This month’s episode features journalist Kiran Sidhu on the power of communal dance, and actor and writer Sheila Hancock on the need for more women in global politics. Gen Z-er Alice Garnett imagines a world without TikTok, and journalist and host Sarah Collins grapples with the news that her therapist is retiring. Plus, Anglican priest Alice Goodman delves into doubt in the Church. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the United States switched sides, acting in Russia’s interests and abandoning its European allies? Or is the transatlantic alliance still intact—albeit under strain?Prospect’s contributing editor Isabel Hilton joins this week’s podcast to untangle increasingly urgent questions of European defence and security. From Trump cutting intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, to Russian espionage in the UK, Isabel explores the vulnerabilities Europe faces and what might come next.Can European nations defend themselves without US support? Is a “coalition of the willing” or a European army a realistic solution? And what opportunities does America's erratic politics create for China?Plus, Ellen and Alona weigh in on International Women’s Day: “banger” or “dud”? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we measure racism? In such politically charged terrain, the need for objective data is clear.By some surveys, half of Brits don’t believe that racism exists. Keon West, social psychologist and visiting professor at LSE, joins the podcast to discuss this phenomenon.Keon explains what data can tell us, and delves into the surprising ways that the UK compares to the US. He unpacks the ingenious studies that reveal how racism really works, and why he thinks the Sewell report commissioned by Boris Johnson was “deeply flawed”.He also talks about conducting experiments in a time of “alternative facts”, why we need to trust the science, instead of just relying on scientists, and how those on the left and right can improve discussions about racism.Plus, after Zelensky’s “dressing down” at the White House, Ellen and Alona talk dress codes: banger or dud?Keon’s book ‘The Science of Racism’ is published by Pan Macmillan and is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Prospect Lives, journalist Kiran Sidhu mourns her lost cat, while actor and writer Sheila Hancock grapples with ageism at 91. Gen Z-er Alice Garnett attains “regular status” at a London chicken shop, while host and journalist Sarah Collins discusses the end of her honeymoon phase with Athens. Plus, Tilly Lawless explores the two sides of Paris with two different clients. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the biggest threat to the international human rights system today? And, in such an unstable world, what hope is there for the future of human rights?This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by Kenneth Roth, who served as the executive director of Human Rights Watch, the NGO, for almost 30 years. During his tenure, Human Rights Watch uncovered abuses across 100 countries and pressured offending governments to stop them.Ken’s new book, Righting Wrongs, tells this story.On the podcast, he discusses the importance of “shame” in holding governments to account, and explores the attacks on Human Rights Watch over the years, particularly regarding its analysis of Israel’s policies and its findings of apartheid in the occupied territories—criticisms which felt even more personal because of his Jewish heritage.Ken also analyses where progressives are failing, the challenge of identity politics, and whether international law truly has any teeth.To read more on this topic from our website, click here.Ken’s book ‘Righting Wrongs: Three Decades on the Front Lines Battling Abusive Governments’ is available here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australia is often referred to as “the lucky country”, a place where good fortune has delivered greater wealth, longer lives and better healthcare. But, as Andrew Low argues in We Should Be So Lucky, Australia’s achievements are not merely a matter of luck—they stem from a distinctive blend of political, social and economic institutions and values.Andrew sat down with Sir Clive Cowdery, Publisher of Prospect and Chairman of Resolution Life, to discuss the new book, which is published by Prospect Editions. Drawing on his vast experience in global business and finance and his deep connection to Australia, Andrew offers a compelling analysis of how “The Australian Way” works and why it matters. The book is both a celebration of what Australia has achieved and a guide for other democracies seeking solutions to their own challenges.Prospect Editions is the new book-publishing arm of Prospect magazine. You can find its inaugural title We Should Be So Lucky, here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a Sudanese-born writer and broadcaster, shares insights on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, dubbed the world's worst. She highlights the disconnection between international attention and the realities on the ground. Yassmin recounts her family's story and her last visit for her wedding, juxtaposing personal joy with current tragedies. The discussion delves into how regional powers like the UAE and Saudi Arabia exploit the chaos, and emphasizes the urgent need for self-determination among the Sudanese people.

Mehdi Hasan joins the Prospect podcast this week, talking to Prospect’s Ben Clark about Trump, tech bros, cancel culture and…“Gish galloping”.He opens up about his departure from MSNBC after the network cancelled The Mehdi Hasan Show and discusses his move from mainstream to alternative media, almost a year since founding Zeteo on Substack. Zeteo’s contributors now include Naomi Klein and Greta Thunberg.He criticises the media’s failings, from reporting on Israel’s violence to holding Trump and his acolytes to account, and what he identifies as “anticipatory obedience” to the president.Finally, Mehdi shares advice for young journalists, and reflects on where he finds hope in dark times.Plus, Ellen and Alona talk Valentine’s Day: “banger” or “dud”? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would a young Starmer join the Labour party today? Ellen and Alona are joined by Tom Clark, contributing editor at Prospect, who thinks not.From defending misfit environmentalists to denouncing them in the Daily Mail, Starmer’s evolution might dismay some on the left of the party. Once he was a young human rights lawyer and now he is a prime minister punishing MPs for rebelling on child poverty or arming Israel.Tom’s column received some criticism on Bluesky from those who see this as pragmatism befitting the UK's highest political office.But Tom analyses why Starmer’s “strongman” strategy might not be as electorally effective as he hopes. With Labour tanking in the polls, Reform UK is projected to be ahead for the first time. In the upcoming local elections, will Labour be a party for young people? And does this matter?Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss London nightlife: banger or dud?To read Tom’s column “Starmer is governing against his younger self”, head to https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/labour-party/69157/keir-starmer-governing-against-younger-self-labourAnd to read our magazine cover piece on the battle between Labour and Reform, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/69111/labour-vs-reform-farage-starmer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s special episode, we bring you an exclusive interview with Prospect’s World’s Top Thinker of 2025, Brazilian journalist Eliane Brum. Eliane is the author of Banzeiro Òkòtó: The Amazon as the Centre of the World. In 2017, she co-founded Sumaúma, a journalism platform reporting on the Amazon from the inside, which trains young people from urban and indigenous communities.Dialling in from the Amazon rainforest, she spoke to Prospect’s deputy editor Ellen Halliday about her move from the city of São Paulo to the Amazon in 2017, as well as the thinking that underpins her work.Eliane argues that our separation from nature has destroyed our survival instincts and "disconnected [us] from life" itself.She explores why hope isn't actually the key to tackling the climate crisis—and why we should be fighting for life.Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss biopics: banger or dud?To read the interview with Eliane from the magazine, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/world/environment-news/climate/69109/eliane-brum-climate-amazon-top-thinker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.