On Episode #28 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Nick Velasquez. Nick is a passionate learner and devoted student of mastery. He’s the founder of the popular blog UnlimitedMastery.com, where he writes about learning science, peak performance, creativity, and mastering skills.

#28: Learn Improve Master: Interview with Nick Velasquez

On Episode #27 of Book Talk Today we are joined by Tom Bergin. Tom is an investigative financial journalist for Reuters. His work has prompted parliamentary inquiries and won numerous awards in Britain, the United States and Asia, including a Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism and the Orwell Prize for Journalism. 

#27: Free Lunch Thinking: Interview with Tom Bergin

On Episode #26 of Book Talk Today we are talking to Hector Garcia. Hector is a bestselling author and an aspiring philosopher. He best known for his books A Geek In Japan and Ichigo Ichie as well as his international bestseller, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.

#26: Ikigai - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life: Interview with Hector Garcia

On Episode #25 of Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Dr Grace Lordan. Grace is the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative, Director of the MSc in Behavioural Science and an Associate Professor in Behavioural Science at London School of Economics and Political Science. Today we will be discussing her new book, Think Big: Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want.

#25: Think Big - Build The Future You Want: Interview with Dr Grace Lordan

On Episode #24 of Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Tracey Follows. Tracey is the CEO of Futuremade, a futures consultancy advising global brands and specialising in the application of foresight to boost business. She is a futurist and author of the book The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st-Century Technology?

#24: The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology? Interview with Tracey Follows

On Episode #73 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Dr Hitendra Wadhwa. Dr Hitendra is a Professor at Columbia Business School and the Founder of the Mentora Institute. His simple yet profound insight that success in life and leadership originates from within has led to the training and transformation of thousands of executives worldwide. Today we will be discussing elements from his book, “Inner Mastery, Outer Impact”.

#73: Inner Mastery Outer Impact: Master Your Inner Core Energies: Interview with Dr Hitendra Wadhwa

On Episode #72 we are joined by Simon Alexander Ong. Simon is a life coach and business strategist. As a coach he works with individuals to help improve performance both individually and within teams. Today we will be discussing elements from his book, “Energize: Make The Most Out of Every Moment”.

#72: The Science of Energy Management: Interview with Simon Alexander Ong

On Episode #71 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Farhan Samanani. Farhan completed his Ph.D. in Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge. done work on diversity, migration, and belonging for a number of organizations, including the World Bank, the Runnymede Trust, and Share Action. Today we are discussing elements from his book, “How To Live with Each Other: An Anthropologists View on Sharing a Divided World”.

#71: How To Live With Each Other - A View On Sharing a Divided World: Interview with Farhan Samanani

On Episode #70 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Ben Aldridge. Ben is a writer and speaker on practical philosophy, comfort zones, mental health and adventure. We discussed his new book "How To Control The Uncontrollable".

#70: How To Think Like A Stoic: Interview with Ben Aldridge

On Episode #69 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by David Kadavy.
David Kadavy is an author, podcaster, and self-publishing coach. His books include, The Heart to Start: Stop Procrastinating & Start Creating, Design for Hackers and his latest book "Mind Management, Not Time Management".

#69: Mind Management Not Time Management: Interview with David Kadavy

On Episode #68 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Harry Parker.
Harry joined the British Army when he was 23 and served in Iraq in 2007 and Afghanistan in 2009 as a Captain, before stepping on a bomb while on foot patrol - he now walks on metal legs. He is now a writer and artist, based in London.

#68: The Future of Hybrid Humans: Interview with Harry Parker

On Episode #67 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Dan Bigham.
Dan Bigham is an Aerodynamic Engineer turned cyclist of HUUB Wattbike Cycling Team and director of his own sports componentry brand. He has worked with many cycling institutions and works record holders, which he is one himself. We discussed his first book, “Start At The End: How Reverse-Engineering Can Lead To Success.”

#67: How To Reverse Engineer Success: Interview with Dan Bigham

On Episode #66 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Richard Eaton. Richard Eaton is an American historian currently working as a professor of history at the University of Arizona. He is known for having written the notable books on Indian history before 1800. In this conversation we discussed his most recent book, "India In The Persianate Age."

#66: India In The Persianate Age (1000-1765): Interview with Richard Eaton

On Episode #65 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Dr Nate Zinsser. Dr. Nate Zinsser is an expert in the psychology of human performance who consults to individuals and organizations seeking a competitive edge.

#65: The Confident Mind: Unlock Strategies to Unshakeable Performance: Interview with Dr Nate Zinsser

On Episode #64 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Oliver Bullough. Oliver is an author and journalist. He’s published multiple books including the financial expose Moneyland, a Sunday Times bestseller and his most current book, Butler To The World: How Britain Serves Oligarchs, Gangsters and Kleptocrats.

#64: Butler To The World: How Britain Serves Oligarchs & Kleptocrats: Interview with Oliver Bullough

On Episode #63 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Heather Hansen. Heather Hansen is a Global Communication Specialist, TEDx speaker, and Founder of Singapore-based communication training and consulting firm, Global Speech Academy Pte Ltd.

#63: Unmuted: How To Speak Up & Inspire Action: Interview with Heather Hansen

On Episode #62 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Ian Stewart. Ian is an Emeritus Professor in the Mathematics Department at Warwick University, where he divides his time equally between research into nonlinear dynamics and furthering public awareness of mathematics. He has published more than 120 books, yes you heard that correctly, on a range of different topics including mathematics and fantasy fiction.

#62: The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics: Interview with Ian Stewart

On Episode #61 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Sam Gilbert. Sam is an affiliated researcher at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at the University of Cambridge. He is also an expert in data-driven marketing being part of the fintech startup Bought By Many as the chief marketing officer. Today we will be discussing his most recent book, “Good Data: An Optimist’s Guide To Our Digital Future”.

#61: Good Data: An Optimists Guide To Our Digital Future: Interview with Sam Gilbert

On Episode #60 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by David Robson. David an award-winning science writer specialising in the extremes of the human brain, body and behaviour. He is the author of the bestselling book 

#60: The Expectation Effect: Transform Your Mindset To Change Your Life: Interview with David Robson

On Episode #59 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Joe Zammit-Lucia. Joe is an entrepreneur, investor, leadership advisor and commentator. He is an investor and Non-Executive Director in entrepreneurial ventures and advises senior business and institutional leaders on leadership in contemporary culture. Today we are discussing his new book, “The New Political Capitalism - How Businesses and Societies can thrive in a deeply politicised world.”

#59: The New Political Capitalism: Thriving In a Politicised World: Interview with Joe Zammit-Lucia

On Episode #58 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Andrew Hankinson. Andrew is writer in Newcastle upon Tyne, northern England. He’s written for many different publications including Wired, The New Yorker and the BBC and has reported from places such as Haiti, Iraq and Ukraine.

#58: Inside The World of Comedy: At The Comedy Cellar: Interview with Andrew Hankinson

On Episode #57 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Wendy Syfret. Wendy is a Melbourne based writer, editor, and author of “The Sunny Nihilist: How a Meaningless Life Can Make You Truly Happy”.

#57: The Sunny Nihilist: Nihilism & The Pursuit of Meaning: Interview with Wendy Syfret

On Episode #56 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Angus Fletcher. Angus is a Professor of Story Science at Ohio State’s Project Narrative, the world’s leading academic think-tank for the study of how stories work. In our conversation we discussed his most recent book, “Wonderworks: Literary Invention And The Science of Stories.”

#56: Wonderworks: The Science & Invention of Literature: Interview with Angus Fletcher

On Episode #55 I will be walking you 10 of my favourite moments from the podcast this year and talking about why I liked them so much.

#55: Best of 2021

On Episode #54 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by James Ball. James is the global editor of The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, where he oversees the not-for-profit’s international reporting projects. James is also the author of multiple books, and today we will be discussing elements from his most recent book, "The System: who owns the internet and how it owns us".

#54: The System: Who Owns The Internet & How It Owns Us: Interview with James Ball

On Episode #53 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Ian Macrae. Ian MacRae is a work psychologist, consultant, speaker, author and Managing Director of High Potential Psychology. He works with, and writes about, a wide range of topics relating to psychology and the workplace.

#53: Dark Social: The Darker Side of Work, Personality and Social Media: Interview with Ian MacRae

On Episode #52 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Jack Murray. Jack Murray is an entrepreneur, story consultant, speaker, and author. He is the CEO and founder of MediaHQ, a media contacts database and press release distribution tool, and of the storytelling agency All Good Tales.

#52: The Magic Slice: Master The Art of Storytelling For Business: Interview with Jack Murray

On Episode #51 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Jeff Haden. Jeff is inc.coms most popular columnist and one of LinkedIns most widely followed influencers. He is the author or co-author of 5 non-fiction book. Today we will be discussing his book, The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Really Set Themselves Up To Win.

#51: The Motivation Myth: How High Achievers Actually Succeed: Interview with Jeff Haden

On Episode #50 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Oliver Burkeman. Oliver Burkeman is an author and writer, having written a long-running column for the Guardian, This Column Will Change Your Life, he has a devoted following for his writing on productivity, mortality and the power of limits. Today we will be discussing his new book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time and How To Use it.

#50: How To Use Your Time Properly - Four Thousand Weeks: Interview with Oliver Burkeman

On Episode #49 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Donald Robertson.
Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist and trainer. He is an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy. Today we will be discussing his book, How To Think Like A Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius.

#49: How To Think Like A Roman Emperor:  Interview with Donald Robertson

On Episode #48 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Hassan Abbas. Hassan is a Distinguished Professor of International Relations at the National Defense Universitys Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies in Washington DC. He is the author of The Taliban Revival, Pakistans Drift into Extremism and The Prophets Heir: The Life of Ali ibn Abi Talib which we will be discussing today.

#48: The Prophets Heir: The Life of Ali Ibn Abi Taleb: Interview with Hassan Abbas

On Episode #47 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Andrew Graham-Dixon. Andrew is one of the leading art critics and presenters of arts television in the English-speaking world. He has presented numerous landmark series on art for the BBC and other independents. He has written 6 books including A History of British Art, Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane and Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel, which we discussed today.

#47: Michelangelo & The Sistine Chapel: Interview with Andrew Graham-Dixon

On Episode #46 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Sarah Ellis. Sarah is the co-founder of Amazing If, an award-winning career development company with a mission to make work better for everyone.She is host of the UK’s no.1 careers podcast: Squiggly Careers and co-author of The Sunday TimesNo.1 Business Bestseller: The Squiggly Career: Ditch the ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career.

#46: The Squiggly Career - Ditch The Ladder and Design Your Career: Interview with Sarah Ellis

On Episode #45 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Adrian Wooldridge.
Adrian in the Economist

#45: Meritocracy & The Making of The Modern World: Interview with Adrian Wooldridge

On Episode #44 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Paul Mason. Paul is a journalist, writer and film-maker, actively engaged in the struggle for social, racial and climate justice. We will be discussing his new book How To Stop Fascism: History, Ideology, Resistance.

#44: How To Stop Fascism: History Ideology Resistance: Interview with Paul Mason

On Episode #43 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Will Storr. Will is an award-winning writer and one of my personal favourites. He is the author of five acclaimed books, including The Heretics, Selfie and The Science of Storytelling. Today we will be discussing his new book, The Status Game: On Social Position and How We Use it. 

#43: The Status Game: On Social Position and How We Use It: Interview with Will Storr

On Episode #42 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Justin Marozzi. Justin is a travel writer, historian, journalist and communications expert. Justin is a regular contributor to a wide range of national and international publications where he writes on international affairs, the Muslim world, defence and security issues.

#42: Islamic Empires: Civilisation From Mecca to Dubai: Interview with Justin Marozzi

On Episode #41 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Tom Rivett-Carnac. Tom is the Founding Partner at Global Optimism, and co-author The Future We Choose. He is a political strategist focussed on a better future.

#41: The Future We Choose: The Optimists Guide to Climate Crisis: Interview with Tom Rivett-Carnac

On Episode #40 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Adam Lowenstein. Adam M. Lowenstein spent eight years working in American government and politics in the United States, most recently as speechwriter and strategic communications advisor in the United States Senate.

#40: Reframe The Day: Embracing The Craft of Life, One Day at a Time: Interview with Adam Lowenstein

On Episode #39 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Fiona Buckland. Fiona is an international coach, facilitator, author and speaker who has worked one-on-one with hundreds of clients, and lead thousands in public and corporate workshops, trainings and events.

#39: Thoughtful Leadership: Leading with mind, body and soul: Interview with Fiona Buckland

On Episode #38 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Adam Ashton. Adam, otherwise known as "Ashto", has worked previously in corporate banking, transport and logistics, digital marketing. During which he found a lot of the answers he was searching for in books. His favourite books have helped me understand myself better and understand the world better. Today we will be discussing his book, The Sh*t They Never Taught You.

#38: The Sh*t They Never Taught You: What You Will Learn From Books: Interview with Adam Ashton

On Episode #37 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Violet Moller. Violet is an independent historian with a particular interest in the history of ideas and how knowledge has been transmitted through the centuries. She has a Ph.D on the libraries in Early Modern Britain and is host of the Travels Through Time history podcast which asks a wide range of brilliant historians which year they would chose if they could travel back in time. Today we will be discussing her book, The Map of Knowledge: How Classical Ideas Were Lost and Found: A History of Seven Cities.

#37: The Map of Knowledge - A History in Seven Cities: Interview with Violet Moller

On Episode #36 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Scott Young. Scott is a writer who undertakes interesting self-education projects, such as attempting to learn MITs four year CS curriculum in twelve months and learning 4 languages in one year. Today we will be discussing his book, Ultralearning: Accelerate Your Career, Master Hard Skills and Outsmart the Competition.

#36: Ultralearning - Master Hard Skills and Outsmart The Competition: Interview with Scott Young

On Episode #35 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by David Robinson Simon. David is a lawyer and advocate for sustainable consumption. He works as general counsel for a healthcare company and serves on the board of the APRL Fund, a non-profit dedicated to protecting animals.

#35: Meatonomic$: $414 Billion Reasons To Eat Less Meat: Interview with David Robinson Simon

On Episode #34 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Nichola Raihani. Nichola is a Royal Society University Research Fellow and Professor in Evolution and Behaviour at UCL, otherwise known as University College London. She is leader of the Social Evolution and Behaviour Lab at UCL, and her research focuses on the evolution of social behaviour in humans and non-human species. Today we will be discussing her debut book, The Social Instinct: How Cooperation Shaped the World.

#34: The Social Instinct - How Cooperation Shaped the World: Interview with Nichola Raihani

On Episode #33 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Roger Crowley. Roger is a best-selling narrative historian with deep interests in the Mediterranean world and its surrounding area. Today we will be discussing his book, Constantinople: The Last Great Siege.

#33: Constantinople - The Last Great Siege 1453: Interview with Roger Crowley

On Episode #32 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Todd Herman. Todd is an author, speaker and coach and has Been Entrenched In The World Of Elite Performers Working With The Highest Achievers In Sports And Business For Over Two Decades. Today we will be discussing his book, The Alter Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life.

#32: The Alter Ego Effect & The Power of Secret Identities: Interview with Todd Herman

On Episode #31 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Louai Al Roumani. Louai was the head of finance and planning at Banque Bemo Saudi Fransi (BBSF), the largest privately-owned bank in Syria when the conflict broke out in 2011. He has over 14 years of experience in various finance and strategic planning roles across the Middle East and the UK. Today we will be discussing his book, Lessons from a Warzone: How to be a resilient leader in times of crisis.

#31: Lessons from a Warzone: Interview with Louai Al Roumani

On Episode #30 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Alex Holmes. Alex is an award-winning podcaster and journalist. His work centres on positive masculinity and mental health awareness. He hosts the podcast Time To Talk which is also the title of his book which we will be discussing today.

#30: Time To Talk: How Men Think About Love Belonging and Connection: Interview with Alex Holmes

On Episode #29 of the Book Talk Today podcast we are joined by Theo Priestley and Bronwyn Williams. Theo is a globally recognised futurist. He has delivered keynotes internationally and articles have been featured in Forbes and Wired to name a few. Brownyn is a leading futurist and trend analyst. She has presented and consulted to businesses and governments across Africa.

#29: The Future Starts Now: Interview with Theo Priestley and Bronwyn Williams

On Episode #23 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Dr Chris Dalton. Chris is Associate Professor of Management Learning and module convener for Personal Development (PD) at Henley Business School. Chris has over 28 years of experience in management education and training, and today we will be discussing his book, MBA Day By Day: Turn World Class Thinking Into Everyday Business Brilliance.

#23: MBA Day-by-Day: Interview with Chris Dalton

On Episode #22 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Matt Burgess. Matt is the deputy digital editor at WIRED, covering cybersecurity, big tech, and everything in-between. We discussed his book, Artificial Intelligence: How machine learning will shape the next decade.

#22: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Interview with Matt Burgess

On Episode #21 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Bianca Nogrady. Bianca is a freelance science journalist and author. She has written for outlets including Nature, The Atlantic, Wired UK and The Guardian, to name a few. She is also founding president of the Science Journalists Association of Australia. We discussed her book, Climate Change: How We Can Get To Carbon Zero.

#21: Climate Change: Getting To Carbon Zero: Interview with Bianca Nogrady

On Episode #20 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by James Temperton. James is the digital editor at WIRED UK. As well as leading the titles digital strategy, he also reports regularly on the gig economy and the scourge of online disinformation. We discussed his book, The Future of Medicine: How We Will Enjoy Longer, Healthier Lives.

#20: The Future of Medicine: How We Will Enjoy Longer, Healthier Lives - Interview with James Temperton

On Episode #19 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Kehinde Andrews. Kehinde is the UKs first Professor of Black Studies, at Birmingham City University, where he led the establishment of the first Black Studies programme in Europe. We discussed his book, The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World.

#19: The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule: Interview with Kehinde Andrews

On Episode #18 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Clive Lewis. Clive is a business psychologist specialising in individual, team and organisation behaviour. He is one of the UKs most sought-after mediators, and is the founder and Chief Executive of Globis Mediation Group. We discussed his book, Toxic: A guide to rebuilding respect and tolerance in a hostile workplace.

#18: Toxic - Rebuilding Trust In The Workplace: Interview with Clive Lewis

On Episode #17 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Phil Bowne. Phil is a writer for The Wombles, a childrens entertainment brand.

#17: Cows Cant Jump: Interview with Phil Bowne

On Episode #16 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Veronica OKeane. Veronica is a professor of psychiatry and practising consultant psychiatrist at Trinity College Dublin. We discussed his book, The Rag and Bone Shop: How We Make Memories and Memories Make Us.

#16: How We Make Memories and Memories Make Us: Interview with Veronica OKeane

On Episode #15 of the Book Talk Today podcast, we are joined by Niall Kishtainy. Niall is an analyst, researcher and writer of economics and economic history. We discussed his book, A Little History of Economics.

All Episodes

#28: Learn Improve Master: Interview with Nick Velasquez

#27: Free Lunch Thinking: Interview with Tom Bergin

#26: Ikigai - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life: Interview with Hector Garcia

#25: Think Big - Build The Future You Want: Interview with Dr Grace Lordan

#24: The Future of You: Can Your Identity Survive 21st Century Technology? Interview with Tracey Follows