By Published On: May 11, 2026

Podcast of the Month – The Bridge: A Disagreeing Well Podcast from UCL

This May, we’re shining a spotlight on The Bridge: A Disagreeing Well Podcast from University College London and Students’ Union UCL that explores one of the most important (and often overlooked) skills in today’s world: how to disagree well.

At a time when conversations can quickly become polarised or shut down altogether, The Bridge Podcast creates a space where difference is not something to fear, but something to explore. Through carefully facilitated discussions, the podcast brings together people with contrasting perspectives and encourages them to engage openly, respectfully, and constructively.

Presenters of The Bridge: A Disagreeing Well Podcast from UCL and Students' Union UCL - students Marva Khalid and Diego Lacheze-Beer sat behind microphones with The bridge written in white above on a purple background
UCL Student Presenters Marva Khalid and Diego Lacheze-Beer

Why it matters

The Bridge Podcast is part of a wider initiative from UCL focused on improving public discourse. It doesn’t aim to force consensus or ‘win’ arguments, but instead encourages:

  • Active listening and empathy
  • Curiosity about opposing views
  • The confidence to engage in difficult conversations
  • A deeper understanding of the complexity behind different perspectives

In a professional context – whether in research, communications, or policy – these are invaluable skills. But equally, they’re just as relevant in our personal lives.

What can you expect from The Bridge?

Series 2 kicked off on 7th May with does populism threaten democracy? With Marc Froese, author of Has Populism Won the War on Liberal Democracy? and Emeritus Professor of Sociology and author of In Defence of Populism, Frank Furedi.


We will also be discussing:

  • Should the UK cap international students? With UUKi’s Jamie Arrowsmith and Jonathan Thomas from the Social Market Foundation on 14th May
  • Is AI destroying education? with educational strategist and author of The AI Educator Dan Fitzpatrick and John Warner, author of More Than Words on 21st May
  • Does net zero go far enough? with Emma Fieldhouse, climate learning advocate and James Dyke, Associate Professor in Earth Systems Science at the University of Exeter on 11th June
  • Does the UK do enough for asylum seekers? With Amina Khanom, Director of the charity Reset Communities for Refugees and Eric Kaufmann, Professor of Politics at the University of Buckingham on 18th June

And on 23rd June, to coincide with the 10 year anniversary of the Brexit vote, we will be asking is it time Britain rejoined the EU? with ex-Conservative MP Peter Heaton-Jones and Madeleina Kay, artist, campaigner and young engagement officer for the Young European Movement.

Listen to the series 2 trailer of The Bridge now:

Catch up on Series 1

Can’t wait for the next episode? Jump into series 1 where we asked:

  1. Should we ban social media for children? With Daniel Angus and Jennifer Powers
  2. Can the interests of ethnic minority voters be properly represented by right-wing parties? With Albie Amankona and Nels Abbey
  3. Is tourism inherently exploitative and damaging to local communities? With Chris Christou and Mark Worden
  4. Should traditional masculine norms and behaviours be celebrated or demonised? With Richard Reeves and Niobe Way
  5. Is it right to eat meat in a prosperous society? With Juliet Gellatley and Nick Zangwill
  6. Is national service good for young people? With Manoj Harjani and Christos Tsoukalis

How can we help you?

Research Podcasts' Director of Training and Production Krissie Brighty-Glover wearing headphones sat in front of a UCL 200 stand in UCL's quad on a recording day of the Bridge
Our Director Krissie Brighty-Glover recording on location at The Bridge at UCL


Research Podcasts offer podcast production and training for researchers and academics. If you have an idea book a free consultation today to find out how we can help you.