Start the Week

What do animals mean to us? Naomi Alderman explores how animals shape human understanding, from ancient burial rites to modern science.The psychologist Justin Gregg specialises in dolphin social cognition. He introduces his new book, Humanish, a witty and provocative look at anthropomorphism — our habit of seeing human traits in animals, objects and machines — and how it helps us make sense of the world and increases empathy.Peter Fretwell is a leading scientist at the British Antarctic Survey, and author of The Penguin Book of Penguins. He celebrates the charm and complexity of penguins, from their evolutionary quirks to their cultural symbolism, alongside the threats they face today.Marianne Hem Eriksen is Professor of Viking Studies at the National Museum of Denmark and part of the BBC / Arts and Humanities Research Council scheme of New Generation Thinkers. She draws on archaeological evidence to show how Viking societies had a complex relationship with animals, seeing them not just as pets or food, but as extensions of human identity and mythology.Producer: Katy Hickman Assistant Producer: Natalia Fernandez

Miles Leeson, an editor and literary scholar, shares the thrill of discovering Iris Murdoch's hidden poetry, revealing her intimate thoughts. Poet Nick Makoha dives into his collection The New Carthaginians, exploring eclectic topics from Ugandan history to artistic inspirations like Basquiat. Karen Leeder, a translator of German poetry, discusses her award-winning translations and the musicality of language. Together, they reflect on the complexities of interpreting poetry, the process of editing, and the ethical implications of publishing posthumous works.

Jean Sprackland, a poet exploring our relationship with darkness, discusses how fear and delight coexist in the dark. She describes caving experiences that reveal transcendental aspects of darkness. Photographer Jasper Goodall shares his night-time woodland images, born from personal grief, and explains his innovative techniques using light. Meanwhile, Christine Riding delves into Joseph Wright of Derby's candlelight paintings, highlighting their dramatic contrasts and cultural significance, linking art with the scientific and industrial zeitgeist of his time.

Join three remarkable guests discussing deep historical and emotional themes. Lyndal Roper dives into the German Peasants' War, uncovering how radical ideas fueled this uprising and shaped collective identity. Hannah Durkin shares poignant stories of the last captives of the Atlantic slave trade, emphasizing the importance of centering enslaved voices. Masud Husain explores how neurological changes can redefine personal identity, offering insights through patient narratives. Together, they weave a rich dialogue on history, memory, and dignity.

Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a space scientist and presenter, shares her passion for inspiring future astronomers and discusses the Artemis moon missions. Caroline Smith, Principal Curator at the Natural History Museum, reveals how meteorites serve as cosmic clues to our solar system's origins and the search for life beyond Earth. Physicist Paul Davies introduces concepts from his book Quantum 2.0, exploring quantum mechanics' strange mysteries, potential technologies, and the implications of multiverses. The trio delves into the limits of knowledge in both space and quantum realms.

Join historian Alison Bashford, zoologist Matthew Cobb, and geneticist Charlotte Houldcroft as they delve into the fascinating intersections of palmistry, genetics, and health. Bashford unveils the surprising relationship between palmistry and science, while Cobb shares insights on Francis Crick's innovative methods and his contributions to our understanding of DNA. Houldcroft explores how ancient DNA helps trace viral evolution and informs modern health strategies. Together, they highlight the beauty of interdisciplinary dialogue in decoding our identities.

Cory Doctorow, a technology activist and author, discusses his provocative book, Enshittification, which analyzes the decay of online platforms and their exploitation of users. Novelist Naomi Alderman draws parallels from history, emphasizing lessons from writing and the printing press to address today’s information crises. Oliver Moody, a journalist, shares insights on Estonia’s pioneering digital governance and efficient systems, revealing both accomplishments and challenges of a connected state. Together, they explore the urgent need for a more user-centric digital landscape.

Wildlife biologist Jonathan Slaght shares his efforts to save the Amur tiger, revealing insights from his fieldwork in Russia. Novelist Juhea Kim discusses her cli-fi stories, exploring humanity's delicate balance with nature and advocating for activism through art. Criminal psychologist Julia Shaw delves into the psychology of green crime, explaining why people exploit the environment and how understanding these motives can help combat ecological devastation. Together, they highlight the urgent need for emotional storytelling in conservation.

Jeanette Winterson, an acclaimed novelist, discusses her new book exploring the transformative power of storytelling through Shahrazad's tales. She reflects on how narratives can serve as tools for liberation or propaganda. Former MP Rory Stewart shares insights from his collection on local democracy, revealing the broader truths found in rural life. He emphasizes the need for devolved power and community-led solutions. Musician Soweto Kinch presents his genre-blending album, reinterpreting apocalypse as an unveiling, highlighting storytelling's role in resisting AI's influence.

Renowned choreographer Wayne McGregor dives into kinesthetic empathy and the fusion of technology with dance in his upcoming exhibition, 'Infinite Bodies.' Booker Prize-winning author Anne Enright discusses her essays on literature and personal history, emphasizing the importance of deep reading for empathy. Playwright Tanika Gupta shares insights about her adaptation of 'Hedda' set in post-independence India, reflecting on identity and representation through the life of Merle Oberon. Together, they explore the intersections of art, culture, and the human experience.