Episodes

  • 59. Biruté Galdikas: One third of the legendary primate trimates
    Jun 9 2026

    We cover it all today wind, pottery, mischeief and pancakes! We learn about Barute's background and early life, how she ended up in Borneo, her connection with orangutans, challenges of outdoor living, and Barute's discoveries. The conversation delves into the behaviour and environment of orangutans, the challenges of caring for orphaned baby orangutans, the impact and legacy of conservation work, the threats to orangutans, and the power of curiosity and care in driving conservation efforts. It emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and responsibility in conservation, as well as the role of individuals in continuing conservation efforts.

    Sources

    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/birute-

    galdikas-orangutans-borneo-october-1975

    https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/birut-mary-galdikas-knows-

    orangutans

    https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/apr/09/birute-

    galdikas-obituary

    https://www.science.ca/scientists/scientistprofile.php?pID=7&pg

    =3

    https://archive.org/details/greatlivesfromhi0002unse_n5y6/page

    /338/mode/2up?q=galdikas

    https://orangutan.org

    The book Reflections of Eden: my years with the orangutans of

    Borneo by Birute G herself.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Wind and Animal Mischief
    • 05:49 Barute's Education and Mentorship
    • 13:35 Barute's Interest in Orangutans
    • 19:33 Barute's Discoveries
    • 25:05 Impact and Legacy
    • 31:50 Threats to Orangutans
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    40 mins
  • 58. Dorothy Hodgkin: Crystals, Prizes and life saving drugs
    May 26 2026

    Discover the inspiring story of Dorothy Mary Hodgkin, a pioneering scientist who revolutionized medicine with her groundbreaking work in crystallography. From childhood experiments to Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, learn how her perseverance and passion changed the world.

    Keywords

    Dorothy Hodgkin, crystallography, penicillin, insulin, Nobel Prize, science innovation, women in science, medical breakthroughs, protein structure, scientific discovery

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Dorothy Hodgkin's Story

    02:53 Childhood and Early Influences

    06:00 Education and Early Scientific Pursuits

    08:58 Struggles and Triumphs in Academia

    11:51 The Breakthrough in X-ray Crystallography

    14:59 Advancements in Protein Crystallography

    17:59 Recognition and Contributions to Science

    26:43 The Discovery of Penicillin

    35:09 The Significance of Vitamin B12

    39:37 Mapping the Structure of Insulin

    46:00 Legacy and Impact of Dorothy Hodgkin



    Sources

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00094kn

    https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/dorothy-hodgkin-cracking-crystal-codes/3004555.article

    https://royalsociety.org/video/the-exceptional-life-of-dorothy-crowfoot-hodgkin-PraybTdD_9I

    https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/celebrating-dorothy-hodgkin-britains-first-female-winner-of-a-nobel-science-prize/

    https://www.manlitphil.ac.uk/past-members/dame-dorothy-crowfoot-hodgkin/

    https://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/vitb12/b12.htm

    https://www.britannica.com/science/mineralogy

    https://royalsociety.org/about-us/who-we-are/diversity-inclusion/case-studies/scientists-with-disabilities/dorothy-hodgkin/#:~:text=Dorothy%20Hodgkin%20was%20awarded%20the,%2C%20using%20X%2Dray%20crystallography.

    https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/48/3/303/157906/Dorothy-Crowfoot-Hodgkin-1910-1994-X-ray

    https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1964/hodgkin/biographical/

    https://oumnh.ox.ac.uk/learn-dorothy-crowfoot-hodgkin


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    50 mins
  • 57. Dr Shoshanna Zuboff: One Woman's fight against the tech giants
    May 12 2026

    The conversation delves into the individual's significance in the face of big data, the erosion of privacy, historical context, resistance, and hope for change in surveillance capitalism. It emphasizes the need for regulatory measures and the future viewpoint on unregulated corporate influence and how one woman's work is heavily influencing that because she has seen it and done it all since the 80s! There is hope when it comes to big data and privacy. Dr Zuboff!

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Challenge of Context Switching
    • 06:00 Introduction and Greetings
    • 12:24 Recognition and Professional Achievements
    • 21:39 The Age of Surveillance Capitalism
    • 26:46 The Individual vs. Big Data
    • 31:58 Resistance and Pushback
    • 38:15 Regulatory Measures and Hope for Change
    • 47:11 The Future Viewpoint and Hope for Change
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    42 mins
  • 56. Eleanor of Aquitaine: Part 2 - The finale!
    Apr 28 2026

    The second episode of Eleanor's story delves into the imprisonment of Eleanor and her eventual release by her son, Richard. Eleanor of Aquitaine's story is characterized by her strategic leadership, influence, and legacy protection. From orchestrating subtle power plays to mediating conflicts and raising ransom for Richard's release, Eleanor's story is a testament to her remarkable leadership and influence. Her ability to arrange marriages and protect the brand of her empire showcases her strategic acumen and long-term vision. The chapters of the conversation cover these themes in detail, providing insights into Eleanor's remarkable life and impact.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Shakespeare's bday
    • 03:00 Eleanor's Imprisonment and Release
    • 22:30 The Subtle Burn
    • 30:28 Richard's Release and Reign
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    37 mins
  • 55. Eleanor of Aquitaine: Part 1
    Apr 14 2026

    A story so epic we are doing two parts. Today we cover the medieval Queen Eleanor, her turbulent first marriage to Louis VII and their relationship, before doing a deep dive into Eleanor's divorce and subsequent marriage to Henry II.

    The conversation delves into Eleanor's influence, her impact on culture, and the tensions within her family. It explores her active role, love affairs, and cultural influence, as well as the brewing conflict and her disappearance. Eleanor's legacy is portrayed through her significant impact on art, culture, and the political landscape of her time.

    We also covered her Mother in law, Empress Matilda in Episode 11.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Chit-Chat
    • 01:30 An idyllic childhood setting
    • 13:09 Marriage to lamb Louis VII
    • 22:03 Eleanor's Divorce not divorce and Marriage to Henry II
    • 28:14 The Beef and the Shit-Stirring
    • 34:00 Henry's Reign and Eleanor's Influence
    • 40:31 Chivalry and Emotional Intelligence
    • 47:06 Family Showdown
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    48 mins
  • 54. The Trưng Sisters: War Elephants and Uprising!
    Mar 31 2026

    Today we learn from Cara all about the role of the Chung Sisters in leading a rebellion, and the cultural and historical context of ancient Vietnam. We cover colonialism, women's empowerment, and the clash of civilizations. The story of the Trung sisters, who raised an army of 80,000 people to resist the Han Empire, is a powerful symbol of resistance and freedom in Vietnamese history. Their legacy continues to inspire and commemorate the spirit of resistance and liberation.

    Takeaways

    • Cultural assimilation and the impact of the Han Chinese Empire on Vietnam
    • The courageous leadership of the Chung Sisters in leading a rebellion against the Han Chinese Empire Symbol of resistance
    • Legacy of inspiration

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Courageous Leadership of the Chung Sisters
    • 12:10 The Rise of the Chung Sisters
    • 18:48 The Han Empire's Response
    • 25:22 The Enduring Legacy of the Chung Sisters
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    42 mins
  • 53. Mary Seacole: The Victorian nurse who upset Michael Gove
    Mar 17 2026

    The conversation covers the excitement for the Borderlines Film Festival and then transitions into a discussion about storytelling and the life of Mary Seacole. The conversation delves into the life of Mary Seacole, highlighting her vocation, challenges, entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, establishment of the British Hotel, comparison with Florence Nightingale, frontline service, recognition, legacy, and controversy surrounding her recognition.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Storytelling and Mary Seacole
    • 31:13 The Crimean War and Mary Seacole's Vocation
    • 36:23 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Resilience
    • 44:13 Recognition and Legacy
    • 55:23 Controversy and Recognition
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    49 mins
  • 52. Dorothy Parker: A writer with more than one twist
    Mar 3 2026

    This week Cara delves into the life and career of Dorothy Parker, focusing on her iconic humour and the challenges and tragedies she faced. It explores her personal life, career, involvement in the Algonquin Round Table, and her transition to screenwriting. The discussion provides insights into her wit, social circle, and professional journey. The conversation delves into Dorothy Parker's life, highlighting her Hollywood years, social activism, and enduring legacy.

    Takeaways

    • Dorothy Parker's Iconic Humour
    • Challenges and Tragedies in Dorothy Parker's Life Dorothy Parker's enduring relevance
    • Dorothy Parker's impact on social change

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Personal Life
    • 11:30 The Algonquin Round Table
    • 18:23 The Hollywood Years
    • 29:07 Legacy and Impact
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    40 mins