Zoe Strimpel explains why she's decided to lean in to social media, and not worry about how much time she spends scrolling.Despite ongoing concerns about its impact on our brains, Zoe says she's personally found the algorithm benign, offering her endless information about food and cooking."I have come to the conclusion that for a grown woman with many cares, it's mostly beneficial, interesting, soothing and yes, also sometimes even useful"Producer: Sheila Cook Sound: Peter Bosher Production Co-ordinator: Liam Morrey Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

In this engaging discussion, acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo sheds light on the widening gap between urban and rural communities in the UK. He passionately argues that family farms, vital to England's identity, are under severe threat. Reflecting on World War II, he emphasizes the importance of food security, cautioning against complacency. The insights into the ongoing struggles of farmers against industrial agriculture and the need for societal appreciation for rural life are both poignant and urgent.

Tom Shakespeare, a leading writer known for exploring dramatized history, discusses the hazards of blending fact with fiction. He reflects on how films like 'Braveheart' influence public perception of historical events. The conversation emphasizes the need for truth in storytelling, especially when faced with misinformation. Shakespeare admits to his own role in reshaping narratives and highlights the consequences of distorted history on our understanding of reality. It's a thought-provoking take on the importance of accuracy in the stories we tell.

Sara Wheeler, a noted writer and archives enthusiast, shares her passion for exploring Britain's personal archives, from a famous author's correspondence to relics from the Battle of Waterloo. She highlights the emotional connections these archives foster and the unique insights they provide into history. However, Sara expresses concern over budget cuts threatening smaller archives, stressing the urgent need to protect historical records from wars and digital erasure. Her reflections bring to light the irreplaceable value of preserving our past.

Rebecca Stott, an author and scholar, explores the fascinating connection between migration and the lives of Canada geese. She reflects on Aristotle’s insights into bird migration, drawing parallels to human migration and progress. Stott also discusses the challenges young storks face while migrating independently and transitions into a conversation about the ethics of artificial intelligence in modern life. Her reflections encourage a deeper understanding of migration's significance, both in nature and society.

In this engaging conversation, AL Kennedy, a leading writer known for her exploration of identity and the human condition, tackles the concept of 'overwhelm.' She investigates its historical roots and why it's resurfacing today. Kennedy offers insights on navigating emotional turmoil through self-care and community connection. The discussion takes a darker turn as she uncovers the troubling dynamics within the wellness industry, juxtaposing the search for tranquility with modern exploitation. A thought-provoking journey through chaos and recovery!

Remember the days, Howard Jacobson implores us, when we got on fine with 'very'? Today, Howard argues, 'very’ is not ‘very’ enough for the times we live in.' In its place, 'incredible' and other supersized words, spreading 'verbal chaos.' Howard reflects on the dangers of over-inflated language, 'where words prance about without their clothes, shouting obscenities.'Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

As Donald Trump prepares to re-enter the White House, Mark Damazer reflects on America's leadership in the world. Eavesdropping on a focus group recently, Mark tells us that the country's leadership was seen as 'a burden and a luxury - and a luxury they wanted to do without.' 'There was a time when large chunks of the world were grateful for American involvement...but gratitude is now more thinly expressed', he says. 'And Donald Trump well understands that.'In this new world order, Mark argues, 'we have our work cut out to find a response.' Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Liam Morrey Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

In deepest, darkest January, Adam Gopnik muses on light and dark. Adam reminds us that - from the natural world of the ghost moth to the politics of today's America - although we live in a 'gloomy moment' we can 'adjust our eyes to the gloom.''Every little bit of light we make,' writes Adam, 'in every decent thing we do and every indecency we refuse to accept, illuminates some small corner of our universe. Even at night, after all, we still see light. The stars shine, too.' Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Sara Wheeler explains why every week for several decades - despite knowing nothing about art - she has called in to London’s National Gallery to look at the same two paintings. 'This habit of mine,' writes Sara, 'started by accident when I moved to London forty years ago' when she first set eyes on Botticelli's 'Portrait of a Young Man' and van Eyck's 'Portrait of a Man.' 'I have come to realise,' says Sara, the extraordinary power of 'familiarity, close contact and regular attention'. Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith