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Speaking Freely – Khadija Khan on Faith, Feminism, and Free Speech

In this thought-provoking episode, journalist and broadcaster Khadija Khan joins us to discuss her journey from Pakistan to the UK, her fight for free expression, and the challenges of speaking honestly in an era of cultural sensitivity and cancel culture.

We explore:

• Her personal experience with religious orthodoxy and women’s rights
• Why she believes freedom of speech is under threat—even in liberal democracies
• The grooming gang scandal and the risks of ignoring cultural and religious factors
• How social media is transforming the landscape of journalism and dissent

Khadija also shares her work as Cultural and Political Editor at A Further Enquiry and her role as co-host of their podcast. https://afurtherinquiry.substack.com/

🔗 Follow Khadija Khan on X: @KhadijaKhan__

This is a candid, fearless conversation that challenges comfortable narratives and defends the principle that no idea is above scrutiny.

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Leon Jackson, is the Founder & CEO of Touchtight Coaching, and in this episode we chart Leon's journey as a former semi-pro footballer, to teacher and UEFA A qualified youth football coach at Wolverhampton Wanders Academy.

Leon shares his journey from playing non-league football to coaching young talents like Morgan Gibbs-White, reflecting on the challenges of injuries, the unorthodox paths to success, and the passion that keeps players and coaches in the game.

We dive into the evolving world of youth football academies, the impact of education on coaching, and how technology and analytical thinking are shaping the future of the sport. Whether you're a football fan, a coach, or just love stories of grit and growth, this episode offers an inspiring look at the heart of the beautiful game.

Website: https://app.touchtight.com/ & https://club.touchtight.com/

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In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, we host journalist Hardeep Singh about his career path, from radio beginnings to writing for outlets like The Spectator and Spiked Online. He shares how a 2007 defamation lawsuit shaped his focus on free speech, contributing to UK libel law reforms. The discussion covers his work on cultural and political topics—such as grooming gangs and the 2022 Leicester unrest—and the challenges of freelancing in a changing media landscape, including the rise of platforms like Substack.

We also explore identity, debating Rishi Sunak’s "Englishness" (he suggests British Hindu heritage) and critiquing ethnic classifications in the census and justice system. He questions "non-crime hate incidents," and calls for their removal to protect free expression.

As deputy director of the Network of Sikh Organisations, he outlines its efforts to promote Sikh values and religious literacy, a key issue for the community.

Follow him on X at @singhtwo22 for more insights.
Network of Sikh Organisations https://nsouk.co.uk/

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In this compelling episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, we sit down with Professor Stefan Wolff, a renowned expert in international security and conflict management from the University of Birmingham. From his roots in East Germany during the Cold War to his academic journey across Leipzig, Manchester, Cambridge, and beyond, Professor Wolff shares how his experiences shaped his focus on geopolitics and ethnic conflict. We explore the current global landscape—touching on Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, and more—as he unpacks the role of identity, grievances, and superpower dynamics in driving today’s crises.

From the motives behind ethnic tensions to the possibilities of stability through inclusion and economic alignment, this conversation offers a deep dive into the forces shaping our world.

Plus, find out more about his work at www.navigatingthevortex.com.

Tune in for a thought-provoking look at conflict and its resolutions in 2025 and beyond!

Website: https://t.co/CbNZwmrJnd
X: https://x.com/stefwolff
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefwolff/

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Exploring AI Evolution with Professor Aniko Ekhart
Professor Aniko Ekhart, is an esteemed artificial intelligence expert from Aston University. With over 19 years at Aston and a PhD in genetic programming from Budapest, Aniko shares her journey from Transylvania to becoming a leading voice in nature-inspired AI.

The conversation delves into how evolutionary computation mimics natural selection to solve complex problems, including a recent project optimizing cargo container loading for shipping efficiency. We also explores AI’s transformative potential in medical diagnosis, the importance of transparency in AI decision-making, and the balance between academic innovation and commercial interests. Looking ahead, Professor Ekhart offers insights into AI’s future trajectory and its societal impact.

Learn more about her work at the Aston Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application: https://www.aston.ac.uk/research/eps/acaira.

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Explore the transformative journey of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Kulbir Shergill, Director of Social Inclusion at Warwick University, on the DM-Mi Podcast.

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the historical and modern contexts of DEI, tracing Kulbir's career from her early days in public housing during the 1990s to her current academic role.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion: Understand the definitions and distinctions between these often-confused terms.
• Personal Journey: Hear first hand accounts of how personal experiences with discrimination fueled Kulbir's passion for DEI.
• Sector Insights: Discover how DEI practices have evolved across public housing, criminal justice, and corporate sectors.
• Bias and Policy: Learn about unconscious bias, the impact of public policy, and how data-driven approaches are shaping DEI today.
• Future Trends: Discuss the potential future of DEI, considering both political influences and corporate benefits.

Whether you're an HR professional, involved in DEI initiatives, or simply interested in social justice, this episode provides valuable insights into creating more inclusive environments. Learn about the tools, strategies, and philosophies driving change in the UK and beyond.

Listen Now to gain a deeper understanding of how DEI is not just a policy but a pathway to innovation, equity, and human dignity in all sectors of society.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kulbir-shergill-31618424/
Website: https://warwick.ac.uk/services/socialinclusion/

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr Iona Italia, the managing editor of Quillette and a multifaceted creator known for her thought-provoking content.

Iona shares her unique journey from studying English literature and 18th-century journalism at Cambridge University to becoming a tango teacher in Buenos Aires, and then pivoting to a role in digital media. We discuss her insights on the evolution of public discourse, her fascination with Enlightenment values, and her adventures in various countries including Pakistan, India, and Australia.

The conversation also touches on Iona's views on today's journalism landscape, the significance of personal branding in content creation, and her dream of one day traveling to Mars. We explore her love for evolutionary biology, her admiration for figures like Richard Dawkins, and her complex feelings about Elon Musk.

Iona provides advice for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the importance of personal interaction in an age dominated by AI-generated content. From her podcast hosting to her contributions to Quillette, she offers a glimpse into her diverse creative outlets and the challenges of maintaining a balanced life while being an influential voice online.

Links to Follow Iona Italia:

• Substack: The Second Swim
• Website: ionaitalia.com
• Twitter: @IonaItalia

Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the past, present, and future of journalism and creativity with Iona Italia.

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In this weeks episode we delve into the meaning of intelligence with Dr James Borg, Lecturer in Computer Science at Aston University.

James' research centers around the Cultural and Evolutionary systems in AI, exploring what it means to be intelligent, the philosophy behind how we perceive it and whether machines can ever be truly intelligent.

We discuss the cultural and evolutionary factors impacting intelligence and what that means for the future of Artificial Intelligence.

This is a truly fascinating and thought provoking conversation.

Please check out James' work:

Website: https://www.jmborg.com/home

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=unZHiGIAAAAJ&hl=en

Aston page: https://research.aston.ac.uk/en/persons/james-borg

Aston Centre for AI Research and Application: https://www.aston.ac.uk/research/eps/acaira

International Society for Artificial Life: https://alife.org/

Artificial Life Journal: https://direct.mit.edu/artl

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