetwork.co.uk/join

EP120: Trump, Farage & The Truth: Mike Answering Your Toughest Questions

In this episode, I sat down to answer your questions, and nothing was off limits.From Trump and Farage to the state of politics today, I share my honest thoughts on the issues people are often too careful to speak about openly. We also get into my personal life, how I think about leadership, pressure, and what it actually looks like to navigate public conversations without losing yourself.

E119: She Left The Perfect Finance Job to Become An Artist | Toyosi

In this episode of the Common Sense Podcast, Mike sits down with an artist who made a decision most people only talk about. She walked away from a stable career in finance and chose the uncertain path of building a life in the arts. What began as a creative outlet eventually became a calling she could not ignore, forcing her to confront one of the hardest questions many professionals face. What happens when the safe path no longer feels like the right one? The conversation explores the psychology behind leaving prestigious careers, the fear that comes with stepping away from stability, and the practical reality of turning creativity into a sustainable profession. She reflects on the moment she realised that success on paper did not necessarily translate into fulfilment, and how she navigated the difficult transition from structured corporate life to the unpredictable world of art.

E118: The Reality of Being a Black Man in the UK | Tobi Bakere

In this episode, Mike sits down with actor Tobi Bakare for a raw and thoughtful conversation about masculinity, identity, and the quiet pressures Black men navigate in British society. From expectations around strength and success to the realities of code switching, the conversation explores the experiences that often go unspoken. Tobi also shares insights from his role in the powerful theatre production “Black Boys Who Consider Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy”, and why stories like this matter more than ever. This is an honest conversation about culture, masculinity, and what it means to grow, lead, and stay grounded in a complicated world. Subscribe for more conversations that challenge assumptions and explore the issues shaping our lives.