Fay Bound-Alberti

In this thought-provoking conversation, Charlie Beckett, a journalism expert, highlights the challenge of distinguishing facts from contested truths amidst a media crisis. Fay Bound-Alberti, a historian, explores how emotions shape historical narratives, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives. Philosopher Mark Vernon discusses the intertwining of love and truth in psychotherapy, while Hilary Lawson presents his theory of 'closure', suggesting that truth is nuanced rather than absolute. Together, they unravel the complexities of truth in a world filled with varying perspectives.

Fay Bound-Alberti, cultural historian of the face, traces facehood, physiognomy and selfies. Mary Costello, novelist focused on interiority and memory, explores narrative, dreams and individuation. Michael Pollan, science writer on psychedelics and plant life, surveys theories of consciousness, plant sentience and brain‑body debates. They discuss memory, art, recognition and how selves are seen and told.

Faye Bound Alberti, historian of medicine who studies the ethics and history of face transplants. Robert Chelsea, a pioneering face transplant recipient who survived catastrophic burns. They discuss the surgery itself, daily life with a transplanted face, medical and financial burdens, consent and ethical concerns, and questions about long-term support and the future of the field.