Iain McGilchrist, a former Consultant Psychiatrist and author renowned for his insights on the brain's influence on culture, discusses how our divided brains shape our understanding of the world. He explores the distinct functions of the left and right hemispheres and their impact on historical cultural narratives. McGilchrist also delves into the shift from interconnectedness to individualism, the importance of human connection in a digital age, and the need for a balance between materialism and spirituality for genuine fulfillment.

Nick Spencer speaks to Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology Nigel Biggar about his new book on rights The concept of ‘rights’ tends to provoke a strong response from people today: some hold them in quasi–religious esteem, while others consider them responsible for selfish individualism and social fragmentation. Nick Spencer talks to Nigel Biggar, Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford, about his new book 'What’s wrong with rights?', which takes a critical look at the language, logic and implementation of rights today. Learn more about the people and ideas behind the episode Nigel Biggar What’s wrong with rights? by Nigel Biggar

Nick Spencer speaks to economist Thomas Piketty about inequality. Levels of inequality, particularly in the West, have been growing steadily over the last 50 years, and they seem likely to accelerate in the wake of Covid–19. Why is this? Why was the 20th century so good as equalising wealth and income, why is the 21st century different, and what should we do about it? Nick Spencer talks to the economist, Thomas Piketty – whose books Capital in the 21st century and Capital and Ideology have changed the debate on the subject – about inequality, solidarity, and the dangers of treating property as if it were sacred. Learn more about the people and ideas behind the episode “Use worldly wealth to gain friends”: Thomas Piketty’s Capital and Ideology Paris School of Economics – Thomas Piketty Capital in the Twenty–First Century Capital and Ideology

Nick Spencer speaks to novelist and journalist Nicci Gerrard about her experience of her father’s dementia and the moving and poignant book she wrote about it, 'What Dementia Teaches Us About Love'. Approximately 850,000 people in the UK today are living with dementia – and that number is just set to grow. But what actually is dementia? What does it do to us? And what does it say about us, and in particular about our humanity? Nick Spencer talks to novelist and journalist Nicci Gerrard about her experience of her father’s dementia and the moving and poignant book she wrote about it, What Dementia Teaches Us about Love. Learn more about the people and ideas behind the episode William Utermohlen’s art John’s Campaign What dementia teaches us about love

Nick Spencer speaks to Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor about his famous book 'A Secular Age' We live in “a secular age”, but what does that actually mean? How does secularism relate to religion? And how should it? Nick Spencer talks to the Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor, about his famous book 'A Secular Age', which has done more to bring sophistication and nuance to the debates about secularism than any other published in a generation. Learn more about the people and ideas behind the episode A Secular Age by Charles Taylor The Immanent Frame

Nick Spencer talks to philosopher Michael Sandel Presidents, prime ministers, and pundits all love to praise meritocracy, the dream of a society in which we can go as far as our talents and hard work take us. But what if that dream is actually a nightmare? Nick Spencer talks to leading political philosopher Michael Sandel about the pitfalls of meritocracy, and traces the roots of these tensions all the way back to a fifth–century theological debate. Please rate and review the episode. Visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ to subscribe to our newsletter or get in touch. Follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick. Our next episode will be out in October. Learn more about the people and ideas behind the episode The Tyranny of Merit by Michael Sandel Merit, justice and liberalism: getting to the heart of Michael Sandel Theos Annual Lecture 2020 with Michael Sandel The dignity of work: making it a reality

New podcast exploring the books and the ideas that are shaping us today Too often, our big debates lack depth and generosity. We talk past – or worse – we shout at one another, with sound–bytes, tweets, and memes. This podcast, hosted by Theos Senior Fellow Nick Spencer, gives us the chance to dive deeper. Nick will be talking to some of the leading thinkers and writers of our time, and looking at the books that are behind our public conversations. We’ll be talking about meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, and religion. This is not simply a political or a current affairs podcast, however. We’re going to trace intellectual roots and the human implications of these issues. We’ll look at what they have to say about who we are and how we should live together. We’ll ask what dementia might have to teach us about being human? How has the divided brain shaped history? What does it mean to live in a liberal society? We won’t always end up with answers, and certainly not simple ones. But we can promise you a probing and fascinating conversation. Listen to us, and we’ll introduce you to books and ideas that illuminate the way we see – and live in – today’s world. Our first episode, out on 15th September, will be looking at what’s wrong with meritocracy in conversation with leading philosopher Michael Sandel. You can find Reading Our Times on major streaming sites including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. Follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick. For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are