Neal Stephenson, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, explores his new novel 'Polostan,' intertwining history and fiction. He discusses Dawn Rae Bjornberg's journey through pivotal 20th-century events like the Great Depression and her unexpected role as a KGB spy. The conversation covers Magnitogorsk's steel legacy, the socio-political struggles of British polo, and military tactics during upheaval, revealing the fascinating interplay between technology, ideology, and humanity in shaping history.

In a compelling conversation, Lola Young, an activist, actor, and Baroness renowned for her advocacy on modern slavery and climate justice, reveals her extraordinary journey from foster care to prominence. She shares insights on the importance of understanding personal history and how it fuels resilience. Young discusses the role of art in public policy, emphasizing storytelling's power in shaping societal values. She also addresses the need for reform in the House of Lords and highlights poverty as the UK's pressing issue, advocating for compassion in tackling systemic inequalities.

In this thought-provoking conversation, George Monbiot, a Guardian columnist and environmentalist known for tackling neoliberalism, joins comedian Frankie Boyle for a candid discussion. They explore the alarming wealth gap and the philosophical underpinnings that have allowed the rich to dominate. Monbiot critiques neoliberal influences on democracy and public services while advocating for participatory democracy as a remedy. The duo delves into the need for engaging narratives to inspire political action and the urgent call for reform in the face of societal challenges.

We live in the here and now much less than we tend to think. Imagination isn’t the exception in our daily lives; it’s our default setting. Far from being a faculty used only in creative endeavours, the imagination is used constantly when we reminisce, anticipate, plan, daydream and read. Yet only now are we beginning to understand exactly how it works.From hallucination to sleepwalking, REM to delusions and the curious case of the mind’s eye, neuroscientist Professor Adam Zeman guides us through the latest science of imagination. Drawing on research in neuroscience, the study of human origins and child development, he shares how the human brain is above all else a creative, imaginative organ – and why we have evolved to share what we imagine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cory Doctorow, an award-winning novelist and activist, dives into the murky waters of Silicon Valley's corruption and technological exploitation. He introduces the concept of 'inshittification,' highlighting how tech platforms sacrifice user satisfaction for profit. Doctorow discusses his latest noirish thriller, 'Picks and Shovels,' revealing the real-life misdeeds that inspired it. With a keen eye on algorithmic wage discrimination and societal issues, he critiques the dark side of modern tech and urges for more integrity in industries plagued by greedy practices.

Alex James, bassist for the iconic band Blur, shares his colorful life as a farmer, author, and music maven. He recounts the emotional return of the band, including their monumental Wembley Stadium gig after years of silence. Alex candidly discusses his crash diet to fit into his ‘Britpop Trousers’ and the hilarity of managing a growing family alongside a chaotic music career. Tales from their South American tour bring nostalgic laughter, highlighting the unpredictable yet vibrant world of touring musicians and the joys of live performance.

Join economist Yanis Varoufakis as he chats with provocative philosopher Slavoj Žižek, known for his challenging perspectives on ideology and capitalism. They dive into whether progress is truly beneficial and tackle the implications of modern technology on society. The duo debates the rise of techno-feudalism and its impact on corporate power, examining the roles of political representation and systemic issues in today's world. With wit and depth, they navigate the complexities of freedom, justice, and the future of political action.

Roberto Trotta, a theoretical physicist and author of "Starborn," explores humanity's enduring relationship with the stars. He discusses how cosmic phenomena have influenced our timekeeping methods, tracing connections from the epic of Gilgamesh to ancient civilizations. Trotta highlights the unique astronomical insights of Neanderthals and indigenous cultures, emphasizing the importance of stargazing in shaping our cultural narratives. With a nod to art and mythology, he encourages rekindling awe for the night sky in our light-polluted world.

Orhan Pamuk, a renowned novelist and Nobel laureate known for works like "Snow" and "The Museum of Innocence," shares insights into his literary journey with Erica Wagner. He discusses the intertwining of art and writing, emphasizing how his travels and daily experiences influence his creativity. Pamuk reflects on Turkey's political landscape and the role of journaling in his work, while also tackling challenges like writer's block. Throughout their conversation, he dives deep into the relationship between imagination, beauty, and struggle in storytelling.

Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, an Australian neuroscientist and science communicator, challenges our views on mortality and consciousness in this intriguing conversation. He discusses groundbreaking methods that could preserve human minds beyond death, sparking a debate on the ethics and implications of immortality. Ariel explores humanity's complex relationship with death and suggests a hopeful outlook for the future, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational connections and ethical considerations in advancing these technologies.