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Ian McEwan

Critically acclaimed novelist and author of nineteen novels including Atonement; guest discussing his book What We Can Know and themes of climate fiction, poetry and archives.

Top 10 podcasts with Ian McEwan

Ranked by the Snipd community
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148 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 41min

Is Farage turning Reform into a Trump tribute act?

Ian McEwan, a Booker Prize-winning novelist, joins to discuss his new book exploring memory and a future steeped in metaphysical gloom. He reflects on setting his story 100 years ahead to highlight present-day crises, such as climate change and geopolitical unrest. McEwan also delves into the emotional core of his narrative focused on memory loss and societal forgetfulness. Additionally, he discusses the dangers of populist politics and the challenge of restoring optimism through community and conservation efforts.
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18 snips
Mar 1, 2021 • 1h 40min

Ian McEwan

Novelist Ian McEwan discusses storytelling, censorship, AI, and Brexit. His latest book, The Cockroach, is a political satire about a cockroach as the prime minister. They explore biases in AI, consciousness, and the effects of belief on behavior. They also discuss society's shift, LGBTQ+ rights, and Ian McEwan's book The Cockroach.
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15 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 29min

Ian McEwan on Imagining the World After Disaster

Ian McEwan, the acclaimed British novelist known for works like Atonement, shares his thoughts on his latest novel, which envisions a world after disasters. He introduces the idea of 'nuanced optimism,' highlighting the resilience of humanity amid catastrophe. McEwan critiques modern fiction, lamenting the trend of self-focused narratives while advocating for the power of the realist novel to express complex human emotions. He also reflects on the importance of pleasure in writing and discusses his immersive research experiences, which deepen his storytelling.
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14 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 1min

Ian McEwan on the Present as Future Past

Ian McEwan, a renowned novelist and author of *What We Can Know*, shares his thoughts on resilience in a world facing existential threats. He explores how future generations might perceive our era, balancing between cultural vibrancy and catastrophe. McEwan discusses the impact of digital ephemera on memory and the importance of the humanities in preserving our collective past. The conversation highlights the challenge of agency versus fatalism, suggesting that, even amid chaos, there's potential for meaningful connections and cultural survival.
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8 snips
Oct 29, 1998 • 28min

Science's Revelations

Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist known for his advocacy of science, and Ian McEwan, celebrated novelist and Booker Prize winner, engage in a thought-provoking discussion. They explore how scientific knowledge impacts our appreciation of the world's beauty and how poetry can enrich scientific understanding. The conversation delves into the interconnections between imagination and science, questioning the purpose of existence while addressing human awareness in an indifferent universe. Their insights challenge listeners to reconsider the harmony of science and art.
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5 snips
May 18, 2024 • 58min

Ian McEwan – Was ist ein gelungenes Leben?

Ian McEwan, bekannter Schriftsteller, reflektiert über ein gelungenes Leben und politische Verantwortung. Diskussion über Familiengeheimnisse, menschliche Schuld und das Dasein als Schriftsteller. Themen wie Work-Life-Balance, visuelle Elemente in Literatur und die Vielschichtigkeit der Literatur werden erkundet.
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4 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 42min

Ian McEwan on Speculative Fiction, Lost Poems and What We Can Know

In this engaging discussion, critically acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan dives into his latest work, 'What We Can Know,' a speculative fiction set in a drowned future UK of 2119. He explores the challenges of writing climate fiction, reflecting on the balance between optimism and caution regarding biodiversity and AI risks. McEwan also examines the enduring power of novels and the nuances of climate denial through the lens of a missing poem. His insights into the role of archives and personal responsibility add depth to this thought-provoking conversation.
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Nov 15, 2025 • 14min

Late Show Book Club | 'What We Can Know' Author Ian McEwan

In this engaging chat, acclaimed British novelist Ian McEwan discusses his latest work, What We Can Know. He shares how a real corona poem inspired his novel and dives into the layers of its title, reflecting on our understanding of time and relationships. McEwan reveals his approach to imagining the future without extensive research, arguing for literature's role amid climate change. He offers aspiring writers invaluable advice on reclaiming solitude as a space for creativity, drawing on decades of experience in storytelling.
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Nov 11, 2024 • 33min

Richard Dawkins and Ian McEwan talk about Religion, Science, Truth and American Christianity

Ian McEwan, a celebrated British novelist and screenwriter, joins Richard Dawkins for a thought-provoking discussion on religion and science. They delve into the cultural hesitations around atheism in America and the complexities of morality without divine oversight. The conversation highlights empathy's evolutionary roots and the need for a term like 'Bright' to redefine atheism positively. They also tackle the relationship between art and belief and critique current political shifts towards theocracy, contrasting them with the Founding Fathers' secular ideals.
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Oct 1, 2019 • 51min

Satire, Boris and Brexit with Ian McEwan and Razia Iqbal

Acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan joins BBC’s Razia Iqbal to delve into the satire of his novella, The Cockroach, where a man transformed into a cockroach becomes Britain’s Prime Minister. They explore the absurdities of Brexit and its emotional aftermath, discussing political disillusionment and societal divisions. McEwan highlights the role of satire in navigating contemporary politics while reflecting on the necessity of a constitutional reform amidst the chaos, culminating in a compelling critique of today's political landscape.

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