Arts & Ideas

Penny Mordaunt, a former MP and author, discusses her motivation for writing about British traditions, linking them to national identity. Ceri Houlbrook, a folklorist, emphasizes how modern customs can be authentic and relevant. Sunder Katwala examines the role of rituals in shaping patriotism. Muriel Zagha reflects on the shared experience of queuing for the Queen's funeral as a communal ritual, while Dr. Uran Ferizi shares insights on Albanian traditions and identity. The conversation explores how traditions can unify communities and adapt to modernity.

Hannah Devlin, science correspondent for The Guardian; Adam Rutherford, geneticist and broadcaster; Dr. Sandra Knapp, botanist at the Natural History Museum; Dr. Dafydd Mills Daniel, theologian specializing in 17th-century science; and Nick Spencer, author on science and religion, discuss the evolving role of science in society. They explore issues like public trust, ethical dilemmas in modern science, and the legacy of eugenics. The conversation delves into how historical contexts shaped scientific authority and the need for greater public engagement in ethical discussions.

In this enlightening discussion, poet Michael Rosen shares insights from his book on brightening daily life. Dr. Sophie Scott-Brown emphasizes small local actions as acts of hope, countering grand endeavors. Political historian Sudhir Hazareesingh reflects on resilience and moral transformation among enslaved peoples. The Rev'd Fergus Butler-Gallie offers theological perspectives, linking virtue and community with personal grace. Together, they explore what constitutes a good life through various lenses, igniting thoughtful conversations on identity and everyday joy.

Featuring Kit Davis, an anthropology professor, Lynsey Hanley, an insightful writer on class, Alistair Fraser, a criminology expert, Isabel Hardman, a political journalist, and Rebecca Earle, a historian specializing in food and identity, this discussion explores the complexities of belonging. They dive into the fluidity of social tribes, the impact of social media on group identity, and the nuanced relationship between class experiences and online communities. The guests also reflect on the cultural significance of food and its role in forming tribal connections.

In this intriguing discussion, guests Tiffany Watt Smith, a cultural historian and author, Susie Orbach, a psychoanalyst known for her work on female relationships, philosopher Alexander Douglas, literary expert Stephen Shapiro, and film critic Phuong Le delve into the multifaceted nature of friendship. They explore its historical evolution, the dynamics of female friendships in film, and the tension between individuality and connection. Insights into friendship as a subversive force and its complex interplay with sexuality and societal expectations make for a thought-provoking conversation.

Rana Mitter, a Harvard historian, discusses censorship's impact in authoritarian regimes, while Jemimah Steinfeld of Index on Censorship shares insights on freedom of expression challenges. Amelia Fairney sheds light on sensitivity readers influencing publishing decisions, and Nigel Warburton emphasizes the dangers of echo chambers. Nicola Wilson dives into historical censorship within UK literature and the evolving role of sensitivity editing. Together, they explore the delicate balance between protecting audiences and preserving artistic integrity.

Mark Lawson, a writer and theatre critic for The Tablet, joins experts like Anna Rowlands, a Catholic social thought professor, and Chine McDonald, director of Theos, to explore how Christian faith intertwines with politics today. They discuss the resurgence of religious themes post-pandemic and how historical events like the Council of Nicaea impact modern governance. Sam Tanenhaus delves into William Buckley's influence on American conservatism, while Dafydd Mills Daniel reflects on faith's role in contemporary theatre and music.

Oliver Kamm, a journalist and son of a literary translator, joins language expert Ross Perlin, who focuses on endangered tongues, and veteran commentator Peter Hitchens. They discuss the deep ties between language, identity, and migration. Ellis James shares his journey in switching to Welsh for comedy, highlighting the unique challenges of humor in translation. The conversation advocates for preserving linguistic diversity and critiques UK immigration policies regarding language. They also reflect on the vibrant multicultural landscape of urban areas and the evolving nature of English.

Join Cath Bishop, an Olympian and diplomat, David Stevenson, a cultural policy expert, Katarina Skoberne, a life coach, Michelle Clement, a historian, and Joseph Anderton, a literature professor as they delve into the multifaceted nature of failure. They discuss how personal setbacks foster growth, the shift in sports psychology towards embracing failure, and the necessity of honest dialogue in public policy. Exploring failures in arts and leadership, they highlight the interplay of success and failure, advocating for vulnerability and creative resilience.

Personal Identity is at the heart of contemporary culture. Political philosophies are built around it and family history is a hobby undertaken by hundreds of thousands. Understanding where you came from is seen as central to understanding who you are. But what if the things that are uncovered are uncomfortable, upsetting or even life-changing?Matthew Sweet is joined at the Hay Festival by three writers who have hosted podcasts which raise these questions – Joe Dunthorne, whose memoir Children of Radium and BBC Radio 4 series Half Life explore his great-grandfather's work with chemical weapons; Kavita Puri, whose series Three Million told the story of the Bengal Famine, and of British culpability in it; and Jenny Kleeman, whose BBC Radio 4 podcast The Gift tells the stories of lives upended by DNA testing kits. How does the format of the podcast help them explore these complicated subjects?The Gift, Three Million and The History Podcast, Half Life are all available now on BBC Sounds Producer: Luke Mulhall