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The Exchange | Long-form interviews from the New Statesman
Rutger Bregman thinks happiness is overrated
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In his 30s, Rutger Bregman, the Dutch historian, had what he described as “an early midlife crisis”.
After a decade spent as a pundit, commenting on the global state of politics and economics, as well as publishing optimistic titles such as Utopia for Realists and Humankind: A Hopeful History - Bregman felt stuck. Something had to change.
And if he wanted to see that change in the world, he needed to make that change in himself.
In January he joined Oli Dugmore for an extended interview, delving into the prospects of a moral life, how morality has changed history, and how it could serve our current moment.
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David Lammy thinks his seat is safe
44:49|Were the strikes on Iran illegal? What's next for the controversial courts bill? Are Labour leaders aware of the existential crisis within their party? On this week's episode of The Exchange, we speak with Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice, David Lammy. To watch more episodes of The Exchange find us on YouTube.
Masha Alyokhina is on the run
33:00|Pussy Riot's 2012 "Punk Prayer" was a global flashpoint - a defining test of free expression in Putin’s Russia.When co-founding member Masha Alyokhina was arrested, she told her son she would be back the next day. She was gone for two years.In 2022, she fled the motherland, but continues to fight Putin from afar.
Ai Weiwei has done enough
50:54|This winter, Ai Weiwei returned to Beijing after a decade in exile. He found himself airbrushed from public memory. An international icon everywhere else. At home, a ghost.The artist joined Michael Prodger soon after that trip to discuss the cost of personal freedom, in both China and in the West.The Exchange is a new series from the New Statesman. Look out for new interviews every Wednesday.
The Exchange - trailer
00:50|The Exchange: long form, in-depth interviews from the New Statesman.Featuring guests including Salman Rushdie, Ai Weiwei, Masha Alyokhina (Pussy Riot) and more.Hosted by Oli Dugmore and New Statesman journalists.Hit follow in Spotify or Apple Podcasts now.Find full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSfumUEfFlcI6Ikce00MGPSvU5fu-MCWu