Best Andrew Copson Podcasts (2024)

1
EP 57 – Adam Kay on the values of the NHS, fundamental human equality, and the future of one of the UK’s most cherished institutions 37:52

8M ago37:52

37:52

Andrew Copson speaks to award-winning writer, comedian, and former doctor Adam Kay who shares the beliefs that have shaped his life and career. From the original values of the NHS, to questions about its future, he lifts the lid on one of the UK’s most cherished institutions, founded by humanist Nye Bevan, and offers a glimpse into the challenges f…

1
EP 56 – Lynne Featherstone on liberalism, being the chief architect of the same-sex marriage act, and her deep aversion to conformity 31:18

8M ago31:18

31:18

Andrew Copson speaks to Liberal Democrat peer and patron of Humanists UK, Baroness Lynne Featherstone who shares her political experiences as a Minister of the Conservative–Liberal Democrat Coalition Government (2010-2015). From being the chief architect of the same-sex marriage act, to the values that drive her liberal beliefs, it’s a must-listen …

1
EP 55 – Alom Shaha on becoming a humanist, the joy of teaching, and writing ’The Young Atheist’s Handbook’ 34:48

8M ago34:48

34:48

Andrew Copson speaks to science communicator Alom Shaha who shares his experiences as a teacher and author. From growing up in a strict Bangladeshi Muslim area in south-east London, to the role of his teachers in shaping his worldview, it’s a thought-provoking episode about the power of education and the thrill of intellectual endeavour. Alom Shaha…

1
EP 54 – Tommy Sheppard MP on republicanism, the anti-nuclear campaign, and why he’s not a nationalist 28:57

9M ago28:57

28:57

Andrew Copson speaks to SNP MP Tommy Sheppard about his life and career as a politician. From his childhood in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, to his unwavering commitment to Scottish independence, it's an engaging episode that explores the importance of collective endeavour, democracy, and the need for progressive change in a rapidly changin…

1
EP 53 – Samira Ahmed on the art of interviewing, equal pay at the BBC, and the ‘toxic’ nature of UK political discourse 40:50

9M ago40:50

40:50

Andrew Copson chats to multi award-winning journalist, writer, and broadcaster Samira Ahmed who shares the secrets and skills behind her successful career. From questioning those in power, to taking an equal pay case against the BBC, it’s an inspiring episode about the fight for equality and challenging the status quo. Samira Ahmed is a regular con…

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EP 52 – Adam Rutherford on tackling racist pseudoscience, ’Where are you really from?’, and Taylor Swift Vs Charles Darwin 32:59

9M ago32:59

32:59

Andrew Copson chats with geneticist and author of How to Argue With a Racist Adam Rutherford about the motivations behind a career spent challenging false claims from religion and pseudoscience. From unshackling ourselves from the constraints of evolution, to charting the trajectory of our long history, it's a reflective discussion that emphasises …

1
EP 51 – Henry Marsh on being a neurosurgeon, living with advanced prostate cancer, and the arguments for assisted dying 32:43

9M ago32:43

32:43

Andrew Copson explores the life and work of eminent neurosurgeon and writer Henry Marsh who reflects on living with advanced prostate cancer and the motivations behind his world-renowned career. From his unconventional route into medicine, to his experiences as both doctor and patient, it's a thought-provoking discussion about the complexities of h…

1
EP 50 – Sandi Toksvig on bishops, Scandi convents, and masterminding a school rebellion 33:27

9M ago33:27

33:27

Andrew Copson deep dives into the fascinating world of comedian, author, and human rights advocate Sandi Toksvig who shares some of the experiences that have fueled her fervent commitment to equality and justice. From school days spent at a French-speaking convent (where she masterminded a school rebellion), to earlier this year challenging the Arc…

1
EP 49 – Susan Blackmore 35:12

1+ y ago35:12

35:12

In this episode, Andrew speaks to writer and broadcaster Dr Susan Blackmore about what she believes, from being open minded and then skeptical, to arguments leading you somewhere, and the self as the whole embodied person with no free will but happy and good.By Humanists UK

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EP 48 – Laura Lacole 29:23

2y ago29:23

29:23

In this episode, Andrew speaks to model and humanist campaigner Laura Lacole about what she believes, from one life, to being who you are, making a difference, and expressing yourself.By Humanists UK

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EP 47 – Christer Sturmark 30:20

2y ago30:20

30:20

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Swedish author and IT-entrepreneur Christer Sturmark about what he believes, from the importance of being an activist, to our moral responsibility to learn and be coherent, and critical thinking to find the truth.By Humanists UK

1
EP 46 – Nichola Raihani 30:58

2y ago30:58

30:58

In this episode, Andrew speaks to psychologist Nichola Raihani about what she believes, from cooperation and our social instincts, to moral trade-offs, and the cultural specifics of certain values.By Humanists UK

1
EP 45 – S I Martin 35:38

2y ago35:38

35:38

In this episode, Andrew speaks to historian S I Martin about what he believes, from history and common ownership, to history as a framework for great arguments and ongoing engagement, and exposure to as many diverse views and experiences as possible.By Humanists UK

1
EP 44 – Kate Pickett 36:43

2y ago36:43

36:43

In this episode, Andrew speaks to epidemiologist Professor Kate Pickett about what she believes, from fairness as a moral value to the benefits to all of reducing inequality, hopefulness in the cause of social change, and taking the long view.By Humanists UK

1
EP 43 – Clive Lewis 34:08

2y ago34:08

34:08

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Clive Lewis MP about what he believes, from the necessity of politics to camaraderie of service, opposing imperialism and racism, universal humanity, and the climate threat.By Humanists UK

1
EP 42 – Tim McGarry 34:34

2y ago34:34

34:34

In this episode, Andrew speaks to comedian Tim McGarry about what he believes, from devout atheism to accidental humanism, the values of education and comedy, and mutual respect and tolerance.By Humanists UK

1
EP 41 – A C Grayling 31:31

2y ago31:31

31:31

In this episode, Andrew speaks to philosopher A C Grayling about what he believes, from curiosity and making sense of things to being a good guest at life's dinner party, our democratic deficit, the good state, and the interconnectedness of all these things.By Humanists UK

1
EP 40 – Angela Barnes 32:58

2y ago32:58

32:58

In this episode, Andrew speaks to comedian Angela Barnes about what she believes, from occasional nostalgia to knowing where and who you are, making the most of the here and now, and putting everything out there.By Humanists UK

1
EP 39 – Frank Turner 27:03

2y ago27:03

27:03

In this episode, Andrew speaks to singer-songwriter, Frank Turner, about what he believes, from creativity to community, connection, empathy through art, nothing to excess, and 'know thyself'.By Humanists UK

1
EP 38 – Nigel Warburton 42:26

2+ y ago42:26

42:26

In this episode, Andrew speaks to philosopher Nigel Warburton about what he believes, from clarity to being accessible, free speech, thinking aloud, thinking together, thinking on the page, and being free and open.By Humanists UK

1
EP 37 – Anne Glover 33:33

2+ y ago33:33

33:33

In this episode, Andrew speaks to former Chief Scientific Adviser to the European Commission, Professor Dame Anne Glover, about what she believes, from curiosity, to the infinite possibilities of things you can't see, uncertainty, making knowledge useful, making a difference, and the vital importance of diversity to success.…

1
EP 36 – Saiful Islam 29:16

2+ y ago29:16

29:16

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Professor of Materials Chemistry, Saiful Islam, about what he believes, from beautiful crystals, to green energy, scientific progress, combating ignorance and fear, and the value of education.By Humanists UK

1
EP 35 – Francesca Stavrakopoulou 29:57

2+ y ago29:57

29:57

In this episode, Andrew speaks to broadcaster and Professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion, Francesca Stavrakopoulou, about what she believes, from justice for marginalised people from the past, to death rituals, identity in the long human story, and human exceptionalism.By Humanists UK

1
EP 34 – Mike Little 28:34

2+ y ago28:34

28:34

In this episode, Andrew speaks to co-founder of WordPress, Mike Little, about what he believes, from democratic participation, to giving people a voice, an open source world, cooperation, and inspiration in utopianism.By Humanists UK

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EP 33 – Angela Eagle 28:23

2+ y ago28:23

28:23

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Labour MP, Dame Angela Eagle, about what she believes, from opportunity for all, to contributing to a collective effort, remaking society, and being a pragmatic humanist.By Humanists UK

1
EP 32 – Steven Pinker 33:41

2+ y ago33:41

33:41

In this episode, Andrew speaks to cognitive scientist, Steven Pinker, about what he believes, from understanding ourselves, to consciousness raising of what it means to be human, the continuous landscape of knowledge, progress, and rationality.By Humanists UK

1
EP 31 – John Amaechi 30:43

2+ y ago30:43

30:43

In this episode, Andrew speaks to psychologist and author, John Amaechi OBE, about what he believes, from leadership, to congruence, opportunity, words authentically delivered for social good, and human thriving and development.By Humanists UK

1
EP 30 – Shaparak Khorsandi 48:58

2+ y ago48:58

48:58

In this episode, Andrew speaks to stand up comedian and author, Shaparak Khorsandi, about what she believes, from living in exile and being an outsider, to hospitality, communication and creativity, connecting with others, equality of status, and appreciation of freedom.By Humanists UK

1
EP 29 – Eddie Marsan 28:00

3y ago28:00

28:00

In this episode, Andrew speaks to actor Eddie Marsan about what he believes, from choosing your way, living with integrity, thinking like an immigrant, combatting dogmatism and supremacy, empowerment, making your own character, and opportunity for all.By Humanists UK

1
EP 28 – Polly Toynbee 50:15

3y ago50:15

50:15

In this episode, Andrew speaks to journalist and broadcaster, Polly Toynbee about what she believes, from social justice, human frailty, political activism, persuasion, human imagination, and doing the best you can.By Humanists UK

1
EP 27 – Andrew Gold 36:17

3y ago36:17

36:17

In this episode, Andrew speaks to journalist and podcaster, Andrew Gold about what he believes, from encounters with difference, enjoying people, understanding people, compromise, anti-dogmatism, and the nature of being human.By Humanists UK

1
EP 26 – Siân Berry 40:13

3y ago40:13

40:13

In this episode, Andrew speaks to politician, campaigner, and author, Siân Berry about what she believes, from abundance, optimism, improvement, the long view of human history, the spirit of inquiry, the distribution of power, and democracy and freedom.By Humanists UK

1
EP 25 – Isaac Hempstead Wright 29:40

3y ago29:40

29:40

In this episode, Andrew speaks to actor and fledgling scientist Isaac Hempstead Wright about what he believes, from inquiry and truth, joy of finding things out, question after question, and how creativity and imagination are essential for science, and make-believe alike.By Humanists UK

1
EP 24 – Ian McEwan 45:16

3y ago45:16

45:16

In this episode, Andrew speaks to critically acclaimed novelist Ian McEwan about what he believes, from novels as a conversation through the generations, tolerance, empathy, freedom, pleasure, being each other, and enlarging our sympathies.By Humanists UK

1
EP 23 – Jim Al-Khalili 35:15

3y ago35:15

35:15

In this episode, Andrew speaks to theoretical physicist, author, and broadcaster, Jim Al-Khalili about what he believes, from lessons from quantum, science as a human enterprise, the values of the scientific approach, and amiable approaches to finding the truth.By Humanists UK

1
EP 22 – Helen Czerski 30:28

3y ago30:28

30:28

In this episode, Andrew speaks to physicist, oceanographer, author, television presenter, and ‘bubble-enthusiast’, Helen Czerski about what she believes, from finding out how the world works, acknowledgment of messiness, the perspective of a scientist, being moved by the currents, and all being in the same canoe.…

1
EP 21 – Richard Dawkins 35:43

3y ago35:43

35:43

In this episode, Andrew speaks to world-renowned evolutionary biologist and science communicator, Richard Dawkins about what he believes, from wanting to be understood, clarity, poetry, and being glad to change your mind.By Humanists UK

1
EP 20 – Carol Smillie 29:50

3+ y ago29:50

29:50

In this episode, Andrew speaks to broadcaster and Humanist Society Scotland celebrant, Carol Smillie about what she believes, from collaborative environments, the diversity of human stories, taking on taboos and injustices, and building your own life story.By Humanists UK

1
Ep 5 - how to think about death 35:41

3+ y ago35:41

35:41

In the final episode of this series we discuss death - a topic we don’t talk about enough in western society, but which is important to think about - both for our own sake and for those we love. We ask what death is, and what happens after we die. We explore why people have certain beliefs about death. We then consider how we can think about our ow…

1
Ep 4 - how to be happy 27:47

3+ y ago27:47

27:47

This week we discuss the big topic of happiness, via goth woodlice and Star Trek (of course). What is happiness? Should we be striving for it in our lives? What are the things that make people happy - and that don’t? Should we be focussing our societies more on the aim of promoting people’s happiness - and what would a ‘happy society’ look like? Pl…

1
Ep 3 - how to be good 37:08

3+ y ago37:08

37:08

This week we’re looking at the topic of morality. We’re explore what we mean by ‘good’ and ‘bad’, and whether these are real things. We’ll ask whether human beings are moral creatures or not. And we’ll go on to explore what it means to be good, and how we can live in line with our values. In a surprise turn, we also explore the 10 commandments of S…

1
Ep 2 - what should I believe? 40:52

3+ y ago40:52

40:52

In this episode we explore the idea of belief. Not just what we believe about the origins of the universe, but also the more practical question of what we should believe about the many messages and views we encounter around us in day to day life. We discuss what each of us believes about the world, and how we came to form these beliefs. We also ask…

1
EP 19 – David Aaronovitch 44:01

3+ y ago44:01

44:01

In this episode, Andrew speaks to award-winning journalist, David Aaronovitch about what he believes, from the value of freedom of expression, an obsession with truth, a hatred of scapegoating, and giving up the Marxist-Leninist worldview he was raised in.By Humanists UK

1
EP 18 – Hannah Peel 34:16

3+ y ago34:16

34:16

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Emmy-nominated composer and producer, Hannah Peel about what she believes, from the meaning of music, its primal quality, music science and nature, music that binds us to place, music that connects us to people, being open, and the mystical aspect of artistic creation.…

1
Ep 1 - the meaning of life 43:24

3+ y ago43:24

43:24

A nice easy start to the series, in which we explore the meaning of life and solve it in 45 minutes.* In this episode we ask what people mean when they talk about the meaning of life. Is there an ultimate meaning? And what are the things that actually do give people meaning in their lives? Please subscribe and share this episode if you like it! *Th…

1
EP 17 – Adèle Anderson 55:24

3+ y ago55:24

55:24

In this episode, Andrew speaks to Olivier Award-nominated singer and actress, Adèle Anderson about what she believes, from music, beautiful cassocks, performance, opening yourself up to experiences, collaboration, and role models.By Humanists UK

1
EP 16 – José González 30:52

3+ y ago30:52

30:52

In this episode, Andrew speaks to indie folk singer-songwriter and guitarist, José González about what he believes, from doing what you can, the use of art in making arguments, and the importance of reducing suffering of all sentient animals.By Humanists UK

1
EP 15 – Stephanie Merritt 37:28

3+ y ago37:28

37:28

In this episode, Andrew speaks to English critic, feature writer, and novelist, Stephanie Merritt about what she believes, from freethinking, cultural interchange, cosmopolitanism and unity, to shared values, and the telling of stories.By Humanists UK

1
EP 14 – Christina Patterson 33:38

3+ y ago33:38

33:38

In this episode, Andrew speaks to writer, broadcaster, and author, Christina Patterson about what she believes, from suffering, human relationships, authenticity, breaking bad habits, perspective, to thinking about death and then living.By Humanists UK

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EP 13 – Dan Snow 41:30

3+ y ago41:30

41:30

In this episode, Andrew speaks to historian and television presenter, Dan Snow about what he believes, from the use of history to understand today, growing out of British exceptionalism, the spirit of reform, and being a work in progress.By Humanists UK

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Andrew Copson Podcasts

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