Arts & Ideas

In party conference season, we look at what bonds party members and what it means to create a new network with its own shared beliefs and rituals. What light can the big thinkers from the worlds of anthropology and sociology shed? From political tribes to criminal gangs, from social media to social class - how do shared beliefs, rituals, rules and values bond us together - and pull us apart?Anne McElvoy is joined by Kit Davis, emeritus professor of anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London; Lynsey Hanley writer and author of Estates and Respectable: The Experience of Class; Adele Walton, Journalist and author of Logging Off; Alistair Fraser, professor of criminology at Glasgow University; assistant editor of The Spectator and political journalist and Isabel Hardman; and, Rebecca Earle, Professor of History and Chair of the British Academy Book PrizeShortlist for the British Academy Book Prize announced on October 22nd: The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years by Sunil Amrith The Baton and The Cross: Russia’s Church from Pagans to Putin by Lucy Ash The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World by William Dalrymple Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance by Bronwen Everill Sick of It: The Global Fight for Women's Health by Sophie Harman Sound Tracks: Uncovering Our Musical Past by Graham LawsonProducer: Ruth Watts

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

In this lively discussion, philosopher Rachael Wiseman, former politician Ann Widdecombe, emotion historian Tiffany Watt Smith, and journalist Sarah Jilani delve into the evolving concept of common sense. They explore its multifaceted interpretations across cultures and its influences on political discourse, where emotional instincts shape policy-making. The guests also touch on historical debates, critiquing the notion of common sense in relation to gender roles, and emphasize how imagination can drive social change, challenging established norms for a better society.

Political power can take many forms, from the top-down model of the Roman Empire, to operating in the democratic politics of today, to the possibilities offered by new technologies for more horizontal power structures in the future.Matthew Sweet is joined on a stage at the Hay Festival by historian Tom Holland, whose new translation of Suetonius’ Lives of the Caesars examines Roman power politics from the inside; Guto Harri, who saw the inside workings of power as Downing Street Director of Communications; Adam Greenfield, whose book Lifehouse looks at local networks of mutual aid that have emerged in response to climate crisis; and political philosopher Sophie Scott-Brown - whose book The Radical Fifties: Activist Politics in Cold War Britain is out in July.Producer: Luke Mulhall

Adam Weymouth, author of 'Lone Wolf,' shares his captivating journey tracking a wolf in the Alps, revealing the cultural and ecological significance of these creatures. Zoe Gilbert discusses wolves in mythology, showcasing their transformation from villains to symbols of balance. Ben Goldsmith advocates for rewilding, emphasizing the ecological benefits of reintroducing wolves to the UK. The conversation delves into the myths surrounding wolves, exploring themes of coexistence, female archetypes, and the complex dynamics of nature and nurturing.