I CHOSE episode 112, “The Uncontrolling God”, from the Beer Christianity podcast, with high expectations. The episode introduces two theologians who hold an open and relational view of God, contrasting sharply with the traditional notion of a fixed God, bound by a predetermined fate.
The episode struggles, however, when it shifts to promoting their UK-based conference. Unfortunately, the guests fail to pronounce the name of one of the East African speakers correctly. And there is a female host on the podcast who seems under-utilised; her participation often appears limited to moderating the more boisterous banter, which detracts from an otherwise interesting topic.
In “Why Dishonesty is Destroying the Planet”, from Ways to Change the World, Mike Berners-Lee discusses with the journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy the critical issue of dishonesty and its detrimental effects on the planet. Their conversation is robust and engaging, highlighting Berners-Lee’s firm belief that people in positions of influence must prioritise truth-telling and transparency. This approach is vital for building trust and fostering the communal resilience that we will need as we face increasingly complex global challenges.
At times throughout the conversation, Guru-Murthy expresses incredulity, questioning whether such idealism is realistic. Nevertheless, Berners-Lee stands firm in his stance, reinforcing the idea that “the truth will set you free.”
The Slow Newscast episode “Just Stop Turmoil” features the compelling story of a Just Stop Oil protester, Lou Lancaster, and delves into her experiences. We follow her journey as she gets out of prison, and reflect on the circumstances that led her there. What drives an ordinary woman of a certain age to engage in illegal activities for the sake of justice?
The podcast places her journey to incarceration within the broader context of the Government’s increasing repression of protests. If you have ever suspected people who keep their cameras off on Zoom, beware. An undercover journalist’s recording of a planning meeting for protesters leads to legal repercussions. This serves in part as a cautionary tale about the risks attached to digital communication. The episode also highlights how other activists are seeking innovative ways to raise awareness and provoke political change without facing imprisonment.
With public disorder on the rise, “Inside COBRA”, from the podcast Westminster Insider, explores the mechanisms that government uses to address potential threats. It provides a deep dive into the origin of COBRA, which emerged from the abduction and murder by terrorists of athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. This incident exposed vulnerabilities in Britain’s preparedness for similar crises. The name COBRA is derived from the first room where senior leaders convened: Cabinet Office Briefing Room A.
Lastly, “Who Will Remember Us? The Warrior Spirit of Disability Advocates”, Season 3, Episode 4, of the podcast True Tales by Disability Advocates, brings the listener poignant anecdotes from individuals who are living with disabilities. These personal stories, told in their own words, are short but powerful, fostering empathy between disabled and non-disabled audiences. Many of the storytellers have since died, which adds a layer of poignancy to their recollections and underscores the importance of remembering their experiences.
