How do we have better conversations in an age of division? Our new episodes explore some of today’s contested questions by bringing people together who disagree, and showing what happens when we truly listen.
Hosted by Tara Constantine and Lea Hofer, participants in Students’ Union UCL’s Impartial Chairs Programme , each episode brings together people with contrasting viewpoints to model how to disagree respectfully in today’s world. Guided by Melanie Garson, UCL’s resident mediator, the guests use empathy and reflection to discuss perspectives on topics including toxic masculinity, veganism and national service.
The project forms part of the Students’ Union UCL Impartial Chairs Programme, which trains students to facilitate balanced, evidence-led discussions and promote productive disagreement across campus and beyond. Tune in to our latest episodes:
Episode 4: Toxic Masculinity - should traditional masculine norms and behaviours be celebrated or demonised?
The question of what it is to be a man has dominated recent debates from the rise of "incel" culture to conversations around a "crisis of masculinity". But have we been asking the right questions? Richard Reeves, President of American Institute for Boys and Men and Niobe Way, Professor of Applied Psychology at NYU, come together on two opposing views weather masculine norms such as providing, protecting, and risk-taking should be celebrated, not demonised or that courage, empathy, and sensitivity are universal human qualities, not bound by gender. Listen to episode 4 now.
Episode 5: Is it right to eat meat in a prosperous society?
With growing concerns about animal welfare, our changing climate and our personal health, plant-based diets have surged in popularity, with half of Gen Z planning to go meat-free by 2025 - the ethics of eating meat have never been more hotly debated. Animal rights activist Juliet Gellatley and Professor Nick Zangwill (UCL Philosophy) address ’the meat issue’. Listen to episode 5 now.
Episode 6: Is National Service good for young people?
Manoj Harjani (Research Fellow and Coordinator of the Military Transformations Programme at RSIS in Singapore), who served in Singapore, sees National Service as an integral part of national security and social cohesion. Christos Tsoukalis (Senior Analyst of Economic Policy at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change), who completed his service in Greece, questions its relevance today, arguing it imposes heavy personal costs and mismatches modern military needs. Listen to episode 6 now.
Listen to all’episodes now and be part of the conversation shaping a more empathetic, informed, and connected world!
Catch up on all’episodes of The Bridge now!
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