He became known as “The Great Gatsby of The Middle East”, and once claimed to be the richest man on Earth.   From facilitating lucrative business deals between the West and Saudi Arabia to his lavish lifestyle and controversial ventures, in this episode, we'll explore the intriguing life of Adnan Khashoggi.   Adnan Khashoggi: businessman, arms dealer, "The Great Gatsby of The Middle East" Wealth exaggerated: $10bn fortune, luxurious lifestyle, major debts Background: born in Saudi Arabia,...

  Scotland has had a long and complicated relationship with its southern neighbour.   But will it ever break free? In this episode, we explore the key arguments for and against Scottish independence and look at whether it will ever become an independent nation.   Scottish independence movement history Reasons for Scottish independence Economic arguments for and against independence Impact on Scotland's global standing post-independence Cultural identity and political reasons for...

  In part one of a four-part mini-series on Scotland, we'll explore some unusual Scottish traditions.   From the mythical haggis "creature" to the Highland Games, the deep-fried Mars bar to the mysterious taste of Irn-Bru's, and finish up with five intriguing facts about Scotland's national instrument the bagpipes.   Unusual Scottish traditions and factsHaggis: a Scottish dish, not an animal Burns Night: reading "Address to a Haggis"Highland Games: sports, music, celebrationsTossing the...

  Today, we uncover the controversial story of Prince Andrew, the black sheep of the British royal family.   From his ties to Jeffrey Epstein to his car crash interview, we explore the life of Queen Elizabeth's second son, Prince Andrew, The Duke Of York.   Prince Andrew's controversial involvement with Jeffrey Epstein The infamous BBC interview with Emily Maitlis The questionable alibi involving Pizza Express in Woking Being stripped of his military titles and royal patronages His...

  Is it a platform for emancipation, or is it a dangerous tool that objectifies women and destroys futures?   In this episode, we'll explore the complex history of OnlyFans, the world's number one "adult creator" platform.   OnlyFans: Empowerment or exploitation? Background and purpose of OnlyFans Business model and revenue of OnlyFans Impact of COVID-19 on OnlyFans' growth OnlyFans as an alternative to traditional sex work Content types on OnlyFans OnlyFans temporary ban on explicit...

👉 "The News Challenge" starts on April 22nd. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3xyUoGC --- In this episode, we'll explore the story of Fredric Tudor, the man who revolutionised the global ice transportation market in the 19th century.   We'll learn about Tudor's bold vision, his struggles, the enduring legacy he left behind, and why he fully deserves the name of "The Ice King".   Frederic Tudor, "The Ice King" The invention of the global ice transportation market Challenges of transporting...

  In part three of our mini-series on fertility, we'll explore the intriguing world of future fertility possibilities.   From creating eggs out of skin cells to the concept of artificial wombs, we'll explore the groundbreaking technologies that could revolutionise how we reproduce.   IVF: In vitro fertilisation Future of fertility technology IVG: In-vitro gametogenesis Artificial wombs for premature babies Implications for single-sex couples Ethical concerns about technology End of...

  In part one of a three-part mini-series, we'll look at the global trend of shrinking populations and what it signifies for the future.   Is the world's population really in decline, what are the reasons for this, and what does it mean for the world?  Global population trends and downward fertility rates Demographic shifts and the replacement rate for stability Factors influencing declining birth rates globally Increasing gender equality and delayed childbearing Cost of raising children and...

  In this episode, we'll learn about the dramatic story behind the controversial 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina.   From political corruption to unexplained favours, we'll explore what has come to be called the "Dirtiest World Cup in History".   1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina Dirty tactics off the pitch Brutal military dictatorship backdrop Political influence on the games Allegations of bribery and corruption Controversies around hosting the cup Victory marred by suspicions Notable...

  In the final part of our mini-series on slavery, we'll explore the unsettling reality of modern slavery, exploring its prevalence and forms in our world today.   From deceptive promises to exploitation and control, we uncover how slavery lurks in the shadows, but there are more slaves in the modern world than at any point in human history.   Growth and abolition of historical slavery Overview of modern slavery Statistics on modern slavery Prevalence and hotspots of modern...

  In part one of a three-part series on slavery, we'll explore the role of slavery in the ancient world.   We'll explore how slaves were treated legally, some moral objections to slavery, and how forced labour powered many ancient civilisations we look up to.   Legal codes regarding slaves Different ways people became slaves Role of philosophy in justifying slavery Varied tasks of ancient slaves Female slaves' dual role The economic significance of slaves The absence of opposition to...

  It's a short, feel-good tale about a lion called Christian.   In this episode, we'll be telling the heartwarming true story of Christian's unique journey and his special bond with his owners.   London in the 1960s: Description of 1960s Chelsea as a cultural hub John Rendall and Ace Bourke, Australians in London Encounter at Harrods "Pet Kingdom": Lion cub for sale Lack of regulations for owning a lion in 1960s London Life with Christian in London: Challenges of raising a lion in a...

  It is a fascinating story that gets you thinking about the age of responsibility, the nature of citizenship, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the fate of individuals who joined extremist groups.   In this episode, we'll be talking about Shamima Begum, a young lady who had her British citizenship revoked after leaving the country to join the Islamic State.   Shamima Begum's departure to Syria at 15 Begum's life in ISIS, marriage, and involvement in enforcing strict standards Begum's...

⚡️ Register for "The Making Of A Dictator": https://bit.ly/DictatorCourse Registration closes 23:59 25/02/2024 || Special Launch Price €99 -- It's the story of how artists from a small, somewhat unexpected country became global music sensations, amassing devoted fans and making billions in the process.   In this episode, we'll be talking about the rise of K-Pop, the strategic role of the Korean government, and the global phenomenon that is BTS.   Introduction to K-Pop: Impact on global...

  Millions worldwide dedicate their lives to research, striving for medical breakthroughs and enhancing our understanding of the human body. But occasionally, they make mistakes.   In this episode, we'll explore three instances where scientific breakthroughs were announced but later proven to be mistakes.   Scientific Studies in Media Case 1: Faster Than Light Neutrinos 2012 CERN press conference: Einstein was wrong Investigation reveals a fault in the fibre optic cable Case 2: Cold Fusion...

  It's the idea that humans can enhance our bodies with the use of technology, all in a bid to allow us to break free from our biological reality.   In this episode, we'll be talking about the roots of transhumanism, the quest for radical life extension, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the enhancement of human abilities.   Introduction to Transhumanism Historical Roots of Transhumanism Medical Technology Advancements Core Concepts of Transhumanism Radical Life Extension Cognitive...

  He is probably the most famous whistleblower in the world after having leaked vast amounts of sensitive US government information back in 2013.   In this episode, we'll be telling the story of Edward Snowden, asking ourselves whether he is a great American patriot or a traitor.   Edward Snowden's background and early lifeSnowden's disillusionment with the CIA and government practicesSnowden's decision to leak classified informationSize and significance of the leaked dataSnowden's escape to...

  A New Year's Eve celebration isn't always fireworks. Sometimes it's colourful underwear, dark-haired men rushing into Scottish houses, and smashing plates.   In this episode, we'll explore the most unusual New Year's Eve traditions around the world.   Origins of Unusual Traditions Italian Red Underwear Tradition Scottish First Footing Ritual Scottish Hogmanay Celebrations Dangerous Johannesburg Tradition Spanish Twelve Grapes Tradition Japanese Temple Bell Ritual Danish Plate...

  It's an idea and a way of life that is all about doing good, helping others, and improving the world in the most efficient way possible.   In this episode, we'll be talking about Effective Altruism, its core principles, and its unique approach to addressing the world's most pressing problems.   Effective Altruism Defined Thought Experiment: Drowning Child Peter Singer's Famine, Affluence, and Morality Essay William MacAskill: Effective Altruism Co-Founder Effective Altruism's Goal and...

🔪🔪🔪 January Special Offer [ends 23:59 Jan 14th] 🔪🔪🔪 Become a Pro Member and get “Students of Murder” course (normally €49) for free: https://bit.ly/FreeStudentsOfMurder --- From export and import controls to asset freezes and travel restrictions, there are various methods for imposing sanctions. But how effective are they?   In this episode, we will discuss sanctions, how they work, and pose the perhaps controversial question: do they truly work?   PhD Program Rejection Types of Sanctions:...

🔪🔪🔪 January Special Offer [ends 23:59 Jan 14th] 🔪🔪🔪 Become a Pro Member and get “Students of Murder” course (normally €49) for free: https://bit.ly/FreeStudentsOfMurder --- K-Pop, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Indian Cricket – what do these three things have in common? Soft power, of course.   In this episode, we're going to be talking about Soft Power in the 21st century and the unusual but fascinating displays of it.   Global Soft Power Index: Brand Directory's annual survey. Soft Power...

  We all know salt as a simple white seasoning to add to our cooking, but it's much more than that.   In this episode, we'll be exploring salt's fascinating role throughout history – from how it served as a catalyst for revolutions to how it is featured in society.   Salt's role in history and its surprising impact. Preservation: Salt's role in preserving meat, fish for months. Essential nutrient: Human dependence on salt in diets. Early trade routes based on the salt trade. La Gabelle:...

  It is a story that brings together billionaires, presidents, princes, private islands, and unfortunately, decades of sexual abuse of underage girls.   In this episode, we will be talking about the disgraced American financier, Jeffrey Epstein.   Epstein's background and early career Epstein's rise in the world of finance Initial arrest and charges related to sexual abuse Controversial plea deal in 2008 Epstein's second arrest in 2019 on sex trafficking charges Allegations of Epstein's...

Save 50% on ELSA Premium (#1 pronunciation app): https://bit.ly/ELSA-AI [ends 23:59 on Dec 17th] -- How has a small bird from the jungles of southeast Asia gone on to be the most popular source of protein in the world?   In this episode, we are going to talk about the economics of chicken, and how farmers have managed to drastically reduce its price.   The transformation of chicken from a luxury to a cheap protein source Origin of domesticated chickens in Southeast Asia Historical chicken...