Radical Podcast
Conversations about the global forces reshaping our world and the radical ideas that could define the future.
Conversations about the global forces reshaping our world and the radical ideas that could define the future.
Radical is a twice-weekly podcast where pioneering thinkers, bold innovators and influential voices explore the ideas, trends and breakthroughs transforming society. From politics and climate change to economics and artificial intelligence, each episode tackles the biggest challenges facing our world, and the solutions that could help shape what's next.
LISTEN:
Listen to Radical every Monday and Thursday on BBC Sounds. You can also listen on your smart speaker - just say: "Ask BBC Sounds to play Radical." Available on most smart speakers.
GET IN TOUCH:
- Send us a message or voice note on WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480.
- Email: Radical@bbc.co.uk
- Or join the conversation using #BBCRadical.
Episodes to download
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Going for Growth: Can We Make Britain Wealthy Again? (Matt Clifford)
Thu 30 Apr 2026
The former AI advisor to No 10 argues that technology is essential for Britain’s future.
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How Can More Women Become Business Leaders? (Your Radical Questions with Emma Grede)
Mon 27 Apr 2026
The fashion designer and businesswoman takes your questions.
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Taking Responsibility: Are We Thinking About Success and Ambition All Wrong? (Emma Grede)
Thu 23 Apr 2026
Emma Grede argues that success is all about focus, trade-offs and taking control.
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Why Are Young People Abandoning the Political Centre? (Your Radical Questions with Adrian Wooldridge)
Mon 20 Apr 2026
The columnist and author answers questions on liberalism, collectivism, and nostalgia.
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Reclaiming the Centre: Is the Old Political Order Dead? (Adrian Wooldridge)
Thu 16 Apr 2026
The author and Bloomberg columnist argues for the revival of liberalism.
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Can Technology Rescue Reading? (Your Radical Questions with James Marriott)
Mon 13 Apr 2026
James Marriott takes questions on the gamification of learning and collapse of reading.
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The Reading Recession: Are We Making Ourselves Less Intelligent? (James Marriott)
Thu 9 Apr 2026
Tracing the historical relationship between reading, intelligence and democracy.
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Could All Government Decisions Be Made Through an App? (Your Radical Questions with Hélène Landemore)
Mon 6 Apr 2026
Hélène Landemore answers your questions on citizen‑led democracy and political reform
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Rethinking Democracy: Would Citizens Do a Better Job than Politicians? (Hélène Landemore)
Thu 2 Apr 2026
The Yale Political Theorist and author makes the case for citizen rule.
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Over-Diagnosis: Are Too Many People Being Given Medical Labels? (Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan)
Thu 26 Mar 2026
The doctor who thinks that we are getting diagnosis wrong.
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Should Former Colonial Powers Pay Reparations? (Your Radical Questions with Simukai Chigudu)
Mon 23 Mar 2026
Simukai Chigudu answers your questions about statues and decolonising the curriculum.
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The Legacy of Empire: How to Reckon with the Past (Simukai Chigudu)
Thu 19 Mar 2026
Is removing statues and decolonising the curriculum the answer?
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Do Polls Influence Public Opinion? (Your Radical Questions with James Kanagasooriam)
Mon 16 Mar 2026
A top pollster answers your questions about politics, polling and reasons to be cheerful.
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Taking Back Control: Why ‘Agency’ Could Be The Next Big Idea In Politics (James Kanagasooriam)
Thu 12 Mar 2026
A top pollster explains how a sense of powerlessness amongst voters is shaping politics.
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Does Marriage Need Modernising? (Your Radical Questions with Ed Davies)
Mon 9 Mar 2026
Ed Davies answers your questions about modern family life and relationships.
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The Decline of Marriage: Why We Need to Prioritise Family Life (Ed Davies)
Thu 5 Mar 2026
Marriage rates have fallen to historic lows, but what are the consequences?
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How Can Families Limit the Ultra‑Processed Foods Their Kids Eat? (Your Radical Questions with Thomasina Miers)
Mon 2 Mar 2026
Thomasina Miers answers your questions on hospitality, kids' meals and cooking in school.
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Health and Hospitality: When Does Food Stop Being Food? (Thomasina Miers)
Thu 26 Feb 2026
The UK is one of the world’s largest consumers of ultra-processed foods.
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Is Capitalism Holding Back Social Mobility? (Your Radical Questions with Joe Seddon)
Mon 23 Feb 2026
Joe Seddon answers your questions about social mobility, confidence and volunteering.
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Social Mobility: How to Break the Link Between Background and Opportunity (Joe Seddon)
Thu 19 Feb 2026
Regional inequality is holding people back, and Joe Seddon wants to do something about it.
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Can A ‘Repair Not Replace’ Culture Be Revived In Fashion? (Your Radical Questions with Josephine Philips)
Mon 16 Feb 2026
Josephine Philips answers your questions on fast fashion, manufacturing and repair.
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Consumer Culture: Why We Need to Buy Less (Josephine Philips)
Thu 12 Feb 2026
The entrepreneur who wants you to stop throwing clothes away to combat fast fashion.
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How Do We Reduce Political Polarisation Online? (Your Radical Questions with Jonathan Haidt)
Mon 9 Feb 2026
Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, answers your questions.
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Social Media Bans: Are We at a Global Turning Point? (Jonathan Haidt)
Thu 5 Feb 2026
Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, on how to go smartphone free.
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Will There Be a Revolt Against AI Music? (Your Radical Questions with Panos A. Panay)
Mon 2 Feb 2026
The Grammys president answers your questions.
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The Night Manager: How to Make Great British Drama (Simon Cornwell)
Sun 1 Feb 2026
As series two comes to an end Amol speaks to John Le Carre’s son about the show's future.
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Inside the Music Business: The Grammys President on the Fight to Protect Artists (Panos A. Panay)
Thu 29 Jan 2026
The Recording Academy president thinks AI poses an 'existential threat' to the industry.
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What Does It Take to Become a Foster Carer? (Your Radical Questions with Louise Allen)
Mon 26 Jan 2026
Foster carer and author Louise Allen answers your questions about fostering.
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Children in Care: How to Fix the Fostering Crisis (Louise Allen)
Thu 22 Jan 2026
Foster carer Louise Allen says the problem isn’t the children, it’s the system.
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How Will The Shift To Green Energy Reshape Global Politics? (Your Radical Questions with Professor Helen Thompson)
Mon 19 Jan 2026
Helen Thompson answers your questions on energy, geopolitics and uncomfortable truths.
