
AKC Podcast
Welcome to the AKC podcast!
The Associateship of King’s College (AKC) is the original award of King's College London, dating back to its foundation in 1829 and reflecting its first motto: ‘sancte et sapienter’ (with holiness and wisdom). AKC lectures enrich and broaden the academic curriculum at King’s in a unique way.
All AKC lectures are delivered from the perspective of the academic delivering them and do not represent an official position of King’s College London.
Latest episodes

Mar 4, 2024 • 41min
S10 E06: Annam Brahma: Hindu Theology of Eating
The podcast delves into Hindu theology of eating, exploring rituals, spirituality, and the significance of food consumption. It discusses the interconnectedness of bodily functions, the purification processes, and the avoidance of impure food based on Hindu beliefs. The exploration of fasting, symbolism in eating, and resource consumption in Hindu theology adds depth to the discussion.

Feb 19, 2024 • 42min
S10 E05: Isolated or Co-responsible? Perfected Souls in Jainism
Delving into Jain philosophy, the podcast explores the concept of souls and karma in Jainism. It discusses transformative experiences and ascetic practices, the evolution of Jainist practices, and the interconnected functions in contemporary Jainism. Additionally, it touches on Jainist principles, environmentalism, and ethical living, emphasizing solidarity and equality towards all living beings.

Feb 12, 2024 • 33min
S10 E04: Between Past and Future: Muslim Political Philosophy in Colonial India
Explore Muslim political philosophy in colonial India through poetry, literature, and art. Examine complex perspectives on the Mughals and their political past. Uncover the relevance and critique of an ancient book. Discover the impact of a poem on historian Saita Madkhan and the consequences of excluding it. Delve into Iqbal's radical philosophy of time and his exploration of serial and pure time.

Feb 5, 2024 • 47min
S10 E03: Hindu Worldviews: Theories of Self, Ritual and Reality
Dr Jessica Frazier discusses the concept of Self in ancient Hindu philosophy and yogic texts, exploring self construction, control systems, nature of self and emotions in Hindu worldviews, emotional life, dynamics and mechanics of self making, and the significance of self-improvement and practicing in Indian life.

Jan 29, 2024 • 37min
S10 E02: The Self-Other Dialectic in the Religious Poetry of Rabindranath Tagore
The podcast explores Rabindranath Tagore's religious writings and his incorporation of pre-modern Hindu worldviews. It discusses Tagore's exploration of Hindu cosmology, his views on unity and interconnectedness, and his emphasis on a unified and cosmopolitan India. The podcast also delves into Tagore's perspective on the self-other dialectic in religious poetry and the importance of harmony and love in achieving human freedom.

Jan 22, 2024 • 44min
S10 E01: The Gendered Self in a Masculinist World: the Mahābhārata
Professor Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad explores the balance between spiritual pursuits and royal duties in ancient Indian traditions. The podcast delves into the complex relationship between being in the world and withdrawing from it, highlights the importance of considering gender in the conversation, and examines scenes from the Mahābhārata that challenge concepts of spiritual freedom and material power.

Dec 11, 2023 • 27min
S09 E09: Universities in Our Contemporary Society
Professor Shitij Kapur considers the role of the university in facilitating free speech and fostering respect in contemporary society

Dec 4, 2023 • 40min
S09 E08: Are We Too Easily Offended Nowadays?
Professor Linda Woodhead discusses generational differences in dealing with offence and emotion

Nov 27, 2023 • 34min
S09 E07: Too Important to Be Offended—the Doctor Has to Ask
Dr Shunagyu LI discusses offence and the medical profession

Nov 20, 2023 • 39min
S09 E06: Visualising Africa: The Offence of Misrepresentation
Dr Edward Ademolu discusses the misrepresentation of Africa in charity campaign images