Julian Baggini (b. 1968) is a British philosopher, author, and journalist who co-founded The Philosophers’ Magazine and is known for making complex ideas accessible through over 20 books on identity, ethics, secularism, and culture. His most recent book, How the World Eats: A Global Food Philosophy (2025), uses a philosopher’s lens to explore how food intersects with identity, power, justice, and sustainability, arguing that eating is never a neutral act.

Geelong Comedy Festival:
Tickets

Paul Roos carved out a remarkable career in the AFL — first as a standout player and captain at Fitzroy, then as the coach who led the Sydney Swans to their famous 2005 Premiership. Widely admired for his calm presence and culture-first approach, Roos reshaped how teams think about leadership, accountability, and success. Today, he continues to share those lessons through his work in media and leadership consulting, inspiring both athletes and business leaders alike.

Website: https://performancebydesign.co/

John H. Walton is an Old Testament scholar and professor at Wheaton College, known for showing how the Bible fits within its ancient Near Eastern context. His books, like The Lost World of Genesis One, argue that Genesis is about God ordering creation as His dwelling, not a modern science manual. Walton helps readers see how the Old Testament’s original audience would have understood it, offering fresh insight into Scripture today.

Massimo Pigliucci is one of today’s leading interpreters of Stoicism, showing how ancient wisdom can be applied as a practical toolkit for resilience, clarity, and virtue in modern life.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Skepticism and Its Importance
04:03 Navigating Expert Opinions and Trust
11:27 The Role of Journalism in Public Discourse
15:09 Stoicism: A Philosophy for Modern Life
19:40 Practicing Stoicism: Structure and Discipline
27:47 Foundational Skills of Stoicism
31:57 Understanding Control: What’s Up to You?
39:31 Memento Mori: Embracing Mortality
46:24 Finding Meaning Over Productivity

Alex Hutchinson, a New York Times bestselling author, is renowned for his book "Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance."

EPISODE OUTLINE:

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:48 Misconceptions about Endurance
04:06 Endurance as a Spiritual Component
06:13 Different Perspectives on Endurance
08:43 The Role of the Mind in Endurance
09:55 Understanding the Complexity of Endurance
13:19 Defining Endurance as the Struggle to Continue
14:13 Factors to Consider for Improving Endurance
20:12 Examples of Mental Strategies in Endurance
23:21 The Role of Deception in Endurance
26:45 Practicing Psychology in Running and Life
28:04 Implementing Sports Psychology Techniques
31:05 The Importance of Relaxation in Endurance
32:04 Cultural Perspectives on Endurance
32:34 The Psychology of Kenyan Runners
36:24 Mindset and Performance
38:26 The Ability to Bounce Back
41:29 Self-Confidence and Performance
44:54 The Importance of Mindset in Performance
47:51 The Role of Sports Psychology in Performance
50:11 The Balance Between Data and Performance
55:25 Alex Hutchinson's New Book

TAKEAWAYS

• Endurance is not solely determined by physical factors but also by the mind's role in defining our limits.
• Self-talk plays a crucial role in improving endurance, and positive internal monologue can enhance performance.
• Endurance is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and cultural perspectives can influence beliefs about human potential.
• Deception and relaxation techniques can be effective strategies for improving endurance performance.

Nick Gibb – Former UK Schools Minister and leading voice in educational reform. Gibb has been at the forefront of shaping policy around curriculum design, literacy (especially phonics), mathematics education, and evidence-based teaching. He brings deep insights into the challenges of cultural diversity, the importance of memory and knowledge retention, and lessons learned from successful school reforms in England.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction and Background
• 02:34 – The Importance of Knowledge in Education
• 05:34 – AI’s Role in Education
• 08:23 – Behavior Management in Schools
• 11:23 – School Reform and Its Challenges
• 14:32 – Success Stories in Education Reform
• 17:38 – Cultural Diversity in Education
• 20:41 – Phonics and Early Literacy
• 23:33 – Teaching Approaches and Parental Involvement
• 33:07 – The Importance of Reading to Children
• 35:07 – Navigating Educational Politics and Cultural Issues
• 37:15 – The Need for a Knowledge-Rich Curriculum
• 41:56 – Mathematics Education Reform
• 50:44 – Evidence-Based Approaches in Education
• 55:50 – Global Perspectives on Education Reform

Pete Evans is an Australian celebrity chef, author, and former TV presenter best known for co-hosting My Kitchen Rules.