We Can Be Weirdos

Peter Singer, born on July 6, 1946, in Melbourne, Australia, is a prominent moral philosopher renowned for his work in applied ethics and animal rights. Educated at the University of Melbourne and the University of Oxford, he has taught at institutions worldwide, including Princeton University, where he serves as the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics. Singer's seminal 1975 book, "Animal Liberation," is often credited with initiating the modern animal rights movement. He has authored over 50 books, addressing topics such as global poverty, bioethics, and effective altruism. In 2023, he published "Animal Liberation Now," updating his original work to reflect contemporary issues. Singer is also the founder of the non-profit organisation The Life You Can Save, which advocates for effective philanthropy to combat global poverty.

For more information about Peter Singer and his work, you can visit his official website:

petersinger.info

As its half term we wanted to provide some SFC (safe for car) content to all the families driving back from half term trips. This is an excerpt from Dan's young friendly book IMPOSSIBLE THINGS.

It's the perfect book for young curious minds who love to ask WEIRD and WONDERFUL questions.

Want to impress your friends and family with some BANANAS but TRUE facts? Then discover the world of impossible things with Dan Schreiber. This book will give you the answers to all of your big questions, no matter how silly! From discovering if monsters are real to seeking out haunted sausage rolls, exploring the world's strangest curses to finding the truth about time travel, this book has everything!

With hilarious illustrations and comic strips in every chapter, you won't want to put this book down!

Available from all good book shops, and online. Check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/04XKIkuf

Leah Renee is a stand-up comedian based in Philadelphia and New York City. A mother of three, she describes her comedic style as "like a budget version of Brian Regan if he was a Mormon housewife."

Leah has been open about her journey from being a Mormon to embracing comedy, discussing challenges such as religious OCD (scrupulosity) and cultural pressures. She has shared her experiences in various interviews and podcasts, highlighting how humor has been a pathway to healing and self-discovery.

In 2024, Leah performed her solo hour show, "Ten Pound Baby," at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, receiving praise for its humor and poignancy.

leahrenee.co

Hannah Willow, a 36-year-old early years teacher and children's author from Glasgow, was crowned the city's first tree-hugging champion in October 2024. The event, held at Dams to Darnley Country Park, featured various rounds, including speed hugging, dedicated hugging, and freestyle hugging. Willow's spontaneous dance around a tree during the dedicated hugging round secured her victory. She now plans to represent the UK at the World Tree Hugging Championships in Finland and has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to support her participation.

Robin Ince is an English comedian, actor and writer. He is known for presenting the BBC radio show The Infinite Monkey Cage with physicist Brian Cox, creating Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People, co-creating The Cosmic Shambles Network, and his stand-up comedy career.

For more Robin Ince go to https://robinince.com/

" I experienced something once in an undertaker's that I've never fully, managed to work out"

Zoe Lyons is a British comedian and television presenter known for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling. She gained recognition through stand-up comedy, appearing at major festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe. Lyons has been a regular on popular British panel shows such as Mock the Week and QI. Her humour often blends observational comedy with personal anecdotes, drawing on her experiences growing up in Wales and Ireland. Zoe has also hosted Lightning, a BBC quiz show, showcasing her charisma and versatility.

More Zoe stuff here: https://zoelyons.co.uk/

Susan Blackmore is a renowned British psychologist, writer, and visiting professor at the University of Plymouth, specialising in the study of consciousness, memes, and anomalous experiences. With a background in psychology and physiology from the University of Oxford and a PhD in parapsychology from the University of Surrey, she gained prominence for her critical yet open-minded approach to topics like near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and paranormal claims. Blackmore is also the author of several influential works, including The Meme Machine, where she explores the concept of memes in cultural evolution, and Consciousness: An Introduction, a widely used textbook in the field. Known for her engaging public speaking and thought-provoking ideas, Blackmore continues to challenge conventional thinking about the mind and human experience.

Find out more about Susan through her website: https://www.susanblackmore.uk/

Dan Smith is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the British band Bastille, known for their anthemic, cinematic pop-rock sound. Born on July 14, 1986, in London, England, he rose to international fame with Bastille’s breakout single, "Pompeii," in 2013, followed by the success of their debut album Bad Blood. Influenced by literature, film, and history, Smith's lyrics often explore themes of human emotion, social issues, and storytelling. Beyond Bastille, he collaborates with other artists and works on side projects, showcasing his versatility and passion for creative expression.

Bastille's latest album, '&' (Ampersand), released on October 25, 2024, is a concept project delving into the lives of historical and mythological figures. The album comprises four parts, each focusing on different pairs of individuals, with songs like "Blue Sky & The Painter," inspired by artist Edvard Munch, and "Leonard & Marianne," exploring the relationship between Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen.

As part of the album Dan launched a new History/Music/Pop Culture Podcast MUSES which he does with Emma Nagouse (producer of You’re Dead To Me) where they discuss these figures in history.

" I didn't believe in ghosts up until about three weeks ago and I saw a cat walk down our steps."

Clowns Without Borders are a non-profit organization that brings laughter, humour, and clowning to communities in crisis around the world. The organization focuses on providing emotional and psychological support to people affected by war, poverty, and natural disasters through clown performances and workshops. Founded in 1993, Clowns Without Borders operates in a variety of settings, including refugee camps, hospitals, and disaster-stricken areas, aiming to offer moments of joy and a sense of hope to those facing difficult circumstances.

Learn more and donate here: https://clownswithoutborders.org.uk/

" And I went to the kitchen, I said out loud, If you're there, I don't want a message, I don't want you to do anything, because it's terrifying me."

Cariad Lloyd is a British comedian, actor, and writer best known for her award-winning podcast Griefcast, exploring grief with humor and empathy. A versatile performer, she has appeared on TV shows like QI and Have I Got News for You. Lloyd is celebrated for her warmth, wit, and insightful storytelling.