In this discussion, Emily Wilson, a renowned Classicist and translator known for her work on Homer's Odyssey, dives deep into the life of Marcus Aurelius. She explores his philosophical insights in 'The Meditations,' highlighting themes of humility, the struggles of leadership, and the transient nature of life. Wilson sheds light on Aurelius's intimate correspondence with his mentor, and how Stoicism offers emotional resilience amid personal challenges. They also discuss the ironic appeal of Stoicism in today’s society, particularly among those detached from real struggles.

Wynne Godley delves into his evocative sessions with Masud Khan, a troubled yet charismatic figure in British psychoanalysis. The podcast explores Godley's emotional struggles and the impact of his chaotic childhood, highlighting themes of worthlessness and isolation. It paints a vivid image of familial challenges, including a father's alcoholism. The narrative also critiques the ethical dilemmas of psychoanalysis, questioning the responsibilities of professionals when personal flaws intersect with care. This journey intertwines personal growth and the search for genuine emotional support.

Ghassan Abu-Sittah, Rector of Glasgow University and Gaza expert, and journalist Muhammad Shehada, known for his insightful writings on Al Jazeera, delve into the harrowing realities of life in Gaza before the recent conflict. They discuss the dire living conditions, including malnutrition and trauma from generational violence. The duo highlights the resilience of Gazans amid isolation and poverty, the targeting of healthcare workers, and the historical roots of the conflict. Their reflections reveal the complexities of Palestinian identity and the urgent need for global awareness and support.

Jessica Olin, a writer for the London Review of Books, joins to explore the captivating life of Lisa Marie Presley. They discuss her struggle with fame, shaped by her family's legacy and public scrutiny. Jessica highlights the complex dynamics with her father, Elvis, and her poignant memories from Graceland. The conversation dives into Lisa's famous relationships, including her marriage to Nicolas Cage, and how her music career intertwined with personal challenges. Ultimately, Lisa Marie emerges as a resilient figure beyond mere tabloid headlines.

William Davies, a sociologist and political economist from Goldsmiths University, dives into the UK’s economic challenges with host Tom. They discuss Labour's substantial tax increases and whether these measures can effectively stabilize public finances. The conversation tackles the tension between technocratic governance and populist pressures, the housing crisis amid rising inequality, and Labour's strategic outreach to financial giants like BlackRock. Davies questions if long-term economic plans will resonate with everyday voters facing immediate issues.

James Meek, a contributing editor at the LRB known for his extensive reporting from Ukraine, shares grim insights from his recent trip to Kharkiv and Kupiansk. He reveals the fear gripping residents facing daily bombardments and the harsh demands of military recruitment. The conversation delves into the complexities of Ukraine's military strategy and potential shifts in U.S. policy with a changing political landscape. They also discuss the implications of long-range missile usage and the evolving Ukrainian national identity amidst the conflict.

Adam Shatz is joined by Jamelle Bouie and Deborah Friedell to pick through the results and implications of Trump’s victory. The US has a booming economy of high wages and nearly full employment, yet economic discontent, particularly around inflation, has been one of the more popular explanations for the election result. As well as considering the importance of inflation, Jamelle and Deborah look at what went wrong with the Harris campaign’s big bet on abortion rights, why Republican-voting women say they feel safer under Trump and why the Democrats’ insistence that democracy was on the ballot failed to resonate with many voters.Read Adam Tooze on the Democrats' defeat in the LRB:https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n22/adam-tooze/the-democrats-defeatRead Deborah Friedell on J.D. Vancehttps://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n20/deborah-friedell/short-cutsAudio Gifts from the LRB: https://lrb.me/audiogifts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lorraine Daston, Director Emerita at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, dives into the legacy of Gregor Mendel and the debates surrounding genetic determinism. She contrasts Mendel’s work with the theories of Bateson and Weldon, illuminating how personal biases influenced scientific acceptance. The discussion highlights misconceptions in genetics, challenges to inherited traits, and the historical neglect of women's contributions. Daston urges a nuanced understanding of these ongoing scientific controversies and their cultural implications.

Tom Johnson, a medieval historian at Oxford, dives into the evolution of numeracy in Early Modern England. He discusses the shift from Roman to Arabic numerals, revolutionizing mathematical understanding and education. The chat highlights the cultural implications of this transition, revealing how arithmetic evolved from a tradesman's skill to an esteemed academic discipline. They also explore the role of population data in governance, connecting historical practices with modern data politics. A fascinating look at how numbers transformed society!

In this engaging discussion, Jeremy Harding, a contributing editor at the LRB and author of compelling works on migration and memoir, delves into the life and legacy of Binyavanga Wainaina. They explore Wainaina's iconic essay ‘How to Write About Africa,’ critiquing stereotypes in Western media. The conversation touches on humor in hardship, his poignant experiences reporting from South Sudan, and reflections on coming out to his parents. Harding also highlights a memorable interview with Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour, blending wit and insight into African narratives.