
James Victore on Being Weird
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 VictoreJames 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 LinksJames' new book: Hey WeirdoHis last book: Feck PerfuctionHis first appearance on this show: talking about Creative Courage: Social media: James on InstagramThe DO Book Company,the publisher for whom James designs coversJames' 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
27 Apr 1h 1min

Anne Sebba on The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz
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 SebbaAnne 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 & LinksAnne Sebba’s official website: www.annesebba.comThe 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.orgShoah Foundation Archive: sfi.usc.edu/vhaUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum: www.ushmm.orgAlma Rosé on Wikipedia: Alma RoséAlma Rosé playing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQVyd2dz1rkBergen-Belsen Liberation: The Liberation Of Bergen-Belsen 15 April 1945 - The Holocaust | IWM
18 Apr 1h 6min

Matthew McNerney on Museum Design
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 thoughtsLinks & ReferencesLuci 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-galleryPrevious episode of the show featuring Professor Tom Schössler talking about museum innovation - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/professor-tom-schossler-on-deploying/
12 Apr 1h 1min

Dr Mark Fabian on Beyond Happy
What if the problem isn’t that you’re not happy enough — but that you’re chasing the wrong kind of happiness altogether?Show SummaryOn 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 MarkMark 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.LinksBeyond 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.ukBennett Institute at Cambridge → bennettinstitute.cam.ac.ukePODstemology podcast → BuzzsproutStudio Ghibli films (e.g. Princess Mononoke) → studioghibli.com.auMartin Shaw’s Smoke Hole Sessions → Apple PodcastsAtomic Habits by James Clear → jamesclear.comAI-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
5 Apr 1h 4min

Professor Benjamin Van Rooij on Toxic Organisations
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.SummaryIn 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 appearancesOn 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 Sokol 🎧 👉 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/LinksBenjamin's profile at UVA: https://www.uva.nl/en/profile/r/o/b.vanrooij/b.vanrooij.html?cbThe Behavior Code: 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
29 Mars 1h 2min

Amy Watson on Violence Against Women
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 SummaryOn 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 BiographyAmy 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.LinksHassl website - www.hassl.uk
1 Mars 1h 30min

Giles Oakley on The Art & Science of Tea
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.SummaryMy 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 BiographyGiles 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 teaLinksTwo Spoons Tea websiteTwo Spoons Tea InstagramEthical Tea PartnershipCamellia sinensis plantEpisodes of the show featuring Professor Charles Spence on Sensory Perception and Sensehacking
15 Feb 49min