Tell Me Why

Sales of tinned food and wind-up radios have rocketed since the government announced that UK families should prepare for potential crises. But preparedness advocates—or “preppers”—have been saying this for years.

In this episode, Imaan and Alona are joined by Prospect editor Philip Collins. They discuss the “Cassandra effect”, how government should communicate in a crisis and whether our supply chains are too vulnerable. Plus, is Wes Streeting the new Churchill—and can Putin be defeated by beans?

And they discuss listener feedback, including from Chris who suggests an innovative way of weeding out writers who falsely claim to be AI-free… and from Leila who sent this article on the bystander effect.

Send us an email at tellmewhy@prospectmagazine.co.uk
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Content warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual violence

The Cornell story has shocked many. But how surprised are we really?

This week, Alona and Imaan are joined by Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley and former minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, who argues that not only could this kind of sexual violence happen in the UK—but it already is.

They discuss the bystander effect, government ineffectiveness, and how the issue has been weaponised for political ends. How are politicians getting it so wrong?

The three also consider how the rise of the internet has changed gendered violence. Plus, Jess reveals details of a private conversation with Andy Burnham, in which the prime minister shared his real views about the risks of tech.
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If you or anyone you know are affected by the issues raised in this episode, contact the following organisations:

Refuge – an organisation that provides support for women who are victims of domestic abuse. Their National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their live chat service is available Monday to Friday, from 3pm-10pm at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

Rape Crisis England & Wales – Their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24 hours a day by calling 0808 500 2222 or via live chat www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.
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Would you care if AI wrote your favourite novel? In the second episode of Tell Me Why, tech journalist and Londoner editor Alys Key joins Prospect’s Alona Ferber and Imaan Irfan. They explore how artificial intelligence is shaping literature, after recent awards became mired in scandal over entries allegedly written by AI.

They discuss cognitive debt, the “dearth” of the author, and the risks of anthropomorphising tech. Plus, is struggle a necessary part of the writing process?

And stay tuned for an explainer of what AI-enthusiasts are calling the “human sandwich”.

Prompt your chatbot to email us at tellmewhy@prospectmagazine.co.uk
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Religious zealots, tech accelerationists and ethnonationalists are trying to fast-track the apocalypse. But why?

In the first ever episode of Tell Me Why, Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor join Imaan Irfan and Alona Ferber in the Prospect studio to discuss the ideas behind their new book End Times Fascism.

The four discuss the new face of fascism, why its disciples have an “Armageddon complex” and whether we should all be prepping our bunkers.
They also analyse the relationship between Silicon Valley’s tech bros and the fossil fuel industry—why have some of most powerful figures in technology switched from making environmental promises to stocking their spaceships and setting fire to what remains?

You’re listening to Tell Me Why, a new podcast brought to you by Prospect. Each Thursday, we’ll look at the ideas behind the week’s biggest stories to explore how they are shaping our world. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts.
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As tech insiders warn about an impending apocalypse, Ellen and Imaan are joined by Ethan Zuckerman, Prospect contributor and associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to examine those claims.

He discusses AI agents going rogue in the Hugging Face incident, as well as recent calls from tech leaders to slow down AI development. With Trump dismissing safety concerns, Ethan also discusses US competition with China, how global thinking around AI differs—and why he doesn't trust the industry to self-regulate.

Ethan explores how we can reclaim agency around AI, and the importance of local and community-oriented conversations, including a surprising initiative from a Maori radio station. Plus, what might a uniquely British AI look like?
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Exciting news! From October, the Prospect Podcast will have a new format and a new name: On ‘Tell Me Why’, Prospect’s editors, writers and guests will explore the ideas behind the biggest news stories of the week. Subscribe to the channel to be part of our new chapter.

And to read Ethan’s piece ‘Should Trump create an AI sovereign wealth fund’, click here or head to prospectmagazine.co.uk
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