Best Andrew Hodgson Podcasts (2025)

1
50. Andrew Copson on Why Humanism Remains Essential in an Age of Extremism, 20 Years of Human Rights Campaigning 51:10

Play Pause

3d ago51:10

51:10

“No one ever said it was going to be easy. Humanists don’t think a better world is inevitable—we think a better world is possible, but we have to work for it.” Andrew Copson OBE, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and former President of Humanists International, joins us for our 50th episode to reflect on two decades of humanist leadership. From growi…

1
Night of the Living Dead (1968): What the Classic Horror Film Really Means 1:32:20

7d ago1:32:20

1:32:20

1968 was a year of upheaval in America—marked by the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, the escalation of the Vietnam War, and civil unrest across the nation. Amid this turbulence, George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead emerged as a low-budget horror film that forever changed cinema. In this episode, we explore how th…

1
49. Morgan DeNicola on the Philanthropy of Everyday Action & Dialogue Across Divides 39:31

8d ago39:31

39:31

“You don’t change the world. You change the way one person views the world—and then you’ve changed the world for that person.” What if true strength lies not in certainty, but in listening with respect? In this episode, Morgan DeNicola, Executive Director of the DeNicola Family Foundation, shares how dialogue across divides, cultural diplomacy and …

1
Fatherland – Robert Harris’s Chilling Vision of a Nazi Victory 1:55:40

14d ago1:55:40

1:55:40

What if Nazi Germany had won the Second World War? In this episode of Dystopedia, we dive deep into Robert Harris’s Fatherland (1992), a gripping alternate history that imagines a victorious Reich in 1964. Blending detective noir with political thriller, the novel follows Xavier March as he uncovers a conspiracy designed to bury the truth of the Ho…

1
James Ogude on Ubuntu's Ethical Framework - Personhood, Co-Agency & Justice (Global Origins of Humanism Series) 46:12

14d ago46:12

46:12

Ubuntu: I am because we are. 🌍✨ In this bonus episode of Humanism Now, we’re sharing the live recording of Professor James Ogude’s talk from the online event Understanding Ubuntu Traditions part of the Global Origins of Humanism series (co-hosted by Central London Humanists and the Association of Black Humanists). Prof. Ogude is a Senior Research F…

1
48. David Livingstone Smith on the Psychology of Dehumanization - Roots, Rhetoric, Myths and How to Resist It 51:44

17d ago51:44

51:44

“The arc of history bends towards justice only if you keep pushing it in that direction.” David Livingstone-Smith, Ph.D., award-winning author, Professor of Philosophy at the University of New England and a leading authority on dehumanization joins us to unpack how ordinary people come to see others as “less than human,” why that shift makes atroci…

1
A Thing About Machines: Lessons from The Twilight Zone 1:15:14

21d ago1:15:14

1:15:14

In this Twilight Zone classic, the machines aren’t just breaking—they’re out to get you. We dive into the 1960 episode “A Thing About Machines” and uncover its eerie dystopian core, born from the gadget-obsessed, automation-fearing world of the late 1950s. From Cold War paranoia to the rise of planned obsolescence, this was the era when shiny new t…

1
47. Victoria Mattingly on The Human Side of DEI: Transforming Workplaces Through Data-Driven Inclusion 37:52

24d ago37:52

37:52

“Inclusion is the behaviors that result in others feeling valued, respected, seen and heard.” Dr. Victoria Mattingly (Dr. V)—industrial-organizational psychologist, CEO & founder of Mattingly Solutions, and co-author of Inclusalytics—joins us to show how rigorous data and deeply human connection can coexist. We unpack practical, measurable ways to …

1
Delicatessen (1991) Explained: Cannibalism, Capitalism and Dark Comedy in French Dystopia 1:09:44

28d ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Delicatessen (1991) is one of the most unique dystopian films ever made. It is a dark comedy set in post‑apocalyptic France where a butcher feeds tenants human meat to survive. In this episode, we unpack the film’s surreal humor, its commentary on factory farming and routine, and why Jean‑Pierre Jeunet’s vision feels disturbingly relevant in 2025. …

1
46. Bill Angus on Divorcing Jesus: Finding Authentic Community Beyond the Church 36:45

1M ago36:45

36:45

“If humanism is anything, it’s self-education. It’s progressing, becoming more educated, more enlightened.” - Dr Bill Angus Dr Bill Angus takes us on a provocative journey through his transition from devout evangelical Christian to secular humanist in this candid, thought-provoking conversation. After 30 years of committed faith, Angus found himsel…

1
Joy, Suffering, and The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas 1:37:51

1M ago1:37:51

1:37:51

In this episode, we dive into Ursula K. Le Guin’s haunting short story The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, a philosophical parable that poses a chilling moral dilemma: would you accept a perfect society if its happiness depended on the suffering of a single child? We unpack the story’s allegorical power, exploring themes of utilitarianism, complici…

1
45. Richard Norman on What is Humanism For? 31:08

1M ago31:08

31:08

“It’s on the basis of our shared humanity that we need to try to understand the world and think about how to live in it.” Professor Richard Norman, philosopher and author of What Is Humanism For?, joins us to explore the enduring question at the heart of secular ethics. From his journey out of Christianity to his role shaping humanist thought in th…

1
White Bear: When Justice Is Just Revenge In Disguise 1:23:22

1M ago1:23:22

1:23:22

This week on Dystopedia we unpack White Bear, one of Black Mirror’s most disturbing episodes. At its core, it asks uncomfortable questions: Do we mistake revenge for justice? Why are we so fascinated by punishment and true crime? And what does it say about us when cruelty becomes entertainment? We break down the illusion of justice, the disproporti…

1
44. Lizzi Collinge MP on Applying Humanist Values in British Politics 38:17

1M ago38:17

38:17

“I believe in autonomy, I believe in choice, I believe in human freedom, and I believe in having less suffering… all of which are fundamentally humanist values.” – Lizzi Collinge MP Lizzi Collinge—Labour MP for Morecambe & Lunesdale and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group—shares how openly declaring “I am a humanist” now shapes her …

1
Demolition Man: When ’90s Action Collides with Brave New World 2:02:41

2M ago2:02:41

2:02:41

In this episode, we dive into Demolition Man — the 90s cult classic where dystopia wears spandex and punches through walls. Behind the explosions, one-liners, and Taco Bell or Pizza Hut supremacy lies a surprisingly sharp critique of sanitized society, state control, and the cost of peace through conformity. We unpack how this B-grade action flick …

1
43. Katherine Lacefield on Moving from Confrontation to Connection & Campaigning for Causes that Welcome Everyone 36:22

2M ago36:22

36:22

"Compassion has no borders" - Katherine Lacefield Katherine Lacefield—founder of Just Be Cause Consulting—shares why swapping confrontational animal-rights tactics for compassion-first community building creates deeper, lasting change for animals, people and the planet. Connect with Katherine Website – justbecause.consulting Facebook – @JustBeCause…

1
Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman: When Did Time Become More Important Than Productivity? 1:56:25

2M ago1:56:25

1:56:25

This week, we dive back into the world of Harlan Ellison to explore the sharp, strange, and often overlooked short story Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman. It’s a punch in the face, but that’s the point. In this episode, we ask: When did time become money? Can structure and critical thinking coexist? And what happens when being late becomes a…

1
42. Peruvian Association of Atheist on How Humanist Weddings, Naming & Funerals are Driving Peru's Secular Revolution 35:35

2M ago35:35

35:35

“Rituals are in the roots of our humankind.” — Iván Antezana Adrián Núñez and Iván Antezana—leading organisers of the Peruvian Association of Atheists (APERAT)—reveal how their victory in the 2025 Humanist Accelerator Program is turning the dream of legally-recognised humanist ceremonies into a nationwide reality, challenging deep-rooted stigma and…

1
The Lottery: Obedience Without Question 1:28:09

2M ago1:28:09

1:28:09

This week on Dystopedia, we’re going back to 1948 to look at Shirley Jackson’s chilling short story, The Lottery. It’s deceptively simple, and that might be the scariest thing about it. A tale about tradition, obedience, and the quiet horror of just following the rules. It’s uncomfortable, unsettling, and leaves you wondering what we’re all capable…

1
41. Bridget Shirvell on Parenting in a Climate Crisis: Teaching Kids Curiosity, Resilience & Hope 32:22

2M ago32:22

32:22

“Research has found that the amount of questions kids ask dramatically decreases once they start formalized education.” – Bridget Shirvell Journalist and climate-communicator Bridget Shirvell joins Humanism Now to share a four-part roadmap—feel, love, build, act—for raising climate-resilient kids. Drawing on her new book Parenting in a Climate Cris…

1
The Road to Nowhere: A Post-Apocalyptic Descent 2:03:42

2M ago2:03:42

2:03:42

In this episode, we journey through the haunting wasteland of The Road—Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel and its stark film adaptation. We explore the bleak and brutal world McCarthy creates, where civilization has collapsed, hope is scarce, and survival comes at a heavy moral cost. From the ash-covered landscapes to the unflinching de…

1
40. Nick Cooney on Going Beyond Good Intentions & the Ethical Impact of What We Leave Undone 44:20

2M ago44:20

44:20

“Focusing on the positive outcomes gives you agency; you can literally see the progress happening and that keeps you moving forward.” - Nick Cooney Nick Cooney is a social entrepreneur, alternative‑protein investor, and author. He joins Humanism Now to discuss to unpack the hidden moral cost of doing nothing. Drawing on insights from his new book W…

1
Obey and Consume: The Dystopia of They Live 1:52:19

3M ago1:52:19

1:52:19

In this episode, we slip on the sunglasses and see the world as it really is in John Carpenter’s They Live — a cult classic that mashes up anti-capitalist dystopia with cheesy one-liners and 80s action flair. We break down the film’s sharp social commentary on consumerism, class control, and media manipulation, all wrapped in the glorious absurdity…

1
39. Dr Bo Bennett on Sharpening Critical Thinking, Logical Fallacies & Persuasive Dialogue 38:31

3M ago38:31

38:31

“We need to care more about believing what is true than being right and being proved right.” - Bo Bennet With outrage-bait, memes and “gotcha” clips swarming every feed, being able to think about our thinking is no longer optional. Social psychologist, entrepreneur and Positive Humanism author Dr Bo Bennett joins host James Hodgson to show why crit…

1
The War Game: Britain’s Cold War Delusion 1:30:49

3M ago1:30:49

1:30:49

What happens when a nation convinces itself that the end of the world is survivable? In this episode we unpack The War Game, the BBC film banned for showing too much truth. As Britain adjusted to its fading role on the world stage, Cold War officials reassured the public that nuclear war could be managed, that civil defence, shelters and stiff uppe…

1
38. Julie Pham on Mastering Curiosity as a Practice 32:40

3M ago32:40

32:40

“Curiosity isn’t a trait — it’s a practice. And like any practice, we have to keep doing it even when it’s hard.” — Dr. Julie Pham In this episode of Humanism Now, we explore curiosity as a practice. Dr. Julie Pham — social scientist, community builder, and author of the bestselling 7 Forms of Respect® — joins us to unpack how curiosity, respect, a…

1
Doomed to Repeat: Hubris and Horror in 28 Weeks Later 1:59:58

3M ago1:59:58

1:59:58

**28 YEARS LATER SPOILER ALERT TIMESTAMP 12:12-13:00** Picking up from last episode, we dive deep into the bleak and brutal world of 28 Weeks Later, exploring the dystopian themes that lie beneath the blood and chaos. We examine the collapse of societal trust, the illusion of safety under military occupation, and the dangers of attempting to rebuil…

1
37. Rachael Reign on Coercive Control Beyond the Home: Protecting Cult Survivors 49:19

3M ago49:19

49:19

“Surviving isn’t just about leaving — it’s about learning to trust yourself again after someone else’s voice has lived in your head for years.” — Rachael Reign In this powerful episode of Humanism Now, Rachael Reign, survivor and founder of Surviving Universal UK, shares her deeply personal story of escaping spiritual abuse and coercive control and…

1
28 Days Later: How Real Fear Shaped a Modern Horror Classic 2:19:03

3M ago2:19:03

2:19:03

It’s not a zombie film, but it redefined the genre. With 28 Years Later on the horizon, we’re looking back at the one that started it all: 28 Days Later. Why does it still feel so hauntingly relevant? And what real-world fears, from post-9/11 panic to foot-and-mouth disease, helped shape this modern horror classic? Next week, we continue the story …

1
36. JC Candanedo on Art as Activism for Solidarity, Identity and Representation 41:32

3M ago41:32

41:32

"Inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a space where people feel safe enough to stay." - JC Candanedo Artist, activist, and humanist JC Candanedo shares his journey from a Catholic school in Panama to the art studios of London. His work weaves together identity, displacement, and community action, exploring how creativity can cha…

1
RoboCop: When the News Is a Joke and the Police Are for Sale 1:51:45

3M ago1:51:45

1:51:45

I’d buy that for a dollar! In this episode, we dive deep into the gritty, cybernetic world of RoboCop — Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 cult classic that fuses explosive action with razor-sharp social commentary. Beneath the violence and sci-fi spectacle lies a chilling dystopian vision of a society spiraling under corporate control, technological overreach,…

1
35. Lindsay de Wal on Redefining Chaplaincy & the Rise of non-religious Pastoral Care in the NHS 31:16

4M ago31:16

31:16

"Transcendence is the connection with something wider; the world, the cosmos, nature, other fellow human beings, and doing good in this life"— Dr Lindsay De Wal When Dr Lindsay De Wal became the first non-religious head of chaplaincy in the NHS, she redefined what spiritual support can look like in modern healthcare. From sceptical colleagues to in…

1
The Machine Stops: How Did a 1909 Story Predict Life in 2025? 1:59:59

4M ago1:59:59

1:59:59

Well, that took us by surprise. This week, we dive into The Machine Stops, E.M. Forster’s 1909 short story that predicted the internet, Zoom, digital burnout, remote living - and maybe even the end of the world as we know it. How did he see it coming? And why isn’t this story more well-known? Link to the futuristic building discussed here. Follow u…

1
34. Michael Bauer on Community Services Without Religion: Practical Humanism for a Secular Future 31:43

4M ago31:43

31:43

“The highest value, the most precious value we have is not peace—it’s freedom.” — Michael Bauer This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by Michael Bauer, CEO of Germany’s Humanistische Vereinigung—a 175-year-old humanist organisation offering professional community services without religion, grounded in ethics, dignity, and freedom. From ceremony t…

1
Battle Royale: The Dystopian Bloodbath That Captured Japan’s Millennial Anxiety 1:29:19

4M ago1:29:19

1:29:19

This episode takes a deep dive into Battle Royale (2000), the controversial cult classic that shocked Japan and the world. We explore how the film’s dystopian violence serves as a metaphor for Japan’s youth crisis of the 1990s—a time marked by economic stagnation, rising truancy, youth alienation, and public anxiety over juvenile crime. Through the…

1
33. Audrey Simmons & Lola Tinubu on Keeping the Faith Out of the Classroom: Smart Move or Overreach? 22:55

4M ago22:55

22:55

This episode was originally recorded in May 2024. "What we have in common is what is taking us forward." — Lola Tinubu In May 2024, the High Court ruled that Michaela Community School’s “prayer ban” did not unlawfully interfere with students’ rights to religious freedom. This landmark decision reaffirmed the importance of secular education in promo…

1
Escape from New York: All Style, Some Substance, So Much Potential 1:27:32

4M ago1:27:32

1:27:32

This week, we’re exploring Escape from New York — a cult classic packed with attitude, atmosphere, and, in our opinion, a lot of missed opportunities. Join us as we break down what works, what doesn’t, and why we still kind of love it anyway. Follow us on Instagram @dystopediapod Email: [email protected]…

1
32. Alan Palmer on Finding Common Ground Through Faith Dialogues 18:59

4M ago18:59

18:59

“If we focus so much on the 5% that divides us, we miss the 95% we already share.” — Alan Palmer Alan Palmer is the former Chair of Central London Humanists, a trustee of Humanists UK, and a long-time NHS Trust Director. With over 17 years of experience in grassroots organising, Alan shares how London’s most active humanist group grew from pub chat…

1
War, Fear, and a Dying World: The Terrifying Relevance of Children of Men 2:05:31

4M ago2:05:31

2:05:31

In this week’s episode, we dive into a very different — but no less brutal — vision of dystopia. Children of Men imagines a future where no child has been born in over 18 years, and humanity faces extinction. As society collapses into chaos, Britain clings to authoritarian control, becoming one of the last functioning nations under totalitarian rul…

1
What If the Nazis Won? The Terrifying World of Wolfenstein (Part 2) 52:39

5M ago52:39

52:39

After disrupting Nazi rule in Europe, BJ Blazkowicz makes a long-awaited return home to an occupied America to ignite a revolution. Like Part 1, it’s over the top, but layered with sharp social commentary, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters. We dive into the chaos, resistance, and raw storytelling that make this chapter in the Wolfenstei…

1
31. Katherine Stewart on Money, Lies & God: How Billionaires Weaponised Religion to Undermine Democracy 34:44

5M ago34:44

34:44

The pro-life religion we see today is a modern creation. It was created for political purposes." — Katherine Stewart Katherine Stewart is an award-winning journalist and author, who has investigated the rise of religious nationalism and its impact on democracy for over 15 years. Her work appears in The New York Times and The New Republic. She is th…

1
What If the Nazis Won? The Terrifying World of Wolfenstein (Part 1) 1:16:05

5M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

In this week's episode, we venture into a horrifying alternate history where the Nazis have won World War II and conquered not only the world but also outer space. However, the resistance has a secret weapon up its sleeve: B.J. Blazkowicz! He is a one-man army determined to end the Nazis' rule once and for all. While the series is historically know…

1
There Will Come Soft Rains: Bradbury's Haunting Vision of a World Without Us 59:14

5M ago59:14

59:14

In this week's episode, we dive into one of Ray Bradbury's iconic dystopian stories. Set in 2026, after a nuclear catastrophe, all that remains is a self-operating house. The house continues its programmed routine, unaware of the world around it. Written in 1950, Bradbury delivers a powerful warning about the dangers of over-reliance on technology …

1
Propaganda, Fascism, and War: The Real Message of Starship Troopers 1:11:24

5M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

We're doing our part! This week we're looking at the 1997 film, Starship Troopers. Going by the accompanying release poster, you'd be forgiven for thinking this is just another 90s action blockbuster (not that there's anything wrong with that). Join us as we explore the many layers of this originally panned movie that has now turned into a cult cla…

1
30. S.I. Martin on Uncovering Britain's Hidden Histories & the Power of Storytelling 29:34

5M ago29:34

29:34

"Isn't it true that we are the stories we tell ourselves?" — S.I. Martin This week on Humanism Now, we’re joined by S.I. Martin—historian, author, and patron of Humanists UK—whose work has reshaped how we understand Black British history and the power of storytelling. From his upbringing in a religious family in Bedford to decades spent uncovering …

1
What Akira Warned Us About Power, Corruption, and Collapse 1:07:05

6M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

In this week's episode, we venture into Neo-Tokyo, a cyberpunk city reborn from the ashes of near annihilation. On the surface, it appears to be a prosperous metropolis, but beneath the bright lights lies a morally corrupt society. Not only was this 1988 film a groundbreaking moment for animation, but its complex storytelling and themes have also s…

1
Examination Day: Why Intelligence Is a Crime in This Dystopia 47:59

6M ago47:59

47:59

In this weeks episode, join us as we explore the short story turned Twilight Zone episode, Examination Day. We discuss the real events that may have inspired Henry Slesar's 1958 piece, as well as the importance of critical thinking today. Follow us on Instagram @dystopediapod Email: [email protected]…

1
29. Faith to Faithless on Finding Community after Leaving High-Control Groups (part of Podcastathon 2025) 45:04

6M ago45:04

45:04

This special episode of Humanism Now is released as part of Podcastathon 2025, the world’s largest podcast charity initiative. We’re proud to dedicate this episode to Faith to Faithless, a programme by Humanists UK supporting those leaving high-control religious groups. Three incredible guests—George, Leena, and Sarah—share raw, courageous accounts…

1
The Purge: Dystopia or Inevitable Future? 58:54

6M ago58:54

58:54

In this week's episode we discuss The Purge film series. On the surface it may seem like your typical action thriller with cheesy one-liners and far too many deus ex machina moments, but at the core, it showcases a dystopian American society not far from our current state. Follow us on Instagram @dystopediapod Email: [email protected]…

1
Trapped in Hell: The Nightmare of I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream 53:43

6M ago53:43

53:43

In this weeks episode, we look at the 1967 short story I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison. For a novel only 13 pages long, it explores many different themes and evokes a grim reality to a society over reliant on technology. Follow us on Instagram @dystopediapod Email: [email protected]…