Podcasts about University Challenge

Gyles speaks to the novelist and writer Sebastian Faulks, who tells him about his childhood growing up in Berkshire and his clear memories of being left at boarding school when he was seven. He talks about his rebellious streak, drawn out by rock and pop music, which manifested itself in periods of instability at school and university. He talks about the close friends he made at Cambridge, and going on University Challenge. He talks about writing his first novel and how he had his breakout moment. Sebastian's new book, a collection of autobiographical essays called 'Fires Which Burned Brightly: A Life in Progress' is out now, and available here. Many thanks to Sebastian for coming to talk to us on Rosebud. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After premiering at Bristol Old Vic, the new musical STARTER FOR TEN is back in an enhanced production than returned to the same venue as well as touring to Birmingham Rep.The show adapts the 2003 novel of the same name by David Nicholls, following a young man named Brian whose lifelong dream is to appear as a contestant on the prolific TV quiz competition, University Challenge.Check out this full review to find out what Mickey-Jo thought about this feelgood comedy, its dynamite cast, and why audiences might struggle to connect with it...•00:00 | introduction01:55 | synopsis / material08:28 | shortcomings17:32 | cast / creatives23:35 | the show's futureAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 89,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally changing the internet. But Matthew Prince, CEO of cybersecurity giant Cloudflare, thinks there is a way to ensure content creators and publishers earn enough to operate — even as their work feeds AI.Cloudflare has put up digital firewalls around its clients' sites, which blocks the bots that copy content to train large language models like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude. It is then up to its customers to choose whether to allow those so-called AI “crawlers” to access their sites. Matthew spoke to Amol ahead of his appearance at the Thomson Reuters Foundation's Trust Conference, about how he hopes his decision will lead to a better deal for publishers as ‘search engines' become ‘answer engines' in the era of AI overviews and chatbots. They also talk about the debate between artists like Sir Elton John and the UK government over plans to exempt technology firms from copyright laws. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has designated Google with strategic market status in general search, which includes AI Overview and AI Mode. But Google says “many of the ideas for interventions that have been raised in this process would inhibit UK innovation and growth, potentially slowing product launches at a time of profound AI-based innovation.” The company also disputes Matthew's claim that traffic to websites has fallen since the launch of AI Overview. (00:03:52) How the internet is changing (00:08:05) How AI is reducing web traffic (00:11:34) Why it's important to compensate content creators (00:18:50) AI is a platform change (00:21:38) How AI could improve content creation (00:26:29) The story behind Cloudflare (00:31:42) Why he decided to block AI “crawler” bots (00:42:33) AI and copyright laws in the UK (00:45:19) Google's market power (00:51:37) Advice for becoming a tech entrepreneur (00:54:01) Amol's reflections GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Ricardo McCarthy and Dafydd Evans. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Whilst on a night out in the summer of 2011, Jacob Dunne made a split second decision to throw a punch that killed James Hodgkinson. After being convicted of manslaughter, Jacob spent 14 months in prison during which time James' parents contacted him to get answers about their son's death. A dialogue began between them and when Jacob was released, Joan and David asked a question that he says saved him: “What are you going do with your life?” That led to him doing his GCSE's and getting a degree, and with James' parents he now campaigns for criminal justice reform to improve the experience of victims and reduce reoffending. Amol and Jacob go into extraordinary detail about his tough upbringing in Nottingham, what happened on that fateful night in 2011, and how – through his relationship with Joan and David - Jacob turned his life around. They also discuss knife crime and why he thinks building stronger relationships is the solution to ending the cycle of violence in some of the most deprived areas of the UK. His story is the subject of a West End play called Punch by James Graham and an award-winning BBC Radio 4 Series, which you can listen to here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000l0jr (00:04:00) What is restorative justice? (00:14:00) Growing up in Nottingham (00:26:44) The punch (00:47:00) Time in prison (00:56:20) Life after prison (01:05:00) Meeting James' parents (01:22:40) The future (01:31:00) Amol's reflections (01:36:14) Listener messages GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by James Piper. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Adam Hurrey is joined on the midweek Adjudication Panel by Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker. On the agenda: early feedback from the Clichés Live tour, the latest clumsy football/politics crossover, a niche selection headache for Thomas Tuchel, former Premier League managers in University Challenge answers and Lampardian transitions from 94-year-old grandfathers. Meanwhile, the panel backpedal, waltz and dart their way through the definitive Movement XI. Sign up for Dreamland, the new members-only Football Clichés experience, to access our exclusive new show and much more: https://dreamland.footballcliches.com The Football Clichés Live tour has begun - get your tickets here: https://tickets.footballcliches.com Visit nordvpn.com/cliches to get four extra months on a two-year plan with NordVPN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As extreme weather forces people from their homes, the journalist and author Gaia Vince makes the positive case for immigration.Projections show that billions of people will be displaced by 2050 due to the effects of global warming, a phenomenon she has reported on in her book ‘Nomad Century: How to Survive the Climate Upheaval'.She argues that if governments plan for the mass movement of people they can reap the economic rewards of immigration despite public concern about the issue.And with news that renewable energy overtook coal as the world's leading source of electricity in the first half of 2025, Gaia tells Amol why she thinks we're approaching a “tipping point” which will see the end of our reliance on fossil fuels and green energy become the dominant source of power.GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by James Piper. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh thinks multiculturalism in Britain has led to an excessive focus on our differences rather than what unites us, but she believes schools like hers can change that by teaching traditional values and British culture.Known for enforcing strict discipline at Michaela Community School in north London, Katharine explains why she promotes unity over diversity. She is also critical of those in power who ignore what she sees as the concerns of “white British people”, which she says breeds resentment towards minorities. And she tells Amol why she's opposed to the government's school's bill and what she makes of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. In a statement the Department for Education said: "This government is delivering transformative education reforms so every child can achieve and thrive, regardless of their background or postcode because expecting a great education for all children should never be controversial. "The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill will be a seminal moment for the safety and success of our children, introducing common-sense measures backed by parents and teachers that ensure excellence and support - from highly qualified teachers and a cutting-edge curriculum, to reduced costs for families through breakfast clubs and school uniforms.” GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davies. Technical production was by James Piper. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Physicist Carlo Rovelli thinks we need natural intelligence and not artificial intelligence in an age of confrontation.Ten years ago he wrote a short book called Seven Brief Lessons on Physics, which became an international bestseller and catapulted him to scientific stardom. A decade on he thinks the world is at a dangerous moment as the West's dominance declines and global powers prioritise competition over collaboration. One area he's most concerned about is AI, which he thinks is overhyped but needs to be controlled nonetheless.He also explains some mind-bending ideas about time, space and why he thinks the Big Bang was actually a Big Bounce. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davies. Technical production was by Phil Bull. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Edward Enninful thinks fashion risks going backwards on diversity, which is why he's launched a new media business, EE72, to promote inclusion in an anti-woke era. The former editor of British Vogue talks to Amol about why the industry needs to appeal to all generations – from getting Gen Z on side by tackling fast fashion and affordability, to highlighting the full spectrum of beauty by focussing on ‘women of a certain age' in the first issue of his quarterly magazine. Amol asks him about the recent Sydney Sweeney jeans advert after the US fashion retailer American Eagle ran ads with her alongside the words: "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans". Edward also explains why he left British Vogue and talks about his relationship with his former boss, Anna Wintour. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davies and Sophie Millward. Technical production was by Mike Regaard. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

There are some new (and old) faces on the left of British politics hoping to challenge Keir Starmer's struggling Labour government, but could a party to the left of Labour ever win power? His predecessor Jeremy Corbyn has setup a new party with another former Labour MP, Zarah Sultana, who has declared that “Labour is dead”. And the Green Party of England and Wales has elected eco-populist Zack Polanski, who is urging left-leaning voters to back him rather than waiting around for Corbyn's party to get off the ground. The journalist and political commentator Ash Sarkar has written a book called ‘Minority Rule', which argues that the Left has become bogged down in identity politics and needs to stop fighting the culture wars so it can focus on building a broad coalition of support.A contributing editor at left-wing media organisation Novara Media, Ash discusses the radical potential for a Marxist approach to contemporary British politics and why she thinks Karl Marx would've loved Twitter. She also talks to Amol about why she can't think of a ‘dumber group of people' than Keir Starmer's cabinet and what lies behind the recent success of Nigel Farage's Reform UK. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Grace Reeve and Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Mike Regaard and Dafydd Evans. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Artificial intelligence is arguably the single biggest force shaping our world today. Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic which created AI chatbot Claude, says that this technology has the potential to revolutionise our lives but could also cause us significant harm if we don't regulate it properly. Amol and Dario discuss how quickly large language models (LLMs) like Claude and OpenAI's ChatGPT are developing, the threat they could pose to white-collar jobs and how his company's chatbot helped his sister through a difficult pregnancy. They also talk about how AI could be used to carry out cyberattacks and why there is a “fundamental difficulty of control” at the centre of these models. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today podcast. If you enjoy this (and you've read this far so hopefully you do), then we think you'll also like another podcast from Today. It's called Political Thinking with Nick Robinson and you can listen to Nick's interviews here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p04z203l This episode of Radical with Amol Rajan was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Rohan Madison. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Could finding religion allow Gen Z to better find their place in the world? That is the assessment made by Jordan Schwarzenberger, the manager of Europe's biggest YouTube group Sidemen and advisor to Downing Street's Small Business Council. He converted to Catholicism in 2020 after being a devout atheist all his life.He now argues that we're too obsessed with pleasure and that in turning our backs on the Catholic Church we have become a less moral society.Jordan tells Amol about how he came to Christianity at a Kanye West album launch party, how his new-found faith has impacted his life and why he wants more people to follow in his footsteps.This is part two of Amol's Jordan Schwarzenberger interview. Look back in your feed for the first part, where Jordan explains how to build a successful brand on social media.GET IN TOUCH* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajanAmol is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent.Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today podcast. If you enjoy this (and you've read this far so hopefully you do), then we think you'll also like another podcast from Today. It's called Political Thinking with Nick Robinson and you can listen to Nick's interviews here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p04z203lThis episode of Radical with Amol Rajan was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Phil Bull. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

With audiences increasingly turning to echo-chambers on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for their entertainment and away from traditional mass-media, is there anything that can bring communities together again? Jordan Schwarzenberger manages Sidemen, Europe's most popular YouTube collective – and recently went viral with a thesis over what he described as “the death of monoculture”. The Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur and member of Downing Street's Small Business Council tells Amol why he thinks Gen Z are withdrawing into micro-communities. But he has some radical suggestions for how to survive and thrive in an era where unique social content can count for far more than being part of an established media brand. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today podcast. If you enjoy this (and you've read this far so hopefully you do), then we think you'll also like another podcast from Today. It's called Political Thinking with Nick Robinson and you can listen to Nick's interviews here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p04z203l This episode of Radical with Amol Rajan was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Phil Bull. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Homelessness is on the rise in Britian with record numbers of people living in emergency accommodation. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer of the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, spent time sleeping rough on the streets of Newport in Wales as a teenager. Now, she is working to end homelessness and stop people getting stuck in poverty. Amol and Sabrina discuss what can be done in schools to prevent homelessness, the stigma facing homeless people and how to stop professions from being dominated by the elites. They also talk about Sabrina's work with Prince William's charity, Homewards, and how poverty becomes a trap. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Philip Bull. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Conspiracy theories have flooded the internet in recent years and a growing number of people are avoiding mainstream news. Eliot Higgins, founder of the open source investigative organisation Bellingcat, thinks this is partly down to a lack of trust in institutions, which is leading to a crisis of democracy in Britain and elsewhere. He discusses why we need to spend less time online, improve media literacy and how Bellingcat has built a community of open source investigators on Discord. Eliot also explains how his team tracked down the Russian agents behind the Salisbury poisonings, took on Putin's Kremlin and uncovered what really happened to Malaysian Airlines flight MH17. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by James Piper. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Only one in three children in the UK enjoy reading in their spare time – the lowest rate recorded in 20 years, according to a survey for the National Literacy Trust. Best-selling children's author Katherine Rundell, whose books include Impossible Creatures and The Explorer, says that represents a crisis of reading which will make it harder to tackle disinformation. She thinks every school should have a library that is subject to an Ofsted inspection and literacy should be included in teacher training programmes to try to tackle the decline in children reading for pleasure. Amol and Katherine also discuss why Donald Trump's re-election as US president led her to donate all the royalties from US sales of The Golden Mole (published under the title Vanishing Treasures in America) to climate charities. GET IN TOUCH* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajanAmol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent.Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by James Piper. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Ever since Labour won a landslide victory at the general election, Nigel Farage's Reform UK party and Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives have been fighting for the soul of the political right in Britain. Now a new right-wing think tank is putting together a suite of potential policies for a future Reform government. Dr James Orr, an associate professor of the philosophy of religion at Cambridge University and friend of US Vice President JD Vance, chairs the advisory board of that new think tank - the Centre for a Better Britain (CBB). Amol asks him whether the CBB is modelled on American organisations like the Heritage Foundation, which wrote a policy wish list called ‘Project 2025' that set out a vision for how Donald Trump might govern during his second term in the White House. They also discuss who is funding the CBB, the politics of national preference, and how James was radicalised by Brexit and the culture wars. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Rohan Madison. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Serious pollution incidents by water companies in England rose by 60% last year, but the best-selling author Robert Macfarlane says there is a way to save our rivers. Days after a long-awaited review of the water sector in England and Wales was published, Amol sat down with Robert for a conversation about the state of rivers globally, why some are dying and how we can save them. From President Donald Trump's dismantling of the Clean Water Act in the US to the dying River Wye, Robert takes us on a journey around the world and explains why he is optimistic about the future. He says we can do things like give our rivers rights and mobilise citizen scientists to save them. Robert also digs out Amol's report card from when he taught him at Cambridge University more than twenty years ago. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Rohan Madison. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson recently warned that Britain's declining birth rate could have “worrying repercussions for society.” Demographer Paul Morland agrees. He says the trend towards an older society with fewer young people risks serious social and economic consequences. The author of 'No One Left' tells Amol that he would change the tax system to benefit parents, subsidise childcare and rethink the way we teach sex education in our schools.They also discuss immigration and the impact that a growing population has on the climate. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Dave O'Neill. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

"Americans have a long history of taking British things and ballsing them up. They took football and added helmets and cheerleaders; they took ice lollies and called them popsicles; and they took James Corden and then sent him back here."Among Ashley's more unusual hyperfixations is a life-long love of professional wrestling. This special interest was first developed on Saturday afternoons at his grandparents' house watching Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Kendo Nagasaki. It continued through the 1980s when Britain was invaded by Hulk Hogan and his colleagues from the then WWF (before they lost a court case to the World Wildlife Fund), and Ashley was fortunate enough to be in attendance at the legendary Summerslam show at Wembley Stadium in 1992, which so many British wrestlers have cited as the day that cemented their love of the grunt and grapple business. This undeniably extraordinary spectacle is sometimes called ‘sports entertainment' - for many people it is neither!When Ashley Blaker was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, one of the most significant aspects of his diagnosis is his propensity for hyperfixation in special interests, which he now realises has entirely shaped his past and which he uses to mine comedy for this new series.It's no exaggeration to say Ashley's life has been driven by obsessions. He has variously been a schoolboy with a love of Star Wars and Doctor Who, a wannabe comedian who performed on the London comedy circuit at 16, a trivia nerd who appeared on University Challenge, a history PhD candidate at Cambridge, a BBC producer of hit comedy shows including Little Britain, a fanatical football fan who saw Liverpool play across England and Europe, a strictly Orthodox Jew who went to synagogue three times a day for over ten years, a father of six, and latterly, a heavily tattooed renegade in hiding from his former community.In this series, Ashley takes a comedic look at each of his obsessions in turn, merging personal memoir with a delve into subjects which have yet to be covered in stand-up comedy shows. The result is a series which, while based on the broader topic of neurodiversity, covers it with the lightest of touches and is focused more on Ashley's individual hyperfixations, lifting the lid on many of the different worlds he's inhabited.Written and performed by Ashley Blaker co-starring Rosie Holt and Kieran HodgsonScript Editor: Steve Hall Recording engineers: Jerry Peal and Jon Calver Producer: Steve Doherty A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4

The singer, songwriter and political activist Billy Bragg thinks there's a crisis of accountability in politics (23:51). To fix it, he says we need to reform the House of Lords (27:55) and redefine what liberty means in the age of social media (25:17).A socialist and anti-racism campaigner who grew up in a community where the main employer was the local Ford car factory (3:35), Billy talks to Amol about class in modern Britain (15:47) and sets out the challenges facing democracy today (20:38).He also argues that there's a link between Donald Trump, Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage (31:37), warns that Keir Starmer's Labour Party is in danger of losing the working class (31:14) and offers his advice to young musicians (39:12).GET IN TOUCH* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480* Email: radical@bbc.co.ukAmol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent.Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Mike Regaard and Chris Ablakwa. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Is there a better way to handle divorce and family separation in the courts? Lady Hale thinks there is. The former president of the UK's Supreme Court explains why there needs to be a more streamlined approach and how cuts to legal aid have impacted the family justice system (14:37). She also talks to Amol about the rise of authoritarianism (27:42), assisted dying (31:39) and whether lawyers should still wear wigs (42:47). GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

More children are being convicted of crime and our prisons are nearly at capacity. But Steve Chalke thinks he has a solution. The founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust, which runs a chain of academies and the UK's first secure school, works closely with children who have committed the worst crimes. He advocates for radically changing our schools, the education system, and how we rehabilitate our young offenders. Amol and Steve also talk about their shared background, the crisis of masculinity, and how a rejection at the age of 14 lead him to where he is today. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Leading historian Professor Sir Niall Ferguson explains how patterns from the past can help us understand the future. Amol and Sir Niall discuss the tensions in the Middle East and why he thinks Israel's strikes on Iran are a victory for the West. They also explore the idea that we're in a new Cold War. And Sir Niall explains why Britain needs a leader like Argentina's Javier Milei rather than Donald Trump. GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davies. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

To kick off the new series of 5 O' Clock Apron Podcast with Good Food Claire cooks with the giant of the airwaves, Amol Rajan. Amol is one of Radio 4's Today program presenters, he also hosts BBC2's legendary TV quiz show University Challenge. Amol Rajan Interviews on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds platform Amol interviewing momentous public figures from Bill Gates to Greta Thunberg to Sir Ian McKellen amongst others. Amol is a busy man with x4 children under 9 years of age, he's up early to host the Today program and home late recording University Challenge, to make things easier, Claire and Amol meet at Good Food HQ in Hammersmith to record the episode. Amol arrives on his bike (of course he does!) and apologises to Claire for not arriving as is more customary, suited and booted. If you follow Amol on his social media and on TV, you'll know this man is a snappy dresser!    Claire brings along some of her spice collection from home and Amol sets about teaching Claire his recipe for Paneer Curry and, apart from the stove top tripping a couple of times during the recording, the pair chop and chat like no tomorrow. Cricket, Cooking for Kids, Amol's upbringing in south London, previous careers, hereditary diabetes and how to chop onions, speedily! Can Amol cook? Of course he can, he's Amol Rajan! Amol Rajan's Paneer Curry   2 blocks of paneer, approximately 400g total, diced 2cm 4 tbsp ghee 2 onions, peeled and finely diced 3cm piece of ginger, peeled and finely grated 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 300g cherry tomatoes, cut in half, or use diced tomatoes 200g frozen peas, defrosted 1 tbsp cumin seeds, toasted and ground, or use ground 1 tbsp coriander seeds, toasted and ground, or use ground ½ tsp ground turmeric ½ - 1tsp chilli powder, to taste Large bunch of coriander, finely chopped ½ lemon Cooked rice, to serve Indian pickles, to serve     1.     In a non-stick pan over a moderate – high heat, add ½ the ghee and fry the paneer with a pinch of salt, in batches if needed, until nicely bronzed on all sides, around 3 – 5 minutes. 2.     Remove from the pan and put the paneer on a plate and keep to one side. 3.     Return the pan to the heat and add the remaining ghee, add the onion and cook over a moderate for around 10 minutes to soften. Add a big pinch of salt, garlic and ginger and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the ground spices and cook for 30 seconds more. 4.     Add the tomatoes and a splash of water, around 2 - 3 tbsp should do, you want the contents of the pan juicy, but not soupy! Put a lid on the pan and cook for 10 minutes over a moderate heat for the tomatoes to soften and the flavours to meld. 5.     Add the peas, check the seasoning, add more salt if needed and plenty of black pepper. Cook for a couple more minutes to heat the peas through. 6.     Add the cooked paneer to the pan and stir to warm through in the pan. Check the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper, as needed. 7.     Remove the pan from the heat and stir through with the chopped coriander and the lemon juice. 8.     Serve the paneer curry with some steamed rice and Indian pickles to accompany.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feminist campaigner Laura Bates has fought for women's safety for over a decade. But now her battle against misogyny moved online. She tells Amol how social media platforms are fuelling hatred against women, with algorithms promoting increasingly extreme content. The popularity of figures like Andrew Tate, whose videos are widely available, and offensive material is being pushed to teenage boys and young men, even if they don't seek it out.So how can it be stopped? What responsibility do the big tech companies have in combating this problem? How can they be held accountable? And what is it doing to society if young men are being radicalised in this way?GET IN TOUCH * WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.ukAmol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent.Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Grace Reeve and Lucy Pawle. Digital production was by David Kaplowitz and Sophie Millward. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Conversations about tomorrow, from Today.Every week Amol Rajan talks to radicals, pioneers and innovators from all over the world. From populism and climate change, to economics and AI... How can their radical ideas help you win the future?Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan will be published on Thursdays on BBC Sounds starting on 12th June 2025. It will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Thursdays at 11pm. Visualised versions of the podcast will also be available on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent.Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast.

The creator of The Thick of It and Veep discusses the rise of populism and the evolution of political language.And Nick compares Amol to Billie Piper in Dr Who as they announce some news about The Today Podcast regenerating into not one, but two podcasts.Radical with Amol Rajan will be available on this feed, so make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds to make sure you don't miss an episode.Political Thinking with Nick Robinson is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p04z203l The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC?s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC?s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley and David Pittam. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Over half term this week Radio 4's Today is conducting an exciting experiment: asking teenagers to abandon their smartphones for a week.On the podcast Amol discusses the monumental impact the smartphone has had on our lives and what the future of the smartphone might be with Professor Jim Ang, an expert in Human-Computer interaction, and digital regulation campaigner Baroness Beeban Kidron.Amol also takes a moment to pay tribute to his friend, former BBC executive Alan Yentob, who died last weekend. To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either.GET IN TOUCH:* Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Tom Smithard with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

It's the end of an era for Match of the Day – with Gary Lineker hosting for the final time after 25 years in the hot seat. He will now leave the BBC a year earlier than expected in the wake of an antisemitism row. Amol – who recently sat down with Lineker for a long television interview – reflects on the former footballer's run-ins with the BBC over impartiality and use of social media – and his legacy both as a presenter and a modern celebrity influencer. He's joined by former culture minister, Conservative peer Lord Vaizey, and by former Sun editor David Yelland, now co-host of BBC Sounds podcast When It Hits the Fan. To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either. GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.uk The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor. This episode was made by Lewis Vickers and Tom Smithard with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Nuacht Mhall. Príomhscéalta na seachtaine, léite go mall.*Inniu an seachtú lá déag de mhí na Bealtaine. Is mise Alanna Ní Ghallachóir. Cuireadh breith ar neamhní tar éis fianaise nua ADN a léiriú, agus 38 bliain caite ag fear i ngéibheann i gcás dúnmharaithe mná. Fuarthas Peter Sullivan ciontach sa bhliain 1986  maidir le dúnmharú Diane Sindall, bean óg a ndearnadh tromionsaí gnéasach uirthi agus í ag siúl abhaile tar éis seal ag obair i mbeár. Dé réir ráiteas a léigh a dhlíodóir, dúirt an tUasal Ó Sullivan “níl fearg orm, nílim searbh”. Agus í ag labhairt i ndiaidh na héisteachta, dúirt deirfiúr Sullivan, Kim Smith, “nach raibh an bua ag éinne” agus chuir sí comhbhá in iúl do mhuintir Iníon Uí Sindall. Rinne Médecins San Frontières cáineadh ar Iosrael maidir le “tubaiste dhaonnúil d'aon ghnó” a chruthú agus chuir an carthanas iomardú ar Iosrael faoi chuidiú coinníollach ar easáitiú éigeantach na bPalaistíneach a chothú. “Tá muid inár bhfinnéithe, lom láithreach, ag cruthaíocht coinníollacha le deireadh a chur le saol na bPalaistíneach in Gaza,” a dhearbhaigh an charthúnacht leighis MSF. “Tá ifreann ar talamh cruthaithe in Gaza do na Palaistínigh.” Chuir Iosrael imshuí i bhfeidhm ar Gaza ar an 2 Márta nuair a theip ar chainteanna a bhí dírithe ar fad a chur le sos cogaidh agus Iosrael tar éis tús a chur le hionsaithe ar Gaza arís.  Mac léinn as Baile Átha Cliath a bhí i gceannas ar fhoireann ó Ollscoil Cambridge a fuair an bua i gceann de na comórtais is measúla agus ina bhfuil an iomaíocht is géire ar an teilifís. B'é Oscar Despard a bhí ina chaptaen ar fhoireann Choláiste Chríost in Cambridge, nuair a thug siad an lá leo i gcluiche ceannais University Challenge oíche Dé Luain seo a chuaigh thart. Dálta ilchumasach a bhí ann, de réir a iarphríomhoide, Edith Byrne, agus bhí sé go mór mór gnóthach i ndíospóireachtaí trí Ghaeilge, trí Bhéarla, agus trí Fhraincis, agus é ar meánscoil. Ba mhian a chroí é páirt a ghlacadh sa tráth na gceist cáiliúil, ar a mbíodh sé ag amharc lena mháthair le linn a óige.*Léirithe ag Conradh na Gaeilge i Londain. Tá an script ar fáil i d'aip phodchraolta.*GLUAISbreith - verdicttromionsaí gnéasach - serious sexual assaultiomardú - reprimandeasáitiú éigeantach - obligatory displacementfinnéithe - witnessesilchumasach - multitalented

Labhraímid le hOscar Despard, Captaen fhoireann Christ's College Cambridge a bhuaigh University Challenge.

Why does Eurovision find itself at the centre of political controversy when it's supposed to be non-political?This year, Israel's participation has been questioned because of its role in the war in Gaza whilst Israeli fans have been warned by their country's National Security Council not to wear Jewish or Israeli symbols while attending Eurovision.Amol is joined by Times columnist (and Eurovision superfan) Fraser Nelson and Dr Dean Vuletic who is a leading Eurovision historian to discuss the politics of the song contest through the years. (1:39)Fraser also gives his assessment of the state of Kemi Badenoch's Conservative party and Nigel Farage's Reform UK after the recent local elections in England. (28:36)To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was James Piper. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

A Dubliner has led his team to victory on one of the toughest quiz shows on TV! Oscar Despard, a PhD student at Cambridge, captained Christ's College to their first-ever win on ‘University Challenge' beating the University of Warwick by just five points in a tense final last night.Oscar Despard joins Kieran to discuss the win.Image: BBC

Oscar Despard told Oliver what it was like to captain the winning Cambridge team in the final of the University Challenge that aired last night.

On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Amol and Nick discuss what President Biden told Nick in his first interview since leaving office.They're also joined by Professor Lucy Noakes, author of The People's Victory, and Professor Jason Arday, whose work focuses on inequality, race and education, to talk about how we remember World War Two as the wartime generation dwindles and the politics of nostalgia.And Nick and Amol enjoy a vintage Today programme theme song. To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

A listener got in touch to discuss how despite booking flights with extra legroom and paying extra, he keeps getting moved to normal seats. The captain of a cambridge team on University Challenge is an Irishman from Portobello Dublin. A listener got in touch to talk about how difficult all the paper work after their husband died has been.

Kim Jong Un has confirmed for the first time that North Korean troops have been fighting in Russia against Ukraine.Amol and Nick catch up with Today presenter Anna Foster who is in Ukraine to find out about the reporting she has been doing (3:00).They also speak to Edward Howell, a fellow at Chatham House's Korea Foundation and lecturer at Oxford University, to discuss the significance of North Korea's admission and whether Donald Trump could rekindle his relationship with Kim Jong Un (16:16).And Nick reveals that he once took part in a yo-yoing record attempt (32:35).To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Donald Trump has once again criticised Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and is putting pressure on both sides to accept a proposed peace deal.Nick speaks to Fiona Hill, who advised Donald Trump on Russia during his first term in the White House, about that deal (7:26) and the US president's approach to negotiations (8:35).She also explains what it was like advising President Trump (10:08) and how Putin manipulates him (28:38).Plus Nick and Amol are reunited for Moment of the Week (40:40).To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers and Tom Smithard with Izzy Rowley and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was Abbey Wiltshire. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Is there such a thing as a "maths brain"? How do you help a child who's struggling with numbers? And why should you never tell a kid they're clever? Here to answer all these questions is the legendary Bobby Seagull!He tells us how he gave up a career in the city to become a teacher, and ended up going viral after an appearance on University Challenge. We discuss Bobby's dating life, and how he explained it to his mum using a PowerPoint presentation. Ellie attempts a Keir Starmer impression, Helen reveals how she embarrassed herself in front of a hot young man, and we invent a new catchphrase for Britain. Plus: a maths rap and a quiz! Bobby's books, The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers and The Monkman and Seagull Quiz Book, are out now. Follow Bobby on social media for more Seagull magic or visit bobbyseagull.com.WE ARE BACK ON THE ROAD! Our brand new show Hot Mess is coming to theatres all over the country in 2025 and beyond. Many shows are SOLD OUT already so get your tickets NOW for Leeds, Sheffield, Stroud... Then we're off to Dunstable, Chelmsford, Worthing, Cardiff, Worcester, and many more... Visit scummymummies.com for dates and tickets. *WE HAVE A SHOP!* Visit scummymummiesshop.com for our ace t-shirts, mugs, washbags, sweatshirts and beach towels. FREE UK DELIVERY! We're on X, Instagram, and Facebook @scummymummies. If you like the podcast, please rate, review and subscribe. Thank you for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing threaten the global economy, but could it escalate into a more serious conflict?Nick is joined by former spy Nigel Inkster, now a senior advisor on China and Cybersecurity at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, to discuss whether it risks becoming a new Cold War (2:25).They also talk about what Chinese President Xi Jinping wants (8:31), his desire to achieve “reunification” with Taiwan (16:32) and whether the UK might have to choose between the US and China (28:47).To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

The president has paused the introduction of higher tariffs on goods from most countries, but continues to ramp up the trade war with China. What caused the change of heart? Nick speaks to the BBC's Economics Editor Faisal Islam. (2:19)And before the news about the pause on those tariffs broke Nick was joined by Carla Sands, a former economic advisor to Donald Trump who was US Ambassador to Denmark, to find out what he is trying to achieve with his trade policy. Does the president want things to be made in America or are the tariffs designed to make money by putting a tax on the price of imported goods? (15:18)He also asked her about the row between Elon Musk and Trump's trade advisor Pete Navarro after the Tesla boss called him a “moron”.To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time they release a new episode.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Graham White. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Marine Le Pen has been convicted of embezzling EU funds, potentially ruining her plans to run for the French presidency in 2027.Marine Le Pen was seen as the frontrunner to replace Emmanuel Macron at that election so the judge's decision to ban her from standing for public office for the next five years has led to a backlash from her supporters and right-wing European allies.Nick and Amol talk to Yascha Mounk, an expert on populism and author of The Identity Trap, about what this verdict means for Europe's populist parties (6:12).And Nick and Amol get all sentimental in Moment of the Week (42:06).To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time they release a new episode.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.uk The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley. Digital production was by Izzy Rowley. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Messages accidentally sent to a journalist by senior members of the Trump administration reveal information about strikes on the Houthis in Yemen and what Vice President JD Vance privately thinks about America's European allies. Nick and Amol talk to James Orr, who Vance once described as his “British sherpa”, about the vice president's views and how much influence he has on President Trump (7:12).And after a huge response to last week's episode we hear some of your messages about the issues raised by the hit Netflix drama Adolescence (42:35).You can listen to Adolescence and the Crisis of Masculinity here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00290bgAmol's full interview with Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0ktfd2wTo get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time they release a new episode.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Grace Reeve. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Michal Gorecki. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Adolescence has sparked fresh discussion about the impact social media and misogynistic influencers have on young boys, so we thought you'd like to hear Amol's full interview with Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty.He spoke to them before the series was released about what inspired Stephen to make it, the issues it raises, Owen Cooper's standout performance and how each episode was filmed in one-shot.And make sure you listen to this week's episode of The Today Podcast to hear Amol explore those themes in more detail.To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time they release a new episode.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Jade Lauriston. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

A series about a teenage boy who is accused of murdering a girl from his school was the most watched show on Netflix last weekend. Meanwhile the former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has said that he fears young men are spending too much time gaming, gambling and watching porn.Amol spoke to Stephen Graham and Erin Doherty, who star in the Netflix series, and in this episode of The Today Podcast he delves deeper into what it means to be a boy today with Richard Reeves, who wrote Of Boys and Men, and Catherine Carr who made a Radio 4 documentary called About the Boys.You can listen to her series here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001yshlTo get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time they release a new episode.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Grace Reeve and Beth Chalmers. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Voters seem to be giving Keir Starmer a bit of credit for the role he has been playing on the world stage, so is it a sign that the prime minister is getting better at politics?Former Labour cabinet minister Lord Blunkett tells Amol what he makes of the prime minister's recent performance, why he thinks the government is right to cut the welfare budget and what lessons it could learn from Alastair Campbell about spin (2:15).Amol also talks to Anna Foster after it was announced that she will be joining Today as one of its main presenters (36:22).To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time they release a new episode.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Izzy Rowley and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

In the first six weeks of his second term Donald Trump has rewritten US foreign policy, fractured the Nato alliance, dismantled parts of the US government and signed various presidential orders on everything from border security to diversity programmes. In this episode Nick and Amol are joined by Brian Klaas, professor of global politics at University College London and a writer for The Atlantic magazine, who thinks Trump is undermining democracy and global security (07:44).And Nick tells Amol about his exclusive interview with Rishi Sunak (44:36).To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either. GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.uk The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor. This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Nadia Gyane and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Sir Keir Starmer's announcement that he is increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP has defence experts taking a sigh of relief, whilst humanitarian workers are left despairing. Nick and Amol are joined by former US military strategist Rachel Ellehuus, the new director general of defence think-tank RUSI, to explore how the UK – and Europe – will contain Russia without so much American support.Plus, Theresa May's former chief of staff Fiona Hill remembers an awkward first meeting between the PM and a newly elected President Trump.To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you'll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won't miss our extra bonus episodes either.GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.ukThe Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Amol was the BBC's media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he's also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC's political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV's political editor.This episode was made by Tom Smithard with Nadia Gyane and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Shahidha Bari and guests discuss luck, fortune and superstition. How much truth is there in the idea of making your own luck and why does supersition still play such an important part in many peoples' lives. To discuss this and more are: Dr Christian Busch author of the Serendipity Mindset, Bobby Seagull the maths wizard who shot to fame on University Challenge, Timandra Harkness the author and journalist who writes about the intersection of tech and society, Dr Kate Tomas a philosopher and spritiual mentor and the Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies who shares her thoughts on the role luck plays in sport.Producer: Lisa Jenkinson