Will Hodgkinson

Leila Molana-Allen, Monocle's Middle East correspondent, delves into the volatile situation in the West Bank and the complexities of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. Jayap S. Quack shares insights on South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial impeachment trial, while Bill Browder discusses the tension in US-Russia relations and sanctions. Virologist Dr. Chris Smith examines the surprising return of measles in the US, and music critic Will Hodgkinson updates listeners on Kate Bush's new album and the growing influence of AI in the music industry.

Will Hodgkinson, the Chief rock and pop critic for The Times, shares poignant insights on the tragic loss of Liam Payne at just 31. He discusses the intense pressures of fame that Payne faced, from his dazzling rise with One Direction to his personal struggles as a solo artist. Hodgkinson highlights the emotional toll of celebrity life and the hidden battles that many artists endure. The conversation also reflects on the music industry's role in supporting young talent and the critical need for empathy in the face of such profound loss.