PODCAST · arts
Ben Yeoh Chats
by Benjamin Yeoh
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.
Episodes
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Alex Edmans: When Are Markets Really Irrational?
When is the market genuinely irrational, and when have you simply failed to understand what the market understands? Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School and author of The Madness of Markets, joins me to talk about market psychology, stories, bubbles and what behavioural...
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Fuchsia Dunlop: Five Tastes, Chinese Cooking, Flavour and Balance
Fuchsia Dunlop returns to the podcast to discuss Five Tastes: The Magic of Flavour in the Chinese Kitchen. We explore how Chinese cooking thinks about taste, balance and texture: from běnwèi, the essential flavour of an ingredient, and xiānwèi, umami, to qīngdàn, the light, understated dishes…
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Soumaya Keynes: How to Win a Trade War — Tariffs, China and Industrial Policy
Soumaya Keynes joins Ben Yeoh to discuss How to Win a Trade War, co-written with Chad Bown, and what countries should do when economic conflict can no longer be avoided. They explore the weakening of the WTO system, supply-chain vulnerabilities, strategic stockpiles, tariffs, China’s economic…
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Matt Lodder on Tattoos as Art History
Art historian and author Matt Lodder joins Ben Yeoh to explain why tattoo history is not a niche subject, but a way into art history, class, colonialism, gender, fashion, technology, archives, and the stories societies choose to preserve or forget. Matt argues that tattoos have often been...
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Brian Wang on Innate Immunity, ARIA and Pandemic Preparedness
What if medicine could protect us against many respiratory viruses at once? In this episode of Ben Yeoh Chats, Ben speaks with Brian Wang, Programme Director at ARIA, the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency. Brian leads ARIA’s Sustained Viral Resilience programme, which is exploring…
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Dan Wang on Silicon Valley Culture, AI Hype, London’s Building Crisis, and China
Dan Wang joins Ben Yeoh for a conversation about culture, ambition, and what different societies choose to value. They discuss why Silicon Valley can feel thinner-skinned and less culturally alive than it once did, why London remains rich in artistic life but struggles to build homes,...
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Phoebe Arslanagić-Little: Fertility, Family Policy, and the Birth Gap
Why are people having fewer children than they say they want? In this episode, writer and policy thinker Phoebe Arslanagić-Little joins me to discuss the UK fertility crisis and what she calls the “birth gap”: the gap between the number of children people say they want and the number they…
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Salima Saxton: Cancer, Estrangement, and “Bad Patient” Honesty
Salima Saxton on cancer, honesty, estrangement, and creative work in real life. Salima is Ben’s longtime friend, and they talk about her cancer diagnosis and what she calls an unexpected new “year of undoing”, a return to herself rather than a neat reinvention story. “Be the sky, not the weather....
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Simon Kane: Disneyland, Punchdrunk, Shunt; What “Immersive” Really Means
Is walking around a fake bathroom really “immersive” theatre, or is a theme park the more honest art form? Ben sits down with Simon Kane, writer and performer whose work spans Shunt’s devised theatre, BBC radio comedy (John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme), and a lockdown project performing...
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Deena Mousa: How Much Is A Life Worth? Effective Philanthropy, AI For Good & Global Health
How do you put a price tag on a human life? It sounds like a cold question, but for grant makers, it is the necessary calculus of doing good. In this episode, Ben sits down with Deena Mousa (Open Philanthropy, Coefficient Giving) to discuss the difficult frameworks used to allocate finite...
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Hannah Ritchie On Climate Honesty, Hope, And The Future. Discussing her book Clearing The Air.
Hannah Ritchie — one of the most lucid and data-driven voices in climate and sustainability — returns to talk about her new book Clearing the Air: 50 Questions and Answers about Climate. Ben and Hannah explore why honesty builds trust in climate science, why the 1.5 °C target is likely out of…
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Robert Beckley: Lessons from 40 Years in Policing, Hillsborough & Civic Service
Retired police officer Robert Beckley reflects on 40 years of service — from Brixton to Hillsborough and beyond. We discuss crisis response, institutional change, community policing, and why public service and volunteering still matter today. We explore: The misunderstood role of policing:...
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Do We Still Build Beautiful? Samuel Hughes on Architecture & Cities
Samuel Hughes, editor at Works in Progress, joins me to talk architecture, planning, and how we think about beauty in our cities. “Most buildings in Tokyo are ugly, but the streets are beautiful—urban form matters more than facades.” In this episode we explore: Can we still mass-produce beautiful...
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Tim Mak: War Reporting in Ukraine
Tim Mak moved to Ukraine in 2022, a day before war broke out. Tim, a former US investigative correspondent, decided to stay and start up his own reporting at Counter Offensive. He now reports from Kyiv. On the podcast, Tim discusses the day-to-day life in war-torn Kyiv, focusing on the chronic...
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Françoise Girard: Feminism, Activism, and the Power of Storytelling
Françoise Girard is an activist and founder of Feminism Makes Us Smarter. We discuss Francois' journey from studying law in Montreal to becoming a feminist activist in New York. Francois shares experiences from her work with the Open Society Institute and the International Women's Health…
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Sumit Paul-Choudhury: Optimism, Navigating Life's Challenges And Uncertainties
Sumit discusses how his wife dying reshaped his views on optimism, differentiating between pragmatic optimism and blind faith. He explores how having an optimistic outlook, although seemingly against his scientific training, aligns with good mental health. "Believing in a better tomorrow is not…
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Samir Varma: Free Will, Physics, Traffic, Bees, Emotions, Chaos Theory, Cricket, Finance
Samir Varma is a physicist, investor, and author of the book: The Science of Free Will, How Determinism Affects Everything from the Future of AI to Traffic to God to Bees.' We discuss AI consciousness, the theoretical versus practical aspects of free will, and how determinism informs our...
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Mary-Ann Ochota: Adventure, Resilience, Unveiling Hidden Histories, Archeology And The Ancient World
Mary-Ann Ochota is a broadcaster, anthropologist, and writer known for her work on Time Team and books on archaeology and the British landscape. “Archaeology is ultimately about people – the stories of people in the past and how they lived their lives.” Mary-Ann discusses her visits to Chernobyl,...
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Rebecca Lowe: Exploring Freedom, Moral Philosophy, Technology And The Best Society
Political philosopher Rebecca Lowe discusses her views on freedom, equality, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. Currently writing a book titled 'Freedom in Utopia,' Rebecca delves into philosophical debates concerning obligations to extinct animals, the ethics of eating meat,...
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Daisy Christodoulou: Football, VAR Video Assisted Referee, Education, and the Art of Learning
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…
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Peter Gray: Transforming Education, Play, Parenting and Self-Directed Learning
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...
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Julia Garayo Willemyns: Policy Ideas, Progress, Growth, AI, Talent, human flourishing
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:...
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Julian Gough: Minecraft End Poem, Evolution Of The Universe, Being Creative, working in public, writing childrens' books
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:...
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Ruth Chang: How to make Hard Choices, philosophy, agency and commitment
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...
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Hansong Li: China, political economy, intellectual history, Tangut and Hamilton, the Musical
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...
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Rasheed Griffith: Progress, Caribbean, Policy, Food, Music, Talent Assessment, Culture
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…
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Henry Oliver: Late Bloomers, Second Act, Hidden Talent, Biography, John Stuart Mill
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...
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Alyssa Gilbert: Climate Tech Innovation, Policy, Technology
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…
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Garrett Graff: Aliens, Mysteries Of UFOs, Watergate, 9/11, Government Trust
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...
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Hannah Ritchie: Not the End of the World, sustainability, climate, progress
In this in-depth conversation, data scientist and researcher Hannah Ritchie delves into key insights from her new book 'Not The End of The World', which challenges the pervasive idea that human society is doomed due to environmental degradation. She explores various environmental problems,...
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Hana Loftus: Architecture, Regeneration, Planning, Resilience, Design, Jaywick Sands
Hana Loftus is a co-founder of HAT Projects. HAT are award winning architects, planners and enablers for the built environment. Projects include: London’s Science Museum Smith Centre, transformation of Trinity Works (a disused church), Ely Museum, Jerwood gallery and Jaywick Sands’ Sunspot. As…
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Lucy Easthope: Disaster Recovery, Risk, Hope, Planning, Memoir, When The Dust Settles
Lucy Easthope is a professor, lecturer and leading authority on emergency planning and recovering from disaster. Lucy has advised on major disasters over the last decades including the 2004 tsunami, 9/11, the Salisbury poisonings, Grenfell, and the Covid pandemic and most recently the war in...
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Nina Gené: Venture Philanthropy, Jasmine Social Investments, Impact Investing
Nina Gené is CEO of Jasmine Social Investments. Nina leads Jasmine’s investment strategy and diligence process, guiding the team to identify and support the next generation of great social entrepreneurs. Jasmine funds high-performing social ventures and outstanding social entrepreneurs who are...
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Pen Vogler: Food History, Culture, Class, Strawberries, Sugar, Industrialisation, Eating Habits
Pen Vogler is a food historian. Her latest book is Stuffed: A History of Good Food and Hard Times in Britain. Her previous books include work on food in the life and works of Dickens and Jane Austen - Dinner with Dickens: and Dinner with Mr Darcy. In the podcast, Ben and Pen discuss various…
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Joanne Limburg: Autism, Feminism, Motherhood, Grief, Writing, Jewishness, Letters to my Weird Sisters
Joanne Limburg is an award-winning British writer known for her poetry, novels, and memoirs. In the podcast, she discusses her latest book Letters to My Weird Sisters: On Autism, Feminism, and Motherhood, in which she feels a kinship with historical female figures and addresses letters to them....
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Fuchsia Dunlop: Chinese Cuisine, Culture, History, Philosophy, Knife skills, Texture and Mouthfeel
Fuchsia Dunlop is a cook and food writer specialising in Chinese cuisine. She was the first Westerner to train as a chef at the Sichuan Institute of Higher Cuisine, and has spent much of the last two decades exploring China and its food. In her latest book, Invitation to a Banquet, Fuchsia…
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Fergus Butler-Gallie: priesthood, frocks, scouse, faith, Liverpool, and Mummified Hearts
Fergus Butler-Gallie is a priest and writer. His latest book, Touching Cloth, is a memoir on his time as a priest in Liverpool. We cover many topics relating to Fergus's life, work, and perspectives on faith and the Church of England. I also ask him what he would do with the Church of England if…
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David Edmonds: Derek Parfit, future selves, paradox, effective altruism, philosophy, biography
David Edmonds is a philosopher, writer, podcaster and presenter. His most recent book is a biography of Derek Parfit. Parfit: A philosopher and his mission to save morality. “Derek was perhaps the most important philosopher of his era. This scintillating and insightful portrait of him is one of…
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David Ruebain: disability, protest movements, law, equality, inclusion, interdependence
David Ruebain is one of the most thoughtful thinkers I know on disability, equality and the law. He is currently a Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Sussex with strategic responsibility for Culture, Equality and Inclusion including dignity and respect. He is an adviser to the football...
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Jennifer Doleac: reducing crime, policing, justice, policy
Jennifer Doleac studies the economics of crime and discrimination. In July 2023, Jenn will join Arnold Ventures as the Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice. We chat about trends and causes of crime. How guns, drugs and policing interact with crime trends. …there was this huge increase in...
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Patrick House: Neuroscience and Understanding Consciousness
Patrick House is a neuroscientist and writer. His research focused on the neuroscience of free will and in particular how mind-control parasites altered a rat’s behaviour. We once had a long chat on the rainy streets of Glasgow. This chat – which I may not fully recall – involved speaking on what...
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Chris Stark: 2023, Climate Policy, NetZero, Adaptation, Heating, Buildings, Incentives
Chris Stark is the Chief Executive of the UK’s Climate Change Committee. The committee is an independent statutory body which advises the UK and the devolved governments on emissions targets and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change. I think he is one of the most important…
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Jade O'Brien: stock broker to teacher, reflections on finance and education, women in finance
Jade O’Brien was a stock broker (equity sales) for over 7 years. She then retrained as a teacher and has taught in both the state sector and the private sector in the UK. Jade used to pitch me stock ideas and speak about the investment world. I was very curious on why she decided to change…
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Kanjun Qiu: AI, metascience, institutional knowledge, trauma models, structure of knowledge, creativity and dance
Kanjun is co-founder and CEO of Generally Intelligent, an AI research company. She works on metascience ideas often with Michael Nielsen, a previous podcast guest. She’s a VC investor and co-hosts her own podcast for Generally Intelligent. She is part of building the Neighborhood, which is...
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Florence Evans: Mud Larking, Art Collecting, Dealing and Curating
Florence Evans is an art dealer, historian, curator, collector and mud larker. We chat on what does mudlarking tell us about history ? What does art tell us about being human ? …we mustn't forget is that ultimately there's a real human connection with beauty. So conceptual art aside which serves…
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Michael Nielsen: metascience, how to improve science, open science, and decentralisation
Michael Nielsen is a scientist at the Astera Institute. He helped pioneer quantum computing and the modern open science movement. He is a leading thinker on the topic of meta science and how to improve science, in particular, the social processes of science. His latest co-authored work is ‘A…
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Saloni Dattani: making science better, important questions in science, open science, reforming peer review, vaccines and optimism.
Saloni Dattani is a founding editor at Works in Progress, a researcher at Our World in Data and a commissioning editor at Stripe Press. She has recently been profiled by Vox as part of the Future Perfect 50. Saloni is an excellent thinker on progress and science with recent articles for Wired (on...
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Jérôme Tagger: sustainability, ESG as a negotiation, impact, investing, preventable surprises
Jérôme Tagger is CEO of Preventable Surprises. Jérôme is a thinker on long term ESG trends (a catch-all phrase for extra-financial environment, social and governance) and systemic risks. He was a Director at the Global Impact Investing Network, the founding COO of the UN-backed Principles for...
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Mark Koyama: How the World Became Rich, economic history, intangibles, culture, progress
Mark Koyama is an Associate Professor of Economics at George Mason. Mark researches comparative national state economic development and the rise of religious tolerance. He is interested in how historical institutions functioned and in the relationship between culture and economic performance....
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Jacob Soll: History of Free Market ideas, Adam Smith, Hamilton, Cicero, Machievelli, History of Accounting
Jacob Soll is a professor of philosophy, history and accounting. His latest book is Free Market: The History of an Idea. Jake has works on the history of accounting, The Reckoning: Financial Accountability and the Rise and Fall of Nations (2014); the influence of Machiavelli, "The Prince" (2005)...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Benjamin Yeoh
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ben Yeoh Chats have?
Ben Yeoh Chats currently has 92 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ben Yeoh Chats about?
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...
How often does Ben Yeoh Chats release new episodes?
Ben Yeoh Chats has 92 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Ben Yeoh Chats?
You can listen to Ben Yeoh Chats on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ben Yeoh Chats?
Ben Yeoh Chats is created and hosted by Benjamin Yeoh.
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