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
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.
Nov 6, 2025 • 59min
Irrational Humans: How Our Behaviour Shapes the Economy (Professor Richard Thaler)
In this discussion, Richard Thaler, a Nobel laureate in behavioural economics and author of 'Nudge,' explores how human behavior defies traditional economic theories. Dive into concepts like loss aversion and the endowment effect, revealing why we often make irrational decisions. Thaler shares insights on youth unemployment, suggests how to redesign welfare to encourage employment, and addresses government debt through AI efficiency. He also highlights the dangers of social media's influence on our choices and perceptions.
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 9min
A New Generational Divide: Living with(out) the Bank of Mum and Dad (Dr Eliza Filby)
Eliza Filby, a historian and author of "Inheritocracy," dives into the striking divide between generations shaped by family wealth. She discusses how eligibility for financial support from the 'Bank of Mum and Dad' influences success. Eliza highlights the declining graduate premium, shifts in parenthood and gender roles, and how delayed adulthood has redefined life paths for younger generations. She calls for a radical rethink of meritocracy and proposes a national conversation about inheritance tax reforms to create a fairer society.
14 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 2min
ChatGPT and Google: The Tech Billionaire Taking On AI Companies (Matthew Prince)
In this discussion, Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare and internet infrastructure innovator, dives into the transformative impact of AI on the web. He highlights how AI is shifting the internet from search engines to answer engines, affecting site traffic. Prince advocates for compensating content creators, proposing a revenue-sharing model for AI companies. He also addresses the risks of centralization in AI and Cloudflare's strategic decision to block AI crawlers to protect publishers, all while discussing the challenges of copyright in the digital age.
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 43min
A Fatal Punch: Why I Met the Parents of the Man I Killed (Jacob Dunne)
Jacob Dunne, once convicted of manslaughter for a fatal punch, now advocates for restorative justice after a transformative relationship with the victim's parents, Joan and David. He shares the harrowing details of that night and how their forgiveness inspired him to pursue education and a new path in life. Jacob discusses the importance of addressing the root causes of violence, the failure of prisons to reduce reoffending, and his mission to reform criminal justice for victims and communities. His remarkable journey is a testament to the power of connection and redemption.
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
Climate Migration: Confronting the Reality of Global Warming (Gaia Vince)
Gaia Vince, a journalist and author known for her insights on climate change and migration, discusses the impending reality of climate-driven mass migration. She highlights that billions may be displaced by 2050 due to global warming, arguing that planned immigration could yield economic benefits. Gaia emphasizes the rising momentum of renewable energy, predicting a shift in power systems. She also addresses the importance of integrating migrants into society and the economic necessity for aging populations, while stressing the need for honest discussions about climate and migration.
21 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 7min
British Identity: How Schools Can Improve Multiculturalism (Katharine Birbalsingh)
Katherine Birbalsingh, headteacher and founder of Michaela Community School, passionately discusses the need for a unified approach to education in Britain. She argues against a focus on diversity that fosters victimhood, favoring instead the teaching of British culture and traditional values. With a critical eye on government reforms, Katherine advocates for strict discipline and knowledge-led teaching. She highlights her school's success through shared values and community, believing that preserving these can help transform the lives of disadvantaged children.
