How To Academy Podcast

Sayeeda Warsi, Britain's first Muslim cabinet minister and author of 'Muslims Don't Matter,' tackles the alarming rise of anti-Muslim racism in the UK. She shares her journey navigating identity amid political tensions and highlights the urgent need for community resilience against populism. Warsi critiques the media's role in perpetuating stereotypes and discusses the impact of divisive rhetoric in politics. With insights on activism, she emphasizes the importance of compassion and humor in fostering understanding and change.

Author Dan Richards vividly explores the unseen world of the night. He shares gripping tales from terrifying ferry rides and the resilience of frontline workers facing homelessness in London. We delve into maritime logistics during challenging times like lockdown and Brexit, as well as a poignant reflection on family legacy in postal services. The soothing role of shipping forecasts and the unpredictable chaos of hospital life add depth, while personal stories reveal a richer understanding of connection and reflection under the night sky.

Join Paul Dolan, an LSE behavioural economist and author of 'Beliefism', as he discusses the pitfalls of beliefism and its impact on our interactions. Dolan highlights the need for tolerance in a polarized society and advocates for engaging with differing perspectives. He explores the role of social media, humor, and personal interactions in fostering understanding. Additionally, he provides practical strategies for navigating political discussions with family, emphasizing the value of embracing discomfort for personal growth and societal change.

Join Robert Macfarlane, a celebrated nature writer and Cambridge professor, alongside author Horatio Clare, as they explore the captivating idea of whether rivers are alive. They discuss the revolutionary 'Rights of Nature' movement and share stories from the cloud-forests of Ecuador to the river rights campaigns in Quebec. Their conversation touches on the emotional and philosophical connections we have with rivers, advocating for a deeper ecological awareness. This delightful dialogue challenges listeners to reimagine their relationship with nature.

Masud Husain, a neurologist and Oxford professor, dives into the mysteries of the brain and our evolving sense of self in this engaging discussion. He shares poignant cases, including a woman unable to recognize her own hand and a man whose stroke left him indifferent to his passions. Husain emphasizes the vital role of empathy in patient care, explores the 'apathy paradox,' and elaborates on how identity can shift in the face of neurological disorders. The conversation ultimately invites listeners to reflect on the profound effects of trauma and memory on self-perception.

Daniel Swift, a Shakespeare scholar at Northeastern and author of 'The Dream Factory', sheds light on the often-overlooked entrepreneurs of Elizabethan theatre. He discusses how the Burbage family laid the groundwork for a vibrant dramatic scene by overcoming significant challenges from civil and religious authorities. Swift also explores the interconnection between art and commerce during Shakespeare's time, revealing how these dynamics influenced both the theatre's evolution and the innovative storytelling that emerged.

Gina Rippon, a renowned neuroscientist and author of "The Lost Girls of Autism," explores the often-overlooked experiences of autistic women. She reveals how generations of research have misrepresented female autism by focusing predominantly on males, leading to significant challenges in diagnosis. Rippon discusses the troubling phenomenon of camouflaging, where women hide their autistic traits to fit in. With personal stories and insights, she advocates for a better understanding of autism's diverse expressions and the unique struggles faced by women, especially during their adolescent years.

Slavoj Žižek, one of the most outrageous and maverick thinkers of our time, joins Robin Ince for deep dive into his life and thought. From his life and education in the former Yugoslavia under communist rule, where his master’s thesis was denounced by the authorities for being ‘not Marxist enough’ and he fought to democratise Slovenia and defend human rights, to his current position as one of the 21st century’s most renowned public intellectuals, Slavoj Žižek has travelled into territory where few of us dare to tread. The man widely known as ‘the most dangerous philosopher in the West’ reflects on his life and our times with Robin Ince, for a chat covering cinema, sex and science. Where does America go next? What does Lacan mean today? Is progress really a good thing? The philosophical rockstar shares his take on 2025 and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Muscle: it shapes us and allows us to shape who we want to be. Author and athlete Bonnie Tsui explores the world of muscle in all its rich personal, cultural, and biological complexity. From the intricate link between muscle and brain health, to redefining strength and societal roles, to how our muscle allows us to feel more present in our everyday life, Bonnie reveals how muscle is far more than just what we are made of. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gabriel Weston, an award-winning novelist and surgeon, shares his unique insights on the human anatomy and the emotional depth of medicine. He discusses his transformative journey from literature to surgery, highlighting the emotional complexities of both fields. Weston reflects on the intimate connections forged during surgical procedures and autopsies, diving into personal narratives about health crises and parental vulnerability. He also challenges societal misconceptions about gender and anatomy, making a poignant case for empathy in healthcare.