From productivity hackers to dating coaches, from crypto bros to wellness influencers, when did the internet get taken over by gurus? Helen Lewis investigates. (BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds)
The New Gurus
audio
The Spark: Non-Human Intelligence
The writer and artist James Bridle has a background in artificial intelligence, but has turned to studying the natural world: everything from slime moulds that can solve complex logistical problems to octopuses that recognise human faces. (The Spark, BBC)
The Spark: The Case Against the Sexual Revolution
The liberalisations of the 1960s brought significant new freedom to women's lives. But Louise Perry argues that this has now combined with the more recent impact of online pornography, which is both ubiquitous and frequently violent. (The Spark, BBC)
The Church of Social Justice
What do you believe in? As traditional religions wane in Britain, Helen Lewis asks if political movements are taking their place (BBC Radio 4).
Start the Week: The Post-Nuremberg World
Talking to Linda Kinstler, Ronen Bergman and Philippe Sands about war crimes trials and targeted assassinations (BBC Radio 4).
Start the Week: Family Drama
Recorded live at Hay Festival, three prize-winning authors discuss their work. (BBC Radio 4)
Start the Week: Welsh Identities
With Richard Wyn Jones, Hanan Issa, Marion Loeffler and Richard King (BBC Radio 4)
Start the Week: Post War, Post Covid
How can a crisis lead to creativity? Historian Peter Hennessy, anthropologist Farhan Samanani and art curator Jane Alison discuss on BBC Radio 4.
The Spark: Julia Galef on Scout Mindset
Julia Galef discussed "motivated cognition" -- soldier mindset -- and its opposite. (BBC Radio 4)
The Spark: Sam Bowman on YIMBYism
Sam Bowman explains why we need to build more houses--and how to get consent for that. (BBC Radio 4)