The Standard

For Episode Nine, Evgeny is joined by Michael Pollan, journalist, author, and one of the leading voices exploring the human mind. Drawing on his new book A World Appears, Pollan makes an impassioned case for consciousness as something precious, private, and increasingly under threat. Together, they explore how social media and AI are not just competing for our attention, but beginning to shape attachment, emotion, and even our sense of self.The conversation ranges from chatbots and “AI psychosis” to meditation, psychedelics, and the idea of “consciousness hygiene” - the habits and practices that might help us protect our inner lives. Pollan also reflects on why writing is a form of thinking, why boredom and mind-wandering matter, and how experiences of ego dissolution, art, and nature can deepen our understanding of consciousness. The episode ends on a wider question: whether the real challenge is not only understanding consciousness, but learning how to practise it.

With the recent closure of Corsica Studios, it felt like the right moment to revisit this episode — because the big question hasn’t gone away: can London actually keep its nightlife alive, or are we slowly watching it get priced and policed out of existence?There will be no major clubs left at all in the UK by 2030 if venue closures continue at the current rate, according to the Night Time Industries Association. Will Sadiq Khan’s London Nightlife Taskforce be able to preserve the capital’s late-night scene?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Cameron Leslie, co-founder of Fabric and chair of the Independent Nightlife Taskforce. They discuss the recommendations from the taskforce’s latest report, the city’s evolving club culture, and Cameron’s outlook for London’s night-time economy.

Today we have a special treat for you in the form of an introduction to one of our other shows, Tech & Science Daily!Alan Leer is in with a proper commute-friendly sprint through today’s tech and science. London researchers linked to UCL hit a bonkers fibre speed record — using existing installed cable — while the UK’s Online Safety regime gets sharper as a key reporting duty kicks in today. Then we go brainy with a study teasing out a “neural fingerprint” for psychedelics, before switching to gaming where Starfield finally opens up on PS5 with a big update and fresh story content. Plus, a quick reality check on why your next phone might cost more than your last — and what to do about it. More at standard.co.uk.

Elephant and Castle, tucked beneath London’s Southbank, is set for a major transformation. Long defined by its busy gyratory system and ageing brutalist buildings, the area is now at the centre of a £4 billion regeneration aiming to transform it into a desirable destination in its own right.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick is joined by The Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn to explore the development plans, the changes that are already in place, and whether this long-awaited “glow up” will be enough to attract visitors to the area.

Wireless has booked Kayne West (Ye) as a three-day headliner for their July festival. With Ye's controversial and anti-semitic history, what message does this send to Londoners?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Josh Rom, a culture journalist who has covered many of Kanye's infamous moments. Together, they explore the festival's rationale for handing the polarising rapper the entire weekend, despite intense backlash and condemnation from the Jewish Leadership Council over his past antisemitic remarks.

The UK’s leading performing arts union, Equity, is raising concerns about the role of the London Nightlife Task Force, saying that workers’ voices are being overlooked in decisions shaping the capital’s night-time economy.In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Standard journalist Megan Howe to unpack Equity’s latest survey findings, before hearing from drag artist Le Fil, who shares their first-hand experience of working in London’s late night economy.

The House of Lords is considering a proposal to charge overseas visitors admission fees at museums and galleries. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the free entry policy, but with some institutions now reporting deficits, government ministers are looking to tourists to prop up cultural institutionsIn this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Alison Cole, the director of the Cultural Policy Unit thinktank, who helped to devise the initial universal free admission policy instituted in 2001. Together, they discuss whether charging tourists could generate enough income to plug the gap in arts funding, and explore alternative ways to keep cultural institutions free for all.

With Easter falling early this year, what should home cooks reconsider, and which restaurants are serving the best festive menus?In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the London Standard’s Going Out Editor and resident food critic, David Ellis, for tips on how to snag tables at great restaurants over the long weekend, plus festive recipes that you can prepare ahead of time.

Last year, the London Marathon ballot box achieved a personal best. Over one million applicants signed up for April’s upcoming event, and with only 10,000-15,000 places reserved for ballot entries, the competition for a spot is tougher than ever. Now, rumours are circulating that the Sunday event may become a two-day weekend as early as 2027 in order to accommodate the increased demand. In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Rick Pearson, the senior editor of Runner's World UK and co-host of the Runner's World podcast. The two discuss how a two-day event might unfold, tips for running novices, and also unpack the reasons why the London Marathon continues to hold its spot as the world’s most popular running event.