Start the Week

Daisy Fancourt, a Professor at UCL and director at the WHO on Arts and Health, discusses how arts engagement can enhance physical and mental health. She highlights exciting evidence linking creativity to improved brain function and reduced stress. Tom Service, a BBC presenter and music expert, explores music’s evolving cultural significance, celebrating its communal power and impact on society. Rosamund Bartlett, a translator of Chekhov, shares insights on his early works, revealing the connection between literature and health in challenging times. This conversation untangles the profound influence of the arts.

The podcast features Justin Gregg, a researcher in animal cognition and author of "Humanish," who delves into the fascinating psychology of anthropomorphism. Peter Fretwell, a scientist at the British Antarctic Survey, discusses his groundbreaking work observing penguin colonies from space and their charm and challenges. Marianne Hem Eriksen explores Viking relationships with animals, revealing how they viewed them as extensions of identity. Together, they highlight the profound connections humans have with animals, blending ancient customs and modern science.

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.