In the final episode of Four Thought, Sheila Cook reflects on what she has learned from producing it for eleven years.Sheila, who left the BBC in 2022, produced around 150 episodes on Four Thought, and in this reflection on the power of hope she looks back at some of the talks which have reminded her that - amidst bad news - we are often surrounded by remarkable people, doing remarkable things.Producer: Giles Edwards

In the final episode of Four Thought, Sheila Cook reflects on what she has learned from producing it for eleven years. Sheila, who left the BBC in 2022, produced around 150 episodes on Four Thought, and in this reflection on the power of hope she looks back at some of the talks which have reminded her that - amidst bad news - we are often surrounded by remarkable people, doing remarkable things. Producer: Giles Edwards

What I've Learned from Four Thought

Three years on from her first appearance on Four Thought, Dr. Dina Rezk returns to Four Thought. Her first talk was about the shocking and unexpected death of her mother; this time, as she describes another bereavement, the tone is unexpectedly positively, even exultant, as Dina reflects on the difference between the two experiences.Producer: Giles Edwards

Three years on from her first appearance on Four Thought, Dr. Dina Rezk returns to Four Thought. Her first talk was about the shocking and unexpected death of her mother; this time, as she describes another bereavement, the tone is unexpectedly positively, even exultant, as Dina reflects on the difference between the two experiences. Producer: Giles Edwards

Life Without Chilli

Farrah Jarral explains why she believes we need to put care at the centre of our society.Sharing a story about how her beloved grandmother's lifetime of caring for others - family members and others - meant many people wanted to care for her when the need arose, Farrah reflects on what care does for us as individuals.Producer: Giles Edwards

Farrah Jarral explains why she believes we need to put care at the centre of our society. Sharing a story about how her beloved grandmother's lifetime of caring for others - family members and others - meant many people wanted to care for her when the need arose, Farrah reflects on what care does for us as individuals. Producer: Giles Edwards

Care to Care

Ted Harrison argues that only art can truly capture the essence of spirituality.Ted is a former journalist who, close to turning sixty, decided to turn away from using words and instead chose art. It was, he says, because he realised the limitations imposed by words, and the way in which art can capture the ineffable, the spiritual.Producer: Giles Edwards

Ted Harrison argues that only art can truly capture the essence of spirituality. Ted is a former journalist who, close to turning sixty, decided to turn away from using words and instead chose art. It was, he says, because he realised the limitations imposed by words, and the way in which art can capture the ineffable, the spiritual. Producer: Giles Edwards

Turning to Art

Martin Warde is the first Irish Traveller to become a professional comedian. In this talk he recounts his early years travelling before his family settled down and he and his brothers attended school in Galway.  His school days weren't easy, he and other traveller boys were treated differently. One teacher however inspired him to pursue his dream of being a performer. Now as a writer and comedian focussing on Traveller life Martin examines the surprising ways people in which respond to his material - both travellers and the settled community. Martin argues it's important to engage in comedy that can make you feel uncomfortable.

Stand Up for Irish Travellers

Sarah Williams always wanted to become a mum. But the more she learnt about the climate crisis, the more she questioned her decision. In this talk Sarah explains why she's chosen not to have children in order to save the planet, and how she encourages others to think twice about it.  She says that she is not anti-child but that overpopulation is something that should concern everyone. Sarah also points out there are more sustainable ways to start a family, like adoption.

I'm not having children to save the planet

Martin Hibbert's life changed forever in 2017. He survived the Manchester Arena bomb but was left with life-changing injuries. Now a wheelchair user, Martin says he doesn't dwell on his old life but instead embraces his new one. He says he's determined to turn an act of terror into a force for good, and now campaigns to make sure others with spinal injuries receive the support that they need.

Life after 'life-changing'

Meg Sunshine, a 21 year old professional gamer is dedicated to becoming one of the best in the industry. Gaming is her life. But her journey has not been an easy one.  She’s experienced threats of sexual violence from male gamers and has frequently felt unsafe online. She’s determined to bring about change however.  In this episode she argues gaming needs to tackle its toxic culture, encourage a more diverse range of players and keep girls gaming.

I love gaming, but gaming doesn't always love me

Philosopher Virginie Simoneau-Gilbert describes a change in how philosophers are beginning to think about the moral capacity of animals, and asks us to think differently about our pets. Beginning with her own pet dog showing compassion for her when she is injured, Virginie explains why new research may fundamentally affect some of what we have long held to be true about animals.Producer: Giles Edwards.

Philosopher Virginie Simoneau-Gilbert describes a change in how philosophers are beginning to think about the moral capacity of animals, and asks us to think differently about our pets. Beginning with her own pet dog showing compassion for her when she is injured, Virginie explains why new research may fundamentally affect some of what we have long held to be true about animals. Producer: Giles Edwards.

Moral Animals

Author Rachel Genn describes her fascination with regret. Rachel tells stories of regret, beginning in her earliest childhood. “An early adopter of regret,” she says, “I was displaying the prodigy’s irritating flair for it.” Producer: Giles Edwards

Author Rachel Genn describes her fascination with regret. Rachel tells stories of regret, beginning in her earliest childhood. “An early adopter of regret,” she says, “I was displaying the prodigy’s irritating flair for it.” Producer: Giles Edwards

On Regret

Series of thought-provoking talks in which the speakers air their thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society

I HAVE A THOUGHT

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Four Thought

Maria Popova

Maria Popova, Editor of Brainpickings, discusses how, with the world's knowledge more readily available to us than ever before, the fragmentation of our interests is driving us to seek out more and more of what we're already interested in. How, she asks, can we master the architecture of human knowledge in a way that takes advantage of the "Information Age", yet broadens rather than contracts our intellectual and creative horizons, both as individual consumers and as publishers of information? Producer: Giles Edwards.

Maria Popova, Editor of Brainpickings, discusses how, with the world's knowledge more readily available to us than ever before, the fragmentation of our interests is driving us to seek out more and more of what we're already interested in. How, she asks, can we master the architecture of human knowledge in a way that takes advantage of the "Information Age", yet broadens rather than contracts our intellectual and creative horizons, both as individual consumers and as publishers of information? Producer: Giles Edwards.

Maria Popova: The Architecture of Knowledge

Philippa Perry

Philippa Perry explains why story telling is so powerful and how the stories we tell to and about ourselves affect our mental wellbeing.Four Thought is a series of thought-provoking talks in which speakers air their thinking, in front of a live audience, on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society.Presenter: Ben HammersleyProducer: Sheila Cook.

Philippa Perry explains why story telling is so powerful and how the stories we tell to and about ourselves affect our mental wellbeing. Four Thought is a series of thought-provoking talks in which speakers air their thinking, in front of a live audience, on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society. Presenter: Ben Hammersley Producer: Sheila Cook.

Jasper Fforde

Jasper Fforde explains why he is concerned that humans have reached the limits of intellectual creative thought.Four Thought is a series of thought-provoking talks in which speakers air their thinking, in front of a live audience, on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society.Presenter: Kamin MohammadiProducer: Estelle Doyle.

Jasper Fforde explains why he is concerned that humans have reached the limits of intellectual creative thought. Four Thought is a series of thought-provoking talks in which speakers air their thinking, in front of a live audience, on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society. Presenter: Kamin Mohammadi Producer: Estelle Doyle.

Hannah Jane Walker makes the case for being a bit sensitive.As a child Hannah was told to toughen up, not to be so sensitive, but now she says her sensitivity is who she is, and it's how she makes her income. And she thinks that people should embrace their sensitivity, and not pretend to be tough if they're not.Producer: Giles Edwards.

Hannah Jane Walker makes the case for being a bit sensitive. As a child Hannah was told to toughen up, not to be so sensitive, but now she says her sensitivity is who she is, and it's how she makes her income. And she thinks that people should embrace their sensitivity, and not pretend to be tough if they're not. Producer: Giles Edwards.

Sensitive Souls

Sam Edwards argues that we should think again about how and what we memorialise - including wars and other major events in our national history.Sam is a lecturer in American History at Manchester Metropolitan University, and has long been fascinated with memorials. He tells the story of how, as a young man, he would journey around the Suffolk countryside visiting the many memorials to the US 8th Air Force, and the effect it had on him.Producer: Giles Edwards.

Sam Edwards argues that we should think again about how and what we memorialise - including wars and other major events in our national history. Sam is a lecturer in American History at Manchester Metropolitan University, and has long been fascinated with memorials. He tells the story of how, as a young man, he would journey around the Suffolk countryside visiting the many memorials to the US 8th Air Force, and the effect it had on him. Producer: Giles Edwards.

How to Remember

Tommy Whitelaw, who was his late mother's carer, calls for more support and respect for people living with dementia."If we really are going to make a difference to each other we have to change the conversation from 'what's the matter with you' to 'what matters to you'".Recorded in front of a live audience at Somerset House.Presenter: Mike WilliamsProducer: Sheila Cook.

Tommy Whitelaw, who was his late mother's carer, calls for more support and respect for people living with dementia. "If we really are going to make a difference to each other we have to change the conversation from 'what's the matter with you' to 'what matters to you'". Recorded in front of a live audience at Somerset House. Presenter: Mike Williams Producer: Sheila Cook.

Dealing With Dementia

Franklyn Addo describes how witnessing a murder transformed his life. It made him all the more determined to help other young people from underprivileged backgrounds go to top universities, as he did, and to challenge stereotypes. "There's so much more to talk about regarding council estates other than crime and anguish; more pertinent things, more celebratory things and more interesting things," he says. Producer: Sheila Cook.

Franklyn Addo describes how witnessing a murder transformed his life. It made him all the more determined to help other young people from underprivileged backgrounds go to top universities, as he did, and to challenge stereotypes. "There's so much more to talk about regarding council estates other than crime and anguish; more pertinent things, more celebratory things and more interesting things," he says. Producer: Sheila Cook.

Stereotypes

Alan Bissett

In the 1990s, author Alan Bissett was a lad and women were 'birds'.In a frank and personal account, Alan talks about why he turned to the work of the late American radical feminist Andrea Dworkin after becoming concerned over his use of internet pornography.He dissects elements of what he describes as our "sex saturated culture" and argues that men need to start engaging with feminism for the good of all. Four Thought is a series of talks which combine new ideas and personal stories.Recorded during the Edinburgh festival, speakers explain their thinking on the trends and ideas in culture and society in front of a live audience.Producer: Caitlin Smith.

In the 1990s, author Alan Bissett was a lad and women were 'birds'. In a frank and personal account, Alan talks about why he turned to the work of the late American radical feminist Andrea Dworkin after becoming concerned over his use of internet pornography. He dissects elements of what he describes as our "sex saturated culture" and argues that men need to start engaging with feminism for the good of all. Four Thought is a series of talks which combine new ideas and personal stories. Recorded during the Edinburgh festival, speakers explain their thinking on the trends and ideas in culture and society in front of a live audience. Producer: Caitlin Smith.

Jonnie Bayfield reflects on being the last generation to grow up in an analogue childhood."Looking back, I can see that no-one had any idea what the chemical, biological, or social ramifications of this burgeoning technology might be. In my school we had computer classes, but no-one ever suggested that intense use would lead to anything other than a personal and global liberation." Producer: Sheila Cook.

Jonnie Bayfield reflects on being the last generation to grow up in an analogue childhood. "Looking back, I can see that no-one had any idea what the chemical, biological, or social ramifications of this burgeoning technology might be. In my school we had computer classes, but no-one ever suggested that intense use would lead to anything other than a personal and global liberation." Producer: Sheila Cook.

Digital Millennial

Emma Byrne

The science writer Emma Byrne argues that, far from tuning out, we should listen carefully when people swear, because they often do so for good reasons.Four Thought is a series of talks which combine new ideas and personal stories. Speakers explain their latest thinking on the trends and ideas in culture and society in front of a live audience at Somerset House.Producer: Giles Edwards.

The science writer Emma Byrne argues that, far from tuning out, we should listen carefully when people swear, because they often do so for good reasons. Four Thought is a series of talks which combine new ideas and personal stories. Speakers explain their latest thinking on the trends and ideas in culture and society in front of a live audience at Somerset House. Producer: Giles Edwards.

Emma Byrne: Why We Swear

Jane Burston argues that by placing too much emphasis on profit, companies behave in an unethical way, and it is time for social purpose to take centre stage.Jane describes what she sees as a systematic problem in big companies and argues that only by viewing profit as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself, can we create an ethical business sector. And she believes that shareholders will embrace her plan, even if it means business leaders taking on the mantle of moral leaders and sometimes compromising profit for social good.Producer: Giles Edwards.

Jane Burston argues that by placing too much emphasis on profit, companies behave in an unethical way, and it is time for social purpose to take centre stage. Jane describes what she sees as a systematic problem in big companies and argues that only by viewing profit as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself, can we create an ethical business sector. And she believes that shareholders will embrace her plan, even if it means business leaders taking on the mantle of moral leaders and sometimes compromising profit for social good. Producer: Giles Edwards.

Putting Profit in Its Place

Anna Derrig asks who has the right to tell someone else's story.Anna has worked in the media, in international development and in social and community work telling stories, and now she is writing the story of her life with a family member. It has made her think carefully about the ethics of writing other people's lives, an issue she now teaches the issue at Goldsmith's, University of London. It's a good time to be thinking about this subject, she argues, since so many of us are telling stories - our own and other people's.Producer: Giles Edwards.

Anna Derrig asks who has the right to tell someone else's story. Anna has worked in the media, in international development and in social and community work telling stories, and now she is writing the story of her life with a family member. It has made her think carefully about the ethics of writing other people's lives, an issue she now teaches the issue at Goldsmith's, University of London. It's a good time to be thinking about this subject, she argues, since so many of us are telling stories - our own and other people's. Producer: Giles Edwards.

Other People's Stories

Comedian Nick Revell explains why he manages to be optimistic - despite all the evidence."These days it's perhaps easier than ever to get pessimistic at the state of the world; I've had periods when I would wake up in the morning, check the news and ask myself if it's even worth moisturising. But I have a very positive attitude to life now. So let me take you on my journey of discovery." Recorded in front of a live audience at the WOMAD world music and arts festival in Wiltshire.Presenter: Helen Zaltzman Producer: Richard Knight.

Comedian Nick Revell explains why he manages to be optimistic - despite all the evidence. "These days it's perhaps easier than ever to get pessimistic at the state of the world; I've had periods when I would wake up in the morning, check the news and ask myself if it's even worth moisturising. But I have a very positive attitude to life now. So let me take you on my journey of discovery." Recorded in front of a live audience at the WOMAD world music and arts festival in Wiltshire. Presenter: Helen Zaltzman Producer: Richard Knight.

How to Be Optimistic (Despite Everything)

Author and broadcaster Lindsay Johns argues that language is power, and makes the case for speaking English properly.Lindsay, who has mentored young people in Peckham, south London, for years, believes that street slang and what he calls 'ghetto grammar' disempower and limit the life chances of those who speak it.And he says that those who make excuses for this language, or argue that it is good for young people, are really just encouraging them to ostracize themselves even further from mainstream society.Producer: Giles Edwards.

Author and broadcaster Lindsay Johns argues that language is power, and makes the case for speaking English properly. Lindsay, who has mentored young people in Peckham, south London, for years, believes that street slang and what he calls 'ghetto grammar' disempower and limit the life chances of those who speak it. And he says that those who make excuses for this language, or argue that it is good for young people, are really just encouraging them to ostracize themselves even further from mainstream society. Producer: Giles Edwards.

Language Is Power

Yasmin Hai says it's not Western foreign policy that is radicalising British Muslims but more pedestrian psychological factors closer to home. Four Thought is a series of talks which combine new ideas and personal stories. Speakers explain their thinking on the trends and ideas in culture and society in front of a live audience.Producer: Sheila Cook.

Yasmin Hai says it's not Western foreign policy that is radicalising British Muslims but more pedestrian psychological factors closer to home. Four Thought is a series of talks which combine new ideas and personal stories. Speakers explain their thinking on the trends and ideas in culture and society in front of a live audience. Producer: Sheila Cook.

Yasmin Hai

Steven Poole

Steven Poole argues that we should resist the modern message, from pop science and brain scans, that humans are irrational creatures, driven by instant judgement and primordial urges.Instead, he says we should stand up together and say we can think, and that's what makes us human.Four Thought is a series of talks which combine new ideas and personal stories. Speakers explain their latest thinking on the trends and ideas in culture and society in front of a live audience. It is recorded in front of a live audience at Somerset House in London.Producer: Giles Edwards.

Steven Poole argues that we should resist the modern message, from pop science and brain scans, that humans are irrational creatures, driven by instant judgement and primordial urges. Instead, he says we should stand up together and say we can think, and that's what makes us human. Four Thought is a series of talks which combine new ideas and personal stories. Speakers explain their latest thinking on the trends and ideas in culture and society in front of a live audience. It is recorded in front of a live audience at Somerset House in London. Producer: Giles Edwards.

Steven Poole: Think for Yourself

Brian Bilston, who accidentally became a poet through Twitter, explains the power of social media for poetry. "Poetry on social media is more than a never-ending stream of haiku concerning the changing light of the moon on water, or the beauty of cherry blossom. It's far more interesting and relevant than that. It's an opportunity for poetry to present itself in situations when people most need it."Producer: Sheila Cook.

Brian Bilston, who accidentally became a poet through Twitter, explains the power of social media for poetry. "Poetry on social media is more than a never-ending stream of haiku concerning the changing light of the moon on water, or the beauty of cherry blossom. It's far more interesting and relevant than that. It's an opportunity for poetry to present itself in situations when people most need it." Producer: Sheila Cook.

The Social Media Poet

Dave Pickering makes the case for a men's liberation movement.Sharing experiences from his own life, he argues that it is not just women who need liberation from 'the patriarchy', but men themselves. Producer: Giles Edwards.

Dave Pickering makes the case for a men's liberation movement. Sharing experiences from his own life, he argues that it is not just women who need liberation from 'the patriarchy', but men themselves. Producer: Giles Edwards.

Liberating Men

Daniel Hahn argues that as a society we would benefit from having more children's books translated into English.A translator himself, and author of a major book about children's literature, Daniel is concerned that few books are being translated today to sit alongside Tintin, Asterix and the Moomins.Producer: Giles Edwards.

Daniel Hahn argues that as a society we would benefit from having more children's books translated into English. A translator himself, and author of a major book about children's literature, Daniel is concerned that few books are being translated today to sit alongside Tintin, Asterix and the Moomins. Producer: Giles Edwards.

A World for Children

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