UK Desk for Arts Express

In this episode of  Arts Express , UK Desk host Jack Clarke interviews theologian, writer, and arts advocate Wesley Vander Lugt. With a PhD in Theology, Imagination, and the Arts from the University of St. Andrews, Wes brings his unique perspective to the table, exploring the deep intersections of art, faith, and social commentary. The discussion centres around Wes’s latest book,  A Prop...

In this special episode of the UK Desk Arts Express, host Jack Clarke conducts an intimate interview with Mary Caldwell, wife of the late and legendary singer-songwriter Bobby Caldwell. As a lifelong fan of Bobby’s music, this conversation holds significant personal meaning for the host and offers a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of the man behind timeless hits like "What You Won’t Do for L...

In this episode, Jack Clarke dives deep into Anti-Oculus: A Philosophy of Escape , unpacking the authors' exploration of digital capitalism, cybernetic governance, and the philosophical pursuit of liberation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the UK Desk Arts Express, host Jack Clarke delves into the intriguing world of digital capitalism and cultural critique with author Mike Watson. Clarke engages Watson in a lively discussion about his provocative new book,  Hungry Ghosts in the Machine . Watson explores the metaphor of the Tibetan Buddhist hungry ghost to shed light on modern anxieties and compulsions shaped...

We wade into the deep waters of Northern Ireland's tumultuous history, unpacking the existential dilemmas faced by Unionists as they grapple with their identity amidst a backdrop of constant uncertainty. From the Partition to Brexit and beyond, Belfast author and political historian Aaron Edwards provides a sharp and unsparing analysis of the Unionist perspective, revealing the complexities and co...

In this edition of the UK Desk for Arts Express, airing on September 4th, 2024, host Jack Clarke sits down with Dr. Matthew Alford, co-producer of the groundbreaking documentary  Theatres of War  (2022), to explore the controversial intersection of military recruitment and video games. As a continuation of their ongoing collaboration, Clarke and Alford investigate how the U.S. military a...

In this episode of Arts Express, the UK Desk brings you an engaging discussion with Dr. Steve Tibble, author of Templars: The Knights Who Made Britain. Host Jack Clarke delves deep into the fascinating history and enduring myths surrounding the Knights Templar. From their Middle Eastern campaigns to the bizarre legends like calf worship in Yorkshire, Tibble sheds light on how simple errors and mis...

In this episode, Jack Clarke interviews Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, discussing their direct action tactics against UK weapons factories and banks complicit in Israeli apartheid. They explore the motivations behind the group's bold campaigns and the obstacles faced in disrupting systems of oppression. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The recent events have been a stark reminder of the dangerous path we are treading. The far-right riots, fueled by hatred and misinformation, are tearing apart the very fabric of our society. Jack Clarke breaks down the present situation, rise of the right, and the problems with education. Featuring thoughts from Dr. Aaron Edwards & Josh Fleming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

In this powerful episode of Arts Express, we sit down with Zimbabwean filmmaker Malon Murape to discuss his evocative short film, The Dry Harvest. The film addresses the harsh realities of climate change in Zimbabwe, where crops are failing due to erratic weather patterns and prolonged droughts caused by climate change. Through a unique blend of black-and-white and color shots, and the haunting so...

In this episode, I deconstructed police brutality in both the UK and the US, exploring the systemic issues that have led to widespread abuse of power. We examined the mass resistance rising against these injustices, highlighting the courage and resilience of those fighting for change on the front lines. Adding a unique perspective, my good friend and film critic Nico Niroo from Bremen called in to...

How close are we to a third world war? Well, if 1984's Threads has taught me anything, it's that a war might just be the catalyst Sheffield needs for some urban redevelopment. Last night, I speak once more with returning guest Dr. Matthew Alford, who delves into the causes and effects of a potential third world war. As he himself poignantly puts it, "We enter the most dangerous few months since th...

"The only thing that holds Israel together is the common enemy - it needs the Palestinians to stop its own society from falling apart..." - Richard Kuper I was deeply honored to speak with Richard Kuper, the South African-born founding member and chair of Jews For Justice For Palestinians, web editor of Jewish Voice For Labor, and founder of Pluto Press, about the ongoing war in the Middle East be...

From Doomerism to deprivation, dive into my uncut interview with author Bram E. Gieben on his provocative new book, 'The Darkest Timeline.' Catch the full conversation that aired Wednesday night at 9pm ET on Arts Express, WBAI 99.5FM in New York. We touch on techno-capitalists, Straw Dogs, the collapse of journalism, economic terrorists, and looney tunes ruling the asylum. Hosted on Acast. See aca...

July 4th UK Election Special!   I chat with Dr. Matthew Alford, Professor in Politics, Languages and International Studies, D-list celebrity and Workers Party candidate for Bath. We breakdown the Workers Party and its policies, the fall of Labour, the critical importance of foreign policy, and aid in Gaza and the potential of WW3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enlightening interview I had with filmmakers and UC Davis professors Jesse and Glenda Drew, where we delved into their compelling documentary, 'Open Country,' currently making waves across the US. This film brilliantly uncovers the transatlantic influences and rich multicultural contributions that have shaped country music. As a Brit with a deep appreciation for genuine storytelling, I was utterly...

I read the famous short story 'The Two brothers and the Gold by Leo Tolstoy' in my first ever show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.