Guy Standing on big finance infiltrating education

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

May 13, 202643 minSummary

In this episode of The Exchange, host Ollie Dugmore sits down with investigative journalist Eric Schlosser to mark the 25th anniversary of his seminal book, Fast Food Nation. Rather than a niche study of cuisine, Schlosser frames his work as an examination of unchecked corporate power and the economic structures that define modern life. The discussion explores how the fast-food industry’s rapid expansion—from a localized phenomenon to a global cultural symbol—was fueled by stagnant wages, the necessity of dual-income households, and a deliberate strategy to maintain a low-wage, disposable workforce. Schlosser reflects on the hostile reception he faced upon the book’s publication and the broader tendency to characterize criticism of corporate status quos as un-American. He offers a distinction between optimism and hope, arguing that while he remains unpersuaded that positive outcomes are inevitable, he finds hope in the agency of collective action. The conversation further addresses the contrast between American and European attitudes toward immigration and national identity, concluding with a deep dive into the McLibel case. Schlosser highlights the unsettling synergy between corporate surveillance and state intelligence agencies, underscoring the ongoing threats to civil society and freedom of speech.

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.