Nick Spencer talks to journalist and author Henry Sanderson about his book Voltrush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green We need to decarbonise, and fast. But 'going green' is not straightforward, not only practically but ethically. There is great potential there, but also huge risks. What are they? Who will win? And who might lose? Nick Spencer talks to journalist and author Henry Sanderson about his book Voltrush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green

Nick Spencer talks to former editor of the Guardian, Alan Rusbridger, about his book Breaking News: the remaking of journalism and why it matters now Journalism is bit like politics. As a rule, we say we don’t really trust either profession, and neither seems to be in particularly good health at the moment. But we definitely can’t live without them. Nick Spencer talks to former editor of the Guardian, Alan Rusbridger, about his book Breaking News: the remaking of journalism and why it matters now

In this conversation with Prof. Sheila Jasanoff, an esteemed author and academic specializing in the intersection of science and society, compelling topics unfold. They discuss genome editing breakthroughs, including embryo modifications, alongside ethical dilemmas. Jasanoff highlights key genetic milestones, advocating for a balanced view on technological progress. The dialogue further explores the tension between religious and scientific perspectives of humanity, urging a need for humility in tech discussions and the importance of cultural context in shaping ethical frameworks.

Nick Spencer talks to Prof. Eswar Prasad about his book The Future of Money: How the Digital Revolution is Transforming Currencies and Finance Money is changing – and its changing fast and in a way that many of us find bewildering. Is cash on its way out? What is fintech? What actually is a cryptocurrency, or stablecoin, or a CBDC? Are they the future? Nick Spencer talks to Prof. Eswar Prasad about his book The Future of Money: How the Digital Revolution is Transforming Currencies and Finance

Marilynne Robinson, acclaimed author of Absence of Mind, dives deep into the essence of human nature. She confronts the diminishing view of the self propagated by science, arguing for the importance of literature and philosophy in understanding our inwardness. The conversation weaves through the tensions between faith and science, the complexities of human rights amidst political unrest, and the revival of Christian humanism. Robinson emphasizes the need for a holistic view that respects the nuances of mind, self, and soul in a modern context.

Daisy Scalchi, BBC Head of Religion and Ethics for Television, turns the tables on Reading our Times host Nick Spencer and talks to him about his book Magisteria: The Entangled Histories of Science and Religion Science and religion have a long history. According to some, it's a history of warfare; to others they are (or at least should be) non-overlapping. Nick Spencer argues that neither view is right, and that the two have long been entangled, especially over the questions of what do we think of the human, and who gets to say. Buy a copy of Magisteria here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/9780861544615

Nick Spencer speaks to Michael Keen The late great American novelist David Foster Wallace, who had worked in a tax office, once remarked, “The whole subject of tax policy and administration is dull. Massively and spectacularly dull.” But he was wrong, massively and spectacularly wrong. Tax is ultimately about the different ways we live together, and express our values - and there is nothing more interesting than that. In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Michael Keen and his book Rebellion, Rascals, and Revenue.

Nick Spencer speaks to Mark Vickers The UK has a religoius Prime Minister - yet again! Rishi Sunak is the first Hindu to occupy the role, but there have been plenty more of the faithful before him - even in the more secular atmosphere of the 20th century. Who did God most? Who least? Who was most sincere? And for whom did the divine actually make a difference? In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Mark Vickers about his book God In Number 10

Nick Spencer speaks to Ann Hartle Are we are losing our civility and, with it, the space to disagree productively? Why? Where did the idea of 'civility' come from, where is it going, and why does it matter? In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Ann Hartle about her book What happened to civility?

Nick Spencer speaks to Stefan Dercon We spend a lot of money on aid - although not as much as we used to. Does it work or is it, as some claim, a waste? And behind that, why do some countries develop and others not? In this episode Nick Spencer talks to Stefan Dercon about this book Gambling on Development