What I Believe

In this episode, Andrew speaks to politician, campaigner, and author, Siân Berry about what she believes, from abundance, optimism, improvement, the long view of human history, the spirit of inquiry, the distribution of power, and democracy and freedom.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to actor and fledgling scientist Isaac Hempstead Wright about what he believes, from inquiry and truth, joy of finding things out, question after question, and how creativity and imagination are essential for science, and make-believe alike.  

In this episode, Andrew speaks to critically acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan about what he believes, from novels as a conversation through the generations, tolerance, empathy, freedom, pleasure, being each other, and enlarging our sympathies.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to theoretical physicist, author, and broadcaster, Jim Al-Khalili about what he believes, from lessons from quantum, science as a human enterprise, the values of the scientific approach, and amiable approaches to finding the truth.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to physicist, oceanographer, author, television presenter, and ‘bubble-enthusiast’, Helen Czerski about what she believes, from finding out how the world works, acknowledgment of messiness, the perspective of a scientist, being moved by the currents, and all being in the same canoe.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to world-renowned evolutionary biologist and science communicator, Richard Dawkins about what he believes, from wanting to be understood, clarity, poetry, and being glad to change your mind.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to broadcaster and Humanist Society Scotland celebrant,  Carol Smillie about what she believes, from collaborative environments, the diversity of human stories, taking on taboos and injustices, and building your own life story.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to award-winning journalist, David Aaronovitch about what he believes, from the value of freedom of expression, an obsession with truth, a hatred of scapegoating, and giving up the Marxist-Leninist worldview he was raised in.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Emmy-nominated composer and producer, Hannah Peel about what she believes, from the meaning of music, its primal quality, music science and nature, music that binds us to place, music that connects us to people, being open, and the mystical aspect of artistic creation.

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Olivier Award-nominated singer and actress, Adèle Anderson about what she believes, from music, beautiful cassocks, performance, opening yourself up to experiences, collaboration, and role models.