A weekly interview series from Russell Brand that examines what's beneath the surface—of the people we admire, the ideas that define our time, and the history we’re told. Speaking with guests from the worlds of academia, popular culture, and the arts, Russell seeks to uncover the ulterior truth behind our constructed reality. And have a laugh. On his new podcast ‘Above the Noise’ Russell guides us all—curious beginners, spiritual skeptics, and experienced practitioners—in brief, 10-minute meditations. Listen to Above the Noise on Luminary
Deepak Chopra Deep Meditation
In this episode Deepak and I discuss the practical side of spirituality. He explains what scientific research has discovered about how a spiritual practice can significantly alter your life. Deepak also gives me a guided meditation. The meditation is in the second half of this part and includes a deconstruction of the method and why it works. Recorded in 2019 this episode, Part 2 of 2, continues to give and give. Come for the conversation, stay for the powerful meditation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/16/2023 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 25 seconds
Deepak Chopra on Cosmology and Consciousness
In this week’s episode, part 1 of 2, Deepak and I chatted about the nature of consciousness, He unloaded his extensive knowledge of the cosmos, described what it means to be embodied, shared his understanding of what a belief in God is or means, and listed some of the reasons people suffer from existential crises. It was a wonderful exchange. Enjoy. (Originally published September, 2019) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/13/2023 • 54 minutes, 12 seconds
On Calming Stress and Anxiety--with Tapping, ft. Nick Ortner
Best-selling author of The Tapping Solution, Nick Ortner is here! He describes the technique known as Tapping, which is a natural healing method that combines ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology. . Nick tells us the science behind Tapping (also known as Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT) and describes how it effects the brain and the body. Tapping, he says, can turn off the flight-or-flight mode, to help the body relax and heal. He has been developing and practicing this technique for a long time, and has helped people from all walks of life--including high functioning athletes, people with chronic pain, those suffering from grief, and others. In this episode Nick also does a live Tapping demo with me to help me with a specific issue I’m dealing with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
9/9/2023 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 14 seconds
#243 Is There A God? (with Ricky Gervais and Bishop Stephen Cottrell)
This week we’re taking a significant issue and presenting opposing views on the subject “Is there a God?” The two arguments come from two former Under the Skin episodes / guests: comedian and atheist, Ricky Gervais vs. the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.
More Info:
You can find out more about Ricky Gervais, here www.rickygervais.com and Bishop Stephen Cottrell, here https://www.archbishopofyork.org
Join me for a meditation over on my other podcast Above the Noise.
Join my mailing list and find out more about a one-off special with Wim Hof on July 10th https://www.russellbrand.com/join
6/18/2022 • 10 minutes, 27 seconds
#220 Can We Heal Ourselves Through Consciousness Alone?! (with Dr. Joe Dispenza)
This week I spoke with Dr. Joe Dispenza, a Doctor of Chiropractic, who holds a BA in Science. His training and research covers the fields of neuroscience, neuroplasticity, epigenetics, mind-body medicine, and brain/heart coherence. In this podcast we speak about the power we have to heal ourselves, mentally and physically. How powerful is our consciousness really? How much control does it actually have over our body’s health? Joe talks about the results that experiments have yielded in terms of our self-healing powers. We discuss how one’s attitudes can shape one’s reality, the power of meditation, how to alleviate suffering, and the fascinating power of placebo. It is an incredibly positive and uplifting conversation that we hope you enjoy!
More Info:
Come see me live; check out upcoming dates:
https://www.russellbrand.com/live-dates/
My meditation podcast, Above the Noise, is out now, only on Luminary. I release guided meditations every Wednesday. Please check it out: http://luminary.link/meditate
Elites are taking over! Our only hope is to form our own. To learn more join my cartel here https://www.russellbrand.com/join and get weekly bulletins too incendiary for anything but your private inbox. (*not a euphemism)
Subscribe to my YouTube channel, I post four videos a week including video clips from these episodes! https://www.youtube.com/russellbrand
Subscribe to my YouTube side-channel for more wellness and spirituality: https://www.youtube.com/c/AwakeningWithRussell
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/russellbrand/
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/rustyrockets
1/8/2022 • 12 minutes, 5 seconds
#207 Dopamine Culture (with Dr. Anna Lembke)
Author of Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke joins me this week to talk about pleasure, pain, dopamine, and the brain! This is a fantastic episode. Dr. Anna explains how our brains are constantly trying to maintain a state of homeostasis—amid the relentless seesaw between pleasure and pain. The consequences of our actions will be felt on this seesaw; she tells us how we can manage the back and forth, in order to try and find balance in our lives.
More Info:
Get Dr. Anna’s book and check out the rest of her work here: https://www.annalembke.com
Vote for Under the Skin in the Lovie Awards here (if you want to!): http://lovieawards.com
Come see me live! Tickets to my live performances around the UK are here: https://www.russellbrand.com/live-dates/
My meditation podcast Above the Noise is out now only on Luminary, I will be releasing guided meditations every Wednesday, please check out it: http://luminary.link/meditate
Elites are taking over! Our only hope is to form our own. To learn more join my cartel here https://www.russellbrand.com/join and get weekly bulletins too incendiary for anything but your private inbox. *not a euphemism
Subscribe to my YouTube channel; I post four videos a week including video clips from these episodes! https://www.youtube.com/russellbrand
Subscribe to my YouTube side-channel for more wellness and spirituality. https://www.youtube.com/c/AwakeningWithRussell
Instagram:
http://instagram.com/russellbrand/
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/rustyrockets
10/16/2021 • 13 minutes
This is Under The Skin
A weekly interview series from Russell Brand that examines what's beneath the surface—of the people we admire, the ideas that define our time, and the history we’re told. Speaking with guests from the worlds of academia, popular culture, and the arts, Russell seeks to uncover the ulterior truth behind our constructed reality. And have a laugh.
On his new podcast ‘Above the Noise’ Russell guides us all—curious beginners, spiritual skeptics, and experienced practitioners—in brief, 10-minute meditations. Listen to Above the Noise on Luminary
5/2/2019 • 1 minute, 45 seconds
#77 - How to Be a Loving Man (with Karamo Brown)
I’ve been QueerEyed!!! Me and Karamo Brown have done a podcast and it was magic. Karamo is a fantastic psychotherapist, commentator and counsellor. We spoke about Karamo’s journey and the many challenges he has faced and overcome, how he and the Fab 5 were chosen for Queer Eye, how to maintain healthy relationships with others and yourself and he did a little bit of therapy on me too!
Please enjoy and let us know what you thought of it on social media.
4/27/2019 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 24 seconds
#76 Truth & Illusions (with Derren Brown)
Derren and I spoke about stoicism, the psychology of socio-political standpoints, faith healing, how we frame suffering, relationships and...there is a great story about a parrot at the end.
4/20/2019 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 30 seconds
#75 Democracy Is Dead. What Now? (with David Runciman)
David Runciman is author of "How Democracy Ends" and host of the Talking Politics podcast. We spoke about what the function of democracy is, the significance of the generational divide when voting, the relationship between corporations and government, anarcho-syndacalism & the rise of populism.
4/13/2019 • 1 hour, 27 minutes, 35 seconds
#74 Ceremony, Relationships And Communal Living (with Shaman Wendy Mandy)
For over 30 years Wendy Mandy has been practicing ancient shaman rituals and healing. She was bestowed all her knowledge by Indigenous Tribes in Africa and South America. We talk about how to maintain healthy relationships, the importance of ceremony and the power of plant medicine!
4/6/2019 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 52 seconds
#73 Seeds, Weeds & Intention (with Jay Shetty)
A podcast with online creator and spiritual storyteller Jay Shetty.
Lessons in daily self care, spiritual practice and positive thinking.
3/30/2019 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 46 seconds
#72 The Tribe VS The Algorithm: Can We Ever Be Free Again? (with Douglas Rushkoff)
Douglas understands a lot about the intersection between social media and philosophy and the way that our culture and psyche has been influenced by new technology. He’s a fascinating person and I think you’re gonna love it.
3/23/2019 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 54 seconds
#71 Intuition & Mysticism In A Material World (with Theresa Cheung)
What is precognition? What scientific studies are being done on the psychics, mediums and the mystical? Theresa Cheung author of the "Premonition Code" explains all.
3/16/2019 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 1 second
#70 Heal Yourself with The Ice Shaman (with Wim Hof)
"The cold is your teacher" - our most requested guest Wim Hof graces us with his presence on today's scientific, spiritual and mind altering podcast.
*please do not try any of the breathing techniques described in warm water or swimming pools*
3/9/2019 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 54 seconds
#069 Finding Joy Amidst Fascism & Violence (with Brad Evans & Henry Giroux)
Today we discuss power, corruption, revolution and new systems. This is a proper academic episode, you’re gonna learn. Brad & Henry are brilliant thinkers and brilliant educators.
3/2/2019 • 1 hour, 44 minutes, 36 seconds
#068 Porn, Sadness & Madness (with Jon Ronson)
Today's guest is the always intriguing journalist and great storyteller Jon Ronson. Fascinating, open and honest. We talked about his investigative podcasts into the world of pornography, how he fought his way out of depression and the dark world of social media shaming! It was an authentic and emotionally very real experience with Jon.
Fearne Cotton is on Under The Skin this week talking about mental health, fame and how to grow up. A very lucid, open and thoughtful conversation.
2/16/2019 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 25 seconds
#066 Unlock Your Hidden Power with Ironman (John McAvoy)
Former armed robber, with two life sentences, tells his story of redemption on today's episode of Under The Skin.
2/9/2019 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 16 seconds
#065 Beauty, Fat and Capitalist Pigs (with Megan Jayne Crabbe)
We discuss ideas around body positivity, the way that we relate to food, capitalisms role in how we see ourselves and Megan's journey and recovery out of anorexia. It was a fascinating conversation.
2/2/2019 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 22 seconds
#064 Life Online & Death In Reality (with Laurence Scott)
We talk about the nature of reality, both virtual, physical and psychological and how these realms intersect and inform us. And what particularly about this time we're living in is difficult and challenging.
Laurence Scott is the author of "The Four-Dimensional Human" and "Picnic Comma Lightning" and occasionally hosts the BBC Radio 3 show "Free Thinking".
1/26/2019 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 10 seconds
#063 Being Good Men with The Happy Pear!
Is it possible to run a business consciously? What does healthy masculinity look like? Stephen & Dave aka The Happy Pear know how it's done, promoting happiness and health in every aspect of life.
1/19/2019 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 54 seconds
#062 Nosh & Socialism (with Jack Monroe)
You gotta listen to the incomparable scourge of the right and food bank gourmet Jack Monroe on Under The Skin.
1/12/2019 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 40 seconds
#061 Practical Spirituality - More Than Crystals & Candles (with Radhanath Swami)
Today's podcast is with one of my own mentors and spiritual teachers - Radhanath Swami. An enlightening and pragmatic podcast questioning the role of religion, spirituality and our own place in modern society. Check it out and let us know social media what you thought of it tweet me @rustyrockets on Twitter or @trewrussellbrand on Instagram.
1/5/2019 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 4 seconds
#60 Birth, Feminism & Power (with Katharine Graves)
Can birth be a form of feminine empowerment? Why did footballer Harry Kane receive so much backlash for praising his wife? Today we go back to the beginning and delve into all things related birth - from combatting fear, the power of language and the role men can play. A very positive and insightful episode.
12/29/2018 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 55 seconds
#059 Black Revolution & Whiteness Psychosis (with Kehinde Andrews)
Do you suffer from the psychosis of whiteness? What is the politics of Blackness? These are just some of the questions Kehinde Andrews makes us think about during this episode. Honest questions, brutal truths and solutions that could potentially change the world for the better, for everyone.
12/22/2018 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 8 seconds
#058 Populist Revolution - Will It Go Left Or Right? (with Candace Owens)
An explosive conversation with controversial conservative thinker Candace Owen - a staunch advocate for the free market, capitalism and Donald Trump. Listen to some heated debates about the pros and cons of the left and the right and an attempt at negotiating what utopia might look like!
12/15/2018 • 2 hours, 4 minutes, 48 seconds
#057 The Masks We Wear (with Blindboy, The Rubberbandits)
From identity and mental health to James Joyce and religion, Blindboy from The Rubberbandits enlightens us on today's first live Under The Skin podcast. Recorded in Dublin, Ireland.
12/8/2018 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 40 seconds
#056 Meeting A Mentor (with Tony Robbins)
Tony Robbins - pain, redemption and reprogramming with the incomparable Elvis/Jesus of Personal Development.
12/1/2018 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 23 seconds
#055 Class & Class War In The Age Of Populism (with Darren McGarvey)
Darren McGarvey is author of the award winning book "Poverty Safari", he joins us today to discuss the art of social mobility, the politics of poverty and how people from different backgrounds and perspectives can learn to understand one another.
11/24/2018 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 47 seconds
#054 Can Spirituality Save The World From Godless Politics? (with Marianne Williamson)
Renowned author and spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson joins me on today's podcast to discuss the current disconnect between spirituality and politics, how to to navigate mental health such as depression and whether a spiritual and political revolution is on its way!
11/17/2018 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 38 seconds
#053 Gabor Maté - Damaged Leaders Rule An Addicted World!
Dr. Gabor Maté a renowned specialist in addiction, childhood trauma and stress joins me on the podcast today. We discuss the many forms addiction can take, how we can cope as damaged people in the world and are we being ruled by traumatised politicians? Gabor has a very loving, optimistic and benevolent worldview that you will hopefully benefit from listening to in this episode.
11/10/2018 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 35 seconds
#052 How Loving Extremists Will Defeat Hate (with Deeyah Khan)
This Deeyah Khan episode is special. She is an award winning documentary filmmaker who has met and confronted Jihadists and members of the KKK in order to understand what drives them. So much insight, bravery and practical love on difficult topics - religion/race/gender/identity. Also COINCIDENTALLY I barely speak in it.
11/3/2018 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 5 seconds
#051 Justice Is Dead. Did It Fall Or Was It Pushed? (with David Rudolf, ‘The Staircase’)
In this episode I'm joined by David Rudolf - the lawyer who represented Michael Peterson in the hit Netflix series "The Staircase". We spoke about what it's like to defend a person accused of murder, if true justice really exists at all and the importance of questioning authority.
10/26/2018 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 41 seconds
#050 Systems Of The Damned (with Charles Eisenstein)
On today's episode of Under The Skin I'm joined by author Charles Eisenstein to discuss alternative economic systems, find out what's wrong with the current climate change narrative and how we can actually change the world, challenge the powerful and empower the powerless.
10/20/2018 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 53 seconds
#049 Yuval Noah Harari - Are Our Children AI Slaves?
Today we welcome back Yuval Noah Harari to Under The Skin where we discuss his new book 21 Lessons For The 21st Century. We tackle the idea of the rise useless class, the power of new A.I. technology and what we can do to combat this potential assault on our identity and role as human beings in world.
10/12/2018 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 27 seconds
Under The Skin Season #2 - Teaser
Season #2 of Under The Skin returns next Saturday 13th October! In this teaser you'll hear clips from upcoming episodes with Yuval Noah Harari, Charles Eisenstein, Blindboy from The Rubberbandits and Loki The Rapper aka. Darren McGarvey.
We've got some fantastic guests coming up over the course of this series from across the political and ideological spectrum. You'll hear from writers, actors, academics and more including Gabor Mate, Candace Owens, Marianne Williamson, Deeyah Khan, Charles Eisenstein and David Rudolf.
Join us next Saturday 13th Oct for Yuval Noah Harari's episode.
10/6/2018 • 15 minutes, 26 seconds
#048 Freedom and Tyranny (with Jordan Peterson)
In this special edition of Under The Skin celebrating the paperback release of my book Recovery - clinical psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson joins me again to discuss the nature of social hierarchies, where power lies and how to live in harmony. We also compare his 12 Rules for Life with the 12 Steps in my book Recovery.
5/17/2018 • 1 hour, 34 minutes, 47 seconds
Some Exciting News...Season #2: Under The Skin to the bone!
The first season of Under The Skin has come to an end. Thank you for listening to and supporting this podcast, it's been a fantastic year with brilliant guests. But don't worry Season #2 will be back on June 2nd with some exceptional new guests including Jim Carrey, Gabor Mate and Tony Robbins! Stay tuned...
3/30/2018 • 5 minutes, 3 seconds
Is Civilisation Crumbling? with Adam Curtis
A look back at one of the first and most memorable Under The Skin episodes with filmmaker Adam Curtis about the rise of individualism, where real power lies, and whether we really want change.
3/24/2018 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 14 seconds
Yanis Varoufakis - Euro Power From A Man Who Knows
One of my favourite guests on Under The Skin and an episode you should definitely listen to is the fascinating interview where I discuss with Yanis what happens when you take on the political, financial and media elite, and how radical reform can occur. Through accounts of his confrontations with the IMF, European institutions and the German government we examine where true power lies and how it is wielded.
3/17/2018 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 55 seconds
(Yuval) Noah’s Arc - What Is The Future For Sapiens?
With his ever growing popularity I take a look back at my interview with Yuval Noah Harari, author of bestseller ‘Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind’. We discuss how homo sapiens came to dominate the world, how our society is built on fiction, the creation of a class of useless people, and the future for our species.
3/10/2018 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 22 seconds
#047 Egos and Alcohol (with Ryron & Rener Gracie)
Brothers and part of jiu jitsu’s most illustrious family, my guests today are Ryron and Rener Gracie who discuss how Brazilian jiu-jitsu has shaped the people they are today; the pressure of continuing their family’s legacy; how UFC (their father’s creation) has become one of the fastest growing sports in history; and the importance of being able to defend ourselves.
2/25/2018 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 6 seconds
#046 Power vs Kindness (with Jordan Peterson)
Recently making the headlines after a combative interview about the gender pay gap with Channel 4’s Cathy Newman, my guest today is Jordan Peterson, who discusses with me some of his 12 Rules for Life.
2/15/2018 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 43 seconds
#045 What’s The Biggest Threat To Freedom? Islam Or Consumerism (with Sam Harris)
In a bumper 2 hour episode neuroscientist, author and fellow podcaster Sam Harris and I discuss the effects and rationality of religious belief, the illusion of freedom, Western intervention in the Middle East and where true power lies.
2/3/2018 • 2 hours, 4 minutes, 44 seconds
#044 Headspace - Could Mass Meditation Change Everything? (with Andy Puddicombe)
Co-founder and voice of the Headspace app, Andy Puddicombe joins me to discuss his striving to teach meditation and mindfulness within a consumerist society via an interesting journey from the UK to becoming a Tibetan Buddhist monk and training with the Moscow State Circus.
1/20/2018 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 48 seconds
#043 Professor Brian Cox - God, The Universe and Meaning
The one we’ve been waiting for - the brilliant Professor Brian Cox discusses the possibility of intelligent life other than our own; the danger of dogma within science; and Elon Musk’s space travel plans. As well as the small matters of God, the Universe and Meaning. Strap in for this one!
1/13/2018 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 29 seconds
#042 Senses & Consciousness - Beyond The 5 Senses Myth (with Prof Barry Smith)
Professor Barry Smith discusses collaborative research between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists and their discoveries, including how we have many more than the commonly perceived 5 senses.
1/7/2018 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 17 seconds
#041 Shakespeare And Power! (with Professor Tony Howard)
Is Shakespeare still at the heart of British culture? Tony Howard discusses Shakespeare’s continued relevance in reflecting the shifts in British society; the marginalisation of Black and Asian performers; and how the entertainment sector still faces urgent calls for greater diversity.
12/23/2017 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 14 seconds
#040 How To Be Spiritually Healthy In Damaged Times (with Emma Kenny)
Psychological therapist Emma Kenny discusses new and forgotten ideas around personal growth, gained from 17 years working with people in crisis including some of the UK’s toughest estates.
12/16/2017 • 55 minutes, 45 seconds
#039 Putin & Trump, Global Gangsters Or Same Old Same Old? (with Luke Harding)
Author of current New York Times bestseller ‘Collusion: Secret Meetings, Dirty Money, and How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win’ Luke Harding talks me through the international espionage, off-shore banks, mobsters, money laundering and computer hacking at the heart of the web of relationships between the Kremlin, Trump and members of Trump’s circle.
12/9/2017 • 59 minutes, 40 seconds
#038 Revolution In The Age Of Anger (with Pankaj Mishra)
Historian and novelist Pankaj Mishra joins me to talk about what he calls the ‘age of anger’ - a global pandemic of rage - and how the pursuit of progress and individualism has created a demoralised world.
12/2/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 50 seconds
#037 Extreme Survival with Ed Stafford - Is The Toughest Terrain Your Own Mind?
Survivalist and adventurer Ed Stafford joins me to discuss his life changing expeditions and their physical and mental consequences, the lure of extreme isolation and the importance of meditation.
11/25/2017 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 11 seconds
#036 Beyond Conspiracy - The Terrifying Truth Of Corporate Power (with Jacques Peretti)
Having spent years investigating some of the wealthiest people on the planet, journalist and broadcaster Jacques Peretti joins me to discuss the secret billion dollar deals that we never hear about but which are changing our world and revolutionising everything we do.
11/18/2017 • 1 hour, 26 seconds
#035 Ruby Wax - Madness & Meditation. Can We Heal Ourselves?
The brilliant Ruby Wax joins me to discuss her transition from the world of showbiz to becoming known as a campaigner on mental-health issues and a champion of mindfulness. We discuss her own inner battles with self-esteem and her life-changing methods for getting mindfulness into a hectic everyday life.
11/11/2017 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 8 seconds
#034 Science Vs God - Is There A Life Force That Transcends Matter? (with Rupert Sheldrake)
Dubbed “the most controversial scientist on Earth” Rupert Sheldrake joins me to discuss the dogmas within conventional science, the evolving laws of physics, memory in nature, and how science validates and improves spiritual practices.
11/4/2017 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 47 seconds
#033 Is Trump Better For Black America Than Barack Obama? (with Kehinde Andrews)
Author and Professor of Black Studies Kehinde Andrews joins me to discuss Britain’s colonial nostalgia, how the west is built on racism, and that Donald Trump is better for black America than Barack Obama.
10/28/2017 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 36 seconds
#032 Mental Health Crisis - Is Community The Answer? (with Chirlane McCray)
First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray joins me to discuss America's mental health crisis, why our society breeds depression, the importance of mental health reform, and her organisation ‘Thrive NYC’.
10/19/2017 • 47 minutes, 53 seconds
#031 Gender Fluidity - Is It Time To Abandon All Labels? (with Mae Martin)
Comedian Mae Martin joins me to discuss gender fluidity, breaking down barriers and the compelling statistic that 40% of people under 25 don't identify as gay or straight. Plus, we discuss her experiences with addiction and an intriguing obsession with Bette Midler.
10/11/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 24 seconds
#030 Why Won't America Put Down Its Guns? (with Gary Younge)
In the week of the devastating Las Vegas shooting, author Gary Younge discusses his most recent book “Another Day In The Death Of America” - a harrowing account of children's lives cut short by the ubiquity of gun violence in the US. This show was recorded a few days before events in Las Vegas.
10/4/2017 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 36 seconds
#029 Does Even The Establishment Know Anarchy Is The Answer? (with Carne Ross)
This week I'm joined by Carne Ross, a former high-flying diplomat and Middle East adviser who lost his faith in western democracy but put his trust in people power and is now putting forward the case for anarchism.
9/28/2017 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 34 seconds
#028 Marxism On The Rise - Can It Really Defeat Capitalism? (with David Harvey)
The world's leading Marxist thinker joins me to discuss the contradictions at the heart of capitalism, Marxism’s recent rise in popularity, and why it resonates more today than ever.
9/20/2017 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 54 seconds
#027 Can We Have More Connected Sex?
Author Isabel Losada joins me to discuss the importance of making our sex life blissful, as well as her experiences at the international conference of clitoral stroking, and learning mystical sensations with tantric masters.
9/13/2017 • 44 minutes, 23 seconds
#026 Is The Solution To Addiction Spiritual Connection? (with Brad Evans)
Author and friend Professor Brad Evans gets under my skin regarding my new book “Recovery”. We discuss the age of addiction, the ability to be liberated from our unhealthy habits and the overwhelming need for human connection.
9/6/2017 • 50 minutes, 24 seconds
#025 Art And Activism With Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg joins me to discuss music’s changing cultural role, as well as the charge of being a “champagne socialist”, the importance of Grime, and the challenge of inspiring people to make change.
8/30/2017 • 1 hour, 16 minutes, 15 seconds
#024 Inequality Is Killing Us All. Are We Going To Stop It? (with Jason Hickel)
Author and anthropologist Jason Hickel joins me to explain how a handful of rich countries have been able to control economic policies in the rest of the world; why we’re being lied to about poverty; and the radical revolution required to stop the global inequality machine.
8/23/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 27 seconds
#023 Al Gore - Can We Protect The Planet When It's Not In The Interests Of The Powerful?
Environmentalist and former Vice President Al Gore joins me to discuss his new film “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power”, his feelings about Donald Trump, the corruption of big money, and the future for renewable energy.
8/16/2017 • 35 minutes, 21 seconds
#022 Will The Psychedelic Revolution Meaningfully Change The World?
Dr Robin Carhart-Harris (Head of Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London) discusses unlocking the unconscious, the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelic drugs, and why research into their benefits has been shut down for over 40 years.
8/10/2017 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 49 seconds
#021 Is There Any Point In God? (with Alister McGrath)
Author, professor, priest and former atheist Alister McGrath and I discuss the rationality of religious belief, the war between science and religion, and whether faith is still destined to play a central role in the 21st century.
7/27/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 45 seconds
#020 Selfie-Obsession: Can Narcissism Ever Make Us Happy? (with Will Storr)
Author of “Selfie” Will Storr and I discuss where the ideal of the perfect self came from, why it is so powerful and whether there is any way to break its dangerous spell.
7/19/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 39 seconds
#019 Frankie Boyle - Is It Possible To Live A Moral Life?
Frankie Boyle and I discuss media censorship, the virtues of nihilism, and the effects of fatherhood on life as a comedian.
7/13/2017 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 54 seconds
#018 Naomi Klein - Why We Must Kill Our Inner Trump
As Naomi Klein discusses her new book with me she explains how the groundwork laid by Bill Clinton and Bill Gates led to Donald Trump’s presidency; the political shock tactics being used to force through destructive policies; and how resistance and imagination can lead to radical change.
7/5/2017 • 57 minutes, 51 seconds
#017 Will Spirituality Solve Our Global Problems? (with Sharon Salzberg)
Leading meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg explains why we find it so hard to be in our own mind, why we have a habit to always go to the negative, and how meditation can transform society.
6/28/2017 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 45 seconds
#016 Is Philosophy More Important Than Ever? (with Simon Critchley)
This week philosopher Simon Critchley enlightens us to the roots of philosophy, as well as topics including football as ‘working class ballet’, what constitutes a 'good death’, and the relevance and importance of philosophy in these times.
6/21/2017 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 37 seconds
#015 Yanis Varoufakis - How To Construct A Global Revolution
In a fascinating interview I discuss with Yanis what happens when you take on the political, financial and media elite, and how radical reform can occur. Through accounts of his confrontations with the IMF, European institutions and the German government we examine where true power lies and how it is wielded.
6/14/2017 • 1 hour, 19 minutes, 52 seconds
#014 Election Eve: Is It Stupid To Vote For Peace?
On the eve of the UK General Election I talk with Stop The War’s Lindsey German and Dr Brad Evans about how violence has been normalised to the point where as voters we’ve not only become desensitised to it, but have been taught to desire it from our leaders.
6/6/2017 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 19 seconds
#013 Why Are You Who You Are? (with Raoul & Francesca Martinez & Dr Brad Evans)
This week’s show asks: What kind of freedom do we have? Are we responsible for our actions? Do we create our own identity and if not, should we question it?
5/31/2017 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 46 seconds
#012 Manchester: Can Terror Ever Be Stopped?
Dr Brad Evans, Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain and I reflect on the tragic events in Manchester and ask how we can break the cycle of violence.
5/26/2017 • 58 minutes, 1 second
#011 Fascism Or Democracy - Is This Our Last Chance To Choose? (with George Monbiot)
George Monbiot and I discuss the dark money capturing our politics for the billionaires and corporations; the terrifying power of Big Data; and the opportunity for a new democracy.
5/17/2017 • 1 hour, 20 seconds
#010 Plant Based Diet & Plant Based Consciousness with Simon Amstell
Comedian Simon Amstell and I discuss his film 'Carnage', how veganism began a journey of personal enlightenment and how taking Ayahuasca changed his life.
5/10/2017 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 19 seconds
#009 Trump, Boris, May - Who's The Best Communicator? (With Prof Sophie Scott)
Neuroscientist and laughter expert Sophie Scott and I discuss the use of comedy within politics, how the left and the right use language differently, and what communication techniques to look out for in the run up to the UK election.
5/4/2017 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 20 seconds
#008 Snap Election - Is Democracy Busted? (With Dr Brad Evans, of course!)
Does politics matter? Dr Brad Evans and I discuss the snap UK election, how to reimagine a better future and what real radical politics looks like.
4/26/2017 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 33 seconds
#007 Identity Politics - Where Are They Taking Us? (With Matthew Todd)
I ’m joined by writer Matthew Todd to discuss the crisis of shame facing the LGBT community, the disproportionate link to mental health problems and how taking a lead on trauma recovery could change the world.
4/20/2017 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 55 seconds
#006 Can Humans & Animals United Heal The World? (With Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick)
Supervet Noel Fitzpatrick and I discuss the difficulty in overcoming boundaries between human and animal science, Noel’s own groundbreaking work, and the need to understand and harness the love between humans and animals.
4/13/2017 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 43 seconds
#005 Yuval Noah Harari - Is Humanity Finished?
This week I’m joined by Yuval Noah Harari, author of bestseller ‘Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind’. We discuss how homo sapiens came to dominate the world, how our society is built on fiction, the creation of a class of useless people, and the future for our species.
4/6/2017 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 44 seconds
#004 Feminism - Can It Change The World?
In this week’s show I talk to Professor Anne Phillips about feminism, its perception within society and the cultural shift necessary to create real change and greater equality.
3/30/2017 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 20 seconds
#003 Adam Curtis - Do We Really Want Change?
This week I speak with filmmaker Adam Curtis about the rise of individualism, where real power lies, and whether we really want change.
3/23/2017 • 1 hour, 17 minutes, 46 seconds
#002 Who Are The Slaves Now?
In this week’s show I talk to Professor Paul Gilroy about the re-emergence of open racism within political rhetoric, the relationship between race and religion, and why we still divide humanity into different identity groups based on skin colour.
3/16/2017 • 1 hour, 4 minutes, 38 seconds
#001 Can We Really Stop Terror?
What does it mean to be human in the 21st century? In this first show I speak with Dr Brad Evans about how the liberation of prejudice and emergence of a politics of hate and division has led to the the normalisation of violence and in turn to perpetual ‘terror'.