Category Archives: Podcasts

Science: Nuclear War Threat, Climate Change, Coronavirus Origins

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, Vladimir Putin raised Russia’s nuclear readiness level. The team discusses what this means about the likelihood of nuclear war. They also explore the unfolding humanitarian crisis in the country.

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report is out, and it focuses on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. We hear from Swenja Surminski, head of adaptation research at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment.

New studies into the start of the coronavirus pandemic are confirming what we’ve long suspected – that the virus originated at the Huanan food market in Wuhan. The team discusses the latest findings.

Moles – the animals that make holes in your lawn – are non-binary. Just one of a number of amazing facts to come out of the new book ‘BITCH: A Revolutionary Guide to Sex, Evolution & the Female Animal’. Hear from the author Lucy Cooke, who is challenging the sexist basis of much of the thinking about female animals. 

Stonehenge may have been built as a giant calendar. Though the claim itself isn’t new, the team explores a new theory from the archaeologist Tim Darvill which explains how it would’ve worked.

Morning News: Ukraine Update, International Criminal Court, Energy

We take a look at the latest from Ukraine with Olga Tokariuk and discuss what it means that Russia has been referred to the International Criminal Court. Plus: what’s the impact of the conflict on global energy markets?

Shakespeare & Company: ‘The Sinner And The Saint’ Author Kevin Birmingham

Morning News: Ukraine Invasion, Refugees, Taipei & Beijing, Misinformation

We hear the latest from Ukraine as Russia’s invasion continues and discuss the situation on the country’s border as thousands flee.

Plus: the view from Taipei and Beijing, the use of misinformation in the conflict and the impact on aviation.

Architecture: Protecting Modernism (The Getty)

“You look at the thinking behind the creation of the building, but then also at the material needs. And you merge the two to really build an in-depth understanding of the building, and a path forward to preserving it.”

From the sculptural curves of the Sydney Opera House to the sliding walls and windows of the Eames House, the hallmarks of modern buildings make them easy to spot. Modernist architecture—with its signature use of industrial materials and innovative, sleek designs—emerged in the early 1900s and dominated the post–World War II building boom. Unfortunately, many of the iconic buildings from this period are now in serious need of repair but lack clear conservation plans due to the use of untested building methods and materials. How do you fix concrete that’s been damaged by ocean water, or remove graffiti to preserve stainless steel? In response to such dilemmas, the Getty Foundation created the Keeping It Modern initiative, an international grant program focused on the conservation of significant 20th-century architecture. Launched in 2014, Keeping It Modern has to date supported a total of 77 projects in 40 countries.

Morning News: China’s Stance On Russia, Covid-Death Tallies, Corruption

After backing Russia’s grievances against NATO, China now finds itself treading a very fine line on Ukraine. 

There are often reasons to be suspicious of a country’s covid-death tally; we examine research showing how fraud can be spotted mathematically. And why women are less likely than men to be corrupt.

Political Analysis: Putin’s War, Economic Fallout From Invasion, Taiwan

A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, where will Vladimir Putin stop? Plus, the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine (10:35) and how parallels with Taiwan are shaping Asian views of the conflict (16:35).

Morning News: Russia Intensifies War In Ukraine, Companies Exit Country

A.M. Edition for March 1. Russia intensifies its war in Ukraine, pummeling civilian centers and setting the stage for a major assault on the capital, Kyiv. 

WSJ national-security reporter Brett Forrest is in Lviv in western Ukraine and he says we may be seeing a regression to more traditional tactics from Moscow, as Russian forces struggle with fierce Ukrainian resistance. Luke Vargas hosts.

Sunday Morning: News And Stories From London, Kyiv, Zurich And Tokyo

Emma Nelson anchors a special edition on the developments in Ukraine, as Russian forces continue their offensive. With Lada Roslycky in Kyiv, Stephen Dalziel in London, Benno Zogg in Zürich and Fiona Wilson in Tokyo.