This episode of 'So Now What' explores the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing, focusing on the importance of quality of life, the role of technology and AI in elderly care, and the lessons learned from the elderly. The conversation features insights from Gates Cambridge scholars who are working on innovative solutions to improve the lives of older adults, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to ageing that includes medical, social, and emotional support.

Takeaways

• For the first time in history, there are more grandparents than grandchildren.
• Quality of life is more important than just living longer.
• Assistive technology can help elderly people live fuller lives.
• AI has the potential to enhance elderly care and support.
• Lifelong learning is essential for older adults to adapt to changing job markets.
• There is a significant inequality in dementia diagnosis and treatment globally.
• Technology should be designed with accessibility in mind for all ages.
• Elderly wisdom can guide younger generations in personal and professional life.
• Education can reduce inequality and improve career prospects for older adults.
• Aging should be approached with a holistic view, considering emotional and social aspects.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ageing and Its Challenges

09:46 Quality of Life in Ageing

20:10 The Role of Technology in Aging

30:09 AI and Its Impact on Elderly Care

38:11 Lessons from the Elderly and Closing Thoughts

This episode of 'So Now What' explores the multifaceted challenges of gender equality, focusing on personal stories, the impact of climate change, and the implications of technology on women's rights. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for reproductive freedom, the importance of storytelling, and the need for proactive engagement from men in the fight for gender equality. The guests share their insights on the current backlash against women's rights and the necessity of protecting spaces for dialogue and dissent.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gender Equality Challenges

04:08 Personal Stories and Experiences

08:07 The Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturn

12:18 Climate Change and Early Marriage

16:43 Backlash Against Gender Equality

19:59 Engaging Men in Gender Equality

24:13 The Role of Technology in Gender Issues

28:55 Understanding the Danger for Women and Girls

34:06 Confronting and Comforting in Conversations

37:18 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Julie Pham, Chris Tooley, and Robin Scott to explore the nuances of leadership in turbulent times. The conversation delves into the importance of moral leadership, the opportunities presented by crises like COVID-19, and the significance of self-leadership and community building. The guests share their experiences and insights on how to lead effectively, emphasising curiosity, respect, and the power of local action.

Takeaways

• Leadership is about bringing people with you, not telling them what to do.
• Curiosity can transform workplace dynamics and leadership styles.
• Crisis often creates opportunities for innovation and transformation.
• Moral leadership is crucial in times of flux and uncertainty.
• Local leadership is essential for meaningful change.
• Self-leadership involves being open to learning from others.
• Community building can counteract polarization and division.
• Radical honesty in leadership fosters trust and collaboration.
• Cultural forms of leadership can have transformative potential.
• Leadership should be shaped by lived experience and engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership in Turbulent Times

09:50 The Role of Moral Leadership

20:05 Crisis as Opportunity: Leadership During COVID-19

30:09 Self-Leadership and Community Building

In this episode of So, Now What host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Paulo Savaget Nascimento, Sandile Mtetwa, and Uche Ogechukwu to explore innovative business models that address wicked problems such as energy poverty and community empowerment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of unconventional approaches, allyship, co-creation, and interdisciplinary thinking in fostering sustainable solutions for the common good. The guests share their experiences and insights on how to leverage existing resources, engage marginalized communities, and promote inclusivity in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• We are living in complex times with pressing problems.
• Innovative approaches can address energy poverty effectively.
• Allyship involves co-creating solutions with communities.
• Workarounds can provide unconventional solutions to challenges.
• Inclusivity is crucial in energy solutions for marginalized groups.
• Interdisciplinary thinking enhances social enterprise effectiveness.
• Diversity and adaptation are essential for tackling wicked problems.
• Community ownership leads to sustainable outcomes.
• Starting small and scrappy can lead to significant impact.
• Humanizing innovation is key to successful implementation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems and New Business Models

05:00 Innovative Approaches to Energy and Community Empowerment

09:56 The Role of Allyship and Co-Creation in Sustainable Solutions

14:54 Workarounds: Unconventional Solutions to Complex Problems

19:54 The Importance of Inclusivity in Energy Solutions

24:59 Interdisciplinary Thinking and Its Impact on Social Enterprise

29:51 So, Now What: Scaling for the Common Good

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Luis Welbanks, Rebecca Charbonneau, and Yinuo Han to discuss the current state of astronomy, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the implications of commercial interests in space exploration. The conversation explores themes of hope and concern in the scientific community, the importance of historical context in understanding current challenges, and the role of narratives in shaping public perception of science. The scholars share their insights on the future of astronomy and the need for collaboration in addressing the wicked problems facing humanity.

takeaways

• Space exploration is entering a new era with significant discoveries.
• Hope and concern coexist in the current state of science.
• The search for extraterrestrial life is more promising than ever.
• Historical context can inform our understanding of current challenges.
• Astronomy has a social role in shaping public discourse.
• Commercial interests in space raise questions about future conflicts.
• Public narratives about science influence funding and support.
• Collaboration is essential for success in space exploration.
• The emotional journey of scientists is part of the discovery process.
• Engaging with science is crucial for future generations.

Chapters

00:00

Exploring the Cosmos: A New Era of Discovery

04:16

Hope and Concerns in Astronomy

10:46

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

11:45

Lessons from the Past: The Space Race

14:29

The Importance of Astronomy in Society

18:57

The Role of Narratives in Science

24:34

Commercial Interests and Space Warfare

28:06

Future Aspirations in Astronomy

30:47

A Call to Action: Engaging with Science

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars to discuss the pressing issues surrounding biodiversity and conservation. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems, the challenges posed by climate change, and the innovative solutions being implemented to promote sustainability. The guests share their experiences and insights on policy-making, community engagement, and the importance of maintaining optimism in the face of overwhelming environmental challenges. They emphasize the need for evidence-based strategies and practical steps that individuals can take to contribute to conservation efforts.

takeaways

·         Biodiversity loss is a critical issue that affects all life on Earth.

·         The 30 by 30 initiative aims to protect 30% of the planet for nature by 2030.

·         Innovative solutions are needed to balance economic development and conservation.

·         Community engagement is essential for effective conservation strategies.

·         Monitoring and research are crucial for understanding biodiversity and its challenges.

·         Optimism and collaboration among diverse stakeholders can drive positive change.

·         Trade-offs in conservation require careful consideration of ecological and social factors.

·         Conscious consumerism can significantly impact biodiversity preservation.

·         Small actions, like creating space for nature in our gardens, can lead to larger ecological benefits.

·         Evidence-based approaches are necessary for effective conservation policies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Biodiversity and Conservation Challenges

03:53 Innovative Solutions for Biodiversity

10:03 The Role of Policy and Research in Conservation

18:47 Maintaining Optimism in Conservation Efforts

30:00 Making Trade-offs in Conservation

35:27 Practical Steps for Immediate Impact

In this episode of 'So Now What', host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Jakub Szomalec, Raggenhilde Fregdaler, and Jansu Karabiak to explore how creative methods can address wicked problems in society. The conversation delves into the importance of arts in academia, the role of entertainment in cultural activism, and the power of personal stories in engaging audiences. The guests share their unique experiences and insights on how to effectively communicate complex issues in an increasingly noisy world, emphasizing the need for emotional connection and community engagement.

Takeaways

Creative methods can effectively address wicked problems.

Arts and academia should be funded for their impact.

Comedy can relay serious messages in engaging ways.

Stories are essential for activating empathy.

Entertainment can serve as a platform for activism.

Immersive experiences can change audience perceptions.

Adapting messaging is crucial for short attention spans.

Understanding technology is a parental responsibility.

Engaging with diverse communities enriches perspectives.

Real conversations foster better understanding and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wicked Problems and Creative Solutions

05:25 The Role of Arts in Academia

10:05 Entertainment as a Tool for Cultural Activism

13:30 Personal Stories and Vulnerability in Creative Work

18:38 Engaging Audiences Through Immersive Experiences

22:25 Adapting Messaging for Short Attention Spans

28:13 The Responsibility of Understanding Technology

32:23 Takeaways for Action and Engagement

Cansu Karabiyik received her PhD in medical science in 2021. Since then she has spent her days as a neuroscientist developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and her evenings as a standup comedian performing in clubs in New York City. 

Jakub Szamalek award winning novelist and video game writer, who co-created international bestsellers such as "The Witcher 3" and "Cyberpunk 2077", currently Narrative Director at Rebel Wolves, a game development studio he co-founded. Doctor of classical archaeology educated at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and a Cambridge Gates Scholar. His most recent book, "Inner Space", will come out in English in July 2025.

Ragnhild Freng Dale is a social anthropologist and senior researcher at the Western Norway Research Institute. Her research interests include energy imaginaries, justice in climate transitions and impacts of energy infrastructure on local and indigenous communities. She thrives working on projects that are multimodal and experimental, especially in collaboration with the performing arts field.

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway talks to Gates Cambridge scholars Kevin Beckford, Emma Soneson, and Blanca Piera Pi Sunyer to discuss the pressing issues facing today's youth. The conversation explores the importance of empowering young people, the role of community and culture in their development, and the need for systemic change in education and mental health support. The scholars share their insights on how to harness the energy of young people to create a brighter future, emphasizing the significance of supportive environments and the necessity of listening to youth voices in shaping policies that affect them.

Takeaways

• Young people are powerful agents of change.
• Community support is crucial for youth development.
• Mental health should be prioritized in education.
• Adversity can have cumulative negative effects on health.
• Empowering youth requires systemic change in institutions.
• Resilience should be reframed to focus on support, not just endurance.
• Education should promote exploration and self-discovery.
• Youth voices must be included in decision-making processes.
• Creating supportive environments can buffer against adversity.
• A visionary approach is needed to reimagine society for young people.

00:00

Introduction to youth empowerment and impact

02:58

Harnessing the energy of young people

06:07

The role of community and culture in youth development

08:54

Exploring opportunities for young people

12:03

The importance of mental health in education

15:04

Creating supportive environments for adolescents

18:12

Reimagining education for young people

20:58

The need for systemic change

23:55

Resilience vs. hustling: a new perspective

27:01

Global perspectives on youth challenges

29:56

Visioning a better future for young people

Kevin Beckford [2011] is the co-founder and a board member of The Hustlers Guild, a non-profit that uses hip hop to expand access and opportunity to Black and Latinx youth in the innovation space. He is also Senior Associate, Parnerships and Engagement at the Pretrial Justice Institute. From 2020 to 2022 he was an Atlantic Fellow for Racial Equity from 2020 to 2022 and from 2014-2016, Kevin worked in the White House Presidential Correspondence Office. He also served as a special advisor to Secretary Julian Castro at the US Department of Housing and Development. 

Blanca Piera Pi-Sunyer [2021] is a final year PhD student at the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge working on social inequalities and socioemotional difficulties during adolescence. 

Emma Soneson [2018] is a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry. She maintains a broad research profile within the field of child and adolescent mental health but is especially interested in the intersections between mental health and education.

We discuss the need to make healthcare better for all, focusing on issues such as gender inequality, mental health, and access to medicine and highlighting the importance of investing in women's health and the role of grassroots organisations in advocating for change. The potential of AI in improving healthcare is also explored, with a focus on care robots and the democratisation of information. The conversation also addresses the inequitable access to drug treatments and the need for public-private partnerships. The guests provide silver buckshot solutions, including economic policies, challenging social norms, and asking critical questions.

Takeaways

• Investing in women's health is not only a medical and humanitarian imperative but also makes economic, social, political, and climate sense.
• AI has the potential to improve healthcare by assisting carers, providing reminders for medication, and democratizing information, but caution is needed to ensure safety and quality.
• Equitable access to drug treatments requires public health approaches, government action, and citizen engagement to hold corporations accountable.
• Improving healthcare for all requires addressing social norms, investing in grassroots organizations, and challenging economic policies that perpetuate inequality.
• Asking critical questions, such as why rich countries are rich and why pre-industrial variables continue to cause inequality, is essential for driving change.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Setting the Context

05:31

Gender Inequality in Healthcare

08:26

The Potential of AI in Healthcare

22:11

Equitable Access to Drug Treatments

25:44

Investing in Women's Health

28:28

AI and Grassroots Organizations

32:20

Challenging Economic Policies

34:17

Asking Critical Questions

35:42

So, now what? And Season Wrap-up

The conversation explores the role of culture in peacebuilding and the need to challenge narratives of conflict and division. The guests discuss their experiences in conflict-affected regions and the importance of empathy, healing, and resilience in creating cultures of peace. They highlight the need for education systems to promote peace and inclusion, and the importance of dismantling oppressive narratives and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities. The conversation concludes with a call to action to reform education, support cultural workers, and create spaces for dialogue and understanding.

Takeaways

• Culture plays a crucial role in peacebuilding and can challenge narratives of conflict and division.
• Empathy, healing, and resilience are essential in creating cultures of peace.
• Education systems should promote peace, inclusion, and critical thinking to challenge oppressive narratives.
• It is important to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and provide spaces for dialogue and understanding.
• Dismantling oppressive narratives and supporting cultural workers are key steps in creating a more peaceful world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

08:17 The impact of conflict on culture

11:31 Witnessing violence and building peace

16:39 Challenging conflict-based worldviews

20:59 Weaponisation of culture and fighting back

24:47 Erasure of culture and missing voices

27:14 Measuring success in peacebuilding

31:28 Creating cultures of empathy and Ubuntu

36:39 Reforming education for peace and inclusion

38:55 Dismantling oppressive narratives

41:43 Amplifying marginalised voices

44:32 Supporting cultural workers

45:27 Conclusion