The Human Risk podcast

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The Craziest Serial Rapist In British History 200 Victims | The Case Of Reynhard Sinaga A terrible true crime story about how a quiet honors student in Indonesia became an insane maniac with over 200 victims. For more than two years he had been operating in Manchester, UK, and when he was caught, everyone was shocked! The heartbreaking case of Reynhard Sinaga! The Craziest Serial Rapist In British History | The Case Of Reynhard Sinaga | True Crime Documentary Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/full-police-interrogations-911-calls-and-true-crime-investigations-true-crime-podcast-2025--6463449/support .…

The Human Risk Podcast

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People are often described as the largest asset in most organisations. They are also the biggest single cause of risk. This podcast explores the topic of 'human risk', or "the risk of people doing things they shouldn't or not doing things they should", and examines how behavioural science can help us mitigate it. It also looks at 'human reward', or "how to get the most out of people". When we manage human risk, we often stifle human reward. Equally, when we unleash human reward, we often inadvertently increase human risk.

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The Human Risk Podcast

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#Human Risk #Science #Social Sciences #I Speak

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The Human Risk Podcast

1
Kevin Evers on The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift 1:08:05

5 днів тому1:08:05

1:08:05

What can a global pop icon teach us about business strategy? In the case of Taylor Swift, more than you might think. Episode Summary On this episode, I’m joined by Kevin Evers , senior editor at Harvard Business Review and the author of There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift . We dive deep into what makes Swift not just a pop icon but a master strategist — someone who has repeatedly made bold, counterintuitive business decisions and turned them into career-defining moments. Kevin and I explore how Taylor has managed her brand like a founder, handling everything from customer loyalty to product lifecycle planning, channel distribution to reputation management. He explains how she’s cultivated extraordinary fan intimacy, exercised long-term thinking, and turned public conflict into strategic advantage; all while maintaining creative and commercial dominance. One of the key moments we reflect on is her decision to re-record her early albums to reclaim ownership of her masters — and since we recorded this episode, there’s been a major update: she’s now reportedly bought back the original masters. It’s a case study in asset control, strategic patience, and sticking to your values, and whether or not you’re a Swiftie, there’s a lot to learn. Guest Biography Kevin is a senior editor at Harvard Business Review, where he focuses on strategy, innovation, and leadership. He is the author of The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift, a book that applies a business lens to the career of one of the most commercially successful musicians of our time. In the book — and this conversation — Kevin explores how Swift’s strategic decision-making offers lessons in branding, IP management, customer engagement, and more. In addition to his work at HBR, Kevin has also edited and collaborated on several bestselling business books, including titles in the HBR Guide series. AI Generated Timestamp Summary 0:00:00 - Intro (7 Minutes) Introduction to Taylor Swift's strategic acumen in brand management. Discussion with Kevin Evers on how Swift has built a resilient brand and fostered fan loyalty. Highlighting her decision to re-record albums as an example of her entrepreneurial instincts. 0:06:49 - Taylor's Bold Career Evolution (7 Minutes) Exploration of Swift's transition from country star to pop icon. Examination of key career moments, including the 2009 MTV VMA incident. Analysis of how Swift turns challenges into opportunities. 0:13:46 - Taylor Swift's Collaborative Evolution (14 Minutes) Swift's strategic collaborations and her fear of stagnation. Insights into her partnership with producer Max Martin and how it helped evolve her sound. Comparisons to the Beatles' ability to adapt and innovate. 0:27:26 - Taylor Swift's Evolving Content Strategy (4 Minutes) Discussion on Swift's adaptation to the music industry's changing dynamics. Her shift from releasing albums every two years to more frequent releases. Analysis of her blend of abundant content and scarce online presence. 0:31:51 - Taylor Swift's Fan-Obsessed Strategy (14 Minutes) Exploration of Swift's marketing strategy focused on fan engagement. Use of subtle clues and inside jokes to create anticipation among fans. Examination of her decision to re-record albums and its impact on fan loyalty. 0:46:14 - Taylor Swift's Founder Mentality and Risk (10 Minutes) Examination of Swift's instinct-driven career decisions. Comparison of her strategy to tech giants like Apple and Amazon. Discussion on her music-first philosophy and founder mentality. 0:56:10 - Taylor Swift's Resilient and Innovative Career (12 Minutes) Analysis of Swift's ability to adapt and thrive in the streaming age. Examination of her strategic pivots and their impact on her career. Reflection on her focus on passions and connection with superfans. Links There's Nothing Like This - https://www.nothinglikethisbook.com/ HBR Summary: https://hbr.org/2025/03/the-strategic-genius-of-taylor-swift Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-evers1/…

The Human Risk Podcast

1
Juliet Rosenfeld on Affairs 1:06:30

12 днів тому1:06:30

1:06:30

Why do people have affairs? What lessons can we learn from infidelity? It's estimated that an affair will impact one in five of us, yet it tends to be a taboo subject. So, on this episode, I'm going to break that taboo and explore the hidden world of affairs with psychoanalyst and autho r Juliet Rosenfeld . Juliet’s book, Affairs: Stories of Love, Lies, Hope and Desire , is an intimate look at why people have affairs, how those relationships shape us, and what they reveal about the unconscious forces at work in our lives. Episode Summary In a fascinating discussion, we talk about the stories she gathered for the book, how she approached them ethically, and what she’s learned about the powerful, often destructive, pull of infidelity. I also ask Juliet about her own experience as a psychoanalyst; how she balances her clinical insights with the need to write in a way that’s both honest and protective of the people involved. Juliet explains how she turned the consulting room into a space for exploration, not exposure, and how the stories she’s collected show just how deeply affairs touch the lives of everyone they involve. From the idea of the couple to the unconscious roots of our desires, we unpack some of the most complex questions about relationships and risk. Throughout our conversation, Juliet brings a refreshingly human — and humane — perspective to a topic that’s often shrouded in shame and secrecy. Whether you’ve ever experienced an affair yourself or just want to understand why people cross these lines, this episode offers insights that go far beyond the headlines. Guest Biography Juliet Rosenfeld is an author and a psychoanalyst working in private practice in London. She is particularly interested in the unconscious forces that shape our relationships and behaviours. Juliet’s second book, Affairs: Stories of Love, Lies, Hope and Desire, explores the complex terrain of infidelity through a psychoanalytic lens, blending real stories with her own reflections and insights. She is a member of professional psychotherapy and psychoanalysis associations in the UK and is deeply engaged in thinking about the ethical dimensions of her work. Beyond her practice, Juliet has also been a board member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and is passionate about making the insights of psychoanalysis accessible to a general audience. AI-Generated Timestamp Summary [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and Juliet Rosenfeld [00:01:00] Exploring what affairs are really about and how unconscious forces shape them [00:02:00] Juliet’s background as a psychoanalyst and the role of the unconscious [00:04:00] How relationship struggles underpin so many issues Juliet sees in her work [00:05:00] Why Juliet wrote the book and how affairs are inherently risky [00:07:00] The foundational idea of the couple and how it shapes us from birth [00:08:00] Ethical dilemmas of writing about real people’s affairs [00:11:00] Juliet’s approach: interviewing participants who weren’t her patients [00:13:00] Balancing her clinical mindset with the demands of writing [00:16:00] The role of supervision in psychotherapy and its relevance to Juliet’s work [00:18:00] The challenge of anonymising the stories while staying true to them [00:20:00] Juliet’s thoughts on police requests for therapist notes and patient confidentiality [00:22:00] The differences in the regulation of therapists in the UK vs the US [00:26:00] The importance of trust, supervision, and the intense relationship with a supervisor [00:30:00] Why Juliet believes statutory regulation of psychotherapy is important [00:34:00] How affairs spark intense public reactions and fascination [00:37:00] The long-term impact of divorce and affairs on children [00:42:00] How affairs can be a way of finding solutions to deep personal problems [00:45:00] The uniqueness of each affair story and the problem of generalisations [00:47:00] The role of disappointment and the challenges of long-term love [00:49:00] Juliet’s thoughts on how therapy can help couples [00:53:00] Why no one comes to see her at the start of an affair [00:56:00] The emotional investment and secrecy that affairs demand [00:59:00] The final reflections on why Juliet wrote the book and what it revealed to her [01:05:00] Closing remarks and where to find Juliet’s book Links Juliet’s website with details of her work and books: https://julietrosenfeld.co.uk/ The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP): https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/…

The Human Risk Podcast

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Dr Chengwei Liu on Luck & Serendipity 1:03:59

18 днів тому1:03:59

1:03:59

Have you ever wondered how much of your success is down to luck? What if the world is far less fair and predictable than we’d like to think? On this episode, I explore the complex and fascinating role of luck in our lives and decisions with Dr. Chengwei Liu, Associate Professor of Strategy and Behavioural Science at Imperial College London. Chengwei shares how his research challenges our assumptions about skill, effort, and fairness – and why the outcomes we see are often far more random than we’d like to believe. We discuss why many successful strategies and best practices are built on shaky ground, and how our tendency to downplay luck creates illusions of control and reinforces unfair systems. Chengwei explains how beliefs in fairness – like the ‘just world’ hypothesis – shape everything from business cultures to political systems, and how luck and misperceptions of it can create cycles of privilege or disadvantage. Chengwei also shares practical insights on how to become a smart contrarian: someone who can harness the power of randomness and serendipity while avoiding the pitfalls of bias and overconfidence. From the dangers of blindly following the ‘successful’ to the need to look inward and embrace uniqueness, it’s a thought-provoking conversation that will change the way you think about risk, decision-making, and what it really means to get ahead. Guest Biography Dr. Chengwei Liu is an Associate Professor of Strategy and Behavioural Science at Imperial College London. He describes himself as someone fascinated by how luck, randomness, and human biases shape success and failure – both in business and in broader society. Chengwei’s work challenges mainstream management thinking and explores how much of what we attribute to skill is actually the result of random factors. His book, Luck: A Key Idea for Business and Society , examines these dynamics and how we can learn to navigate them. Beyond his academic roles, Chengwei has also worked as a management consultant, drawing on his experience in both research and practice to uncover how to harness luck and uncertainty. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:00] Chengwei explains his research focus on randomness and variance in firm performance [00:04:00] The overlooked 50% of variance in outcomes: luck and randomness [00:06:00] Defining luck as what lies beyond our control and foresight [00:08:00] The conflict between fairness beliefs and the reality of luck [00:10:00] Luck’s societal implications: why fairness perceptions differ across countries [00:11:00] Skill versus luck – how we confuse the two in our narratives [00:13:00] Why successful people over-attribute their success to skill [00:15:00] Managers vs entrepreneurs: how they differ in acknowledging luck [00:17:00] The challenges of researching an elusive concept like luck [00:18:00] Using mathematical models to understand Black Swan events [00:20:00] Why successful predictions of Black Swan events don’t indicate forecasting skill [00:23:00] The problem with best practices from ‘successful’ firms [00:26:00] Selection bias in business books and the danger of survivor bias [00:29:00] The ‘too good to be true’ heuristic as a guide [00:31:00] Contrarian thinking as a survival strategy for uncertainty [00:33:00] The replication crisis and the problem with social science predictability [00:35:00] Human curiosity: the power of moderate surprises [00:37:00] The difference between luck and serendipity [00:39:00] How to encourage serendipity in our lives [00:41:00] Embracing uniqueness and avoiding conformity [00:44:00] Lessons for the age of AI and human creativity [00:46:00] The dangers of ignoring randomness: when biases become destructive [00:48:00] Exploiting others’ biases for strategic advantage [00:50:00] Why ‘smart contrarian’ thinking is more important than ever [00:53:00] Testing contrarian ideas like a scientist [00:56:00] The limits of trial and error: learning from mistakes [00:58:00] Chengwei’s ongoing research: minority decision-making in venture capital [01:00:00] How passion and variance link to VC investment strategies [01:02:00] Wrapping up with reflections on luck, curiosity, and human creativity Links Dr. Chengwei Liu’s book, Luck: A Key Idea for Business and Society : https://www.routledge.com/Luck-A-Key-Idea-for-Business-and-Society/Liu/p/book/9781138094260? Chengwei Liu’s Imperial College faculty webpage: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/c.liu…

The Human Risk Podcast

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Professor Magda Osman on Psychological Harm 1:02:09

26 днів тому1:02:09

1:02:09

What is psychological harm, and can we really regulate it? Should an AI-companion app be allowed to dump the person who is using it? 📝 Episode Summary On this episode, I’m joined once again by Professor Magda Osman, someone who’s been on the show several times before, who always has something compelling to say. This time, we're talking about psychological harm, a term you’ve probably heard, but which remains vague, slippery, and surprisingly unhelpful when it comes to actually protecting people. Together, we explore what psychological harm really means, why defining it matters, and why regulating it, especially in digital contexts, is so tricky. We draw comparisons to physical harm, ask whether some emotional distress might be necessary, and consider what kinds of harm are moral rather than measurable. The conversation touches on loneliness, AI companions, consent, and even chainsaws! 👤 Guest Biography Magda is a Principal Research Associate at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, and holds a Professorial position at Leeds Business School, University of Leeds, where she supports policy impact. She describes herself as a psychologist by training, with specific interests in decision-making under risk and uncertainty, folk beliefs in the unconscious, and behavioural change effectiveness. Magda works at the intersection of behavioural science, regulation, and public policy, offering practical insights that challenge assumptions and bring clarity to complex issues. ⏱️ AI-Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction and framing of psychological harm [00:02:00] The conceptual problems with defining psychological harm [00:05:00] Psychological harm and the precautionary principle in digital regulation [00:08:00] Social context, platform functions, and why generalisations don’t work [00:12:00] The idea of rites of passage and unavoidable suffering [00:15:00] AI companion apps and emotional dependency [00:17:00] Exploitation, data harvesting, and moral transparency [00:22:00] Frustration as normal vs. actual psychological damage [00:26:00] The danger of regulating the trivial and the need for precision [00:29:00] Why causal links are necessary for meaningful intervention [00:33:00] Legal obligations and holding tech companies to account [00:38:00] What users actually care about: privacy, data, trust [00:42:00] Society’s negotiation of what counts as tolerable harm [00:45:00] Why this isn’t an unprecedented problem — and how we’ve faced it before [00:50:00] The risk of bad definitions leading to bad regulation [00:54:00] Two contrasting examples of online services and their impacts [00:57:00] What kind of regulation might we actually need? [00:59:00] The case for rethinking how regulation itself is structured [01:01:00] Where to find Magda’s work and final reflections 🔗 Links Magda's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magda-osman-11165138/ Her website: https://www.magdaosman.com/ Magda’s previous appearances on the show exploring: Behavioural Interventions that fail: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/dr-magda-osman-on-behavioural/ Unconscious Bias: what is it, and can we train people not to show it? https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/dr-magda-osman-on-unconscious/ Compliance, Coercion & Competence https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-magda-osman-on-compliance-coercion-competence/ Misinformation https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-magda-osman-on-misinformation/ Risk Prioritisation https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-magda-osman-on-risk-prioritisation/…

The Human Risk Podcast

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Sarah Ward on Chemistry, Committees & Cooking 1:05:19

5 weeks тому1:05:19

1:05:19

What do chemistry, committees and cooking have in common? They’re all things which have formed part of the career of my guest on this episode. She’s Sarah Ward , owner of The Cookery Lab , a unique cookery school that uses a science-led approach to teaching cooking skills. I first met Sarah when we worked together on governance at the Bank of England. She began her carerer as a chemist, before switching — for reasons she explains on the show — to regulation. And now she’s a chef. In a fascinating discussion, I explore with Sarah how her scientific background shapes her approach to teaching cooking, emphasizing that it’s not just about following recipes but about understanding the structure and science behind the food. Sarah shares how a pivotal experience teaching cooking at her son's school reignited her passion and led her to create a unique culinary space that blends chemistry and cookery. Sarah also reflects on her regulatory background, discussing the unexpected parallels between governance and gastronomy. From her time at the Bank of England to her experiences in professional kitchens, she reveals how good governance and good cooking share common themes – structure, discipline, and the ability to adapt under pressure. She also touches on how her teaching methods aim to empower everyday cooks to feel more confident and creative in the kitchen. We round off the conversation by discussing her vision for the Cookery Lab, her thoughts on the art versus science debate in cooking, and how she’s combining her corporate experience with her culinary passion to teach life skills through food. Whether you love to cook or avoid the kitchen at all costs, Sarah’s insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to rethink their relationship with food and/or their career. Guest Biography: Sarah describes herself as a chef, educator, and owner of the Cookery Lab – a unique cookery school that uses a science-led approach to teaching cooking skills. Prior to founding the Cookery Lab, Sarah worked in chemistry, financial regulation, and governance at the Bank of England. Her background in chemistry informs her cooking classes, where she helps everyday cooks understand the scientific principles behind recipes, encouraging them to experiment and build confidence in the kitchen. The Cookery Lab is designed to look like a chemistry classroom, complete with lab chairs, beakers, and test tubes, reinforcing Sarah’s mission to demystify cooking through science. The Cookery Lab offers classes for all ages, focusing on life skills, confidence-building, and the joy of cooking, regardless of prior experience. AI-Generated Timestamp Summary [00:00:00] Introduction to Sarah Ward and her career path [00:01:00] From chemistry to regulation to cooking [00:02:30] What is the Cookery Lab? [00:04:00] Why cooking is a life skill everyone should learn [00:05:30] The pivotal moment at her son's school kitchen [00:07:00] Childhood memories of a sandwich shop project [00:10:00] The governance and gastronomy connection [00:12:00] The leap from chemistry to financial regulation [00:14:00] What Solvency II taught her about governance [00:16:00] The importance of reading board minutes [00:20:00] How Sarah applied her regulatory background in the kitchen [00:23:00] Learning leadership lessons from Michelin-starred chefs [00:27:00] Kitchen culture and the art of giving feedback [00:30:00] The challenges of transitioning from corporate to culinary [00:34:00] How science influences her teaching style [00:38:00] Creating a unique learning space at the Cookery Lab [00:42:00] How cooking can be both art and science [00:46:00] Lessons learned from running the Cookery Lab [00:50:00] Final thoughts and where to find Sarah Links: The Cookery Lab: https://www.thecookerylab.com/ Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ward-87406147/ Tech Camp, the business run by Sarah’s husband teaching kids real engineering and programming through custom take-home projects: https://www.techcamp.org.uk/ Leith’s culinary school: https://leiths.com/ The research that shows that eating together can increase happiness: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/mar/comment-why-sharing-meals-can-make-people-happier-what-evidence-142-countries-shows…

The Human Risk Podcast

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Sarah Aalborg on Secure by Choice 1:04:23

6 weeks тому1:04:23

1:04:23

What do people have to do with cybersecurity? A lot. As with other fields of human risk, it’s people that are typically the root cause of problems in the cybersecurity world. Which is where my guest’s expertise in behavioural design comes into play. On this episode, I’m speaking with Sarah Aalborg , a cybersecurity and behavioural design expert who’s on a mission to change how organisations approach IT security. Rather than focusing on firewalls and tech solutions, Sarah examines the human behaviours that can undermine even the best-designed security systems. Her new book, Secure by Choice, challenges conventional security thinking by exploring how cognitive biases affect security professionals and how to use behavioural design to reshape security culture. We discuss the pitfalls of traditional security training – particularly those phishing tests that feel more like traps than training – and how to flip the script by focusing on what we want people to do rather than what we want them to avoid. Sarah shares practical strategies for using positive reinforcement, creating engaging training experiences, and making security less about fear and more about action. By applying principles of behavioural science and risk-based thinking, Sarah explains how we can bridge the gap between security policies and everyday human behaviour. Guest Biography Sarah Aalborg is a cybersecurity expert and behavioural design advocate, focusing on how cognitive biases impact IT security professionals and their decision-making processes. She is the author of Secure by Choice , a book that challenges conventional approaches to cybersecurity training by applying principles of behavioural science to security culture. With a background in IT security spanning over two decades, Sarah speaks at major security events and consults with organisations on how to create more effective, engaging, and human-centric security programs. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:00] Meet Sarah Aalborg – Why she wrote Secure by Choice and her journey into behavioural design. [00:03:00] The '20-centimetre above the keyboard' exercise – How human inaction impacts tech security. [00:05:00] Why phishing tests feel like entrapment – and how to flip the script. [00:08:00] Turning phishing tests into positive reinforcement opportunities. [00:10:00] How a simple 'Report Suspicious Email' button can change behaviours. [00:12:00] The problem with fear-based messaging in cybersecurity. [00:14:00] Why telling people what NOT to do isn’t effective. [00:15:00] Sarah’s four-step framework for creating risk-aware security cultures. [00:17:00] Why most security training is designed to address the wrong problem. [00:20:00] The McDonald's kiosk example – What we can learn from other industries. [00:25:00] The importance of actionable examples in security training. [00:30:00] The generative AI paradox – When tech meets human bias. [00:35:00] Why AI is the ultimate behavioural science challenge. [00:40:00] The 'Operating System' analogy – Why the human brain is still running Stone Age software. [00:50:00] Why cyber professionals need to look outside their own industry for inspiration. [00:55:00] The role of curiosity and exploration in designing effective security programs. Links: Sarah’s website: https://securebychoice.com/ Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-aalborg-bb348a1/ Secure by Choice: https://securityblendbooks.com/products/secure-by-choice?…

The Human Risk Podcast

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Human Risk: Behind The Scenes 1:32:39

7 weeks тому1:32:39

1:32:39

What really happens Behind The Scenes at Human Risk? 📝 Episode Summary In this special ‘takeover’ episode of the show, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my work at Human Risk. Because interviewing myself would be odd, friend of the show Sarah Abramson takes the interviewer’s seat. She delves into my journey, exploring the intersections of curiosity, compliance, and creativity that have shaped my career. We discuss the origins of my interest in human behaviour, the evolution of the Human Risk brand, and how blending personal experiences with professional insights can lead to more authentic and engaging content. I reflect on the challenges and rewards of building a brand that aligns closely with one's identity, the importance of storytelling, the role of improvisation in presentations, and the value of staying curious. I also talk about the show, why I started it, and the principles behind it. 👤 Guest Biography Christian Hunt is the host of the show and the founder of Human Risk Ltd , a behavioural Science-led consultancy and training firm . Guest host Sarah Abramson is a marketing and communications professional with a passion for storytelling and human-centred design. She is the Head of Marketing at Acteon , a communication and learning agency based in Cambridge. Sarah also organises ‘Speak to the Human’ an annual event, which focuses on effective communication strategies in organisations. Her work emphasises the importance of understanding human behaviour to drive meaningful change. ⏱️ AI-Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Sarah introduces the episode and takes over hosting duties [00:02:00] Christian shares how his curiosity about human behaviour began in childhood [00:04:00] Why irrational behaviour fascinates him and how literature shaped his thinking [00:06:00] From regulation to behavioural science — realising compliance needed a human lens [00:12:00] Christian explains why Human Risk is really a “C2C” business, not B2B [00:15:00] The three types of clients who engage him and why middle-ground organisations don’t [00:21:00] The Twitter account mix-up that made Christian realise the brand is him [00:27:00] Christian describes his creative process and taking inspiration from odd places [00:32:00] Why performance matters in speaking — and why he refuses to send slides early [00:38:00] On using virtual presentation tools to create better audience experiences [00:43:00] Why rinse-and-repeat keynotes don’t work — what live shows can learn from comedians [00:56:00] Using personality and humour to engage on social media and at conferences [01:03:00] Christian explains how podcasting fits his personal and professional goals [01:24:00] Advising clients: letting them be the hero and respecting their resistance [01:26:00] The psychology of change and why agency matters [01:28:00] What excites Christian about AI — especially human responses to it [01:30:00] Wrap-up and final thoughts 🔗 Relevant Links & Podcast Episodes Acteon Communications: https://www.acteoncommunication.com/ Human Risk pod Sarah Abramson on Speaking to The Human 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/sarah-abramson-on-speaking-to-the-human/ Hannah Williams on the Art of Live Scribing 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/hannah-williams-on-the-art-of-live-scribing/ Heather Urquhart on Improvisation Part One 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/heather-urquhart-on-improvisation-part-one/ Part Two 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/heather-urquhart-on-improvisation-part-two/ Fraser Simpson on Making Ethics Engaging 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/fraser-simpson-on-making-ethics-engaging/ Speak To The Human pod Christian Hunt on Bringing Behavioural Science to Risk Management 🎧 👉 https://www.acteoncommunication.com/podcast/episode-2/ Fraser Simpson on a Game-Changing Ethics Engagement 🎧 👉 https://www.acteoncommunication.com/podcast/episode-5/ Heather Urquhart on Overcoming Fear of Failure 🎧 👉 https://www.acteoncommunication.com/podcast/episode-9/ Hannah Williams on Visual Communication 🎧 👉 https://www.acteoncommunication.com/podcast/episode-12/…

The Human Risk Podcast

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James Victore on Being Weird 1:01:04

8 weeks тому1:01:04

1:01:04

What's the most important thing we can all do to be happy? According to my guest on this episode, it's embracing the thing that made us weird as kids. 🎙️ Episode Summary On this episode, I’m joined once again by the inimitable James Victore — artist, author, and creative provocateur — to explore the power of embracing your inner weirdo. James has just published Hey Weirdo , an eBook that argues the very things that made us weird as kids are exactly what make us great as adults. We talk about where those quirks come from, how society teaches us to repress them, and why reclaiming them might just be the most important thing we do. The book is based on a series of interviews with people that have succeeded by embracing their inner weirdo. In our conversation, James shares some of these powerful and deeply personal stories, including his personal memory of a melted crayon puddle that’s coloured his creative journey ever since. We reflect on how childhood experiences, especially the ones where we were scolded or told off for stepping out of line, often hold the keys to our authentic selves. James also shares details of the other interviews from the book, revealing how other successful creatives found their voice by tuning into what made them “weird.” This episode is funny, raw, and honest. We talk about creative freedom, workplace conformity, artistic boundaries, and why our quirks are not only worth celebrating but essential for a fulfilling life. It’s a call to arms for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, and a reminder that the world doesn’t need more normal — it needs more you. 👤 Guest Bio - James Victore James Victore is an artist, lecturer, author, and self-described firestarter. He’s a creative provocateur whose work and teaching challenge people to trust their weirdness and embrace their unique voice. James is the author of multiple books, including Feck Perfuction and his latest, Hey Weirdo , which builds on his belief that the things that made us weird as kids are the very things that can make us great as adults. Beyond how he describes himself, James is also a celebrated designer and educator whose work has appeared in the Museum of Modern Art and who has taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York. His Instagram feed (@jamesvictore) is a playground of raw creativity, insight, and bold truth-telling — a direct extension of his belief in living a life on your own terms. 🔗 Useful Links James' new book: Hey Weirdo His last book: Feck Perfuction His first appearance on this show: talking about Creative Courage : Social media: James on Instagram The DO Book Company,the publisher for whom James designs covers James' podcast The Right Questions ⏱️ AI-Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and theme of being weird [00:01:00] James joins and introduces his new eBook Hey Weirdo [00:03:00] Exploring the etymology of "weird" and book origins [00:05:00] Childhood norms, creativity, and self-love [00:07:00] The melted crayon memory and its lifelong creative influence [00:10:00] The emotional contrast between child and parent perspectives [00:11:00] Interview with Suzy Batiz and floral wallpaper insight [00:13:00] Lena Jensen’s story and discovery of her own weirdness [00:15:00] Society’s role in normalising behaviour and stifling creativity [00:17:00] The play, joy, and love that get trained out of us [00:19:00] How weirdness becomes a superpower [00:21:00] Workplace conformity and annual performance boxes [00:23:00] Why truly creative people are disruptive — and that’s good [00:24:00] Autonomy vs chaos: setting creative boundaries [00:26:00] How to reconnect with childhood weirdness [00:28:00] Workbook coming soon to help readers find their voice [00:29:00] Reflecting on discomfort in adulthood as a weirdness clue [00:30:00] Trauma from work, education, and criticism [00:32:00] Tolerance and respecting other people’s weirdness [00:33:00] The emotional resistance to following your voice [00:35:00] Changing jobs vs changing yourself [00:37:00] How Lena Jensen built a creative career by being herself [00:39:00] Why commoditised paths are actually riskier [00:41:00] The lie behind “brave” career choices [00:43:00] The real sin: not using your voice or your gifts [00:45:00] Memories are made from weirdness, not routine [00:46:00] Green rooms, creative boundaries, and artistic standards [00:48:00] How James negotiated creative freedom in client work [00:50:00] Trusting your weirdness and finding your audience [00:52:00] Negative feedback, criticism, and learning to accept it [00:54:00] Why everything — good or bad — is a teacher [00:56:00] The danger of chasing money over fulfilment [00:57:00] Corporate incentives and “compensation” [00:59:00] Where to find James and how to get Hey Weirdo…

The Human Risk Podcast

1
Anne Sebba on The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz 1:06:15

9 weeks тому1:06:15

1:06:15

Why was there a women’s orchestra in Auschwitz, and what can that help us understand human resilience? In this deeply moving episode of the show, I speak with Anne Sebba — renowned biographer, historian, and journalist — about one of the Holocaust’s most extraordinary and little-known stories: the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz . Anne’s latest book tells the story of how a group of female prisoners were forced to form an orchestra in one of the most brutal Nazi concentration camps. They played not for celebration or escape, but as part of the machinery of terror — and yet, through music, they found a way to survive. As Anne shares, her journey into this story began with a startling personal discovery: her father was present at Bergen-Belsen shortly after its liberation. That visceral connection led her to uncover the story of Alma Rosé, the orchestra’s conductor and the niece of Gustav Mahler, who used discipline and musical brilliance to save lives. We talk about the complexities of human behaviour, the ethical dilemmas of survival, and the way music — even when twisted into a tool of torture — remained a powerful expression of the human spirit. We also explore how Anne approached telling this story as someone who is neither a survivor nor the child of survivors. She explains the challenges of working with conflicting testimonies, the emotional toll of researching this subject, and why she took piano lessons while writing the book. Above all, this episode is about the resilience of the women who played in the orchestra, and the importance of telling stories that allow us to see history not just in abstract terms, but through individual lives. 👤 About My Guest: Anne Sebba Anne Sebba is a bestselling biographer, historian, and former Reuters foreign correspondent. She describes herself as a “writer of compelling stories about iconic women,” and has written extensively about women in the 20th century, including Les Parisiennes , That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson , and Ethel Rosenberg: A Cold War Tragedy . Her latest work explores the story of the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz. Anne is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and speaks regularly on women’s history and the ethics of storytelling. Her official website is www.annesebba.com . 🕰️ AI-Generated Episode Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction to Anne Sebba and the Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz [00:01:00] How Anne discovered the story and its personal connection [00:04:00] Anne’s father's presence at Belsen and discovering his handwritten notes [00:07:00] Why her father never spoke about the war [00:10:00] Individual stories as a way to process historical horrors [00:13:00] Interviews with survivors and the challenge of conveying memory [00:15:00] Navigating the wealth of material and ethical responsibility [00:18:00] Using memoirs, archives, and testimony [00:21:00] Anne’s personal journey: taking piano lessons for research [00:24:00] Music as a tool of torture and as resistance [00:26:00] The Nazi logic behind having an orchestra in Auschwitz [00:30:00] How Alma Rosé transformed the orchestra [00:34:00] Alma’s strict standards and her life-saving leadership [00:39:00] How tensions within the orchestra reflected broader dynamics [00:44:00] Spotlight on Hélène (Hilda) and her moral clarity [00:48:00] The absence of clear moral choices in the camp [00:51:00] The psychological legacy and postwar trauma [00:54:00] Antisemitism and internal tensions in the orchestra [00:57:00] Were there moments of humanity among perpetrators? [01:01:00] What lessons have — or haven’t — we learned from history? [01:03:00] Anne on future work and how she finds her stories [01:05:00] Closing thoughts 🔗 Resources & Links Anne Sebba’s official website: www.annesebba.com The Women’s Orchestra of Auschwitz by Anne Sebba https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/anne-sebba/the-women%E2%80%99s-orchestra-of-auschwitz/9781399610735/ Yad Vashem: www.yadvashem.org Shoah Foundation Archive: sfi.usc.edu/vha United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: www.ushmm.org Alma Rosé on Wikipedia: Alma Rosé Alma Rosé playing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQVyd2dz1rk Bergen-Belsen Liberation: The Liberation Of Bergen-Belsen 15 April 1945 - The Holocaust | IWM…

The Human Risk Podcast

1
Matthew McNerney on Museum Design 1:01:54

10 weeks тому1:01:54

1:01:54

What makes people want to go to museum? How can they ensure they still remain relevant? I spend a lot of my time in museums. They inspire me, inform me and put me into mindsets I wouldn't otherwise be in. So I wanted to learn more about them. Episode Summary On this episode, I sit down with Matthew McNerney, Chief Creative Officer of Luci Creative , to explore the hidden psychology behind museum design. Matthew has worked on everything from the Lego House in Denmark to presidential libraries, science museums, and even the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Together, we dive into the ways museum spaces are meticulously crafted to shape how we learn, feel, and interact with history, culture, and ideas. We also discuss the challenges museums face today—from declining visitor numbers to evolving audience expectations—and what it takes to design experiences that are both educational and entertaining. Along the way, Matthew shares fascinating insights from his career, from how a single professor changed the trajectory of his life to the unexpected lessons learned from working on hospital play spaces. If you've ever been inspired by a museum visit or wondered why some exhibits engage while others fall flat, this conversation is for you. Guest Biography: Matthew McNerney Matthew McNerney is the Chief Creative Officer at Luci Creative, a museum and brand experience design firm that works at the intersection of curiosity and change. His work spans a vast array of projects, from designing experiences for the Lego House in Billund, Denmark, to working on presidential libraries, science museums, and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Matthew’s career in museum design began in an unexpected way — he originally considered becoming a wedding designer before a professor introduced him to the world of exhibition design. Since then, he has spent over 20 years in the field, crafting experiences that spark curiosity and create lasting impressions. His work is deeply influenced by behavioral science, storytelling, and the psychology of engagement, all of which help him transform physical spaces into immersive learning environments. Beyond museums, Matthew has also worked on brand experiences, including designing retail environments for New Balance and flagship stores for Tiffany & Co. His expertise lies in creating multisensory experiences that connect people with content in compelling ways. AI-Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:00] Introducing Matthew McNerney and his work in museum design [00:02:00] How Matthew got into museum design—pivoting from wedding planning [00:06:00] The role of museums in shaping collective memory and conversatio [00:08:00] How museums balance education and entertainment [00:11:00] The variety of projects Matthew has worked on, from LEGO to NASCAR [00:14:00] The complexity of designing exhibits that engage diverse audiences [00:17:00] Museums as the most trusted institutions—but with declining attendance [00:19:00] Competing for attention: Museums vs. other forms of entertainment [00:24:00] The challenges of working with subject-matter experts and overcoming "the curse of passion" [00:29:00] The Mona Lisa effect—why some artworks become pilgrimage sites [00:32:00] Designing for different visitor experiences and expectations [00:37:00] Using behavioral science to map visitor engagement strategies [00:40:00] The hidden barriers that stop people from visiting museums [00:45:00] The challenge of curating history while staying objective [00:50:00] Creating curiosity: Making museums a launchpad for deeper exploration [00:53:00] How Lego taught Matthew a lesson about designing for engagement [00:55:00] Gamifying museum experiences—how the Cleveland Museum of Art makes learning fun [00:57:00] The risks and security challenges of modern museum spaces [01:00:00] Matthew’s favorite museum recommendations [01:02:00] Where to find Matthew’s work and final thoughts Links & References Luci Creative – https://lucicreative.com/ Matthew McNerney’s Website – https://matthewmcnerney.com/ Lego House, Billund, Denmark – https://www.legohouse.com/ Tenement Museum, New York – https://www.tenement.org/ Micropia, Amsterdam – https://www.micropia.nl/en/ Cleveland Museum of Art – ArtLens Exhibit – https://www.clevelandart.org/artlens-gallery Previous episode of the show featuring Professor Tom Schössler talking about museum innovation - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-tom-schossler-on-deploying/…

The Human Risk Podcast

1
Dr Mark Fabian on Beyond Happy 1:04:28

11 weeks тому1:04:28

1:04:28

What if the problem isn’t that you’re not happy enough — but that you’re chasing the wrong kind of happiness altogether? Show Summary On this episode I’m joined by Dr Mark Fabian , Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick and author of Beyond Happy: How to Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfillment . Mark argues that our modern obsession with happiness often leads us astray, locking us into an endless cycle of striving without ever feeling satisfied. Drawing on insights from economics, psychology, philosophy, and ancient wisdom, he explains why we need to move beyond the shallow pursuit of happiness and focus instead on building lives of meaning, purpose, and community. We explore: How public policy gets wellbeing wrong. The limits of the self-help industry and why quick fixes don’t work. What ancient wisdom — from Stoicism to folklore — teaches us about a fulfilling life. Why understanding yourself is the first step to escaping the hedonic treadmill. How to embrace the emotional side of life in a world that overvalues rationality. Whether you’re looking for a better way to think about happiness, or practical ideas to rethink your life, this episode has something for you. About Mark Mark is an Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick. His research focuses on wellbeing, public policy design, psychology, and philosophy. His new book, Beyond Happy: How to Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfillment ., offers a fresh perspective on what it means to live a good life in the 21st century. Links Beyond Happy: How to Rethink Happiness and Find Fulfilment by Mark Fabian → HarperCollins Mark's official website → markfabian.com (Google Sites) His University of Warwick profile → warwick.ac.uk Bennett Institute at Cambridge → bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk ePODstemology podcast → Buzzsprout Studio Ghibli films (e.g. Princess Mononoke) → studioghibli.com.au Martin Shaw’s Smoke Hole Sessions → Apple Podcasts Atomic Habits by James Clear → jamesclear.com AI-Generated Timestamp Summary [00:00:00] Introduction to Mark Fabian and the concept of Beyond Happy [00:03:00] Why public policy fails to support true wellbeing [00:07:00] The hedonic treadmill and limits of chasing happiness [00:10:00] How ancient wisdom and ritual can reframe modern life [00:15:00] Critique of the self-help industry and overuse of “science-backed” hacks [00:20:00] Emotional signals and the importance of listening to yourself [00:25:00] Identity formation and the value of working out what drives you [00:32:00] Emotional intelligence and the power of asking for care [00:39:00] Self-actualisation as a social process, not a solo journey [00:46:00] Writing the book and the personal transformation it brought [00:53:00] The role of culture, community, and myth in shaping values [00:57:00] Final reflections on empathy, cooperation, and the future of fulfilment…

The Human Risk Podcast

1
Professor Benjamin Van Rooij on Toxic Organisations 1:02:06

12 weeks тому1:02:06

1:02:06

What makes an organisation toxic, and how can we spot the signs before it’s too late? What are the common traits that make seemingly unrelated organisations, ranging from the Catholic Church to corporations, do harm? On this episode, I’m joined once again by one of my favourite guests — Professor Benjamin van Rooij — for a deep dive into the hidden dangers of organisational life. Benjamin and his co-author, Professor Nicholas Lord , are working on a new book (working title) Toxic: Organisations Gone Bad , which explores not just headline-grabbing scandals, but the patterns of behaviour and structures that consistently lead organisations to cause harm. Summary In our discussion, we unpack how organisational processes — like silencing, secrecy, and the relentless pursuit of unrealistic goals — can multiply risk. Benjamin explains why organisations, both public and private, can become “toxic” not simply due to bad people or poor oversight, but because of a combination of systemic dynamics and cultural norms that reward silence, over-ambition, and passive harm. We also discuss why the term “toxic” itself is both useful and problematic, and how understanding these dynamics can help leaders make better decisions before disaster strikes; whether it’s Facebook’s role in spreading misinformation, Wells Fargo’s aggressive sales targets, or the normalization of deviance at Chernobyl and Enron, Benjamin helps us trace the common threads that connect seemingly unrelated crises. And, true to form, he doesn’t offer simplistic solutions — instead, he gives us tools to ask better questions, challenge dominant narratives, and push for root-cause thinking over box-ticking fixes. Guest Biography Benjamin is Professor in Law and Society and Director of Research at the School of Law at the University of Amsterdam, as well as a Global Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine. In his academic work, Benjamin specialises in understanding how laws and regulations operate within real-world organisational settings, focusing on compliance, harm, and institutional accountability. He blends criminology, behavioural science, and legal studies to explore why people and institutions obey (or disobey) rules, and what systems best support ethical behaviour. Previous appearances On COVID Compliance 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-benjamin-van-rooij-on-1/ On Questioning Compliance 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-benjamin-van-rooij-on-questioning-compliance/ On The Behavioral Code 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-benjamin-van-rooij-on/ On Compliance 2.0 with Professor Danny Soko l 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professors-benjamin-van-rooij/ On Measuring Compliance with Professor Melissa Rorie 🎧 👉 https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professors-melissa-rorie-benjamin-van-rooij-on-measuring-compliance/ Links Benjamin's profile at UVA : https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/r/o/b.vanrooij/b.vanrooij.html?cb The Behavior Cod e: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676270/the-behavioral-code-by-benjamin-van-rooij-and-adam-fine/ AI Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction to toxic organisations and examples from Netflix-level scandals [00:01:00] Benjamin van Rooij’s background and new book with Nicholas Lord [00:03:00] Organisations as multipliers of harm, active vs passive harm [00:04:00] The inductive approach — identifying patterns across scandals [00:05:00] Why the term “toxic” is used despite its flaws [00:06:00] How scandals like VW, Enron, and Boeing capture our imagination [00:07:00] How the media and society react to scandals: harm → individuals → system [00:08:00] Bad apples vs the “orchard” — systems shaping behaviour [00:10:00] Connecting dots across different kinds of organisations [00:11:00] Organisational secrecy and silencing — beyond simple fear [00:13:00] Examples: Chernobyl, 3M, Enron — passive and active silencing [00:14:00] Leadership failure patterns — neglect and irresponsibility [00:15:00] Identifying patterns through reading, criminology, and org science [00:16:00] How case studies were selected and why some were excluded [00:19:00] Similar patterns across companies, churches, and political parties [00:20:00] Book opens with contrast: Communist Party famine vs Purdue Pharma [00:21:00] Unrealistic targets — why they’re the most important insight [00:23:00] The mismatch between organisational goals and available means [00:25:00] Scale and complexity: why modern orgs are different [00:28:00] Limitations of simple solutions — complexity and nuance matter [00:29:00] Leaders must balance ambition and safety, long-term vs short-term [00:30:00] Why most harmful processes aren’t illegal — and that’s the problem [00:32:00] Comparing organisational toxicity to viruses — some survive, some don’t [00:34:00] Groupthink and cultural dynamics — the dangers of agreement [00:36:00] Asking questions as a powerful organisational intervention [00:38:00] Why we often don’t know what’s bad for us — lacking language or insight [00:41:00] Empowering employees to ask the right questions backed by theory [00:42:00] Why short-term thinking is embedded in systems and markets [00:45:00] The overuse and misuse of “culture” as an explanation [00:47:00] The need for genuine root-cause analysis [00:48:00] Compliance playbooks vs reality — solutions don’t always fit [00:51:00] The gap between what we do and what works — “compliance theatre” [00:54:00] Good times can sow the seeds of harm — ambition blinds risk [00:56:00] Organisations as overstretched systems — especially with scale [00:58:00] Social media companies as a case of toxic organisational harm [01:01:00] Retweet buttons, algorithms and unintended consequences [01:02:00] Finalising the book and expanding it to include social media [01:03:00] New project: The US executive branch as a potentially toxic organisation [01:05:00] Conclusion and final reflections…

The Human Risk Podcast

1
Amy Watson on Violence Against Women 1:30:18

16 weeks тому1:30:18

1:30:18

How can we prevent violence against women? And what role do men who don't engage in violence, have to play? This episode tackles a serious, but important topic. Violence against women affects millions worldwide, yet too often, the focus is placed on how women can protect themselves rather than addressing the behaviors and systems that enable violence in the first place. This isn’t a problem women can solve alone—society as a whole, and particularly men, need to be part of the solution. But how do we move from awareness to meaningful change? Episode Summary On this episode, I sit down with Amy Watson, the founder of HASSL , an organization dedicated to tackling the root causes of female harassment and violence against women. We explore the traditional responses to these issues, why they fall short, and what needs to change. Amy shares her personal experiences that led her to launch HASSL and how her entrepreneurial mindset is driving her mission. We discuss how Amy is using a business model, rather than a charity, to fund and scale her impact. She explains her five-stage strategy, which includes education, community engagement, and innovative reporting technology designed to make it easier for victims to seek justice. She also highlights the importance of engaging men in the conversation, not as part of the problem, but as critical allies in creating safer spaces.Beyond the specifics of violence against women, this conversation offers lessons for anyone interested in advocacy, making a difference, or building a business with a social purpose. Amy’s story is one of determination, strategic thinking, and the belief that real change is possible when we tackle problems at their root. Guest Biography Amy Watson is the founder of HASSL, a newly launched organization dedicated to addressing the root causes of harassment and violence against women. With a background in entrepreneurship and a degree focused on business innovation, Amy has always been drawn to projects that combine social impact with business acumen. Before launching HASSL, she worked as the COO of a health tech startup, where she honed her skills in building and scaling a mission-driven company. Her experience of being harassed in broad daylight—and the realization that no one stepped in to help—was the catalyst for founding HASSL. Rather than relying on traditional awareness campaigns, Amy is focused on using a business model to fund long-term solutions, including workplace training, school education programs, and cutting-edge reporting technology. She has rapidly grown a strong community, with over 250,000 social media followers and an ambassador network of 650+ individuals dedicated to making society safer for women. AI Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and why this conversation is essential. [00:01:00] Why violence against women is not just a women's issue—it's a societal issue. [00:02:00] Introduction to guest Amy Watson and the mission of HASSL. [00:03:00] Amy’s background in entrepreneurship and social impact. [00:06:00] The personal experience that led Amy to start HASSL. [00:09:00] Why traditional solutions focus too much on reaction rather than prevention. [00:12:00] The role of governments vs. private initiatives in solving societal issues. [00:15:00] The business strategy behind HASSL and why it’s structured as a social enterprise. [00:17:00] The importance of bootstrapping and keeping control over the mission. [00:21:00] The five-stage plan for HASSL’s growth and impact. [00:26:00] The broader implications of addressing harassment beyond public spaces. [00:29:00] The messaging strategy—why starting with strong advocates is key. [00:35:00] Understanding the spectrum of male allyship and how to shift behavior. [00:40:00] The challenge of balancing strong messaging with accessibility. [00:47:00] Addressing the “not all men” argument and why it misses the point. [00:56:00] Why men need to be part of the solution, not just observers. [01:02:00] The importance of scalable advocacy and shifting the messaging over time. [01:07:00] How workplace training can engage people who might not otherwise listen. [01:12:00] The need for a more inclusive and engaging approach to education. [01:20:00] Final thoughts on what needs to change and how listeners can help. Links Hassl website - www.hassl.uk…

The Human Risk Podcast

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Giles Oakley on The Art & Science of Tea 49:17

18 weeks тому49:17

49:17

What does tea have to do with human behaviour? A lot more than you might think. On this epusoed, I'm exploring one of the world's most popular drinks and what we can learn from it. Summary My guest is Giles Oakley , a professional tea taster, entrepreneur, and long-time friend. Giles began his career at Tetley before co-founding Two Spoons Tea, a company dedicated to celebrating tea as the hero crop it is. Over the course of our conversation, Giles introduces me—and you—to the rich history and intricate science behind tea. From its origins in Camellia sinensis to the skill of blending, he reveals why tea is far more complex than we often think. Giles takes us behind the scenes of tea tasting and blending, offering fascinating insights into how colour, flavour, and texture are meticulously evaluated. We even do a live tea tasting during the episode! Along the way, Giles shares incredible stories, from the history of tea pillows to the traditions of tea production in Kenya and Darjeeling. His passion for elevating tea is contagious, and it shines through in the ethos of his company.Whether you’re a casual tea drinker or a full-on enthusiast, this episode has something for you. Learn about the art of crafting consistent tea blends, the delicate balance of tradition and innovation, and the personal philosophy that drives Giles’ business. And of course, don’t forget to grab a cup of your favourite brew while you listen—it’s the perfect pairing. Guest Biography Giles Oakley is a professional tea taster and co-founder of Two Spoons Tea , a company devoted to celebrating tea as a hero crop. After starting his career at Tetley in 1998, Giles spent over 20 years in the tea industry, travelling the world and mastering the art of tea tasting and blending. With expertise honed in places like Kenya, India, and Malawi, Giles eventually decided to step away from corporate life and create his own tea brand. Two Spoons Tea focuses on high-quality, ethically sourced blends that honour the social and cultural importance of tea. Giles and his business partner Mark, are committed to using their tea-tasting expertise to provide customers with exceptional, sustainably sourced products. Their ethos revolves around making tea fun, accessible, and memorable while maintaining the highest standards of quality. AI Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Introduction to tea as a topic and Giles Oakley as the guest [00:01:00] Giles’ journey into the tea trade and the importance of tea in daily life [00:03:00] Tea’s global impact and its complex journey from bush to cup [00:06:00] How blending creates consistency in tea flavours [00:08:00] The art and science of tea tasting, including blindfolded tastings [00:11:00] Why tea is an underrated hero crop and its social significance [00:19:00] Starting Two Spoons Tea and building a company ethos [00:23:00] The difference between tea bags and tea pillows [00:27:00] Balancing tradition and innovation in the tea industry [00:32:00] Tea as a personal and cultural experience [00:43:00] Myths about tea, including caffeine content and hydration benefits [00:46:00] Ethical Tea Partnership and ensuring supply chain integrity [00:48:00] Giles’ most memorable cups of tea Links Two Spoons Tea website Two Spoons Tea Instagram Ethical Tea Partnership Camellia sinensis plant Episodes of the show featuring Professor Charles Spence on Sensory Perception and Sensehacking…

The Human Risk Podcast

1
Pav Gill on Whistleblowing that works 1:11:56

20 weeks тому1:11:56