Barely Legal, Morally Wrong? Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:31:35 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2535961 en-us © 2026 Barely Legal, Morally Wrong? yes cfa476aa-1bcf-5d0c-89af-e12a2514192d Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie episodic false Barely Legal, Morally Wrong? is a monthly dive into real world dilemmas that sit on the line between lawful and unacceptable. Hosts Alix Meekison and Mandy Laurie unpack the facts, explain the law in plain English, and ask how the public will react. Expect sharp thinking, straight talking and practical takeaways for leaders, founders and HR who have to make the call when the rulebook and real life collide.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie https://storage.buzzsprout.com/k4ahro2ntny0067wb64c898obrzl?.jpg Barely Legal, Morally Wrong? Holidays Holidays In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix and Mandy discuss Holidays and ask whether the traditional way we think about working time is still fit for purpose.

From annual leave and burnout to flexible working, childcare, public holidays and the reality of being constantly available, this is a thoughtful conversation about how modern working life has outgrown the systems designed to regulate it. They explore whether current rules around time off really reflect the world we now live in and what a more realistic, healthier approach to work might look like.

It is an honest discussion about boundaries, productivity, wellbeing and why proper time away from work still matters.

]]> In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix and Mandy discuss Holidays and ask whether the traditional way we think about working time is still fit for purpose.

From annual leave and burnout to flexible working, childcare, public holidays and the reality of being constantly available, this is a thoughtful conversation about how modern working life has outgrown the systems designed to regulate it. They explore whether current rules around time off really reflect the world we now live in and what a more realistic, healthier approach to work might look like.

It is an honest discussion about boundaries, productivity, wellbeing and why proper time away from work still matters.

]]> Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie Buzzsprout-19247282 Thu, 28 May 2026 17:00:00 +0100 1342 1 9 full false Single Parents Single Parents In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix and Mandy explore the realities of single parenting and the assumptions that still surround it.

Following on from their recent discussion on grief, they turn their attention to a topic that is often part of everyday life but rarely discussed openly. From the language used to describe single parents, to the judgement and stigma that can still exist, this episode takes a candid look at the experience both inside and outside the workplace.

Alix shares her own perspective, discussing the responsibility of managing everything alone, the lack of a safety net, and the practical and emotional challenges that come with it. The conversation also highlights the strengths that are often overlooked, including resilience, organisation and independence.

This episode also considers how workplaces respond to single parents, and whether current attitudes and policies go far enough to recognise the realities involved.

It is an honest and thought provoking discussion that encourages a more balanced and informed view of what it really means to be a single parent today.

]]> In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix and Mandy explore the realities of single parenting and the assumptions that still surround it.

Following on from their recent discussion on grief, they turn their attention to a topic that is often part of everyday life but rarely discussed openly. From the language used to describe single parents, to the judgement and stigma that can still exist, this episode takes a candid look at the experience both inside and outside the workplace.

Alix shares her own perspective, discussing the responsibility of managing everything alone, the lack of a safety net, and the practical and emotional challenges that come with it. The conversation also highlights the strengths that are often overlooked, including resilience, organisation and independence.

This episode also considers how workplaces respond to single parents, and whether current attitudes and policies go far enough to recognise the realities involved.

It is an honest and thought provoking discussion that encourages a more balanced and informed view of what it really means to be a single parent today.

]]> Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie Buzzsprout-19102057 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:00:00 +0100 1085 1 8 full true Grief at Work Grief at Work In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix and Mandy explore one of the most personal and difficult issues any workplace will face: grief.

Prompted by the sad loss of Jen Hardy, founder of Cancer Card, they discuss how employers respond when someone is dealing with bereavement and whether workplace policies truly reflect the reality of loss. From time off after a death to delayed funerals, miscarriage, IVF, pet loss and anticipatory grief, this is a thoughtful and honest conversation about the many forms grief can take and the limits of legal protection.

It is a powerful discussion about what happens when life does not fit neatly into policy and why compassion at work matters just as much as compliance

]]> In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix and Mandy explore one of the most personal and difficult issues any workplace will face: grief.

Prompted by the sad loss of Jen Hardy, founder of Cancer Card, they discuss how employers respond when someone is dealing with bereavement and whether workplace policies truly reflect the reality of loss. From time off after a death to delayed funerals, miscarriage, IVF, pet loss and anticipatory grief, this is a thoughtful and honest conversation about the many forms grief can take and the limits of legal protection.

It is a powerful discussion about what happens when life does not fit neatly into policy and why compassion at work matters just as much as compliance

]]> Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie Buzzsprout-18908043 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000 1444 1 7 full false International Women’s Day International Women’s Day In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong we use International Women’s Day as a springboard to ask a tougher question: are we making progress, or are we starting to slide backwards? We talk equal pay and the realities that still sit behind the headlines, the wider rollback of women’s rights in the US and what that signals culturally, and the quiet retreat from equality and diversity commitments in senior leadership. We also discuss whether quotas and positive action remain necessary tools, what “giving to gain” looks like in practice, and how childcare, parental leave and workplace dynamics shape confidence, opportunity and long term outcomes for women. Expect straight talking, real reflections and the final question we always ask. Was it barely legal or morally wrong.

]]> In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong we use International Women’s Day as a springboard to ask a tougher question: are we making progress, or are we starting to slide backwards? We talk equal pay and the realities that still sit behind the headlines, the wider rollback of women’s rights in the US and what that signals culturally, and the quiet retreat from equality and diversity commitments in senior leadership. We also discuss whether quotas and positive action remain necessary tools, what “giving to gain” looks like in practice, and how childcare, parental leave and workplace dynamics shape confidence, opportunity and long term outcomes for women. Expect straight talking, real reflections and the final question we always ask. Was it barely legal or morally wrong.

]]> Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie Buzzsprout-18751139 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 1649 1 6 full false NDA v FOI NDA v FOI In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong we unpack the difference between NDAs and FOIs and why they often work in opposite directions. We look at how FOI requests promote transparency for public bodies, when a subject access request can be used in the private sector, and the role of the Information Commissioner when disclosure is disputed. We discuss whistleblowing protections, proposed limits on NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination, and the practical reality of confidentiality clauses, document dumps and liquidated damages. We also explore when an FOI can cut across confidentiality in the public sector and why trust still sits at the heart of most agreements. Expect straight talking, real examples and the final question we always ask. Was it barely legal or morally wrong.

]]> In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong we unpack the difference between NDAs and FOIs and why they often work in opposite directions. We look at how FOI requests promote transparency for public bodies, when a subject access request can be used in the private sector, and the role of the Information Commissioner when disclosure is disputed. We discuss whistleblowing protections, proposed limits on NDAs in cases of harassment and discrimination, and the practical reality of confidentiality clauses, document dumps and liquidated damages. We also explore when an FOI can cut across confidentiality in the public sector and why trust still sits at the heart of most agreements. Expect straight talking, real examples and the final question we always ask. Was it barely legal or morally wrong.

]]> Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie Buzzsprout-18589392 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000 1703 1 5 full false Clashing Rights Clashing Rights In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix Meekison and Mandy Laurie unpack clashing rights at work and beyond. They look at how the courts balance protected characteristics, why no single right automatically wins, and how disability and belief are assessed in practice. Along the way they revisit headline cases, from a guest house room refusal and the Northern Ireland cake dispute to the Miss Higgs social media ruling. They explore flags, free expression and when symbolism can create a hostile setting for staff, as well as day to day tensions around pronouns, taking the knee and professional duties to treat without bias. Expect straight talking, practical takeaways, and one simple question at the end… was it barely legal or morally wrong.

]]> In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix Meekison and Mandy Laurie unpack clashing rights at work and beyond. They look at how the courts balance protected characteristics, why no single right automatically wins, and how disability and belief are assessed in practice. Along the way they revisit headline cases, from a guest house room refusal and the Northern Ireland cake dispute to the Miss Higgs social media ruling. They explore flags, free expression and when symbolism can create a hostile setting for staff, as well as day to day tensions around pronouns, taking the knee and professional duties to treat without bias. Expect straight talking, practical takeaways, and one simple question at the end… was it barely legal or morally wrong.

]]> Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie Buzzsprout-18231217 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0000 2089 1 4 full false Does HR Need a Glow Up? Does HR Need a Glow Up? In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong we ask a simple question: does HR need a glow up? We look at how HR moved from the heroes of the COVID years to a function pulled in every direction. We talk about line managers off-loading people issues, the rise of D and I and whether the spend delivers, AI-written grievances, DSARs and FOIs that drain time, and the pressure to meet every need for every person. We also ask when HR can say no, what a fair pushback looks like, and why a safe space for HR matters.
Expect straight talking, practical takeaways, and one question at the end: was it barely legal or morally wrong?
This conversation is for information only and not legal advice. Subscribe for new episodes every month.

]]> In this episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong we ask a simple question: does HR need a glow up? We look at how HR moved from the heroes of the COVID years to a function pulled in every direction. We talk about line managers off-loading people issues, the rise of D and I and whether the spend delivers, AI-written grievances, DSARs and FOIs that drain time, and the pressure to meet every need for every person. We also ask when HR can say no, what a fair pushback looks like, and why a safe space for HR matters.
Expect straight talking, practical takeaways, and one question at the end: was it barely legal or morally wrong?
This conversation is for information only and not legal advice. Subscribe for new episodes every month.

]]> Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie Buzzsprout-18104683 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:00:00 +0000 1754 1 3 full false Launch Night Special Launch Night Special In this special episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, recorded live at the launch night of Meekison MacKinnon & McGhee, Alix and Mandy take the stage at Burness Paull LLP’s Edinburgh office for a conversation that goes back to where it all began.

They look at what inspired the creation of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, the journey that led to Alix starting her own company, and the themes that continue to shape both her work and the podcast.

It is a lively, personal discussion filled with reflection, laughter and insight, offering listeners a closer look at the story behind the show and the person driving it forward.

This conversation is for information only and not legal advice. Subscribe for new episodes every month.

]]> In this special episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, recorded live at the launch night of Meekison MacKinnon & McGhee, Alix and Mandy take the stage at Burness Paull LLP’s Edinburgh office for a conversation that goes back to where it all began.

They look at what inspired the creation of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, the journey that led to Alix starting her own company, and the themes that continue to shape both her work and the podcast.

It is a lively, personal discussion filled with reflection, laughter and insight, offering listeners a closer look at the story behind the show and the person driving it forward.

This conversation is for information only and not legal advice. Subscribe for new episodes every month.

]]> Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie Buzzsprout-18022095 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0100 977 1 2 full true The Astronomer CEO Affair The Astronomer CEO Affair In our first episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix Meekison and Mandy Laurie unpack the Astronomer CEO scandal. Mandy, head of the employment team at Scottish law firm Burness Paull LLP, looks at the legal side in plain English what the rules actually say about consensual relationships at work, disclosure duties and conflicts of interest. Alix coming from her decades of experience in HR, digs into people and culture power dynamics, whistleblowing, how colleagues are affected and why leadership behaviour sets the tone.

Along the way they compare other recent CEO stories and ask why today it is often the boss who goes. Is this accountability overdue, performative, or both.

Expect straight talking, practical takeaways and one simple question at the end was it barely legal or morally wrong.

This conversation is for information only and not legal advice. Subscribe for new episodes every month.

]]> In our first episode of Barely Legal, Morally Wrong, Alix Meekison and Mandy Laurie unpack the Astronomer CEO scandal. Mandy, head of the employment team at Scottish law firm Burness Paull LLP, looks at the legal side in plain English what the rules actually say about consensual relationships at work, disclosure duties and conflicts of interest. Alix coming from her decades of experience in HR, digs into people and culture power dynamics, whistleblowing, how colleagues are affected and why leadership behaviour sets the tone.

Along the way they compare other recent CEO stories and ask why today it is often the boss who goes. Is this accountability overdue, performative, or both.

Expect straight talking, practical takeaways and one simple question at the end was it barely legal or morally wrong.

This conversation is for information only and not legal advice. Subscribe for new episodes every month.

]]> Alix Meekison & Mandy Laurie Buzzsprout-17899889 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100 1962 1 1 full false