David Bodanis, author of "How to Change the World," dives into the inspiring story of Sarojini Naidu, a key figure in the non-violent resistance against British colonial rule in India. He discusses her rise from a British admirer to a leader in the fight for independence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest. The conversation unveils the strategic brilliance of Naidu's campaigns, especially her march against oppressive salt laws, and reflects on the broader implications of nonviolent resistance in global justice movements.

Tim Harford, an economist renowned for making complicated concepts accessible, welcomes David Bodanis, an author exploring the nexus of history and science. Together, they delve into the ruthlessness of baseball manager Leo Durocher, who claimed that 'nice guys finish last.' Their discussion spans the moral dilemmas in competitive sports, contrasting leadership styles of tough versus fair managers, and the impact of personal character on team dynamics. Expect insights that challenge conventional wisdom about success and decency in the world of sports.

David Bodanis, science author and historian, discusses the future of the world economy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Einstein's major mistake in solving a physics problem, the intellectual partnership between Madame du Chatelet and Voltaire, the transformational force of electricity, and his upcoming book project on the power of decency in a world gone mean.