Philip Pullman’s novels are a testament to the power of the human imagination and a celebration of our capacity for wonder, proving to millions of readers across the globe that enchantment still has a profound role to play in our age of reason.It is an ethos shared by the neuroscientist Iain McGilchrist, whose book The Master and His Emissary was that rare thing: a bestselling classic of modern philosophy with genuine relevance to human life.In this podcast, the two men will come together to explore The Matter With Things, McGilchrist’s ground-breaking sequel to The Master and His Emissary and the culmination of a lifetime of thought.How does the brain produce our experience of the world? What role do science, reason, and imagination play in the search for truth – and how much should we trust each of these paths to knowledge? On this week's show you'll hear new answers to these ancient questions - and many more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An interview with author Philip Pullman exploring his childhood, father's death, and literary success. Reflecting on advice for his younger self, he discusses love, regrets, and coping strategies like reading and medication. Delving into early influences, passion for poetry, and rejection of religion, Pullman shares insights on innocence, knowledge, and the journey to self-consciousness.

In this insightful conversation, Philip Pullman, renowned author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, delves into the enchanting world of William Blake, a poet who has captivated him for over sixty years. They explore the dualities in Blake's 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', discuss the transformative power of poetry, and examine Blake's radical views on good, evil, and the human experience. Pullman also shares his admiration for Blake's collaborative life with his wife, Catherine, and reflects on the lasting legacy of Blake's visionary artistry.