The Conversation Cabinet

Josh and Ethan

Open the cabinet as we navigate the complexities of world-wide politics, one quintessentially british conversation at a time.

  1. FEB 7

    Understanding Consciousness: A conversation with Professor Anil Seth

    What does it mean to be "you"? In this episode, we are joined by Anil Seth, professor of cognitive and computational neuroscience at the University of Sussex and author of the best-selling book “Being You”. As one of the world’s leading researchers into the biological basis of consciousness, we had the privilege to sit down and discuss such pressing topics with him. We dive deep into the philosophical and scientific crossroads where the mind meets the machine. From the ancient debates of dualism and panpsychism to the cutting-edge ethics of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and AI, we explore how our brains construct a stable world from a chaotic stream of sensory data. We had the privilege to discuss the following: The Controlled Hallucination: An exploration of Anil’s landmark theory on how the brain "guesses" reality and what happens when those guesses are radically altered by psychedelics. The Philosophy of Mind: We revisit the "Hard Problem" and discuss why ideas like panpsychism and dualism are seeing a resurgence in modern thought. AI & The Simulation Trap: A look at whether artificial intelligence can truly possess "wetware" consciousness or if it remains a sophisticated "dark intelligence". The Perception Census: Discussing the massive diversity in how humans experience visual reality and what this means for social empathy and shared truth. Animal Sentience: The link between metabolic survival and the "self" and how laws may need to change to preserve the life of animals. The Legacy of Daniel Dennett: A reflection on the influence of one of the 20th century’s greatest philosophers on modern science and on Anil himself. It was incredible to spend this week’s episode with Professor Anil Seth, and this fantastic episode provides a deep dive into what a sense of “self” really is.

    52 min
  2. JAN 31

    Exposing Green Policy ft Simon Nash

    Most of us overlook how tiny everyday choices and overlooked policies can massively accelerate environmental progress—if only we knew how to push for real change. In this eye-opening episode, Simon Nash—the inventor of the UK’s first biolubricant made from 100% recycled plastics—reveals how capitalism and simple regulations could revolutionise sustainability without costing the earth (or your wallet). Simon shares how a small bike lubricant project in 2010 forgoing harmful chemicals and plastic bottles sparked a wider movement towards eco-friendly products. He discusses concrete strategies like taxing plastics with recycled content and enforcing transparency laws that prevent greenwashing—showing how governments can turn subtle policy tweaks into sweeping environmental wins. You'll discover the surprising ways market incentives and faith-inspired stewardship could unlock a sustainable future, avoiding pollution crises like deforestation and microchip mineral monopolies. This episode breaks down the complex politics behind green policies, exposing how left, right, and even religious values can align on environmental priorities. We explore the power of consumers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers working together to create a closed-loop economy—where waste becomes resource, and greenwash is replaced by genuine action. Simon's insights offer a blueprint for anyone who believes our planet’s future depends on smarter, more ethical innovation. Perfect for entrepreneurs, activists, or anyone eager to understand how real change happens—this conversation proves that with the right policies, small innovations, and collective will, we can build an economy that prioritises the planet’s health while empowering our future generations.

    23 min
  3. 12/31/2025

    Chinese Super-Embassy DEBATE : Espionage or Diplomacy? ft Peter Barnes & Rahima Mahmut

    This conversation was influenced by the Suffrago poll: ‘The New Chinese Embassy plans should be approved’ Have your say at: https://suff.ag/UR4HMU Summary: The conversation delves into the controversial proposal of a Chinese super embassy in London, exploring its implications on human rights, security, and UK-China relations. We express deep concerns about the potential normalisation of relations with an authoritarian regime, emphasising the historical context of China's global ambitions and the UK's economic dependence on China. We discuss the symbolism of the embassy as a representation of Chinese dominance and the need for a unified response from the UK government and its citizens. Personal stories of repression highlight the urgency of the situation, culminating in a call to action for greater awareness and resistance against authoritarian influence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Chinese Super Embassy Proposal 02:28 Concerns Over China's Influence and Human Rights Violations 05:21 Historical Context and China's Revenge Mentality 07:37 UK's Economic Dependence on China 10:45 The Symbolism of the Super Embassy 13:17 Political Compromises and Local Council Decisions 16:24 Corporate Accountability and Human Rights 18:48 Public Awareness and Economic Alternatives 24:59 The Need for a Strategic Response to China 26:10 Personal Stories of Human Rights Violations 29:05 The Symbolism of China's Presence in London 32:49 The Role of Media and Public Awareness 38:47 The Importance of Collective Action Against China 42:58 Long-term Strategies for Addressing China's Influence

    49 min

About

Open the cabinet as we navigate the complexities of world-wide politics, one quintessentially british conversation at a time.

You Might Also Like