The Prospect Podcast

In a thought-provoking conversation, Stewart Home, a novelist, filmmaker, and art historian, dives into the unsettling connections between yoga and far-right ideologies, as outlined in his book 'Fascist Yoga'. He reveals how yoga’s history is intertwined with dubious figures and extremist beliefs, from its early 20th-century reinvention to its incorporation by Nazis and alt-right influencers today. Stewart highlights the rise of anti-science trends within wellness culture and explores how misinformation spreads through digital platforms, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in modern practices.

Laura Bates, a prominent writer and activist known for founding the Everyday Sexism project, dives deep into the disturbing intersection of artificial intelligence and misogyny. She discusses how technologies like deepfakes are being used against women and the alarming reality of gender biases in the digital world. Bates shares insights from her experiences in schools, advocating for stronger protections for children. She also critiques the gap between tech companies’ promises and their actions, urging for greater accountability and regulation to combat online sexism.

There’s been a buzz in Westminster about Blue Labour, the socially conservative group led by peer Maurice Glasman. But where did Blue Labour come from—and how much influence does it really have over government?This week on the Prospect Podcast, Ellen and Alona are joined by political theorist and director of the UCL policy lab Marc Stears, who was one of the founding members of Blue Labour 15 years ago but is now critical of its turn towards the populist right.Marc explains how and why he believes its ideology has shifted and discusses Glasman’s connections to Maga: after meeting JD Vance and appearing on Steve Bannon’s podcast, why does a Labour peer find common ground with Trumpist Americans? Could Reform ever be a partner for Labour?Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss meal deals: “banger” or “dud”?To read Marc’s essay, ‘What’s wrong with the new Blue Labour?’, head to prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/70309/whats-wrong-with-the-new-blue-labour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Faiz Siddiqui, a technology reporter at the Washington Post and author of Hubris Maximus, discusses Elon Musk’s remarkable ascent, his fall from grace, and his complex political evolution. They delve into Musk's shift from liberal tech visionary to right-wing figure, explore how his ventures have impacted society, and the question of whether he truly is a genius. Faiz also shares his courtroom encounter with Musk and debates the broader implications of billionaires on tourism, touching on the challenges faced by places like Venice.

Have you ever wondered where Andrew Tate came from?This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by journalist James Bloodworth to discuss his new book Lost Boys: A personal journey through the manosphere.From attending a pick-up artist bootcamp himself in 2006, to reporting on the rise of red pill and incel ideologies, James traces how online misogyny has evolved—and why so many young men are drawn into it. He explores the role of social media in fuelling radicalisation and answers: is this a crisis of masculinity, or something more complicated? And what would he say to his 23-year-old self now?Plus, after a listener’s suggestion, Ellen and Alona discuss splitting the bill: “banger” or “dud”?To send us your suggestions for “banger or dud”, email webdesk@prospect-magazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, actor and writer Sheila Hancock reflects on what she has gained since losing her hearing, while journalist and second life writer Vitali Vitaliev reminisces on the best and worst meals of his life. Sex worker and author Tilly Lawless describes her complicated feelings about orgasming on the job, while Mindful life writer Sarah Collins has a public cry in the Byzantium Christian museum of Athens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since 13th June, Israel has launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, assassinated scientists and commanders, and bombed infrastructure. Iran has responded with ballistic missiles and drones. The death toll is rising, and there’s no sign of a ceasefire.This week, Arash Azizi joins Alona to unpack the war now underway. Arash is the author of The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the U.S., and Iran's Global Ambitions (2020) and What Iranians Want (2024).Arash explains why Netanyahu might have chosen to attack now and how Iran is responding both militarily and politically. He and Alona discuss how the media is covering the war inside both countries—and how the world, from the US to China, has reacted.Plus: what does this mean for the Middle East? And is there any reason for hope? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ethan Zuckerman, an Associate Professor at UMass Amherst and a pioneer of pop-up ads, shares his insights on the current digital landscape. He tackles the 'enshittification' of the internet and how AI's rise complicates academia. Ethan critiques the anti-labor agenda of tech leaders while revealing the transformative potential of AI in education. He emphasizes finding positivity in niche online communities and highlights his students' creativity as a source of hope amidst a dystopian tech future.

The world’s richest man and the world’s most powerful man have had a very public fall out—but what does it mean for American government?In a short, bonus episode, Ellen and Alona speak with Jill Abramson, former executive editor of the New York Times, about the long predicted clash.Jill explains the implications for US space policy, and reviews how the US media has covered Musk since he first campaigned alongside Trump last October. For more on US politics from Prospect, visit our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone wants to live a long and healthy life—so what’s the best way to do it?This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by Devi Sridhar, professor of global public health at Edinburgh University and personal trainer, whose new book, How Not to Die (Too Soon), is a guide to living longer and better, and challenges everything we think we know about personal health.Devi argues that air quality, access to healthcare, and innovations in public policy matter more than supplements or step counts. She also discusses why life expectancy is falling, and reacts to the rise of anti-science voices like Robert F Kennedy Jr. Five years after the pandemic upended our lives, Devi reflects on what we have failed to learn from that public health crisis—and why universal health coverage, tackling inequality, and climate resilience must be at the heart of how we rethink health.Plus, Ellen and Alona discuss wellness influencers: “banger” or “dud”?‘How Not to Die (Too Soon): The Lies We’ve Been Sold and the Policies That Can Save Us’ is available now Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.