University of Cambridge

In the final episode of the fifth series of Crossing Channels, Richard Westcott talks to Prof Tim Whitmarsh and Cammie Curtin about how culture shapes our identities, behaviour and relationships – from the ancient Greek and Roman worlds to the societies we live in today. They explore how shared norms and rituals foster cooperation, why some cultural practices endure while others change, and what understanding cultural differences can teach us about belonging and public policy.

In this episode of Crossing Channels, Richard Westcott talks to Prof Tim Whitmarsh from the University of Cambridge and Cammie Curtin from the Toulouse School of Economics about how culture shapes who we are.

They explore how culture influences the way people think and behave, how social norms and institutions support cooperation, and why practices that may seem universal can vary widely across societies.

The conversation looks at identity and cultural change in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, how rituals and shared obligations bind communities together, why some cultural traits endure while others change, and what understanding cultural differences can teach us about belonging, public policy and social cooperation.

Season 5 Episode 10 transcript (MS Word / PDF)

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For more information about the Crossing Channels podcast series and the work of the Bennett School of Public Policy and Toulouse School of Economics, visit our websites at https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/ and https://www.tse.fr/

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With thanks to:

Audio production by Alice Whaley

Associate production by Burcu Sevde Selvi

Visuals by Tiffany Naylor and Pauline Alves

In this episode of Crossing Channels, Richard Westcott talks to Sander van der Linden from the University of Cambridge and Marion Hoffman from the Toulouse School of Economics about how social connections shape our lives.

Richard Westcott welcomes Sander van der Linden from the University of Cambridge and Marion Hoffman from the Toulouse School of Economics to Crossing Channels for a conversation about the powerful role social connections play in our lives.

They explore how relationships form, why having many connections does not necessarily protect people from loneliness, and how online and face-to-face interactions influence wellbeing, trust and access to information.

The conversation examines how algorithms, likes and echo chambers shape what people see and believe, why some social groups mix while others remain separate, who is most vulnerable to online manipulation, and what schools, policymakers and technology companies can do to create safer and more inclusive spaces for connection.

Season 5 Episode 9 transcript

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With thanks to:

Audio production by Alice Whaley

Associate production by Burcu Sevde Selvi

Visuals by Tiffany Naylor and Pauline Alves

How do people come to feel represented or unrepresented in politics? What role do place, inequality, and everyday experiences play in shaping political attitudes? And what can the rise of populism tell us about trust in democracy today? To explore these issues, Richard Westcott (host) talks to Davide Luca from the University of Cambridge and Laurenz Guenther from the Toulouse School of Economics.

In this episode of Crossing Channels, Richard Westcott (host) talks to Davide Luca from the University of Cambridge and Laurenz Guenther from the Toulouse School of Economics about what lies behind the rise of populism.

They explore why populism is not only about elections or political leaders, but also about how people experience representation, inequality, place and trust in democracy.

The conversation examines how spatial inequality, economic anxiety, cultural attitudes and social media shape political behaviour, why some voters feel unheard by mainstream parties, and what democratic systems can do to rebuild stronger connections with citizens.

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Season 5 Episode 8 transcript: MS Word / PDF

For more information about the Crossing Channels podcast series and the work of the Bennett School of Public Policy and IAST visit our websites at https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/ and https://www.iast.fr/.

Follow us on Linkedin and Bluesky.

Discover how Gates Cambridge scholars Usama Mirza and Ana Rojo Fierro redefine hope in today's world. Learn actionable strategies for fostering hope amidst adversity. In a world that often feels overwhelmed by challenges—environmentally, socially, politically, and financially—how do we maintain hope? This question is at the heart of discussions among thought leaders and scholars dedicated to making a difference. In this episode, we delve into insights shared by Gates Cambridge scholars Usama Mirza and Ana Rojo Fierro, who explore the essence of hope as a survival trait and its crucial role in social action. As we navigate these trying times, the insights from Usama and Ana remind us that hope is not just a passive feeling but an active practice that requires engagement and commitment. By fostering hope—through education, personal responsibility, and collective action—we can create a better future even in the face of adversity.

Key Takeaways

- Hope is essential for social action and change.

- Balancing personal responsibilities with global awareness is critical for sustainable hope.

- Education and representation can empower individuals and communities, fostering a sense of agency and optimism.

-Hope as a survival trait and its importance in challenging times

-The role of community and collective action in fostering hope

-Personal stories of resilience and hope from Gaza, Mexico, and Pakistan

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hope in Trying Times

01:54 Personal Journeys: Balancing Family and Global Issues

05:32 The Case for Hope: A Foundation for Action

10:53 Cultural Perspectives on Hope and Responsibility

14:31 Hope in Community Actions: Lessons from Mexico

19:14 Navigating Personal Limits in Activism

23:58 The Palestine Educational Opportunity Initiative: A Collective Effort

27:39 Mentorship and Human Connection: Building Hope

30:26 The Cost of Hope: Embracing Vulnerability

34:23 Common Threads in Collective Action Across Cultures

40:37 Closing Thoughts: Small Actions, Big Impact

In this episode of Crossing Channels, host Richard Westcott talks with Rachel Adams (University of Cambridge) and Tiziana Assenza (Toulouse School of Economics) about who we can trust online, how AI, platform algorithms, and human psychology shape the spread of misinformation, and what institutions can do to safeguard democracy and build a healthier digital environment.

They explore why misinformation is not only about false content, but also about the systems that decide what people see, when they see it, and at what scale.

The conversation examines how people often overestimate their own ability to spot misinformation, why emotional and identity-based reactions make false information spread, and how AI can deepen inequalities between countries with very different levels of regulation, digital literacy and platform accountability.

They also discuss the risks for democracy, children and public debate, the economic consequences of technology-related misinformation, and what governments, platforms, schools and independent institutions can do to build a healthier and more trustworthy online information environment.

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Season 5 Episode 7 transcript

For more information about the Crossing Channels podcast series and the work of the Bennett School of Public Policy and IAST visit our websites at https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/ and https://www.iast.fr/.

Follow us on Linkedin and Bluesky.

Can digital currencies create a more inclusive financial system, or will they deepen existing inequalities? In this episode of Crossing Channels, Sumedha Deshmukh and Bruno Biais join Richard Westcott to explore the promises, risks and policy challenges shaping the future of money.

In this episode of Crossing Channels, Richard Westcott talks to Sumedha Deshmukh and Bruno Biais about whether the future of money can be truly inclusive.

They explore the promise and limits of cryptocurrency, asking whether it offers a genuine alternative to existing financial systems or risks reproducing the same forms of exclusion, volatility and mistrust. The conversation examines why crypto may be useful in places where monetary and banking institutions are weak, but also why it can expose less informed users to new risks. They also discuss stablecoins, digital public infrastructure, regulation, trust and governance, and what policymakers need to consider if digital finance is to serve people’s real needs rather than simply benefiting those who are already better connected and better informed.

Season 5 Episode 6 transcript

Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform

For more information about the Crossing Channels podcast series and the work of the Bennett School of Public Policy and IAST visit our websites at https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/ and https://www.iast.fr/.

Follow us on Linkedin and Bluesky.

With thanks to:

Audio production by Alice Whaley

Associate production by Burcu Sevde Selvi

Visuals by Tiffany Naylor and Pauline Alves

This episode features scholars Stephen Lezak and Ben Weissenbach discussing their work on climate change storytelling, the evolving media landscape, and how to effectively communicate environmental issues. They explore long-form journalism, the importance of trust and moral authority in media, and practices to reconnect with nature amidst a fast-changing world.

Key topics

The role of storytelling in climate change communication

Challenges and opportunities in long-form journalism

The importance of trust and moral authority in media

Practices for reconnecting with nature and grounding stories

The impact of media environment on climate storytelling

Chapters

00:00

Navigating the Modern Media Landscape

02:49

Personal Stories and Climate Change

05:57

The Shift in Storytelling

08:53

The Need for Diverse Narratives

11:59

Challenges in Long-Form Journalism

15:14

The Role of Technology in Storytelling

17:54

Finding Authenticity in Media

21:07

Reconnecting with Nature

24:11

The Importance of Craft in Storytelling

26:54

The Future of Journalism

30:06

Voices of Trust in Media

33:01

Ground Truth and Connection

36:13

Celebrating Beauty in Storytelling

Can everything be bought? Anna Alexandrova and Léo Fitouchi talk to Richard Westcott about the limits of markets and why not everything of value can be priced.

In this episode of Crossing Channels, Anna Alexandrova and Léo Fitouchi talk to Richard Westcott about the limits of markets and what happens when economic reasoning meets moral values. They explore why some things – such as dignity, fairness and trust – sit uneasily with prices, and how attempts to measure wellbeing can reshape what societies consider valuable. The conversation also examines how monetary incentives sometimes crowd out moral motivations, why people react strongly to the idea that certain goods should be for sale, and what this means for policymakers trying to design fair and legitimate institutions in a world where not everything that matters can be priced.

Season 5 Episode 5 transcript: Word / PDF

Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast platform

For more information about the Crossing Channels podcast series and the work of the Bennett School of Public Policy and IAST visit our websites at https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/ and https://www.iast.fr/

With thanks to:

Audio production by Alice Whaley

Associate production by Burcu Sevde Selvi

Visuals by Tiffany Naylor and Pauline Alves

Exploring diverse leadership styles, the importance of empathy, and how leaders can balance strength with compassion in today's complex world. Featuring insights from political scientist Jennifer Piscopo and historian Justin Wei, this episode challenges traditional notions of leadership and offers fresh perspectives on leading with steadiness and care.

Key topics

Different leadership styles and their impact

The role of empathy and moral clarity in leadership

Historical examples of community-led leadership and activism

Redefining Leadership: From Dominance to Empathy

The Power of Steadiness and Care in Leadership

"Leadership is also about letting go."

"You can't lead everywhere all the time."

"Assume good faith in those who lead."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alternative Leadership Styles

06:39 Leading Diverse Groups of Leaders

12:38 The Role of Care in Leadership

15:30 Navigating Power Dynamics in Policy

19:00 The Disconnect Between Leadership and Public Desire

21:41 Lessons from Historical Leadership Movements

26:03 Gendered Leadership Dynamics

32:29 Grassroots Leadership and Community Organizing

35:01 The Importance of Knowing When to Step Back

41:35 Concluding Thoughts on Compassionate Leadership

Resources

Jennifer Piscopo's Book: The Women's Rights Era

Claudia Scheinbaum's Leadership Style Analysis

Hamnet Movie by Chloe Zhao

Justin Wei's PhD Research on Black and Asian Solidarity

Guest links

Twitter

Twitter

In this episode of So Now What, host Catherine Galloway engages with Gates Cambridge scholars Halliki Voolma and Seetha Tan to explore the complexities of leadership in a rapidly changing world. They discuss the importance of gender equality policies, the role of storytelling in leadership, and the necessity of balancing short-term responses with long-term goals. The conversation emphasises the power of words, the significance of cultural change, and the value of collective leadership and community action. Both guests share personal insights into their leadership journeys, highlighting the importance of openness, listening, and staying true to one's values amidst chaos.

Takeaways

The only constant in life is change.

Effective leadership requires a long-term vision amidst chaos.

Policymaking and storytelling share similar skills.

Contradiction is a key aspect of leadership.

Words and language have significant power in policy.

Crisis management often overshadows long-term goals.

Cultural change is essential for policy progress.

Collective leadership fosters community resilience.

Personal stories shape leadership identity.

Staying true to values is crucial in turbulent times.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Change in a Chaotic World

02:48 Gender Equality and Policy Initiatives

06:07 Contradictions in Leadership

09:04 The Role of Storytelling in Leadership

11:51 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals

15:02 The Power of Words and Language

18:08 Crisis Management and Gender-Based Violence

20:59 Cultural Change and Policy Progress

23:50 Collective Leadership and Community Action

27:02 Personal Stories and Leadership Identity

29:52 Openness and Listening in Leadership

32:57 The Importance of Values in Leadership

36:02 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Action