Four Thought

Becky Manson discusses the meaning of home as homeowning becomes less common.

Becky has moved home numerous times over the last decade, and has used art to explore the relationship between the idea of 'home' and the architectural reality of the houses or flats where we live. As houses become increasingly expensive and the average age of homeowning rises, she suggests a different way of thinking about our home.

Introduced by Kamin Mohammadi.

Producer: Giles Edwards.

Sharon Kinsella explores the Japanese 'cult of girls'.

Ranging from the surprising role of schoolgirls in Japanese culture to an unusual encounter with an intriguing figure in the Japanese men's movement, Sharon undermines the idea of a playful Japanese popular culture. Having studied Japan for 15 years, she describes how the almost warlike state of male-female relations instead plays out in unexpected ways.

Introduced by Kamin Mohammadi.

Producer: Giles Edwards.

Byron Vincent discusses nature versus nurture, and society's obligations to its weakest.

In a powerful, personal talk, Byron tells the story of his own childhood on a troubled housing estate, of how his surroundings shaped him, and of the choices he felt forced to make. Faced with similar circumstances he asks who can say they would make different choices. Byron explores the moral consequences of this for the rest of our society.

Introduced by Kamin Mohammadi.

Producer: Giles Edwards.

Anne-Marie Imafidon argues that we need to think differently about role models. She believes we need to stop looking at them as superhuman and instead embrace their mistakes as well as their successes, their personal foibles as well as their strengths. Once we do that, we can understand that everyone has something to contribute, we can all be members of what she calls the 'role model club'.

Presented by David Baddiel.

Producer: Giles Edwards.

Heaven Crawley, Professor of International Migration at Swansea University, argues for compassion and curiosity in place of hostility in our attitude towards refugees and asylum seekers.

Four Thought is a series of thought-provoking talks in which the speakers tell personal stories that give rise to their thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society.

Presenter: David Baddiel

Matthew Engel makes a secular case for reclaiming the peace and quiet of the Sabbath, arguing that a proper day of rest will make us healthier, happier and more productive.

Four Thought is a series of thought-provoking talks in which the speakers tell personal stories that give rise to their thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society.

Presenter: David Baddiel

Former soldier Emile Simpson draws on his experience in Afghanistan to argue that we need to rethink the way we fight wars now the boundary with politics has been blurred.

Four Thought is a series of thought-provoking talks in which the speakers tell personal stories that give rise to their thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society.

Presenter: David Baddiel

Curtis Blanc, a former prisoner turned award-winning sound and music entrepreneur, says prison works, but only if you want it to.

Four Thought is a series of thought-provoking talks in which the speakers tell personal stories that give rise to their thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society.

Producer: Sheila Cook.

Agnes Woolley examines what is missing from the stories told by, and about, refugees. She laments what she calls the 'hard authenticity of testimony' - the way in which refugees to the UK are forced to tell their own stories, and never to change them, despite any number of changes in perspective. And she asks why the stories told about those seeking refuge - by politicians and newspapers - are equally unchanging.

Producer: Giles Edwards.

Brian Lavery tells the remarkable story of Mrs Lillian Bilocca, and how a fishwife from Hull changed the country's most dangerous industry. He examines how the fame and misfortune she suffered as a result might have played out in our current social media age and asks how much life has really changed.

Producer: Giles Edwards.