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What? Why? When?

What? Why? When?

By: Jesus College Access
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About this listen

The 'What, Why, When' Podcast is produced by the Access Team of Jesus College at the University of Oxford and hosted by Dr Matt Williams, who is the Access Fellow at Jesus College and Tutor in Politics at Oxford.


The aim of this podcast is to recreate Oxford tutorials - the primary teaching method at Oxford consisting of small group conversations around difficult problems.


Whether you like thinking about complicated topics, are considering applying to highly competitive universities like Oxford or you want to know about the skills that highly competitive universities look for, this podcast is for you!


This podcast was produced in the SOUTHWORKS Digital Media Lab at Jesus College Oxford, with thanks to, and in partnership with, SOUTHWORKS.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jesus College Access
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Thirst for Power
    May 26 2025

    Why do some people thirst for power, even when it brings stress, scrutiny, and responsibility?

    Dr Matt Williams is joined by History student Charlie and Digital Access Officer Imaan to explore the psychology, politics, and cultural roots of power.


    From superhero myths to prime ministers, we explore;

    What is power — and who decides who gets it?

    Why are we drawn to powerful figures?

    Does a desire for power stem from fear or ambition?

    Why have some countries seem more powerful than others?

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    32 mins
  • What is Intelligence?
    May 19 2025

    Dr. Matt Williams, Imaan (Digital Access Officer and English graduate) and Uzumma (first-year Law student) tackle one of the biggest, most complex questions of all time: What is Intelligence?


    From Einstein to Mozart, IQ tests to emotional intelligence, and from brain biology to social myths—we explore what makes someone "intelligent," how intelligence is measured (or mismeasured), and whether it’s something you're born with or something you build.


    We also discuss;


    The flaws of IQ tests 🧾


    Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences 🔢🎨🗣️


    Emotional vs. logical intelligence ❤️🧠


    Nature vs. nurture in intelligence development 🧬🌱


    Real-life study habits & self-belief tips 📚

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    31 mins
  • What can be done for Climate Change?
    May 5 2025

    Dr Matt Williams sits down with Geography student Hannah and Access Officer and Geography graduate Leah to tackle one of the most urgent questions of our time: Why is there so little action on climate change, especially from our political leaders?


    We explore climate denial, political inertia, economic trade-offs, and the social psychology behind inaction—even when the science is clear.

    We also explore key ideas like the prisoner's dilemma, the free rider problem, and fairness across generations.

    What does it really take to shift mindsets and policy?

    And can Gen Z become the most climate-heroic generation yet?


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    30 mins

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