John Gray assesses what's going wrong for liberals in the US election. 'It's not chiefly Joe Biden's alleged faltering mental powers that lie behind Trump's march to the White House', John writes. 'Far more, it's the evident inability of American liberals to learn from their mistakes.'And he believes they are displaying a 'reckless hubris' for which they risk being severely punished come November. Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Liam Morrey Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Adam Gopnik warns of our tendency to normalise evil behaviour. What may pass for entertainment in Mafia movies, must be seen through a different lens in real life. "The risk of crime is not crime alone, but the abyss that opens at our feet when once we have decided that the rules that count for other people don't count for us." Producer: Sheila Cook Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Liam Morrey Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Will Self believes we are reaching a state of 'peak envy'. 'Is it any surprise,' Will writes, 'that in this, arguably the second century of self, when for the most part humans see nothing around them but images of those better off than themselves, envy should be quite so epidemic: a greenish toxin - the very mustard gas of modernity.'Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Exploring the power of martyrdom past and present, reflecting on the legacy of figures like Alexei Navalny. Delving into the parallels between religious martyrs and political activists, challenging oppression. Analyzing the impact of martyrdom on history and society, inspiring future movements and societal change. Reflecting on Navalny's defiance towards Putin's regime and the upcoming election push.

Following a recent incident in a London theatre where, it appears, Jewish Israelis were targeted by a comedian because they wouldn't stand for a Palestinian flag, Howard Jacobson reflects on the power of mockery and the liberation of laughter. 'Do the best comedians truly turn the world upside down', Howard asks, 'or do they merely strap us into a fairground roller-coaster so that we can feign fear and scream in unison?' He argues that the norms of outrage have been jettisoned in the reaction to events in Israel on October 7. 'Once the world is turned upside down,' he writes, 'humanity and justice fall like loose change from our pockets.' Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Liam Morrey Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Rebecca Stott says the idea of 'going down a rabbit hole' is often characterised as a bad thing - here, she makes the case for what's to be gained."These days we invariably use the phrase 'down the rabbit hole' to describe a negative experience...where people get lost, then become overwhelmed, ensnare themselves in conspiracy theories and can't get back out," she says. "But I don't believe rabbit holes are bad in themselves. If we avoid them altogether we lose the chance to experience their joy and excitement." She recalls her own experience of discovery - and tells the story of how Charles Darwin once spent eight years distracted by barnacles. Producer: Sheila Cook Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Liam Morrey Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Tom Shakespeare reflects on the 'endangered skill of handwriting.''The most ambitious thing I author,' writes Tom, 'is the shopping list on my fridge. And several times a week I scrawl with my index finger when something is delivered'.His handwriting, he says, has gone to pot. He knows he's not alone. So he resolves to put that right and get more practice.Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Exploring the value of rituals in human experience, the podcast discusses the significance of using natural colorants and highlights ritual practices of hunter-gatherers. It explores different rituals from harvest renewal ceremonies to personal rituals developed by individuals. The podcast reflects on the importance of rituals in everyday life, providing meaning and comfort in a chaotic world.

As the size and capability of the Royal Navy is thrust into the spotlight with events in the Red Sea, Stephen Smith reflects on whether this will put an end to speculation of planned cuts to the oldest arm of the British armed forces. And with a spot of naval history in his family, Stephen examines why Britain's relationship with the sea, for all its flaws, is fundamental to who we are. Producer: Adele Armstrong Sound: Peter Bosher Production coordinator: Liam Morrey Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

AL Kennedy discusses the recent theft of her backpack and reflects on identity, privilege, and helping others. She explores the concept of unearned privilege and the role we all have in helping those in need. The podcast also touches on vulnerability, self-naming, the value of art, the rise of authoritarianism, and the power of empathy.