Future Imperfect

Is it too late to save the bees? with Dave Goulson

Jason talks to Dave Goulson about his new book - Silent Earth.

Can we replace capitalism with gift-giving? with Brian Owensby

Jason talks to Brian Owensby about how indigenous American societies surprised early settlers with economic systems based on gift-giving instead of capitalism.

Why should we try to make friends with AIs? with Mo Gawdat

Jason Kingsley talks to Mo Gawdat

Are the secrets of the Vikings in their teeth? with Cat Jarman

What we know about the mediaeval period comes, in large part, from what people wrote down about themselves and others. How do we find out about less-literate societies, like the Vikings? Cat Jarman has spent the last few years working on the the remains of the Great Army at Repton and the material artefacts they left behind. In her new book - River Kings she talks about the huge leaps archaeology has made with new technologies and all we can now learn from their teeth, jewellery, and even the metals of the Vikings. Welcome to Future Imperfect!
 
Producer: Natt Tapley
Audio: Pete Dennis

Should we still have trial by combat? with Daniel Shen-Smith

Today the law can feel arcane, complicated, and forbidding. In the past - with trial by ordeal and trial by combat - it could be simpler and more direct. Today, Jason talks to Daniel Shen Smith, a barrister and expert in martial arts, about trial by combat, how it worked, and what remnants of it are left today.
 
Produced by Natt Tapley
Audio by Pete Dennis

What do we get wrong about the Middle Ages? with Dr Eleanor Janega

Jason talks to Dr Eleanor Janega about how fascinating and compelling the mediaeval period is. They talk about jousting, battles, and exactly how colourful everyone's trousers were.
 
Produced by: Natt Tapley
Audio: Pete Dennis

What can the past tell us about the future? with Dan Snow

Dan Snow is a writer, broadcaster, and a historian who's had an incredible career of amazing experiences. In this episode, he and Jason talk about what life was really like on the battlefields of the past, why bullet points are the secret of history, and why showers are amazing.
 
Produced by: Natt Tapley for Gloaming Productions and Rebellion