Podcast Series: The Future Unleashed
Welcome to The Future Unleashed, a thought-provoking video and audio podcast series produced by Lincoln College and hosted by journalist, broadcaster and alumna Helen O'Hara (1996). As the College approaches its 600th anniversary, we take this opportunity via the podcast to lift our gaze to the horizon of the next six centuries to ask, “What does the future hold?”
We present this question to our alumni, all experts in their diverse fields. In an era increasingly dominated by streaming platforms and AI, we discuss the future of entertainment and the novel, and delve into pressing issues concerning global health, space exploration and beyond. In each episode, we explore the unknown with knowledge, curiosity and insight.
The Future Unleashed is made possible through the generosity of alumna Dr Sara Althari (2014), who developed this series with Lincoln College.
Each episode is available below and you can receive notifications about future releases by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Audio-only episodes can be found on most major podcast platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The Future Unleashed - Series 1
Please click on a podcast title to watch each episode.
- Series 1 Trailer
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Watch the trailer for Lincoln's new video podcast!
Series 1 TrailerYouTube Podcast | May 2024 - On the Future of Entertainment
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Emily Mortimer (1990) shares her journey from an unexpected start in acting to her highly successful work as an actress, writer, director and film producer.
Episode detailsOn the Future of EntertainmentYouTube Podcast | June 2024 On the Future of Entertainment
Emily Mortimer
In this episode, Emily Mortimer (1990) shares her journey from an unexpected start in acting to her highly successful work as an actress, writer, director and film producer.
Celebrated for her roles under directors like Martin Scorsese, Mortimer reflects candidly on her directorial debut with "The Pursuit of Love". She discusses the evolution of her creative path, emphasising the shifting landscape of storytelling in cinema and television, particularly the push towards telling authentic female stories. Mortimer opens up about her initial struggles with confidence when transitioning to a directorial role, describing how she overcame feelings of impostor syndrome to embrace her new capabilities.
As the conversation delves into the implications of the #MeToo movement and the evolving roles of women in entertainment, Mortimer highlights the changing industry dynamics that are welcoming diverse, original voices, encouraging a new generation of storytellers to pursue their unique visions without compromise.
Credits
The Future Unleashed is made possible through the generosity of alumna Dr Sara Althari (2014) who developed this series with Lincoln College.
Hosted by Helen O’Hara
Produced and edited by Rachael Buchanan
Camera by Julius Peacock
Music “Avrio” composed by Eunseog Lee
Graphics by Jemma Proctor at ONE Ltd
Photography by John Cairns
- On the Future of Global Medicine
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Dr David Walcott (2011), founder of Novamed, discusses his journey from clinical medicine to creating impactful healthcare solutions in emerging markets.
Episode detailsOn the Future of Global MedicineYouTube Podcast | June 2024 On the Future of Global Medicine
Dr David Walcott
In this episode, Dr David Walcott (2011), founder of Novamed, discusses his journey from clinical medicine to creating impactful healthcare solutions in emerging markets.
The episode – hosted by acclaimed broadcaster Helen O’Hara – delves into healthcare’s future, focusing on critical threats such as health inequity, aging populations, rising rates of depression, and antimicrobial resistance. Despite these threats, Walcott remains optimistic about the potential for game-changing advances in fields like gene editing, AI and other digital technologies to revolutionise medicine in the coming decades. Delving deeper, Walcott shares insights on overcoming the challenges of integrating high-tech solutions in resource-limited settings, emphasising the importance of sustainable, equitable health services. His narrative intertwines personal evolution with a broader vision for a healthier, more equitable global society. As with all episodes in the series, he concludes with advice for young people, our stewards of the future.
Thank you to Dr David Walcott. To find out more about him, please visit the Novamed website at novamedhealth.com/david.
- On the Future of the Novel
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Lynn Shepherd (1982), AKA Cara Hunter, reveals the process behind her bestselling detective novels and discusses the future of the novel and publishing.
Episode detailsOn the Future of the NovelYouTube Podcast | June 2024 On the Future of the Novel
Lynn Shepherd
In this episode, host Helen O'Hara welcomes acclaimed author Lynn Shepherd (1982), also known by her pen name, Cara Hunter. Broadcasting from the stunning Lincoln College Chapel, they delve into Shepherd's celebrated Oxford-based detective novels featuring DCI Adam Foley. Shepherd discusses the evolution of her series, which began as a standalone book with an unexpected twist.
She reveals the process behind her compelling characters and plots, and shares the story of how her latest book went viral on BookTok, helping it turn into a New York Times bestseller. The conversation touches on the intersection of traditional and digital publishing, the resurgence of physical, beautifully designed books, and the impact of genre fiction. Shepherd also reflects on the future of literature in the age of AI and the evolving role of women in publishing. With wit and insight, she challenges a common perception that crime novels can't be literary fiction, and discusses the ever-changing landscape of the literary industry.
Credits
The Future Unleashed is made possible through the generosity of alumna Dr Sara Althari (2014) who developed this series with Lincoln College.
Hosted by Helen O’Hara
Produced and edited by
Camera by Julius Peacock
Music “Avrio” composed by Eunseog Lee
Graphics by Jemma Proctor at ONE Ltd
Photography by John Cairns and Fisher Studios
- On the Future of Space Exploration
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Dr Adam Camilletti (2002), physicist and engineer at Airbus Defence and Space, discusses new space frontiers, planetary protection, the space race, and more! Available 25 June!
Episode detailsOn the Future of Space ExplorationYouTube Podcast | June 2024 On the Future of Space Exploration
Dr Adam Camilletti
In this episode, Dr. Adam Camilletti (2002), physicist and engineer at Airbus Defence and Space, delves into the dynamic and evolving landscape of space exploration. He provides insight into the new space race, driven by ambitious missions from countries like the USA and China, and the increasing involvement of private companies. He highlights the critical issue of planetary protection, emphasising the need to avoid contaminating other worlds with Earth-based microorganisms as we explore new frontiers like Mars.
The conversation addresses the growing problem of space debris and the importance of international cooperation and regulation to ensure responsible use of space. Dr. Camilletti also explores exciting prospects such as lunar mining and the potential for new scientific discoveries. He underscores the significance of global collaborations in advancing space missions and ensuring that space remains a shared and protected resource for future generations.
Credits
The Future Unleashed is made possible through the generosity of alumna Dr Sara Althari (2014) who developed this series with Lincoln College.
Hosted by Helen O’Hara
Produced and edited by Rachael Buchanan
Camera by Julius Peacock
Music “Avrio” composed by Eunseog Lee
Graphics by Jemma Proctor at ONE Ltd
Photography by John Cairns and Keith Barnes
The Future Unleashed Series 2
Please click on a podcast title to watch each episode.
- On the Future of Prison Reform
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Peter Dawson (1981) critiques current policies and advocates for reforms that focus on dignity, fairness and reducing reoffending. COMING AUTUMN 2024
Episode detailsOn the Future of Prison ReformYouTube Podcast | November 2024 On the Future of Prison Reform
Peter Dawson
In this episode, Peter Dawson (1981) advocates for reform with the UK prison system. He discusses the challenges of overcrowding, the lack of rehabilitation programs, and the often inhumane conditions faced by prisoners.
Drawing from his extensive experience – including 15 years in the Home Office, and as a Prison Governor and former director of the Prison Reform Trust – Dawson critiques current policies and advocates for reforms that focus on dignity, fairness and reducing reoffending. Now a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Criminology at Cambridge University, his insights provide a compelling call to action for a more just and effective approach to criminal justice.
Credits
The Future Unleashed is made possible through the generosity of alumna Dr Sara Althari (2014) who developed this series with Lincoln College.
Hosted by Helen O’Hara
Produced and edited by Rachael Buchanan
Camera by Julius Peacock
Music “Avrio” composed by Eunseog Lee
Graphics by Jemma Proctor at ONE Ltd
Photography by John Cairns
- On the Future of Displacement in a Warming World
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Jane McAdam (2001) explores the link between climate change and human mobility. COMING AUTUMN 2024
Episode detailsOn the Future of Displacement in a Warming WorldYouTube Podcast | November 2024 On the Future of Displacement in a Warming World
Professor Jane McAdam
In this episode, Jane McAdam (2001), Scientia Professor of Law, explores the link between climate change and human mobility. In particular, she discusses how disasters and environmental changes - such as rising sea levels - can directly trigger forced migration both within countries and across borders.
She explores how, in the last decade, we've come to a more nuanced understanding of how the impact of climate change intersects with existing forms of persecution, worsening the human rights of people in their countries of origin. She also examines the usefulness of the term "climate refugee". Although not a legal term, it can be a useful shorthand to describe people forced to move because climate change is making their environment unsustainable.
Looking ahead, McAdam addresses the complexities of creating legal frameworks, both nationally and internationally, to protect climate-displaced populations. She suggests a toolkit of responses that will reduce the effects of climate change, help people stay in their homes, and provide protections -- such as new mobility visas - for those who are displaced.
Jane is the Scientia Professor of Law and founding director of the Kaldor Center for International Refugee Law at the University of New South Wales, where she leads the Evacuations Research Hub.
CREDITS:
The Future Unleashed is made possible through the generosity of alumna Dr Sara Althari (2014) who developed this series with Lincoln College.
Hosted by Helen O’Hara
Produced and edited by Rachael Buchanan
Camera by Julius Peacock
Music “Avrio” composed by Eunseog Lee
Graphics by Jemma Proctor at ONE Ltd
Photography by John Cairns and Fisher Studios - On the Future of the UK Constitution
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Lord Lisvane (Robert Rogers, (1968)) examines the complexities of the UK’s unwritten constitution. COMING AUTUMN 2024
Episode detailsOn the Future of the UK ConstitutionYouTube Podcast | November 2024 On the Future of the UK Constitution
Lord Lisvane
In this episode, we meet Lord Lisvane (1968), crossbench Peer in the House of Lords, and former Clerk of the House of Commons and Chief Executive. He examines the complexities of the UK’s unwritten constitution, focusing on the need for robust parliamentary scrutiny and the role of the civil service to uphold its principles. In particular, he delves into the issue of whether the UK would benefit from having a written constitution and, if so, who would write, amend and enforce it.
Lord Lisvane further highlights the dangers of misinformation and declining public trust in government, which have led to a rise in political violence, such as the riots last summer and the marked increase in social media trolling and physical attacks on MPs. He explores potential reforms to strengthen democracy and improve governance, including various forms of devolution, tighening standards for MPs, and making changes to the House of Lords and the appointment system.
Credits
Hosted by Helen O’Hara
Produced and edited by Rachael Buchanan
Camera by Julius Peacock
Music “Avrio” composed by Eunseog Lee
Graphics by Jemma Proctor at ONE Ltd
Photography by John Cairns and Stuart Bebb
- On the Future of Social Entrepreneurship
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Mountaineer Rodrigo Jordan (1986) discusses his innovative approach to social entrepreneurship and how it has helped alleviate poverty in Chile. COMING AUTUMN 2024
Episode detailsOn the Future of Social EntrepreneurshipAcast Podcast | December 2024 On the Future of Social Entrepreneurship
Rodrigo Jordan
In this audio-only episode, Rodrigo Jordan (1986), a renowned Chilean mountaineer and social entrepreneur, discusses his dual passions for climbing and creating social change. Known for leading successful expeditions to the Himalayas (including three ascents of Everest) and Antarctica, Rodrigo also founded Vertical, a nonprofit that teaches leadership and teamwork to disadvantaged groups through outdoor education.
In particular, he shares how his experiences in mountaineering and his studies at Oxford shaped his approach to social entrepreneurship. Rodrigo highlights the importance of combining business principles with a commitment to social good, emphasising how teaching teamwork, leadership, and collaboration – all crucial skills in mountaineering – can help address complex social issues and empower communities to lift themselves out of poverty.
CREDITS:
The Future Unleashed is made possible through the generosity of alumna Dr Sara Althari (2014) who developed this series with Lincoln College.
Hosted by Helen O’Hara
Produced and edited by Rachael Buchanan
Music “Avrio” composed by Eunseog Lee
Graphics by Jemma Proctor at ONE Ltd