Critical Edge

Episode 28: Schuyler Bailar. Schuyler is a trans advocate and queer educator, who came to the spotlight competing as the first D1 NCAA Men’s Trans Athlete for the Harvard Swim Team. In this episode, we discuss trans participation in sports, access and healthcare, legislation around bathrooms, and more. Enjoy!

Renowned cartoonist Liana Finck discusses sourdough baking, parenthood, and creative work. She delves into her journey in cartooning, the differences between the art and cartoonist industries, and the representation of the body in art. Liana explores personal narratives, the concept of the shadow, and the thought processes behind creative challenges in comics.

“Let us dare to dream and dare to try!” - Eliud Kipchoge.The LOAF Podcast conducts a long-form interview with Kipchoge, where we delve into the mindset of a champion and look ahead to the upcoming Paris Olympics. What is motivating him and how does he plan to bounce back after Tokyo?🏃‍♂️ This podcast is a masterclass in endurance, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence: Eliud's story is a compelling reminder of human potential. Why does Kipchoge run? And why should YOU?

Join us on The LOAF Podcast as we sit down with Dr Steven Pinker, cognitive psychologist at Harvard, prolific author, and public intellectual.Dr Pinker is renowned for his academic work in language acquisition, his defence of the computational theory of mind, and visual cognition. Aside form his academic work, he writes for a popular audience about rationality, human progress, the decline of violence, and much more.In this episode we discuss cognitive biases, the border between pseudoscience and science, free speech, Trump, and inequality.

An Oxford University Podcast. This week we welcome Simon Critchley, an English philosopher renowned for his work in political philosophy, ethics, and aesthetics, who challenges traditional notions by arguing that philosophy begins in disappointment.In this episode we discuss: the philosophy of humour and its ability to challenge social norms, the absurdity of football fandom, and death itself. One of our most dense episodes to date, Critchley explores a vast range of issues, elucidating the human experience with nuance and wit.

An Oxford University Podcast. Join us with Lindsey Vonn, the most celebrated female skier of all time. Discover her early dreams, the highs and lows of professional sports, and her candid insights on overcoming obstacles, both on the slopes and in life. In this episode, Lindsey opens up about mental health, the evolution of skiing, and her mission to empower women in sports.

An Oxford University Podcast. Join us with Robert Wright, an expert in evolutionary psychology and AI, as we explore human evolution, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the power of mindfulness. Discover Wright's insights on how these forces intertwine to shape our future and the potential for a purpose-driven evolution.

Dr. Joe Dispenza, a renowned neuroscience expert and bestselling author known for blending science with spirituality, shares fascinating insights into how our thoughts and emotions impact our health and reality. He discusses the concept of spontaneous healing driven by gratitude and mindset, and the integration of personal experiences with traditional medicine. The conversation also explores the astonishing role of intention in shaping our experiences and reality, alongside the transformative potential of meditation on consciousness and emotional well-being.

An Oxford University Podcast. Anna Lapwood is a professional organist and TikTok sensation, who popularised the #playlikeagirl movement, seeking to improve access for and attitudes to women and girls in the music world. We talk to her about this movement, her charity work in Zambia, making classical music modern and fashionable, and much more!

An Oxford University podcast. Spencer Matthews runs multiple successful podcasts and founded the no. 1 non-alcoholic spirits brand, CleanCo. We talk to him about his journey to becoming sober, the death of his brother and his attempt to find him on Everest in his new documentary, and his business endeavours.