The Cambridge Union | In Conversation With...

George ‘ Memeulous ’ is a Youtuber famous for his comedic commentary style videos. He has gained over 5.6 million subscribers across two Youtube channels, garnering a total of over 1.2 billion views, all while remaining totally anonymous. Appearing in videos with sunglasses, cap and mask to hide his identity. George drove the internet wild with his eye reveal, though his identity still remains unknown. A former member of the E-Boys Youtube group alongside fellow Lent Term speaker WilINE, his internet career has only gone from strength to strength since leaving. This will be George's first public appearance. Recorded on 20th Feb 2023. Thumbnail Artwork by Flo Tawns.

Listen back to our interview with Dr Nguyễn Hoàng Long at The Cambridge Union on the 13th February 2023. H.E. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Long há bên the Ambassador of Vietnam to the United Kingdom since June 2021. Following a rapid rise through the ranks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Long became the country's youngest serving ambassador when appointed in Italy at age 36. The Ambassador holds a PhD in Economics from the university of Rome Tor Vergata. Having been an international student himself, Ambassador Long enjoys hosting regular events for the Vietnamese student community in the UK. We are honoured to host the Ambassador as the United Kingdom and Vietnam celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Listen back to our interview with Max Brandrett at The Cambridge Union on the 10th February 2023. Max Brandrett is the most notorious art forger in the world, and has forged over 500 paintings of artists from Caravaggio to Banksy. Brandrett was jailed three times for forgery and is banned from every auction house in London as well as eBay. He has now made a legitimate business out of copying paintings, giving thousands to charity. From his time in the circus as an elephant groomer to forging for the Kray twins, Brandrett has a wealth of surreal experiences to share. Thumbnail Photographer: Reva Croft

Listen back to our interview with Yanis Varoufakis at The Cambridge Union on the 7th of February 2023. Yanis Varoufakis is an economist, politician and academic. He was Greece's Finance Minister during the debt crisis in 2015, facing off against the IMF, ECB and European Commission. In 2019, Varoufakis was re-elected to the Hellenic Parliament with his new party MeRA25. Varoufakis s both loved and hated by Greeks today, his recent electoral comeback contrasted against traumatic memories of 2015. Cover photo credits: Reva Croft

Listen back to our interview with Fawzia Koofi at The Cambridge Union on the 31st of January 2023. A former Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and a renowned women’s rights activist, Fawzia was the Afghan Parliament’s first-ever female Deputy Speaker and the only woman chosen by the US during the ‘Doha negotiations with the Taliban. As well as being the ex-Vice President of the National Assembly, Koofi has written two books, “The Favored Daughter” and “Letters to My Daughters” in which she offers a personal account of life under exploitative Russian and Taliban regimes. Koofi has relentlessly driven for women’s and human rights, with a focus on women’s education and the prevention of child exploitation and abuse. Since being the deputy speaker, she is now the Chairperson of Afghanistan’s Women, Civil Society and Human Rights Commission and continually works on the mobilisation of urgent support for the women and the people of Afghanistan with the help of world leaders. Cover photo credits: Tobia Nava

Listen back to our interview with Russ at The Cambridge Union on the 25th of January 2023. Russell James Vitale, aka Russ, is an American rapper, songwriter and record producer. His latest albums have both peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard 200. With hits garnering hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.    Russ is known for his versatile talent, writing, producing and mixing his songs by himself. In 2027, Russ was embroiled in controversy with Lil Pump for critiquing drug glorification in rap songs, resulting in an online meme war.    Russ notably has his own independent label, DIEMON, which helps other independent artists grow without taking any ownership rights, combatting what has become a massive problem in the industry. Cover photo credits: Tobia Nava

Listen back to our interview with John Bercow at The Cambridge Union on the 24th January 2023. John Bercow is a political icon. Speaker of the House of Commons for over a decade and known for his booming voice, he became a figure above partisan politics, defending parliment in the face of an increasingly aggressive government. His legacy is mixed, with accusations of bullying balanced against estimable efforts to engage young people and charities. Stepping down amidst the 2019 parliamentary chaos over Brexit, he was both championed as an impartial speaker and vilified as a Remainer saboteur. Either way, Bercow has rejuvenated the speakership and captured the public's attention throughout one of the most turbulent periods of British politics. We are honoured to have him speak for us. Cover photo credits: Alex Lau

Listen back to our interview with Liv Boeree at The Cambridge Union on the 19th January 2023. Liv Boeree is one of the most successful poker players of all time. In 2010, she became the third woman ever to win the European Poker Tour, coming away with €1,250,000 in winnings, following up her success in 2017 by winning the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Boeree has also won the Global Poker Index European Female Player of the Year three times, and is notable for co-founding Raising for Effective Giving, an organisation which encourages poker players to donate at least 2% of their winnings to highly effective charities. Cover photo credits: Nordin Catic