Curated Video
The US and the ICC, Part I
Legal scholar Emilie Hafner-Burton (UC San Diego) discusses American attitudes regarding the International Criminal Court.
Curated Video
The Hubris of Publishers
Chinese scholar and literary translator Michael Berry (UCLA) describes how many publishers demand original works be changed to fit American sensibilities.
Curated Video
Camus and Suicide
Poet and independent scholar Jennifer Michael Hecht gives background to her book, Stay: A History of Suicide and the Philosophies Against It, while invoking some of Camus’ ideas on suicide.
Curated Video
Philosophical Thinking
UC Berkeley political theorist Mark Bevir relates his belief in the importance of thinking philosophically in order to make vital progress in the social sciences.
Curated Video
Mysterious Mountain Man
Author and independent scholar Matthew Stewart recounts his puzzlement when first confronted with Ethan Allen’s 477-page philosophical tract.
Curated Video
How To Get Unstuck
Mathematician and bestselling author Ian Stewart describes how the process of writing his book Letter to a Young Mathematician gave him the chance to reflect upon what sort of unique advice he could give about the nature of mathematical...
Curated Video
Leading By Example
UCSD Prof. of Chinese Studies Karl Gerth describes how the West should set a better example in a number of key public policy areas in its dealings with China, and how a close examination of China can help us improve as well.
Curated Video
Against Libertarianism
Intellectual historian Quentin Skinner (QMUL), demonstrates how the classical libertarian argument against the state impinging on our personal freedom is incorrect.
Brainwaves Video Anthology
Tom Kemp - Containing Big Tech: How to Protect Our Civil Rights, Economy, and Democracy
Tom Kemp is a Silicon Valley–based author, entrepreneur, investor, and policy advisor. Tom was the founder and CEO of Centrify (renamed Delinea in 2022), a leading cybersecurity cloud provider that amassed over two thousand enterprise...
Curated Video
Too Much Transparency?
Historian Martin Jay (UC Berkeley) discusses how sometimes too much transparency in politics isn't actually good for us.
Curated Video
Creating the Social World
UC Berkeley political theorist Mark Bevir describes his belief that, rather than passively describing the world around us, social science actually plays a key role in creating our social world.
Curated Video
Appreciating Translators
David Bellos, Director of the Program in Translation and Intercultural Communication at Princeton University, urges us to recognize the enormous societal value that translators provide in our daily lives.
Curated Video
Editorial Bias
UCLA Chinese cultural studies expert Michael Berry describes how the editor plays a key, and often overlooked role, in the process of bringing a translated work of literature to the public.
Curated Video
Adopting an Anti-Rhetoric
Historian Nile Green (UCLA) describes how using a sometimes provocative new language to describe what we think we already know forces us to broaden our understanding.
Curated Video
Found In Translation
UCLA Chinese cultural studies expert Michael Berry describes how he launched himself on the path to becoming a Chinese translator by spontaneously contacting Yu Hua to translate his renowned book To Live, and relates the joys and...
Curated Video
Discovering Buddhism
Author and independent scholar Pankaj Mishra describes how, despite being born not far from where the Buddha lived and preached, he had to make a special effort to learn about Buddhism.
The Guardian
Garth Nix on Upcoming Projects, Character Names, and More
Garth Nix answers fan questions. In this video, he talks about his book The Left Handed Booksellers of London, how he chooses names for his characters, and addresses a few questions about specific character traits and rules of the worlds...
The Guardian
Garth Nix on Forward Thinking, World Building, and How to Become an Author
Garth Nix answers fan questions. In this video, he answers a fan question about whether there are any stories he missed out on or wishes he had done differently. He also explains the process he uses to build the worlds in his books and...
The Guardian
Garth Nix on Process, Representation, and Picking Favourites
Garth Nix answers fan questions. In this video, he offers advice on the writing and revising process, explains his approach to diverse representation, and says that his favourite book is always the next one he is planning to write. Garth...
Curated Video
The Best Books I Read in 2021 | AI, Science Fiction, and more!
I read 104 books in 2021. Here are some of my favorites!
The Guardian
Celebrating 80 Years with Miriam Margolyes
Mariam Margolyes reads the introduction to her memoir, reminisces on the past few decades, and celebrates her 80th birthday virtually with friends. Content warning: strong language Driving Ms Margolyes part 4
Curated Video
How I Self-Study Technical Things (ADHD Edition)
How I Self-Study Technical Things (ADHD Edition)
Curated Video
The Clubhouse: Characters
The Clubhouse: Characters discusses the characters in a fictional story and explains both main and minor characters.