Start the Week

Tim Minshall, Professor of Innovation at the University of Cambridge and author of "Your Life is Manufactured," discusses the hidden world of manufacturing and its crucial role in sustainability. Bernie Bulkin, former Chief Scientist of BP and author of "The Material Advantage," shares insights on innovative materials and their importance for economic competitiveness. Meanwhile, Fiona Dear, Co-director of the Restart Project, advocates for Right 2 Repair legislation, emphasizing the need for repairable products to combat waste and promote sustainability.

Every year world leaders gather at the United Nation’s COP (the Conference of Parties) to discuss how to work together on solutions to tackle climate change. And every year the wrangling lasts into the night as it becomes clear how difficult it is to achieve consensus. In Kyoto the playwrights Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson have recreated the drama, intrigue and power plays that resulted in one of COP’s greatest successes, the Kyoto Protocol from 1997. Kyoto is on at the Soho Place Theatre until May 2025.Professor Mike Berners-Lee is an expert on the impact and footprint of carbon and has watched as countries see-saw on commitments to reduce the use of fossil fuels. In his latest book, A Climate of Truth he argues that we already have the technology to combat many of the problems, but what we’re lacking is the honesty – in our politics, our media, and our businesses – to make a real difference.But how to save the planet is not necessarily straightforward. In The Shetland Way: Community and Climate Crisis on my Father’s Islands, Marianne Brown returns home after the death of her father. She finds the islanders at loggerheads over the construction of a huge windfarm: while some celebrate the production of sustainable energy, others argue the costs are too high for the environment and local wildlife.Producer: Katy Hickman

In this engaging conversation, neuroscientist Daniel Levitin reveals the healing effects of music, particularly for conditions like Parkinson's. Nwando Ebizie, a multidisciplinary artist, discusses integrating neurological studies into her work, enhancing accessibility in music. Dance critic Sara Veale highlights the revolutionary women of modern dance in her book 'Wild Grace,' reflecting on how art can challenge traditional views of femininity and inspire social change. Together, they explore the potent connection between movement, music, and wellness.

Agnes Callard, a philosopher specializing in Socratic thought, emphasizes the power of questioning to navigate identity and ethics. Sumit Paul-Choudhury, a science writer, champions optimism as a tool for overcoming modern challenges. Keon West, a social psychologist, counters by using data to expose the persistence of racism in society, disputing the notion that it’s a fading issue. Together, they explore the interplay of philosophy, psychology, and empirical evidence in addressing these critical topics.

In this engaging discussion, award-winning novelist Naomi Alderman delves into the messy magic of human thinking, sharing insights from her series on creativity and innovation. Neurologist Adam Zeman explores the latest scientific findings on imagination and its crucial role in human cognition. Historian Michelle Aroney highlights the fascinating art of divination, showcasing how various cultures historically sought certainty through mysterious practices. Together, they unveil the complexities of human intelligence and the profound influence of imagination on our lives.

Amorina Kingdom, a science writer and author of 'Sing Like Fish,' reveals the rich soundscapes of marine life and how human noise disrupts their communication. Poet Laureate Simon Armitage shares his journey in writing poems inspired by animal encounters. Professor Christian Rutz discusses groundbreaking advancements in AI that might allow us to better understand crow behavior and perhaps even converse with animals. Together, they explore the deep connections between humans and the animal kingdom through communication, consciousness, and the impact of technology.

Fiona Smyth, an academic who authored "Pistols in St Paul's," discusses the historical development of acoustics in music venues. Trevor Cox, a Professor of Acoustic Engineering, reveals the latest breakthroughs in sound clarity and venue design. Jess Gillam, a talented saxophonist, shares her unique experiences playing in various acoustic settings. They explore how architectural design influences music enjoyment, the evolution of sound science, and the emotional effects of acoustics on performances, taking listeners on a melodic journey through sound and space.

Sir Alex Younger is the former head of MI6, Britain’s secret intelligence service. He assesses the evolving security risks facing Britain in the 21st century, and how the country continues to build strategic partnerships and intelligence agreements in a fracturing world. Younger ran MI6 during President Trump’s first administration and reflects on prospects for ‘the special relationship’ in the second.With tensions between the US and China, increased economic protectionism and the war in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, the Head of the Europe Programme at Chatham House, Armida van Rij, believes European security and economic prospects appear fragile. And this comes at a time of political polarisation throughout the continent.After Britain finally left the EU in 2020 following the Brexit vote it was feared that it would be Britain that was isolated and vulnerable. Not so, claims the journalist Ross Clark, in his forthcoming polemic, Far From Eutopia: Why Europe is failing - and how Britain could do better (published 23rd January 2025). Clark pinpoints the absence of economic growth and huge disillusionment about high migration throughout Europe, and how Britain is surpassing many of its former continental partners. But questions still remain about how Britain will fare – on its own – on the global stage.Producer: Katy Hickman

Bendor Grosvenor, an art historian and author, discusses the intriguing gap of prominent British artists during the Italian Renaissance, highlighting their contributions from ancient carvings to iconic landscapes. Susan Owens, a former V&A curator, champions the vital role of drawing in art-making, revealing insights from history’s greats like Gainsborough and Blake. Urban landscape artist Lucinda Rogers shares her immersive experiences sketching city life across New York and London, illustrating how environments shape artistic expression.

The UK high street has appeared to be in a near perpetual state of distress since the birth of self-service shopping in the 1950s. Since then, local authorities approving out-of-town developments in the 1970s, the rise of the supermarket, the internet and the recent Covid lockdowns, have all taken their toll on town centres. Adam Rutherford talks to three guests about the changing nature of the high street.Annie Gray explores the long and varied history of shopping districts in The Bookshop, the Draper, the Candlestick Maker, from medieval marketplaces to the purpose-built concrete precincts still standing today. The urban designer and strategic planner Vicky Payne believes the high street is far more resilient than people think. Her research has looked at the innovative work being done across the country, from Bournemouth to Barnsley, to revitalise town centres. And the food writer Angela Hui shines a light on the central role that migrants have played – from running corner shops to restaurants. Her Chinese takeaway installation, inspired by her experiences growing up behind the counter of her parents’ business in Wales, forms part of the All Our Stories exhibition at the Migration Museum, Lewisham Shopping Centre, until December 2025.Producer: Katy Hickman