Reading Our Times
Reading Our Times is a podcast that explores the books and ideas shaping contemporary society. Hosted by Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at the think tank Theos, it features interviews with leading authors on topics such as meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, the brain, liberalism, and religion. The podcast aims to illuminate the times we live in and the people we are through thoughtful discussion of influential works.
Episodes
What does England owe to Christianity? In conversation with Bijan Omrani
The idea that our country is Christian - in the historical sense of having been comprehensively formed by the faith - is sometimes taken as a kind of Christian nationalist dog whistle. But it shouldn't be.In reality, this is true for most countries in Europe, in which, in spite of massive secularisation in the later 20th century, Christianity's fingerprints are everywhere.So, what is Engla
What is the truth behind immigration? In conversation with Alan Manning
Immigration is a major issue in the contemporary world, a - if not the - driver of nationalist movements the world over. It is impossible to think about nationalism today, religious or otherwise, without thinking first about immigration.But immigration is also a hard subject to think about, not because of a paucity of information but because of a glut. Awash with statistics, anecdotes and personal
Is this the end of woke? In conversation with Andrew Doyle
"Woke" has become one of the most contested words in contemporary culture, deployed as a badge of honour by some, a term of abuse by others. But what does it actually mean, and does it constitute a serious ideological movement or merely a passing fashion?In today's episode, Nick talks to writer, comedian and broadcaster Andrew Doyle, best known as the creator of satirical persona Tit
How does the Far Right weaponise the Bible? In conversation with Hannah Strømmen
Unpalatable truth as it may be, there are some, especially today, who draw on the Bible to exclude and vilify others, as a way of protecting and the "pure" Christian culture of Europe or the West.It's not an altogether new phenomenon - people have deployed the Bible for militaristic ends since the Crusades - but it appears to be growing once again, as the Europe comes under "attack" from immigrant
How is Buddhist nationalism transforming Asia? In conversation with Sonia Faleiro
Buddhism is often seen in the West as a religion of peace and serenity - rarely, if ever, associated with violence. But that comforting image has obscured a darker and more complex reality playing out across Southeast Asia. Journalist and author Sonia Faleiro joins Nick Spencer to explore her latest book The Robe and the Sword, which examines how Buddhist nationalism has fuelled ethnic tension, di
How do politicians weaponise Christianity? In conversation with Tobias Cremer
European Christian politics is not new. Indeed, the religion has been an integral politcal factor for 1700 years. But something has changed over the last 20 years.Increasingly, a secularised form of Christian politics is taking centre-stage, in which populist leaders celebrate Christianity, but without the Christ bit.What forms does this secular Christianity take? How does it differ between Europe
What is (American) Christian nationalism? In conversation with Andrew Whitehead
Christian Nationalism seems to be on the rise - particularly in the US, but increasingly in Europe. The phrase, however, is often used vaguely and carelessly.Indeed "Christian nationalism" can be something of a "dustbin" term, into which people throw all the kinds of things they dislike.So, what does it mean? What forms does it take and, with a particular focus on the US, what
What can the history of nationalism tell us about its future? In conversation with Eric Storm
We live in an increasingly nationalistic age, with globalisation stumbling and international institutions disregarded. But we have been here before.Nations have existed for centuries, but it's only in the last 200 years that nationalism has become such a huge influence.So, where does nationalism come from? How has it changed since its inception? And what can its history tell us about its futur
Does the universe have a purpose? In conversation with Philip Goff
Human beings need a sense of purpose but differ strongly on whether that purpose is discovered or created, on whether the universe itself has a purpose or whether purpose is just the result of a hyperactive human mind?This disagreement often maps onto the theist/atheist divide - but not always and not necessarily. Perhaps the issue of purpose is wider than belief in God.So does the universe itself
What is the ultimate nature of reality? In conversation with Graham Harman
What is the ultimate nature of reality? And how best to describe it? Is it fundamentally smooth and continuous, flowing seamlessly from one state to another? Or is it discrete, composed of distinct, separate units that interact across unbridgeable gaps?This ancient philosophical puzzle, which dates back at least as far back as Zeno and his famous paradoxes 2,500 years ago, remains surprisingly urg
What is consciousness? In conversation with Baroness Susan Greenfield
Consciousness is famously called the “hard problem” and it elicits a very wide range of (sometimes very strongly held) opinions. These range from the idea that it is little more than a trick played on us by our brain, to the idea that it is built into the very fabric of matter at the most fundamental level.How does consciousness differ from mindedness? It is all or nothing, or are there grades of
What does Quantum Theory mean? In conversation with Paul Davies
Everyone has heard of quantum physics. Many of us can parrot its key ideas – uncertainty, entanglement, collapsing the wave function, something to do with a cat…But when it comes to really understanding it, well that’s a different matter altogether. “Anyone who is not shocked by quantum mechanics hasn’t understood it”, wrote the eminent physicist Niels Bohr.So, what is quantum physics? How did it
Can music redeem time? In conversation with Michael Symmons Roberts
The performance of Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time in a freezing WW2 prison camp is one of the most famous moments of 20th century music.The piece and performance spoke to audiences movingly, both then and now, of peace, God, time, and the power of music.Such questions remain powerful today. How imprisoned by time are we? In what sense does music and art enable us to transcend t
What can a life tell us about transcendence? In conversation with Clare Carlisle
The idea of transcendence is common, perhaps even universal, among human beings. But what it means (if anything) is much more debatable. There are different ways of understanding transcendence, some orthodoxly religious; others more heterodox and surprising.How should we understand transcendence? If you can be spiritual but not religious, can you experience transcendence without religion? What doe
Is God nothing? In conversation with Gilbert Markus
Many of the New Atheist arrows fired in the religion wars of 2000s and 2010s hit their target well and hard. The question is, was it the right target?Believers often claim that atheists don't believe in the kind of God that they themselves don't believe in, and that the concept of God in Christian thought is altogether subtle and more sophisticated than critics give credit.What is the evid
How does life work? In conversation with Philip Ball
Recent decades have seen the gene as supreme in all discussions of what life is and how it works. Whether selfish, co-operative or eternal, it's genes that matter.But that picture is changing, in favour of a much subtler, more complex and more layered understanding. Life, it seems, goes all the way down (and up).So what role do genes play in life? Where, if anywhere, does agency reside? Are hu
Trailer: Series 11 of Reading Our Times
Reading our Times is back – and this series we’re getting metaphysical. We're going to be talking about the building blocks of life, the universe and reality, with scientists, philosophers, theologians and poets. We’ll be talking to Clare Carlisle about transcendence and Susan Greenfield about consciousness. We’ll talk to Philip Ball about how life really works And to physicist Paul Davies ab
What are children for? In conversation with Anastasia Berg
Western societies have fallen out of love with (having) children, and all too often this is treated as a policy problem. But in reality, it's a much deeper personal and philosophical one. What has changed in our attitudes to having children? How do we understand the role and standing and "purpose" of children in society? What, in effect, do we think children are for? This week Nick S
How have we come to deify choice? In conversation with Sophia Rosenfeld
Choice is so important to who we are in the West is no longer feels like something we do, so much as something we are. Deny someone choice, and it feels like you are challenging their very humanity. Where does this obsession with choice come from, historically and philosophically? What are its foundations and justifications? And has it gone too far? Can you have too much of this particular good th
Would it matter if Christianity were eclipsed? In conversation with Rupert Shortt
Strange things are happening to Christianity in the West. Some people are talking about revival whereas others are talking about extinction. Whoever is right, the ramifications for our culture will be immense.What is happening? If we are entering a period of eclipse for Christianity, would it matter? Would it simply be strike us through the loss of beautiful buildings and moving music? Or is there
Are there limits to economic growth? In conversation with Richard McNeill Douglas
The idea that society should grow - and continue to grow, economically, without ending, without limits - is a relatively new and fiercely defended idea. It emerged first in Western countries but has captured much of the world today. How realistic is it? How "sustainable"? What should we think about “limits to growth”? Is it a narrative of declinism, best ignored? Or a warning we dismiss
Why is the Orthodox church so supportive of Putin's war? In conversation with Lucy Ash
The Russian Orthodox Church has been conspicuous in its support of Putin's war against Ukraine. The reasons seem as obvious as they are depressing. But behind the politics, there are centuries of history and theology. How did we get here? How is history of the church in Russia shaping the nation's present? How might it shape the future? This week Nick Spencer talks with Lucy Ash about her
What is the future for democracy? In conversation with Jonathan Sumption
The UK has one of highest levels of dissatisfaction with democracy in the world, though other Western countries aren't far behind. Hopes that the rest of the world would naturally follow the West and democratise have all but evaporated. How serious is this decline in democratic sympathy? What lies behind it? What are the deep foundations on which democracy rests? And what, if anything, can be
What has religion to do with sex? In conversation with Diarmaid MacCulloch
One of the major changes in Western society in the last half century is the so-called sexual revolution, and one way of understanding that is to see it as the long, withdrawing roar of a Christian sexual ethic. But that makes two presuppositions: first, that we have indeed left Christian sexual ethics behind and second that there is such a thing as a single identifiable Christian sexual ethic.This
Is it all over for the West? In conversation with Samir Puri
The idea of the West – its foundations, its values, its future – has become much debated over recent months. What does the political rise of China mean for us? What about the economic rise of the BRICS nations? Or the demographic rise of the global south? Where will power and influence tilt, and to what effect? Is it all over for “the West”? This week Nick Spencer talks with Samir Puri, Director o
Trailer: Series 10 of Reading Our Times
Reading Our Times is back for its 10th series but this time, with a twist... Nick Spencer explores themes surrounding the West – its roots, its contours, and its future. Series 10 looks at the future of democracy with Jonathan Sumption, at the future of growth with Richard Douglas, and the future of Christianity with Rupert Shortt. Lucy Ash unpacks the threat from Putin and the ever-supportive Ort
Trailer: Motherhood vs The Machine
Announcing a new four-part documentary podcast, Motherhood vs The Machine, where hosts Chine McDonald and Dr Madeleine Pennington look at what motherhood teaches us about what it means to be human.The work of motherhood has always been changed by technological advancement: from the nipple shield to the feeding bottle and breast pump. But as technological advancement accelerates and a future of art
Bookends: Unpacking Series 9 of Reading Our Times
With series 9 of Reading Our Times coming to an end, Nick Spencer takes a look back on the series and shares his thoughts on the ideas espoused by the various guests.
Should Britain pay slavery reparations?
Are 'leftism' and 'wokeism' compatible?
What do all these topics tell us about what it means to be human?
Join us for all this and more!
How has our evolutionary past shaped us? In conversation with Harvey Whitehouse
The claim that evolution can help us understand, even explain, the modern world and modern mind has not always had a happy history, veering between overclaim and catastrophe. But the opposite idea - that everything is culture and nothing nature - is hardly more convincing.
So, can we threat this needle? Can we have nuanced and realistic understanding of the impact of evolution on us today without
What is (The) Enlightenment? In conversation with Jonathan Clark
The Enlightenment has become weaponised over recent years. Numerous public figures, not all of them historians, have lined up to state defiantly that it needs protecting from... postmodernity? populism? religion?... take your pick.
But what is - or was - The Enlightenment? What are we being called to defend here? Is The Enlightenment actually a thing? Was it even “a thing” in the first place? And
Should Britain pay reparations for slavery? In conversation with Michael Banner
The demand for post-colonial nations to pay reparations to, and for their treatment of, their former colonies has grown increasingly loud over recent years. And although many dismiss the idea as textbook liberal guilt and bandwagon wokery, there are some serious claims behind it.
The topic kicks up some big moral issues. You can’t talk about colonial reparations without working through what you
What is "woke"? In conversation with Susan Neiman
Depending on who you are, you might understand “woke” to mean “concerned with fundamental human justice”. Alternatively, you might think its means obsessed with identity politics, tribal, angry, and inclined to cancel and censor.
Either way, you probably associate the term with the left. After all, “lefty” and “liberal” and the words most commonly paired with “woke”.
But what if that isn’t the c
Assisted Dying: What's really at stake? In conversation with Ilora Finlay and Julian Hughes
Assisted Dying is back on the legislative agenda, with parliament voting on it this autumn. It is a profound and contentious debate about which good and well-meaning people can and do disagree deeply.
What is really at stake here? Apart from the obvious, the debate kicks up some profound and difficult questions about most important ideas concerning human life.
For example, how far should we resp
Can poetry save us? In conversation with Charles Taylor
For many people, many of whom would not call themselves religious or even spiritual, poetry is somehow able to enchant, to inspire, to heal– to give them a glimpse of connection, of transcendence that transforms their life.
Particularly today, in “A secular age” in the West, it is poetry and indeed the arts more widely that often boast the greatest ability convey that sense of connection and tran
How Did the World Make the West? In conversation with Josephine Quinn
About 30 years ago, the American political philosopher Samuel Huntington wrote a hugely influential book entitled The clash of civilizations in which he predicted that the ideological wars of the 20th century would give way to civilisational ones in the 21st.
The book drew criticism for the way it talked about “civilizations” as if they were hard edged and obviously identifiable things. Because t
Books and the Future of Civilisation live from How The Light Gets In
We are emerging from the so-called “Gutenberg Parenthesis”, the 500 years in which the printed word dominated society, and embracing a new age of screens, images, and tweets. Or so it is claimed. Reading remains popular, however, and the printed book has rallied of late.
What’s going on? Might the dominance of the book, indeed of the written word, be coming to an end? Or is it the only medium cap
The History of Science and Religion with Tom Holland
Science and religion have a long history. According to some, it's a history of warfare; to others they are (or at least should be) non-overlapping.
Joining Nick Spencer at the @chalkehistoryfestival is historian and host of @restishistorypod Tom Holland, to discuss Nick's book Magisteria: The Entangled Histories of Science and Religion.
📚 Buy a copy of Magisteria here: https://www.waterstone
Help Shape Reading Our Times: Take Our Quick Survey!
Dear Reading Our Times listeners,
We are growing and we need your help! Whether you're a long-time listener or a new follower, we would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the podcast.
Take the survey here👇
https://biblesociety.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cLLw26aCQWzn9gG
A massive thank you for listening and engaging from Nick and the Reading Our Times team!
How Can You Truly Know A Person? In conversation with David Brooks
This series of Reading our Times has looked at a number of scientific issues that have cast questions of, and sometimes shadows on, human personhood. So, in our final episode this series, we are asking specifically about that personhood.
What does it means to be a human person? And how do we come to know that personhood - not philosophically, not empirically but, well, personally. In an age in wh
Why is Mental Health so Bad Among the Young? In conversation with Abigail Shrier
Pretty much every index for the mental health of young people in Britain and the US in particular is pointing in the wrong direction. More anxiety, more depression, more therapy, more medication, more suicide.
Why? What is going on here? And why is it that the vast increase in spending on mental health - on counselling, therapy and drugs over recent decades seems to have made no difference whatso
What is a Life Worth? In conversation with Jenny Kleeman
The question 'what is a life worth?' feels wrong; heretical even. Humans are infinitely valuable, we say. You can't put a price on a life. And yet we do, every day: for healthcare, for philanthropy, for insurance, for criminal compensation... Indeed, arguably, if we actually care for life, we must.
So, how do we do it? What are we willing to pay for life? How do we calcualate it? Who decides, and
Can Animals be Persons? In conversation with Mark Rowlands
The idea that non-human animals should be recognised as legal persons has gained traction over recent years, and is the subject of numerous court cases. But underlying the legal and indeed empirical questions here, are some pretty deep philosophical ones.
What actually is a person? What role does rationality or consciousness or language play? And depending on our answers to those questions, could
Should You Choose to Live Forever? In conversation with Stephen Cave
Once upon a time, it was religions that promised eternal life. Now its science, with the possibility of immortality - whether bionic, cellular, genetic, or virtual - being the subject of big Silicon Valley dollars.
Is this something we want? Who actually want to live forever? And, perhaps more importantly, should we?
In this week's episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Stephen Cave about his book Shou
When will AI evolve a soul? In conversation with Eve Poole
AI is taking over the planet - or at least the news agenda! For hardly a day goes by without some AI story in the headlines. Should we believe what we read? Or is it all hype?
In particular, should we believe what we are promised - or threatened - about AI become super-intelligent, sentient, conscious, human?
In this week's episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Eve Poole about her book Robot Souls: Pr
What would it mean to discover alien life (or them us)? In conversation with Andrew Davison
Little green men were once a complete fantasy - but the numbers appear to be on their side. The sheer size of the universe, the number of stars and, it seems, the number of potentially inhabitable planets means that alien life is highly probable.
What would it mean for us if that were so? If we did ever 'make contact'? What would it mean for our sense of pride, our dignity and in particular for t
Should we really be playing God? In conversation with Nick Spencer
Every century is different - but the 21st may be seriously different, with our ability to understand, modify and re-create humanity having come on light years in recent decades.
Should we? So often, the warning we hear when it comes to the scientific manipulation of the human is that we shouldn't "play God". But what grounding does that actually have? What if we actually are a "playing God" speci
Will technology liberate or enslave us? Live in conversation with Robert Skidelsky
In this week's episode, recorded live at the UnHerd cafe in London, Nick Spencer speaks to Robert Skidelsky about his book The Machine Age: An Idea, a History, a Warning.
Once upon a time, we had faith in technology. Machines would make our lives easier, simpler, more comfortable. Today… well, faith in technological fixes for our problems is on the wane. Worse, it’s often replaced with fear. The
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 do need to be careful here: after all, humans have been transforming the earth for mllennia.
How? How have we changed the earth, and how has it changed us? And what does this mean for our shared future?
I
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 right? Is there a "new elite"? If so, who are they and what do they believe in? And are they really in charge in now?
In this week's episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Matt Goodwin about his book Values, Voice and V
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 UK.
What's gone wrong? Why do we so struggle with food? And whose responsiblity is it to feed us anyway?
In this week's episode, Nick Spencer speaks to author Pen Vogler about her book Stuffed: A History
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 civilisation has indeed gone.
What does this look like? What remains in a post-human landscape? And is this what awaits us?
In this week's episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Cal Flyn about her book Islands of Abandonm
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 course, theism - have provoked wonder and anger.
In this week's episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Dan Dennett, about philosophy, Darwinism, naturalism and theism.
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 much we can do about it.
Or is there? How can you spot a crash coming? What should you do about it when it descends on us? And how can we respond so that, even if we can't banish them forever, we can limit th
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 exist)? Robots and AI? God?
What does it mean to 'have a mind'? Are all minds the same? Why should such a costly thing appear in evolution? And if we understand our minds, does that mean we have finally u
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 about God than when we talk about any other topic.
So what do we mean when we talk about God? What does the word even mean? Is the God of the philosophers the same as the God of the religious? Or indeed the Go
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 Christianity, society and politics in the 21st century?
Nick Spencer talks to journalist and author Elle Hardy about her book Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World
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?
Nick Spencer talks to Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Paul Johnson, about his book Follow the Money: How much does Britain cost?
What are the risks of going green? In conversation with Henry Sanderson
We need to decarbonise, and fast. But 'going green' is not straightforward, not only practically but ethically. There is great potential there, but also huge risks. What are they? Who will win? And who might lose?
Nick Spencer talks to journalist and author Henry Sanderson about his book Voltrush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green
What's happening to journalism? In conversation with Alan Rusbridger
Journalism is bit like politics. As a rule, we say we don’t really trust either profession, and neither seems to be in particularly good health at the moment. But we definitely can’t live without them.
Nick Spencer talks to former editor of the Guardian, Alan Rusbridger, about his book Breaking News: the remaking of journalism and why it matters now
Can science make sense of life? In conversation with Prof. Sheila Jasanoff
The ability to manipulate genetic material has never been greater, and is increasing all the time. With it comes the claim that genetics can makes sense of life - controlling, directing, shaping who we are? Can it?
Nick Spencer talks to Prof. Sheila Jasanoff about her book Can science make sense of life?
What is the future of money? In conversation with Eswar Prasad
Money is changing – and its changing fast and in a way that many of us find bewildering. Is cash on its way out? What is fintech? What actually is a cryptocurrency, or stablecoin, or a CBDC? Are they the future?
Nick Spencer talks to Prof. Eswar Prasad about his book The Future of Money: How the Digital Revolution is Transforming Currencies and Finance
Whatever happened to the human mind? In conversation with Marilynne Robinson
The death of the self, of the soul, of the mind: time and again, science (or parascience) has declared the demise of a core dimension to human nature. But can we live without such concepts? And can they be rescued by religion, philosophy and literature?
Nick Spencer talks to Marilynne Robinson about her book Absence of Mind: The Dispelling of Inwardness from the Modern Myth of the Self
Science and religion: what's the story? In conversation with Nick Spencer
Science and religion have a long history. According to some, it's a history of warfare; to others they are (or at least should be) non-overlapping.
Nick Spencer argues that neither view is right, and that the two have long been entangled, especially over the questions of what do we think of the human, and who gets to say.
Buy a copy of Magisteria here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/978086154
Why tax is fun: In conversation with Michael Keen
The late great American novelist David Foster Wallace, who had worked in a tax office, once remarked, “The whole subject of tax policy and administration is dull. Massively and spectacularly dull.” But he was wrong, massively and spectacularly wrong. Tax is ultimately about the different ways we live together, and express our values - and there is nothing more interesting than that.
In this epis
Do Prime Ministers do God? In conversation with Mark Vickers
The UK has a religoius Prime Minister - yet again! Rishi Sunak is the first Hindu to occupy the role, but there have been plenty more of the faithful before him - even in the more secular atmosphere of the 20th century. Who did God most? Who least? Who was most sincere? And for whom did the divine actually make a difference?
In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Mark Vickers about his book God
Whatever happened to civility? In conversation with Ann Hartle
Are we are losing our civility and, with it, the space to disagree productively? Why? Where did the idea of 'civility' come from, where is it going, and why does it matter?
In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Ann Hartle about her book What happened to civility?
Does development aid actually work? In conversation with Stefan Dercon
We spend a lot of money on aid - although not as much as we used to. Does it work or is it, as some claim, a waste? And behind that, why do some countries develop and others not?
In this episode Nick Spencer talks to Stefan Dercon about this book Gambling on Development
Have we got evolution wrong? In conversation with Simon Conway Morris
For all the fears over growing levels of creationism, evolution is widely accepted in the UK. But 'accepted' does not necessarily mean understood, particularly when the theory itself is subject to so many myths and fanciful interpretation.
In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Simon Conway Morris about his book From Extra-terrestrials to Animal Minds: Six Myths of Evolution
Does terrorism work? In conversation with Richard English
Everyone knows that terrorism is wrong but - a tough question to answer objectively - does it work? And, depending on your answer to that question, how then should we respond to it?
In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Richard English about his book Does Terrorism Work?
How is the digital world changing our brain? In conversation with Maryanne Wolf
Whereas once we read books and newspapers, and read them whole, the world is now mediated to us through screens, usually in much smaller gobbets. What is this doing to our brains - and does it matter?
In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Maryanne Wolf about her book Reader, Come Home: The reading brain in a digital world
What happened to the sexual revolution? In conversation with Louise Perry
The liberation of the sexual revolution is increasingly looking anything but liberating, particularly for young women who are suffering a culture of the endlessly commercialised female body, casual sex, and sometimes violent pornography.
What is going on, why, and what can we do about it? In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Louise Perry about her book The Case Against the Sexual Revolution
What will the world look like in 2050? In conversation with Hamish McRae
What will the world be like a generation from now? Warmer and more crowded, certainly. But… richer? More peaceful? Healthier? Better educated? On Mars? Or at war? Predicting the future is risky but also, arguably, necessary if we hope to navigate the path before us.
In this episode, Nick Spencer talks to Hamish McCrae about his book The World in 2050: How to Think About the Future
What is the soul? In conversation with John Cottingham
Whatever else has happened to religious practice over the last 40 years, it doesn’t seem to have affected the way we talk about, or believe in, the soul, with as many people doing so today as they did 40 years ago. But what we mean by the ‘soul’ is far from clear. Is it a thing, a process, or just a figures of speech?
In this episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Prof. John Cottingham about his book In
What do men want? In conversation with Nina Power
Even allowing for the fact that relationship between the sexes has never been easy, we surely live in strangely anxious times when it comes to such matters, with accusations of misogyny and toxic masculinity rife. Are men a problem? How do men and women differ? And what, if anything, do we want or need from each other?
In this episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Nina Power about her book What do men
Where does science end and pseudoscience begin? In conversation with Michael Gordin
Anti-vaxxers, creation science, astrology – for supposedly rational times, irrational and pseudoscientific beliefs appear to be doing quite well. Why? Which pseudosciences are flourishing, and for what reasons? And where even is the border between science and pseudoscience?
In this episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Prof. Michael Gordin about his book On the Fringe: Where Science meets Pseudoscience
How did we get into this mess? In conversation with Helen Thompson
We live in strange, unsettling, perhaps even exceptional times. How did we get here? In particular, how have our dependence on energy, our need for economic growth and our distrust in politics combined to shape our unstable 21st century.
In this episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Prof. Helen Thompson about her book Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century.
Where did religion come from (and where is it going)? In conversation with Robin Dunbar
The more religion dies, the more it stays alive, predictions of its imminent demise being as popular now as they were a hundred years ago. Why? Where did religion come from? Why is it so deep rooted in human nature? And where, if anywhere, is it going?
In this episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Prof. Robin Dunbar about his book How Religion Evolved and why it endures.
Can spying ever be ethical? In conversation with Cécile Fabre
Strange as it may seem given what they do, ethics is very important to the intelligence services. But how do you – how even can you – spy ethically?
In this episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Prof. Cécile Fabre about her book Spying Through a Glass Darkly: The Ethics of Espionage and Counter-Intelligence.
Why trust science? In conversation with Naomi Oreskes
Science is the basis of so much in the modern world that to ask why we should trust it seems unnecessary, even wrong. Yet, people do, and not all of them for the best motives.
In this episode, Nick Spencer speaks to Prof. Naomi Oreskes about her book Why Trust Science? which answers ‘science sceptics’ of all stripes, and opens up new perspectives on the importance of diversity in science.
How do pandemics shape history? In conversation with Kyle Harper
Covid-19 was not the first pandemic in history, and it won’t be the last. We have lived with disease throughout our history, and our history has accordingly been shaped, sometimes transformed, by disease. But how?
In the final episode of this series of Reading Our Times, Nick Spencer talks to the historian Kyle Harper about his new book Plagues upon the Earth: Disease and the Course of Human Hist
Recommended
The Snooker Hall Podcast
Snooker Club | WST’s Official Podcast
Tough Love presents The Night is Calling Radio
Abdal Hakim Murad
TandTeaching - The Educational Podcast
The History of England: Kings, Empires, and the Birth of Britain — Fexingo History
Taboo on the Bus
Hope Springs with Annabel Heseltine
Outsiding
English Made Simple
Moral Maze
Out To Lunch
