AntiSocial
BBC Radio 4
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AntiSocial is a BBC Radio 4 podcast that explores the culture wars by examining topics generating conflict on social media, blogs, talk shows, and phone-ins. Host Adam Fleming aims to provide understanding, facts, and respect, helping listeners work out what the arguments are really about.
Epizódy
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Why the heat about ADHD? 07.08.2026 53minChannel 4 announces a documentary called 'The Great ADHD Myth?' Lots of people - many of them with ADHD - react angrily, arguing the show's title adds to the stigma and distrust around diagnosing the disorder. The documentary aims to explore the causes of ADHD - some people think that's a conversation we urgently need to have, given growing rates of diagnosis, lengthening waiting lists, and rising benefit claims related to the disorder. We find out how ADHD is defined and diagnosed, ask whether there is any evidence of over-diagnosis, and explore the disorder's history. Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Annabel Deas, Jo Casserly and Simon Tulett Studio manager: Jack Wilfan Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy -
Foreign workers and the birth of the NHS 04.08.2026 11minSome historians suggest the NHS would never have got off the ground without large numbers of overseas staff, but why was there such a reliance in the first place, and when did the backlash begin? Adam Fleming speaks to Andrew Seaton, history researcher at the University of Manchester and author of 'Our NHS: A History of Britain's Best Loved Institution'. -
Foreign workers in the NHS 31.07.2026 53minAn NHS campaign group posts on social media to celebrate the organisation's overseas workers, but there's a backlash from people who think we should have more British-born doctors and nurses. Would the NHS collapse without these foreign workers? We find out how many are employed and ask whether there could ever be enough British-born staff to replace them. The NHS has long relied on foreign workers - we go back to the organisation's beginnings. Plus, where does the NHS fit into the UK's broader immigration row? Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Simon Tulett, Lucy Sheppard and Bob Howard Studio manager: Andy Mills Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy -
The origins of England’s ‘North-South divide’ 28.07.2026 5minThe idea of a North-South divide in England carries weight with many people, but is there any historical basis for it, and how far back does it go? Adam Fleming speaks to James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of England. -
The north-south divide 24.07.2026 53minAndy Burnham's pledge to rebalance power in Britain shines new light on a long-standing divide stretching across England. Some say the new Prime Minister's focus on the north is long overdue, while others argue it's divisive and that the south has its problems too. So how deep does the divide go, and where does it come from? We explore the geology, geography and the history. People from north and south often sound different - we discuss the links between accents and prejudice. And we revisit a TV series that has been instrumental in the way the Prime Minister, and many others, view the north of England.Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Simon Tulett, Mhairi MacKenzie and Lucy Sheppard Studio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy -
How to write an obituary 21.07.2026 5minThe alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe prompted a debate about how we should speak about the dead, after some people came under fire for comments they made in the wake of her passing. When is the right time to bring up criticism of a public figure that’s died, and how do you accurately reflect someone’s life and legacy? To find out, Adam Fleming spoke to Ann Wroe, obituaries editor at The Economist. -
Speaking ill of the dead 17.07.2026 53minThe suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe - and the reaction to it - prompts a debate about what we should and shouldn't say about someone when they die. The former politician was celebrated by some, but pilloried by others for her lifestyle and political views. So is it ever OK to speak ill of the dead and, if so, when and in what way? Plus, we explore the origins of the phrase itself, and speak to an obituary writer about which details to include, and which to leave out.Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Annabel Deas, Mhairi MacKenzie and Simon Tulett Studio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy -
What is ‘Female Dating Strategy’? 14.07.2026 6minAn online community of women, who are wary of men and their relationship motives, has come up with a check-list for finding the perfect partner. Adam Fleming speaks to Sarah Ditum, a journalist and author, about how ‘female dating strategy’ works in practice. -
Pink Pill: Has women's empowerment gone toxic? 10.07.2026 53minA contestant on Love Island prompts debate over her interactions with the men on the reality TV show. Some viewers suggest Jasmine has been "pink-pilled" - a reference to a mindset that sees women's relationships with men as adversarial, and is a reaction to the manosphere. Others think Jasmine shouldn't be vilified for some of the same traits displayed by men on the show, and in real life. We find out what pink pill content is, and where it came from. Plus, how does this mindset play out in real life? We explore female dating strategy. Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Simon Tulett, Mhairi MacKenzie, Annabel Deas and Lizzy McNeill Studio manager: Jack Wilfan Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Richard Vadon -
Air conditioning and the environment 07.07.2026 5minAs UK summers get hotter and heatwaves become more frequent, more people are considering air conditioning as a way to keep cool. But how does air conditioning actually work, and in our efforts to cool down are we harming the planet? Chris Warburton speaks to Rob Gross, director of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) and Professor of Energy Policy and Technology at Imperial College London. -
Is air conditioning irresponsible? 03.07.2026 53minThe recent record-breaking heatwave prompts calls for more air conditioning in the UK, but some argue this could actually make the planet even hotter and obscures the reality of climate change. We find out how and why AC has become such a hot topic and hear what impact it has on climate change. Some say aircon should be a last resort - we hear what other measures people can adopt to keep their homes cooler. And we look back to the long, hot summer of 1976 and find out whether the UK really did just keep calm and carry on.Presenter: Chris Warburton Production team: Simon Tulett, Lucy Sheppard, and Mhairi MacKenzie Studio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy -
What is 'queerbaiting'? 19.05.2026 6minHarry Styles is regularly accused of 'queerbaiting' - from his clothing to his music videos. Actors in the TV shows 'Heated Rivalry' and 'Heartstopper' have faced similar allegations. And people online are debating whether it's okay to make these sorts of claims. But what does 'queerbaiting' mean? Adam Fleming speaks to Justin Bengry, who specialises in Queer History at King's College London. -
Queerbaiting 15.05.2026 53minHarry Styles' new music video prompts allegations of queerbaiting: some say he's appropriating queer culture to sell his music; others argue it's a welcome rewriting of the rules of masculinity. We explore what queerbaiting means, where the term came from, and ask whether it's ever OK to accuse an individual of doing it. The allegation has been levelled at a range of stars, films and TV shows - we take a look at some high-profile examples. Plus, why is there such a large female audience for gay male romance?Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Annabel Deas, Simon Tulett and Ellie House Studio manager: Jack Wilfan Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy -
What is Michael Jackson accused of? 12.05.2026 7minThe new biopic about Michael Jackson has come under fire for not including any of the allegations made against him, but what exactly has the singer been accused of? Rachel McGrath, a freelance culture journalist, gives Adam Fleming a timeline of the alleged victims, the cases, and the outcomes. -
Michael, the movie 08.05.2026 53minMichael - the Michael Jackson biopic - has smashed box office records, but it's also raised questions about the controversial pop star's legacy. Some see the movie as irresponsible propaganda from the singer's estate because it doesn't address the allegations of child sexual abuse made against him - allegations which he repeatedly denied. Others point to the fact that he was never found guilty in a trial, and argue that there is nothing wrong with celebrating his music anyway. We explore what's in the film, what isn't, and why, and get a reminder of the legal cases against the singer and his estate. Plus, is Michael Jackson too big to cancel? Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Simon Tulett, Annabel Deas, Ellie House Studio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Janet Staples Editor: Penny Murphy -
Housing discrimination and positive action 05.05.2026 5minAn investigation by The Telegraph has revealed hundreds of adverts for "Muslim-only" flat and room rentals - sparking debates about housing, discrimination, and whether it's ever okay for minorities to get special treatment when it comes to housing. Many on social media pointed to the case of a housing association specifically for Orthodox Jews that went all the way to the Supreme Court. To explain what the case was, and how the law around it works, Adam Fleming spoke to Sarah Steinhardt, a barrister from Doughty Street Chambers. -
Renting and discrimination 01.05.2026 53minAn investigation by The Telegraph reveals hundreds of adverts advertising "Muslim-only" flat and room rentals. Some say the newspaper's reports, which also uncover other apparent equality breaches, are a worrying sign of unchecked discrimination. Others question the focus on Muslims and argue that some forms of discrimination in renting are understandable, even necessary. We find out what the law says, step back in time to understand the link between property and race in the UK, and look at some housing developments specifically designed for certain groups. Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Simon Tulett, Annabel Deas, Ellie House and Bob Howard Studio manager: Hal Haines Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy -
How much has the Church of England shaped the UK? 28.04.2026 5minAfter a report suggesting a 'quiet revival' of the Christian faith in the UK was withdrawn due to faulty data, people have been debating whether this truly is a Christian country. Some point to statistics showing a steep decline in Christianity. Others say that the institutions and history of the UK have been shaped by the Church of England. To learn more about the influence of the established church, Adam Fleming speaks to Linda Woodhead, Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Kings College London. -
Is the UK a Christian country? 24.04.2026 53minA report by a Christian charity, suggesting a surge in churchgoing is withdrawn due to faulty data, but some Christians in the UK still believe in the finding that there is a 'quiet revival'. Others point to recent data showing the steep decline in Christianity. We get into the story of the report and ask whether data and our institutions can tell us just how Christian the UK really is.Presenter: Adam Fleming Production team: Annabel Deas, Simon Tulett and Ellie House Studio manager: Andrew Mills Production coordinator: Gemma Ashman Editor: Penny Murphy -
Body positivity 21.04.2026 6minUltra-thin appears to be back on trend for Hollywood stars and other A-listers, some aided by weight-loss drugs. It’s led some to ask whether ‘body positivity’ is dead, but what does that term mean and how much success did the movement behind it have anyway? Adam Fleming speaks to Viren Swami, professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University.
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