Best Outsider Intellectuals Podcasts (2025)

1
Audio: Verifying Kids’ Age, SCOTUS, and AI Companions 59:32

1M ago59:32

59:32

This is audio from the July event on “Verifying Kids’ Age, SCOTUS, and AI Companions” Verifying the Future: Kids Age Regulation, SCOTUS, and AI Companions Verifying Kids’ Age, SCOTUS, and AI Companions SPEAKERS Kate Ruane Director, Free Expression Project Center for Democracy & Technology Chris Marchese Founder & Co-Director NetChoice Litigation Ce…

1
Friendship 56:58

2M ago56:58

56:58

The French philosopher Michel Foucault though friendship could be one of the most subversive relationships around. Our friends can be the most important people in our lives. But managing friendships can be hard work too. Matthew Sweet is joined by a psychotherapist, a historian, a philosopher, a literary historian, and a film critic to discuss the …

1
Censorship, editing and self-censorship 57:07

2M ago57:07

57:07

Shahidha Bari looks at censorship, editing and self-censorship with guests including historian of China, Rana Mitter, Jemimah Steinfeld of Index on Censorship and Nigel Warburton, host of the Philosophy Bites podcast. Amelia Fairney discusses her research on sensitivity readers and the conversations that take place in publishing houses. And, Nicola…

1
Christian faith, politics and culture 56:21

2M ago56:21

56:21

Anne McElvoy and guests explore the intersections between Christian faith and political decision-making and look at some recent dramas which explore the impact of belief. Chine McDonald is director of the Christian Think Tank Theos, Mark Lawson is a writer, broadcaster and theatre critic of Catholic journal The Tablet, Prof Anna Rowlands is St Hild…

1
Language 56:44

3M ago56:44

56:44

Journalists Peter Hitchens and Oliver Kamm, radio presenter and comedian Ellis James, languages expert Ross Perlin, Diana Sutton director of The Bell Foundation and podcaster and academic Reetika Revathy Subramanian join Matthew Sweet for a conversation about how language unites and divides us. Ross Perlin's book Language City: The Fight to Preserv…

1
Audio: Outside of the Box: Rethinking The FCC’s Video Regulations In The Age Of Streaming 1:01:23

3M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

This is audio from the June event on “Outside of the Box: Rethinking The FCC’s Video Regulations In The Age Of Streaming” The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon Outside of the Box: Rethinking The FCC’s Video Regulations In The Age Of Streaming SPEAKERS Michael P. O’Reilly, Strategic Advisor & […]…

1
Failure 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." The words of Samuel Beckett from a 1983 short story Worstward Ho inspire a Free Thinking conversation about failure chaired by Matthew Sweet. His guests are:Cath Bishop rowed for Britain in the Olympics, winning a silver medal and worked as a diplomat and business coach. She …

1
Podcasting difficult histories 56:59

3M ago56:59

56:59

Personal Identity is at the heart of contemporary culture. Political philosophies are built around it and family history is a hobby undertaken by hundreds of thousands. Understanding where you came from is seen as central to understanding who you are. But what if the things that are uncovered are uncomfortable, upsetting or even life-changing? Matt…

1
Common Sense 56:51

3M ago56:51

56:51

What do we mean by 'common sense'?In 1925 the philosopher GE Moore wrote a Defence of Common Sense which argued against philosophical idealism, on the grounds that it seemed to deny a set of propositions that he claimed were indisputably true. His colleague Ludwig Wittgenstein wrote a detailed response to Moore's paper, and its influence extended i…

1
Power: A User's Guide 57:00

3M ago57:00

57:00

Political power can take many forms, from the top-down model of the Roman Empire, to operating in the democratic politics of today, to the possibilities offered by new technologies for more horizontal power structures in the future. Matthew Sweet is joined on a stage at the Hay Festival by historian Tom Holland, whose new translation of Suetonius’ …

1
WOLVES 56:41

4M ago56:41

56:41

Wolves were once hunted and persecuted to the point of near extinction but are now enjoying a come back across Europe, if not the UK. What can explain the way they've been targeted, and even demonised, given the low risk they pose to human beings? Shahidha Bari talks to Adam Weymouth, author of Lone Wolf, which describes his journey tracking a wolf…

1
Political Visions 56:51

4M ago56:51

56:51

What is the role of vision in politics? Must politicians have a vision of what kind of society they’re working towards, ultimately? What kind of role does this vision play in the day-to-day practice of working politicians? Or is this a misunderstanding of the nature of politics?We mark the anniversary of the landmark text of modern libertarianism, …

1
Peace 56:45

4M ago56:45

56:45

On the 8th May 1945, the Allies declared victory over Nazi Germany. How has war and the threat of war shaped society in the intervening years? Do 'war' and 'peace' mean the same things, 80 years on?Matthew Sweet is joined by political scientist David Runciman, peace negotiator Gabrielle Rifkind, historian Ashleigh Percival-Borley Producer: Luke Mul…

1
Community 56:20

4M ago56:20

56:20

Post local elections and pre VE day anniversary events across the UK, Shahidha Bari explores ideas about community. Mike Savage, Professor of Sociology at the LSE, explains how social capital enables networks and bonds among people. Selina Todd, Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford, discusses the fracturing of working class commu…

1
Decadence 56:51

5M ago56:51

56:51

Some people think we live in an age of decline. Matthew Sweet investigates, with guests including political journalist Tim Stanley, art critic Louisa Buck, Professor Jane Desmarais who is head of the decadence research centre at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Neville Morley, Professor of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Exet…

1
Audio: The Future of Online Expression In The Trump Era: Freedom vs Regulation 1:01:20

5M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

This is audio from the April event on “The Future of Online Expression In The Trump Era: Freedom vs Regulation” The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon The Future of Online Expression In The Trump Era: Freedom vs Regulation SPEAKERS – Chris Marchese, Litigation Center Director, NetChoice – Jenna Leventoff, […]…

1
The Middle Classes 56:27

5M ago56:27

56:27

Matthew Sweet and guests discuss the impact of the shifting geo political and economic trends on the British class system with specialist guests.Muriel Zagha is a writer and critic and Author of Finding Monsieur Right and co-host of the podcast Garlic and Pearls.Lisa Holdsworth is a Leeds based TV script writer who has worked on amongst others Emme…

1
Isolation 56:52

6M ago56:52

56:52

As Radio 4 marks the 5th anniversary of the first COVID lockdown, Free Thinking investigates one of the defining experiences of that period for many people: isolation. It's a word that entered the English language in the 18th century, and arguably its emergence as a concept marked a change in the way people saw their relationships with other people…

1
Evidence 57:10

6M ago57:10

57:10

Matthew Sweet and his guests discuss our shifting relationship with evidence from the law, to science, academic study and the paranormal. He's joined by Uncanny TV presenter Danny Robins, the former Supreme Court judge Lord Sumption and author of The Challenges of Democracy and the Rule of Law, Dr Sarah Dillon from the faculty of English at the Uni…

1
Audio: The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon 56:30

6M ago56:30

56:30

This is audio from the March event on “The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon” The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon The Future of Online Safety for Kids: Legislative Changes on the Horizon SPEAKERS Maureen Flatley, Stop Child Predators Common Sense Media Ash Johnson, […]…

1
Uncertainty 56:58

6M ago56:58

56:58

Anne McElvoy and guests discuss the issue of uncertainty from scientific discovery and the space race to the shifting geopolitical landscape and how it can act as a catalyst for creativity. She's joined by the entrepreneur and author of Embracing Uncertainty, Margaret Heffernan, journalist and economist Liam Halligan, Astrophysicist Chris Lintott w…

1
A pinch of salt 56:45

6M ago56:45

56:45

Free Thinking looks at today's world with "a pinch of salt" tonight. From stories in the bible to desalination plants, preserving food to salt taxes: how does salt help us think about the past and present? We use phrases like "being worth your salt" or "dropping salt" meaning to spread rumours. With food writer Bee Wilson, materials scientist Mark …

1
Malcolm X, life changes and flexible thinking 35:18

7M ago35:18

35:18

Matthew Sweet and guests discuss changing course in life, flexible thinking and keeping an open mind with writer and curator Ekow Eshun, philosopher Sophie Grace Chappell, journalist Stephen Bush, author Timandra Harkness & philosopher Richard Bett Producer: Lisa JenkinsonBy BBC Radio 4

1
All we need is love 56:47

7M ago56:47

56:47

From classical thinking to the romcom films in cinema today: Why do we yearn to find our "other half" but struggle with the reality of long term relationships? To discuss Rana Mitter is joined by:Dr Susie Orbach: a psychotherapist and author of Fat is a Feminist Issue as well as many other booksClassicist Prof Armand D'Angour: he has just published…

1
Repetition 56:47

7M ago56:47

56:47

Matthew Sweet with art critic TJ Clark, who has written about the importance of repeated viewing for appreciating a work of art; philosopher and film historian Lucy Bolton, who's seen a re-issue of Chantel Akerman's film Jeanne Dielman, which documents the crushing routine of a Belgian housewife; philosopher and theologian Clare Carlisle, who has w…

1
Decision Making 50:25

7M ago50:25

50:25

Matthew Sweet and guests talk about about the tools and processes of decision making today and through history.Justine Greening is a former Secretary of State for Education who is now working on social mobility and levelling up. Professor Bill Sherman heads the Warburg Institute, which has just opened an exhibition about tarot which the filmmaker a…

1
Audio: Future of Tech Policy in the 119th Congress 55:03

7M ago55:03

55:03

This is audio from the January event on “Future of Tech Policy in the 119th Congress” Future of Tech Policy in the 119th Congress Tech Policy on the Horizon: What’s Next in the 119th Congress? SPEAKERS Sara Collins, Director, Government Affairs, Public Knowledge Amy Bos, Director of State and Federal Affairs, NetChoice Evan Swarztrauber, Senior […]…

1
Diaries 56:39

8M ago56:39

56:39

“A diary is not only a text: it is a behaviour, a way of life, of which the text is a by-product", says the French theorist Philipe Lejeune. From ancient Babylon to journalling today, politicians' jottings and the notes made by eighteenth century writers like Mary Hamilton and Fanny Burney. Matthew Sweet discusses diaries with curator Irving Finkel…

1
Knowing When To Stop 57:07

8M ago57:07

57:07

What tactics are justified in political campaigning from suffragettes to climate action? When is an art work finished? Do the moderation of Aristotle and Epicurus offer us a way of navigating life? Christmas - a time for panto, over-eating and gaudy decorations - was your festive season overwhelming or excessive? The writer and broadcaster Andrew D…

1
Beer, Crisps and the British pub 56:10

9M ago56:10

56:10

What makes the life, character and imagery of the British pub? Anne McElvoy talks to Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin, author Natalie Whittle whose book "Crunch: An Ode to Crisps" was published in October, Professor Philip Howell who has written about the history of the pub, Dr Marianne Hem Eriksen from theSchool of Archaeology & Ancient History at the…

1
Luck, predictability and superstition 57:04

9M ago57:04

57:04

Shahidha Bari and guests discuss luck, fortune and superstition. How much truth is there in the idea of making your own luck and why does supersition still play such an important part in many peoples' lives. To discuss this and more are: Dr Christian Busch author of the Serendipity Mindset, Bobby Seagull the maths wizard who shot to fame on Univers…

1
How we think about evil 56:56

9M ago56:56

56:56

Matthew Sweet is joined by guests including Dr Jack Symes, philosopher at Durham University; Professor Lyndsey Stonebridge, Interdisciplinary Chair of Humanities & Human Rights at the University of Birmingham; novelist Ruth Ware; Dr Oliver Scott Curry, Chief Science Officer at Kindness.org and Research Affiliate in the Anthropology Department at th…

1
Gifts and Gratitude 56:51

9M ago56:51

56:51

When you give a gift, do you expect anything in return? And if so, does that mean it was really about you all along? Could reciprocity form the basis of society? Or are we under no obligation to share what is essentially ours? Shahidha Bari investigates gifts and philanthropy, gratitude and greediness, with Elizabeth Oldfield – Former director of T…

1
Diplomacy from Ancient Greece to Trump 56:39

10M ago56:39

56:39

Anne McElvoy and guests discuss the art of diplomacy from Ancient Greece to the Tudors and today's shifting international security as well as how its portrayed on screen in dramas like the BBC's Wolf Hall and the Netflix series The Diplomat. Her guests include:Former EU and US Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald .Bronwen Maddox from the think tank Chath…

1
Cosy comfort reading or Nietzsche? 56:54

10M ago56:54

56:54

A cosy cottage with warming fireplaces, comfort food, crime dramas on tv: Matthew Sweet and guests discuss art, literature and drama that are comfortable to engage with and how difficulty, a dedication to campaigning or the reading of Nietzsche might disrupt this. Does a theatre critic tell audiences they are in for a thought provoking show? And wh…

1
Audio: Elections in the Age of AI: Analyzing 2024 and Shaping Future Campaigns 1:01:11

10M ago1:01:11

1:01:11

This is audio from the May event on “Elections in the Age of AI: Analyzing 2024 and Shaping Future Campaigns” Elections in the Age of AI: Analyzing 2024 and Shaping Future Campaigns Speakers – Kara Frederick, Director, Tech Policy Center, The Heritage Foundation – Jennifer Huddleston, Senior Fellow in Technology Policy, Cato Institute – Tim […]…

1
Milton and our modern world 56:54

10M ago56:54

56:54

Political upheaval, the role of the press and free speech, attitudes towards divorce: the poet John Milton thought and wrote about all of these issues which also concern us today. Milton (9th Dec 1608-8th Nov 1674) might be best known to us today as the man behind the epic poem Paradise Lost, dictated after he had become blind, and published in 167…

1
Ghosts, death and ecstatic states 57:10

10M ago57:10

57:10

With Day of the Dead, Halloween and All Souls Day being marked in different countries around the world - Shahidha Bari's guests discuss the belief in ghosts and the search for meaning in mysticism. They are: Dr Chris Harding is a cultural historian of Japan, India and East-West connections and is based at the University of Edinburgh. He is the auth…

1
Are we all American now? 56:55

11M ago56:55

56:55

Does the reach of the USA and its cultural influence mean "we're all American now?" Anne McElvoy and her guests discuss the similarities and differences across the Anglosphere and think about the changing dynamics on the international stage. They are:Freddy Gray, Deputy Editor of the Spectator Magazine and host of the Americano podcast.Dr Katie McG…

1
Insiders & Outsiders 56:54

11M ago56:54

56:54

The philosopher Leo Strauss claimed that many of the great texts of Western philosophy can be read in two ways. There's the message intended for everybody, but also a deeper level, accessible only to those who can see it. Taking this as a starting point, Matthew Sweet grapples with the closed world of social media tribes, the challenges posed by co…

1
Audio: Intellectual Property and AI: The Law & Policy Of Human Content 58:50

11M ago58:50

58:50

This is audio from the May event on "Intellectual Property and AI: The Law & Policy Of Human Content"By Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee

1
Childhood and innocence 56:16

11M ago56:16

56:16

Can we still be idealistic about childhood? How do we square the impact of war, stories of sexual abuse, the impact of time spent on screens with the idea of children's experiences being about play, learning to be social, listening and creating stories ? Anne McElvoy's guests include:Katherine Rundell, author of the Waterstones book of 2023 Impossi…

1
Reading & Empathy 56:47

11M ago56:47

56:47

"I never read novels" is something you hear people say. What is the point of reading - be it histories or fiction? Does it help us empathize with the situation of other people or shed insights into our historical moment? With the news story that university students these days are, apparently, unaccustomed to reading entire books, cover to cover, fa…

1
The eternal dynamic of Rivalry, Fredric Jameson, the newly reopened Warburg Institute 56:38

12M ago56:38

56:38

Sibling rifts, leadership battles in politics and history, philosophical schools of thoughts and their key players all come into our discussion of the way rivalry shapes the world. Roger Luckhurst reflects on the legacy of the American literary critic and philosopher Fredric Jameson who died earlier this week. Plus a report from the Warburg Institu…

1
Crisis & Decision 56:56

12M ago56:56

56:56

Climate, trust, politics, communication. Some would say we live in a period of crisis several areas of society and life. How can we make sense of the present moment, and where do we go from here? Plus, we hear about the short list for this year's Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize and ask what that tells us about scientific publishing. Matthe…

1
Carl Schmitt, democracy and dictatorship 56:38

12M ago56:38

56:38

With the success of the far right Alternative for Deutschland party in the German elections, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris making their pitches to American voters to be their leader and the Conservatives in this country voting for their: we look at Carl Schmitt, the German political theorist of democracy, crisis and dictatorship, to see if he can …

1
Audio: Tech Platforms and the 1st Amendment: Impacts of Landmark Supreme Court Rulings 1:02:09

1y ago1:02:09

1:02:09

This is audio from the May event on "Tech Platforms and the 1st Amendment: Impacts of Landmark Supreme Court Rulings"By Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee

1
Escapism 56:58

1y ago56:58

56:58

Travel, reading, cinema and psychedelic drugs are all means people have used to try to escape. But do they ever really lead us where we want them to? With the election looming, Glastonbury in full swing and lists of beach read suggestions starting to appear - Matthew Sweet discusses the difference between escape and escapism with Noreen Masud, Lect…

1
The illusion of time, the summer solstice & the philosophy of comedy 56:36

1y ago56:36

56:36

As the sun sets on the longest day of the year, Matthew Sweet talks to an eclectic group of guests about the illusion of time, the summer solstice and the philosophy of comedy. They are:Materials scientist & engineer; Director of the UCL Institute of Making; Author of Stuff Matters and other book Mark Miodownik.Philosopher Emily Herring who is abou…

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