Happiness Rules: Should Wellbeing Dictate Government Policy? (Lord Richard Layard)

Should Phones Be Banned in Pubs? (Your Radical Questions with Oisín Rogers)

Jun 29, 202621 minSummary

In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, celebrated publican Oisín Rogers joins the host to answer listener questions and discuss the evolving role of the British pub. Addressing the current challenges facing the industry, Rogers reflects on the decline of pubs while emphasizing that successful establishments remain vital community anchors. The discussion covers a range of radical ideas for the future of the trade, including the viability of the cooperative business model, where staff and community members share ownership to ensure sustainability. The pair also tackles the etiquette of pub culture, debating the merits of strict house rules—such as bans on laptops or large groups—versus the necessity of maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Rogers highlights the importance of attention to detail, noting that small, low-cost gestures like providing reading glasses or offering complimentary drinks to resolve service issues can significantly enhance the guest experience. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a tribute to the pub as an essential social institution, celebrating the eccentricities and human connections that define the quintessential British drinking experience.

Last Call for the Local: Are Old Pubs the Solution to Modern Crises? (Oisín Rogers)

Jun 25, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of Radical, host Amol Rajan sits down with renowned publican Oisín Rogers to discuss the state of the Great British pub and whether these historic institutions can survive modern economic pressures. With approximately two pubs closing every day in the UK, the conversation explores the vital role pubs play as social infrastructure—unique spaces where people of all backgrounds, professions, and ages can gather to converse and connect. Rogers argues that the decline is driven by a combination of unsustainable commercial pressures, including high business rates, VAT, and rising energy costs, rather than a lack of public appetite. While acknowledging that pubs must remain viable businesses to survive, he challenges the idea that they are merely commercial entities. He advocates for structural changes, such as easier community asset protection and tax relief, to prevent these historic sites from being lost to redevelopment. Throughout the discussion, Rogers and Rajan emphasize that the true value of a pub lies in its ability to foster community, preserve history, and offer a sense of belonging in an increasingly atomized society.

Can Britain Change Its Ways on Housing? (Your Radical Questions with Shiv Malik)

Jun 22, 202624 minSummary

In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, host Amol Rajan engages in a detailed discussion with Shiv Malik regarding his ambitious proposal for "Forest City," a new settlement designed to house one million people in East Anglia. Malik argues that the current housing crisis has unfairly burdened generations born after 1979, asserting that Britain’s systemic reliance on expensive rents and lack of home ownership hinders national growth. The conversation explores the practical and philosophical challenges of building a new city. Malik defends the project against criticisms regarding its replicability and the definition of affordability, emphasizing that his plan focuses on locations with high economic demand and long-term sustainability. The discussion also touches upon urban planning aesthetics, with Malik highlighting the importance of balancing traditional design with innovative, public-transport-first infrastructure. Throughout the episode, Malik maintains that a shift in government mindset and a focus on municipalism—where cities own their own energy, transport, and housing—are essential to revitalizing the nation. Driven by a blend of optimism and frustration with the status quo, Malik argues that creating new, well-planned environments is a necessary, albeit radical, path forward for Britain.

The Great British Housing Crisis: Is a Brand New Mega-City the Answer? (Shiv Malik)

Jun 18, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, host Amol Rajan sits down with author and journalist Shiv Malik to explore a bold, controversial solution to the UK’s deepening housing crisis: the construction of a brand-new "Forest City" in East Anglia. Malik, co-author of The Jilted Generation, argues that the UK has failed successive generations by failing to build enough homes, resulting in a house-to-salary ratio not seen since the 1880s. To address this, he proposes building a new city for one million people—a massive undertaking involving affordable housing, integrated nature reserves, and new infrastructure. The discussion delves into the systemic paralysis of the UK’s planning system, which Malik describes as overly cautious, slow, and reactive. They also reflect on the nation’s lost appetite for ambition compared to global counterparts, comparing current British stagnation to the rapid development seen in countries like China and the UAE. Despite significant logistical and political opposition from local residents and planning skeptics, Malik remains a vocal advocate for large-scale, strategic thinking to repair the broken social contract for younger generations who are increasingly priced out of their own communities.

Is Our Idea of Economic Success Completely Broken? (Your Radical Questions with Kate Raworth)

Jun 15, 202617 minSummary

In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, host Amol Rajan sits down with renowned economist Kate Raworth to address listener questions regarding the future of global economic structures. Raworth, best known for her influential book Donut Economics, argues for a fundamental shift away from the relentless pursuit of GDP growth toward a model that prioritizes human well-being and ecological stability. Throughout the discussion, Raworth highlights the limitations of GDP as a singular metric, noting that it fails to account for unpaid labor, the health of the commons, and environmental degradation. Instead, she advocates for a dashboard approach that measures economic performance through the lens of social and planetary boundaries. The conversation explores whether political systems can move beyond short-termism, the challenges of reconciling growth-focused policies with necessary decarbonization, and the potential of universal public services versus universal basic income. Raworth emphasizes that moving toward a regenerative and distributive economy is not a partisan issue, but a necessary evolution for humanity to thrive within the finite means of our planet.

The End of Endless Growth: Should We Put the Brakes on Economic Expansion? (Kate Raworth)

Jun 11, 20261h 6mSummary

In this episode of Radical, host Amol Rajan sits down with renowned economist and author Kate Raworth to challenge the fundamental assumptions of modern economic thinking. Raworth, best known for her concept of "Doughnut Economics," argues that the prevailing Western obsession with endless GDP growth is both ecologically reckless and socially irresponsible. The conversation centers on the "doughnut" model: an inner circle representing essential human needs—such as housing, healthcare, and education—and an outer circle representing the planetary boundaries that support life. Raworth explains that current economic systems are failing because they prioritize infinite growth over human well-being and environmental stability. She draws a powerful analogy between a human body and the economy, noting that while healthy things grow, they eventually mature and balance out, whereas continuous, unchecked growth is often a sign of pathology. Beyond theory, they discuss the widening gulf between capital and labor, the risks posed by AI to white-collar work, and the limitations of "popular capitalism." Raworth advocates for systemic reform, suggesting that business design must shift from shareholder profit extraction toward models that prioritize community value and long-term sustainability.

Could Ben & Jerry's Be Created Today? (Your Radical Questions with Ben Cohen)

Jun 8, 202614 minSummary

In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, host Amol Rajan sits down with Ben Cohen, the iconic co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, to explore the intersection of ethical business practices and modern capitalism. Cohen answers a series of insightful questions from listeners, addressing whether a socially conscious company can thrive in today’s volatile economic climate. The discussion delves into whether a business can maintain a dual mission of profit and social justice from its inception or if such values should be adopted later. Cohen argues that embedding a social mission early on is not only possible but more authentic. He also weighs in on the role of government regulation, asserting that business leaders should advocate for policies that create a level playing field for all. Throughout the conversation, Cohen tackles challenging topics, including the prevalence of ultra-processed foods and whether a brand like his could successfully launch in an era defined by social media outrage and intense culture wars. Ultimately, Cohen remains optimistic, suggesting that a business built on quality and a genuine commitment to social good continues to be a viable and necessary model.

Business Reimagined: Should Firms Have a Purpose Beyond Profit? (Ben & Jerry’s Ben Cohen)

Jun 4, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of Radical, host Amol Rajan sits down with Ben Cohen, the co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, to explore the intersections of activism, ethics, and modern capitalism. The conversation tracks Cohen’s journey from a self-described struggling entrepreneur in the 1970s to a pioneer of socially conscious business practices. Cohen discusses the founding principles of his company, which prioritized community engagement and progressive values alongside profitability. A key highlight includes the origin story of the company’s famous "Chocolate Fudge Brownie" flavor, which emerged from an unconventional and compassionate partnership with Bernie Glassman’s Grayston Bakery—a business model built on inclusive, open-hiring practices. The discussion also tackles the challenges Cohen faces today regarding corporate stewardship. He reflects on his ongoing efforts to reconcile his radical, countercultural values with the pressures of global corporate ownership. The episode invites listeners to consider whether businesses can truly serve as vehicles for social change, or if the demands of shareholders inevitably stifle such initiatives. Throughout, Cohen remains steadfast in his belief that business should be a force for positive societal intervention, even as he continues to navigate the complexities of ethical capitalism in a changing landscape.

How Close Are We to a Cure for Cancer? (Your Radical Questions with Professor Sir John Bell)

Jun 1, 202620 minSummary

In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, guest host John Burn-Murdoch sits down with Professor Sir John Bell, Emeritus Regis Professor of Medicine at Oxford University. The discussion centers on the future of medicine, focusing on personalized therapies, the role of regulatory frameworks, and the potential for a cure for cancer. Professor Bell addresses listener concerns regarding the accessibility of personalized medicine, noting that while current costs are high, treating these therapies as scalable platforms will eventually commoditize the technology and improve affordability. He expresses significant optimism regarding oncology, predicting that within a decade, medical advancements will enable the detection and cure of many cancers at stage one or two through non-invasive immunotherapy. The conversation further explores the integration of artificial intelligence within the healthcare system, particularly in diagnostics like pathology and radiology. Bell argues that while the NHS possesses the scale to be a global leader in innovation, it must be bolder in digitizing imaging and adopting new technologies to improve efficiency. Ultimately, the episode highlights a vision for a more data-driven, technologically advanced medical future that balances rapid innovation with systemic implementation.

Healthcare, Reinvented: How Dramatic Medical Breakthroughs Are Quietly Changing Your Life (Professor Sir John Bell)

May 28, 202652 minSummary

In this episode of Radical, host John Burn-Murdoch sits down with Professor Sir John Bell, an emeritus professor of medicine at Oxford and a renowned expert in life sciences, to explore the quiet but profound revolution occurring in modern medicine. The discussion highlights how, over the last fifty years, medical science has shifted from managing acute crises to achieving significant long-term successes, such as a 70 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality and the transformation of once-fatal leukemias into manageable or curable conditions. Professor Bell explains that these advancements are driven by a deeper understanding of genetics and the immune system, coupled with iterative improvements in therapeutic engineering. He notes that while these gains have added twelve years to life expectancy, they have also placed immense strain on healthcare systems designed for an earlier era. The conversation turns to the potential of GLP-1 medications, framing them as a breakthrough in scalable, preventive care for obesity and its related co-morbidities. Looking forward, the pair discusses the integration of AI in predictive analytics and data management, emphasizing that while data security is paramount, leveraging health information within secure national frameworks is essential to improving public health and addressing the global economic productivity drag caused by chronic disease.