Thinking Allowed Episodes Episode guide
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15/10/2024
Laurie Taylor explores the latest research into how society works.
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Gender and Radicalisation
How does gender influence men and women's participation in extremist politics?
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Architecture and Hope
Can building design create hope, from high security prisons to homeless hostels?
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Sight and Power
From Bentham's panopticon and surveillance cameras to conflicts over views of Mount Fuji.
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Medical Icons
Medical revolutions that transformed out relationship to our bodies and the world.
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Coffee Culture
Hipster baristas in Philadelphia and Chinese-run espresso bars in Italy.
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The British Elite
Who runs Britain today? Are they a conservative chumocracy or a different kind of elite?
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Shopping
From the rise of the mall, to the closure of shops during Covid.
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The swimming pool
The swimming pool: its iconic role in our society and culture. Also, pool etiquette.
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The politics of the body
The politics of the body: movement and posture.
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Opioids
Opioids in the US and UK: from illicit drug heroin to pharmaceutical drugs.
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Garden Utopias
Garden Utopias: from the suburban privet hedge to guerrilla gardening.
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Richard Sennett
Richard Sennett: A conversation with a leading cultural and social thinker.
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Anonymity - Self-creation
Laurie Taylor explores hidden and crafted identities.
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Capitalism
Capitalism: the origins of the word and a survey of attitudes to our economic system.
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Traditionalism - Russian Orthodox Converts
Traditionalism and Russian Orthodox converts.
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THE ENGLISH
THE ENGLISH: How the country house became ‘English’, and changing notions of England.
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The Passport
The Passport: a cultural history. Also, the trade in 'golden passports'.
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The Power of Song
The power of song: An iconic hymn, and singing and peacebuilding in South Sudan.
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Hope and the 'good enough' life
Hope and the 'good enough' life.
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Intersections
Intersections - how violence impacts some people more than others.
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The Grave - Memorial Benches
Laurie Taylor explores the origins of the grave and the meaning of memorial benches.
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Pets
How the British relationship to companion animals has changed. Also, the dog walk.
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Sugar
Sugar: its social history and meaning in our lives.
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Woke
Laurie Taylor talks to philosopher Susan Neiman about the concept of ‘woke’.
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Guns
Guns: from gun sellers in the US to the impact of the gun on human progress.
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Water Ways
An exploration of human relationships with water.
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Boxing and Kickboxing
Boxing and Kickboxing: Laurie Taylor explores their potential for transforming lives.
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The Petite Bourgeoisie
Laurie Taylor explores the unstoppable rise of the lower middle class.
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High Finance
Laurie Taylor considers the impact of the asset management industry on our everyday lives.