Eric Schlosser's 25 year fight against the fast food industry

Guy Standing on big finance infiltrating education

May 27, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of The Exchange, economist Guy Standing joins host Ollie Dougmore to discuss the systemic corruption of the education system through the lens of his latest book, Human Capital. Standing argues that the infiltration of education by big finance and foreign private equity is transforming schools and universities into mere commodities, leading to a catastrophic decline in deep, creative, and critical thinking. The conversation explores how rentier capitalism has commodified learning, noting that global financial interests now exert control over educational institutions ranging from preschools to universities. Standing identifies this trend as an existential threat that contributes to the rise of far-right politics and neo-fascist ideologies, as the system fails to equip individuals with the empathy and historical literacy necessary for a functioning democracy. Standing also revisits his concept of the precariat—a mass class defined by chronic insecurity and unstable labor—and discusses the impact of the AI paradox, where the rise of artificial intelligence appears to correlate with a regression in human intelligence and independent thought. The episode serves as a powerful call to reclaim education as part of the commons, moving away from short-term profit motives and back toward a model that prioritizes human development, community, and social solidarity.

Mary Beard on the weaponisation of classics

May 6, 202640 minSummary

In this episode, host Tanjil Rashid speaks with renowned classicist Mary Beard about the role and relevance of the ancient world in contemporary society. The conversation explores how classical antiquity has become a contested battleground, with various political factions attempting to weaponize Greece and Rome to support disparate ideologies regarding identity, empire, and democracy. Beard argues that the classical past should not be viewed as a static relic or a fixed set of answers, but rather as an evolving conversation that helps us navigate modern complexities. She critiques the popular, often exclusionary, vision of a monolithic "white" classical past, highlighting the diversity and cultural fluidity that actually existed in the ancient Mediterranean. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the history of classics within educational systems, particularly how Latin was once used as a barrier for elite entry in Britain. Beard advocates for a more democratic, accessible approach to the subject, emphasizing that while the study of antiquity is not compulsory, it remains a powerful tool for questioning our present assumptions. She concludes by recommending Homer’s Odyssey for its enduring ability to provoke fundamental questions about humanity and civilization.

Ben Lerner on the breakdown of American speech

Apr 29, 202640 minSummary

In this episode of The Exchange, author Ben Lerner joins the host to discuss his fourth novel, Transcription, and his broader observations on the intersection of technology, memory, and political discourse. A central theme of the conversation is the author’s interest in how technology mediates our lives, specifically contrasting the intimacy of older forms of communication—like the landline telephone—with the isolating nature of modern digital devices. Lerner explores the paradox of "attention fracking," where corporate interests continuously fracture our focus, and suggests that the novel as a medium acts as an essential preserve for deeper, more meaningful forms of attention. The discussion also touches on the concept of intergenerational transmission. Lerner reflects on the role of the writer as a vessel for voices from the past, describing the act of writing as a way of "taking dictation" from forebears. Finally, the pair engages with the current state of American political life. Lerner critiques the perceived bankruptcy of political speech, characterizing modern discourse as a chaotic, incoherent mashup. He emphasizes the urgent need for a new language to navigate an era increasingly defined by the same technological pressures that allowed demagogues of the past to rise.