Ben Yeoh Chats

Benjamin Yeoh

Ben Yeoh chats to a variety of thinkers and doers about their curiosities, ideas and passions. If you are curious about the world this show is for you. I have extended conversations across humanities and science with artists, philosophers, writers, theatre makers, activists, economists and all walks of life. Disclaimer: Personal podcast, no organisational affiliation or endorsement.

  1. Deena Mousa: How Much Is A Life Worth? Effective Philanthropy, AI For Good & Global Health

    2 JAN

    Deena Mousa: How Much Is A Life Worth? Effective Philanthropy, AI For Good & Global Health

    How do you put a price tag on a human life? It sounds like a cold question, but for grant makers, it is the necessary calculus of doing good. In this episode, Ben sits down with Deena Mousa (Open Philanthropy, Coefficient Giving) to discuss the difficult frameworks used to allocate finite resources. "Every time you choose whether to take a more dangerous job at a higher wage... you are implicitly putting a price on how much you value a year of your life." We dive into the "Coefficient Dollar," the complexities of measuring pain, and why government procurement might be the world's most underrated problem. WE COVER: The Calculus of Altruism: Using "revealed preference" to value a year of life The Pain Paradox: Why health models struggle to measure suffering AI for Good: "AI washing" vs. actual capacity building Systemic Bottlenecks: Why boring process fixes beat flashy policies Life Advice: Why you should ignore advice that resonates too much "Often, the people listening to a piece of general advice are exactly the group of people that should be doing the opposite." Contents: 00:00 Introduction01:17 Valuing Life and Health05:46 Challenges in Measuring Pain and Health Outcomes13:32 Creative Process and Research Methodology18:38 Journey and Early Experiences22:23 Debate on International Aid and USAID29:20 Impact of AI in Global Health and Development36:25 Overrated or Underrated44:59 Exciting Projects and AI for Good46:14 Balancing Cause Areas and Funding Decisions58:31 Advice for Aspiring Philanthropists and Innovators

    1h 1m
  2. Hannah Ritchie On Climate Honesty, Hope, And The Future. Discussing her book Clearing The Air.

    26/10/2025

    Hannah Ritchie On Climate Honesty, Hope, And The Future. Discussing her book Clearing The Air.

    Hannah Ritchie — one of the most lucid and data-driven voices in climate and sustainability — returns to talk about her new book Clearing the Air: 50 Questions and Answers about Climate. Ben and Hannah explore why honesty builds trust in climate science, why the 1.5 °C target is likely out of reach (and why that’s not the end of hope), and China’s paradoxical role as both the world’s largest emitter and clean-tech powerhouse. They dig into how abundance, not austerity, could define the next phase of climate progress; how to manage renewable energy variability and mineral demand; and why “net zero” may need a more realistic framing. Hannah also shares personal reflections — what she’d tell her 16-year-old self, how she balances optimism with realism, and the daily coastal runs that keep her creative and grounded. The conversation closes with a look at smart philanthropy, innovative climate projects, and the habits that sustain hope and curiosity. An hour of evidence, insight, and grounded optimism — a conversation about how to think clearly, act practically, and stay inspired in a warming world. Transcript and notes: www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/10/25/clearing-the-air-hannah-ritchie-on-climate-honesty-hope-and-the-future

    1h 16m
  3. Robert Beckley: Lessons from 40 Years in Policing, Hillsborough & Civic Service

    14/09/2025

    Robert Beckley: Lessons from 40 Years in Policing, Hillsborough & Civic Service

    Retired police officer Robert Beckley reflects on 40 years of service — from Brixton to Hillsborough and beyond. We discuss crisis response, institutional change, community policing, and why public service and volunteering still matter today. We explore: The misunderstood role of policing: “Policing is about being there in a crisis — when someone needs action, and needs it now.” Rob’s early career in Brixton and how his experiences in Sudan shaped his views on culture and policing. Honest reflections on institutional racism and sexism: “Institutional racism isn’t about bad people — it’s about systems and processes that have disproportionate impacts.” Hillsborough: what really went wrong, the persistence of false narratives, and why “we can never afford complacency in disaster preparedness.” The evolution of crime, the importance of community policing: “Community policing works because people trust officers who know their area and take ownership of local problems.” Rob’s year as High Sheriff of Somerset, his advocacy for volunteering, and the civic glue that holds communities together. Advice for aspiring public servants: “In public service, you may never know the lives you’ve touched — but the impact is real.” This episode provides deep insights into policing, society, and civic responsibility — offering lessons not only for those in public service but for anyone interested in how communities can thrive. Find more episodes, transcripts, and writing at https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/9/14/rob-beckley-insights-from-a-policing-career-hillsborough-amp-civic-service-lessons-podcast Episode highlights:00:32 – Misunderstandings in Policing01:57 – Early Career in Brixton05:18 – Sudan and Cultural Insights08:51 – Institutional Racism and Sexism18:14 – Hillsborough Disaster33:30 – The Evolution of Crime37:20 – Community Policing51:05 – The Role of High Sheriff54:06 – Volunteering and Civic Society58:16 – Advice for Aspiring Public Servants

    1h 6m
  4. Do We Still Build Beautiful? Samuel Hughes on Architecture & Cities

    20/08/2025

    Do We Still Build Beautiful? Samuel Hughes on Architecture & Cities

    Samuel Hughes, editor at Works in Progress, joins me to talk architecture, planning, and how we think about beauty in our cities. “Most buildings in Tokyo are ugly, but the streets are beautiful—urban form matters more than facades.” In this episode we explore: Can we still mass-produce beautiful buildings? Japanese urban design and zoning lessons How long buildings should last: UK vs Japan Rent control and housing history in Berlin Rethinking the greenbelt in Britain Dresden’s reconstruction and underrated cities Future solutions for housing supply ––– Full Contents01:02 Mass Producing Beautiful Buildings01:43 The Decline of Ornament in Architecture04:37 Tokyo’s Urban Design and Zoning10:05 How Long Should Buildings Last? UK vs Japan16:13 Philosophy, Beauty, and Emotions25:53 Public Policy Trade-offs in Practice31:41 Berlin: Rent Control and Urban Planning36:32 Housing in Europe: A Historical Context38:02 Modern Housing Markets and Trends41:50 Rethinking the Greenbelt44:40 Planning Authorities and Their Role50:40 Overrated and Underrated Urban Ideas1:02:03 Dresden: Lessons in Urban Reconstruction1:05:03 The Future of Britain’s Housing Supply1:08:40 Career Advice on Policy and Design Full transcript, video and links here: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/8/20/samuel-hughes-architecture-beauty-and-the-future-of-cities-podcast

    1h 12m
  5. Tim Mak: War Reporting in Ukraine

    31/07/2025

    Tim Mak: War Reporting in Ukraine

    Tim Mak moved to Ukraine in 2022, a day before war broke out. Tim, a former US investigative correspondent, decided to stay and start up his own reporting at Counter Offensive. He now reports from Kyiv.    On the podcast, Tim discusses the day-to-day life in war-torn Kyiv, focusing on the chronic stress rather than immediate physical danger residents face. He recounts his critical role in documenting human stories from the war front and shares his personal journey, having moved to Ukraine right as the war began. We  touch on the operational challenges and ethical considerations in war reporting, the importance of human interest stories, and how new technology like AI affects journalism. Tim talks about the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict and his hopes for the future of independent journalism. Transcript and link to site: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/7/31/tim-mak-war-reporting-journey-in-ukraine-podcast Contents 00:25 Life in Kiev During Wartime03:10 Tim's Arrival and Early Experiences in Ukraine04:57 Launching The Counter Offensive05:24 Human Interest Stories and Subscriber Growth09:50 Challenges and Ethics in War Reporting14:14 The Power of Individual Narratives25:42 Independent Journalism and Future Prospects34:55 Geopolitical Reflections and Ukraine's Needs44:34 Final Thoughts and Advice

    48 min
  6. Françoise Girard: Feminism, Activism, and the Power of Storytelling

    13/07/2025

    Françoise Girard: Feminism, Activism, and the Power of Storytelling

    Françoise Girard is an activist and founder of Feminism Makes Us Smarter. We discuss Francois' journey from studying law in Montreal to becoming a feminist activist in New York. Francois shares experiences from her work with the Open Society Institute and the International Women's Health Coalition, elaborating on the critical role of grassroots feminist movements in effecting societal change.  “Taking a feminist, intersectional lens helps us understand the world better. You can see trends before the regular commentators do.” The conversation touches on misconceptions about feminism, the interconnected nature of various justice movements, and the importance of long-term, flexible support from philanthropists.  “If you want to track the health of a democracy, look at what’s happening to women’s rights. They’re the early warning system.” Francois also highlights the power of storytelling in activism and reveals her creative process behind her writing.  “When we walk out of a play, we’re more in touch with our feelings. That’s how movements grow — through stories and emotion, not just policy.” “Each of us won’t solve it all, but if we all do something — even something small — that’s how things move. That’s what gives me hope.” The discussion concludes with insights into successful campaigns, including the decriminalization of abortion in Ireland, and practical advice for individual contributions to social change. Links and 00:18 Francois' Journey to Activism01:50 Working with International Organizations03:39 Founding Feminism Makes Us Smarter04:54 Understanding Modern Feminism05:41 Intersectionality and Feminism10:35 Theories of Change in Activism22:54 Challenges and Learnings in Feminist Movements31:45 The Role of Art and Opera in Life32:17 The Power of Storytelling36:14 Creative Processes and Writing41:51 Successful Movements and Campaigns49:41 Current Projects and Future Plans54:38 Final Thoughts and Advice

    57 min
  7. Sumit Paul-Choudhury: Optimism, Navigating Life's Challenges And Uncertainties

    30/05/2025

    Sumit Paul-Choudhury: Optimism, Navigating Life's Challenges And Uncertainties

    Sumit discusses how his wife dying  reshaped his views on optimism, differentiating between pragmatic optimism and blind faith. He explores how having an optimistic outlook, although seemingly against his scientific training, aligns with good mental health.  "Believing in a better tomorrow is not the same as saying that today is great." We touch on the evolutionary logic behind optimism, the impact of agency on perception, and how alternate histories can inform future thinking. Sumit also reflects on the role of optimism during personal grief and provides insights into his writing process and the broader importance of the arts and humanities. The conversation closes with advice for optimism in younger generations and an emphasis on appreciating everyday human interactions. "Postcards from your future self can be more helpful than New Year’s resolutions." Transcript and links: https://www.thendobetter.com/arts/2025/5/30/sumit-paul-choudhury-optimism-navigating-lifes-challenges-and-uncertainties-podcast Contents: 00:19 The Moment That Changed Everything 01:08 Embracing Optimism 02:58 The Psychology of Optimism 04:42 Rational Optimism vs. Pessimism 09:39 Alternate Histories and Humility 13:20 Leadership and Optimism 16:03 Techniques for Optimism 20:45 Optimism in the Face of Grief 23:40 Teaching Optimism to the Younger Generation 26:03 Understanding the Climate Problem 28:41 Victorian Sewer Systems: An Underrated Marvel 29:41 Debating De-growth Ideas 32:07 The Importance of Arts and Humanities 34:36 Moonshot Ideas 38:33 Existential Risks 40:21 Personal Creativity and Writing Process 45:58 Current Projects and Life Advice

    49 min
  8. Samir Varma: Free Will, Physics, Traffic, Bees, Emotions, Chaos Theory, Cricket, Finance

    11/04/2025

    Samir Varma: Free Will, Physics, Traffic, Bees, Emotions, Chaos Theory, Cricket, Finance

    Samir Varma is a physicist, investor, and author of the book: The Science of Free Will, How Determinism Affects Everything from the Future of AI to Traffic to God to Bees.' We discuss AI consciousness, the theoretical versus practical aspects of free will, and how determinism informs our understanding of human behaviour, moral philosophy, and even financial markets.  “Even though there is no free will in theory, because the laws of physics are deterministic… we don’t know what we’re going to do until we’ve done it.”  “The only way to find out how your life will end is to live it.” Varma delves into the physics of free will, his insights on the applicability of chaos theory, and why certain financial and societal structures might need reevaluation.  The conversation touches on the evolution and mechanics of intellectual property, the intricacies of cricket, and the profound layers that make Pink Floyd's music a unique listening experience. Varma also shares his varied projects, including innovations in solar energy and traffic management.  The discussion culminates with practical life advice focused on pursuing meaningful and passionate work. Transcript: https://www.thendobetter.com/investing/2025/4/11/samir-varma-free-will-physics-traffic-bees-emotions-chaos-theory-cricket-finance-podcast Contents 00:23 Will AI Gain Consciousness? 02:11 The Concept of Free Will in Theory and Practice 04:19 Quantum Theory and Determinism 18:58 Chaos Theory and Free Will 23:20 Death and the Reorganization of Atoms 25:37 Animal Consciousness and Communication 30:23 Implications for Society and Justice 37:48 Emotions and Rationality 41:08 Misunderstandings in Finance 44:39 Debunking Market Value Myths 47:43 The Momentum Factor Explained 57:14 The Unique Appeal of Pink Floyd 01:02:40 Understanding Cricket's Complexity 01:09:58 Overrated or Underrated? 01:19:28 Insights on Writing and Creativity 01:23:11 Final Thoughts and Life Advice

    1h 26m
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4.6
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11 Ratings

About

Ben Yeoh chats to a variety of thinkers and doers about their curiosities, ideas and passions. If you are curious about the world this show is for you. I have extended conversations across humanities and science with artists, philosophers, writers, theatre makers, activists, economists and all walks of life. Disclaimer: Personal podcast, no organisational affiliation or endorsement.

Information

  • Creator
    Benjamin Yeoh
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Benjamin Yeoh
  • Show Website
    Ben Yeoh Chats