Orlando Whitfield, a former art dealer turned writer, recounts his tumultuous journey through the high-stakes art world, marked by disillusionment and ethical dilemmas. He shares gripping tales from his association with Inigo Philbrick, who was convicted in a historic art fraud case. Highlighting the emotional toll of unregulated practices and the complexities of revealing fraud, Whitfield also discusses how his memoir, now headed for an HBO adaptation, mirrors the tension of a thrilling heist story. Literary critic Kathryn Hughes joins him, exploring the intersection of art and narrative.

James Comey, the former FBI Director and crime novelist, shares insights from his career tackling organized crime and safeguarding democracy. He reflects on his controversial decision to reopen the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails and discusses its lasting impact on politics. Comey also delves into the themes of his thriller, 'Westport', exploring justice and moral dilemmas. He analyzes the psychological effects of Donald Trump's actions on democracy and emphasizes the importance of political engagement among younger generations.

Explore positive climate action with insights from academia, industry, and activism to create a fair future. Reflect on COP outcomes, innovate event management, and discuss AI for carbon emission reduction. Learn about innovative software for environmental impact and the effectiveness of climate activism. Anticipate future COPs in Azerbaijan and Brazil for driving ambitious climate actions.

Ukrainian journalist Illia Ponomarenko and researcher Carl Miller discuss the early days of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. They delve into the experiences of individuals in Kyiv during the siege, the Ukrainian military's strategic success in defending the city, and the symbolism of weather during the Battle of Kyiv. The podcast highlights the resilience and progress of Ukraine amidst challenges faced during the conflict.

Cultural historian Elsa Richardson discusses the intimate history of the gut in her book. Topics include the gut-brain connection, gendered associations with gut health, historical links between witchcraft and women's gut health, and the evolution of the gut-brain connection throughout history.

Science journalist Layal Liverpool and medical doctor Chris van Tulleken discuss the impact of inequality in healthcare on society. They explore how racism affects health outcomes, the importance of addressing systemic issues, and the role of cultural factors in healthcare practices.

Science journalist Layal Liverpool and medical doctor Chris van Tulleken discuss how systemic racism and processed food contribute to health crises. They highlight the effects of racial bias in medicine and inequalities in healthcare access, emphasizing the need to address structural problems for better health outcomes.

Renowned anthropologist Harvey Whitehouse and Brian Klaas discuss inherited generational traits, rituals, and tribalism shaping human behavior. They explore how smaller societies have intense, infrequent rituals while larger societies focus on conformity. The conversation touches on religiosity, supernatural beliefs, and utilizing innate human impulses for positive change.

Economist Emily Oster and Tim Harford discuss data-driven parenting decisions in the podcast. They cover topics like pregnancy complications, breastfeeding's impact on IQ, navigating healthcare conversations, applying economic principles to family life, and the challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration in academia.

Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis and FT's Gillian Tett debate fixing capitalism and post-COVID economics. Topics include challenges in capitalism, Adam Smith's influence, big tech monopolies, barter system in tech, and capitalism's impact on the environment.