Christine Webb is a primatologist and scholar. In her new book 'The Arrogant Ape,' she challenges the notion of human exceptionalism. Christine shares insights from her work in primatology including the ethical implications of understanding animals' mental lives, and the broader impact of unlearning human superiority on our coexistence with nature.

read Christine's book The Arrogant Ape

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

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Jane Goodall died this week at the age of 91. To mark her exceptional life we are re-releasing our truly fantastic episode that was recorded at her family home in England over a year ago..

Jane recounts her journey from a curious child to activist, and her lifelong dedication to understanding and reshaping scientific views on animal behaviours.

Jane's legacy will continue to inspire future generations to make a positive impact on the world.

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Barry Jones is an Australian polymath, politician, writer, lawyer and public intellectual. He gained fame in the 1960s by appearing in over 200 episodes of the quiz show 'Pick-a-Box'. His passion for humanitarian issues, inspired by witnessing poverty and suffering, led him to pursue a career in politics, where he played a significant role in abolishing the death penalty in Victoria. He served in the Australian Parliament for 22 years, focusing on issues such as science, climate change, and public infrastructure. Now in his nineties, he remains an active voice in national debates on science, education, democracy and climate change.

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philosopher Martha Nussbaum discusses the themes of human vulnerability, stoicism, and her capabilities approach to justice which extends to both humans and animals, advocating for broader perspectives in political and ethical considerations. Nussbaum also details the emotional and philosophical journey surrounding her daughter's illness and death, emphasising the inherent limits of control in tragic circumstances.

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

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Stephen Fry shares his personal evolution from a troubled youth to a celebrated intellectual and artist. His candid discussion covers his youthful indiscretions, and his journey towards self-acceptance during a time when being gay in England was fraught with stigma. Fry details his profound connection to literature, having been inspired by figures like Oscar Wilde, and how books shaped his understanding of his own sexuality.

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Anna Machin is an evolutionary anthropologist and researcher at the University of Oxford, specialising in human relationships, fatherhood, and the science of love and bonding.

Anna discusses the biological roots of attraction, the neurochemistry behind falling in love, and the evolutionary reasons for our romantic instincts. The conversation unpacks the differences between lust, attraction, and examines how culture shapes our understanding of monogamy, polyamory and the psychology of jealousy.

Learn more about Anna and read her books!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

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Ellen Langer is an influential American psychologist and social scientist who bridges mindfulness, aging, health, and decision-making. Dr. Langer's insights challenge conventional views on aging, health, and personal capabilities, promoting a more mindful and engaged approach to life & happiness. Ellen emphasises the importance of active engagement and choice, and how our beliefs and perceptions can significantly affect physical health.

Learn more about Ellen and read her books!

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Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

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Wayne Hsiung is an animal‑rights and environmental activist. He co‑founded Direct Action Everywhere and focuses on “open rescue” efforts - publicly removing suffering animals from factory farms to provide them medical aid. Wayne recounts various direct action efforts and the legal battles stemming from these actions.

Learn more about Wayne subscribe to his substack

Learn more about Anima International as mentioned in this episode

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

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Dasho Dechen Wangmo is a prominent Bhutanese public health leader and former Minister of Health, she has championed universal health coverage, mental health, and disease prevention, and gained international recognition as President of the 74th World Health Assembly, advocating for vaccine equity and global health solidarity. Dechen played a pivotal role in navigating Bhutan through the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, Bhutan achieved a 94% vaccination rate within four days and maintained one of the world's lowest death rates.

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Dean Spears is an economic demographer and development economist, co-author of After the Spike: Population, Progress, and the Case for People. Dean explores the future of global population trends, noting that depopulation is now the most likely scenario, and the inherent ethical considerations of reducing the population and the practical implications for global challenges like climate change.

Learn more about Dean and read his books!

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Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn!

And special thanks to Suzi Jamil!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.