Reading Our Times
Episode Archive
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How have we changed the world - and how has it changed us? In conversation with Peter Frankopan
Tuesday 5 July 2023 was, apparently, the hottest day ever recorded, and 2023 looks like its going to be the hottest year in human history. At this pace, we are heading for a dire future. But we ...
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Who are the new elites? In conversation with Matt Goodwin
"Elites have open contempt for those who are not members of their rarefied class.” So claimed no less than Rupert Murdoch, friend of PMs and presidents, in his resignation letter.
Is he ...
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Who is responsible for feeding us (well)? In conversation with Pen Vogler
Our relationship with food is unhealthy. While nearly 2/3 of English adults and 1/3 of children struggle with extra weight problems, there are currently around 2,500 food banks operating in the ...
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What does the end of the world look like? In conversation with Cal Flyn
It’s a common fantasy. You wake up and there is no one there. Civilisation, order, humanity have crumbled. You are alone. Yet, in some parts of the world, this is not a fantasy. Human civilisati...
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What makes a philosophical mind? In conversation with Dan Dennett
For over 50 years now, Dan Dennett has written highly-praised, thoughtfully and provocatively on major philosophical issues.
His ideas about consciousness, evolution, freedom - and, of c...
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When is the next big crash? In conversation with Linda Yueh
The age of boom and bust is over - we were told, shortly before the great crash of 2008-09. Such confidence is clearly ill-advised. Economies boom and economies bust - and there doesn't seem muc...
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What is a mind? In conversation with Philip Ball
You have a mind, right? At least, that's what you and those who know you will think. But would you say the same of your pet? What about creatures like dolphins or octopus? Aliens (assuming they ...
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What do we even mean by 'God'? In conversation with David Bentley Hart
Everyone - even those who utter it with contempt - uses the word 'God'. But we don't all use it in the same way. Indeed, you could argue that we talk past each other more often when we talk abou...
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Why are Pentecostals taking over the world? In conversation with Elle Hardy
Pentecostalism is the fastest growing religious movement in history, with nearly 600 million Pentecostals worldwide. How did the movement originate? What does it involve? And how will it change ...
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How much does Britain cost? In conversation with Paul Johnson
We raise over a trillion every year in tax, and spent a hundred billion more than that. But where do we get it from? Where do we spend it? And is it used fairly, efficiently and wisely?
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