Life and Art from FT Weekend

Elyanna, a trailblazing Palestinian-Chilean singer, shines alongside fellow artists Wegz, Marwan Pablo, Saint Levant, and the iconic Nancy Ajram as they discuss the surge of Arabic pop music into the global mainstream. They explore how contemporary sounds blend with traditional influences, emphasizing cultural identity and political expression in their art. With performances at major platforms like Coachella, these artists are redefining the music landscape, captivating audiences while challenging stereotypes. Discover why this vibrant genre is resonating worldwide!

Join Jeff Goldblum, Eddie Izzard, and Billie Piper as they delve into Netflix's 'Kaos,' where Greek myths meet modern hilarity. Goldblum plays Zeus, navigating the chaos of ruling from his lavish Olympus mansion. The trio explores why these ancient tales remain captivating, dissecting the balance of humor and tragedy in adaptations. Izzard and Piper add their unique comedic perspectives, critiquing the show’s storytelling and discussing the emotional weight of legendary myths in contemporary media.

Lauren Indvik, the Financial Times' fashion editor and sustainability advocate, shares her unique challenge of buying only five new clothing items a year. She discusses the emotional ups and downs of adhering to this pledge amid societal pressures and life changes. Indvik emphasizes the urgent link between consumer habits and the climate crisis, offering practical tips for embracing secondhand fashion. She reveals valuable platforms for sustainable shopping while encouraging listeners to rethink their own consumption habits.

Adrienne Klasa, The FT’s Paris reporter on luxury and media, brings her unique perspective to the conversation about 'Emily in Paris'. They dig into why millions continue to love-hate this sitcom, exploring its clichéd portrayal of Parisian life. The discussion shifts to comfort television and our emotional connections to it, even amid critiques of its shallow storytelling. They also reflect on passive media consumption and its implications, concluding with a playful critique of contemporary literary trends and the nostalgia for original storytelling.

Gareth Johnson, director of the acclaimed true crime series 'The Body Next Door', sheds light on the ethical storytelling that centers victims' experiences. He delves into the shocking discovery of an unidentified body in a Welsh garden, unraveling the complexities of familial drama. Gareth and guest host Jo Ellison discuss the portrayal of controversial women in true crime and the balance between sensationalism and authenticity. Their conversation explores the deeper emotional connections that define true crime narratives, advocating for responsible storytelling.

Join Cailee Spaeny, the star of 'Alien: Romulus,' who bravely navigates an abandoned spacecraft, along with FT Weekend's senior editor Horatia Harrod and political columnist Stephen Bush. They dive into the latest installment of the iconic sci-fi franchise, debating its connection to the original series and its shortcomings in character development. The conversation also touches on Disney's influence on creative cinema and the importance of quality children’s programming, highlighting the struggle for genuine storytelling in film and music.

Derek Guy, known as 'the menswear guy' on social media, offers style guidance to men while running his blog, Die, Workwear! He delves into how social media shapes menswear conversations and reflects on clothing's role in identity and culture. Derek emphasizes the importance of versatile wardrobe staples like tailored suits and blue jeans, and critiques the least stylish footwear. He also discusses blending various aesthetics to craft personal style, urging a deeper connection with fashion beyond fast trends.

Lulu Smyth, a guest host passionate about modern dating and reality TV, joins Louis Wise, deputy editor of HTSI, to dissect the intriguing dynamics of 'Love is Blind: UK.' They explore the show's concept of blind dating, revealing its emotional highs and psychological challenges. The duo also contrasts the superficiality of dating apps with the deeper connections sought in reality TV. Their lively discussion touches on cultural experiences worth exploring and the impact of these shows on daily life, blending humor with critical insights into contemporary romance.

Marc Filippino, a guest host and FT associate editor, dives into the ethical dilemmas surrounding the display of mummies and shrunken heads in museums. He and Stephen Bush discuss the importance of consent and ownership, arguing that artifacts taken ethically deserve to be showcased. They explore the value these grotesque items bring to museum experiences, sparking curiosity and confronting mortality. The conversation also highlights London's diverse museum landscape, emphasizing the need for deeper cultural respect in curation and viewer engagement.

Shilpa Uskokovic, a senior test kitchen editor, joins host Chris Morocco to dive into the world of summer cooking. They discuss the overrated and under-celebrated produce of the season, sharing humorous takes on cucumbers and zucchini. Listeners learn about inventive dishes like a chicken and basil stir fry and the surprising 'iced onion sandwich.' The duo also tackles questions about using jaggery in recipes, offers tips for juicy chicken marinades, and emphasizes the joy of experimenting with flavors and textures in summer meals.