The Conversation Weekly

Former UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Hilal Elver, discusses the use of hunger as a weapon of war in Gaza, highlighting the devastating impact on the population. The podcast delves into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, international laws on crimes of starvation, and the hope for a better future amidst conflict.

Geographer Maxim Samson discusses how invisible boundaries impact urban landscapes, demographics, and societal structures. Topics include air quality disparities, climate vulnerability in the Sahel, the Israel-Palestine conflict's Green Line, and how unseen boundaries shape identity and access to resources.

As the climate crisis gets ever more severe, the fossil fuel industry is struggling to recruit new talent. And now a number of existing employees are deciding to leave their jobs, some quietly, some very publicly, because of concerns over climate change. In this episode we speak to a researcher about this phenomenon of climate quitting.Featuring Grace Augustine, associate professor in business and society at the University of Bath in the UK, and Sam Phelps, commissioning editor for international affairs at The Conversation in the UK. This episode was written and produced by Katie Flood with assistance from Mend Mariwany. Eloise Stevens does our sound design, and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Gemma Ware is the executive producer. Full credits available here. A transcript will be available shortly. Subscribe to a free daily newsletter from The Conversation.Further reading and listening:Why young workers are leaving fossil fuel jobs – and what to do if you feel like ‘climate quitting’Quarter Life: a series about issues affecting those in their twenties and thirtiesFossil fuel workers have the skills to succeed in green jobs, but location is a major barrier to a just transitionListen: The fossil fuel era must end – so what happens to the communities it built? Climate Fight podcast part 3

As Russians head to the polls for presidential elections, conspiracy theories are swirling everywhere. In this episode we speak to a disinformation expert about the central role these conspiracy theories play in Vladimir Putin’s Russia.Featuring Ilya Yablokov, lecturer in journalism and digital media at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Plus an introduction from Grégory Rayko, international editor at The Conversation in France. This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Gemma Ware and Katie Flood with assistance from Mend Mariwany. Eloise Stevens does our sound design, and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Full credits available here. A transcript will be available shortly. Subscribe to a free daily newsletter from The Conversation.Further reading and listening:The Conversation's Expert guide to conspiracy theories podcastPutin has no successor, no living rivals and no retirement plan – why his eventual death will set off a vicious power struggleWhat can we expect from six more years of Vladimir Putin? An increasingly weak and dysfunctional RussiaRussian conspiracy theories: how Kremlin-backed yarns help keep Vladimir Putin in power En Russie, la plainte étouffée des mobilisés et de leurs familles

Discover how North Korean women are driving grassroots capitalism and changing societal norms through their fashion choices and entrepreneurial spirit. Explore the evolution of gender roles, household dynamics, and dating culture in a country gradually transforming into a matriarchy.

Exploring intellectual humility and its impact on society, the podcast delves into the value of being open-minded and willing to change one's mind. It highlights the importance of acknowledging what we don't know and the joy of being wrong. The discussion covers navigating grief, questioning beliefs, and embracing curiosity, emphasizing personal growth and societal advancement. Cultivating intellectual humility is essential for relationships and balancing confidence with openness to new evidence. The journey to intellectual humility involves embracing diverse viewpoints, questioning biases, and expanding understanding through varied experiences.

The podcast discusses using peace polling from Northern Ireland in Israel-Gaza conflict negotiations. It explores consensus decision-making and peacebuilding efforts in Nunavut and Palestine, highlighting the importance of inclusive negotiations for lasting peace agreements.

Humans spend about one third of our lives asleep and while most of us dream regularly, some people remember their dreams more than others. But scientists still know surprisingly little about why or how we experience dreams. In this episode we find out about new research from a sleep lab in France that has unlocked a way to find out more by communicating with people as they dream. Featuring Başak Türker, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute du Cerveau in Paris, and Lionel Cavicchioli, health and medicine editor at The Conversation in France. This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Katie Flood with assistance from Mend Mariwany. Eloise Stevens does our sound design, and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Gemma Ware is the executive producer. Full credits available here. A transcript will be available shortly. Sign up to a free daily newsletter from The Conversation.Further reading and listening:The study of dreams: Scientists uncover new communication channels with dreamersI’m a lucid dream researcher – here’s how to train your brain to do itDreaming may have evolved as a strategy for co-operative survival 

Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, goes to the polls on February 14 to elect a new president. It’s one of the largest elections to take place since an explosion of generative AI tools became available that can manipulate video and audio – and a number of deepfake videos have gone viral during the campaign.In this episode, we look at what Indonesia’s experience is revealing about the disinformation battleground ahead in 2024, when an estimated four billion voters will be eligible to vote in an election. Featuring F.X. Lilik Dwi Mardjianto, a journalism researcher at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara in Inodnesia and Nuurrianti Jalli, assistant professor of Professional Practice, School of Media and Strategic Communications, Oklahoma State University in the US. This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Mend Mariwany and Gemma Ware with assistance from Katie Flood. Eloise Stevens does our sound design, and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Full credits available here. A transcript will be available shortly. Sign up to a free daily newsletter from The Conversation.Further reading and listening:Indonesia’s presidential election may go to run-off, despite what the polls sayFake Biden robocall to New Hampshire voters highlights how easy it is to make deepfakes − and how hard it is to defend against AI-generated disinformationDisinformation is often blamed for swaying elections – the research says something else

Researcher Michael Varnum discusses how ecological factors shape cultural norms and behavior. Topics include frugality vs. generosity, planning vs. spontaneity in different cultures, impact of climate on societal norms, and the evolution of cultural differences based on environmental challenges.