Reading Our Times
Theos
Reading Our Times is the podcast that explores the books and the ideas that are shaping us today. It is hosted by Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at the think tank, Theos.
We’re going to be talking to some of the world’s leading authors about issues like meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, the brain, liberalism, and religion.
Above all, we'll be exploring what these books have to say about the times we live in and about the people we are.
So listen with us, and we’ll introduce you to authors, books and ideas that illuminate ourselves and our world today.
For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick.
We’re going to be talking to some of the world’s leading authors about issues like meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, the brain, liberalism, and religion.
Above all, we'll be exploring what these books have to say about the times we live in and about the people we are.
So listen with us, and we’ll introduce you to authors, books and ideas that illuminate ourselves and our world today.
For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 20, 2023 • 32min
What are the risks of going green? In conversation with Henry Sanderson
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
Jun 13, 2023 • 34min
What's happening to journalism? In conversation with Alan Rusbridger
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
8 snips
Jun 6, 2023 • 37min
Can science make sense of life? In conversation with Prof. Sheila Jasanoff
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.
May 30, 2023 • 38min
What is the future of money? In conversation with Eswar Prasad
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
May 23, 2023 • 36min
Whatever happened to the human mind? In conversation with Marilynne Robinson
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.
May 16, 2023 • 46min
Science and religion: what's the story? In conversation with Nick Spencer
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
Dec 20, 2022 • 35min
Why tax is fun: In conversation with 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.
Dec 13, 2022 • 34min
Do Prime Ministers do God? In conversation with 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
Dec 6, 2022 • 31min
Whatever happened to civility? In conversation with 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?
Nov 29, 2022 • 36min
Does development aid actually work? In conversation with 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
