Transforming Society podcast

Dec 10 2024 127 ep. 36 mins 41

Transforming Society podcast artwork

Brought to you by Bristol University Press and Policy Press, the Transforming Society podcast brings you conversations with our authors around social justice and global social challenges.We get to grips with the story their research tells, with a focus on the specific ways in which it could transform society for the better.
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Are zoos an anachronism in the 21st century?

Dec 10 2024 34 mins

Many of us have fond memories of going to the zoo as children, but zoo critics are vocal in their condemnation of keeping animals in captivity, believing there can be no such thing as a good zoo. Are the goals of entertainment, conservation, education and research more often in conflict than harmony? And are they ultimately irreconcilable with concern for animal welfare?In thi

Austerity: The silent killer

Dec 03 2024 45 mins

Life expectancy is about more than just health – it’s about the kind of society we live in. In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with David Walsh and Gerry McCartney, co-authors of 'Social Murder?: Austerity and Life Expectancy in the UK', about the monumental impact austerity has had, and continues to have, on life expectancy. They discuss the real-life stories of pe

PODCAST: How economics left the real world behind

Nov 19 2024 50 mins

Modern economics often credits Adam Smith as its cornerstone, but another key figure, David Ricardo, has shaped our world in ways we rarely examine. Ricardo, the wealthiest stock trader of his day, developed the theory of comparative advantage, a concept that helped justify globalisation but concealed deeper ties to power, empire and slavery.In this episode, Jess Miles speaks

The problem with counterterrorism

Nov 12 2024 36 mins

The budget and resources that have been dedicated to combatting terrorism this century are staggering. But has it worked?In this episode, George Miller talks to Leonie B. Jackson, author of 'What is Counterterrorism for?', about the exceptional measures that states have taken in recent decades – such as detention without trial and targeted killing – in reaction to terrorist thr

Viral masculinity and the far right: Karen Lee Ashcraft on gender in the US Election

Oct 29 2024 58 mins

As the US election approaches, MSNBC notes that the question of “what it means to be a man” is now a defining theme. In this episode, Jess Miles and Karen Lee Ashcraft revisit Karen's concept of 'viral masculinity' — a powerful current of aggrieved manhood fuelling far-right ideologies worldwide. They explore the manosphere, the online ecosystem where this resentment tak

What can business learn from the Moomins?

Oct 22 2024 39 mins

Generosity, rooted in love, courage and equality, shapes the Moomin ethos, underpinning not just the brand, but the business.In this episode, Jess Miles speaks with Paul Savage and Janne Tienari, co-authors of 'Moomin Management: Redefining Generosity', about what business can learn from Tove Jansson's beloved troll creatures.They discuss the Moomin principles for businesses around

The Black PhD experience

Oct 09 2024 54 mins

A compelling discussion on the challenges faced by Black PhD students in academia. Guests William Ackah and Madina Wane, co-editors of 'The Black PhD Experience', offer a nuanced exploration of the lived experiences of Black scholars.Through personal narratives the book examines systemic barriers, microaggressions, the psychological toll faced by Black students and the strategies t

Critical race theory and the search for truth

Sep 24 2024 54 mins

Critical race theory has been problematised and demonised over the years but it has great potential for societal change.In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Rodney D. Coates, author of 'Critical Race Theory and the Search for Truth', about what critical race theory is and why it has found itself in the crosshairs of white nationalists.They discuss the truths we often don't hea

Modern Slavery in Society

Sep 04 2024 30 mins

Despite economic development, modern slavery persists all around the world. The issue is not only one of crime but the regulation of the economy, better welfare, and social protections.In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Sylvia Walby and Karen Shire, authors of 'Trafficking Chains: Modern Slavery in Society', about this growing global issue.They discuss what trafficking chain

What diplomacy means in the real world

Aug 20 2024 40 mins

The life of a diplomat may seem far flung and unrelatable but, beyond the cocktails and canapes, there are ideas that can help us understand and work on social issues, such as increasing polarisation, and lessons to help us support ourselves.In this episode, Leigh Turner, author of 'Lessons in Diplomacy’ and former British ambassador who led posts in Ukraine, Turkey and Austria,