The Talking Heads

Hello and welcome to The Talking Heads podcast with me Ghazaleh Youshani. The Talking Heads is driven from a place of helping listeners connect deep ideas in books, film and art to everyday life and global issues.As we go through these episodes I will be speaking to a wide range of people: authors, health practitioners, thought leaders, directors & producers of intellectually stimulating books and films about real-world topics (society, philosophy, psychology, health) etc. So whether you're a student of the school of life a book lover, art lover, film lover with a curious mind sit back and enjoy.If you have any suggestions on forthcoming guests or would like to be a guest on an episode reach out via instagram: @thetalkingheads_podcast. I look forward to us building our community wherever you are!

The Talking Heads is a education podcast hosted by Ghazaleh Youshani, with 7 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Ghazaleh Youshani hosts The Talking Heads, a education show with 7 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #7

  Episode 7: The Talking Heads in conversation with Denise Dorrance

  Jun 5, 202641 minS1

  What do you do when life throws you into a storm you never saw coming? In this episode of The Talking Heads, I sat down with acclaimed illustrator and cartoonist Denise Dorrance to explore her moving, darkly funny graphic memoir Polar Vortex - New River Books Publishing. With honesty, warmth, and signature wit, Denise shares the story behind caring for her mother living with dementia—a journey marked by heartache, humour, and unexpected discoveries. Hear how a diary kept during long days in a rehabilitation centre became the foundation for an internationally lauded graphic novel. Delve into how art, colour, and narrative became lifelines—not only for Denise, but for so many readers who see their own family truths mirrored in these pages. Along the way, find yourself laughing, reflecting, and perhaps feeling less alone in the inevitable role reversals and “real troubles” of life. This episode is a compassionate testament to memory, to our loved ones and embracing connection, even when it’s just the simple act of holding a hand.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #6

  Episode 6: The Talking Heads in conversation with Professor Mark de Rond

  May 22, 202658 minS1

  What happens when ordinary citizens step into the shadows to catch those who would do unthinkable harm? In this deeply moving episode, I welcomed Mark de Rond, Professor of Organisational Ethnography at Cambridge University - Judge Business School, whose four-year immersion into the world of UK Paedophile hunters is chronicled in his gripping new book, out now, 'Dark Justice: Inside the World of Paedophile Hunters' - Cambridge University Press. Through bracing honesty and tender compassion, Mark shares what it means to live alongside the hunters—their motives, their traumas, the lines they cross—and the heart-wrenching consequences for those exposed and their families. Together we confront challenging moral questions: Where does justice end and collateral damage begin? Are we as a society prepared to bear witness not just to the crimes, but also to the cost of seeking “dark justice”? Tune in for a conversation that is as illuminating as it is unsettling, as Mark courageously challenges us to look past easy answers and reckon with the depth of humanity behind every headline. For clarity this episode contains material of a highly sensitive nature including “child abuse, self harm, paedophilia and homophobia ” that may be triggering for some individuals’.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #5

  Episode 5: The Talking Heads in conversation with Janie Mac

  May 7, 20261h 2mS1

  2.5 million hot meals, 20,000 volunteers, and a decade at the frontlines of compassion. In this episode, I welcomed Janie Mac, co-founder of Refugee Community Kitchen (RCK), whose story is a testament to what happens when ordinary people choose to act in the face of injustice. From kitchen-table plans to serving hope in Calais and on the streets of London, Janie shares the real lessons of RCK’s grassroots action, the power of saying no, and why nourishing food is about so much more than the lens of calories. Discover the realities behind displacement, the overlooked forces driving humanitarian crises, and the unvarnished truth about privilege, burnout, and how we show up for one another. You’ll be moved by Janie’s candour—and inspired by the simple, radical force of collective care. Listen in to witness what human dignity looks like in practice. Find out how you can help keep the wheels turning—both literally and figuratively—for RCK’s remarkable mission. For those ready to swap cynicism for hope, and scrolling for action: this is your invitation to the table. For more on how to support RCK, or to volunteer visit: info@refugeecommunitykitchen.org

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #4

  Episode 4: The Talking Heads in conversation with Professor David Stillwell

  Apr 23, 202650 minS1

  Curious about how much your digital life reveals about your inner world—and where the line between helpful personalisation and outright manipulation lies? David Stillwell, Professor of Computational Science at the University of Cambridge, joined me for an open, thought-provoking dive into the nexus of big data, psychology, and the fast-evolving landscape of generative and Agentic AI. From creating the iconic MyPersonality Facebook app, which not only changed privacy laws but also helped millions uncover insights about themselves, to decoding how companies leverage our digital footprints, Professor Stillwell thoughtfully speaks through fascinating insights and challenging questions alongside challenging how we approach and engage in these conversations: Do you truly have the right to opt out of profiling—and what are today’s tech giants really doing behind closed doors? Where’s the line between tailored recommendations and psychological manipulation? Is it ever as clear-cut as it seems? How close are we to working alongside AI “colleagues”—and what does that mean for your job, your attention span, and your sense of control? What should society and policymakers do when technology moves faster than regulation ever could? Expect candid chat, big ideas, and actionable takeaways—whether you’re an industry leader, a tech sceptic, or just want to understand what your “likes” are saying about you. Don’t miss this timely episode that will leave you rethinking the digital breadcrumbs you scatter—and priming all of us to be part of the conversation shaping our technological future. 🚀 Tune in now and join The Talking Heads for insights that could change the way you live and work—today and tomorrow!

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #3

  Episode 3: The Talking Heads in conversation with Kieran Macphail

  Apr 9, 202641 minS1

  Join me in conversation with distinguished guest Kieran Macphail, whose expertise spans physiotherapy, nutritional therapy and corrective exercise. This episode dives deep into the world of health—beyond the fads, semantics and commercial noise—and explores the pragmatic realities underpinning wellbeing today. If you’ve ever wondered why your diet isn’t working, what genuine health looks like in a world of gimmicks, or how to decode mysterious symptoms—this episode brings refreshing clarity and real-life solutions. Don’t miss Kieran’s candid and modest wisdom and stay tuned for Series Two where your listener questions will shape the conversation! Subscribe, listen and join the health debate—your body will thank you.

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on The Talking Heads. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.