Best Open Access By Access London Podcasts (2024)

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Freud: A Life for Our Time" by Peter Gay 14:34

17h ago14:34

14:34

Chapter 1:Summary of Freud In "Freud: A Life for Our Time," Peter Gay offers a comprehensive biography of Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis. Gay explores Freud's childhood, education, professional life, and relationships, providing insight into the man behind the revolutionary theories of the unconscious, dreams, sexuality, and the Oedipu…

1
The Signal and the Noise: Understanding the Power of Daniel Kahneman's Insights 4:06

17h ago4:06

4:06

Chapter 1:Summary of Noise In "Noise," Daniel Kahneman discusses the concept of noise, which refers to unwanted variability in judgments made by different individuals assessing the same situation. He argues that noise can have a significant impact on decision-making, often leading to inconsistencies and errors. Kahneman shows that noise is prevalen…

1
Mastering the Art of Building Relationships: A Guide to Winning Friends and Influencing People 10:18

16h ago10:18

10:18

Chapter 1:Summary of How to Win Friends and Influence People "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie is a self-help book that offers practical advice on how to improve interpersonal relationships and increase influence with others. The book emphasizes the importance of showing genuine interest in others, listening actively, and g…

1
The Inner Workings: Exploring the Fascinating World of Gut Health with Giulia Enders 15:18

18h ago15:18

15:18

Chapter 1:Summary of Gut "Gut" by Giulia Enders is a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the human digestive system. Enders, a microbiologist, provides detailed explanations of how the gut works, from how food is processed to the role of gut bacteria in digestion and overall health. She also covers common digestive issues such as constipati…

1
Unlocking the Magic: Exploring The Secret Garden 3:54

18h ago3:54

3:54

Chapter 1:Summary of The Secret Garden "The Secret Garden" is a classic children's novel about a young girl named Mary Lennox who is sent to live with her uncle in England after her parents die in India. Mary is spoiled and unhappy, but she begins to change when she discovers a hidden, neglected garden on her uncle's estate. With the help of her ne…

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Longitude: The Quest for Precision and Time 11:17

18h ago11:17

11:17

Chapter 1:Summary of Longitude "Longitude" by Dava Sobel is a non-fiction book that tells the story of the search for a reliable method to determine longitude at sea. The book follows the struggles of John Harrison, an English clockmaker, who dedicated his life to inventing a marine chronometer that could accurately measure time at sea. Harrison's …

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Six million people at risk from extreme heat in England 36:15

1h ago36:15

36:15

This week Fran is joined by architect and writer Nana Biamah-Ofosu, the director of YAA Projects: an architecture, design and research practice focused on making, speaking and writing architecture. Six million people at risk from extreme heat in England, campaign group warns // 80% of potential first-time buyers can’t afford a deposit on a home in …

1
Unveiling the Harsh Realities of London's Underbelly: Oliver Twist 16:11

17h ago16:11

16:11

Chapter 1:Summary of Oliver Twist "Oliver Twist" is a novel by Charles Dickens that follows the story of an orphan boy named Oliver who grows up in a workhouse and eventually escapes to London where he falls in with a gang of young pickpockets led by the villainous Fagin. Oliver is taken in by a kind-hearted gentleman named Mr. Brownlow, but is soo…

1
The Consequences of Sin: A Study of Crime and Punishment 13:26

17h ago13:26

13:26

Chapter 1:Summary of Crime and Punishment "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky tells the story of a young man named Rodion Raskolnikov, who decides to commit a heinous crime - the murder of a pawnbroker. Raskolnikov is a disillusioned and impoverished ex-student who believes he is above the law and can justify his actions with his theory of …

1
Setting Healthy Boundaries: A Guide to Boundaries by Henry Cloud 3:35

17h ago3:35

3:35

Chapter 1:Summary of Boundaries "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud is a self-help book that focuses on setting healthy boundaries in order to establish and maintain personal and professional relationships. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding and establishing boundaries in different areas of life, such as work, family, and friendships. Clou…

1
The Timeless Wisdom of The Little Prince 2:23

17h ago2:23

2:23

Chapter 1:Summary of The Little Prince "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry tells the story of a young prince who travels from planet to planet meeting various strange characters and learning important life lessons along the way. Through his encounters, he reflects on themes of love, friendship, loss, and the beauty of simplicity. The Li…

1
Exploring Childhood Nostalgia in Hopscotch by Julio Cortázar 3:43

17h ago3:43

3:43

Chapter 1:Summary of Hopscotch "Hopscotch" by Julio Cortázar follows the story of Horacio Oliveira, an Argentine intellectual living in Paris. The novel is divided into chapters that can be read in a linear fashion or by following a suggested non-linear path, reflecting the author's interest in experimental narrative forms. Oliveira's life is fille…

1
The Power of Curiosity: Exploring the Mind with Ian Leslie 4:15

1d ago4:15

4:15

Chapter 1:Summary of Curious "Curious" by Ian Leslie explores the concept of curiosity and its impact on personal growth, creativity, and success. The author argues that curiosity is a fundamental human trait that drives learning and innovation. Leslie examines the science behind curiosity, discussing the role of dopamine in fueling curiosity and t…

1
The Art of Crafting Compelling Narratives: A Review of 'Story' by Robert McKee 4:23

22h ago4:23

4:23

Chapter 1:Summary of Story The story by Robert McKee is a comprehensive guide on the art of storytelling. It covers all aspects of storytelling, from understanding the structure of a story to developing compelling characters and creating tension and conflict. McKee emphasizes the importance of crafting a well-structured story with a clear beginning…

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The Road to Improvement: A Review of "Better" by Atul Gawande 3:38

22h ago3:38

3:38

Chapter 1:Summary of Better "Better" by Atul Gawande is a book that explores the concept of continuously striving for improvement in various aspects of our lives, particularly in the fields of medicine, healthcare, and education. Gawande argues that by seeking out ways to make small changes and adjust practices, we can make significant improvements…

1
The Secret to Happiness: Understanding the Flow State 4:39

22h ago4:39

4:39

Chapter 1:Summary of Flow In his book "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience," Mihály Csíkszentmihályi explores the concept of flow, which is the state of being fully absorbed and focused in an activity that brings a sense of joy and fulfillment. Csíkszentmihályi describes flow as a state of effortless concentration and enjoyment, where indivi…

1
Local authorities in urgent financial crisis 41:18

5d ago41:18

41:18

For our 150th episode, Merlin is joined this week by Jas Bhalla, an Architect, Town Planner, Urban Designer and founder of Bermondsey-based Jas Bhalla Works. Local authorities warn of urgent financial threat to council housing // UK’s largest housebuilder cuts output in blow to government targets // Lloyds bank to transform back offices into social…

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The Curse of Procrastination: Conquering the Chaos Within 3:53

18h ago3:53

3:53

Chapter 1:Summary of Procrastination "Procrastination" by Jane Burka explores the reasons behind why people procrastinate and the negative impacts it can have on their lives. The book discusses the different types of procrastinators and their underlying psychological issues, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, and difficulty with decision makin…

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The Epic Journey of War and Peace: Leo Tolstoy's Masterpiece 2:34

18h ago2:34

2:34

Chapter 1:Summary of War and Peace "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy is a Russian literary masterpiece that follows the lives of several aristocratic families during Napoleon's invasion of Russia in the early 19th century. The novel explores themes of war, love, politics, and society through its richly developed characters and intricate plot. The stor…

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The Power of Abundance: How Peter H. Diamandis is Revolutionizing the Way We Think About Success 4:52

8d ago4:52

4:52

Chapter 1:Summary of Abundance In "Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think," Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler argue that despite popular belief, the world is actually getting better in many ways. They discuss how advancements in technology, specifically exponential growth in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnolog…

1
Rebellion and Resilience: The Journey of Jane Eyre 7:43

16h ago7:43

7:43

Chapter 1:Summary of Jane Eyre "Jane Eyre" is a novel written by Charlotte Bronte. It follows the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned young woman who faces numerous hardships and challenges throughout her life. Jane is mistreated by her aunt and cousins, and later sent to Lowood School, a harsh and strict institution. Despite these difficulties, Jane r…

1
Thievery and Intrigue: A Deep Dive into "Den of Thieves 4:36

16h ago4:36

4:36

Chapter 1:Summary of Den of Thieves Den of Thieves by James B. Stewart is a non-fiction book that explores the insider trading scandals of the 1980s. The book follows the rise and fall of some of the most powerful figures on Wall Street during that time, including Ivan Boesky, Dennis Levine, Martin Siegel, and Michael Milken. Stewart discusses how …

1
Exploring a Dystopian Future in Brave New World 11:35

2d ago11:35

11:35

Chapter 1What is Brave New World In the futuristic society of Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, the government controls every aspect of its citizens' lives. Set in a world where technology and consumerism reign supreme, individuals are conditioned from birth to fit into their designated roles in society. The novel explores themes of social control, …

1
Unlocking the Power of Scarcity: How Limitations Shape Our Lives 6:49

18h ago6:49

6:49

Chapter 1What is Scarcity In the thought-provoking book Scarcity by Sendhil Mullainathan, readers are taken on a journey to explore the powerful effects of scarcity on our decision-making and behavior. Through engaging storytelling, Mullainathan highlights how experiencing scarcity – whether it be for time, money, or any other resource – can lead t…

1
Exploring the Quiet Strength of Solitude: A Reflection on Anthony Storr's Insights 10:01

17h ago10:01

10:01

Chapter 1What is Solitude Once upon a time, there was a book called "Solitude" by Anthony Storr. In this intriguing tale, Storr explores the importance of solitude in our lives. He delves deep into the idea that spending time alone can actually enhance our creativity, self-reflection, and overall well-being. Through captivating stories and thought-…

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Unlocking Human Potential: The Secrets of Peak Performance by K. Anders Ericsson 4:46

17h ago4:46

4:46

Chapter 1What is Peak Once upon a time in the world of mountaineering, a young boy named Peak Marcello discovered a hidden talent for climbing. In the book "Peak" by K. Anders Ericsson, readers are taken on an exhilarating journey through Peak's quest to become the youngest person to summit Mount Everest. Along the way, Peak learns the importance o…

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Social: The Science of Connection and Understanding 3:50

17h ago3:50

3:50

Chapter 1What is Social Once upon a time, in a world where connections were everything, a brilliant scientist named Matthew D. Lieberman embarked on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the human brain and social interactions. In his book "Social," he delves into the fascinating realm of neurobiology, revealing how our brains are wired for social co…

1
Unlocking the Power Within: The Secrets of The Secret by Rhonda Byrne 3:23

17h ago3:23

3:23

Chapter 1What is The Secret Once upon a time, there was a book called "The Secret" that whispered powerful truths to those who dared to listen. It revealed the law of attraction, a universal principle that manifests our desires into reality through our thoughts and feelings. The book taught that by focusing on positive thoughts and emotions, we can…

1
Four Life-Changing Agreements: A Guide to Personal Freedom and Transformation 3:27

2d ago3:27

3:27

Chapter 1What is The Four Agreements Once upon a time in a small village, there lived a wise old man who shared the teachings of The Four Agreements with the villagers. The first agreement, be impeccable with your word, urged them to speak truthfully and avoid gossip or negativity. The second agreement, don't take anything personally, reminded them…

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The Power of Now: Embracing Mindfulness in Everyday Life 3:29

18d ago3:29

3:29

Chapter 1What is Mindfulness Once upon a time, in a world filled with chaos and distraction, there was a book called Mindfulness by J. Mark G. Williams and Danny Penman. This book became a guiding light for those seeking inner peace and clarity in their lives. Through its pages, readers learned the art of paying attention to the present moment, of …

1
Unleashing Ideas: The Power of TED Talks with Chris Anderson 11:23

12d ago11:23

11:23

Chapter 1What is TED Talks Imagine a world where ideas had the power to change everything. In the book "TED Talks" by Chris Anderson, the author explores the art of public speaking and how it can be a catalyst for transformative change. Anderson, the curator of the renowned TED conference, explains how to craft a compelling talk that captures the a…

1
Discovering Your Purpose: Exploring Ikigai with Hector Garcia Puigcerver 2:49

2d ago2:49

2:49

Chapter 1What is Ikigai Once upon a time in a small village in Japan, there lived a wise old man named Sensei. Sensei possessed a secret that had been passed down through generations in his family. This secret was known as Ikigai, which translates to "a reason for being" in English. Sensei believed that everyone has a unique purpose in life, a reas…

1
Labour restores housing targets and resurrects onshore wind 42:01

3d ago42:01

42:01

This week Merlin Fulcher is joined by Akil Scafe-Smith, urban designer and co-founder of RESOLVE. Labour bring back housing targets and lifts onshore wind ban // “Levelling up” is stripped from the housing department name and Matthew Pennycook is appointed as Housing Minister // Chris Williamson wins RIBA presidential election // And a contest is l…

1
The Alienation of The Stranger 17:03

3d ago17:03

17:03

Chapter 1What is The Stranger In the heart of Algiers, a man named Meursault finds himself caught in the relentless grip of fate as portrayed in Albert Camus' novel The Stranger. Meursault's apathetic demeanor and detached outlook on life lands him in a whirlwind of events, starting with the unexpected death of his mother. As Meursault navigates th…

1
The Wealth-Building Wisdom of Rich Dad Poor Dad 13:24

3d ago13:24

13:24

Chapter 1What is Rich Dad Poor Dad Once upon a time, a young man named Robert had two dads - his biological father, who struggled with money despite being highly educated, and his friend's dad, a self-made millionaire with a simple approach to wealth. As Robert navigated through life, he realized the stark differences in financial knowledge and min…

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The Genius Within: A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar 14:16

3d ago14:16

14:16

Chapter 1What is A Beautiful Mind Imagine a brilliant mathematician, whose mind was both a blessing and a curse. In Sylvia Nasar's "A Beautiful Mind," the true story of John Nash unfolds, revealing a man plagued by schizophrenia yet blessed with an extraordinary intellect. As Nash navigates the complexities of academia and relationships, his strugg…

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Delving into Disorder: Chaos Explored by James Gleick 9:46

3d ago9:46

9:46

Chapter 1What is Chaos Once upon a time, in the world of chaos and unpredictability, James Gleick introduced us to a groundbreaking concept in his book "Chaos." This intriguing tale delves into the fascinating realm of chaos theory, exploring the intricate patterns hidden within seemingly random events. From the fluttering of a butterfly's wings to…

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The Essential Guide to Improving Egg Quality: Insights from Rebecca Fett's 'It Starts With The Egg' 3:43

3d ago3:43

3:43

Chapter 1What is It Starts With The Egg In the captivating book "It Starts With The Egg" by Rebecca Fett, readers are taken on a journey through the intricate world of egg quality and fertility. The author highlights the importance of egg health in conception and offers practical strategies for improving fertility through lifestyle changes, supplem…

1
Mastering the Art of Productivity: 80 Proven Strategies from Damon Zahariades 4:08

3d ago4:08

4:08

Chapter 1What is 80 In the book "80" by Damon Zahariades, we are taken on a journey through the powerful concept of focusing on the most important tasks in our lives. The main character, a young man named Alex, finds himself overwhelmed by the endless to-do lists and distractions that come with modern life. However, after stumbling across a book th…

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The Power of Manifesting Love: Calling in 'The One' with Katherine Woodward Thomas 3:41

3d ago3:41

3:41

Chapter 1What is Calling in "The One" Once upon a time, there was a woman named Sarah who had been searching for love without success. Feeling lost and discouraged, she stumbled upon a book called "Calling in The One" by Katherine Woodward Thomas. As she delved into its pages, Sarah learned about the power of inner work and self-love in attracting …

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Unlocking the Secrets of Communication: A Guide to Mastering the Art of Talking to Anyone by Leil Lowndes 2:00

3d ago2:00

2:00

Chapter 1What is How to Talk to Anyone Imagine you're at a crowded party, feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to strike up a conversation with the strangers around you. That's where Leil Lowndes comes in to save the day with her book "How to Talk to Anyone." Through engaging anecdotes and practical tips, Lowndes teaches readers how to navigate socia…

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Empowering Confidence: Insights and Impact from 'Presence' by Amy Cuddy 4:15

5d ago4:15

4:15

Chapter 1What is Presence In her transformative book "Presence," Amy Cuddy explores the power of body language and the psychology behind making a strong personal impact. The central thesis revolves around the concept of "power posing," a practice intended to increase self-confidence and presence by adopting poses that express power and dominance. C…

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Unlocking Restorative Slumber: Insights from 'Sleep' by Nick Littlehales 4:04

5d ago4:04

4:04

Chapter 1What is Sleep In the intriguing book "Sleep" by Nick Littlehales, readers are invited to rethink their approach to rest. Littlehales, a sports sleep coach, dismantles the traditional eight-hour sleep myth and introduces the revolutionary concept of the sleep cycle system. The R90 technique, as he calls it, suggests personalizing cycles to …

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Chasing Windmills: The Timeless Adventures of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 8:59

5d ago8:59

8:59

Chapter 1What is Don Quixote In the heart of Spain, the faded grandeur of a bygone age lives on through the adventures of the noble yet delusional Don Quixote, masterfully penned by Miguel de Cervantes. Donning an ancient suit of armor, Quixote sets out as a self-proclaimed knight, driven by his chivalrous illusions and the romantic notion of right…

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Embracing Freedom: A Journey Through Healing in 'The Choice' by Edith Eger 4:27

5d ago4:27

4:27

Chapter 1What is The Choice In the profound and poignant memoir The Choice, Edith Eger shares her harrowing journey of survival from the horrors of Auschwitz and her transformation into a renowned psychologist. Through a blend of personal narrative and professional insights, Eger illustrates the essence of human resilience. As a teenager, she is se…

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The book by Walter Isaacson about Albert Einstein is titled "Einstein: His Life and Universe 10:54

6d ago10:54

10:54

Chapter 1What is Einstein In Walter Isaacson's insightful biography, "Einstein," we journey through the enigmatic life of Albert Einstein, from his rebellious early years to his ascent as a titan of modern physics. Isaacson elegantly weaves Einstein's personal anecdotes with his professional milestones, exploring how his imaginative spirit not only…

1
Exploring 'Salt: A World History' by Mark Kurlansky: Uncovering the Impact and Influence of a Vital Mineral 3:58

9d ago3:58

3:58

Chapter 1What is Salt Delve into the fascinating world of "Salt: A World History" by Mark Kurlansky, an enlightening exploration of how this humble mineral has dramatically shaped human civilization. Through a captivating narrative, Kurlansky unveils salt's indispensable role, from its influence on trade routes and wars to its impact on cuisine and…

1
Strategic Underdogs: Unveiling the Economic Game-Changer in 'Moneyball' by Michael Lewis 9:48

10d ago9:48

9:48

Chapter 1What is Moneyball In the roar of a crowded stadium, "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis delves into the intriguing world of Major League Baseball, revealing how the underfunded Oakland Athletics thrived against wealthier teams. The book introduces us to Billy Beane, the A's maverick general manager, who, strapped for cash but rich in ingenuity, t…

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From Tara to Tomorrow: The Enduring Impact of Margaret Mitchell's 'Gone with the Wind' 11:57

20d ago11:57

11:57

Chapter 1What is Gone With The Wind In the sweeping epic Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, the relentless struggle and transformational journey of Scarlett O'Hara are set against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. At its core, the novel explores the theme of survival in a time of immense change. Scarlet…

1
Unfolding History: A Journey Through Mark Kurlansky's ‘Paper' 9:55

9d ago9:55

9:55

Chapter 1What is Paper In "Paper: Paging Through History," Mark Kurlansky unfolds the captivating saga of paper, an invention that revolutionized human civilization. With a masterful blend of narrative and insight, Kurlansky traces paper’s journey from its origins in China, through the Arab world, into Europe, and across the globe. He reveals how p…

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