Paul Davies is a theoretical physicist, cosmologist and astrobiologist, who won The Templeton Prize in 1995. Here he reflects on the centenary of quantum mechanics, the future of quantum physics, the progress of AI, the potential for colonising Mars, the compatibility of God and quantum mechanics, theories of the Universe, the meaning of life, the history of scientific discovery, and coming up against intellectual brick walls. Paul's latest book, Quantum 2.0, is available to pre-order.
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45:11
20 Questions With Giles Coren
Times Columnist and food critic Giles Coren talks about food, dieting, restaurants, sport, fatherhood, performance, writing, money, TV, death, anger, self-harm, and causing offence. He also opens up about the lasting impact on him of being hit as a child by his father, the late broadcaster and satirist, Alan Coren. This is a conversation that oscillates between humour and seriousness and offers an insight into the man behind the headlines.
(Includes very strong language. If you've been affected by any of the issues in the podcast, you can call the Samaritans in the UK on 116,123.)
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20 Questions With Alex Corbisiero
Arguably England's greatest prop since World Cup winner Trevor Woodman, Alex Corbisiero has a fascinating life story. Born in New York and raised in Surrey, he went on to represent England at the highest level, before retiring in his late 20s after a long injury history. In 2020 he received treatment for testicular cancer. Now a TV personality, DJ, and rugby coach, Corbisiero is still only 37. Here he reflects on his days as a prop when he fluctuated between 18 and 19 stone and could deadlift 260kg. What were the one on one battles like on the field? How did he improve? What was it like playing through injury? He played a key role in helping the British and Irish Lions win the decisive Test against Australia in 2013. The year before he was in the England side that beat the All Blacks at Twickenham. Corbisiero also reflects on his experience of cancer, reveals his commitment to Christianity, offers his take on brain injuries in rugby, discusses political polarisation, and gives thanks to the strength of his family.
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20 Questions With Chris Hadfield
Chris Hadfield has made three trips to space, observed Earth from afar, spacewalked, flown fighter jets, made music and become a novelist. Here he explores ideas he hasn't articulated before and takes us into parts of the universe most of us will never experience for ourselves. Hadfield introduces his latest book, Final Orbit, explains how he became an astronaut, thrillingly reveals what our planet looks like from space, describes what it's like heading towards the moon in a rocket, talks about the precariousness of spacewalks, reflects on what space travel has taught him about himself and humanity, and spells out his attitude to risk.
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20 Questions With Adam Kay
The best-selling author of This Is Going To Hurt, Adam Kay, introduces his first novel, A Particularly Nasty Case, and takes us behind the scenes of his life as a comedian, while also reflecting on his career as a doctor in Obs and gynae. Stand-up, life, death, and a clarion call for the NHS.
I’m Matt Stadlen and for 20 years I’ve been talking to and interviewing public figures from around the world. In this series I’ll be interviewing famous names from every walk of life and with a broad range of views, politics and perspectives. Every guest will get 20 questions, and the plan is for you to have a better sense of each of them by the end of their interview.
UK