
RSA Conversations
The latest thinking from the world’s leading voices on topics ranging from education, design and creativity, to politics, philosophy and economics. Fresh ideas for better futures from the RSA.
Latest episodes

Nov 16, 2021 • 34min
What next for Hong Kong?
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Nathan Law became Hong Kong's youngest ever lawmaker in 2016 but was later deposed through the intervention of the Chinese Communist Party. He has since been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and was named as one of the People of 2020 in both the Observer and TIME magazine. His new book is Freedom: how we lose it, and how we fight back. A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.

Nov 2, 2021 • 40min
When did you last change your mind?
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Alison Goldsworthy has spent over 20 years active in politics and campaigning. A former Deputy Chair of the Liberal Democrats, Ali has written for the Telegraph, Independent, New Statesman and Financial Times.Laura Osborne is a professional communicator and change maker, with a background in public affairs and government communications. Currently Communications Director and a spokesperson at London First, the voice of London’s largest businessesAlex Chesterfield is a behavioural scientist. She currently works in financial services, leading a team of psychologists to encourage consumers to make better decisions and drive ethical business cultures.Alison, Laura and Alex are joint authors of Poles Apart: Why People Turn Against Each Other, and How to Bring Them Together.A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.

Oct 19, 2021 • 35min
Can we keep up with rapid technological change?
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Azeem Azhar is an innovator, public intellectual and author of Exponential: How Accelerating Technology Is Leaving Us Behind and What to Do About It. A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.

Oct 5, 2021 • 36min
How do you play the status game?
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Will Storr is the author of five books, including the novel The Hunger and The Howling of Killian Lone. His latest book is The Status Game. A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.

Sep 21, 2021 • 38min
In defence of meritocracy
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Adrian Wooldridge is the political editor at The Economist and author of The Aristocracy of Talent. A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.

Sep 7, 2021 • 39min
Paul Mason on how to resist the far right
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Paul Mason is a journalist, broadcaster and activist. His latest book is How to Stop Fascism. A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.

Aug 24, 2021 • 32min
Lionel Shriver on ageing and dying with dignity
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Lionel Shriver is the author of seventeen novels including We Need To Talk About Kevin. Her latest is Should We Stay or Should We Go. A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.

Aug 10, 2021 • 32min
What's it like to be young, black and British in the 21st century?
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Otegha Uwagba is a writer, speaker, and consultant. Author of three best-selling books, her latest is We Need to Talk About Money.A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.

Jul 27, 2021 • 36min
What the natural world can teach us about collaboration
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Nichola Raihani is a Professor of Evolution and Behaviour at UCL. Her latest book is The Social Instinct: How Cooperation Shaped the World. A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.

Jul 13, 2021 • 31min
Sebastian Junger on Freedom
Global crises cause big changes and reveal deep structural weaknesses. In this lively interview series from the RSA, Matthew Taylor, puts a range of practitioners on the spot - from scholars to business leaders, politicians to journalists - by asking for big ideas to help build effective bridges to our new future.Sebastian Junger is an author, journalist and documentary filmmaker. His latest book is Freedom. A Tempo & Talker production for the RSA. In this time of global change, strong communities and initiatives that bring people together are more invaluable than ever before. The RSA Fellowship is a global network of problem solvers. We invite you to join our community today to stay connected, inspired and motivated in the months ahead. You can learn more about the Fellowship or start an application by clicking here.
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