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Matt Ridley

British science writer, journalist, and businessman, known for his writings on science, the environment, and economics.

Top 10 podcasts with Matt Ridley

Ranked by the Snipd community
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130 snips
Mar 23, 2021 • 1h 5min

#107 Matt Ridley: Infinite Innovation

Matt Ridley, a renowned author and biologist, dives into the intriguing themes of innovation and human progress. He discusses the ongoing battle between humans and viruses, emphasizing historical triumphs over disease. Ridley also contrasts innovation with invention, illustrating the importance of practical application. He explores how social media shapes optimism and pessimism, and underscores the significance of collaboration in the innovation process. Through fascinating anecdotes, he reveals that everyone can contribute to advancements when equipped with the right mindset.
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77 snips
Dec 1, 2022 • 1h 49min

310. Viral: The Origin of Covid 19 | Matt Ridley

Matt Ridley, a British writer and journalist renowned for his expertise in science and economics, discusses the origins of COVID-19. He delves into the controversial lab leak hypothesis and the political biases that have influenced scientific discourse. The conversation highlights the need for rigorous inquiry amidst a backdrop of misinformation. Ridley also critiques the scientific community's reluctance to explore uncomfortable truths, emphasizing the vital importance of transparency and ethical practices in research to prevent future pandemics.
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65 snips
Feb 20, 2023 • 58min

#311 — Did SARS-CoV-2 Escape from a Lab?

In this engaging discussion, writer and evolutionary biologist Matt Ridley, along with viral vector engineer Alina Chan, delve into the origins of COVID-19. They critically examine the lab leak theory, highlighting the evidence surrounding the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The conversation addresses media censorship, the risks of gain-of-function research, and China’s initial denial of human transmission. They also explore the history of lab leaks, the implications of scientific transparency, and the importance of understanding the virus's source to prevent future pandemics.
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61 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 1h 7min

Net Zero Must Go - Matt Ridley

In this engaging conversation, Matt Ridley, a British science writer and journalist, dismantles prevailing climate change policies and urges a shift toward innovative energy solutions rather than strict targets. He tackles the controversial lab leak theory of COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of transparency in science. Ridley also critiques gain-of-function research, raising ethical concerns while advocating for improved outbreak responses. With a sharp focus on the complexities of science and climate activism, he offers a fresh perspective on environmental conservation and scientific inquiry.
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50 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 53min

Ideas Having Sex: How Money & Language Evolve Civilization w/ Matt Ridley (WiM574)

Matt Ridley, a renowned science writer and businessman, dives deep into the evolution of ideas and money. He highlights how societal collaboration drives human progress and compares money to a language that facilitates trade and innovation. Ridley explores the idea that trade may precede language, discussing its impact on cultural and genetic evolution. He also connects energy, natural evolution, and technological advancement, illustrating how innovation can spread like wildfire. Lastly, he reflects on the intertwined growth of language, beauty, and societal values throughout history.
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37 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 44min

Ep 133: Matt Ridley on the Fight to Save the UK & How Extraordinary Ideas Evolve

In this insightful discussion, Matt Ridley, a renowned author and former member of the House of Lords, delves into the UK’s troubling economic and cultural turbulence while offering a glimmer of hope for recovery. He criticizes the country's energy policies and political failures post-Brexit. Ridley passionately explores the evolution of ideas, drawing fascinating parallels between bird mating choices and human innovation. He emphasizes the importance of bottom-up creativity over top-down policies, arguing that true progress emerges from the free exchange of ideas.
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32 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 31min

Is New Atheism Losing? | A Conversation with Matt Ridley

In a thought-provoking conversation, science writer Matt Ridley dives deep into evolution, genetics, and societal issues alongside Richard Dawkins. They discuss Ridley's latest insights from 'The Genetic Book of the Dead,' explore the transformative discoveries in DNA, and ponder the beauty of courtship rituals in bowerbirds. The duo also tackles contemporary topics including the interplay of science and ideology, the morality of atheism, and the implications of technological advancements on human identity and evolution. A captivating blend of science and philosophy!
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31 snips
May 21, 2020 • 1h 8min

590 - How to THINK like an Innovator with Matt Ridley

Matt Ridley, a renowned science writer and businessman, dives into the world of innovation. He discusses how to think like an innovator, emphasizing the importance of evidence over credentials. The conversation touches on overcoming biases and the stark differences between scientists and true innovators. Ridley highlights the stagnation in transportation innovation compared to rapid tech advancements and shares insights on Amazon's organizational agility. With examples like the Wright brothers, he explores what traits define successful innovators and the societal shifts that fuel progress.
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30 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 49min

Why Science Lost Its Way

Matt Ridley, a science writer and author known for works like The Rational Optimist and Viral, discusses the politicization of science and its impact on public trust. He critiques the missteps during the COVID-19 pandemic that eroded confidence in experts, while also exploring the waning of climate alarmism and the prospects for innovation in an overregulated landscape. Ridley advocates for transparency in science to rebuild trust and expresses optimism about America's potential technological resurgence, highlighting the benefits of deregulation and advancements in AI and nuclear power.
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29 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 17min

Bird Brains, Bird Sex, and All Kinds of Beauty (with Matt Ridley)

In this enticing discussion, Matt Ridley, a noted author and naturalist, dives into the colorful world of birds and the complex dance of attraction. He explores the tension between natural and sexual selection, revealing how beauty can drive mating even at the cost of survival. Ridley illuminates the historical debate between Darwin and Wallace on aesthetics in evolution, while sharing captivating insights into unique bird behaviors, like the lekking rituals of black grouse. He even connects these concepts to human evolution, suggesting that sexual selection has influenced our own traits.

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