Sam Freedman, an expert in UK politics, joins to discuss the challenges facing the next government in the UK. From healthcare waiting lists to infrastructure issues, the dysfunction of the British state is explored. They also talk about the role of local government, need for economic devolution, and the impact of 'Treasury brain' on decision-making.

Climate policy experts Ann Pettifor and environmental advocate Adrienne Buller discuss the absence of climate action in the UK election campaign. They analyze the Labour Party's shift on the Green New Deal, the Conservatives' abandonment of climate commitments, and the need for political leadership on environmental policy. The conversation delves into challenges in implementing effective climate policies, considerations in Labour's climate policy, and the role of international cooperation in addressing the climate crisis.

Historian Erin Maglaque discusses the unique features of the Venetian Ghetto, Jewish life in Venice, and the balance of toleration and discrimination. The conversation explores the impact of religious intolerance, the decline of Venice's power, and the historical characters of the ghetto. Historical parallels are drawn to current events, emphasizing the cyclical nature of Jewish history.

Lawrence Hogben, a New Zealand-born meteorologist and Royal Navy officer, discusses the collaborative efforts of various forecasters in predicting the crucial weather conditions for D-Day. The podcast explores the challenges faced by meteorologists, the conflicting forecasts that almost led to a wrong decision, and the contrasting approaches to weather forecasting between the Allies and German generals during World War II.

Edmund Gordon, an expert on J.G. Ballard, discusses the writer's contradictions and conservative avant-garde blend. They explore Ballard's fiction goals, 'Ballardian' Empire of the Sun, and surrealism's impact on his work.

Photographer Marilyn Nance discusses Festac '77, a global celebration of Black and African art. The podcast delves into the history, political agendas, cultural complexities, and identity shifts surrounding the festival. Topics include Fela Kuti's bold actions, Chimerenga Magazine's portrayal, and the legacy of Festac '77 in Nigeria.

Writer and activist Rebecca Solnit discusses the disappearing city of San Francisco due to the influence of tech firms from Silicon Valley. Topics include the impact of driverless cars on urban streets, corporate automation affecting human interaction, the tech boom's consequences on San Francisco's culture, surveillance and privacy concerns in the digital age, and the plans of wealthy elites to develop a new city near the Bay Area.

Sophie Smith, a writer and researcher on women's contributions to Western philosophy, discusses the cycle of forgetting women philosophers throughout history. They highlight biases in historical narratives, manipulation of philosophical texts, barriers faced by women in philosophy, and the importance of recognizing overlooked female thinkers.

Historical expert Tom Crewe discusses the last men hanged in England for sodomy in the 1830s, revealing Londoners' ambivalence towards 'unnatural crimes'. He explores how crimes were euphemistically spoken of, the reluctance to talk about certain topics, and the surprising societal perceptions of that time.

Cultural theorist Terry Eagleton examines the history of culture - power, ethics, critique, and ideology. Topics include the evolution of culture and labor, Marxism's role in capitalism, autonomy in media, and the complexities of culture and ideology.