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The Reith Lectures

Latest episodes

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Dec 17, 2024 • 58min

Can we change violent minds?

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Gwen Adshead, a forensic psychiatrist, challenges conventional views on violent offenders. She raises crucial questions about the UK's punitive approach versus Norway's rehabilitative model. Dr. Adshead discusses the transformative potential of therapeutic interventions, the role of childhood trauma, and societal attitudes towards violent crime. She emphasizes the need for compassion and community involvement in rehabilitation, advocating for a shift away from revenge-driven policies. A thought-provoking look at justice and healing.
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Dec 10, 2024 • 58min

Does Trauma Cause Violence?

Dr. Gwen Adshead, a forensic psychiatrist with a focus on mental health in prison settings, dives deep into the relationship between childhood trauma and violence. She examines how early victimization can lead to later perpetration, referencing poignant case studies. The discussion reveals the significant psychological effects of childhood experiences on adult behavior, especially within the unique therapeutic atmosphere of Grendon Prison. Adshead also highlights the importance of rehabilitation and self-reflection in breaking the cycle of violence.
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13 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 58min

Aren't they all evil?

Gwen Adshead, a seasoned forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist with nearly 40 years of experience, tackles the complex nature of evil in her talk. She distinguishes between evil and mental illness, suggesting that the capacity for both exists within all of us. Adshead emphasizes the importance of emotional education in preventing violence and discusses the societal implications of labeling individuals as 'evil.' By exploring the roots of rage and the role of faith in rehabilitation, she advocates for compassion and a deeper understanding of violent behavior.
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18 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 58min

Is Violence Normal?

Dr. Gwen Adshead, a forensic psychiatrist with nearly 40 years at renowned institutions like Broadmoor, investigates the complex nature of violence. She ponder whether violence is a natural human trait and explores the deep-rooted links between trauma and aggressive behavior. The discussion delves into the psychological factors that drive individuals to violence and examines the role of restorative justice in healing both victims and offenders. Insights from her therapeutic experiences provide a compassionate perspective on this often misunderstood issue.
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19 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 58min

4. The Future of Prosperity

Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Nuffield College, Oxford University, discusses the challenges of achieving prosperity in a world impacted by climate change and artificial intelligence. He explores the unequal distribution of wealth, the difficulties of implementing climate change policies, the impact of carbon taxes and the challenges of regulating AI. Ansell emphasizes the inseparable nature of prosperity and democracy, addresses the risks of AI in political debates, and discusses electoral systems in the UK and US.
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4 snips
Dec 13, 2023 • 58min

3. The Future of Solidarity

In this podcast, Professor Ben Ansell explores fostering a collective identity in a divided society. He discusses regional disparities and the decline of industries, the importance of solidarity and public services, universal benefits versus means-tested benefits, turning foreign aid commitments into outcomes, the risks of artificial intelligence, English solidarity, and the impact of the European Court of Human Rights on Brexit and fake news threat to solidarity.
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Dec 6, 2023 • 58min

2. The Future of Security

In this podcast, the lecturer explores the complacency of citizens in wealthy countries regarding security threats. He discusses the delicate balance between security and freedom, the relationship between inequality and crime, and challenges to liberal democracy's monopoly on security. The ongoing debate on decrypting messages and the importance of trust and accountability are also addressed.
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45 snips
Dec 1, 2023 • 58min

1. The Future of Democracy

Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Oxford University, discusses the challenges of democracy in the 21st century, including the rise of authoritarianism and the impact of AI. He explores the history and fragility of democracy, as well as the misuse of technology in politics. The pros and cons of the House of Lords are also discussed, along with the future of democracy in relation to capitalism and inequality. The concept of lowering the voting age and granting votes to future generations is explored as well.
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Dec 21, 2022 • 1h 2min

4. Freedom from Fear

In the last in a series of four lectures examining what freedom means, the foreign affairs and intelligence expert Dr Fiona Hill gives her BBC Reith Lecture on Freedom from Fear. Dr Hill is one of the world’s leading experts on Russia, and served as director for European and Russian affairs on President Trump’s National Security Council, and in senior intelligence roles for both Presidents Bush and Obama. She will talk about the fear she felt growing up as teenager in the Cold War and living with the threat of nuclear war. Then, she says, the culture of fear was about the Soviet Union, a largely unknown enemy. 40 years later, have we come full circle? She also analyses Russia's war in Ukraine, and what it means for the world. The programme and question-and-answer session is recorded at Johns Hopkins University in Washington DC in front of an audience. The presenter is Anita Anand.The year's series was inspired by President Franklin D Roosevelt's four freedoms speech of 1941 and asks what this terrain means now. It features four different lecturers: Freedom of Speech by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Freedom to Worship by Rowan Williams Freedom from Want by Darren McGarvey Freedom from Fear by Fiona HillProducer: Jim Frank Sound Engineers: Rod Farquhar and Neil Churchill Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Editor: Hugh Levinson
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Dec 14, 2022 • 1h 14min

3. Freedom from Want

Darren McGarvey discusses poverty and activism in Glassgoed, highlighting the responsibility of society in creating a fairer society. He emphasizes the importance of individuals taking action and explores the appropriation of personal responsibility by political ideologies. The speaker reflects on the care system and the need for dialogue, and emphasizes the importance of hope and urging politicians to broaden their perspectives.

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