Garrett Graff: Aliens, Mysteries Of UFOs, Watergate, 9/11, Government Trust

Ben Yeoh Chats

Transcript and video available here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/2/14/garrett-graff-aliens-mysteries-of-ufos-watergate-911-government-trust-podcast

39:33

"The basic premise of the event is that hunters hunt rattlesnakes from the surrounding environment all across West Texas, and bring them into the roundup for the weekend. And during the roundup, these snakes are kept in a pit and then, one by one, beheaded and skinned in front of in front of audiences." - Elizabeth MeLampy Elizabeth MeLampy is a lawyer dedicated to animal rights and protection, and her passion for this work shines through in her latest book, Forget the Camel, the Madcap World of Animal Festivals and What They Say About Being Human . To research the book, Elizabeth traveled across the country, immersing herself in a wide range of animal festivals — from the Iditarod dog sled race to the rattlesnake roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. Elizabeth examines these festivals as revealing microcosms of our broader relationship with animals. Whether it's rattlesnake hunts, frog-jumping contests, ostrich races, or groundhog celebrations, these events reflect the ways humans use animals to express cultural identity, community pride, and historical traditions. Yet beneath the pageantry and excitement lies a deeper question: Is our fascination with these spectacles worth the toll it takes on the animals involved? With compassion and insight, Elizabeth invites readers to consider whether there’s a more ethical and empathetic way to honor our stories — one that respects both animals and the traditions they inspire. Please listen, share and read, Forget the Camel. It will be released on April 8th, 2025. https://apollopublishers.com/index.php/forget-the-camel/…

about a year ago 54:51

M4A•Episode home

"When people ask 'do UFOs?'...That's not actually the question that they mean. The question that they really mean is, 'are we alone?' Because the truth of the matter is of course UFOs exist. All a UFO is an unidentified flying object, and there are things out there that we don't know what they are. Whether those are extraterrestrial is a very different question and potentially unrelated to the question of, are there extraterrestrials."

Contents:

00:31 Exploring the Mysteries of UFOs
03:05 The Probability of Alien Life
06:21 The Government's Role in UFO Research
19:03 The Impact of Conspiracy Theories
29:40 The Connection Between UFOs and Politics
33:28 The Importance of Trust in Government
47:21 The Writing Process and Future Projects

75 episodes

#Arts #Benjamin Yeoh

Ben Yeoh Chats

Garrett Graff: Aliens, Mysteries Of UFOs, Watergate, 9/11, Government Trust

Ben Yeoh Chats

12 subscribers

published about a year ago

M4A•Episode home

Transcript and video available here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/2/14/garrett-graff-aliens-mysteries-of-ufos-watergate-911-government-trust-podcast

Contents:

00:31 Exploring the Mysteries of UFOs
03:05 The Probability of Alien Life
06:21 The Government's Role in UFO Research
19:03 The Impact of Conspiracy Theories
29:40 The Connection Between UFOs and Politics
33:28 The Importance of Trust in Government
47:21 The Writing Process and Future Projects

75 episodes

#Arts #Benjamin Yeoh

All episodes

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Rebecca Lowe: Exploring Freedom, Moral Philosophy, Technology And The Best Society 1:09:42

25 days ago1:09:42

1:09:42

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, and the future potential of lab-grown meat. On questioning norms and making choices: “Think hard about what the norms are that you follow unthinkingly. There are many ways to live a good life, and it’s for you to work that out for yourself, because you’re the only person who can have any systemic access to that.” On fiction and its philosophical role: “I feel quite strongly that people who don’t spend time reading fiction are really missing out on one of the great things about being human—the capacity to separate out from your daily life, think about other worlds, imagine.” She also touches on the moral considerations surrounding artificial wombs, the possible role of ChatGPT as a tool for philosophical inquiry, and her disillusioning experience running for political office. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of decentralization, freedom, and respect in society while also sharing her creative process and insights into leading a fulfilling life. Transcript and video available here. Contents 00:22 Reviving Extinct Animals 02:29 Moral Implications of Eating Meat 07:47 Future Moral Consensus 11:25 Consequentialism in Healthcare 19:21 ChatGPT as a Philosopher 25:28 Artificial Wombs and Ethical Questions 30:33 Rebecca's Political Journey 34:43 Creative Process and Philosophy 37:50 The Importance of Reading Fiction 41:03 Imagining the Best Possible Society 42:19 The Role of Prisons in Utopia 46:01 Education in an Ideal Society 49:05 Cultural Goods and Utopia 52:18 Healthcare and Resource Allocation 55:11 Under rated / Over rated 58:55 Final Thoughts and Advice…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Daisy Christodoulou: Football, VAR Video Assisted Referee, Education, and the Art of Learning 1:15:59

10 weeks ago1:15:59

1:15:59

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 have improved other sports but has mixed results in football. We suggest what technology should spring to football and sport. We debate on how this potentially reflects the limits of rationality in human endeavours. "We need to get away from the search for perfection. Whether in education or VAR, it’s about striking the right balance between accuracy, simplicity, and consistency to avoid ending up with the worst of both worlds." "When you apply a very precise, letter-of-the-law system, it sometimes tramples over the qualities that make the game what it is. VAR has unintentionally highlighted the limits of rationalism." Transitioning to education, Daisy shares insights from her research and books on the importance of knowledge-rich curriculums, cognitive science, and the challenges of modern educational systems. The conversation delves into the history of self-education, the role of physical school environments, and strategies to enhance learning outcomes. We touch upon the relevance of English literature, fiction reading, and Daisy's innovative projects at No More Marking, utilizing AI for better educational assessments. “A written sentence is an incredibly efficient way of communicating information. It can do things that video, audio, or computer code cannot. That utility alone makes reading irreplaceable." Transcript: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/1/12/daisy-christodoulou-a-deep-dive-into-var-football-education-and-the-art-of-learning-podcast Contents: The Joys and Struggles of Supporting West Ham Controversial VAR Decisions Problems with VAR in Football Objective vs Subjective Decisions in VAR Comparing VAR Across Different Sports Proposed Solutions for VAR Issues Historical Context and Evolution of Football Rules Impact of VAR on the Spirit of the Game In-Game Experience and Fan Reactions to VAR Broader Implications of VAR and Rationalism Potential Reforms in Education Path Dependency in Education Systems Emphasis on Knowledge in Education The Myth of 'Just Look It Up' Cognitive Science and Learning Techniques The Importance of School Buildings Historical Perspectives on Self-Education Balancing Educational Trade-offs The Decline of English Literature Studies Final Thoughts and Life Advice…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Peter Gray: Transforming Education, Play, Parenting and Self-Directed Learning 1:15:32

21 weeks ago1:15:32

1:15:32

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 self-directed education where children have the freedom to follow their curiosity and interests. Gray explains how traditional schooling stifles curiosity and playfulness, and traces the historical roots of the current education system. He also highlights the sociopolitical factors that have contributed to the decline of children's mental health, arguing against the popular notion that social media is the primary cause. Additionally, the conversation touches on the impact of economic inequality on parenting styles and child freedom. Gray shares his current projects, including initiatives aimed at encouraging more free play in schools and educating pediatricians on the importance of play, while offering practical advice for parents to support their children's independence and curiosity. Transcript and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/11/1/peter-gray-transforming-education-play-self-directed-learning-parenting-podcast "If offered the opportunity to redesign the entire educational system as a top-down thing, me being the czar of education and telling everybody else what they should do, I would decline the offer...it really has to emerge from the bottom up." "Education works best when the people being educated are in charge of it... Children are biologically designed to learn through exploration, through play." "Our school system suppresses curiosity and playfulness...the two primary biological educative drives in children." "Ask your child: 'What would you like to do that you haven’t done before that might be a little bit frightening but that you’d really like to try?' It’s how children build courage and how parents build trust." Contents 00:19 Redesigning the Education System 01:41 The Role of Curiosity and Play in Learning 05:55 Historical Context of Traditional Schooling 08:26 Children's Rights and Freedom Over Time 12:11 Cultural Shifts and Parental Concerns 15:28 Impact of Economic Inequality on Parenting 18:53 Rise of Stranger Danger and Overprotectiveness 28:14 Common Core and the Mental Health Crisis 38:28 The Evolution of Reading and Technology 41:17 Balancing Screen Time and Real Life 43:12 Reflections on 'Free to Learn' 45:07 Evolutionary Psychology and Its Impact 50:28 Advice for a Fulfilling Retirement 01:00:04 Creative Processes and Inspirations 01:05:45 Current Projects and Parenting Advice…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Julia Garayo Willemyns: Policy Ideas, Progress, Growth, AI, Talent, human flourishing 1:03:15

23 weeks ago1:03:15

1:03:15

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: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2024/10/18/julia-garayo-willemyns-policy-ideas-progress-growth-ai-talent-podcast Julia shares her thoughts on overlooked policies that could significantly benefit the UK, such as addressing lead poisoning in old housing stocks to improve public health, intelligence, and productivity. Julia also advocates for prioritizing AI as part of the UK's industrial strategy. She emphasizes the need for strategic investments in AI talent, infrastructure, and safety, noting that while ethics and risk are critical, the nation should also consider AI's potential to enhance economic security and global competitiveness. The conversation explores the nuances of UK policy approaches to sustainability, talent development, and AI. The narrative explores the dynamics of entrepreneurship across different cultural landscapes, reflecting on factors such as mentorship, venture capital, and societal attitudes towards failure. The conversation delves into the advantages of for-profit versus non-profit models and the philosophical trends shifting towards virtue ethics and human flourishing. Throughout, the discussion is underpinned by personal experiences, pragmatic policy recommendations, and a call for the UK to leverage its strengths for sustained global competitiveness. We play over rated / under rated on: Universal Basic Income (UBI), Net Zero, Carbon Taxes, alternative proteins, digital democracy, self-driving cars, nuclear power, museums and capitalism. Julia encourages listeners to embrace curiosity, adaptability, and a proactive approach to growth. On AI and economic strategy: “I don’t think the UK is taking AI seriously enough as a core part of its industrial strategy. We should be focusing not just on AI ethics, but on economic security and national competitiveness. AI has the potential to change everything, and we need to be thinking about the bigger picture.” On talent misallocation in the UK: “One of the biggest problems the UK has is a misallocation of talent. I know incredibly intelligent people who end up in banking or consulting instead of tackling fundamental problems that could improve our quality of life. It’s a national issue that we need to address.”…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Julian Gough: Minecraft End Poem, Evolution Of The Universe, Being Creative, working in public, writing childrens' books 1:15:32

27 weeks ago1:15:32

1:15:32

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: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/9/20/julian-gough-minecraft-end-poem-evolution-of-the-universe-being-creative-podcast We discuss his latest project 'The Egg and the Rock,' which investigates the universe's evolutionary complexity, paralleling biological evolution, and its implications on life, consciousness, and AI. This conversation extends to a critical reflection on current scientific approaches, the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and writing in public and creative processes. “ …the universe does love us, and we are love, in a way. I think love is a kind of an interface with the universe. You can think of love as our interface with the universe. Love, if you are loving and loved, you're probably living correctly. The way in which you're aligned to the universe is good. It's a feedback mechanism. " Contents: The Creation and Impact of Minecraft's End Poem Julian's Rock Band Days Writing Children's Stories: Rabbit and Bear Julian's Writing Process The Goat Bubble: A Satirical Play Exploring the Universe's Evolution Building Complexity from Simplicity The Eternal Existence of Matter and Time The Fermi Paradox and Alien Life Darwinian Evolution of Universes The Role of Intelligent Life in the Universe Predicting the Early Universe Writing in Public and Creative Processes The Egg and the Rock: An Evolutionary Analogy Advice for Future Thinkers and Creatives…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Ruth Chang: How to make Hard Choices, philosophy, agency and commitment 54:15

34 weeks ago54:15

54:15

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 are not determined by objective reasons but instead involve values that are incommensurable. Transcript and links here: www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/8/2/ruth-chang-making-hard-choices-philosophy-agency-commitment-derek-parfit-podcast The podcast discussion delves into the inadequacy of the traditional trichotomous framework—better, worse, or equal—in evaluating values and making decisions. Chang argues for recognizing 'hard choices' as situations where options are qualitatively different yet equally viable, introducing the concept of 'par'. This idea is applied to various scenarios, from career decisions to healthcare dilemmas, and even the design of AI systems. Chang highlights the importance of human agency in making commitments when faced with hard choices, offering a framework to help individuals become the authors of their own lives. Furthermore, Chang shares insights about her current projects aimed at rectifying fundamental misunderstandings about value in AI design, advocating for a more nuanced and human-aligned approach to machine learning. The episode also touches on the philosophical influences of Derek Parfit and explores concepts like effective altruism, transformative experiences, and the value of commitment in living a meaningful life. Understanding Hard Choices Applying Hard Choices to Careers Rational Agency and Commitment AI and Hard Choices Philosophical Influences and Effective Altruism Current Projects and Life Advice "To become the author of your life, ascertain what matters, understand how alternatives relate to what matters, tally up pros and cons, and then open yourself up to the possibility of commitment. Realize yourself by making new reasons for your choice."…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Hansong Li: China, political economy, intellectual history, Tangut and Hamilton, the Musical 1:14:25

41 weeks ago1:14:25

1:14:25

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 historical contexts while drawing connections to contemporary issues. The conversation delves into broader philosophical and economic themes, comparing past and present political thoughts and examining the effects of international aid on development. Hansong emphasizes the importance of learning from history and cultural interactions for a more nuanced understanding of contemporary global dynamics. Transcript, video and links: www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/6/14/hangsong-li-china-tangut-political-economy-history-podcast Contents: The Tangut People and Their Language Modern Interpretations of Chinese Philosophy Global South and Regional Concepts Montesquieu and Sea Imagery Rousseau's Plan for Corsica Economic Development in Northeast Asia International Aid: Help or Hindrance? Global Economic Thought: East vs. West Hamilton: A Political and Cultural Analysis Underrated or Overrated? Current Projects and Life Advice…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Rasheed Griffith: Progress, Caribbean, Policy, Food, Music, Talent Assessment, Culture 1:09:59

45 weeks ago1:09:59

1:09:59

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 significantly advance the Caribbean by attracting international talent and improving policy implementation. He also discusses the historical impact of British technocracy in the Caribbean, proposing that adopting a more internationalized public service could be beneficial. Griffith urges a shift towards leveraging global trade for growth. The discussion also touches on the potential of dollarization, the limited utility of charter cities in the Caribbean, and the importance of understanding regional culture through food and history. “every Caribbean country should be dollarized. No exceptions. Caribbean countries, any small country, there is very little utility of having your own currency except for having the ability of the government to mismanage it at some point in time. And that has historically been the case in the Caribbean, been the case in Latin America, been the case in Europe, Asia, it goes down the line. There is no real extra benefit you have from having your own currency, as a very small country, dependent on a global currency anyway. This manifests even stranger things. So for example, Caribbean still has very harsh capital controls, not all Caribbean, but the ones that have their own currency do, and that limits people's freedom to consume as much as what they want. It also has again, the ever present risk and reality of the government abusing the exchange Abusing money creation tool obviously hurts the exchange rate hurts inflation all those kind of things So when you really look into it, there's no proper counter argument to dollarization to me when someone says What's the counter argument to me? That's like saying what is the argument in favor of having an unsound currency? It's a non starter in that sense.” We talk about culture including reggae, VS Naipaul and Rastafarians. And on food: “when you understand why you, in Barbados, eat curry goat and roti, of course that has a very big impact on how you think about your own history. Jerk chicken, is very famous in Jamaica. I think it's very difficult to get good jerk chicken outside of Jamaica. There are some spots in London that have some good jerk chicken, but usually, if you go to a place that has jerk chicken, it's likely not actually jerk chicken. Any case, even jerk chicken, for example, if you understand how it works is very deeply into how Jamaican history operates. So it came from Mexico after the slaves, this plantation has this thing called Maroon, like free slave holdings in the mountains in Jamaica. And jerk chicken is one of the food products they actually created. It's very, goes really far back. And one of the current ingredients of jerk chicken that we usually use in sauce is soy sauce. Now soy sauce, of course, it's not from Jamaica, it's from China primarily speaking. So you see how the Chinese influence in Jamaica, for example, goes back to the food, like the core Jamaican food has this Chinese influence as well.” We discuss how to assess talent, what questions to ask in an interview and how to be better for interviews. We play underrated/overrated on: GDP, Universal Basic Income and carbon tax. Griffith shares insights into his creative process and the importance of public intellectual engagement. Finally we end on some advice thoughts. Advice: "I think people should try to be a lot more public in their thoughts. Writing things online for the public is a nice constrained device."…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Henry Oliver: Late Bloomers, Second Act, Hidden Talent, Biography, John Stuart Mill 1:21:37

49 weeks ago1:21:37

1:21:37

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 conventional timelines. The dialogue includes themes such as the significance of networks, the role of luck, and the historical context of late blooming, challenging prevailing notions of talent and achievement. Following this, the conversation delves into the philosophical contributions of John Stuart Mill, particularly focusing on his expansion of utilitarianism and its inadvertent influence on contemporary moral behaviors like vegetarianism. It contrasts Mill’s stance on liberty and value measurement with other philosophers and highlights the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives for personal growth. The chat connects Mill’s philosophies to present-day issues. We end on Henry’s advice: the importance of personalized approaches to absorbing content, seeking expertise, the application of tailored advice over generic guidance; and to ignore those who do not have recent advice experience. On Hidden Talents and Societal Barriers: "So in the case of someone just happens to emerge later, and in the case of someone has been held back, I would call that hidden both times. Because very often when you've been held back by your circumstances, people like actually cannot see your talents. And so they are hidden, not in the sense that you've kept them in, or you were scared, or whatever, but in the sense that, you could have put it on your t-shirt and people wouldn't have realized." On Overcoming Historical Bias and Recognizing Talent: "And obviously historically, very often that was to do with if you were a woman, if you were a person of color people just aren't going to, people literally aren't going to take that seriously. But that, to me, is interesting, it's an interesting demonstration of the fact that, You can be very confident that you know how to find talent, and that you know who's a good chap and who would be good at this job, and be completely blind to what is right in front of you." Contents: 00:13 Learning from Henry’s mother 01:01 Exploring Hidden Talents and Societal Constraints 03:34 The Nuances of Midlife Crises and Opportunities for Growth 07:45 The Power of Networks and Circumstances in Shaping Late Bloomers 10:23 Margaret Thatcher: A Case Study in Late Blooming 16:20 Seizing Luck and the Importance of Being Prepared 21:32 The Role of Networks in Realizing Potential 30:20 Addressing Societal Biases and Embracing Equality of Opportunity 34:29 Rethinking Talent: Early Bloomers vs. Late Bloomers 42:55 The Fluidity of Intelligence and the Potential for Growth 45:29 Exploring Misunderstood Characters in Literature 45:56 Audrey Sutherland: The Unrecognized Kayaking Legend 47:09 Malcolm X: A Misunderstood Figure in History 48:46 The Ones That Didn't Make the Cut: Missed Profiles 51:28 The Writing Process: Insights and Personal Habits 54:51 The Fascinating World of London's Churches 59:36 Underrated and Overrated: A Deep Dive into Mindsets and Philosophies 01:18:23 Current Projects and Life Advice…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Alyssa Gilbert: Climate Tech Innovation, Policy, Technology 47:48

1 year ago47:48

47:48

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 of energy efficiency, especially in relation to the built environment. Alyssa emphasizes the necessity of various models in the fight against climate change, including private sector initiatives, philanthropy, and governmental grants - and highlights the need for a diverse range of solutions. She also speaks about the innovation within the London climate tech ecosystem and shares her perspective on various topics including carbon offsets, behavior change, and geoengineering. Transcript/Video here: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2024/3/1/alyssa-gilbert-climate-tech-innovation-policy-technology-podcast 00:15 Discussion on Climate Technology Investment 01:15 Exploring Areas of Underinvestment in Climate Change 01:54 Climate Change Adaptation and Innovation 02:23 The Role of Heavy Industry in Climate Change 03:15 Climate Change Policies and Energy Efficiency 05:10 Challenges in Implementing Energy Efficiency 08:09 Debate on Degrowth vs Techno-optimism 11:34 Role of Venture Capital and Philanthropy in Climate Change 16:11 London's Climate Tech Ecosystem 21:58 Pitching Climate Change Ideas 24:17 Role of Big Companies in Climate Change Innovation 25:49 The Importance of Corporate Involvement in Innovation 26:26 A Glimpse into a Day in the Life of a Climate Innovator 29:13 Overrated or Underrated: A Discussion on Climate Solutions 40:48 Exciting Projects on the Horizon 44:02 Advice for Those Interested in Climate Action…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Garrett Graff: Aliens, Mysteries Of UFOs, Watergate, 9/11, Government Trust 54:51

1 year ago54:51

54:51

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 secret flight technologies. Graff also shares his belief in the possibility of alien civilizations, arguing probabilities suggest the existence of life outside Earth. He then relates UFO conspiracies to a societal mistrust in government and institutions, tying it back to events like the Watergate scandal. Graff finally introduces his forthcoming oral history book on D-Day, emphasizing how his work emphasizes explaining and organizing complex events in an understandable and comprehensive way. " When people ask 'do UFOs?'...That's not actually the question that they mean. The question that they really mean is, 'are we alone?' Because the truth of the matter is of course UFOs exist. All a UFO is an unidentified flying object, and there are things out there that we don't know what they are. Whether those are extraterrestrial is a very different question and potentially unrelated to the question of, are there extraterrestrials." Transcript and video available here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/2/14/garrett-graff-aliens-mysteries-of-ufos-watergate-911-government-trust-podcast Contents: 00:31 Exploring the Mysteries of UFOs 03:05 The Probability of Alien Life 06:21 The Government's Role in UFO Research 19:03 The Impact of Conspiracy Theories 29:40 The Connection Between UFOs and Politics 33:28 The Importance of Trust in Government 47:21 The Writing Process and Future Projects…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Hannah Ritchie: Not the End of the World, sustainability, climate, progress 1:07:45

1 year ago1:07:45

1:07:45

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, including climate change and plastic pollution, and emphasizes the potential for progress in tackling these critical issues. Hannah also discusses the essential role of technology and outlines the importance of lifting people out of poverty as a measure against climate change. Her argument centers around the balance of environmental change and human impact in achieving a sustainable planet. Furthermore, she provides advice on dealing with climate anxiety, career progression, and essential work ethics. Link to transcript, video and more here: www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/1/26/hannah-ritchie-sustainability-progress-not-the-end-of-the-world-podcast Approach: Hannah's work is primarily driven by data, focusing on the interplay between sustainability, climate change, and patterns of global development. Her new book, "Not the End of the World," addresses one of the most significant challenges of our time - environmental sustainability. In the book, Hannah dispels a range of myths associated with environmental issues. She counters the prevailing narrative which claims we are doomed and there's nothing left to do about our environmental crisis. Instead, she believes we can change the narrative and become the first generation to build a sustainable planet. Tackling Climate Change: Hannah's optimism for combating climate change stems from the significant strides made in technology, especially renewable energy technologies. These technologies are no longer mere futuristic imaginings. They are realistic, economical, and deployable on a large scale. However, she acknowledges the difficulty of the task at hand. The world is on track for 2 and a half to 3 degrees of warming which puts us in challenging terrain. We need rapid technological change coupled with significant societal transformation to alter our trajectory. Addressing Biodiversity Loss: Biodiversity loss, according to Hannah, is among the most challenging problems explored in her book. The manifestation of this crisis is nuanced as it involves intricate geo-political and economic dynamics. While technology can help, solving the biodiversity crisis will require simultaneous action on many fronts, from controlling deforestation to addressing climate change and overfishing.…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Hana Loftus: Architecture, Regeneration, Planning, Resilience, Design, Jaywick Sands 1:28:43

1 year ago1:28:43

1:28:43

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 well as practising planning and design, she writes on the subject and plays a great fiddle and violin. Transcript and Video here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2024/1/10/hana-loftus-architecture-regeneration-planning-resilience-design-podcast The discussion is around the challenges and opportunities in architecture and urban planning. The topics range from finding systemic housing solutions for poverty-stricken communities in Alabama, exploring the importance of practical real-world experiences for architecture students, " I think as a young architect, firstly learning how a building is actually put together; nailing bits of wood together, wiring a house, plumbing a house, pouring foundations, all of that practical stuff is critical... And anybody can do that. Anybody can get tools and learn how to build something. " and discussing the Sunspot project that addresses affordable business units in Jaywick Sands, a poor area of east England. Hana talks about the lifespan and adaptability of buildings. She highlights the critical aspect of maintaining quality in construction and the risks in cost-cutting, referencing the Grenfell tragedy. We discuss the political challenges of the Green Belt policy, proposing a 'finger model' for development, and the importance of exploring rural domains. Hana emphasises acquiring practical experience and making a concrete impact in the world. Transcript and summary bullet points below. Building Houses and Rural Studio Experience Understanding the Realities of Rural Alabama The Impact of Building with Your Own Hands Working with the Community: The Story of Miss Phillips The Importance of the Front Porch in Southern Homes Reflections on Building Experience Transition from Alabama to East of England: Jaywick Sands Understanding the History and Challenges of Jaywick Sands The Regeneration Strategy for Jaywick Sands The Complexities of Place-Based Regeneration The Role of Consultation in Community Development The Sunspot Project: A Case Study in Localised Economic Stimulation Reflections on the Success of the Sunspot Project The Balance Between Planning and Unplanning in Community Development. The role of beauty. Nationwide Economic and Climate Perspective Local Agency and Development Opposition, Challenges in the Planning System Inequality and Climate Resilience Design Codes and Pattern Books: A Debate The Aesthetics of Development and Cultural Relevance The Lifespan of Buildings: The Future of Building Design and Sustainability The Role of Transport in Sustainable Planning The Impact of Construction Industry Structure Rethinking Greenbelt Policy for Sustainable Development Current and Future Projects: A Glimpse Life Advice: Making a Mark in the World…

Ben Yeoh Chats

1
Lucy Easthope: Disaster Recovery, Risk, Hope, Planning, Memoir, When The Dust Settles 1:22:10

1 year ago1:22:10

1:22:10

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 Ukraine. She challenges others to think differently about what comes next after tragic events, and how to plan for future ones. Her book When the Dust Settles is both memoir of her life in disaster recovery and a personal journey through life, love and loss. I ask Lucy about what she is hopeful about looking to the future. " I think one of the things is this ability to be able to back, back and forth between really terrible thoughts and risks which we have to do in emergency planning, and then just take incredible joy from a moment in the day... My work is one of the greatest privileges of it; is just seeing people being great a lot. So that gives me a lot of hope. " We talk about how many disasters I’ve been a by-stander to (Thailand tsunami, 9/11, Grenfell, 7/7, mortar bomb attack) and how disaster is recurring. We chat about Lucy’s activism from young and growing up around Liverpool. Lucy has been very involved around personal items, and the belongings of people in disasters. I ask about why it's such an important part of Lucy’s work. We chat about the interdisciplinary nature of here work. We talk about the Welsh notion of hiraeth /ˈhɪərʌɪθ/. This longing for a place to which there is no return. I ask about Lucy’s writing process and how she writes. We talk about themes in her life and writing such as working class roots and feminism. We discuss the importance of humour and why Lucy is pranked a lot. We touch on Lucy’s personal losses of miscarriage. I ask about what is misunderstood about disaster management and what organisations and people can do. How to think about balancing risk and opportunity. We talk about the problems of systemic and structural challenges. We end on Lucy’s current projects and her life advice. “Don't go to work on a row. I was reflecting with a friend recently and she said, "A lot of people say that they live life as if it's precious and you might not be here tomorrow, or the people you love might not be here tomorrow. But you Lucy, really do." And what does that look like? Everybody I love knows that I love them. Every time I say goodbye to my children, every time I go to work, it's always on the premise of how fragile this is. I think if we remember that, it sets us up to perhaps be kinder to each other. I also think that one of the most important things to me is to go back to those basics about particularly as we go into yet another difficult winter or difficult times, is think about just that couple of things that can make a difference. I think people are very anxious about trying to save the whole world. You don't need to save the whole world, just make somebody a cup of tea. Just make that tiny little kind of chaos theory difference, and that's enough. Transcript and video: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2023/12/10/lucy-easthope-disaster-recovery-risk-hope-planning-memoir-when-the-dust-settles-podcast…

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