Radical with Amol Rajan

Thomasina Miers, chef and Wahaca founder who campaigns for better school food, argues many ultra‑processed products should not be called food. She debates supermarket power, school meals and culinary education. She warns of a hospitality “bloodbath,” proposes greengrocer relief and VAT shifts, and calls for policies that reward real, well‑grown produce.

Joe Seddon, founder of Zero Gravity, builds tech to boost social mobility for talented young people from low-opportunity areas. He discusses how volunteering can accelerate skills. He debates whether capitalism helps or hinders mobility. He warns AI may trigger a rise in blue-collar status and explores why many young people are out of work.

Joe Seddon, founder of Zero Gravity and social entrepreneur tackling UK social mobility. He discusses how geography still shapes life chances. He raises radical transparency for course value, the threat AI poses to entry-level routes, and the hard truth that relocating often boosts prospects. Short, candid, and focused on systemic barriers and practical fixes.

Josephine Philips, founder of Sojo and tech entrepreneur modernising clothing repair. She discusses scaling repair through brand partnerships. She talks about training tailors and expanding services beyond London. She advocates teaching sewing, reviving UK manufacturing, and making repair affordable and accessible.

Josephine Philips, founder of Sojo and sustainable fashion entrepreneur, modernises clothing repair to fight fast fashion. She discusses the human and environmental costs of throwaway clothes. Short, practical steps like secondhand shopping, accessible repairs and supportive regulation are explored. The conversation champions slowing consumption and restoring joy in clothing care.

Social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation Jonathan Haidt answers your questions on social media bans for under‑16s, the influence of YouTube, and the risk of restricting access to certain online platforms.He also talks about Donald Trump’s second presidency and how technology is changing the nature of political debate.GET IN TOUCH* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480 * Email: radical@bbc.co.ukEpisodes 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-rajanAmol 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 Dafydd Evans. The editor is Sam Bonham. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist and author who studies technology’s impact on youth, makes the case for under-16 social media limits. He discusses a possible global tipping point, why politicians lag, industry tactics to sow doubt, links between phones and school life or loneliness, and practical community and parenting steps to curb kids’ smartphone use.

Panos A. Panay, president of the Recording Academy and the Grammys, music executive and author. He discusses a possible consumer backlash against AI-made music. He weighs AI as both creative tool and threat. He explores how governments and copyright could support musicians and fund future talent.

Simon Cornwell, executive producer and son of John le Carré, discusses reviving The Night Manager and shepherding his father’s legacy. He talks about updating the story for today, choices of writers and locations, shifts from linear TV to iPlayer and streamers, the shrinking mid‑range drama market, and hints about series three and a Smiley adaptation.

Panos A Panay, president of the Recording Academy and former talent agent for major artists, talks about the music industry’s fight over streaming revenue and the looming threat of AI. He reflects on why live performances matter, how data and human judgment shape discovery, and efforts to give creators more control and fairer pay.