Tiffany Jenkins

In this engaging conversation, Tiffany Jenkins, author of Strangers and Intimates, dives into the shifting norms of privacy and public life. She explores how figures like Martin Luther and John Stuart Mill influenced our understanding of individual freedom and personal expression. The discussion highlights our paradoxical relationship with sharing online, the complexities of intimacy in a transparent world, and the impact of reality TV on privacy. Jenkins expertly reflects on the need for both public engagement and personal space in today's connected society.

Tiffany Jenkins, a writer and cultural historian known for her book "Strangers and Intimates," dives into the blurred lines between public and private life. She discusses the rigid separations in ancient Athens and how figures like Diogenes challenged societal norms. Jenkins explores the evolving roles of women in the public sphere, the transformation of intimacy in the 18th century, and how Georgian homes reflected new privacy concepts. She also addresses the community's enforcement of morality and the growing value placed on personal privacy over time.

Cultural historian Tiffany Jenkins explores the evolution of privacy from Ancient Athens to today, arguing that understanding its history is key to protecting it in our tech-driven world. Novelist Geoff Dyer shares nostalgic anecdotes from his working-class childhood, reflecting on the formative impact of the 11-plus exam. Journalist Lanre Bakare highlights untold stories of Black Britain, emphasizing the need for broader representation in national narratives. Together, they dive into the interplay of personal and public life, touching on historical, cultural, and social dynamics.