The Cost of Everything

This week we're loved up, talking about Valentine's day, and it's true cost. From the origins of the celebration to the big statistics around spend, through to the cost of flowers and its tentative links to Colombian drug cartels. I ask the question, is it really worth celebrating? Check out wherewemet.org: LinkYou can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

This week is about the value of peanut butter, the big droughts that can make prices sky rocket, and why UNICEF see this humble staple as vital in the fight against child hunger.Donate to UNICEF UK link here (you can search for the UNICEF site for your local currency on Google.You can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

Welcome to the cost of everything podcast in 2022! This week, I talk about the Marble Arch Hill (or Mound as it became known), a temporary art installation/ tourist attraction in the centre of London, which, for 6 months divided opinion, tripled in cost, and resulted in heads rolling. Why was it branded as "London's worst site?"You can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

In the last episode of 2021 I reflect on what I have learned from the episodes this year and share the five objectives for the podcast in 2022. Thank you to you all for coming with me on this journey, a happy new year and see you in 2022!You can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

The final part of our trilogy on the cost of movies discussing the creative ways of saving money in movie production and then the post production process. You can listen back to the previous episodes all about the movies here:Part 1: Budgeting a Movie (buzzsprout.com)Part 2: Making the movie: How much does it really cost? (buzzsprout.com)Check out Stephen's website: www.StephenFollows.comYou can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

This is part 2 of my series of talks with film expert Stephen Follows. This week we talk about the cost of producing the movie, how schedule is key to the budget, and whether or not actors are really worth their salary. You can listen back to the previous episode all about budgeting the movie here: Budgeting a Movie (buzzsprout.com)Check out Stephen's website: www.StephenFollows.comYou can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

This week, and for the next few episodes we are all about the movies. I interview Stephen Follows, expert in films, producer and all round data buff. This week we cover budgeting the movie, and Stephen gives us an insight into some things you wouldn't expect about budgeting a movie. Check out Stephen's website: www.StephenFollows.comYou can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

In honour of libraries week, which is taking place between the 4th and the 10th of October here in the UK this episode is all about the cost and value of a library. Facts and Figures from the Reading Agency: Link The Download link to study by Kantor: Link Previous episode with Doug Hicks: The model is more important than data - The Cost of Everything | Podcast on SpotifyPrevious episode covering QALY: Fight Club and the CBA of Covid-19 - The Cost of Everything | Podcast on Spotify You can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

In this episode I talk about cost benefit analysis, Fight Club and a recent article which discusses the cost benefit analysis in the context of the UK Covid Lockdown in 2020.I'll be speaking at the Software Cost Estimation Summit '21 in the Netherlands in November. The event is hosted by NESMA and will feature guest speakers from across software estimating: Get your tickets at the following link: LinkLink to the article Stay at Home, Protect the National Health Service, Save Lives”: A cost benefit analysis of the lockdown in the United Kingdom. by Miles, Stedman: LinkYou can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

This week I talk about the Hudson River Tunnel Project, the latest research investigating Project risk in Nigerian Construction, and sharing some upcoming online events in the world of cost.Part 1:Link to the Bloomberg article on the Gateway Tunnel Program: LinkLink to the Amtrak Website page about the Program: LinkEvents List:The Project Controls Expo Virtual 14th to 16th September: LinkThe ICEAA Training Summit 21st to 23rd September: LinkThe ACostE "Zen and the Art of Estimator Maintenance" - 20th September: Link

This week I interview Andy Pollard, a product cost specialist and trainer in value engineering with over 30 years experience in estimating in a wide range of industries. We talk about should cost estimating, why cost is important in negotiations, and the courses he delivers through Pivotal Value Training that can help you to save costs on your product. Link to the FREE Pivotal Value Training available here: LINKYou can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

Happy birthday! The podcast is officially a year old! This week I talk about the Olympic games, how much they cost, and why comparing across different games is fraught with errors.  I am always looking for feedback and great people to talk to, so contact me on podcast@thecostofeverything.net if you have feedback or you would like to be on the show! I will be reverting to an episode every two weeks!Really nice graphic on the Visual Capitalist website illustrating how many types of cognitive bias we are exposed to: LINKForbes article on Olympic cost overruns: LINKArticle by  C. Frank Zarnowski on how to calculate historical cost of the Olympics: LINKArticle by Bent Flyvberg on the Oxford Said Business School website: LINKSafeguarding of Value of the Olympics Games report by the International Olympic Committee: LINK The IOC video "Discover the economics of the Olympic Games": LINKErrors I made in the episode: at one point I said the cost of Covid on the Olympic games was 2.8 million dollars, I meant 2.8 billion! I also said the whole cost of the Tokyo Olympics is estimated at 28 million dollars, I meant 28 billion dollars. Blame sleep deprivation!

This week I talk about green bridges, the different purposes of a green bridge and why their lifecycle cost might be lower than a conventional bridge. I also talk specifically about a new multi billion pound project to develop the roads around London which features more bridges.COST European Handbook: LinkNatural England Commissioned Report on Green Bridges: Link Article on the Lower Thames Crossing Project: LinkPaper by Marzouk, Nough and El-Said in the Journal Housing and Building National Research Center: LinkYou can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

This week I talk about the latest research in machine learning, how a Welsh theatre is experiencing cost escalation, and sharing some details of an upcoming online event from the Association of Cost Engineers.The paper Early Cost Estimation in Customized Furniture Manufacturing Using Machine Learning by Kurasova et al: Link Previous machine learning episodes: David Porter (Link), Sanathan Rajagopal (Link), Ricardo Valerdi (Link), ACostE event on Friday 30th July 2021: AI - Mythen, Magic or Mayhem available to watch on the ACostE website: Link The Wales Online article: LinkThe South Wales Guardian article: Link You can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

I talk to Douglas T Hicks, a pioneer in the use of Activity Based Costing for pricing. Doug is the author of several books in the field of cost. His newest one, Profitable Expectations, is a novel all about cost, but in a storytelling form. Doug talks about the difference between cost and price, how to set your price, and the importance of the model in costing. Link to the book, Profitable Expectations: LinkDoug's website: LinkYou can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast

This week is all about the cost of fashion, how our changing habits have affected cost, and how value is being measured now more than ever before.The Society of Cost Engineers are looking for volunteers to be part of its growth: contact Jerry by email: gcollins@societyofcostengineers.com.You can contact me or send me recommendations on what you would like to see on future episodes, via the LinkedIn page here, or by email: podcast@thecostofeverything.net.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcast Listen back to the episode with Daniel Dias all about Value to Society hereListen back to the episode with Dr Anne Velenteurf all about the Circular Economy here

I will be going on a break until the start of July! A quick announcement... Check out my YouTube series called the Cost Café, use the link hereCheckout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcastJoin the LinkedIn page: Link

This week I talk about the Cost of a zero carbon house, why it's a key part of decarbonising the economy, and what the key cost drivers are. I'm introducing a new segment in the podcast, where I define a new term that I come across in the world of cost. Today's term in "Monergy".Link to Zero Carbon Hub cost analysis: LinkSubscribe and share the podcast with your friends and colleagues.I post episodes every 2 weeks on a range of topics, as well as blog posts.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcastJoin the LinkedIn page: Link

In this episode I talk about the cost of planting a tiny forest, specifically a forest planted using the Miyawaki method. Link to Shubhendu Sharma's TED talk here: Link Get involved with Earthwatch UK' work on Tiny Forests here: Link Subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and colleagues.I post episodes every 2 weeks on a range of topics, as well as blog posts.Checkout the website for the latest blog: thecostofeverything.net/Follow the podcast on Twitter @costofpodcastJoin the LinkedIn page: Link