In this episode, Sarah Harper introduces demography, the study of people, which addresses the size, distribution, composition, and density of populations, and considers the impact certain factors will have on both individual lives and the changing structure of human populations. Learn more about “Demography: A Very Short Introduction” here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/demography-a-very-short-introduction-9780198725732 Sarah Harper is Professor of Gerontology at Oxford University, Director of the Oxford Institute of Ageing, and Director of the Clore Programme on Population-Environment Change. She is also the Director of the Royal Institute, London. Follow The Very Short Introductions Podcast on: – Apple Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/2SQQ79R – Blubrry: https://oxford.ly/2IVCep0 – Google Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/34W2bvY – SoundCloud: https://oxford.ly/3nPvtoD – Spotify: https://oxford.ly/3dxUJuP – Stitcher: https://oxford.ly/3k9kEvH © Oxford University Press

In this episode, Essi Viding introduces psychopathy, a personality disorder that has long captured the public imagination. Despite the public fascination with psychopathy, there is often a very limited understanding of the condition, and several myths about psychopathy abound. Learn more about “Psychopathy: A Very Short Introduction” here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/psychopathy-a-very-short-introduction-9780198802266 Essi Viding is Professor of Developmental Psychopathology at the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, where she co-directs the Developmental Risk and Resilience Unit. She is also adjunct faculty at Yale University Medical School Child Study Centre. Follow The Very Short Introductions Podcast on: – Apple Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/2SQQ79R – Blubrry: https://oxford.ly/2IVCep0 – Google Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/34W2bvY – SoundCloud: https://oxford.ly/3nPvtoD – Spotify: https://oxford.ly/3dxUJuP – Stitcher: https://oxford.ly/3k9kEvH © Oxford University Press

In this episode, Kirsten Shepherd-Barr introduce modern drama, the tale of which is a story of extremes, testing both audiences and actors to their limits through hostility and contrarianism. Learn more about “Modern Drama: A Very Short Introduction” here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/modern-drama-a-very-short-introduction-9780199658770 Kirsten E. Shepherd-Barr is Professor of English and Theatre Studies at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of St Catherine’s College. She is the author of Theatre and Evolution from Ibsen to Beckett, Science on Stage: From Doctor Faustus to Copenhagen, and Ibsen and Early Modernist Theatre, 1890-1900, as well as numerous articles on modern drama. Follow The Very Short Introductions Podcast on: – Apple Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/2SQQ79R – Blubrry: https://oxford.ly/2IVCep0 – Google Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/34W2bvY – SoundCloud: https://oxford.ly/3nPvtoD – Spotify: https://oxford.ly/3dxUJuP – Stitcher: https://oxford.ly/3k9kEvH © Oxford University Press

In this episode, Jonathon Green introduces slang. Slang has been recorded since at least 1500 AD, and today’s vocabulary, taken from every major English-speaking country, runs to over 125,000 slang words and phrases. Please note that this episode contains a few instances of explicit language. Listener discretion is advised. Learn more about “Slang: A Very Short Introduction” here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/slang-a-very-short-introduction-9780198729532 Jonathon Green is Britain’s foremost lexicographer of slang and an independant scholar. His has written many publications including the Chambers Slang Dictionary, the Slang Thesaurus, and Slang Down the Ages. He has also compiled dictionaries of quotations and oral histories of modern culture. Follow The Very Short Introductions Podcast on: – Apple Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/2SQQ79R – Blubrry: https://oxford.ly/2IVCep0 – Google Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/34W2bvY – SoundCloud: https://oxford.ly/3nPvtoD – Spotify: https://oxford.ly/3dxUJuP – Stitcher: https://oxford.ly/3k9kEvH © Oxford University Press

Vlad Glăveanu, an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology and Counselling at Webster University Geneva, delves into the intriguing world of creativity. He discusses its historical evolution and the importance of nurturing creative potential through education. Myth-busting takes center stage as he highlights that creativity isn't limited to artists; it's a universal trait shaped by social and cultural interactions. Glăveanu's insights encourage listeners to rethink how we view, teach, and encourage creativity in everyday life.

Walter A. Friedman, a historian and lecturer at Harvard Business School, digs deep into the evolution of American business history. He explores how America transitioned from early European merchants to modern tech empires, detailing the critical role of government and labor. Friedman discusses the transformative impact of television advertising and fast food on society, while also highlighting today's challenges like globalization and sustainability. It's a fascinating journey through the past and into the future of American enterprise!

In this episode, Peter Holland introduces the animal kingdom and explains how our understanding of the animal world has been vastly enhanced by analysis of DNA and the study of evolution and development in recent years. Learn more about The Animal Kingdom: A Very Short Introduction here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/american-business-history-a-very-short-introduction-9780190622473 Peter Holland is Linacre Professor of Zoology and Head of the Department of Zoology at the University of Oxford, and a Fellow of Merton College, Oxford. After a degree in Zoology and a PhD in Genetics he has spent the last 20 years undertaking research into the evolution of the animal kingdom, focussing primarily on the genetic and developmental differences between animal groups. Follow The Very Short Introductions Podcast on: – Apple Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/2SQQ79R – Blubrry: https://oxford.ly/2IVCep0 – Google Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/34W2bvY – SoundCloud: https://oxford.ly/3nPvtoD – Spotify: https://oxford.ly/3dxUJuP – Stitcher: https://oxford.ly/3k9kEvH © Oxford University Press

In this episode Nick Groom introduces the Gothic, a wildly diverse term which has a far-reaching influence across culture and society, from ecclesiastical architecture to cult horror films and political theorists to contemporary fashion. Learn more about The Gothic: A Very Short Introduction here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-gothic-a-very-short-introduction-9780199586790 Nick Groom is Professor of English Literature at the University of Macau. He has published widely for both academic and popular readerships, and is the author and editor of many books, including Oxford World’s Classics editions of Frankenstein (2018), The Italian (2017), The Monk (2016), and The Castle of Otranto (2014). Follow The Very Short Introductions Podcast on: – Apple Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/2SQQ79R – Blubrry: https://oxford.ly/2IVCep0 – Google Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/34W2bvY – SoundCloud: https://oxford.ly/3nPvtoD – Spotify: https://oxford.ly/3dxUJuP – Stitcher: https://oxford.ly/3k9kEvH © Oxford University Press

Michael Wert, an Associate Professor of East Asian History, dives deep into the world of samurai, revealing their often-overlooked social influence during pivotal moments in Japanese history. He debunks myths surrounding samurai culture, particularly during the Tokugawa period, showcasing their complex societal roles. The discussion also highlights the evolution of samurai swords, illustrating how these weapons transformed from practical tools to symbols of status and how militaristic propaganda reshaped samurai ideals, impacting modern Japanese business culture.

Susan Blackmore, a psychologist and writer known for her work on consciousness, delves into the profound mysteries surrounding our perception of self and reality. She shares her personal journey, including a transformative out-of-body experience. The discussion navigates the intricate relationship between the brain and consciousness, exploring how meditation and altered states can redefine our understanding of free will. Blackmore challenges listeners to rethink the nature of decision-making and the essence of personal experience.