In an era of news fatigue and constant information, Prospect steps back from the daily news grind—asking not just what is happening, but why.
Join Prospect editors Alona Ferber, Imaan Irfan and Philip Collins, and the magazine’s cast of contributors, to explore the people and trends that explain the world today.
Each episode, we explain the ideas behind the week’s biggest stories. From populism and protest to artificial intelligence, our guests share their unique perspectives.
Subscribe to Prospect and enjoy our rigorously fact-checked, truly independent analysis and perspectives:
https://subscription.prospectmagazine.co.uk/OCT1MFBG/prospect-magazine/OCT1MFG (https://subscription.prospectmagazine.co.uk/OCT1MFBG/prospect-magazine/OCT1MFD)
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Ethan Zuckerman: Will artificial intelligence destroy us all?
As tech insiders warn about an impending apocalypse, Ellen and Imaan are joined by Ethan Zuckerman, Prospect contributor and associate professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to examine those claims.
He discusses AI agents going rogue in the Hugging Face incident, as well as recent calls from tech leaders to slow down AI development. With Trump dismissing safety concerns, Ethan also discusses US competition with China, how global thinking around AI differs—and why he doesn't trust the industry to self-regulate.
Ethan explores how we can reclaim agency around AI, and the importance of local and community-oriented conversations, including a surprising initiative from a Maori radio station. Plus, what might a uniquely British AI look like?
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Exciting news! From October, the Prospect Podcast will have a new format and a new name: On ‘Tell Me Why’, Prospect’s editors, writers and guests will explore the ideas behind the biggest news stories of the week. Subscribe to the channel to be part of our new chapter.
And to read Ethan’s piece ‘Should Trump create an AI sovereign wealth fund’, click here or head to prospectmagazine.co.uk (https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology/ai/74484/trump-ai-sovereign-wealth-fund-anthropic-openai)
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10 Sept 2026
Prospect Lives: Unexpected lessons from my alcoholic father
This month, Rural life writer Kiran Sidhu shares her love for her late father, who was an imperfect but brilliant parent. Meanwhile, Second life writer Vitali Vitaliev is reminded of his former, Soviet life when he reads about the hounding of Cambridge academic Jason Arday. Mindful life writer Sarah Collins extolls the benefits of embracing a beginner's mindset when approaching new hobbies.
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9 Sept 2026
Elon Musk, space solar and eternal power
Have scientists found the secret to eternal power?
Engineers, inventors and sci-fi writers have long dreamed of harvesting the constant power of the sun. Now, plans to build solar panels in space are tantalisingly close to fruition. This week, Ellen is joined by Prospect contributing editor Isabel Hilton to explains why it could just work.
From rocket launches to robots assembling solar farms in space, Isabel explains the vision and its main obstacles. She also discusses the role of private companies and tech billionaires like Elon Musk, as well as China’s active solar-based programme.
Plus, Isabel explores how the UK can be part of the future, and how space-based solar compares to plans for nuclear fusion as an energy solution. After flash floods in Nepal, they also discuss the need for emergency power responses across the world.
To read Isabel’s article, click here: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology/74474/space-solar-have-scientists-found-the-secret-to-eternal-power (https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/technology/74474/space-solar-have-scientists-found-the-secret-to-eternal-power)
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Who has been a guest on The Prospect Podcast
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Marc Stears
Faiz Siddiqui
James Bloodworth
Tilly Lawless
Arash Azizi
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4.5 / 5
31 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 46 / 100
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Quality
93
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YouTube
0
Engagement
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