Ben Yeoh Chats

Hannah Ritchie — one of the most lucid and data-driven voices in climate and sustainability — returns to talk about her new book Clearing the Air: 50 Questions and Answers about Climate.Ben and Hannah explore why honesty builds trust in climate science, why the 1.5 °C target is likely out of reach (and why that’s not the end of hope), and China’s paradoxical role as both the world’s largest emitter and clean-tech powerhouse.They dig into how abundance, not austerity, could define the next phase of climate progress; how to manage renewable energy variability and mineral demand; and why “net zero” may need a more realistic framing.Hannah also shares personal reflections — what she’d tell her 16-year-old self, how she balances optimism with realism, and the daily coastal runs that keep her creative and grounded. The conversation closes with a look at smart philanthropy, innovative climate projects, and the habits that sustain hope and curiosity.An hour of evidence, insight, and grounded optimism — a conversation about how to think clearly, act practically, and stay inspired in a warming world.Transcript and notes: www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/10/25/clearing-the-air-hannah-ritchie-on-climate-honesty-hope-and-the-future

Retired police officer Robert Beckley reflects on 40 years of service — from Brixton to Hillsborough and beyond. We discuss crisis response, institutional change, community policing, and why public service and volunteering still matter today.We explore:The misunderstood role of policing: “Policing is about being there in a crisis — when someone needs action, and needs it now.”Rob’s early career in Brixton and how his experiences in Sudan shaped his views on culture and policing.Honest reflections on institutional racism and sexism: “Institutional racism isn’t about bad people — it’s about systems and processes that have disproportionate impacts.”Hillsborough: what really went wrong, the persistence of false narratives, and why “we can never afford complacency in disaster preparedness.”The evolution of crime, the importance of community policing: “Community policing works because people trust officers who know their area and take ownership of local problems.”Rob’s year as High Sheriff of Somerset, his advocacy for volunteering, and the civic glue that holds communities together.Advice for aspiring public servants: “In public service, you may never know the lives you’ve touched — but the impact is real.”This episode provides deep insights into policing, society, and civic responsibility — offering lessons not only for those in public service but for anyone interested in how communities can thrive.Find more episodes, transcripts, and writing at https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/9/14/rob-beckley-insights-from-a-policing-career-hillsborough-amp-civic-service-lessons-podcastEpisode highlights:00:32 – Misunderstandings in Policing01:57 – Early Career in Brixton05:18 – Sudan and Cultural Insights08:51 – Institutional Racism and Sexism18:14 – Hillsborough Disaster33:30 – The Evolution of Crime37:20 – Community Policing51:05 – The Role of High Sheriff54:06 – Volunteering and Civic Society58:16 – Advice for Aspiring Public Servants

Samuel Hughes, editor at Works in Progress, joins me to talk architecture, planning, and how we think about beauty in our cities.“Most buildings in Tokyo are ugly, but the streets are beautiful—urban form matters more than facades.”In this episode we explore:Can we still mass-produce beautiful buildings?Japanese urban design and zoning lessonsHow long buildings should last: UK vs JapanRent control and housing history in BerlinRethinking the greenbelt in BritainDresden’s reconstruction and underrated citiesFuture solutions for housing supply–––Full Contents01:02 Mass Producing Beautiful Buildings01:43 The Decline of Ornament in Architecture04:37 Tokyo’s Urban Design and Zoning10:05 How Long Should Buildings Last? UK vs Japan16:13 Philosophy, Beauty, and Emotions25:53 Public Policy Trade-offs in Practice31:41 Berlin: Rent Control and Urban Planning36:32 Housing in Europe: A Historical Context38:02 Modern Housing Markets and Trends41:50 Rethinking the Greenbelt44:40 Planning Authorities and Their Role50:40 Overrated and Underrated Urban Ideas1:02:03 Dresden: Lessons in Urban Reconstruction1:05:03 The Future of Britain’s Housing Supply1:08:40 Career Advice on Policy and DesignFull transcript, video and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/8/20/samuel-hughes-architecture-beauty-and-the-future-of-cities-podcast

Tim Mak moved to Ukraine in 2022, a day before war broke out. Tim, a former US investigative correspondent, decided to stay and start up his own reporting at Counter Offensive. He now reports from Kyiv.  On the podcast, Tim discusses the day-to-day life in war-torn Kyiv, focusing on the chronic stress rather than immediate physical danger residents face. He recounts his critical role in documenting human stories from the war front and shares his personal journey, having moved to Ukraine right as the war began. We  touch on the operational challenges and ethical considerations in war reporting, the importance of human interest stories, and how new technology like AI affects journalism. Tim talks about the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict and his hopes for the future of independent journalism.Transcript and link to site: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/7/31/tim-mak-war-reporting-journey-in-ukraine-podcastContents00:25 Life in Kiev During Wartime03:10 Tim's Arrival and Early Experiences in Ukraine04:57 Launching The Counter Offensive05:24 Human Interest Stories and Subscriber Growth09:50 Challenges and Ethics in War Reporting14:14 The Power of Individual Narratives25:42 Independent Journalism and Future Prospects34:55 Geopolitical Reflections and Ukraine's Needs44:34 Final Thoughts and Advice

Françoise Girard is an activist and founder of Feminism Makes Us Smarter. We discuss Francois' journey from studying law in Montreal to becoming a feminist activist in New York. Francois shares experiences from her work with the Open Society Institute and the International Women's Health Coalition, elaborating on the critical role of grassroots feminist movements in effecting societal change. “Taking a feminist, intersectional lens helps us understand the world better. You can see trends before the regular commentators do.”The conversation touches on misconceptions about feminism, the interconnected nature of various justice movements, and the importance of long-term, flexible support from philanthropists. “If you want to track the health of a democracy, look at what’s happening to women’s rights. They’re the early warning system.”Francois also highlights the power of storytelling in activism and reveals her creative process behind her writing. “When we walk out of a play, we’re more in touch with our feelings. That’s how movements grow — through stories and emotion, not just policy.”“Each of us won’t solve it all, but if we all do something — even something small — that’s how things move. That’s what gives me hope.”The discussion concludes with insights into successful campaigns, including the decriminalization of abortion in Ireland, and practical advice for individual contributions to social change.Links and 00:18 Francois' Journey to Activism01:50 Working with International Organizations03:39 Founding Feminism Makes Us Smarter04:54 Understanding Modern Feminism05:41 Intersectionality and Feminism10:35 Theories of Change in Activism22:54 Challenges and Learnings in Feminist Movements31:45 The Role of Art and Opera in Life32:17 The Power of Storytelling36:14 Creative Processes and Writing41:51 Successful Movements and Campaigns49:41 Current Projects and Future Plans54:38 Final Thoughts and Advice