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BBC Radio 4

Conversations about tomorrow, from Today.

Every week Today programme presenter Amol Rajan talks to radicals, pioneers and innovators from all over the world. From populism and climate change, to economics and AI... How can their radical ideas help you win the future?

As well as presenting Today on BBC Radio 4, Amol is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that he was the BBC's media editor and editor of The Independent.

Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are published on Thursdays on BBC Sounds. You can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today podcast. If you enjoy this (and you've read this far so hopefully you do), then we think you’ll also like another podcast from Today. It’s called Political Thinking with Nick Robinson and you can listen to Nick’s interviews here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p04z203l

The Today Podcast

Chef, author and campaigner Jamie Oliver answers your questions about obesity and how he'd create a more inclusive education system. 

Also, is food in French supermarkets better than in British ones? And should there be a move towards predominantly plant-based meals in schools? 

GET IN TOUCH: 

* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk 
 
Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. 

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Mike Regaard. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Should School Meals Be Plant-Based? (Your Radical Questions with Jamie Oliver)

Jamie Oliver thinks diet-related illness and growing levels of debt are killing the country he loves. In this frank and open conversation, he tells Amol why we need to go further to help people understand the nutritional value of the food they eat. And although his campaign for the sugar tax brought significant change, Jamie says there is still more to do on school meals, breakfast clubs and food packaging. 

But Jamie’s mission doesn’t stop at food. He wants children to be taught how to manage their money and he also sets out a case for reforming education so it better serves children with diverse ways of learning. Reflecting on his own dyslexia, he emphasises the importance of giving every child the support they need to thrive. 

And following the announcement that Jamie’s Italian will return to the UK, Jamie reflects on what went wrong the first time and how he hopes to make the relaunch a success. 

(00:01:42) Reflecting on the cultural shifts throughout his career 

(00:06:12) What he thinks of the current state of Britain 

(00:08:25) Sugar tax 

(00:11:13) Junk food advertising

(00:13:50) What are we getting wrong with obesity? 

(00:16:58) Decline in cooking 

(00:19:39) School meals and breakfast club standards 

(00:23:17) Neurodiversity 

(00:28:30) How did dyslexia affect him as a child? 

(00:31:00) Why we need to teach financial literacy to kids 

(00:35:14) Jamie’s radical ideas 

(00:39:15) The decline of British pubs 

(00:43:10) Jamie’s Italian – why it failed and why he is bringing it back 

(00:46:55) The ups and downs of fame 

(00:52:37) Reflecting on his childhood 

(00:55:52) Amol’s reflections 

GET IN TOUCH 
 
* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk 
 
Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and Your Radical Questions, where you get to put questions to our guests, is released every Monday.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@r4today 

Watch on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan 
 
Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. 

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Mike Regaard. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Jamie Oliver: Obesity and Debt are Killing Britain

Musician and campaigner Jordan Stephens answers your questions about porn and masculinity. 

One half of the hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks, he now also advocates for young men and boys, which is why he was invited to an International Men’s Day reception at Downing Street - so why did he turn it down? He explains in this episode of Your Radical Questions. 

* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk 
 
Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. 

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Ricardo McCarthy. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

What Do We Do About Young Men and Porn? (Your Radical Questions with Jordan Stephens)

How is online porn affecting sex and relationships? In this episode, musician and campaigner Jordan Stephens calls for a new approach to sex education and a modern redefinition of masculinity. 

From Paris Hilton to Bonnie Blue and AI generated porn he discusses how sexual content is evolving and the impact it is having on young people’s lives. 

Jordan also explains how his childhood and the whirlwind fame he found with Rizzle Kicks led to heartbreak and addiction. 

And how that led him to become an advocate for boys and men. 

(00:02:30) Why Jordan became an advocate for boys and men? 

(00:08:30) Jordan’s childhood 

(00:12:17) Reflections on fame 

(00:13:36) How he learned about healthy relationships 

(00:15:30) Is there a crisis of masculinity? 

(00:20:25) The reality of pornography 

(00:28:50) How he would design the sex education curriculum? 

(00:31:26) AI and pornography 

(00:38:25) Thoughts on Bonnie Blue 

(00:42:30) Legalisation of sex work and drugs 

(00:45:25) What his partner, the popstar Jade Thirwall, has taught him about relationships 

(00:47:30) Politics and young people 

(00:54:50) Amol’s reflections 

GET IN TOUCH 
 
* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk 
 
Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan 
 
Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. 

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Ricardo McCarthy. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Porn and Masculinity: How to Teach Kids about Sex and Relationships (Jordan Stephens)

Environmentalist and TV presenter Chris Packham answers your questions about wildlife conservation, consumerism and his love of punk. 

Also, why does he oppose trail hunting? What support would have helped him as a child growing up with autism? And how does he make even the smallest insects interesting? 

Here’s how to send us your questions for Jordan Stephens and Jamie Oliver: 
 
* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk 
 
Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. 

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Johnny Baker. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Will Conservation Become More Mainstream? (Your Radical Questions with Chris Packham)

What does it mean to confront climate change? Amol speaks to broadcaster and campaigner Chris Packham who says conservationists like him have not done enough to protect nature. 

After the COP climate summit in Brazil ended without new targets to reduce the use of fossil fuels, he wants the UK government to lead a global emergency action plan as it did in World War Two and during the 2008 financial crisis to address what he calls climate and nature breakdown. 

The Springwatch and Winterwatch presenter also highlights the importance of biodiversity, how carbon emissions affect our health, and the practical steps individuals can take to make a difference. 

But ultimately he says we need a policy shift, which makes polluters pay. 

Chris also speaks candidly about his neurodiversity, his compulsion to speak truth to power and the personal price he pays for his campaigning. 

(00:06:27) The scale of the climate crisis 

(00:09:22) What he wants the UK government to do 

(00:12:23) Why climate change has fallen down the political agenda 

(00:14:52) Short term vs long term decisions 

(00:20:26) Are net zero policies working? 

(00:33:55) Environmentalism as a form of misanthropy 

(00:40:14) Radical solutions 

(00:44:02) What Chris does to help the environment 

(00:45:40) Why he thinks he and other conservationists have failed

(00:48:01) What individuals can do 

(00:57:38) The price he’s paid for his campaigning 

(00:59:55) Neurodiversity 

(01:02:38) Amol’s reflections 

GET IN TOUCH 
 
* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk 
 
Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan 
 
Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. 

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Johnny Baker. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

A War on Climate Change: Are Environmental Activists Losing The Fight? (Chris Packham)

Farmer and author James Rebanks is our first guest to answer your questions. He tackles everything from what consumers can do to support British farmers to whether sheep farming should go the way of coal mining, and how to reduce obesity in the UK.

He also discusses his experiences at school, going to Oxford University in his mid-twenties and how his education has shaped him.

Send us your questions for Jamie Oliver:

* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk

Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent.

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Dave O’Neill. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

How Good Is Vertical Farming? (Your Radical Questions with James Rebanks)

Is it possible to produce enough healthy food to feed the nation whilst also restoring nature? The farmer and best-selling author James Rebanks thinks it is but says there needs to be a radical change to government policy and our entire food system. 

He explains why he thinks farming subsidies are flawed, the unintended consequences of cheap food, and the delicate balance between food security and environmental stewardship. 

And from the hills of Cumbria to a remote island in Norway, he also reflects on the lessons he learnt about masculinity whilst writing his latest book, ‘The Place of Tides’. 

A government spokesperson said: “Farmers are stewards for our nation's land and for our food security. Farming also plays a central role in our mission to kickstart economic growth. 

“We understand that when farmers run profitable businesses, it’s good for the whole economy. 

“That is why we are backing them through new technology, streamlined regulation and our nature-friendly farming schemes are helping farmers produce food for the nation.” 

This podcast has been updated since the original broadcast to remove some inaccuracies around pig farm numbers.

(00:05:34) James explains his rise to farming fame 

(00:08:49) Why British farming is in crisis 

(00:16:42) Food production vs nature recovery 

(00:24:35) Our cheap food system 

(00:32:27) Supermarkets and food security 

(00:36:29) Restoring the balance between supermarkets and farmers 

(00:39:00) How can consumers help British farmers? 

(00:42:15) What do we do to build a better system? 

(00:46:00) Farming and politics 

(00:49:30) What it's like to be a British farmer and James’ family history 

(00:52:43) From the farm to Oxford University 

(00:57:37) How a visit to a remote island in Norway led to ‘The Place of Tides’ 

(01:05:17) Amol’s reflections 

GET IN TOUCH 
 
* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk 
 
Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan
 
Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. 

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Dave O’Neill. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Beyond Ultra-Processed Foods: Can Farmers Fix Our Health and the Planet? (James Rebanks)

How should we balance innovation, power and accountability in the digital age? This week, Amol speaks to Sir Nick Clegg — former UK deputy prime minister and former president of global affairs at Meta — about the power and responsibility of big tech companies. Sir Nick argues that breaking them up won’t solve the problem of their digital dominance, calling instead for greater regulation and user control. 

He discusses how technology shapes young people’s lives, warning against moral panic whilst calling for stronger age-appropriate safeguards and phone-free schools. And with rare candour, Sir Nick offers an insider’s perspective on how Silicon Valley really works — and why governments, not tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg, must ultimately set the rules. 

He also talks about politics and philosophy, arguing that true liberalism — rooted in reason, openness, and the belief in evidence over emotion — remains vital in an increasingly polarised world. 

(00:03:20) Concerns about the impact of AI 

(00:07:00) The power paradox and network effects 

(00:06:11) Children and smartphones 

(00:22:17) Social media and political polarisation 

(00:34:00) What’s Mark Zuckerberg really like? 

(00:37:56) Why tech bosses are not moral leaders 

(00:41:36) Why he left Meta 

(00:44:10) The future of technology and power 

(00:49:26) The race for AI ‘supremacy’ between the US and China 

(00:52:00) Preparing for this new digital world 

(00:53:11) Why has politics changed so much since he was deputy prime minister? 

(00:57:55) Is liberalism weak? 

(01:01:20) What’s next for Sir Nick Clegg? 

(01:05:16) Amol’s reflections 

GET IN TOUCH 
 
* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk 
 
Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan 
 
Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. 

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Jonny Hall and Ben Andrews. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Digital Dominance: How to Limit the Power of Big Tech (Sir Nick Clegg)

How do human choices, biases, and behaviours shape our economy? This week Amol speaks to Nobel Prize winning behavioural economist Professor Richard Thaler about his theories that dive into the patterns behind our decision-making and reveal why humans aren’t always as rational as we like to think. 

From overconfidence and the lure of winning at any cost, to the hidden costs of risk-taking and the psychology of incentives, his research shows why individuals and markets sometimes make surprising — or even seemingly irrational — choices. 

By unpacking the experiments described in his book The Winner’s Curse we get an insight into his work and he applies these behavioural insights to the issues facing the UK today. They discuss how to get young people off welfare and into work, government debt and why Richard believes the winter fuel allowance needs a rethink. 

(00:04:10) Why he thinks traditional economic theory is flawed 

(00:07:44) The pros and cons of behavioural economics 

(00:17:40) The story behind The Winner’s Curse 

(00:19:00) The Endowment Effect 

(00:21:16) The Ultimatum Game 

(00:23:28) Confirmation Bias and Overconfidence 

(00:25:54) Mental Accounting 

(00:29:42) Young people, welfare and work 

(00:33:35) Tackling government debt 

(00:38:32) The housing crisis 

(00:40:06) The rise of AI and dangers of social media 

(00:43:00) How he found out that he’d won the Nobel Prize for Economics 

(00:45:26) Richard Thaler’s legacy 

(00:47:43) Amol’s reflections 

(00:51:20) Listener Messages 

GET IN TOUCH
 
* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 
* Email: radical@bbc.co.uk 
 
Episodes of Radical with Amol Rajan are released every Thursday and you can also watch them on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002f1d0/radical-with-amol-rajan 
 
Amol Rajan is a presenter of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. He is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that, Amol was media editor at the BBC and editor at The Independent. 

Radical with Amol Rajan is a Today Podcast. It was made by Lewis Vickers with Anna Budd. Digital production was by Gabriel Purcell-Davis. Technical production was by Dave O’Neill. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

How Good Is Vertical Farming? (Your Radical Questions with James Rebanks)

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