Politics on the Couch

Politics on the Couch looks at the way our minds respond to politics and the way politicians mess with our minds. In each episode award-winning political columnist Rafael Behr is joined by a distinguished expert drawn from the world of politics, psychology or philosophy. The show will appeal to any listener interested in taking a deep dive into how psychology drives everyone's political thought and behaviour.

Politics on the Couch

Featured Episode
The Madness of King Don - a journey to the dark side of charisma, with Drew Westen

Nov 12, 2020 • 86 minutes

Episode 11: The Madness of King Don - a journey to the dark side of charisma, with Drew Westen

Eminent US psychologist Drew Westen discusses Donald Trump's many psychopathologies.

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Latest Episodes

Fear of Change - Matt d'Ancona on fixing a broken politics

Mar 13, 2021 • 58 minutes

Episode 18: Fear of Change - Matt d'Ancona on fixing a broken politics

Matt d'Ancona talks to Rafael Behr about his new book: 'Identity, Ignorance, Innovation: Why the Old Politics is Useless - and what to do about it.'

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Optimism - how we're drawn to the bright side, even in a pandemic

Feb 23, 2021 • 60 minutes

Episode 17: Optimism - how we're drawn to the bright side, even in a pandemic

Rafael Behr talks to Professor Tali Sharot about optimism bias

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Identity – David Baddiel on Jewishness, antisemitism (and a bit about football)

Feb 4, 2021 • 62 minutes

Episode 16: Identity – David Baddiel on Jewishness, antisemitism (and a bit about football)

Rafael talks to David Baddiel on the launch of his new book - 'Jews Don't Count'

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