Ben Lewis

Dr Ben Lewis, a Leverhulme Research Fellow at Leeds University specializing in German intellectual history, discusses Oswald Spengler and his predictions for the 20th and 21st century. They explore Spengler's support for a civilisational cycles model, his misunderstood connections to Hitler, and the evolution of cultural forms. They also delve into the focus on Rome in the study of classical history.

Actors Blake Lee and Ben Lewis join the host to discuss Sex and the City Season 3 episode 1, sharing insights on character auditions, TV show enthusiasm, and personal reflections. They dive into nostalgic memories of hiring strippers, analyze character relationships, and explore themes of communication, fears, and memorable scenes from the show.

In a provocative discussion, Ben Lewis, an award-winning filmmaker and art critic, and Paul Chan, a noted artist, argue that contemporary art indeed excludes the 99%. They highlight the elitism in art fairs and how private interests overshadow public accessibility. On the contrary, conceptual art pioneer Joseph Kosuth defends the notion that art should challenge societal norms and be inclusive. The debate navigates issues of art as a cultural force, the impact of market dynamics, and the essential role of museums in fostering public engagement.