Best Emily Higgins Podcasts (2025)

1
Mythmakers Encore: Tolkien's Modern Reading with Holly Ordway 45:46

5d ago45:46

45:46

We are so used to thinking of Tolkien being all about the past - old languages, old stories and no post-Shakespearean literature going into his cauldron of story-making, but of course that is wrong. Meet Dr Holly Ordway, whose fantastic book, Tolkien's Modern Reading, is a scholarly and entertaining exploration of the breadth of books in many genre…

1
Trump’s Crypto Profiteering Is Worse Than You Think w/ Jacob Silverman 1:00:12

4d ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Paris Marx is joined by Jacob Silverman to discuss Sequoia partner Shaun Maguire’s Islamophobic attack on Zohran Mamdani, what it tells us about the state of tech’s politics, and how Donald Trump is enriching himself through crypto scams. Jacob Silverman is a journalist and the author of the forthcoming book Gilded Rage: Elon Musk and the Radicaliz…

1
S5 Ep5: "Learn not to let outcomes dictate emotions" Guest Gina Kell-Spehn 1:14:41

6d ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Outcome-death, emotion-darkness and grief. How do we move through one of the hardest things that happens in life? The movie, The Color of Rain happened to be airing on Hallmark three or four months after Mike's death. I remember thinking, "Why is this really sad movie on the regular Hallmark channel?" I tried watching 30 minutes of it, I couldn't d…

1
Mythmakers Encore: The Oddest Inkling - Charles Williams with Sørina Higgins 43:20

12d ago43:20

43:20

The oddest Inkling - that's Charles Williams, poet, playwright, novelist, editor, theologian and occult practitioner. If you think the Inklings are summed up by Oxford dons, Lewis and Tolkien, think again, because Williams added an extraordinary influence to the group. Today on Mythmakers Julia Golding is joined by world expert on Charles William, …

1
Decomputing For a Better Future w/ Dan McQuillan 58:21

13d ago58:21

58:21

Paris Marx is joined by Dan McQuillan to discuss the global push by governments to rapidly adopt AI at all costs and how citizens can critically rethink our dependence on these technologies while imagining a collective future that benefits everyone. Dan McQuillan is a lecturer at Goldsmiths College, University of London and the author of Resisting …

1
Behind the Scenes: The Power of Effective Communication 23:57

13d ago23:57

23:57

In this episode of "Backstage with THE8," we delve into the art of communication, a crucial element that can make or break any event or workplace. Our host, Jennifer, is joined by Emily, Matt, who share their insights and experiences as professional event moderators. They discuss the nuances of effective communication, the importance of clarity, an…

1
Mythmakers Encore: The Wonderful Worlds Of TA White 39:46

19d ago39:46

39:46

It’s not every day you get to interview one of your heroes, but in this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding is in conversation with one of hers. Meet T.A. White, the American author behind several acclaimed series that cross the fantasy genres. Tobey shares her journey into writing, including a unique background that offers insight into authority …

1
Microsoft is Gutting the Video Game Industry w/ Nathan Grayson 55:09

20d ago55:09

55:09

Paris Marx is joined by Nathan Grayson to discuss the latest round of Microsoft layoffs and how the company’s ambition to remake the video game industry around its streaming service has had significant consequences. Nathan Grayson is a co-founder of Aftermath and author of Stream Big: The Triumphs and Turmoils of Twitch and the Stars Behind the Scr…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: Wrap Up of The Fellowship of the Ring 34:16

26d ago34:16

34:16

In this special Sidecast episode, Julia Golding revisits some of the most engaging moments from an author’s journey through The Fellowship of the Ring. From the confusion and peril of Weathertop to the hidden histories unearthed in Rivendell and the forging of great swords and alliances, we take a look back at some of the highlights of Tolkien’s st…

1
How the US Weaponizes Tech in the Middle East w/ Laleh Khalili 53:32

27d ago53:32

53:32

Paris Marx is joined by Laleh Khalili to discuss how the United States uses its control of key technologies to shift global power dynamics, and how that specifically plays out in the Middle East. Laleh Khalili is Professor of Gulf Studies at the University of Exeter and author of the forthcoming book Extractive Capitalism. Tech Won’t Save Us offers…

1
From Inquiry to Engagement: Insights from THE8 moderators 19:41

27d ago19:41

19:41

In this episode of "Backstage with THE8," we delve into the world of event hosting and moderation, exploring the intricacies of handling inquiries. Our diverse panel of seasoned professionals, including Matt, Emily, and Marty, share their insights on what makes a great event and how to effectively engage an audience. We discuss the challenges of th…

1
Mythmakers Season 7 Wrap Up 42:15

1M ago42:15

42:15

Once again, we have come to the end of another enthralling season of Mythmakers, we’ve embarked on many adventures spanning a variety of fantasy realms and topics, featuring some truly fascinating guests. On today’s wrap up episode, Julia Golding takes us on a journey through some of the most popular and thought-provoking moments of our seventh sea…

1
The Geopolitical Fight Over Huawei w/ Yangyang Cheng 54:05

1M ago54:05

54:05

Paris Marx is joined by Yangyang Cheng to discuss how Huawei became one of the most powerful companies in China and how current geopolitical narratives distract from the issues at the heart of surveillance capitalism in the US and China. Yangyang Cheng is a Research Scholar in Law and Fellow at Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center. Tech Won’t S…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 10 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
Chatbots Are Repeating Social Media’s Harms w/ Nitasha Tiku 53:48

1M ago53:48

53:48

Paris Marx is joined by Nitasha Tiku to discuss how AI companies are preying on users to drive engagement and how that’s repeating many of the problems we’re belatedly trying to address with social media companies at an accelerated pace. Nitasha Tiku is a technology reporter at the Washington Post. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective o…

1
Standards - what we need to do our best work 25:33

1M ago25:33

25:33

In this engaging episode of "Backstage with THE8," we delve into the world of event moderation and the importance of establishing industry standards. Join Marty, Emily, and Matt as they explore what makes a great event, how to engage audiences, and the challenges faced by moderators. Emily and Matt share their insights on the discrepancies in stand…

1
S5 Ep4: "You have to lean in" -Guest Ellen Duncan 58:36

1M ago58:36

58:36

Imagine life trucking along, young healthy children, pursuing a dream career, a wonderful marriage, a beautiful home. When you are in your 30's, you don't think that life can change so rapidly. But that's the tricky thing about life, it doesn't matter how old you are, life has a way of veering us of course and onto a whole new path. Today's guest, …

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 9 34:22

2M ago34:22

34:22

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
Brazil's Battle to Rein In Big Tech w/ Laís Martins 57:52

2M ago57:52

57:52

Paris Marx is joined by Laís Martins to discuss the recent enforcement measures against tech companies like X and Rumble in Brazil, how the country is grappling with the overreach of US tech companies, and the wider discussion about tech policy in Brazil. Laís Martins is a technology reporter at The Intercept Brasil. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a cri…

1
Emily J. Taylor: The Otherwhere Post 38:07

2M ago38:07

38:07

In today’s episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding sits down with bestselling author Emily J. Taylor to discuss her second novel, The Otherwhere Post (Penguin US / Pushkin Press UK). Set in a world where magic is powered by handwriting, the story follows Maeve, a determined heroine fighting to prove her father’s innocence for a crime that has affected…

1
We All Suffer from OpenAI’s Pursuit of Scale w/ Karen Hao 51:18

2M ago51:18

51:18

Paris Marx is joined by Karen Hao to discuss how Sam Altman’s goal of scale at all costs has spawned a new empire founded on exploitation of people and the environment, resulting in not only the loss of valuable research into more inventive AI systems, but also exacerbated data privacy issues, intellectual property erosion, and the perpetuation of …

1
What makes a good briefing? 20:55

2M ago20:55

20:55

In this episode of "Backstage with THE8," we delve into the intricate world of event hosting and moderation. Join Yasmin, Emily, and Marty as they discuss the importance of briefings in ensuring a successful event, with insights into what makes a good briefing, the preferred methods of communication, and the challenges of dealing with insufficient …

1
S5 Ep3: ”You can't outrun your grief" -Guest, Grief Coach Kelci Jager 58:07

2M ago58:07

58:07

We are all guilty of it; something overwhelming happens or a trauma and we try to bury our grief, our stress, our feelings over what's happened. But, we can't outrun our grief or trauma. Eventually it manifests in other ways, sometimes physically. In today's episode, I talk with Grief Coach Kelci Jager of Rise with Grief, & author of A Millions Mir…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 8 43:00

2M ago43:00

43:00

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
The New Military Industry Complex w/ Sam Biddle 57:06

2M ago57:06

57:06

Paris Marx is joined by Sam Biddle to discuss how Silicon Valley is shamelessly courting government military contracts, using tactics to silence employee dissent and normalize the situation to the public, and what it all means for the future of military geopolitics. Sam Biddle is a senior technology reporter at The Intercept. Tech Won’t Save Us off…

1
Tolkien's Tales from the Perilous Realm 1:00:56

2M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

In 1997, Tolkien’s publishers collected several of his shorter works and published a collection titled ‘Tales from the Perilous Realm’—a BBC radio adaptation soon followed. In this episode of Mythmakers, Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker unpack the collection, examining each story in turn. Are they all truly set in perilous realms? How do these real…

1
The Case for a Digital Detox w/ Casey Johnston 55:18

2M ago55:18

55:18

Paris Marx is joined by Casey Johnston to discuss why she pared back on social media, made her smartphone much dumber, and what she learned about how bodies are treated online through her fitness journey. Casey Johnston is the creator of the She’s A Beast newsletter and author of A Physical Education: How I Escaped Diet Culture and Gained the Power…

1
The difference between an internal and external moderator 19:22

2M ago19:22

19:22

In this episode of Backstage with THE8, we dive into the intriguing world of event moderation, exploring the roles and responsibilities of professional moderators versus internal company moderators. Our host, Matt, is joined by Yasmine and Tania, to discuss the common dilemma faced by event organizers: whether to hire a professional moderator or op…

1
S5 Ep 2: “The Only Time You Fail is When You Stop Trying" -Guest Neurosurgeon & Author Dr. Sheri Dewan 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

There is a Chinese proverb- "The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed." We never know what we are on the cusp of until we finish the journey. And, while failing teaches us many things, we don't have to be scared of failing. We should only be scared of walking away. In today's episode, our 50th episode of The Game…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 7 40:23

3M ago40:23

40:23

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
Generative AI is Not Inevitable w/ Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna 53:13

3M ago53:13

53:13

Paris Marx is joined by Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna to discuss the harms of generative AI, how the industry keeps the public invested while companies flounder under the weight of unmet promises, and what people can do to push back. Emily M. Bender is a Professor in the Department of Linguistics at University of Washington. Alex Hanna is Director…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 6 55:14

3M ago55:14

55:14

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
Elon Musk is Remaking the US Space Program w/ Tim Fernholz 1:00:57

3M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Paris Marx is joined by Tim Fernholz to discuss how Elon Musk’s influence in the White House is shaping the US Space Program, why he’s pushing NASA toward Mars instead of the Moon, and whether the Starship rocket is in trouble. Tim Fernholz is a senior reporter at Payload Space and the author of Rocket Billionaires: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the N…

1
Glorified Announcer or Event Contributor? What moderators add to an event. 20:05

3M ago20:05

20:05

In this episode of "Backstage with THE8," we delve into the world of international event hosting, on-camera presenting, and corporate moderating. Join Emily, Jenny, and Marty as they discuss the role of event moderators, exploring whether they are merely glorified announcers or essential contributors to the success of an event. We share personal an…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 5 35:07

3M ago35:07

35:07

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
Daddy Issues: Finding Nemo vs. Trap 37:33

3M ago37:33

37:33

Two movies about terrible fathers trying their best for their children — it's Finding Nemo vs. Trap.

1
The Roots of Elon Musk’s War On Empathy w/ Julia Carrie Wong 52:20

3M ago52:20

52:20

Paris Marx is joined by Julia Carrie Wong to discuss Elon Musk’s recent opposition to empathy, how it comes out of the Christian right, and the relationship it has to previous discussions of longtermism. Julia Carrie Wong is a features writer at The Guardian. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society…

1
S5 Ep 1: “The Two C's in Neuro-Oncology Care-Compassion and Creativity” -Guests Dr. Sengupta and Dr. Higgins 53:27

3M ago53:27

53:27

Compassion and creativity are vitally important these days in cancer care. The old rule of thumb, especially in brain cancer, of standard of care just isn't enough anymore. Patients and families need a voice, and need to know that they are heard when asking questions about clinical trials, supplements, holistic options, and cross-collaboration acro…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 4 49:02

3M ago49:02

49:02

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
How Brainrot AI is Upending the Internet w/ Jason Koebler 53:38

3M ago53:38

53:38

Paris Marx is joined by Jason Koebler to discuss the economy behind AI slop generation, how people are building businesses on AI-generated images, and the wider consequences of their proliferation on social media. Jason Koebler is a cofounder of 404 Media and cohost of the 404 Media Podcast. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech,…

1
Creating Great Events: What knowledge does a moderator need to have? 23:26

3M ago23:26

23:26

"Backstage with THE8" is back! Spring is finally here and so is our freshly rebooted podcast. In this episode of "Backstage with THE8," we delve into the world of corporate event moderation with Tania, Emily, and Marty. We discuss the essential skills and traits needed to excel in this field, the importance of staying calm and curious, sharing pers…

1
William Morris, Tolkien and The House of the Wolfings 43:49

3M ago43:49

43:49

If you love Rohan and want to delve into Tolkien’s influences, you’ll enjoy reading William Morris’s 1889 fantasy novel The House of the Wolfings. Join Dr Ingrid Hanson of the University of Manchester as she takes Julia Golding deep into the heart of Mirkwood in today’s episode of Mythmakers. Discover the fabulous female characters, Hall Sun and Wo…

1
How Masayoshi Son Shaped the Tech Industry w/ Laleh Khalili 52:17

3M ago52:17

52:17

Paris Marx is joined by Laleh Khalili to discuss Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son, the structural factors that allowed him to build an empire, and the many ways he’s shaped the modern tech industry. Laleh Khalili is Professor of Gulf Studies at the University of Exeter and the author of Sinews of War and Trade and her forthcoming book Extractive Capitali…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 3 38:14

4M ago38:14

38:14

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
Digital Sovereignty in a Time of Rising Fascism 41:12

4M ago41:12

41:12

Paris Marx is doing a solo episode this week to bring together some important issues that have been on his mind lately. This is a recording of a talk Paris gave in Auckland, New Zealand on how Silicon Valley’s alliance with Donald Trump forces us to reassess the politics of the internet and challenge our collective dependence on US tech as it embra…

1
Tolkien the Poet: Our verdict on the New Collected Poems of JRR Tolkien 1:00:23

4M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

A fabulous new addition to the world of Tolkien literature is the recently published collection of his poetry. Today on Mythmakers, join Julia Golding and Jacob Rennaker as they guide you through the highlights and must-read pieces, delving into Tolkien’s remarkable range and versatility. They explore what the collection reveals about his creative …

1
Can Europe End Its Dependence on US Tech? w/ Aline Blankertz 47:53

4M ago47:53

47:53

Paris Marx is joined by Aline Blankertz to discuss whether Europe is going to finally make a serious push to end its dependence on US tech and how different European interests are trying to take advantage of those debates. Aline Blankertz is an economist working on digital policy. She currently works with Rebalance Now and was previously at Wikimed…

1
Sidecast - LOTR: An Author's Journey, Book 2 Chapter 2 34:35

4M ago34:35

34:35

We are going on an adventure! Love The Lord of the Rings? Why not read along with us as we consider the books from the writer's point of view! Taking it chapter by chapter, novelist Julia Golding will reveal new details that you might not have noticed and techniques that will only go to increase your pleasure in future re-readings of our favourite …

1
Eyes On The Prize: Anora vs. Mousehunt 23:22

4M ago23:22

23:22

Two movies about chasing a better life and contending with what a name can mean—it’s Anora vs. Mousehunt.

1
The Dirty Alliance Between Tech and the Oil Industry w/ JS Tan 53:06

4M ago53:06

53:06

Paris Marx is joined by JS Tan to discuss his experience seeing first hand how Microsoft deployed its cloud and machine learning services to help Chevron extract more oil and gas, and the state of tech worker organizing around climate change. JS Tan is a PhD student at MIT, researching cloud computing in the US and China. He’s a a member of Collect…

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Emily Higgins Podcasts

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