Ways to Change the World with Krishnan Guru-Murthy

Ella Al-Shamahi grew up as a Muslim creationist, part of a ‘tribe’ that believes that humankind was created whole by a higher power. At university, she enrolled in courses that studied evolution, specifically to prove her professors wrong - but the plan backfired when she became fascinated by evolutionary biology and came to the conclusion that Darwin was, in fact, right all along. Now an accomplished paleoanthropologist, she explores the complex journey of human evolution and the origins of Homo sapiens. In this episode of Ways to Change the World, Ella joins Krishnan Guru-Murthy to discuss her remarkable personal transformation from creationism to science. She also explains why she believes humans haven’t fully evolved to meet the demands of the modern world, and shares her unwavering faith in humanity’s resilience and potential.

Sami Tamimi is one of the brains behind the hugely successful and influential Ottolenghi restaurants, which he launched with his friend and long-time collaborator Yotam Ottolenghi. The pair co-wrote the bestselling cookbook Jerusalem - and more recently, Sami has written Falastin and Boustany, a powerful celebration of Palestinian food and culture. He says that in Palestine, “food is political”, and never more so than right now.

Morgan McMonagle is an Irish trauma and vascular surgeon who has been to the heart of some of the world’s most harrowing conflicts. Twice, he has traveled to Gaza, working in hospitals under constant bombardment since the conflict began.What he witnessed goes beyond medicine — it raises questions about humanity, the moral cost of war, and the toll it takes not just on the bereaved and wounded, but on those trying to save them as well.

Michael Gove, now Lord Gove of Torry in the City of Aberdeen, was a cabinet minister under David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak. He ran to be leader of the Conservatives twice, famously killed off Boris Johnson's first tilt at the top job but backed him on Brexit, spectacularly falling out with David Cameron in the process in a drama portrayed in sometimes excruciating detail in a book by his ex-wife Sarah Vine. He has now gone back to his first trade of journalism as editor of the Spectator magazine.

Jacinda Ardern is arguably the most globally famous and lauded New Zealand Prime Minister of modern times. Her international profile began with her being the world's youngest head of government at thirty seven, who within months had a baby and took it all in her stride. But it was her response to the horrific terrorist attack on mosques in Christchurch that gave her hero status amongst progressives around the world - embracing the muslim community in New Zealand and passing strict gun laws in response. Her six years as prime minister also meant dealing with the covid pandemic, and the fury and conspiracy theories around lockdowns and vaccines that came with it - many of which targeted her personally. And then in January 2023 - as suddenly as she had arrived on the global stage, she stood down. Her book, A Different Kind of Power, is perhaps the most sensitive and candid account of a leader you could ask for, framed around her desire to be remembered for her kindness. 

Whilst life expectancy is declining in the UK and America and other high-income countries, some tech billionaires have become obsessed with life longevity - but which factors really impact how long we live and when we die? Public health expert Devi Sridhar speaks to Krishnan Guru-Murthy on Ways to Change the World about the launch of her new book 'How not to die (Too Soon). She explains how changing our public health policy could improve life expectancy, what the UK can learn from other countries when it comes to health, and what her own cancer diagnosis taught her about the state of the NHS’ waiting list times.

Once described as the 'comedian's comedian' Stewart Lee has been performing stand up since 1988. He is known for pushing boundaries with his intelligent, self-referential and often provocative style of comedy but in his new show 'Stewart Lee vs the Man Wulf' he questions his place on the comedy circuit in an era of increasing populism rhetoric and the popularity of, in his words “$60m Netflix comedians of hate.” In this episode of Ways to Change the World with Krishnan Guru-Murthy he discusses the state of comedy today and what he thinks of the comedy style of comics like Ricky Gervais and Dave Chappelle as well as why he wouldn't tour America right now. As The Observer, the world's oldest Sunday newspaper begins a new era under Tortoise media he also reflects on his column for the paper which he's stopped after 15 years. Produced by Holly Snelling and Sachin Croker

Newly appointed National Theatre Director Indhu Rubasingham becomes the first woman and person of colour to lead the theatre in it's 60 year history. She sat down with Krishnan Guru-Murthy to discuss art, diversity and censorship and taking on her 'dream job.'  Produced by Holly Snelling and Vik Patel.

Joanna Moncrieff is a British psychiatrist, author and researcher who is a prominent and controversial voice in the research of depression. Her 2002 study ‘The Serotonin Theory of Depression: A Systematic Umbrella Review of the Evidence’ concluded that there was no link between serotonin and depression, debunking the mainstream medical belief in antidepressants. Moncrieff, whose research has drawn criticism from ‘Big pharma’ and support from fringe figures on the right, speaks to Krishnan Guru-Murthy in the latest episode of Ways to Change the World. Produced by Silvia Maresca, Ka Yee Mak and Tom Gordon-Martin.  

Pia Sinha worked in prisons for 24 years before being appointed CEO of the charity Prison Reform Trust and she describes herself as a "ridiculously optimistic" person, who believes the prisons can be made to work properly. Sinha started her career in prison as a psychologist and went on to work in female, male prisons and institutions for young offenders. She was the governor at three prisons and later was responsible for all the women’s prisons in the country. Sinha, who believes many of the prisoners in the UK should not be behind bars, speaks to Krishnan Guru-Murthy in the latest episode of Ways to Change the World. Produced by Silvia Maresca, Ka Yee Mak and Tom Gordon-Martin.