Episodes
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 facing patients, healthcare workers, and the NHS as a service.
Adam's new book, Kay’s Incredible Inventions, is out...
Published 11/16/23
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 episode about an individual whose actions have left a significant impact on the world of politics and social change.
What I Believe was the title...
Published 11/09/23
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 is a patron of Humanists UK. In 2012, he published The Young Atheist’s Handbook: Living a Good Life Without God. The book chronicles his...
Published 11/02/23
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 changing world.
Tommy Sheppard MP is the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group, a cross-party group of Members of the House of Commons and...
Published 10/25/23
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 contributor to New Humanist magazine: https://newhumanist.org.uk/contributors/5253/samira-ahmed
She also regularly chairs Humanists UK events:...
Published 10/18/23
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 our common humanity and capacity to build a better society.
Adam Rutherford is the current President of Humanists UK. He delivered Humanists...
Published 10/11/23
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 healthcare and the role of assisted dying in modern society.
Henry Marsh addressing parliament on assisted dying in 2022:...
Published 10/04/23
Andrew 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 Archbishop of Canterbury over the Church of England’s stance on same-sex marriage, it’s a thought-provoking conversation that’s equal parts humour and...
Published 09/27/23
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.
Published 10/12/22
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.
Published 10/05/22
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.
Published 09/28/22
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.
Published 09/22/22
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.
Published 09/14/22
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.
Published 09/07/22
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.
Published 08/31/22
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.
Published 08/24/22
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.
Published 08/17/22
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.
Published 08/10/22
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'.
Published 08/03/22
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.
Published 01/27/22
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.
Published 01/20/22
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.
Published 01/13/22
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.
Published 01/06/22
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.
Published 12/16/21