For the final episode in our second series, we welcome Laura Montecchio, a PhD student studying with with the Department of Political Economy at King's College London.

Laura's research is entitled The Paradox of the Populist Radical Right Elitism in France, Germany, and Italy and she talks to hosts Clara Goilav and Daniel Mansfield about the paradox she believes is apparent in the populist radical right.

Laura posits that, despite their anti-elite discourses, populist radical right parties can themselves be considered elitist in the way they have worked to delegitimise minority groups and counter-voices (“the other”) in favour of their own “in” elitist group (“the people”).

Laura's also talks about her PhD experience King's, the weather in the UK and offers her advice for those considering further study.

Do cryptoassets pose a credible threat to the United States' economic power?

In this episode, we welcome Sebastian Ricketts to discuss his research into US economic power and whether the emergence of cryptoassets could challenge the dollar hegemony on the world stage.

Sebastian also reflects on the challenges facing regulators and policy-makers as digital assets proliferate, as well as moves by nation states and central banks to respond to growing consumer appetite for Bitcoin, Etherium and others.

And, as usual, we ask Sebastian to talk about his experience as a PhD student, the challenges, and advice he would offer to anybody thinking about pursuing their studies.

We welcome PhD student Konstantin Peveling for the fourth episode of our second series and it's the knowledge economy and changing landscape for skills in focus this time around.

Konstantin's doctoral research sees him examine how firms are reacting to the rapid transition away from more traditional means of industry - such as manufacturing - and towards the knowledge economy, with all the implications for skills and sustainability that follow.

The importance of persistence, not being afraid to start again, and having a good support network were also on the agenda during a wide-ranging discussion about all things PhD.

We hope you enoy!

The episode is hosted by Daniel Mansfield and Cameron Mitchell-Bell. Music is Stomps and Claps by Scott Holmes and Flash by Crowander.