Radical with Amol Rajan

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Physicist Carlo Rovelli thinks we need natural intelligence and not artificial intelligence in an age of confrontation.Ten years ago he wrote a short book called Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, which became an international bestseller and catapulted him to scientific stardom. A decade on he thinks the world is at a dangerous moment as the West’s dominance declines and global powers prioritise competition over collaboration. One area he's most concerned about is AI, which he thinks is overhyped but needs to be controlled nonetheless.He also explains some mind-bending ideas about time, space and why he thinks the Big Bang was actually a Big Bounce. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davies. Technical production was by Phil Bull. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Edward Enninful thinks fashion risks going backwards on diversity, which is why he’s launched a new media business, EE72, to promote inclusion in an anti-woke era. The former editor of British Vogue talks to Amol about why the industry needs to appeal to all generations – from getting Gen Z on side by tackling fast fashion and affordability, to highlighting the full spectrum of beauty by focussing on ‘women of a certain age’ in the first issue of his quarterly magazine. Amol asks him about the recent Sydney Sweeney jeans advert after the US fashion retailer American Eagle ran ads with her alongside the words: "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans". Edward also explains why he left British Vogue and talks about his relationship with his former boss, Anna Wintour. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davies and Sophie Millward. Technical production was by Mike Regaard. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.