The Prospect Podcast

Επεισόδια

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  Ethan Zuckerman: Will artificial intelligence destroy us all? 16.09.2026 42λ

  As tech insiders warn about an impending apocalypse, Ellen and Imaan are joined by Ethan Zuckerman, Prospect contributor and associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to examine those claims.He discusses AI agents going rogue in the Hugging Face incident, as well as recent calls from tech leaders to slow down AI development. With Trump dismissing safety concerns, Ethan also discusses US competition with China, how global thinking around AI differs—and why he doesn't trust the industry to self-regulate.Ethan explores how we can reclaim agency around AI, and the importance of local and community-oriented conversations, including a surprising initiative from a Maori radio station. Plus, what might a uniquely British AI look like?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Exciting news! From October, the Prospect Podcast will have a new format and a new name: On ‘Tell Me Why’, Prospect’s editors, writers and guests will explore the ideas behind the biggest news stories of the week. Subscribe to the channel to be part of our new chapter.And to read Ethan’s piece ‘Should Trump create an AI sovereign wealth fund’, click here or head to prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Prospect Lives: Unexpected lessons from my alcoholic father 10.09.2026 32λ

  This month, Rural life writer Kiran Sidhu shares her love for her late father, who was an imperfect but brilliant parent. Meanwhile, Second life writer Vitali Vitaliev is reminded of his former, Soviet life when he reads about the hounding of Cambridge academic Jason Arday. Mindful life writer Sarah Collins extolls the benefits of embracing a beginner's mindset when approaching new hobbies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Elon Musk, space solar and eternal power 09.09.2026 29λ

  Have scientists found the secret to eternal power?Engineers, inventors and sci-fi writers have long dreamed of harvesting the constant power of the sun. Now, plans to build solar panels in space are tantalisingly close to fruition. This week, Ellen is joined by Prospect contributing editor Isabel Hilton to explains why it could just work.From rocket launches to robots assembling solar farms in space, Isabel explains the vision and its main obstacles. She also discusses the role of private companies and tech billionaires like Elon Musk, as well as China’s active solar-based programme.Plus, Isabel explores how the UK can be part of the future, and how space-based solar compares to plans for nuclear fusion as an energy solution. After flash floods in Nepal, they also discuss the need for emergency power responses across the world.To read Isabel’s article, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology/74474/space-solar-have-scientists-found-the-secret-to-eternal-power Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Andy Burnham’s theory of power 02.09.2026 34λ

  Who really runs the United Kingdom? Power is badly misallocated, argues journalist and author Phil Tinline, and Andy Burnham understands that better than most of his recent predecessors. But there is still a major gap in the prime minister’s analysis.This week, he joins Ellen and Alona in a wide-ranging conversation that covers the shift away from centralised state power in the 1980s and the weakening of local government, through to how the Hillsborough disaster and Burnham’s early political career shaped the prime minister he wants to be. Phil reflects on the disappointments of the Starmer era, and also analyses the perspectives of leftwing politicians, from Zohran Mamdani to Zack Polanski.Plus, how is Burnham’s thinking different to past prime ministers? Is he willing to take on unaccountable corporations, or not? And what’s at stake if he fails to deliver on the promise he has made to the public about redistributing power?To read Phil’s cover essay for the latest issue of Prospect, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/labour-party/andy-burnham/74583/andy-burnham-great-power-struggle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Daron Acemoglu: How to save liberal democracy 26.08.2026 35λ

  According to Nobel prize-winning economist Daron Acemoglu, liberal democracy made three promises: that prosperity would be shared equitably, that capable government would deliver public services and that citizens would have voice to express their opinions and participate in governance. But in recent decades, these promises have been broken across the world.This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by Acemoglu, who explains how the shift to a postindustrial, tech-driven economy—compounded by neoliberal policies, rising inequality and the internet—has eroded trust in democratic institutions.He criticises identity politics, on the right and the left, and discusses the economic effect of developments in artificial intelligence. How great of a risk is AI to social cohesion? And is new technology actively undermining cross-cultural “social learning”?Plus, he makes the case for “working-class liberalism” as a philosophy that can overcome this crisis.Daron Acemoglu’s exclusive op-ed for Prospect will be published here on September 2nd. His book What Happened to Liberal Democracy? Remaking a Politics of Shared Prosperity is published by Profile Books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How cabbies see England 19.08.2026 32λ

  What can a taxi ride tell us about the state of the UK? Driving home is an immersive documentary staged inside a real black cab where audiences hear from taxi drivers across the UK about migration, belonging, politics, and community.Today on the podcast, Daphna Attias and Terry O’Donohue, the co-founders and artistic directors of Dante or Die, the theatre company behind the documentary, join Prospect’s Sarah Collins to discuss what the interviews can tell us about life in the UK.They’ll also discuss why they chose the locations of Hull, Bradford, Peckham, Basildon, Essex, Brighton, and the Isle of Sheppey to record their interviews with cabbies, and how each cab gives unique insights into the mood of the area. It feels almost like being in a confessional, they say.Sarah wrote a feature for the latest issue of Prospect, in collaboration with Dante or Die. Read it now on our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Eternal youth and billionaire biohacking: The politics of longevity 12.08.2026 26λ

  Billionaires, millionaires and biohackers are plying themselves with supplements and consulting AI to extend their lives indefinitely. But would you want to live forever? This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by journalist and author Katherine Stewart, who investigates the politics of the longevity movement.Katherine shares her experiences undercover at exclusive longevity conferences, trying supplements and testing her hormone levels. She discusses key figures like Bryan Johnson, the “most measured person in history”, famous for trying to inject himself with his young son’s blood, and Palantir’s Peter Thiel.She also explains the appeal of “transhumanism”, and argues that the original meaning of “self-care” has been usurped. As the movement marshals deep science and high anxiety, with potions and powders promising detoxes, how much can be trusted?To read Katherine’s piece ‘The time I tried to live forever’, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/policy/health/74081/the-time-i-tried-to-live-forever Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How long will the ‘Burnham bounce’ last? 05.08.2026 35λ

  As Andy Burnham marks his first two weeks in Downing Street, the polls are registering a bump in support for Labour. This week, Ellen and Imaan are joined by Prospect’s contributing editor Tom Clark to assess the prime minister’s first steps in office.Tom discusses surprising policy pledges, “sugar-rush politics” and how Burnham’s thinking has changed, from devolution to drastic social care reforms. What challenges will he face in making his promises a reality?After the Ceuta border crossing, does political rhetoric around immigration signal change or continuity? Is Burnham willing to make enemies over the drilling of oil and gas in the North Sea? And what are the chances of an early election?Plus, Tom compares Burnham with Keir Starmer and reflects on whether his leadership signals a departure from factionalism. Has Burnham finally unified the Labour party—and, if so, can it last?To read more of Tom’s analysis, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/author/2823/tom-clark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Prospect Lives: I’ve had an old-lady fall! 31.07.2026 35λ

  This month Rural life writer Kiran Sidhu decides to embrace materialism, while Anglican priest Alice Goodman recounts the ballad of the Tithe pig. Actor and writer Sheila Hancock is taken to hospital after a fall and is very impressed by the attractive doctors treating her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Stateless: How the UK government strips citizenship—and why it matters 29.07.2026 33λ

  Citizenship has been described as “the right to have rights”. But, in recent years, the UK government has increasingly stripped people of their citizenship— effectively leaving many stateless.   This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by journalist and author Samira Shackle, who tracks the rapid expansion of citizenship deprivation laws in Britain.   She explains how citizenship can be stripped at the will of the home secretary, without judicial oversight or any criminal conviction required. They discuss the case of Shamima Begum, and how the “war on terror” altered the state and the public’s conceptions of what citizenship is.  Samira argues that a two-tier system has been created—in practice, making citizenship contingent for many people of mixed ethnicity. With far-right political rhetoric supporting “remigration” and even broader use of deprivation powers, what will be effect on individuals and society if this policy remains unchecked?   Is citizenship an inalienable right? And with some polls showing public support for the policy, is it ever moral to strip citizenship, or should individuals face punishment through the criminal justice system?   To read Samira’s piece, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/uk/74074/britain-stripped-citizenship-syria-islamic-state-shamima-begum    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Marie Le Conte: Britain's youth and the death of social mobility 22.07.2026 31λ

  The UK’s young adults are ready to be taken seriously—so why aren’t they?This week, Alona and Imaan are joined by journalist and author Marie Le Conte to discuss why a whole generation seems stuck in an extended adolescence, priced out of housing and routinely ignored by politicians.In an intergenerational conversation, they discuss whether the social mobility experiment has failed, the reality of “delayed adulthood”, and claims that young people are being actively infantilised as traditional milestones become further out of reach.Marie challenges the idea that young people are politically disengaged and explains why high political awareness doesn’t translate neatly into votes.With a new prime minister now in Downing Street, how might Andy Burnham help turn things around? And should voting be compulsory for 18-year-olds?Plus, they discuss the merits of Australia-style “democracy sausages” versus Gregg’s sausage rolls, and the lessons to be learned from the happiest place in the world for young people.To read Marie’s essay, ‘Britain’s next generation is all grown up’, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/74118/britains-next-generation-is-all-grown-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Big money, big problems: Reform’s donation problem—with Peter Geoghegan 15.07.2026 25λ

  As Nigel Farage continues to face scrutiny over his finances and undeclared donations, is big money hurting our democracy?This week, Alona and Imaan are joined by Peter Geoghegan, investigative journalist and founder of Democracy for Sale. Peter unpacks the scandal and introduces a cast of Reform backers, from “Posh George” to Thailand-based billionaire Christopher Harborne.He also discusses the police investigation into a political donation to Robert Jenrick, and criticises the Labour government for its approach to electoral reform. And, he shares his findings into the “black hole” in Reform’s accounts.Is Farage an outlier, or does his case expose deeper flaws in Britain’s political funding rules? If he wins the byelection, will the scrutiny disappear? And with proposals for donation limits on the table, what else needs to change?To read Peter Geoghegan’s writing for Prospect, click here.His newsletter Democracy for Sale is published on Substack. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  A history of power: the creation of data empires 08.07.2026 35λ

  Humans have collected data for thousands of years—but now we’re doing it on a whole new level.This week, Ellen and Alona and joined by Roopika Risam, professor of Digital Humanities and Social Engagement at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, whose new book Data Empire explores the ancient roots of data-gathering and the rise of the “data state”.Drawing on examples from the East India Company to Palantir, she explains why advances in technology—and our means to collect, sort and deploy data—have almost always been captured by colonial powers or companies for profit, rather than for public good.She reveals how data is used to monitor and control, and how AI is rapidly accelerating the capacity of states and private companies to surveil populations, including against the Uyghur people of Xinjiang. Roopika also explains the disturbing reason she had to rewrite one section of the book three timesHas the “Data Empire” effectively moved beyond the reach of the democratic social contract? And will the future be dystopian—or is there another way?Roopika Risam’s book “Data Empire: How information shaped human history” is published by Torva. To read to more on this topic, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  A barrel of rotting apples: Political corruption in modern Britain 01.07.2026 31λ

  Lying, lobbying, and luxury donor gifts—has UK politics gone crooked?This week, Ellen and Imaan are joined by Robert Barrington, professor of anti-corruption practice at Sussex University’s Centre for the Study of Corruption. He argues that corruption is more widespread than assumed in Britain, from politicians to prisons, the monarchy to the Met.Robert discusses the Boris Johnson era misconduct, the “good chap theory”, and his four-part test for corruption. He also analyses corporate scandals from Grenfell to Thames Water sewage.Do conspiracy theorists have a point? What’s at stake if things continue as they are? And, with a new prime minister on the cards, what can be done to tackle the problem?‘Corrupted Kingdom: Britain's Disappearing Integrity–And How We Can Get It Back’ will be published by Profile Books on 16th July. To read more from our website, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Prospect Lives: I can’t stop singing my thoughts 26.06.2026 27λ

  This month, our Mindful life writer Sarah Collins explains how her OCD had her singing her thoughts, while Second life writer Vitali Vitaliev asks: what’s in a nose? A trip to the Museum of Brands takes actor Sheila Hancock down memory lane, while Alice Garnett asks her parents for advice on uncertainty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Jens Beckert: Democracy won’t beat climate change 24.06.2026 37λ

  As a heatwave sweeps across Europe, Ellen and Imaan are joined by sociologist Jens Beckert, the author of 'How We Sold Our Future: The Failure to Fight Climate Change'. He argues that the cultural, political and economic structures of capitalist modernity are themselves barriers to fighting the climate crisis. From profit maximisation to short term limits for politicians, is capitalist democracy ill-equipped to tackle climate change? He also discusses the philosophical roots of the problem, stemming from the Enlightenment, and suggests the idea of progress may actually be hindering us. Jens explores geopolitical inequality, the role of corporate power in blocking climate action, and whether renewables are really the answer. He offers a sobering analysis of the situation but also offers solutions, explaining why pragmatism is our best bet, and what we can do next.  How We Sold Our Future: The Failure to Fight Climate Change is published by Polity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  It's time to take maternal mental health seriously 23.06.2026 35λ

  The UK has a maternal mental health support crisis. The leading cause of maternal deaths in the UK is mental health issues, including suicide, with maternal deaths from suicide having risen by seventy-four per cent in the last seven years alone. How can we address this urgent need for improved support? Speaking to Prospect's Alona Ferber, Biogen's medical lead Teresa Shering, consultant adult and perinatal psychiatrist Dr Getrude Seneviratne OBE and Laura Kyrke-Smith MP examine the factors behind these alarming statistics and the practical changes that could help secure positive steps forward. Hosted in partnership with and funded by Biogen UK & Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  World Cup 2026: Does Maga hate football? 17.06.2026 30λ

  What does the World Cup mean to you?This year’s tournament has been highly political so far: as it began, one of the host nations was at war with one of the competitors and referees and staff have been banned from the United States.This week, Philip and Ellen are joined by sports writer and sociologist David Goldblatt, the author of Injury Time: Football in a State of Emergency to discuss the stakes. With eye-watering ticket prices, is this a World Cup of the super-rich? And how much can Trump really make his mark on the tournament?Plus, David makes his predictions—from the most underrated team to the biggest scandal.To read David’s piece ‘How the world cup took over the planet’, click here or head to prospectmagazine.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ravi Gurumurthy has a plan for Britain 10.06.2026 41λ

  The country feels stuck. But can Britain prosper again? On the Prospect podcast this week, Prospect editor Philip Collins is joined by Ravi Gurumurthy to discuss this question. Ravi is CEO of Nesta, which is a research foundation and “innovation agency”. He is a lead non-executive of the Department for Energy and Net Zero and sits on the board of NHS England. Writing in a personal capacity, he also penned the cover story in this month’s magazine (which you can read in full here.)Phil and Ravi discuss what changes the current government could make to re-energise the country, and debate everything from housing to data. Can the UK get the energy for a transformation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Sarah O’Connor: Should we fight the AI revolution? 03.06.2026 31λ

  Would you want to work with a robot? A new technological revolution is underway—but what that revolution looks like, and where it takes us, is still being determined.This week, Ellen and Alona are joined by Sarah O’Connor, award-winning reporter and associate editor at the Financial Times, whose new book We Are Not Machines charts how AI is shaping the workplace.Sarah shares her experience working alongside robots in an Amazon warehouse in the midlands, visiting a Swedish mine, and learning from the controllers of driverless lorries. She examines the impacts of technology on workers and asks: what makes a bad relationship between a human and a machine—and what makes a good one?She argues that machines will never be able to replace the rich talents of a human—and explains how we can actively shape the future of AI and its impact on us.Sarah's book We Are Not Machines is published by Allen Lane. To read more on this topic, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.