Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Critical Edge

Ollie and Lukas sit down with historian, author, and co-host of The Rest is History, Dominic Sandbrook — one of Britain’s most influential public historians. Can pride in one’s country ever be “healthy"? How should we teach the British Empire in schools? Listen in.

Critical Edge hosts Ollie and Lukas sit down with the youngest ever country council leader, George Finch. 19 year old George, from Warwickshire, defect from the Tories to Reform UK last year.

George and our hosts found some things to agree on: the need for educational reform, the importance of tolerance, and the ever more threatening cost of living crisis. However, they fiercely debated about "British values", the role of immigration in the UK, the British Empire, and what sort of jokes a kid can make at school (free speech).

In this episode, we sat down with economist Julian Jessop to discuss the future of taxation, free markets, and the role of the state. From whether VAT should be extended to food and children’s clothing, to how corporate taxes impact real people, Jessop makes the case for a simpler, more neutral tax system.

Additionally, we explore his continued support for Brexit despite short-term costs, his belief in the potential of deregulation, and his take on the EU as a protectionist bloc. The conversation also turns to AI regulation—should governments overregulate for safety, or let innovation flourish? And on personal freedom, Jessop weighs in on tobacco, drug legalization, and whether the state should intervene in our private choices.

Hosted by two passionate Oxford graduates, The Critical Edge Podcast aims to bring you engaging discussions with influential personalities, delving into topics that matter to our society and the world at large. Subscribe for more!

Oxford academic Danny Dorling discusses the state of inequality in the UK - from the rise of right-wing populism and the hollowing out of the middle class to the state of race relations across the island. How large are the barriers to equality of opportunity in the UK?

In this episode, we sat down with Anand Menon, the director of UK in a changing Europe, and Professor of Political Science and King's College London.

We discuss the long-term impact of Brexit on trade and on the UK's soft power; the importance of the recognition of Palestine for Gaza; the development of US-EU relations; and whether the UK has a 'special relationship' with the US. Hosted by two passionate Oxford graduates, The Critical Edge Podcast aims to bring you engaging discussions with influential personalities, delving into topics that matter to our society and the world at large. Subscribe for more!

Sir Ben Okri OBE is a Booker Prize-winning British-Nigerian writer and a powerful voice in post-colonial literature. In this exclusive interview, Okri reflects on how our ways of seeing — as readers, viewers, and thinkers — are shaped by the media we consume.

Parag Khanna is a strategy advisor and bestselling author. He is an expert in geopolitics and global strategy and how we can apply AI to better navigate economic disruptions in our volatile world. Listen in.

Dave Rubin is an American conservative political commentator and host of ‘The Rubin Report’, a political talk show which often debates political correctness, foreign policy, and freedom of speech.

Cenk Uygur is the founder of The Young Turks and one of the most prominent media critics of corporate governance, campaign financing, and political corruption in the United States. He's very passionate. Listen in.

Ryan Nicodemus is a New York Times best-selling author, and Emmy-nominated Netflix star. He is the co-founder of The Minimalists, an organisation dedicated to helping people eliminate clutter and maximise their lives by scaling back on material possessions and consumerist attitudes.

Joseph Nye is an American political scientist known for his work on US foreign policy and power dynamics. He is also a Harvard University professor who coined the term ‘soft power’ in reference to a country’s ability to influence others through gentle persuasion rather than coercion.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Nye to discuss his thoughts on the future of American democracy, the lessons the US can learn from its history of political turmoil, and the hypocrisy of the Western world.

Dr Philip Goff is an academic philosopher and panpsychist. In this episode, we discuss his unique takes on religion and his interpretation of consciousness as the foundation of reality. Can science fully explain the human consciousness? Do the smallest forms of matter possess some kind of experience? Listen now and find out.

Judge David Tatel is a recently retired United States Circuit Judge who broke barriers as a blind judge and a champion for justice. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Judge Tatel to discuss his memoir, his journey overcoming the challenges of blindness in the legal profession, the erosion of judicial restraint in the Supreme Court, and what the future holds for democracy in the United States.

In this episode, we are joined by Ambassador Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian mission to the UK and a steadfast advocate for Palestinian rights and justice. Born in the Shaburah refugee camp, he shares his deeply personal story, reflecting on how his early experiences shaped his journey into diplomacy and his commitment to dismantling the Israeli occupation. As a leading voice in the Middle East peace process, he discusses his involvement in resolutions to the Gaza humanitarian crisis, the legacy of the Oslo Accords, and the ongoing potential for a two-state solution.

Hosted by two passionate Oxford students, Critical Edge aims to bring you engaging discussions with influential personalities, delving into topics that matter to our society and the world at large. Subscribe for more!

Sir Vince Cable is the former Leader of the Liberal Democrats, and Cabinet Minister during Sir David Cameron’s premiership, among many other things. In this interview, we discuss the past and present of the Liberal Democrats, the questions concerning UK aid to Israel, the potential of wider war with Russia, whether China should be considered a threat to the West, and more.Sir Vince is not afraid of a challenge.

Lord Peter Mandelson: New Labour’s architect and now, Oxford’s potential Chancellor. In this interview, he discusses his past in politics, the ethical dilemmas of university funding, and why he’s the right choice to lead Oxford into the future. Mandelson is also no stranger to controversy, though the truth of such claims is up for debate. Oliver and Lukas unpack all this, two days before the Chancellorship election.

Kathrine Switzer: marathon legend, trailblazer, and champion for women in sports. In 1967, as she ran the Boston Marathon as the first female to ever do so, the race organiser jumped onto the track and attempted to pull her off. Sitting with Lukas and Oliver, in a full-length interview, Switzer shares her historic experience, her battles against outdated beliefs, and her vision for empowering women globally through running.

What does it mean to be lost in your 20s and how can psychological analysis help us understand ourselves? Jemma Sbeg is a mental health advocate, podcast host, and voice behind 'The Psychology of Your 20s'. In this insightful interview, she delves into the quarter-life crisis, choice overload, and the power of embracing solitude.

Oliver Burkeman is a journalist, bestselling author, and expert on ‘time management for mortals’. In this candid interview, Burkeman unpacks the truths behind time management, why slowing down may not be the solution, and how to embrace our limitations to find meaning.

Cameron Hamilton is a tech entrepreneur, and 'Love is Blind' star. In this episode, Cameron talks about whether love is truly blind, navigating life in the public eye, and how vulnerability is the key to lasting relationships. He also dives into the intersection of AI and ethics, sharing his thoughts on the future of technology and its impact on society. 🌍

Ankur Warikoo is India’s top content creator, a serial entrepreneur, and the author of ‘Do Epic Shit’. In this episode, Ankur shares invaluable lessons on leveraging failure as a stepping stone to success, the power of discipline over motivation, and why habits, not goals, decide your destiny. 🧠💡

Thomas Erikson is a behaviourist and the bestselling author of "Surrounded by Idiots", as well as a number of other installments in his "Surrounded By" series.

Thomas breaks down the fascinating world of personality types using his unique color theory—red, yellow, green, and blue—revealing how understanding these traits can enhance communication and prevent those everyday conflicts. Learn practical strategies to deal with different personality types and why self-awareness is the key to thriving in relationships.

Kayla Barnes-Lentz is an entrepreneur, biohacker, and founder of the Longevity Optimization Pod.

In this episode, she shares her expertise on brain health, the brain-gut connection, and innovative health therapies. Learn about her insights on longevity for women, the importance of nutrition, and practical lifestyle habits for optimal health.

Dr Paul Conti MD: world-leading psychiatrist, author of Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic.

Dr Conti begins by telling us his personal story with trauma, using this as a springboard into a discussion ranging from epigenetics and collective trauma, to how we can individually combat our trauma, to its links to substance abuse and other societal harms.

What does the creator of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ think about its ending?

Carter Bays shares his creative journey from TV to his debut novel, ‘The Mutual Friend’. We explore themes of technology, relationships, and storytelling, uncovering his insights on writing, and his future projects.

James Nestor: bestselling author and journalist. Exploring the transformative power of breathing, we delve into James's investigative journey, from his acclaimed book, "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art," to his latest research insights.

In memory of Dr Frans de Waal, 1948-2024.

Dr. Frans de Waal was a renowned primatologist and ethologist whose work revolutionized our understanding of animal behavior, particularly in relation to empathy, cooperation, and social intelligence. Through decades of research and writing, he showed how the behavior of primates paralleled human social dynamics, challenging conventional views of human exceptionalism.

Episode 28: Schuyler Bailar. Schuyler is a trans advocate and queer educator, who came to the spotlight competing as the first D1 NCAA Men’s Trans Athlete for the Harvard Swim Team. In this episode, we discuss trans participation in sports, access and healthcare, legislation around bathrooms, and more. Enjoy!

The LOAF Podcast sits down with Liana Finck, a distinctive voice in modern cartooning, where we explore the nuances of visual storytelling and her contributions to The New Yorker. How does Liana translate complex emotions into simple, compelling drawings?

✏️ Liana's journey offers a unique window into the soul of an artist.

“Let us dare to dream and dare to try!” - Eliud Kipchoge.

The LOAF Podcast conducts a long-form interview with Kipchoge, where we delve into the mindset of a champion and look ahead to the upcoming Paris Olympics. What is motivating him and how does he plan to bounce back after Tokyo?

🏃‍♂️ This podcast is a masterclass in endurance, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence: Eliud's story is a compelling reminder of human potential. Why does Kipchoge run? And why should YOU?

Join us on The LOAF Podcast as we sit down with Dr Steven Pinker, cognitive psychologist at Harvard, prolific author, and public intellectual.

Dr Pinker is renowned for his academic work in language acquisition, his defence of the computational theory of mind, and visual cognition. Aside form his academic work, he writes for a popular audience about rationality, human progress, the decline of violence, and much more.

In this episode we discuss cognitive biases, the border between pseudoscience and science, free speech, Trump, and inequality.

An Oxford University Podcast. This week we welcome Simon Critchley, an English philosopher renowned for his work in political philosophy, ethics, and aesthetics, who challenges traditional notions by arguing that philosophy begins in disappointment.

In this episode we discuss: the philosophy of humour and its ability to challenge social norms, the absurdity of football fandom, and death itself. One of our most dense episodes to date, Critchley explores a vast range of issues, elucidating the human experience with nuance and wit.

An Oxford University Podcast. Join us with Lindsey Vonn, the most celebrated female skier of all time. Discover her early dreams, the highs and lows of professional sports, and her candid insights on overcoming obstacles, both on the slopes and in life. In this episode, Lindsey opens up about mental health, the evolution of skiing, and her mission to empower women in sports.

An Oxford University Podcast. Join us with Robert Wright, an expert in evolutionary psychology and AI, as we explore human evolution, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the power of mindfulness. Discover Wright's insights on how these forces intertwine to shape our future and the potential for a purpose-driven evolution.

An Oxford University Podcast. This episode features Dr. Joe Dispenza, a neuroscience expert, researcher, and bestselling author, known for his work linking science and spirituality. We delve into his intriguing insights on how our thoughts and emotions can dramatically affect our physical health and reality. Join us as we explore the science behind spontaneous healing, the potential of the human mind, and more!

An Oxford University Podcast. Anna Lapwood is a professional organist and TikTok sensation, who popularised the #playlikeagirl movement, seeking to improve access for and attitudes to women and girls in the music world. We talk to her about this movement, her charity work in Zambia, making classical music modern and fashionable, and much more!

An Oxford University podcast. Spencer Matthews runs multiple successful podcasts and founded the no. 1 non-alcoholic spirits brand, CleanCo. We talk to him about his journey to becoming sober, the death of his brother and his attempt to find him on Everest in his new documentary, and his business endeavours.

A LOAF Podcast Episode. Step into the world of behavioral economics with Dan Ariely, a leading figure in the field. This episode takes you on a journey into the human mind, exploring the psychology of belief systems and their surprising influence on society. Ariely delves into cognitive biases like Explanatory Depth, the role of social identity in shaping beliefs, and the intriguing intersection of economics and belief systems. Discover why people cling to beliefs despite evidence to the contrary and how this shapes our daily decisions. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that uncovers the irrational aspects of our decision-making process. Your perspective on beliefs and decision-making is about to widen dramatically.

An Oxford University Podcast.Join us as we sit down with Premiere League winner and NBC pundit Graeme Le Saux, diving deep into his iconic career moments and the pressing issues in today's football world. From confronting homophobia and racism to insights on the rise of the Saudi League and women's world cup, Graeme doesn't hold back.

An Oxford University Podcast. Join us for an enlightening discussion in Episode 5 of Season 3 of The LOAF Podcast, as we sit down with the remarkable Josh Cavallo. Josh Cavallo is the world’s first openly gay top-flight footballer. His authenticity pioneers the way towards a more inclusive and diverse sporting community, empowering individuals to thrive while embracing their identities. Tune in to join us on this exploration of Josh's journey, his aspirations, and the profound impact he's making, both on and off the field.

Today the LOAFers interview ex-TV presenter Matthew Johnson! The man from Caerphilly used to present in the interactive "Hub" on ITV's This Morning between 2010 and 2013 and also co-hosted Channel 5's OK! Now known for his mental health advocacy, Matt bursts with positivity. Have a listen, as we discuss Matt's life and work.