Breaking beliefism

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to comedian Geoff Norcott. They discuss teaching, class, taxation and whether trance is the best music genre.

In the opening episode to series 3, Professor Paul Dolan talks to Times columnist James Marriott, discussing organised fun, posh restaurants and political shifts among younger generations. 

That's it - the second season of ten episodes of Breaking Beliefism is complete. You can listen to my thoughts on the terrific guests in this bonus clip.

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to Dr. Brett Staniland, a model and advocate for sustainable fashion. They explore the complexities of fast fashion, and the impact of identities on the clothes we buy. Brett shares his journey from academia to the cat walk, and why he appeared on Love Island. 

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to David Goodhart, a prominent broadcaster and journalist. They discuss identity, immigration, and family dynamics. They agree on the importance of empathy and understanding in political discourse, but disagree about the importance of a traditional two-person family structure and how to protect cultural diversity in the presence of social mobility. 

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to behavioural economist Dr. Cahal Moran to explore the complexities of economics and its real-world implications. They discuss the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, and the importance of addressing happiness in discussions of economics. They agree on how it’s possible to simultaneously hold two competing truths, and they don't disagree with that much.

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to journalist Mary Harrington, the author of Feminism Against Progress and a contributing editor at Unherd. They discuss counterculture, the complexities of human nature, and the implications of assisted dying legislation. They disagree on the public policy challenge of a“slippery slope” but agree on why the best piece of personal advice might be “consider trying to be normal”. 

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to Prof Danny Dorling, a professor of Human Geography at the University of Oxford. They discuss freedom of speech, social class, inequality, and education. They agree on many things apart from the importance of measuring happiness. Danny thinks he has a way for Paul to tolerate Coldplay fans - but he's surely wrong about that.

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to former sports reporter Simon Mundie, the host of the podcast A New Way Of Being. They discuss mental toughness in sport, particularly tennis, and disagree about the impact of tribalism in football.