Critical Edge

Best mates Ollie and Lukas sit down with renowned Israeli Historian of the 'New School', Ilan Pappé. In this episode, we pull out the nuances in discussions about the two-state solution, the use of language, the genocide, colonisation, and the future. We begin with an in-depth discussion about how discourse shapes the way we view an issue: should the situation be described as a conflict, a genocide, a war, or something else? The discussion turns around how we can balance the priorities of international policy-makers and NGOs which are actively seeking practical solutions, with the principled approach to language which says we should describe things as we believe them to be.Ilan Pappé, a resident of Israel living in Haifa, explains what it's like on the ground: the problematic attitudes of many everyday Israelis, and how he deals with conflict arising from his pro-Palestinian principles. He even goes so far as to draw parallels with the Nazi regime's discourse surrounding the Jews: the totalising and dehumanising rhetoric that allows one to carry out acts of brutality. This is also top-down, indeed Pappé opens up about how Israeli schools utilitse Middle Eastern history as a way to give their nation a certain view of the world and their place in it. Fear is manipulated in order to keep conflict with Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, and so on, evergoing.Without context, we cannot know where or who we are. Ilan Pappé recognises the tragedy of October 7th, and meanwhile argues that we cannot understand it without the context which brought it into being. He talks about the 'colonisation of Palestine' as being a process of settler colonialism which displaced Palestinians and used violence to erase them from 'the land with no people'.Ollie and Lukas get into it with Ilan about the future. Ollie expresses his internal debate about the two- and one-state solution. One is perhaps more 'pragmatic', and the other more 'ideal'. Ilan tells us that it is not us who should decide, but the Palestinians.Critical Edge is a multi-media community started by two friends seeking to learn how to think, not what to think. Subscribe or check out our other platforms to join the team :)The book Ollie got Lukas for his birthday: https://amzn.to/3T5BlhOOn Palestine: https://amzn.to/4wjqjUP10 Myths about Israel: https://amzn.to/4wjqjUP00:00 - The significance of language for Israel-Palestine08:32 - Language and attitudes within Israel12:31 - Nazism, Fear, and Conversation in Israel19:17 - The Cycle of Violence: Its Roots and Future25:42 - October 7th and Historical Context34:23 - The Two-State Solution, Aparthed, and the Future45:23 - Normalcy after the Genocide for Palestinians54:42 - Imagining a Shared Future in Palestine

Ollie and Lukas sit down with social care worker Catherine. They discuss the importance of childcare, how the NHS and national systems are failing children, and where parents go wrong. Catherine shares her personal story of IVF and finding her way to social care.This episode is the first in our new series, In Plain Sight. In this series, Ollie and Lukas get the perspectives of people who do really important work, but whose contributions and points of view aren't heard enough. These essential workers tell us their story, their perspective on what Westminster needs to do differently, and how their sector is changing.Critical Edge is a multi-media community started by two friends seeking to learn how to think, not what to think. Subscribe or check out our other platforms to join the team :)

Ollie and Lukas sat down again with Cenk Uygur to discuss being banned from the UK for anti-semitism, Israel’s influence in the UK, and Palestine.Critical Edge is a multi-media community started by two friends seeking to learn how to think, not what to think. Subscribe or check out our other platforms to join the team :)

Critical Edge hosts and best mates Ollie and Lukas sit down with Philip Pullman, renowned author of His Dark Materials.We drew on everything from Milton's Paradise Lost to Superman to William Blake. This episode was about the power of literature to change the way we see ourselves and the way we live our lives, as well as the way storytelling can light up our imaginations. Lukas told Philip about how the concept of the daemon changed the way he saw his own personality, and the souls of those people around him. Philip also shared how Philip Goff's book Galileo's Error, which argued for pansychism, was the non-fiction book that most profoundly shaped his view of the world. Consciousness now seeps everywhere through his literary work. Philip said he doesn't like fantasy, at least not if it doesn't deal with fundamental questions of human psychology. This is why he loved Paradise Lost: the three of us bonded over Gustave Doré's famous illustrations for Paradise Lost, and William Blake's Illuminations.We finished with a discussion about how basic structures of thought can seep into the way we think, even at a young age. Ollie argued that Sleeping Beauty can make us see the man as the active desirer and the woman as the passive desired, although of course Philip thought better stories could plug this gap.Is it impossible to live without narrative structures? Ollie argued that the heads of people who don't read are simply filled with worse narratives, like the American Dream, which prizes money above all. Philip finished by recommending one of his favourite works of political thought for our next guest. Critical Edge is a multi-media community started by two friends seeking to learn how to think, not what to think. Subscribe or check out our other platforms to join the team :)0:00 - Introduction0:33 - Fiction as a Guide to Life1:44 - The Art of Storytelling3:21 - Growing Up in Australia9:42 - What Daemon Would You Have?16:02 - Books That Shaped Pullman24:01 - Panpsychism and Consciousness30:28 - Fantasy, Paradise Lost, and His Dark Materials42:49 - How Does Fiction Shape our Psychology?51:33 - Stories, Gender Roles, and Fairytales1:01:03 - Outro and Recommendation

Critical Edge hosts and best mates Ollie and Lukas sit down with rockstar panpyschist Philip Goff.Ollie, Lukas and Philip talked about it all. We started with a discussion about the fundamental nature of consciousness, and why it can't be understood using the language of science: David Chalmer's 'hard problem of consciousness'. This led us to panpsychism and its connection to mystical beliefs. Philip opened up about his experience doing toad venom (5-MEO-DMT) and the perspective that opened up for him regarding our connection to something bigger.

Critical Edge hosts and best mates Ollie and Lukas sit down with veteran of the philosophy game Jeff McMahan, an ethicist who lives and breathes his work. We really got into it this episode. We discussed whether war can ever be justified, the ethics of autonomous weapons, and the difficult questions concerning Gaza and Iran. Jeff isn’t one to weasel his words: you’ll want to hear what he has to say.Critical Edge is a multi-media community started by two friends seeking to learn how to think, not what to think. Subscribe to our Spotify to hear more!

Critical Edge hosts and best mates sit down with Robin Carhart-Harris, leading psychedelic researcher and all round good bloke.We discussed the ethical and philosophical questions attached to psychedelics: such as how a drug can change how we see ourselves and the people around us, or what psychedelics might reveal about consciousness and the universe. Robin takes a pragmatic approach, and advocates for the potential upside in mental health treatment.To find out more about Robin's new book: https://www.carhartharrislab.com/upcoming-book

Critical Edge hosts and best mates Ollie and Lukas sit down with rockstar philosopher Nigel Warburton, co-host of Philosophy Bites.Ollie, Lukas and Nigel had a great chat about whether art is subjective, how cultural beauty standards shape us, Nigel's favourite books and paintings, and what it is about art that is so essentially human. Critical Edge is a multi-media community started by two friends seeking to learn how to think, not what to think. Subscribe or check out our other platforms to join the team :)

Critical Edge hosts and best mates Ollie and Lukas sit down with Canadian-American astronomer Wendy Freedman, one of Times 2025 Top 100 most influential people in the world.Hardly experts on the topic, Ollie and Lukas had an open discussion with Wendy about the universe and its expansion, whether it really began with the big bang, and if we can ever know anything about dark matter. Lukas and Ollie open the chat talking to Wendy about why the universe reminds everyone about.Critical Edge is a multi-media community started by two friends seeking to learn how to think, not what to think. Subscribe or check out our other platforms to join the team :)

Critical Edge hosts Ollie and Lukas sit down with philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah to explore what classic thought experiments reveal about identity, morality, power, and the future of human connection.Across these puzzles—and the real-world examples they illuminate, from political power to dating apps and artificial intimacy—the conversation asks what truly anchors a good life: honor, authenticity, continuity, truth, connection. Philosophy here isn’t abstract; it’s a lens on how we live now.Hosted by two passionate Oxford students, Critical Edge aims to bring you engaging discussions with influential personalities, delving into topics that matter to our society and the world at large. Subscribe for more!

Critical Edge hosts Ollie and Lukas sit down with philosopher David Edmonds to explore how discrimination, identity, and group psychology shape the way we see ourselves - and each other.Hosted by two passionate Oxford graduates, Critical Edge brings rigorous, accessible conversations with influential thinkers on the ideas shaping our world. Subscribe for

Critical Edge hosts Ollie and Lukas sit down with Professor John Curtice, the UK's leading authority on public opinion and electoral behaviour, to examine how Britain's political landscape has been transformed over the past decade.We explore how class has evolved as a marker of political identity, why age and education now structure voting behaviour more than any other factors, and how these shifts have redrawn the electoral map. Professor Curtice unpacks the evidence: how Labour and Conservative coalitions have changed, what the data actually shows about "realignment," and why voters are behaving less predictably than ever.Finally, we look ahead: electoral reform, the prospects for party competition, and how the next decade of British politics may unfold.Hosted by two passionate Oxford graduates, Critical Edge aims to bring you engaging discussions with influential personalities, delving into topics that matter to our society and the world at large. Subscribe for more!

Critical Edge hosts Ollie and Lukas sit down with Professor Mark Blyth, an expert in political economy, to unpack how economic ideas shape the world we live in. We explore why being wrong is essential to learning, drawing on Nassim Taleb’s ideas of uncertainty, fragility, and “skin in the game.” From there, the conversation ranges across bubbles (AI, housing, finance), the commodification of time and everyday life, and why economics can’t be treated as a value-free hard science. We dig into inequality, trickle-down economics, wealth and taxation, austerity, and the concentration of power in today’s tech-dominated capitalism—before turning to one of the most contentious issues in politics: immigration. Blyth offers a characteristically blunt and nuanced account of why immigration debates provoke such intensity, how economics, culture, and media manipulation interact, and why avoiding these discussions only deepens the problem. Hosted by two Oxford graduates, Critical Edge aims to help you learn how to think, not what to think, through serious but accessible conversations with leading thinkers. Subscribe for more.

Critical Edge hosts Ollie and Lukas sit down with Frank Turek, an American Christian apologist. We had some interesting and nuanced discussion about the interrelation of faith and doubt, the problem of evil, and the reliability of scripture. We got into some more tough territory when discussing contradictions in scripture, the New and Old Testament, and homosexuality. There's a lot to stick your teeth into here.

Ollie and Lukas sit down with Anthony Scaramucci for a fast, candid conversation about power, populism, and political renewal. Anthony is former White House Communications Director, and co-host of The Rest Is Politics US. Today, he discusses why he has changed his mind on Bitcoin, what finally pushed him to break with Trump, why MAGA is beginning to fracture, and how the Epstein files are reshaping American politics. Hosted by two passionate Oxford graduates, Critical Edge aims to bring you engaging discussions with influential personalities, delving into topics that matter to our society and the world at large. Subscribe for more!

Ollie and Lukas sit down with historian, author, and co-host of The Rest is History, Dominic Sandbrook — one of Britain’s most influential public historians. Can pride in one’s country ever be “healthy"? How should we teach the British Empire in schools? Listen in.

Critical Edge hosts Ollie and Lukas sit down with the youngest ever country council leader, George Finch. 19 year old George, from Warwickshire, defect from the Tories to Reform UK last year. George and our hosts found some things to agree on: the need for educational reform, the importance of tolerance, and the ever more threatening cost of living crisis. However, they fiercely debated about "British values", the role of immigration in the UK, the British Empire, and what sort of jokes a kid can make at school (free speech).

In this episode, we sat down with economist Julian Jessop to discuss the future of taxation, free markets, and the role of the state. From whether VAT should be extended to food and children’s clothing, to how corporate taxes impact real people, Jessop makes the case for a simpler, more neutral tax system. Additionally, we explore his continued support for Brexit despite short-term costs, his belief in the potential of deregulation, and his take on the EU as a protectionist bloc. The conversation also turns to AI regulation—should governments overregulate for safety, or let innovation flourish? And on personal freedom, Jessop weighs in on tobacco, drug legalization, and whether the state should intervene in our private choices.Hosted by two passionate Oxford graduates, The Critical Edge Podcast aims to bring you engaging discussions with influential personalities, delving into topics that matter to our society and the world at large. Subscribe for more!

Oxford academic Danny Dorling discusses the state of inequality in the UK - from the rise of right-wing populism and the hollowing out of the middle class to the state of race relations across the island. How large are the barriers to equality of opportunity in the UK?

In this episode, we sat down with Anand Menon, the director of UK in a changing Europe, and Professor of Political Science and King's College London. We discuss the long-term impact of Brexit on trade and on the UK's soft power; the importance of the recognition of Palestine for Gaza; the development of US-EU relations; and whether the UK has a 'special relationship' with the US. Hosted by two passionate Oxford graduates, The Critical Edge Podcast aims to bring you engaging discussions with influential personalities, delving into topics that matter to our society and the world at large. Subscribe for more!

Sir Ben Okri OBE is a Booker Prize-winning British-Nigerian writer and a powerful voice in post-colonial literature. In this exclusive interview, Okri reflects on how our ways of seeing — as readers, viewers, and thinkers — are shaped by the media we consume.

Parag Khanna is a strategy advisor and bestselling author. He is an expert in geopolitics and global strategy and how we can apply AI to better navigate economic disruptions in our volatile world. Listen in.

Dave Rubin is an American conservative political commentator and host of ‘The Rubin Report’, a political talk show which often debates political correctness, foreign policy, and freedom of speech.

Cenk Uygur is the founder of The Young Turks and one of the most prominent media critics of corporate governance, campaign financing, and political corruption in the United States. He's very passionate. Listen in.

Ryan Nicodemus is a New York Times best-selling author, and Emmy-nominated Netflix star. He is the co-founder of The Minimalists, an organisation dedicated to helping people eliminate clutter and maximise their lives by scaling back on material possessions and consumerist attitudes.

Joseph Nye is an American political scientist known for his work on US foreign policy and power dynamics. He is also a Harvard University professor who coined the term ‘soft power’ in reference to a country’s ability to influence others through gentle persuasion rather than coercion. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Nye to discuss his thoughts on the future of American democracy, the lessons the US can learn from its history of political turmoil, and the hypocrisy of the Western world.

Dr Philip Goff is an academic philosopher and panpsychist. In this episode, we discuss his unique takes on religion and his interpretation of consciousness as the foundation of reality. Can science fully explain the human consciousness? Do the smallest forms of matter possess some kind of experience? Listen now and find out.

Judge David Tatel is a recently retired United States Circuit Judge who broke barriers as a blind judge and a champion for justice. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Judge Tatel to discuss his memoir, his journey overcoming the challenges of blindness in the legal profession, the erosion of judicial restraint in the Supreme Court, and what the future holds for democracy in the United States.

In this episode, we are joined by Ambassador Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian mission to the UK and a steadfast advocate for Palestinian rights and justice. Born in the Shaburah refugee camp, he shares his deeply personal story, reflecting on how his early experiences shaped his journey into diplomacy and his commitment to dismantling the Israeli occupation. As a leading voice in the Middle East peace process, he discusses his involvement in resolutions to the Gaza humanitarian crisis, the legacy of the Oslo Accords, and the ongoing potential for a two-state solution.Hosted by two passionate Oxford students, Critical Edge aims to bring you engaging discussions with influential personalities, delving into topics that matter to our society and the world at large. Subscribe for more!

Sir Vince Cable is the former Leader of the Liberal Democrats, and Cabinet Minister during Sir David Cameron’s premiership, among many other things. In this interview, we discuss the past and present of the Liberal Democrats, the questions concerning UK aid to Israel, the potential of wider war with Russia, whether China should be considered a threat to the West, and more.Sir Vince is not afraid of a challenge.

Lord Peter Mandelson: New Labour’s architect and now, Oxford’s potential Chancellor. In this interview, he discusses his past in politics, the ethical dilemmas of university funding, and why he’s the right choice to lead Oxford into the future. Mandelson is also no stranger to controversy, though the truth of such claims is up for debate. Oliver and Lukas unpack all this, two days before the Chancellorship election.

Kathrine Switzer: marathon legend, trailblazer, and champion for women in sports. In 1967, as she ran the Boston Marathon as the first female to ever do so, the race organiser jumped onto the track and attempted to pull her off. Sitting with Lukas and Oliver, in a full-length interview, Switzer shares her historic experience, her battles against outdated beliefs, and her vision for empowering women globally through running.

What does it mean to be lost in your 20s and how can psychological analysis help us understand ourselves? Jemma Sbeg is a mental health advocate, podcast host, and voice behind 'The Psychology of Your 20s'. In this insightful interview, she delves into the quarter-life crisis, choice overload, and the power of embracing solitude.

Oliver Burkeman is a journalist, bestselling author, and expert on ‘time management for mortals’. In this candid interview, Burkeman unpacks the truths behind time management, why slowing down may not be the solution, and how to embrace our limitations to find meaning.

Cameron Hamilton is a tech entrepreneur, and 'Love is Blind' star. In this episode, Cameron talks about whether love is truly blind, navigating life in the public eye, and how vulnerability is the key to lasting relationships. He also dives into the intersection of AI and ethics, sharing his thoughts on the future of technology and its impact on society. 🌍

Ankur Warikoo is India’s top content creator, a serial entrepreneur, and the author of ‘Do Epic Shit’. In this episode, Ankur shares invaluable lessons on leveraging failure as a stepping stone to success, the power of discipline over motivation, and why habits, not goals, decide your destiny. 🧠💡

Thomas Erikson is a behaviourist and the bestselling author of "Surrounded by Idiots", as well as a number of other installments in his "Surrounded By" series.Thomas breaks down the fascinating world of personality types using his unique color theory—red, yellow, green, and blue—revealing how understanding these traits can enhance communication and prevent those everyday conflicts. Learn practical strategies to deal with different personality types and why self-awareness is the key to thriving in relationships.

Kayla Barnes-Lentz is an entrepreneur, biohacker, and founder of the Longevity Optimization Pod.In this episode, she shares her expertise on brain health, the brain-gut connection, and innovative health therapies. Learn about her insights on longevity for women, the importance of nutrition, and practical lifestyle habits for optimal health.

Dr Paul Conti MD: world-leading psychiatrist, author of Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic.Dr Conti begins by telling us his personal story with trauma, using this as a springboard into a discussion ranging from epigenetics and collective trauma, to how we can individually combat our trauma, to its links to substance abuse and other societal harms.

What does the creator of ‘How I Met Your Mother’ think about its ending? Carter Bays shares his creative journey from TV to his debut novel, ‘The Mutual Friend’. We explore themes of technology, relationships, and storytelling, uncovering his insights on writing, and his future projects.

James Nestor: bestselling author and journalist. Exploring the transformative power of breathing, we delve into James's investigative journey, from his acclaimed book, "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art," to his latest research insights.

In memory of Dr Frans de Waal, 1948-2024.Dr. Frans de Waal was a renowned primatologist and ethologist whose work revolutionized our understanding of animal behavior, particularly in relation to empathy, cooperation, and social intelligence. Through decades of research and writing, he showed how the behavior of primates paralleled human social dynamics, challenging conventional views of human exceptionalism.

Episode 28: Schuyler Bailar. Schuyler is a trans advocate and queer educator, who came to the spotlight competing as the first D1 NCAA Men’s Trans Athlete for the Harvard Swim Team. In this episode, we discuss trans participation in sports, access and healthcare, legislation around bathrooms, and more. Enjoy!

The LOAF Podcast sits down with Liana Finck, a distinctive voice in modern cartooning, where we explore the nuances of visual storytelling and her contributions to The New Yorker. How does Liana translate complex emotions into simple, compelling drawings?✏️ Liana's journey offers a unique window into the soul of an artist.

“Let us dare to dream and dare to try!” - Eliud Kipchoge.The LOAF Podcast conducts a long-form interview with Kipchoge, where we delve into the mindset of a champion and look ahead to the upcoming Paris Olympics. What is motivating him and how does he plan to bounce back after Tokyo?🏃‍♂️ This podcast is a masterclass in endurance, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence: Eliud's story is a compelling reminder of human potential. Why does Kipchoge run? And why should YOU?

Join us on The LOAF Podcast as we sit down with Dr Steven Pinker, cognitive psychologist at Harvard, prolific author, and public intellectual.Dr Pinker is renowned for his academic work in language acquisition, his defence of the computational theory of mind, and visual cognition. Aside form his academic work, he writes for a popular audience about rationality, human progress, the decline of violence, and much more.In this episode we discuss cognitive biases, the border between pseudoscience and science, free speech, Trump, and inequality.

An Oxford University Podcast. This week we welcome Simon Critchley, an English philosopher renowned for his work in political philosophy, ethics, and aesthetics, who challenges traditional notions by arguing that philosophy begins in disappointment.In this episode we discuss: the philosophy of humour and its ability to challenge social norms, the absurdity of football fandom, and death itself. One of our most dense episodes to date, Critchley explores a vast range of issues, elucidating the human experience with nuance and wit.

An Oxford University Podcast. Join us with Lindsey Vonn, the most celebrated female skier of all time. Discover her early dreams, the highs and lows of professional sports, and her candid insights on overcoming obstacles, both on the slopes and in life. In this episode, Lindsey opens up about mental health, the evolution of skiing, and her mission to empower women in sports.

An Oxford University Podcast. Join us with Robert Wright, an expert in evolutionary psychology and AI, as we explore human evolution, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the power of mindfulness. Discover Wright's insights on how these forces intertwine to shape our future and the potential for a purpose-driven evolution.

An Oxford University Podcast. This episode features Dr. Joe Dispenza, a neuroscience expert, researcher, and bestselling author, known for his work linking science and spirituality. We delve into his intriguing insights on how our thoughts and emotions can dramatically affect our physical health and reality. Join us as we explore the science behind spontaneous healing, the potential of the human mind, and more!