Life and Art from FT Weekend

Join Harriet Fitch Little, the Financial Times' food and drink editor, and Alice Lascelles, FT contributor and author of a new martini guide, as they explore the enigmatic world of this iconic cocktail. They dive into the shaken versus stirred debate, revealing secrets to crafting speakeasy-quality martinis at home. Harriet shares her martini insecurities, while Alice discusses the cultural resurgence of this classic drink. Plus, learn about the intriguing Lebanese doo-doo shot and get a sneak peek into unique martini recipes from Alice's upcoming book.

Leila Abboud, the Paris bureau chief reporting on the Olympics, teams up with Sara Germano, a US sports business correspondent, to dive into the buzz around the Paris Games. They unpack the mixed reactions to the opening ceremony, exploring themes of sustainability and identity. The conversation also highlights the return of Simone Biles and the fresh energy of events like breaking, aimed at engaging younger audiences. With insights into the evolving landscape of the Olympics, they discuss what makes these Games so culturally significant.

Shahnaz Habib, an author and global nomad, dives into the essence of travel versus tourism. She questions societal norms that dictate the 'right' way to travel and encourages listeners to reflect on their motivations. Habib emphasizes the importance of embracing local cultures rather than rushing through tourist traps. She also suggests that 'internal travel' within familiar environments can be just as enriching. Ultimately, she advocates for a mindset of wonder and humility, transforming travel into a meaningful experience rather than a mere checklist.

Bestselling author Sarah J Maas discusses the 'romantasy' genre, her series A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the appeal of fantasy romance. The podcast explores the evolution of romance book covers, the portrayal of alpha male characters in novels, and desires for cultural shifts towards more uplifting content.

Bestselling author Anne Lamott shares insights on creativity, love, grief, and aging in her latest book 'Somehow'. She emphasizes taking small steps, authenticity, and vulnerability for personal growth. Lamott reflects on writing, sobriety, faith, parenting, addiction, and the transformative power of love.

Rashida Jones stars in 'Sunny', a robot-comedy series exploring our relationship with tech. Guests discuss AI themes, cultural influences, and the lack of cutting-edge discussions in current TV shows. They touch on reality TV, algorithm frustrations, and the evolving landscape of entertainment.

Men's fashion experts Robert Armstrong and Eric Platt discuss the rise of skimpier and more queer styles in menswear, exploring the influence of social media, changing gender norms, and increasing comfort in self-expression through fashion. They also touch on the societal pressure for men to enhance their appearance, the impact of body ideals, and the evolving standards men face in society.

Music writer Arwa Haider and US media correspondent Anna Nicolaou chat about the rise of 'Pop Girl Summer', discussing artists like Chappell Roan and Charli XCX. They explore how female singers are dominating the music scene with rebellious and body-positive themes. The conversation also touches on the evolution of pop stars in the digital age and the influence of artists like Taylor Swift.

Molly Roden Winter shares her 10-year journey in open marriage in her memoir, discussing polyamory's lessons for monogamous couples. Topics include personal growth, challenging binary thinking in relationships, managing time in polyamory, and exploring female connections.

Food and drink editor Harriet Fitch Little and restaurant critic Tim Hayward discuss the new season of 'The Bear', analyzing its portrayal of the restaurant world and culinary goals. They delve into the challenges faced by the characters, the appeal of chefs, and explore the show's impact on viewers. The hosts also share book recommendations for summer reading and reflect on the allure of successful restaurant-themed screenplays.