Ben Yeoh Chats

Jan 12 2025 73 ep. 74 mins 20

Ben Yeoh Chats Podcast artwork

Ben Yeoh chats to a variety of thinkers and doers about their curiosities, ideas and passions. If you are curious about the world this show is for you. I have extended conversations across humanities and science with artists, philosophers, writers, theatre makers, activists, economists and all walks of life. Disclaimer: Personal podcast, no organisational affiliation or endorsement.

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Daisy Christodoulou: Football, VAR Video Assisted Referee, Education, and the Art of Learning

Jan 12 2025 75 mins

Daisy Christodoulou is an acclaimed author in the field of education. Daisy has also written a book on video assisted refereeing (VAR) in football. We discuss being a football fan, VAR's impact on the sport, and the controversial decision-making processes involved. We speak about how VAR might have improved other sports but has mixed results in football. We suggest what technology

Peter Gray: Transforming Education, Play, Parenting and Self-Directed Learning

Nov 01 2024 75 mins

Peter Gray is a psychologist and author of Free to Learn. For many years, he has been studying the importance of play. Gray discusses his perspective on the ideal education system, which he believes should be a bottom-up movement rather than a top-down imposition. He emphasizes the importance of self-directed education where children have the freedom to follow their curiosity and

Julia Garayo Willemyns: Policy Ideas, Progress, Growth, AI, Talent, human flourishing

Oct 18 2024 63 mins

Julia Garayo Willemyns is a startup founder and co-director of the think tank UK Day One, which focuses on advancing UK policy for long-term growth and progress. Transcript and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2024/10/18/julia-garayo-willemyns-policy-ideas-progress-growth-ai-talent-podcast Julia shares her thoughts on overlooked policies that could significantly

Julian Gough: Minecraft End Poem, Evolution Of The Universe, Being Creative, working in public, writing childrens' books

Sep 20 2024 75 mins

Julian Gough is an award-winning writer and musician. We explore the breadth of his creative journey, from crafting the 'End Poem' in Minecraft to writing children's books and rock band experiences. Transcript and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/9/20/julian-gough-minecraft-end-poem-evolution-of-the-universe-being-creative-podcast We discuss his lates

Ruth Chang: How to make Hard Choices, philosophy, agency and commitment

Aug 02 2024 54 mins

Ruth Chang is a prominent philosopher known for her work in decision theory, practical reason, and moral philosophy. She is currently a professor at the University of Oxford, holding the Chair of Jurisprudence. She is well known for her theory of "hard choices," where she argues that many choices are not determined by objective reasons but instead involve values that are

Hansong Li: China, political economy, intellectual history, Tangut and Hamilton, the Musical

Jun 14 2024 74 mins

Hansong Li is a political theorist and historian of political, economic, and legal thought. We discussed a breadth of topics ranging from the Tangut language, Eastern philosophy, development economics, to modern political ideologies and cultural expressions. Hansong’s insights shed light on historical contexts while drawing connections to contemporary issues. The conversation del

Rasheed Griffith: Progress, Caribbean, Policy, Food, Music, Talent Assessment, Culture

May 14 2024 69 mins

Rasheed Griffith discusses the factors impeding progress in the Caribbean and shares his optimism for the region. He identifies the decline in public sector quality since the 1960s as a major obstacle. Transcript and links here. Griffith suggests that reforming the public sector could significantly advance the Caribbean by attracting international talent and improving policy impl

Henry Oliver: Late Bloomers, Second Act, Hidden Talent, Biography, John Stuart Mill

Apr 19 2024 81 mins

A conversation with Henry Oliver, author of 'A Second Act', exploring the concept of late bloomers. Transcript here. Oliver elaborates on societal pressures, hidden talents, and how these impact individual successes at various life stages, advocating for a broader recognition of potential beyond conventional timelines. The dialogue includes themes such as the significance

Alyssa Gilbert: Climate Tech Innovation, Policy, Technology

Mar 01 2024 47 mins

Alyssa Gilbert, the director of the Center for Climate Change Innovation at the Grantham Institute, talks about the current gaps in climate technology investments. She discusses her research into areas that are currently underfunded, including transport and energy. She also covers the importance of energy efficiency, especially in relation to the built environment. Alyssa emphasize

Garrett Graff: Aliens, Mysteries Of UFOs, Watergate, 9/11, Government Trust

Feb 14 2024 54 mins

Garrett Graff, a writer and historian who specializes in 'near history', discusses his book, 'UFO', about the US government's search for alien life. He touches upon how we often misunderstand UFO sightings, suggesting they could be due to a mix of physical anomalies and governmental or adversary secret flight technologies. Graff also shares his belief in the pos