Samuel Hughes, editor at Works in Progress, joins me to talk architecture, planning, and how we think about beauty in our cities.

“Most buildings in Tokyo are ugly, but the streets are beautiful—urban form matters more than facades.”

In this episode we explore:

• Can we still mass-produce beautiful buildings?

• Japanese urban design and zoning lessons

• How long buildings should last: UK vs Japan

• Rent control and housing history in Berlin

• Rethinking the greenbelt in Britain

• Dresden’s reconstruction and underrated cities

• Future solutions for housing supply

–––

Full Contents
01:02 Mass Producing Beautiful Buildings
01:43 The Decline of Ornament in Architecture
04:37 Tokyo’s Urban Design and Zoning
10:05 How Long Should Buildings Last? UK vs Japan
16:13 Philosophy, Beauty, and Emotions
25:53 Public Policy Trade-offs in Practice
31:41 Berlin: Rent Control and Urban Planning
36:32 Housing in Europe: A Historical Context
38:02 Modern Housing Markets and Trends
41:50 Rethinking the Greenbelt
44:40 Planning Authorities and Their Role
50:40 Overrated and Underrated Urban Ideas
1:02:03 Dresden: Lessons in Urban Reconstruction
1:05:03 The Future of Britain’s Housing Supply
1:08:40 Career Advice on Policy and Design

Full transcript, video and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/8/20/samuel-hughes-architecture-beauty-and-the-future-of-cities-podcast

Tim Mak moved to Ukraine in 2022, a day before war broke out. Tim, a former US investigative correspondent, decided to stay and start up his own reporting at Counter Offensive. He now reports from Kyiv. 

On the podcast, Tim discusses the day-to-day life in war-torn Kyiv, focusing on the chronic stress rather than immediate physical danger residents face. He recounts his critical role in documenting human stories from the war front and shares his personal journey, having moved to Ukraine right as the war began. We  touch on the operational challenges and ethical considerations in war reporting, the importance of human interest stories, and how new technology like AI affects journalism. Tim talks about the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict and his hopes for the future of independent journalism.

Transcript and link to site: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/7/31/tim-mak-war-reporting-journey-in-ukraine-podcast

Contents

• 00:25 Life in Kiev During Wartime
• 03:10 Tim's Arrival and Early Experiences in Ukraine
• 04:57 Launching The Counter Offensive
• 05:24 Human Interest Stories and Subscriber Growth
• 09:50 Challenges and Ethics in War Reporting
• 14:14 The Power of Individual Narratives
• 25:42 Independent Journalism and Future Prospects
• 34:55 Geopolitical Reflections and Ukraine's Needs
• 44:34 Final Thoughts and Advice

Françoise Girard is an activist and founder of Feminism Makes Us Smarter. We discuss Francois' journey from studying law in Montreal to becoming a feminist activist in New York. Francois shares experiences from her work with the Open Society Institute and the International Women's Health Coalition, elaborating on the critical role of grassroots feminist movements in effecting societal change. 

“Taking a feminist, intersectional lens helps us understand the world better. You can see trends before the regular commentators do.”

The conversation touches on misconceptions about feminism, the interconnected nature of various justice movements, and the importance of long-term, flexible support from philanthropists. 

“If you want to track the health of a democracy, look at what’s happening to women’s rights. They’re the early warning system.”

Francois also highlights the power of storytelling in activism and reveals her creative process behind her writing. 

“When we walk out of a play, we’re more in touch with our feelings. That’s how movements grow — through stories and emotion, not just policy.”

“Each of us won’t solve it all, but if we all do something — even something small — that’s how things move. That’s what gives me hope.”

The discussion concludes with insights into successful campaigns, including the decriminalization of abortion in Ireland, and practical advice for individual contributions to social change.

Links and

• 00:18 Francois' Journey to Activism

• 01:50 Working with International Organizations
• 03:39 Founding Feminism Makes Us Smarter
• 04:54 Understanding Modern Feminism
• 05:41 Intersectionality and Feminism
• 10:35 Theories of Change in Activism
• 22:54 Challenges and Learnings in Feminist Movements
• 31:45 The Role of Art and Opera in Life
• 32:17 The Power of Storytelling
• 36:14 Creative Processes and Writing
• 41:51 Successful Movements and Campaigns
• 49:41 Current Projects and Future Plans
• 54:38 Final Thoughts and Advice

Sumit discusses how his wife dying  reshaped his views on optimism, differentiating between pragmatic optimism and blind faith. He explores how having an optimistic outlook, although seemingly against his scientific training, aligns with good mental health. 

"Believing in a better tomorrow is not the same as saying that today is great."

We touch on the evolutionary logic behind optimism, the impact of agency on perception, and how alternate histories can inform future thinking. Sumit also reflects on the role of optimism during personal grief and provides insights into his writing process and the broader importance of the arts and humanities. The conversation closes with advice for optimism in younger generations and an emphasis on appreciating everyday human interactions.

"Postcards from your future self can be more helpful than New Year’s resolutions."

Transcript and links: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/5/30/sumit-paul-choudhury-optimism-navigating-lifes-challenges-and-uncertainties-podcast

Contents:

• 00:19 The Moment That Changed Everything

• 01:08 Embracing Optimism

• 02:58 The Psychology of Optimism

• 04:42 Rational Optimism vs. Pessimism

• 09:39 Alternate Histories and Humility

• 13:20 Leadership and Optimism

• 16:03 Techniques for Optimism

• 20:45 Optimism in the Face of Grief

• 23:40 Teaching Optimism to the Younger Generation

• 26:03 Understanding the Climate Problem

• 28:41 Victorian Sewer Systems: An Underrated Marvel

• 29:41 Debating De-growth Ideas

• 32:07 The Importance of Arts and Humanities

• 34:36 Moonshot Ideas

• 38:33 Existential Risks

• 40:21 Personal Creativity and Writing Process

• 45:58 Current Projects and Life Advice

Samir Varma is a physicist, investor, and author of the book: The Science of Free Will, How Determinism Affects Everything from the Future of AI to Traffic to God to Bees.' We discuss AI consciousness, the theoretical versus practical aspects of free will, and how determinism informs our understanding of human behaviour, moral philosophy, and even financial markets. 

“Even though there is no free will in theory, because the laws of physics are deterministic… we don’t know what we’re going to do until we’ve done it.” 

“The only way to find out how your life will end is to live it.”

Varma delves into the physics of free will, his insights on the applicability of chaos theory, and why certain financial and societal structures might need reevaluation. 

The conversation touches on the evolution and mechanics of intellectual property, the intricacies of cricket, and the profound layers that make Pink Floyd's music a unique listening experience. Varma also shares his varied projects, including innovations in solar energy and traffic management. 

The discussion culminates with practical life advice focused on pursuing meaningful and passionate work.

Transcript: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2025/4/11/samir-varma-free-will-physics-traffic-bees-emotions-chaos-theory-cricket-finance-podcast

Contents

• 00:23 Will AI Gain Consciousness?

• 02:11 The Concept of Free Will in Theory and Practice

• 04:19 Quantum Theory and Determinism

• 18:58 Chaos Theory and Free Will

• 23:20 Death and the Reorganization of Atoms

• 25:37 Animal Consciousness and Communication

• 30:23 Implications for Society and Justice

• 37:48 Emotions and Rationality

• 41:08 Misunderstandings in Finance

• 44:39 Debunking Market Value Myths

• 47:43 The Momentum Factor Explained

• 57:14 The Unique Appeal of Pink Floyd

• 01:02:40 Understanding Cricket's Complexity

• 01:09:58 Overrated or Underrated?

• 01:19:28 Insights on Writing and Creativity

• 01:23:11 Final Thoughts and Life Advice

Mary-Ann Ochota is a broadcaster, anthropologist, and writer known for her work on Time Team and books on archaeology and the British landscape. 

“Archaeology is ultimately about people – the stories of people in the past and how they lived their lives.”

Mary-Ann discusses her visits to Chernobyl, British henges and the Australian Simpson Desert; exploring themes of resilience and environmental recovery. 

“One of the big misconceptions is that archaeology is just about digging things up.”

She shares insights on ancient British sites and the broader implications of sustainable development and access to nature. We discuss her role as president of the Countryside Charity and her thoughts on the future of rural development are highlighted, along with her creative writing process and advice for connecting with nature.

“We’re all living on top of layers of history, whether we realise it or not.”

Transcript and links: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/4/4/mary-ann-ochota-adventure-resilience-unveiling-hidden-histories-archeology-and-the-ancient-world-podcast

Summary Contents:

• 00:31 Exploring Chernobyl's Impact

• 04:59 The Resilience of Nature

• 05:55 Adventures in the Simpson Desert

• 13:56 Ancient Sites in the UK

• 17:10 Access to Nature and Social Barriers

• 31:56 The Ridgeway National Trail

• 38:33 Exploring the Purpose of Henges

• 39:29 Ancient Feasts and Food Waste

• 40:15 Reevaluating Ancient Civilizations

• 44:32 Imagination and Environmental Crisis

• 47:53 Balancing Hope and Realism

• 50:06 Writing Process and Creative Challenges

• 01:04:24 Sustainable Development and Land Use

• 01:11:32  Life Advice 

Political philosopher Rebecca Lowe discusses her views on freedom, equality, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Currently writing a book titled 'Freedom in Utopia,' Rebecca delves into philosophical debates concerning obligations to extinct animals, the ethics of eating meat, and the future potential of lab-grown meat. 

On questioning norms and making choices:
“Think hard about what the norms are that you follow unthinkingly. There are many ways to live a good life, and it’s for you to work that out for yourself, because you’re the only person who can have any systemic access to that.”

On fiction and its philosophical role:
“I feel quite strongly that people who don’t spend time reading fiction are really missing out on one of the great things about being human—the capacity to separate out from your daily life, think about other worlds, imagine.”

She also touches on the moral considerations surrounding artificial wombs, the possible role of ChatGPT as a tool for philosophical inquiry, and her disillusioning experience running for political office. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of decentralization, freedom, and respect in society while also sharing her creative process and insights into leading a fulfilling life.

Transcript and video available here.

Contents

• 00:22 Reviving Extinct Animals

• 02:29 Moral Implications of Eating Meat

• 07:47 Future Moral Consensus

• 11:25 Consequentialism in Healthcare

• 19:21 ChatGPT as a Philosopher

• 25:28 Artificial Wombs and Ethical Questions

• 30:33 Rebecca's Political Journey

• 34:43 Creative Process and Philosophy

• 37:50 The Importance of Reading Fiction

• 41:03 Imagining the Best Possible Society

• 42:19 The Role of Prisons in Utopia

• 46:01 Education in an Ideal Society

• 49:05 Cultural Goods and Utopia

• 52:18 Healthcare and Resource Allocation

• 55:11 Under rated / Over rated

• 58:55 Final Thoughts and Advice

Daisy Christodoulou is an acclaimed author in the field of education. Daisy has also written a book on video assisted refereeing (VAR) in football.

We discuss being a football fan, VAR's impact on the sport, and the controversial decision-making processes involved. We speak about how VAR might have improved other sports but has mixed results in football. We suggest what technology should spring to football and sport.  We debate on how this potentially reflects the limits of rationality in human endeavours. 

"We need to get away from the search for perfection. Whether in education or VAR, it’s about striking the right balance between accuracy, simplicity, and consistency to avoid ending up with the worst of both worlds."

"When you apply a very precise, letter-of-the-law system, it sometimes tramples over the qualities that make the game what it is. VAR has unintentionally highlighted the limits of rationalism."

Transitioning to education, Daisy shares insights from her research and books on the importance of knowledge-rich curriculums, cognitive science, and the challenges of modern educational systems. The conversation delves into the history of self-education, the role of physical school environments, and strategies to enhance learning outcomes. We touch upon the relevance of English literature, fiction reading, and Daisy's innovative projects at No More Marking, utilizing AI for better educational assessments.

“A written sentence is an incredibly efficient way of communicating information. It can do things that video, audio, or computer code cannot. That utility alone makes reading irreplaceable."

Transcript: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/1/12/daisy-christodoulou-a-deep-dive-into-var-football-education-and-the-art-of-learning-podcast

Contents:

Peter Gray is a psychologist and author of Free to Learn. For many years, he has been studying the importance of play.

Gray discusses his perspective on the ideal education system, which he believes should be a bottom-up movement rather than a top-down imposition. He emphasizes the importance of self-directed education where children have the freedom to follow their curiosity and interests. Gray explains how traditional schooling stifles curiosity and playfulness, and traces the historical roots of the current education system. He also highlights the sociopolitical factors that have contributed to the decline of children's mental health, arguing against the popular notion that social media is the primary cause. Additionally, the conversation touches on the impact of economic inequality on parenting styles and child freedom. Gray shares his current projects, including initiatives aimed at encouraging more free play in schools and educating pediatricians on the importance of play, while offering practical advice for parents to support their children's independence and curiosity.

Transcript and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/11/1/peter-gray-transforming-education-play-self-directed-learning-parenting-podcast

"If offered the opportunity to redesign the entire educational system as a top-down thing, me being the czar of education and telling everybody else what they should do, I would decline the offer...it really has to emerge from the bottom up."

"Education works best when the people being educated are in charge of it... Children are biologically designed to learn through exploration, through play."

"Our school system suppresses curiosity and playfulness...the two primary biological educative drives in children."

"Ask your child: 'What would you like to do that you haven’t done before that might be a little bit frightening but that you’d really like to try?' It’s how children build courage and how parents build trust."

Contents

Julia Garayo Willemyns is a startup founder and co-director of the think tank UK Day One, which focuses on advancing UK policy for long-term growth and progress.  Transcript and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2024/10/18/julia-garayo-willemyns-policy-ideas-progress-growth-ai-talent-podcast

Julia shares her thoughts on overlooked policies that could significantly benefit the UK, such as addressing lead poisoning in old housing stocks to improve public health, intelligence, and productivity.

Julia also advocates for prioritizing AI as part of the UK's industrial strategy. She emphasizes the need for strategic investments in AI talent, infrastructure, and safety, noting that while ethics and risk are critical, the nation should also consider AI's potential to enhance economic security and global competitiveness. The conversation explores the nuances of UK policy approaches to sustainability, talent development, and AI.  

The narrative explores the dynamics of entrepreneurship across different cultural landscapes, reflecting on factors such as mentorship, venture capital, and societal attitudes towards failure. The conversation delves into the advantages of for-profit versus non-profit models and the philosophical trends shifting towards virtue ethics and human flourishing.  Throughout, the discussion is underpinned by personal experiences, pragmatic policy recommendations, and a call for the UK to leverage its strengths for sustained global competitiveness.

We play over rated / under rated on:

Universal Basic Income (UBI), Net Zero, Carbon Taxes, alternative proteins, digital democracy, self-driving cars, nuclear power, museums and capitalism. 

Julia encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, adaptability, and a proactive approach to growth.

On AI and economic strategy:

“I don’t think the UK is taking AI seriously enough as a core part of its industrial strategy. We should be focusing not just on AI ethics, but on economic security and national competitiveness. AI has the potential to change everything, and we need to be thinking about the bigger picture.”

On talent misallocation in the UK:

“One of the biggest problems the UK has is a misallocation of talent. I know incredibly intelligent people who end up in banking or consulting instead of tackling fundamental problems that could improve our quality of life. It’s a national issue that we need to address.”