Episode 181 – 1st March 2026
SGUK Podcast Chanel
Institutional Narcissism
Introduction: The Mirror and the Scepter
Institutional narcissism occurs when the survival and self-image of an elite group become more important than the foundational purpose of the institution they serve. In the context of a hereditary monarchy, this manifests as a shift from "public service" to "personal branding," where the crown is no longer a symbol of national continuity but a tool for individual validation. When the leadership at the top—specifically the Monarch and the Heir—becomes characterized by a demand for absolute deference without a corresponding track record of tangible achievement, the institution enters a state of "stagnant grandiosity." In this environment, the announcement of a project becomes a substitute for its completion, and the pursuit of popularity among relatives replaces the pursuit of genuine impact.
The danger of this shift is systemic. As the "top two" focus inward, the institution loses its external utility, becoming a closed loop of self-congratulation that is increasingly...
SGUK Episodes 179 & 180
A Carefully Managed Public Mask
&
The_Cost_of_Emotional_Containment_Ep_180_15_Feb_2026
Hello, Ivy here.
This week's podcast is a short recap of the previous episode with the title of A Carefully Managed Public Mask. That episode is very much linked with today's episode, entitled The Cost of Emotional Containment. The remaining 4 episodes are all linked and the final episode will provide plenty of evidence, gathered and discussed, over the six podcasts that the actions or lack of actions over a very long period, combined with effort being placed on the wrong areas of the huge risks to the crown. The phrase risks to the crown is the arc that covers all six areas of discussion, with each point based on evidence and published research data.
Due to illness, episode 179 did not have an article published. Please accept my apologies for that. I have now completed a combined article of episodes 179 and 180, which looks at the UK monarchy and the clear evidence...
SGUK Ep 169
The Crown in Crisis:
The Endgame:- Ego, Empire and Erosion
Hello, Ivy Here,
This week’s podcast is the last one in the Crown in Crisis mini series. A new series is lined up, commencing next week on Sunday 3rd August 2025 at the usual publication time on YouTube at 8pm (GMT)
This final podcast exploring the crumbling of the UK Monarchy as we know it, we have covered a wide array of topics, but rest assured that we are a long way from finishing just yet. UK Monarchy is the gift that keeps on giving, or should I say the grift that keeps on giving.
The framework for this weeks podcast is as follows:-
What is left when the Veil Lifts? Now that the UK media attempts to portray in their tabloids that the Monarchy is allowing us into their world a little, trying so hard to send the message of how they try to interact and relate to the ordinary man and...
SGUK Episode 167
The Crown in Crisis:- Harry and Meghan –
Redefining Royalty and Global Influence
Introduction
Today’s podcast (is the 2nd part of the podcast which ) explores how the flaws of UK Monarchy has been there for many decades but was generally ignored - by the use of the BRF Scapegoat being made to do the heavy lifting in setting a project on the road, and ensuring that completion took place, but the Heir to the throne always used to promote it and to take credit for its outcomes. Harry and Meghan are now in control of their own destiny and no longer live off taxpayer funding – they earn their own money and are slowly building a business empire. Creating legacy for their family. The BRF is now exposed more and more each day, as to what they actually represent, and the fact that the Monarchy is doing so badly, even with a sycophantic media primed to sell the UK Monarchy...
SGUK Ep 166
The Crown in Crisis: Power Games and Petty Thrones
Introduction
“Throughout history, royal families have often been at the centre of power struggles that have shaped the course of nations. These struggles for power are sometimes waged openly, with dramatic battles for the throne, and other times hidden behind palace doors, with intrigue and manipulation playing central roles. Whether in ancient monarchies or modern royal houses, the quest for power within the family unit often led to conflict, betrayal, and dramatic shifts in leadership.”
The Vindictive Undercurrents and Internal Power Plays
“We explore the complex world of power struggles between royal family members, examining how these rivalries played out historically and how they continue to shape royal politics today. We will also look at the motivations behind these power struggles, the impact they had, and have, on political stability.”
Loss of Royal Power and Influence
In some cases, the aftermath of a royal power struggle leads to the erosion of the monarchy’s power. Monarchs...
SGUK 164 (there was a mistake with the numbering
Several weeks ago. Only discovered recently.
Back on track now. 164 is Correct
The Cost of The Crown:
How The Sussexes Built What The Palace Tried to Break
Introduction
It has to be hard when you discover that your own family don’t really care that much about you.. Their interests come first and then maybe you. If it is a family business, the business dominates conversations – not so much family matters. If you were born into the British Royal Family, it probably seems like the pinnacle of life to be able to walk those corridors and know that this is your home. Surrounded by lots of relatives who reside in nearby palatial homes too. What a joy it must seem. You have discovered that there is a pecking order in the family, and your parents do have a favourite. In the case of UK Monarchy, regardless of the actual relationship between parent and child, in an...
SGUK Ep: 162.
Final podcast in this 4 part series.
The Cost of the Crown
The Hidden Toll: Accountability at the Top
Introduction
This final podcast in this series, will act as a mirror for the previous 3 episodes, and the conclusions reached in this Part 4 of the series. We will all look back together at what has come to light, or at the very least, has appeared for the first time for some, and the thoughts you now have – ongoing thoughts. What has come to light, or grabbed your attention? Does your list include the systems, the players and the tactics being employed? Can you begin to see patterns emerging, like golden threads, we have seen time and time again over the years?
Now look forward. What kind of world would we want to leave behind? Who deserves our support, and who has simply inherited power, without accountability? You have all seen in this series how power structures have preserved themselves by enlisting...
Dynamics of Power - Resistance and Alternatives
Community-based economic models
Successful pushback against corporate power
Democratic reforms that have worked
Introduction
Hello, Ivy here,
We are on the final video Podcast series relating to Power Dynamics and exploring Resistance and Alternatives to all decisions being made by and for the benefit of Elites and Oligarchs positions, as opposed to the wishes of the Electorate. Power being implied and exerted on other nations that certain Heads of State wish to forcibly grab and make another State in the USA. We looked at media and how that has faired over decades, and where it is now, and the way power is used to persuade/brainwash etc. Last week we explored the Human Cost and we see that all around us in various parts of the world, and def in the USA right now, and yesterday an Elected UK official whose Party is not in power currently, basically stood up at a political event and gave a...
SGUK Ep 154
Dynamics of Power – The Human Cost
Introduction
"The Role of Power in Society: Theories and Examples"
August 29, 2020
“Power is a word derived from the Latin word, potere that means, “to be able”. The sociologist Max Weber defined power as the ability to bring about a desired outcome, even when opposed by others. This article discusses the three different sociological theories of power, followed by the importance of power in everyday life. It concludes with a section on the various political, cultural and economic uses of power”.
The Pluralist Model
This model is based on the functionalist approach of sociology. Power is said to be held by a number of groups within society that compete with each other for control over resources and influence. This is most commonly found in democratic systems of government because no one group is able to dominate over all others due to a system of checks and balances. The political process of competition for power is supervised by the government and thus functional...
SGUK Episode 153 6th April 2025
The Media Tools of Control
Introduction
Join me as I take on the challenge of visualizing the complex concept of 'Media Tools of Control' in a few quotations and reports trying to clarify how the media gets their stories across! Media tools of control are all around us, shaping our perceptions, influencing our decisions, and impacting our daily lives in profound ways. They're the unseen forces that govern the information we consume, and it's essential to understand their relevance in today's society.
Recognizing these tools can be a daunting task, as they often operate beneath the surface of our awareness. Media tools of control have become so ingrained in our culture that we frequently overlook their presence, let alone their influence. The impact they have on our lives is substantial, from the way we form opinions to the actions we take. Our daily lives are filled with examples of media tools at work, from the advertisements we see...
