Our World, Connected

British Council
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Our World, Connected is the award-winning podcast from the British Council. Host Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight, explores how culture, language, and education are shaping our lives and our shared future. She speaks to experts and changemakers around the world to discover what connects us in an increasingly fractured world. From climate action and global diplomacy to AI and the power of storytelling, discover how people are finding new ways to understand one another and make a difference.

  1. Season 4 Trailer

    Our World, Connected: season 4 trailer

    Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, is back for season four. Join host Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight, as she meets experts and changemakers from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues of our time. Hear big ideas and personal stories about what connects us: from stories across borders to AI and the changing nature of soft power. Follow Our World, Connected to be the first to hear the new season.

    Our World, Connected: season 4 trailer

  2. Sep 2

    Redefining Prosperity: placing culture and public value at the heart of growth

    In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Professor Mariana Mazzucato, Professor in the Economics of Innovation and Public Value at University College London and Founding Director of the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. Together, they explore why we need a new way of thinking about economic growth, one that places creativity, culture and the common good at the heart of prosperity. They discuss the role of governments in shaping innovation, why arts and culture should be seen as essential public infrastructure, the role of imagination, and how new measures of success could help build more sustainable, inclusive economies. We also hear from Ojoma Ochai, Managing Director and CEO of CC Hub Group and co-founder of the Creative Economy Practice at CC Hub in Nigeria. Reflecting on nearly two decades working across technology, innovation and the creative industries, Ojoma shares how Nigeria's creative economy has become a powerful source of opportunity, identity and global influence, and why creativity and digital transformation are increasingly inseparable. This episode explores how culture can drive both social and economic innovation, strengthen communities (not just the top 1% earners), and help shape economies that create lasting public value. It asks what prosperity should practically really mean in the 21st century, and why culture is crucial if we are to place Public Value at the centre of defining the future we build together. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Mariana Mazzucato, author of the “The Common Good Economy: A New Compass” https://marianamazzucato.com/  The Missing Foundation: Culture’s place within and beyond the SDGs https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/missing-foundation-report  Our work in the creative economy https://arts.britishcouncil.org/what-we-do/creative-economy

  3. Aug 12

    International Youth Day: amplifying voices beyond August 12th

    Did you know that 12 August is International Youth Day? But what happens the day after is just as important, so how can we ensure that it’s both a short-term celebration and a catalyst for lasting change? In this special episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson revisits conversations from season 3, including previously unheard audio,  with six inspiring young people. They work across a range of fields, including climate action, health, disability rights, youth policy, culture and filmmaking. A selection of our guests from the past season - Amanda da Cruz Costa, Bukky Adebowale, Saja Mohammed Alkadhimi, Juhi Adhikari, Caitlin Askin and Marko Pešikan  - reflect on how their identities and communities have shaped their work, the barriers young people continue to face, and the importance of having a genuine and authentic voice in decisions affecting their lives. Marking International Youth Day and its theme, ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’, the episode asks what meaningful youth leadership looks like and what governments, institutions and other generations must do to continue to support and engage when the global spotlight moves on. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Next Generation research series https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/next-generation  Global Perceptions research series https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/research-series/global-perceptions  International Youth Day 2026 https://social.desa.un.org/issues/youth/events/international-youth-day-2026

  4. Jul 1

    The Beautiful Game: how football connects the grassroots and the global

    What can football teach us about connection, community and diplomacy in an interconnected world? In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff about football’s role as a tool for soft power, exploring how major tournaments such as the FIFA Men’s World Cup shape international relationships and global perceptions. We also hear from Nomonde Mashabane, a coach and educator from the Soweto township of Johannesburg, South Africa. Her experiences with the British Council and Premier League’s Premier Skills programme demonstrate how football can build confidence, develop personal and social skills, and strengthen communities. Together, their stories reveal the links between grassroots football and the global spectacle of the World Cup, showing how the game can bring people together across cultures, communities and borders. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Premier Skills Programme  https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/schools/premier-skills Sport, cultural relations and peacebuilding https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/cultural-relations-sport-peacebuilding  Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff https://www.lindsaysarahkrasnoff.com/

  5. Jun 3

    Future skills: how to thrive in a greener, more inclusive digital world

    What skills will young people need to thrive in a greener, more inclusive digital future? In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with William Mutero, Director of the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa at Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Rwanda, about how digital transformation and climate action are reshaping societies and opportunities around the world. Together, they explore the growing connection between digital and green skills, the importance of inclusive innovation, and why Africa is central to conversations about the future of technology and sustainability. We also hear from Amanda Costa, Youth Advisor for the British Council’s Climate Skills programme and founder of Instituto Perifa Sustentável in Brazil. Amanda reflects on how her experiences in education, climate activism, and community leadership have shaped her understanding of sustainability, technology, and social justice, and why local knowledge and youth voices matter in building more resilient futures. This episode explores how education, collaboration and representation can help ensure digital futures are more sustainable, inclusive and human-centred. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Youth Connect Live: building an inclusive climate future https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/non-formal-education/youth-connect/live/youth-connect-live-building-inclusive-climate  Afretec Network  https://engineering.cmu.edu/afretec/directory/bios/mutero-william.html Climate Connection Hive report Skills for an Inclusive Transition: Youth realities and green opportunity pathways https://www.britishcouncil.org/climate-connection/get-involved/hive-campaign

  6. Apr 29

    Resetting relationships: UK-Ireland connections, culture and the stories that bind us

    What does it really mean to reset a relationship between nations? In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson is joined by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, Erasmus Smith’s Professor of Modern History at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss the complex and deeply intertwined relationship between the UK and Ireland. Drawing on her own life and work across Ireland, the UK and beyond, Jane reflects on how history, imperial legacy and mobility continue to shape identities and relationships across these islands. Exploring difficult conversations about the past and the challenges brought about by Brexit, as well as celebrating educational and cultural links and looking to a more hopeful future, she explores how these connections can be nurtured. We also hear a personal perspective from Bukky Adebowale, Policy Education Officer at the Irish Network Against Racism. Bukky shares how her educational and cultural experiences in Ireland and later in the UK shaped her understanding of her Irish and Yoruba identity, sense of belonging and connections. Her story highlights how education, culture and relationships can help people bridge histories, communities and borders. This episode questions whether national relationships can ever be reset through diplomacy alone, and how culture, education and people-to-people connections can help imagine a more open, empathetic future. Listen to Our World, Connected, the award-winning podcast from the British Council, exploring culture, communication, and the power of collaboration in a changing world. Further resources: Erasmus+  https://www.britishcouncil.org/erasmusplus  Higher Education Mobility UK and Ireland https://www.britishcouncil.ie/higher-education-mobility-research Professor Jane Ohlmeyer https://www.janeohlmeyer.ie/

  7. Apr 1

    Culture, connections and peace: stories from Bradford, UK City of Culture 2025

    What does it really mean for a city to be a “city of culture”? And what role can culture play in shaping more peaceful and connected societies? In this episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, about how cultural programmes can transform the way cities see themselves and connect with the wider world. Drawing on Bradford’s story, Shanaz reflects on the power of culture to bring communities together, create space for dialogue about identity and history, and build lasting international partnerships rooted in creativity and exchange. We also hear personal perspectives from Caitlin Askin, an administrator and museum guide at the Museum of Free Derry, and Marko Pešikan, a filmmaker and teacher from Sarajevo, who both took part in the Here We Stand project. Marko created this film with his co-creator, Hanan Alić.  “For us, this project was a really meaningful experience because it reminded us that peace is not something distant or theoretical. It’s something very human. Through the film, we tried to show that even when the world feels chaotic, there are still places inside of us where calm exists. Being part of telling that story made the whole process feel very real and it showed us how a simple idea can grow into something that people can actually connect with,” said Marko.  Through their experiences, they explore how storytelling, film and artistic collaboration can help young people make sense of conflict, express their identities, and connect with others across borders. Their stories highlight the role of culture not only in reflecting lived experience, but in fostering empathy, resilience and a sense of shared humanity. This episode asks how cities can use culture not just to celebrate who they are, but to engage with difficult histories, strengthen connections across divides, and contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive future. Links:  https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/role-artistic-expressions-positive-peace https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/cities-everyday-endotic-cultural-relations https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/eurovision2023 https://www.britishcouncil.rs/en/programmes/education/different-memories-shared-futures-towards-inclusive-memorialisation

  8. Mar 10

    Cultural relations in conflict: listening and learning

    What can cultural relations organisations be doing now, and in the future, to support people in the midst of the conflict in the Middle East? In this special mini-episode of Our World, Connected, host Christine Wilson speaks with Zahid Mahmood, the British Council’s Director in Libya, about the role of cultural relations in times of conflict. Drawing on his experience working across the Middle East and North Africa, Zahid reflects on building trust in conflict-affected regions, the long-term impact of youth and cultural programmes, and why soft power and diplomacy remain vital even in moments of escalating geopolitical tension. Further resources l021_young_arab_voice_from_voice_to_encounter_final_v2_web.pdf https://www.britishcouncil.ly/en https://www.britishcouncil.org/partner/international-development/approach/regions/middle-east-north-africa

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About

Our World, Connected is the award-winning podcast from the British Council. Host Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight, explores how culture, language, and education are shaping our lives and our shared future. She speaks to experts and changemakers around the world to discover what connects us in an increasingly fractured world. From climate action and global diplomacy to AI and the power of storytelling, discover how people are finding new ways to understand one another and make a difference.

Information

  • Creator
    British Council
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © British Council
  • Show Website
    Our World, Connected

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