Shows
HighGroundEstate Management: Rob Honan on Leadership, Community & OpportunityHighGround speaks with Rob Honan, a former Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters officer who now runs the 4 000‑acre Ascott Estate in Buckinghamshire. Rob describes his journey from the Army into estate management, explaining that many estates encompass a mix of arable and livestock farming, residential and commercial properties, sporting ventures and tourismedenprivatestaff.com.Estate managers are responsible for planning and overseeing these activities; they direct staff, oversee agriculture, manage maintenance and budgets, liaise with government agencies (DEFRA and the Rural Payments Agency) and work with specialists such as agronomists and vetsedenprivatestaff.com.The role is hands‑on, requ...
2025-12-1835 min
Synthetic SocietyThe Open Internet ClosesThis week Tom Ascott talks to Max Beverton-Palmer, Director at the Internet Policy Unit at Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. The pair discuss the idea of an open internet and how cooperation can secure its future as well as how tech companies should regulate hostile governments and organisations online and finally end up discussing is Twitter should be subsidised!
2022-07-0151 minSynthetic SocietyToxic FemininityWelcome back to Season Two of Synthetic Society! To kick us off host Tom Ascott speaks with Nona Willis Aronowitz about femcels. FemCels, short for female incels, are women unable or unwilling to have relationships due to a mix of societal pressures and misogyny. The conversation draws on Nona's article 'The Femcel Revolution'.
2022-06-2448 minSynthetic SocietyColonialism, ConnectedKerryn Gammie and Tom Ascott discuss how archaic, colonial power structures have survived and turned into neo-colonialism, and how those structures continue to be pervasive online. The pair reflect on ideas of justice, identity and equality and how we can bring these ideas to the world of business to make our work lives more equitable.
2021-10-2257 minSynthetic SocietyInstagram InsurrectionBen Decker, Founder and CEO of Memetica, talks to host Tom Ascott about the perils of misinformation on social media, if the Taliban should be allowed to have a Twitter account, and what the future of content moderation looks like. Episode Resources: https://www.twitterandteargas.org/
2021-10-0856 minSynthetic SocietyDiversity Equals Resilience For NATOTom Ascott speaks to Giedrimas Jeglinskas, NATO Assistant Secretary General, and former Vice-Minister of Defence of Lithuania. The pair discuss what role NATO plays in information ecosystems and how NATO can help combat disinformation, as well as how diversity and inclusion can generate new and creative solutions and the importance of diversity in supply chains.
2021-10-0149 minSynthetic SocietyIndia's Innovative Data UnionsCan we make our data stronger, safer, and more secure by pooling it together? This week Tom Ascott speaks to Astha Kapoor, Co-Founder and Director of the AAPTI Institute in India. They discuss how new ideas of data unions, data co-ops and data stewardship are providing a model for how citizens can come together and collectively bargain with the state and with private companies in order to get better services.
2021-09-1741 minSynthetic SocietyTime For The TimelineWhat is time? This week Tom talks to Emily Thomas, a philosopher of time and travel, about how time and technology interact. They discuss how the timeline affects how we perceive time, if going on Twitter is like going on holiday, and the different ways technology might let us have experiences outside of time. The pair also give an overview of the philosophy of C.D. Broad and the ideas of eternalism versus growing block theory and the idea of substantivalism and relationism.
2021-09-1045 minSynthetic SocietyRobot-Tinted GlassesThis week Tom explores how robotics and AI is changing our moral beliefs and practices with John Danaher. John is a Senior Lecturer at NUI Galway School of Law, and philosopher behind Philosophical Disquisitions, a blog, and a podcast that focuses on the ethical and legal nexus of technology and philosophy.
2021-09-041h 00Synthetic SocietyFor the Needs of SocietyThis episode Tom speaks to Areeq Chowdhury, the founder and director of WebRoots Democracy. WebRoots was a think tank focused on progressive and inclusive technology policy which ran for almost seven years. The pair discuss digital voting, facial recognition software and if social media companies should pay a user-based tax to fund digital literacy and anti-discrimination initiatives.
2021-08-1438 minSynthetic SocietyBehave Yourself!As the ways in which we can interact virtually increase, so do the ways that we can become victims of harassment. In video games, we need to design systems that help fight problematic and toxic behavior while still supporting a competitive atmosphere. In this episode, Tom Ascott talks to Lucy Sparrow, a Ph.D. candidate with the Human-Computer Interaction Group (HCIG) at the University of Melbourne.
2021-08-0645 minSynthetic SocietyPress X For EthicsShould we treat characters in games the same way we treat real people? Is it ethical to run over someone over in Grand Theft Auto? And what about us, does it say something about our moral character if we spend all day in our underwear playing games? This week Tom Ascott speaks to Sebastian Ostritsch, Assistant Professor at Stuttgart University, about ethics in video games.
2021-07-3047 minSynthetic SocietyIf AI Designed Your WorldWhat would a world look like if it was made by AI? This week Mitchell Baxter, Director at Lazy Monday Games, explains how AI helps in designing video games. He and host Tom Ascott talk about where the technology is now, the challenges in balancing unique and bespoke art with generative assets, and the assistance that new technology offers to artists and designers.
2021-07-2324 minSynthetic SocietyThe Topology of AIThis week Tom Ascott speaks to Jacob Williamson about the business of AI. The pair talk through the emerging markets for AI in different fields, boutique uses for AI, and if the market for AI is overheating!
2021-07-1626 minSynthetic SocietyDesigned For Your PleasureThis week Tom Ascott talks with Kate Devlin a Senior Lecturer in Social and Cultural Artificial Intelligence at King's College London and author of Turned On. The pair discusses the ethics and morality around sex robots and they touch on artificial intimacy, algorithmic attraction, and tackles the thorny question of should you say thank you to Alexa.
2021-07-0244 minSynthetic SocietyPurpose Beyond ProfitPlatforms could replace their metrics based on engagement and growth with metrics based on happiness, community strength and wellbeing. In this episode, Tom Ascott talks to Christine Jakobson, a tech ethics researcher, and consultant, about how platforms can respond to the growing issues of disinformation and online hate to create a more friendly timeline.
2021-06-2549 minSynthetic SocietyMonetising IslamophobiaIslamophobia has been wielded as a weapon to draw support from right wing actors as well as to disenfranchise Muslim populations. In this episode Zahed Amanullah, a Resident Senior Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, explains how Islamophobia has been refined, amplified and duplicated into a process that is being used globally. He and host Tom Ascott also touch on how governments can build trust in minority communities, conspiracy theories and if social media platforms are directly profiting off of hate speech.
2021-06-1839 minSynthetic SocietyThe Trustless CurrencyIt’s taken us ten weeks but it’s finally time to address the elephant in the room: cryptocurrency! This week Erica Stanford, founder of the Crypto Curry Club and author ‘Crypto Wars: Faked Deaths, Missing Billions and Industry Disruption’, talks Tom Ascott through everything crypto. The episode starts with the basics of Bitcoin and ramps up to complex crypto issues!
2021-06-1146 minSynthetic SocietyAutomated MisogynyThe internet has been a platform for creating new tools and engaging platforms. But these innovations are also being used by those who would seek to perpetrate violence against women. In this episode Vaibhav Sahgal, a Senior Manager at The Economist Intelligence Unit, explains the problems that women face online and what solutions are on the horizon in the fight against online misogyny.
2021-06-0445 minSynthetic SocietyBreaking The Anger CycleDr. Greenstein’s Memory, Affect, Decision-making (MAD) lab examines how emotions affect memory and decision-making, and this week he walks Tom Ascott through how anger online can increase our susceptibility to misinformation.
2021-05-2841 minSynthetic SocietyGiving Digital Policy A FaceliftIn a future where it is increasingly difficult to tell authentic from synthetic, Anna Bulakh, Policy Advisor at Reface, gives a thoughtful roadmap to upcoming digital policy. She highlights the importance of baking safety and security into apps to future proof against any malicious use. Follow Synthetic Society on Twitter. Follow Tom Ascott on Twitter. Follow Anna Bulakh on Twitter.
2021-05-2146 minSynthetic SocietyThe Agile GovernmentThis week host Tom Ascott talks to Walter Pasquarelli, AI Readiness & Data Policy Lead at Oxford Insights. Walter is the lead author for the ‘Government AI Readiness Index’, and the two of them discuss what it takes for a government to be AI ready, whether AI is levelling the playing field for less developed countries and if we governments should behave more like tech companies. Follow Synthetic Society on Twitter. Follow Tom Ascott on Twitter and follow his blog here. Follow Walter Pasquarelli on Twitter.
2021-05-1543 minSynthetic SocietyWhat Can We Learn From Conspiracy Theories?Lockdown has seen a surge in conspiracy theories, and as the world starts to emerge from another lockdown Katy Murray talks to Tom Ascott about what we can learn from conspiracy theories. She breaks down how a conspiracy theory forms, how they function and how they get in to our information ecosystem. Follow Synthetic Society on Twitter. Follow Tom Ascott on Twitter and follow his blog here. Follow Katy Murray on Twitter.
2021-05-0741 minSynthetic SocietyHuman in the LoopholeIn technology we trust, or do we? This week Dr Allison Gardner, co-founder of Women Leading in AI and lecturer at Keele University, talks to Tom Ascott about the problems inherent in technology and the pair try to establish where the line is between tech solutionism and real ways that technology can benefit our lives. Follow Synthetic Society on Twitter. Follow Tom Ascott on Twitter and follow his blog here.
2021-04-2334 minSynthetic SocietyYour Code Is Only as Good As Your Moral CodeThis week host Tom Ascott speaks with Olivia Gambelin, AI ethicist and Founder of Ethical Intelligence. As a philosopher by trade, Olivia walks us through what it means to apply ethics to the problems that AI has thrown up. AI is giving us the ability to improve much of our work, and we can apply philosophical tools, such as moral reflection to make sure that the road AI is taking us is the right one. Follow Synthetic Society on Twitter. Follow Tom Ascott on Twitter.
2021-04-1632 minSynthetic SocietyThe Future Will Be SynthesisedDeepfakes, images in which a person has their face replaced with someone else’s, pose a unique set of problems to society. In this interview host Tom Ascott talks with deepfake expert Henry Ajder about where deepfakes are causing the most philosophical and policy problems right now as well as the creative, emotional and artistic benefits this technology confers. Follow Synthetic Society on Twitter. Follow Tom Ascott on Twitter.
2021-04-0930 minSynthetic SocietyThe Future of VotingSince the US election electronic voting has come under more scrutiny than it ever has before, despite not being as recent as is sometimes thought. In this episode Sonya Anderson, a Senior Partner at Smartmatic, talks Tom Ascott through how end-to-end electronic voting works, why this is such an important issue and if you will ever be able to vote in a national election from your couch. Follow Synthetic Society on Twitter. Follow Tom Ascott on Twitter.
2021-04-0238 min
Synthetic SocietyRegulating the InternetAs technology, AI and the internet weave themselves deep into our societies, Synthetic Society is here to help you untangle and understand the mess. Listen to interviews with leading experts, political figures, and entrepreneurs, guiding us through complex issues. This week our guest is Lord Clement Jones, and we’ll be talking about if technology is becoming more polarised, how the government can lead on regulation for the internet and artificial intelligence, and the relevance of culture and the arts in the digital space. Follow Synthetic Society on Twitter. Follow Tom Ascott on Tw...
2021-03-2623 min
In ContextEpisode 4: Alison Levitt on Life as a SilkIn this episode, Karin talks to RUSI Trustee and leading QC Alison Levitt. Alison discusses her career as one of the leading criminal barristers in the UK, including several of her high profile cases. She also talks about gender, inclusivity and diversity, and even shares her favourite lockdown recipe!
2021-03-1259 minIn ContextJan Hall on Finding the Woman for the JobIn this episode, Jan Hall talks to Karin about her career as one of the UK’s top headhunters, identifying and matching the appropriate people for some of the most demanding executive positions in FTSE’s major companies. Hers is the story of not only enterprise, but also of the challenges of driving diversity on corporation boards, and on combining a life in the commercial sector with a dedication to non-for-profit activities.
2021-02-1239 minIn ContextSir David Lidington on his Life in British PoliticsIn this episode, Karin talks to the new Chair of the Institute, the Rt. Hon Sir David Lidington, KCB, CBE. Sir David discusses his career from the early days as a special adviser to eventually becoming Prime Minister Theresa May’s de facto deputy, as Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Sir David will also be reflecting on the difficult choice of leaving government and on the poetry that best reflects the mood of 2020.
2021-01-081h 04In ContextSir Mark Rowley on PolicingWelcome back to Season Two of our podcast. In this episode Karin talks to Sir Mark Rowley. A RUSI Distinguished Fellow, Sir Mark talks through his incredible career in the police force and the changes he has seen in the culture and practice of policing. Sir Mark served as the National Police Lead for Counter Terrorism and Assistant Commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service from August 2014 to 2018.
2020-12-1156 min
Little Da VincisInterview with Tom Ascott, digital communications manager at the Royal United Services InstituteInterview with Tom Ascott, digital communications manager at the Royal United Services Institute, editor of Technoetic Arts
2020-11-1618 min
Off The Pace PodcastEpisode 7 Saturday Racing Specials 16/5Daniel, Tom, Jayden and special guest Treadmill from Ascott bringing you the best bets
2020-05-1443 min
On the CuspJames VickersElisabeth Braw explores how insurance gaps impact major disasters with James Vickers, and finds there are enormous gaps. Thanks to Willis Towers Watson for making this podcast possible. The podcast is produced by Tom Ascott. With help from Narrative Audio. Theme music is Bumbling by Pictures of the Floating World.
2020-04-0317 minOn the CuspPer BrekkeWe need to get used to the idea that our convenient societies can't be convenient every single day. Could teenagers play a larger role in helping countries respond to threats? Elisabeth Braw and Per Brekke discuss. Thanks to Willis Towers Watson for making this podcast possible. The podcast is produced by Tom Ascott. With help from Narrative Audio. Theme music is Bumbling by Pictures of the Floating World.
2020-04-0319 minOn the CuspDan EliassonElisabeth Braw talks with Dan Eliasson, Director General of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. They discuss how countries can help their populations prepare for a national crisis without knowing what exactly the contingencies will be. Thanks to Willis Towers Watson for making this podcast possible. The podcast is produced by Tom Ascott. With help from Narrative Audio. Theme music is Bumbling by Pictures of the Floating World.
2020-04-0320 minOn the CuspJames VickersElisabeth Braw explores how insurance gaps impact major disasters with James Vickers, and finds there are enormous gaps. Thanks to Willis Towers Watson for making this podcast possible. The podcast is produced by Tom Ascott. With help from Narrative Audio. Theme music is Bumbling by Pictures of the Floating World.
2020-04-0317 minOn the CuspPer BrekkeWe need to get used to the idea that our convenient societies can't be convenient every single day. Could teenagers play a larger role in helping countries respond to threats? Elisabeth Braw and Per Brekke discuss. Thanks to Willis Towers Watson for making this podcast possible. The podcast is produced by Tom Ascott. With help from Narrative Audio. Theme music is Bumbling by Pictures of the Floating World.
2020-04-0319 minOn the CuspDan EliassonElisabeth Braw talks with Dan Eliasson, Director General of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. They discuss how countries can help their populations prepare for a national crisis without knowing what exactly the contingencies will be. Thanks to Willis Towers Watson for making this podcast possible. The podcast is produced by Tom Ascott. With help from Narrative Audio. Theme music is Bumbling by Pictures of the Floating World.
2020-04-0320 minIn ContextEpisode 13 - Sir John ScarlettIn this episode Karin talks to Sir John Scarlett about his career in the British Secret Intelligence Service, including his time as Chief. They discuss the collapse of the Soviet Union, 9/11 and even green ink, among other issues!
2019-08-3058 minIn ContextEpisode 12 - Lord RobertsonThis episode Karin sits down with The Lord Robertson of Port Ellen. A Labour politician who was both the 10th Secretary General of NATO and the Secretary of State for Defence.
2019-07-191h 08In ContextEpisode 11 – Jane Marriott OBERecently appointed as the new UK High Commissioner to Nairobi, Jane Marriott joins Karin for the In Context podcast to discuss her varied career, including working in hot spots such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and Yemen and her service as Director of the Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit.
2019-04-181h 01In ContextEpisode 10 – Lord RickettsKarin talks to Lord Ricketts, former Senior Diplomat and Life Peer. Lord Ricketts talks about his time in the Foreign Office, working in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. He went on to serve as Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee and established the National Security Council.
2019-03-151h 05In ContextEpisode 9 – Alexander DownerKarin talks to Alexander Downer, Australia’s longest serving Minister for Foreign Affairs and former leader of the Liberal Party. He shares his views on Brexit, Iraq and international trade as well as opening up on how his secret meeting with the F.B.I sparked the Trump — Russia inquiry.
2019-03-011h 04In ContextEpisode 8 – Janice Charette Her Excellency Ms Janice Charette is High Commissioner for Canada to the United Kingdom for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and is the Permanent Representative of Canada to the International Maritime Organisation. She was the second woman in Canadian history to serve as Clerk of the Privy Council, the highest non-elected office in Canada. Two years ago she came here to London to become High Commissioner.
2019-02-1548 minIn ContextEpisode 7 – General the Lord Houghton of Richmond General the Lord Houghton of Richmond spent over four decades in the British Army, including tours in Ireland and Iraq, with his last appointment being the military’s highest as Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS). In this episode Lord Houghton shares his insights about UK defence, populism, his long career in the military, and his role as the Constable of the Tower of London, following (not too closely) in the footsteps of RUSI’s founder, the Duke of Wellington!
2019-02-0157 minIn ContextEpisode 6 - Sir Malcolm RifkindSir Malcolm Rifkind is a major figure in UK defence and security, having served as defence secretary, foreign secretary and most recently as chair of the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee. Sir Malcolm talks to Karin about his career under Margaret Thatcher and John Major.
2018-12-071h 06In ContextEpisode 5 – Nik GowingNik Gowing has spent his career breaking news: in this episode he and Karin sit down and explore some of the most incredible stories Nik has reported on. His new book, ‘Thinking the Unthinkable’, tackles the conformity of the political system.
2018-11-231h 01In ContextEpisode 4 – Kori SchakeKarin von Hippel, Director General of RUSI speaks to Kori Schake, Deputy-Director General of the IISS. They discuss Kori’s role in US politics: from the Pentagon to the State Department and onwards as a senior policy adviser to the McCain-Palin 2008 presidential campaign.
2018-11-0948 minIn ContextEpisode 3 – Mona JuulKarin talks to Mona Juul, a diplomat and current Norwegian Ambassador to the UK who, along with her husband, played a key role in the Oslo Accords, the landmark agreement that attempted to bring an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This was dramatised in a widely-praised Broadway play.
2018-10-2649 minIn ContextBaroness Ashton of Upholland: RUSI In Context Podcast This time Karin von Hippel talks to the European Union’s former foreign policy chief, Baroness Cathy Ashton. We’ll be talking about the EU, the Iran Deal and... Daleks.
2018-10-1255 minIn ContextChris Di Bona: RUSI In Context PodcastFor the first In Context podcast, RUSI Director-General Dr Karin von Hippel talks to Chris DiBona, Director of Open Source at Google. Chris has witnessed the rise of one of the biggest tech firms on the planet that is making an impact on everyday life. Chris shares with us his assessment on digital security, privacy and hacking.
2018-09-2754 min