Radical with Amol Rajan
BBC Radio 4
Conversations about tomorrow, from Today.Every week Today programme presenter Amol Rajan talks to radicals, pioneers and innovators from all over the world. From populism and climate change, to economics and AI... How can their radical ideas help you win the future?As well as presenting Today on BBC Radio 4, Amol is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that he was the BBC's media editor and editor of The Independent.Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are published on Thursdays on BBC Sounds. You can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajanRadical with Amol Rajan is a Today podcast. If you enjoy this (and you've read this far so hopefully you do), then we think you’ll also like another podcast from Today. It’s called Political Thinking with Nick Robinson and you can listen to Nick’s interviews here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p04z203l
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
Information Crisis: Why Social Media Bans Aren't The Answer (Naomi Alderman)
Naomi Alderman, a bestselling author and technology commentator, dives into our current 'third information crisis.' She likens it to historic revolutions like the printing press and discusses how abundant information can lead to anxiety and echo chambers. Alderman proposes innovative solutions like regulations for social media and the need for a 'checked internet' to combat misinformation. She also reflects on personal growth through therapy, emphasizing the importance of real human connection in a digital world.
8 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 24min
Should School Meals Be Plant-Based? (Your Radical Questions with Jamie Oliver)
Chef Jamie Oliver, an advocate for healthier school meals and public health, dives into pressing food issues. He discusses obesity legislation and the need to curb junk-food advertising aimed at children. Highlighting the benefits of plant-based meals in schools, Jamie argues they can be nutritious, cost-effective, and improve health. He also emphasizes the importance of teaching food skills and nutrition to children to foster a well-rounded education. With a focus on improving food quality, Jamie calls for cultural change in British food standards.
Dec 11, 2025 • 58min
Jamie Oliver: Obesity and Debt are Killing Britain
Jamie Oliver, renowned chef and advocate for public health, shares his insights on the pressing issues of diet-related illness and financial literacy in Britain. He passionately discusses the need for better nutritional education and the ongoing challenges of school meal standards. Jamie reflects on his own dyslexia and the importance of supporting neurodiverse children in education. He also shares his vision for teaching kids money management skills to combat debt and outlines practical policies for improving public health. Plus, hear his plans for relaunching Jamie's Italian!
Dec 8, 2025 • 23min
What Do We Do About Young Men and Porn? (Your Radical Questions with Jordan Stephens)
Musician and advocate Jordan Stephens, known for being part of Rizzle Kicks, tackles pressing issues surrounding young men and pornography. He emphasizes the necessity of better sex education and demystifying pornography. Jordan promotes emotional connection through sports and real-life interactions instead of screens. He discusses the impact of absent fathers and the importance of community support. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of AI and deepfakes while advocating for responsible regulation. His principled refusal to engage with governmental photo-ops reflects his commitment to the cause.
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
Porn and Masculinity: How to Teach Kids about Sex and Relationships (Jordan Stephens)
Jordan Stephens, musician from Rizzle Kicks and advocate for modern masculinity, discusses the evolving impact of online pornography on young people. He highlights the need for a new sex education model that focuses on consent and healthy relationships. Drawing from his own struggles with fame and addiction, Jordan emphasizes emotional literacy and the crisis of masculinity. He proposes integrating AI safeguards in conversations about porn and supports legalizing sex work to reduce harm. His insights challenge traditional narratives, urging better communication and understanding among youth.
11 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 24min
Will Conservation Become More Mainstream? (Your Radical Questions with Chris Packham)
Wildlife presenter Chris Packham shares his insights on conservation and consumerism. He criticizes constant advertising and overconsumption, advocating for a shift towards valuing nature. Chris discusses the importance of education in promoting wildlife care and highlights his opposition to trail hunting due to its links with illegal activities. He also reflects on his autism journey, emphasizing the need for structured support in schools. Plus, he reveals how punk music fuels his activism, making even the smallest insects fascinating.
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 6min
A War on Climate Change: Are Environmental Activists Losing The Fight? (Chris Packham)
In a thought-provoking discussion, conservationist and broadcaster Chris Packham speaks about the urgent need for climate action following the unsuccessful COP climate summit in Brazil. He stresses that conservationists have a crucial role yet have fallen short, advocating for a wartime-style mobilization to tackle the crisis. Chris also highlights the connection between climate change and public health, shares practical steps individuals can take, and opens up about his struggles with neurodiversity and the personal costs of his activism.
8 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 26min
How Good Is Vertical Farming? (Your Radical Questions with James Rebanks)
James Rebanks, a Lake District farmer and bestselling author, dives deep into pressing agricultural issues. He discusses practical ways consumers can support local farmers and raises alarms about misleading food labels. Rebanks shares his skepticism about vertical farming, emphasizing traditional methods that rely on sunlight and soil. He also explores the complexities of sheep farming and national parks, advocating for diverse land management and community restoration projects. Finally, he critiques ultra-processed foods and calls for a shift towards real diets in education.
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 9min
Beyond Ultra-Processed Foods: Can Farmers Fix Our Health and the Planet? (James Rebanks)
James Rebanks, a farmer and bestselling author from Cumbria, advocates for transformative changes in farming policy and food systems. He discusses the critical balance between food production and nature recovery amidst a crisis in British farming. Rebanks critiques flawed subsidies and the impacts of cheap food on diets and health. He also shares insights from his travels to Norway, reflecting on masculinity and personal growth. Listeners learn how consumers and policymakers can reshape the agricultural landscape for a sustainable future.
12 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 12min
Digital Dominance: How to Limit the Power of Big Tech (Sir Nick Clegg)
Sir Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and ex-president of global affairs at Meta, shares a wealth of insights on big tech's influence and regulation. He argues against breaking up tech giants, advocating for user control and the importance of the EU's Digital Markets Act. Clegg discusses the nuanced impacts of social media on children and political polarization, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate safeguards. He also highlights the critical role of governments over tech CEOs, urging a collaborative approach in managing AI risks and ensuring accountability in the digital landscape.
