The Talking Heads Podcast

Dr. Karen Stollznow, linguist, author, and communicator, joined me for a wide-ranging conversation about the mysteries and marvels of language. We begin by uncovering how children learn to speak—demystifying the processes behind early word acquisition, the value of mistakes, and the extraordinary ability of young minds to learn more than one language with ease.

The discussion shines a spotlight on sign language, emphasising its status as a true language with its own grammar and culture, and notes the impact of greater societal recognition in recent decades.

Karen explores the unresolved puzzle of language’s origins and examines comparisons between human and animal communication, showing that while human language is unique, other species have complex systems suited to their worlds.

Cases of language deprivation highlight the importance of early social interaction and the brain’s sensitive periods. We learn about the hidden intricacies of making sense of speech and discuss why slips or lapses are a normal part of healthy language processing.

The conversation also touches upon why losing language—whether due to illness, age, or trauma—is so profoundly affecting, but Karen points to new therapies and technologies that support communication in innovative ways.

We wrap up with a discussion of artificial intelligence, asking whether machines can “understand” language, and reflect on the ongoing human need for authentic connection.

About the Guest

Dr. Karen Stollznow’s latest book is ‘Beyond Words: How We Learn, Use, and Lose Language’ is out now with Cambridge University Press. Karen is also the host of Monster Talk Podcast. Discover more about Karen at karenstollznow.com and monstertalk.org

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What does it take to capture a moment that changes everything?

In this episode of The Talking Heads Podcast, I sit down with BAFTA and RTS award-winning producer-director Andy Mundy-Castle, the creative force behind the acclaimed documentary Misan Harriman: Shoot the People. Together, we dive deep into the power of storytelling, the realities of gatekeeping in the film industry, and the role of activism—both behind and in front of the lens.

Discover how Andy Mundy-Castle channels his own journey—shaped by heritage, and an unwavering sense of purpose—into stories that challenge, connect, and inspire hope. From the vibrant heart of barbershops to global protests and intimate family moments, this conversation lays bare the layers of truth, privilege, and legacy at the heart of Shoot the People.

If you crave bold conversations that weave personal journeys with the pressing questions of our time, you simply can’t miss this one. Prepare to be moved—and to question what part your story might play in shaping our world.

Update: Since recording this conversation, the broadcast date for Shoot the People on Al Jazeera has been confirmed as 30 October 2026, rather than 30 September as mentioned during the episode.

Trailer courtesy of © Watermelon Pictures within this episode. Used with permission.

What happens when those in power use law not as a safeguard, but as a weapon?

In this gripping episode of The Talking Heads Podcast, I sat down with distinguished author and legal philosopher Professor David Dyzenhaus, whose life under apartheid in South Africa shaped his lifelong pursuit of justice and the rule of law. Together, we delve into the real-world consequences of recent British legislation like the Rwanda Act, and unravel the appeal—and dangers—of “common good constitutionalism.”

Drawing from his acclaimed new book, ‘The War Against Law: What’s Wrong with Common Good Constitutionalism’, David explains why the language of legality can be enhanced to serve the powerful, and warns how subtle shifts can erode democratic safeguards. With heartfelt candour and razor-sharp intellect, he explores why the defence of law must be principled, what can happen when officials and institutions abandon the rights that underpin democracy, and why both ‘the right’ and ‘the left’ are vulnerable to these temptations.

This is more than legal theory—it’s a compassionate, clear-eyed conversation on how injustice is made possible, and what ordinary people can do to make a difference. David reminds us that hope and community remain our strongest shields, even in dark times.

If you care about democracy’s future, the meaning of justice, or how history’s lessons echo today, don’t miss this powerful exchange—grounded in scholarship, personal experience, and the battle for the soul of the law.

Listen now, and discover what’s truly at stake.

What if narcissism wasn’t just a personality flaw, but a force shaping entire societies, organisations, and nations? In the powerful Series 2 opener of The Talking Heads Podcast, I sit down with distinguished criminologist and independent scholar Mark Stephen Davis whose new book Nefarious Reflections on Narcissism and Crime asks us to look well beyond the individual and confront uncomfortable truths about our history, politics, and collective responsibility.

From the real-life impact of narcissism in high-profile scandals to its quiet presence in everyday life, this conversation challenges the casual way we throw around labels and dares us to examine our own roles within powerful systems. Mark brings decades of insight to questions like: How do institutions enable or excuse toxic behaviour? How have language and social media become tools of narcissistic power? And is meaningful change possible if we each start with ourselves?

Provocative, deeply compassionate, and unflinchingly honest, this episode is an urgent call to honestly reckon with our stories—and to imagine and aim for something better. Listen in for a conversation that might just change how you see the world and your place within it.

What do you do when life throws you into a storm you never saw coming? In this episode of The Talking Heads, I sat down with acclaimed illustrator and cartoonist Denise Dorrance to explore her moving, darkly funny graphic memoir Polar Vortex - New River Books Publishing. With honesty, warmth, and signature wit, Denise shares the story behind caring for her mother living with dementia—a journey marked by heartache, humour, and unexpected discoveries.

Hear how a diary kept during long days in a rehabilitation centre became the foundation for an internationally lauded graphic novel. Delve into how art, colour, and narrative became lifelines—not only for Denise, but for so many readers who see their own family truths mirrored in these pages. Along the way, find yourself laughing, reflecting, and perhaps feeling less alone in the inevitable role reversals and “real troubles” of life.

This episode is a compassionate testament to memory, to our loved ones and embracing connection, even when it’s just the simple act of holding a hand.

What happens when ordinary citizens step into the shadows to catch those who would do unthinkable harm? In this deeply moving episode, I welcomed Mark de Rond, Professor of Organisational Ethnography at Cambridge University - Judge Business School, whose four-year immersion into the world of UK Paedophile hunters is chronicled in his gripping new book, out now, 'Dark Justice: Inside the World of Paedophile Hunters' - Cambridge University Press.

Through bracing honesty and tender compassion, Mark shares what it means to live alongside the hunters—their motives, their traumas, the lines they cross—and the heart-wrenching consequences for those exposed and their families. Together we confront challenging moral questions: Where does justice end and collateral damage begin? Are we as a society prepared to bear witness not just to the crimes, but also to the cost of seeking “dark justice”?

Tune in for a conversation that is as illuminating as it is unsettling, as Mark courageously challenges us to look past easy answers and reckon with the depth of humanity behind every headline.

For clarity this episode contains material of a highly sensitive nature including “child abuse, self harm, paedophilia and homophobia ” that may be triggering for some individuals’.

2.5 million hot meals, 20,000 volunteers, and a decade at the frontlines of compassion.

In this episode, I welcomed Janie Mac, co-founder of Refugee Community Kitchen (RCK), whose story is a testament to what happens when ordinary people choose to act in the face of injustice. From kitchen-table plans to serving hope in Calais and on the streets of London, Janie shares the real lessons of RCK’s grassroots action, the power of saying no, and why nourishing food is about so much more than the lens of calories.

Discover the realities behind displacement, the overlooked forces driving humanitarian crises, and the unvarnished truth about privilege, burnout, and how we show up for one another. You’ll be moved by Janie’s candour—and inspired by the simple, radical force of collective care.

Listen in to witness what human dignity looks like in practice. Find out how you can help keep the wheels turning—both literally and figuratively—for RCK’s remarkable mission.

For those ready to swap cynicism for hope, and scrolling for action: this is your invitation to the table.

For more on how to support RCK, or to volunteer visit:

[email protected]

Curious about how much your digital life reveals about your inner world—and where the line between helpful personalisation and outright manipulation lies? David Stillwell, Professor of Computational Science at the University of Cambridge, joined me for an open, thought-provoking dive into the nexus of big data, psychology, and the fast-evolving landscape of generative and Agentic AI. From creating the iconic MyPersonality Facebook app, which not only changed privacy laws but also helped millions uncover insights about themselves, to decoding how companies leverage our digital footprints, Professor Stillwell thoughtfully speaks through fascinating insights and challenging questions alongside challenging how we approach and engage in these conversations:

• Do you truly have the right to opt out of profiling—and what are today’s tech giants really doing behind closed doors?
• Where’s the line between tailored recommendations and psychological manipulation? Is it ever as clear-cut as it seems?
• How close are we to working alongside AI “colleagues”—and what does that mean for your job, your attention span, and your sense of control?
• What should society and policymakers do when technology moves faster than regulation ever could?

Expect candid chat, big ideas, and actionable takeaways—whether you’re an industry leader, a tech sceptic, or just want to understand what your “likes” are saying about you.

Don’t miss this timely episode that will leave you rethinking the digital breadcrumbs you scatter—and priming all of us to be part of the conversation shaping our technological future.

🚀 Tune in now and join The Talking Heads for insights that could change the way you live and work—today and tomorrow!

Join me in conversation with distinguished guest Kieran Macphail, whose expertise spans physiotherapy, nutritional therapy and corrective exercise. This episode dives deep into the world of health—beyond the fads, semantics and commercial noise—and explores the pragmatic realities underpinning wellbeing today.

If you’ve ever wondered why your diet isn’t working, what genuine health looks like in a world of gimmicks, or how to decode mysterious symptoms—this episode brings refreshing clarity and real-life solutions.

Don’t miss Kieran’s candid and modest wisdom and stay tuned for Series Two where your listener questions will shape the conversation!

Subscribe, listen and join the health debate—your body will thank you.

Neurodivergence… a topic that is often on our lips but rarely spoken about with a ‘real understanding’ is the subject of Episode 2 as is our incredible guest.

In this enlightening episode of The Talking Heads, I sit down with Danny Raede, a trailblazer in the neurodiversity space. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD in his early teens, Danny Raede shares his personal journey from confronting societal assumptions to becoming a founder of several impactful ventures—Asperger’s Experts, Wonder Rock Travel, and most recently, Off Map, a UK-based neurodiversity consultancy.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer or simply curious about lived experiences of neurodivergence, this episode is jam packed with actionable insights, empathy, and inspiration!

To reach out to Danny directly his website is offmap.co.uk.

The theory that is mentioned in our discussion was ‘The Polyvagal theory’ by Dr. Stephen Porges.