Wild with Sarah Wilson

Bestselling author Johann Hari discusses the risks and benefits of weight loss drugs in a wild chat. They cover how the drugs manipulate biology, risks, rich as guinea pigs, and masking real problem of Big Food. Debate on Ozempic goes deep into societal implications and systemic issues caused by profit-driven mindset.

The podcast delves into planning finances in a collapsing world, discussing investing, mortgages, retirement savings, prepping, and homesteading. It explores the impact of collapse on various systems like finance, energy, and climate, prompting a reevaluation of priorities. The speaker provides personal insights on adapting to change and building connections in a challenging world.

Annabel Abbs, an English novelist and author of 'Sleepless,' shares her transformative journey through insomnia. She reveals how famous creatives, especially women, have harnessed sleeplessness for artistic expression. The conversation dives into the science behind insomnia, its hormonal influences, and how it fuels creativity. Abbs discusses the importance of creating conducive environments, like using blackout curtains, and highlights the potential spiritual connections during night awakenings. Join her in embracing the power of the night self!

Isabelle Reinecke, founder of the Grata Fund, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking legal battle that could reshape Australia's climate policies. She discusses the Uncles Australian Climate Case, initiated by Torres Strait Islander elders, aiming to hold the government accountable for its climate commitments. This case could be pivotal, akin to 'Bigger than Mabo', attracting international attention. Isabelle emphasizes the urgent need for legal frameworks to protect vulnerable communities and shares how strategic litigation is driving essential environmental reforms.

Anna Funder, a bestselling author known for her works on power dynamics, discusses her latest book 'Wifedom,' which scrutinizes the often-overlooked contributions of George Orwell's wife, Eileen O'Shaughnessy. The conversation delves into Orwell's 'doublethink' and its connection to modern patriarchy, exposing the nuances of literary erasure. Funder emphasizes the importance of women's visibility and voices in history while tackling the complexities of cancel culture and societal expectations regarding gender roles. She advocates for systemic changes to rectify these disparities.

Explore a captivating story that begins with a Christmas Eve camping trip in Australia, leading to profound connections with two fathers affected by the Middle East conflict. Delight in the evolution of friendship through literature and engaging conversations about pivotal global issues. Discover the power of human relationships while reflecting on seizing opportunities and embracing transformative connections. This narrative celebrates the significance of reaching out and the bonds that unite us.

Helen Lewis, an insightful columnist for The Atlantic and podcaster at the BBC, dives into the turbulent waters of feminism and trans rights. She unpacks the complexities of the feminist-trans wars erupting on ‘TERF Island,’ discussing the role of dialogue amidst polarization. Lewis also addresses the fallout between Kara Swisher and Elon Musk, alongside reflections on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict post-October 7. With a focus on the challenges of modern journalism and the dynamics of digital outrage, this conversation reveals the necessity for nuanced discourse in today’s world.

In this compelling discussion, Bassam Aramin, a Palestinian peace activist, and Rami Elhanan, an Israeli peace activist, share their transformative journeys shaped by tragic losses. Both fathers, who lost daughters in the conflict, emphasize that victimhood perpetuates violence. They argue for empathy and understanding, challenging divisive narratives. Bassam's study of the Holocaust while imprisoned profoundly impacts their dialogue, while Rami highlights the urgency of breaking free from entrenched identities. Together, they convey a powerful message of reconciliation and hope.

Liv Boeree, a world poker champion and astrophysicist, explores the concept of 'Moloch'—a game theory force driving society into harmful competition. She discusses how this phenomenon manifests in climate challenges, AI risks, and social media conflicts. Liv highlights the detrimental impact of beauty filters and the nuclear arms race, arguing for a shift towards win-win solutions. Her insights encourage collaboration over competition, advocating for a balanced approach to foster positive societal outcomes and mitigate the destructive tendencies we face.

Substack subscribers have posed some beautiful thought-provoking questions this week. Do I suffer from a broken heart and how do I cope with it at a spiritual level? Do I stand by my I Quit Sugar message all these years later, particularly given an awareness of the triggering effect of restrictive messages? And where do we draw the line when someone we love uses the “mental illness card” to justify piss-poor behaviour. I recorded this with my long-suffering assistant Liana who I got to hang with yesterday.Access the full recording on Substack and join the conversation in the comment section and don't forget to add your questions to the AMA thread.You can catch my post about why I now distance myself from my bipolar diagnosis here.You can listen to my Wild chat with David Whyte here I mention David's book When the Heart Breaks: A Journey Through Requited and Unrequited Love Learn more about Liana hereIf you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" pageFor more such conversations subscribe to my Substack newsletter, it’s where I interact the most!Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious LifeLet’s connect on Instagram and WeAre8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.