Radical with Amol Rajan
News & Politics
About
Conversations about tomorrow, from Today.Every week Amol Rajan talks to radicals, pioneers and innovators from all over the world. From populism and climate change, to economics and AI... How can their radical ideas help you win the future?Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent.Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan will be published on Thursdays on BBC Sounds. It will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Thursdays...
Episodes
- The Rise of the Femosphere: Who Are the Women Giving Up on Men? (Dr Jilly Kay)
Dr Jilly Kay joins guest host Eliza Filby on Radical with Amol Rajan to discuss the increasing polarization between genders, particularly the concept of the "femosphere," where online communities may encourage negative views of men. They e…
- What Are the Tech Billionaires Really Like? (Your Radical Questions with Reid Hoffman)
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and an early AI investor, joins Amol Rajan to discuss the responsibilities of tech leaders, the political impact of technology on the working class, the potential for AI to be used maliciously, and his…
- The Jobs Revolution: Is AI Working for You? (Reid Hoffman)
Amol Rajan is joined by Reid Hoffman to discuss the impact of AI in the workplace. They also cover whether billionaires should pay more tax, and Hoffman's past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
- Is AI Coming for Your Job? (Your Radical Questions with Matt Clifford)
Amol Rajan and Matt Clifford discuss the impact of AI on employment, societal risks, and the UK government's approach to AI development. They cover topics such as capitalism, creativity, universal basic income, and inequality.
- Going for Growth: Can We Make Britain Wealthy Again? (Matt Clifford)
On "Radical with Amol Rajan," Matt Clifford, co-founder of Entrepreneurs First, discusses his idea to make Britain wealthy again through economic growth, specifically by adopting AI and backing entrepreneurs. He and Amol Rajan explore the…
- How Can More Women Become Business Leaders? (Your Radical Questions with Emma Grede)
Amol Rajan and Emma Grede discuss how more women can become business leaders, covering topics like opportunity, motivation, and the role of dyslexia. Emma Grede is known as the co-founder of Skims and Good American.
- Taking Responsibility: Are We Thinking About Success and Ambition All Wrong? (Emma Grede)
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, Emma Grede challenges traditional views on work-life balance, money, motherhood, and success, arguing for focus and relentless effort. She shares her journey building global businesses, including…
- Why Are Young People Abandoning the Political Centre? (Your Radical Questions with Adrian Wooldridge)
Amol Rajan and Adrian Wooldridge discuss the abandonment of the political center by young people and the challenges facing centrism. They explore individualism, societal changes, and strategies for engaging young people in the political ce…
- Reclaiming the Centre: Is the Old Political Order Dead? (Adrian Wooldridge)
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, Adrian Wooldridge argues that liberalism, despite being under threat from populist movements and identity politics, is the best ideology for the future. He stresses the need for radical steps to…
- Can Technology Rescue Reading? (Your Radical Questions with James Marriott)
Amol Rajan and James Marriott discuss whether technology can encourage reading, the impact of social media, and the potential consequences of losing our connection to imaginary worlds in books. James Marriott's Radio 4 series "How Reading…
- The Reading Recession: Are We Making Ourselves Less Intelligent? (James Marriott)
In this episode, James Marriott explores the idea that the decline of deep reading, influenced by digital screens, could affect critical thinking and democratic engagement. He suggests that a less literate public might be more susceptible…
- Could All Government Decisions Be Made Through an App? (Your Radical Questions with Hélène Landemore)
Professor Hélène Landemore discusses her vision for replacing electoral politics with citizen-led democracy. She answers questions on app-based referendum systems and how to persuade politicians to embrace open democracy. The episode also…
- Rethinking Democracy: Would Citizens Do a Better Job than Politicians? (Hélène Landemore)
Amol Rajan and Yale political theorist Hélène Landemore discuss her argument to revive citizen-led governance. They explore why current electoral systems may not fully represent diversity and present a roadmap for "open democracy," address…
- Who Is Responsible For Over-Medicalisation? (Your Radical Questions with Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan)
Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan, author of "The Age of Diagnosis," answers questions about her book, over-medicalisation, implications for women who are under-diagnosed, and how she handles criticism of her work. Amol Rajan hosts the podcast.
- Over-Diagnosis: Are Too Many People Being Given Medical Labels? (Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan)
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, Dr. Suzanne O’Sullivan discusses her concerns about over-diagnosis and the potential negative impacts of medical labels. She explains how advances in medical screening have led to the over-detect…
- Should Former Colonial Powers Pay Reparations? (Your Radical Questions with Simukai Chigudu)
Simukai Chigudu, author of ‘Chasing Freedom: Coming of Age at the End of Empire’ and associate professor of African politics at Oxford University, discusses reparations for slavery and decolonising the curriculum. He answers listener quest…
- The Legacy of Empire: How to Reckon with the Past (Simukai Chigudu)
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, Simukai Chigudu discusses the legacy of empire, the Rhodes Must Fall campaign, decolonizing the curriculum, and reparations for slavery. He shares his experiences and academic insights on these t…
- Do Polls Influence Public Opinion? (Your Radical Questions with James Kanagasooriam)
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, pollster James Kanagasooriam answers questions on the influence of opinion polls on public opinion. He also discusses social mobility and global instability.
- Taking Back Control: Why ‘Agency’ Could Be The Next Big Idea In Politics (James Kanagasooriam)
James Kanagasooriam explains how voter powerlessness shapes politics. He suggests that "agency," or a sense of control over one's life, influences voting patterns and could address political problems.
- Does Marriage Need Modernising? (Your Radical Questions with Ed Davies)
Ed Davies, research director at the Centre for Social Justice, discusses modern family life, relationships, and the challenges faced by young men in work and education. He also examines the impact of economic pressures on marriage rates an…
- The Decline of Marriage: Why We Need to Prioritise Family Life (Ed Davies)
Ed Davies, research director at the Centre for Social Justice, examines the decline of marriage rates in the UK and its consequences for family stability and society. He argues for modernizing marriage and adopting policies that promote fa…
- How Can Families Limit the Ultra‑Processed Foods Their Kids Eat? (Your Radical Questions with Thomasina Miers)
Thomasina Miers answers questions about children's meals, hospitality careers, and cooking education. She also talks about worm salt.
- Health and Hospitality: When Does Food Stop Being Food? (Thomasina Miers)
Thomasina Miers, founder of Wahaca restaurants, discusses ultra-processed foods and reforms for Britain's food system with Amol Rajan. She challenges the classification of ultra-processed products as "food" and evaluates the state of the U…
- Is Capitalism Holding Back Social Mobility? (Your Radical Questions with Joe Seddon)
Joe Seddon, founder of Zero Gravity, addresses questions on social mobility in the UK, youth unemployment, and the future of work with Amol Rajan. They discuss the role of volunteering and potential changes due to AI.
- Social Mobility: How to Break the Link Between Background and Opportunity (Joe Seddon)
Joe Seddon and Amol Rajan discuss social mobility in the UK, focusing on barriers faced by young people and the role of geography in opportunity. Seddon shares his perspective as the founder of Zero Gravity, a platform connecting individua…
- Can A ‘Repair Not Replace’ Culture Be Revived In Fashion? (Your Radical Questions with Josephine Philips)
Josephine Philips answers questions on fast fashion, manufacturing, and the repair economy. She discusses investment in repairs by big retailers and the need to manufacture more clothing in the UK.
- Consumer Culture: Why We Need to Buy Less (Josephine Philips)
Josephine Philips joins Amol Rajan to discuss consumer culture and the impact of the fashion industry. They explore issues like exploitative labor, overflowing landfills, and the rise of second-hand shopping. Philips shares practical steps…
- How Do We Reduce Political Polarisation Online? (Your Radical Questions with Jonathan Haidt)
Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, addresses questions on social media, its impact on political debate, and the risks of online platform restrictions. He also discusses the changing nature of political discourse due to techn…
- Social Media Bans: Are We at a Global Turning Point? (Jonathan Haidt)
Jonathan Haidt discusses the campaign to ban social media for under-16s and the global impact of his book, "The Anxious Generation." He explores whether technology is making people "stupider" and how parents can reduce their child’s smartp…
- Will There Be a Revolt Against AI Music? (Your Radical Questions with Panos A. Panay)
Panos A. Panay, president of the Grammy Awards and Recording Academy, answers questions regarding AI music, government support for musicians, and the redirection of artist royalties. He also explores the possibility of an AI-free music pla…
- The Night Manager: How to Make Great British Drama (Simon Cornwell)
Simon Cornwell, executive producer and son of John le Carré, talks with Amol Rajan about the revival of "The Night Manager." They discuss adapting le Carré's work for a new generation and the differences in producing for linear TV versus s…
- Inside the Music Business: The Grammys President on the Fight to Protect Artists (Panos A. Panay)
Panos A. Panay, President of The Recording Academy, discusses challenges in the music industry including artificial intelligence and streaming. He shares his perspective on how to protect artists and maintain fair compensation in a rapidly…
- What Does It Take to Become a Foster Carer? (Your Radical Questions with Louise Allen)
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, Louise Allen answers questions about fostering, including the rewards and challenges, and discusses a new government strategy to help foster carers expand their properties. The episode explores w…
- Children in Care: How to Fix the Fostering Crisis (Louise Allen)
Amol Rajan and foster carer Louise Allen discuss the fostering crisis in England. They explore reasons for the crisis, the need for honesty about caring for vulnerable children, and strategies to retain foster carers, such as practical sup…
- How Will The Shift To Green Energy Reshape Global Politics? (Your Radical Questions with Professor Helen Thompson)
Professor Helen Thompson, an expert on oil and global politics, answers questions about Europe’s energy security and the geopolitical impact of shifting to renewable energies. She explains how moving away from gas and oil towards electrici…
- Trump v China: How Oil Is Defining Great Power Politics (Professor Helen Thompson)
Professor Helen Thompson joins Amol Rajan to discuss how oil is fueling competition between the US and China, reshaping global power politics. They explore Europe's ability to decouple from the US and the threat national debt poses to West…
- Are You In a Social Media Echo Chamber? (Your Radical Questions with Louisa Munch)
Louisa Munch, an academic and social media influencer, answers questions on topics including social media algorithms, left-wing politics, and critical thinking skills in education. She also addresses her support for free university educati…
- Knowledge and Nostalgia: Why a University Education Should Be Free (Louisa Munch)
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, Amol Rajan speaks with Louisa Munch about the value of a university education. Louisa Munch argues that higher education should be free, emphasizing the importance of knowledge over job acquisiti…
- Can Donald Trump Be Compared To Julius Caesar? (Your Radical Questions with Tom Holland)
Tom Holland joins Amol Rajan to answer listener questions. He discusses the comparison of American presidents to Julius Caesar, the state of Britain, and his definition of "radical." He also addresses a question about playing cricket.
- Radical History: Greek Gods, Roman Emperors and Religion (with Tom Holland from The Rest Is History)
Tom Holland joins Amol Rajan to discuss radical history, the influence of Christianity, and his interest in Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. He also talks about the success of his podcast, "The Rest Is History."
- Radical Essay: How Is Technology Changing Our Lives? (A 2025 Review)
Amol Rajan discusses the impact of technology on human life, considering whether it enhances or degrades our species. This episode reflects on insights gained from guests on the "Radical" podcast during 2025.
- What Do You Think About AI Using Your Writing? (Your Radical Questions with Naomi Alderman)
Author Naomi Alderman answers listener questions about her non-fiction book, the use of her writing to train AI models, and provides details about her upcoming novel, 'The Strangers'.
- Information Crisis: Why Social Media Bans Aren't The Answer (Naomi Alderman)
Naomi Alderman discusses the digital age as a "third information crisis" with Amol Rajan. She suggests solutions for online regulation and emphasizes real-world human connection. Naomi also shares how therapy has helped her and her move in…
- Should School Meals Be Plant-Based? (Your Radical Questions with Jamie Oliver)
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, Jamie Oliver answers questions on obesity, an inclusive education system, and plant-based school meals. The discussion also touches on the quality of food in French versus British supermarkets.
- Jamie Oliver: Obesity and Debt are Killing Britain
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, Jamie Oliver discusses diet-related illness, debt, and educational reform. He shares his views on food, financial literacy, and supporting neurodiverse children, reflecting on his own experiences…
- What Do We Do About Young Men and Porn? (Your Radical Questions with Jordan Stephens)
In this episode of Your Radical Questions, musician and campaigner Jordan Stephens addresses questions about pornography and masculinity. He shares his reasons for turning down an invitation to a Downing Street reception.
- Porn and Masculinity: How to Teach Kids about Sex and Relationships (Jordan Stephens)
In this episode of Radical with Amol Rajan, Jordan Stephens discusses online pornography, masculinity, and sex education. He talks about his childhood, fame, and addiction, and advocates for boys and men.
- Will Conservation Become More Mainstream? (Your Radical Questions with Chris Packham)
Chris Packham answers questions on wildlife conservation, consumerism, and his stance on trail hunting. He also touches on his experiences with autism during childhood.
- A War on Climate Change: Are Environmental Activists Losing The Fight? (Chris Packham)
Amol Rajan interviews Chris Packham about confronting climate change. They discuss the need for government action, individual responsibility, and the challenges faced by environmental activists.
- How Good Is Vertical Farming? (Your Radical Questions with James Rebanks)
In this episode, farmer and author James Rebanks addresses listener questions about vertical farming, supporting British farmers, sheep farming, and reducing obesity in the UK. He also shares his personal experiences with education and att…