In this opening episode, Irene Barbotti, Hairuo Wang, Maicol Cortés, and Simon Brummer introduce themselves, their research, and the questions that brought them to the study of the end of the world. Coming from different academic, cultural, and personal backgrounds, they reflect on why beliefs about the end continue to matter, both as a historical phenomenon and as a living force in contemporary society. Along the way, they introduce the central themes of the series: apocalypse as revelation, crisis, justice, and renewal, setting the stage for the conversations to come. About this series: Beyond the End is a podcast series by four PhD researchers in Religious Studies at Trinity College Dublin exploring how beliefs about the end of the world have shaped human imagination, religious traditions, and social life from antiquity to the present. Rooted in the study of ancient Jewish and early Christian eschatology, the series traces how apocalyptic ideas emerged as responses to crisis, injustice, and political upheaval, while also offering visions of renewal, transformation, and hope. Bringing together perspectives from religious studies, history, sociology, philosophy, literature, and gender studies, the podcast examines how “end-time” expectations continue to influence contemporary culture, politics, and identity. Through conversations with leading scholars, Beyond the End invites listeners to reflect on why the idea of “the end” remains such a powerful lens for understanding both the past and the present. Supported by the Trinity Long Room Hub and funded by the Graduate Interdisciplinary Funding Scheme. Learn more at www.tcd.ie/trinitylongroomhub