Borders, Politics, and the State of the World

Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show! This week, we’re tracing lines—political, personal, and poetic—as we examine how borders, behaviours, and the body shape our place in the world. First, Kevin speaks with political journalist and bestselling author Jonn Elledge, whose book A History of the World in 47 Borders explores how the lines drawn through history continue to define our present. From colonial maps to the Canada–US border, Jonn unpacks the strange power of straight lines—and what they reveal about war, power, and human invention.  Then, in our Parish Notices, we unplug from the algorithm and ask: how are people breaking digital habits to reconnect with the real world? From phone-free hikes to London’s rapidly growing Offline Club, we share ideas—and stories—from those reclaiming their attention, one notification at a time. Next up, it’s a new Neuro Nugget from our in-house brain-whisperer Archie. This week, he explores interoception—the science of feeling your own body—and how tuning into your heartbeat, breath, or muscle tension might be the key to emotional wellbeing. And finally, poet Nehassaiu deGannes returns with three mesmerising pieces. Through memory and the rhythm of water, she draws us into deeper stillness—rooted in history, and the ground we stand on. For a peek behind the scenes and more info on our fantastic guests, sign up for our free Periodical at thebigsmokevariety.com. Thanks for listening. We’ll see you soon—in The Big Smoke! -- Links Jonn Elledge in The New Statesman Jonn Elledge's Substack Newsletter ‘A History of the World in 47 Borders’ Guardian - Phone Detox Article Business Insider - Phone Free Trek Article Economic Times - London ‘Offline’ Nights Article The Offline Club Learn more about Archie's work Nehassaiu's Book of Poetry Maple Leaf Answer -- Chapters (00:00) A note from Kevin (1:29) Intro – Today’s Episode (2:57) Maple Leaf or Make Believe (4:16) Jonn Elledge Interview (49:26) Parish Notices (54:32) Archie’s Neuro Nugget (56:29) Nehassaiu deGannes Poetry (1:06:29) Maple Leaf or Make Believe Answer (1:07:39) Outro -- Credits Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett Produced & Edited by Alex Graham Assistant Produced by Adam Wright Original music by Giles Terera Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins Thank you to Kieron, Maddie & Andy for their contributions