Social Science Audiobooks | Non-Fiction

Kinky History: A Rollicking Journey through Our Sexual Past, Present, and Future

A provocative journey through human sexual history, packed with fun factoids and forgotten stories, from the historian and storyteller behind Kinky History, @esme.louisee on TikTok Contrary to popular belief, our predecessors had all sorts of obscene hobbies long before Christian Grey hit the scene. In this enlightening romp, learn about the first instances of homosexuality on record from the ancient world and the diverse history of nonbinary gender; encounter a thousand years' worth of hilarious and horrifying contraceptive methods; consider the positive and negative effects of the widespread availability of pornography in the digital age-and how our relationship to it changed during the pandemic; take a sneaky riffle through centuries of bedside drawers; and discover the dirty little secrets of luminaries such as Julius Caesar, James Joyce, Albert Einstein, and Virginia Woolf. Esmé Louise James also identifies the key tipping points that directly inform current beliefs around sex to place the past in conversation with the present. By educating ourselves about the weird, wonderful, and varied spectrum of human sexuality and experience, we can normalize and destigmatize sex, write people of marginalized sexual identities back into the pages of history, and build toward a more liberated future.

Esmé Louise James (Author), Esmé Louise James (Narrator)

Audiobook

Great Britain?: How To Get Our Future Back

Brought to you by Penguin. We all want to know what on earth is going on. Why real wages are flatlining but taxes are rising, and public services are still collapsing. Why our children can’t afford a house and our neighbours are using foodbanks. We are all yearning for a way out of the repeated economic crises, generational divisions and political dysfunction that dominate our lives. Most of all we want our – and Britain’s – future back. Great Britain? is a much-needed antidote to the pervading sense that Britain is going backwards rather than forwards. It is both a clear-eyed and rigorous diagnosis of the problems facing our country – a unique toxicity of huge inequality and stagnant economic growth – and a hopeful case for reclaiming a different future: by building an investment nation of good work, resilient communities and secure homes, a society in which both burdens and prosperity are shared. As Torsten Bell shows in his bold vision for the alternative, the Britain of today contains the raw materials to build a better Britain for tomorrow. In this treasure trove of analysis, Bell argues that our era of crisis and cynicism needs neither utopia nor nostalgia, but a practical patriotism of radical incrementalism to raise the living standards of middle- and lower-income households. He expertly and passionately points us towards a Britain that we can actually build – a future worth fighting for. ©2024 Torsten Bell (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Torsten Bell (Author), TBD, Torsten Bell (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Death of Truth

A best-selling author documents how facts-shared truths-have lost their power to hold us together as a community, as a country, globally, and how belief in "alternative facts" and conspiracy theories has destroyed trust in institutions, leaders, and legitimate experts. Drawing on the front-row seat he has had as the cofounder of a company that uses journalists to track online misinformation, Steven Brill takes us inside the decisions made by executives in Silicon Valley to code the algorithms embedded in their social media platforms to maximize profits by pushing divisive content. He unravels the ingenious creation of automated advertising buying systems that reward that eye-attracting content, and describes the exploitation of that ad-driven machinery by politicians, hucksters, and conspiracy theorists. He also explains how the most powerful adversaries of America have used these American-made social media and advertising tools against us with massive disinformation campaigns. Brill explains how with the development of generative artificial intelligence everything could get exponentially worse-unless we act. Apropos of that, in The Death of Truth, he offers thoughtful, provocative but realistic prescriptions for how we can act and reverse course-proposals that are certain to stir debate, and even action. Finally, Brill chillingly recounts how his company's role in exposing Russian disinformation operations resulted in a Russian agent targeting him and his family.

Steven Brill (Author), Dan Woren, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Atomic Human: Understanding Ourselves in the Age of AI

Brought to you by Penguin. A vital perspective is missing from the discussions we're having about Artificial Intelligence: what does it mean for our identity? Our fascination with AI stems from the perceived uniqueness of human intelligence. We believe it's what differentiates us. Fears of AI not only concern how it invades our digital lives, but also the implied threat of an intelligence that displaces us from our position at the centre of the world. Neil D. Lawrence's visionary book shows why these fears may be misplaced. Atomism, proposed by Democritus, suggested it was impossible to continue dividing matter down into ever smaller components: eventually we reach a point where a cut cannot be made (the Greek for uncuttable is 'atom'). In the same way, by slicing away at the facets of human intelligence that can be replaced by machines, AI uncovers what is left: an indivisible core that is the essence of humanity. By contrasting our own (evolved, locked-in, embodied) intelligence with the capabilities of machine intelligence through history, The Atomic Human reveals the technical origins, capabilities and limitations of AI systems, and how they should be wielded. Not just by the experts, but ordinary people. Either AI is a tool for us, or we become a tool of AI. Understanding this will enable readers to choose the future we want. ©2024 Neil D. Lawrence (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Neil D. Lawrence (Author), Neil D. Lawrence, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers

The go-to book on immigration: fact-based, comprehensive, and nonpartisan. Immigration is one of the most controversial topics in the United States and everywhere else. Pundits, politicians, and the public usually depict immigrants as either villains or victims. The villain narrative is that immigrants pose a threat—to our economy because they steal our jobs; our way of life because they change our culture; and to our safety and laws because of their criminality. The victim argument tells us that immigrants are needy outsiders—the poor, huddled masses whom we must help at our own cost if necessary. But the data clearly debunks both narratives. From jobs, investment, and innovation to cultural vitality and national security, more immigration has an overwhelmingly positive impact on everything that makes a society successful. In The Truth About Immigration, Wharton professor Zeke Hernandez draws from nearly 20 years of research to answer all the big questions about immigration. He combines moving personal stories with rigorous research to offer an accessible, apolitical, and evidence-based look at how newcomers affect our local communities and our nation. You'll learn about the overlooked impact of immigrants on investment and job creation; realize how much we take for granted the novel technologies, products, and businesses newcomers create; get the facts straight about perennial concerns like jobs, crime, and undocumented immigrants; and gain new perspectives on misunderstood issues such as the border, taxes, and assimilation. Most books making a case for immigration tell you that immigration is good for immigrants. This book is all about how newcomers benefit you, your community, and your country. Skeptics fear that newcomers compete economically with locals because of their similarities and fail to socially assimilate because of their differences. You'll see that it's exactly the opposite: newcomers bring enduring economic benefits because of their differences and contribute positively to society because of their similarities. Destined to become the go-to book on one of the most important issues of our time, this book turns fear into hope by proving a simple truth: immigrants are essential for economically prosperous and socially vibrant nations.

Zeke Hernandez (Author), André Santana, TBD, Zeke Hernandez (Narrator)

Audiobook

Invisible Rulers: The People Who Turn Lies into Reality

A brilliant, original investigation into the radical shift of power as invisible rulers create bespoke realities revolutionizing politics, culture, and society. Anyone who wishes to destroy legitimate political and social power has a new weapon. It is the anarchist's dream, a force so shockingly effective that its destructive power seems limitless. Scientific proof is powerless in front of it; democratic validity is bulldozed by it; leaders are humiliated by it. What we used to call influence has become something violently toxic. Renée DiResta gives us a powerful original framing to explain how it now shapes public opinion through a virtual rumor mill of niche propagandists. While they position themselves as trustworthy "Davids", their reach, influence, and economics make them classic Goliaths, invisible rulers who create bespoke realities that control the destinies of millions of people, their work driven by a simple maxim: "if you make it trend, you make it true." By revealing the machinery and the dynamics of the interplay between influencers, algorithms, and online crowds, DiResta vividly illustrates the way belief in the fundamental legitimacy of institutions that make society work is deliberately undermined. This alternate system for shaping public opinion, unexamined until now, is rewriting the relationship between the people and their government in profoundly disturbing ways. From taking on and defeating California's anti-vaxxers a decade ago to uncovering the ways that China and Russia target the American public and our elections, - and now herself a target of Congressmen Jim Jordan and hyper-partisans of the lunatic fringe - DiResta has not merely been an observer of the machinery promulgating the Big Lie and the unyielding culture wars. As analyst, investigator, and participant, she provides unprecedented insight into the way influencers shape the opinion and behavior of massive crowds, with the power to drive those crowds into battle - while bearing no responsibility for the consequences.

Renee Diresta (Author), Anna Caputo, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Loving Your Black Neighbor as Yourself: A Guide to Closing the Space Between Us

An inspiring and actionable guide to moving toward racial healing by seeing your Black Neighbor through "Love Lenses" that flow from God's deep devotion. Jesus calls you to love your neighbor, and in the fight against racial injustice, that call includes your Black Neighbor: your Black colleagues, the Black congregants at church, the Black family in your neighborhood. Yet maybe you're unsure of how best to show your love, or maybe you fear either saying or doing the wrong thing. In Loving Your Black Neighbor as Yourself, Chanté Griffin equips you to see and love your Black Neighbor with God's deep, holistic love. Using Black Love Lenses birthed from African American cultural values, you'll learn meaningful ways through which you can see and care for your Black Neighbor: - Intimacy: cultivate intentional closeness and community - Honor: show overflowing respect and love - Stand Up: use your voice and influence to stand up - God's-Gifts: allow God's resources to flow through you to your Black Neighbor - The Spirit of Love: love lavishly through intercessory prayers Through guided readings, prayers, and heart checks, you'll undergo a spiritual and relational transformation that grows a deeper love for your Black Neighbor and yourself. Are you ready to answer Jesus's call?

Chanté Griffin (Author), Chanté Griffin, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Safe Space

A collection of essays and advice about navigating racism in modern Australia, and creating your own safe space, from writer and activist Alyssa Huynh. I've played the role of the quiet and embarrassed Asian girl who shyly laughs along more than I should have in my lifetime. Enough is enough. Alyssa has always found comfort in writing, but she never expected her thoughts on racial discrimination to resonate with so many people. Unfortunately, they were also divisive. First, she called out the problematic fox eye style of makeup that was ironically trending at the same time as anti-Asian hate in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also told a restaurant that naming a burger the 'honey fried cat' was perpetuating a harmful stereotype. Every commentary resulted in racist backlash, but the hate only spurred Alyssa on - here was more proof that the work was necessary. In Safe Space, Alyssa offers new insight into the complexities of growing up Asian in Australia and shares the experiences that have made her the advocate she is today. She offers advice to those wanting to add their voice to the discourse and fosters the safe space she always wished she had. Honest and heartfelt, Safe Space is at once unapologetically angry and sincerely hopeful. This is a book for anyone who believes that racism has no place in Australia's future and is ready to take action.

Alyssa Huynh (Author), Alyssa Huynh, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

But What Will People Say?: Navigating Mental Health, Identity, Love and Family Between Cultures

Brought to you by Penguin. Growing up in the USA as a child of South-Asian immigrants, Sahaj straddled multiple cultures. While reading self-help and going to therapy helped her make sense of the world and her psyche, she soon realised that the advice of white, western writers didn’t cater to her experience. Unlike the outside world, at home the idea of mental health was feared as a sign of weakness, often met with the question ‘But what will people say?’ And for many like her who are navigating two cultures at once, the traditional advice to just ‘set boundaries’ or ‘put yourself first’ is not possible, or even safe. Since then, Sahaj has made it her mission to make therapeutic advice accessible and inclusive of the multicultural experience. Combining her personal story with research, insights from her personal and online communities, and practical advice, this book is a much-needed and revolutionary approach that enables multicultural people to show more compassion for themselves, for others and, above all, feel seen. ©2024 Sahaj Kaur Kohli (P) 2024 Penguin Audio

Sahaj Kaur Kohli (Author), Sahaj Kaur Kohli, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Woke: The Journey of a Word: A BBC Radio 4 Series

Matthew Syed traces the origins and evolution of the word 'woke’ Once a watchword for African Americans in the early 1900s, 'woke' is now used as an insult across the political spectrum, and it has become synonymous with our era of angry debate. As the word has spread, what people mean by it has become less clear than ever. Award-winning journalist and author Matthew Syed is on a mission to uncover the roots of this social phenomenon and, in this series, he follows the evolution of 'woke' through five key stories. Beginning with the first ever use of 'woke', which appeared on a 1938 recording by the musician Lead Belly, Syed uncovers what the singer meant when he instructed people to ‘stay woke, keep their eyes open’. Matthew then explores one of the earliest uses of 'woke' in print, by young Black author William Melvin Kelley in 1962. He goes on to look at #StayWoke and how the use of 'woke' online exploded in 2014, following the shooting of black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Next, Matthew considers how the adoption of 'woke' at the 2017 Women's March aided the term's movement away from Black communities and into the mainstream. In the final episode, he examines the actions of Governor Ron DeSantis, tipped by some to be the next President of the United States. The politician has labelled his state of Florida as 'Where Woke Goes to Die', and introduced a 'Stop W.O.K.E.' bill aimed at reducing the spread of identity politics. Has the word become too politically charged? What relationship – if any – does the word ‘woke’ have to its original sense? Syed considers its multiple meanings in this fascinating series that sheds new light on a word that is often used – and often misunderstood. Cast and credits Presented by Matthew Syed Produced by Sam Peach Episode 1 Featuring Peggy Parks Miller and Kip Lornell Episode 2 Featuring Jesi Kelley Readings by Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong Excerpts from ‘If You're Woke You Dig It’ (New York Times, 1962) and ‘Dunfords Travels Everywheres’ by William Melvin Kelley Episode 3 Featuring Johnetta Elzie and Nicole Holliday Episode 4 Featuring Prisca Kim and Aja Romano Episode 5 Featuring Nicole Holliday, James O'Malley and Prof Matthew Goodwin First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20-24 February 2023 Copyright © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Matthew Syed (Author), Matthew Syed (Narrator)

Audiobook

Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death in Order to Live More Fully

Brought to you by Penguin. What if we didn’t consider death the worst possible outcome? What if we discussed it honestly, embraced end-of-life care and prepared for the end of our lives with hope and acceptance? In this empathetic and knowledgeable guide, TikTok star Julie McFadden – known online as ‘Hospice Nurse Julie’ – shares the valuable lessons she’s learned in her fifteen years as a palliative care nurse. Expertly weaving emotional insight with practical advice, you’ll find out: - which medical interventions help and which make things worse - facts and myths about hospice care - the most important conversations to have before you die - the many inexplicable and fascinating deathbed experiences people have - how to navigate the grieving journey, before and after death Set to become a go-to resource for years to come, Nothing to Fear shows how a better death goes hand-in-hand with a better life. ©2024 Julie McFadden (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Julie Mcfadden (Author), Julie Mcfadden, TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Half of It

The world and its politics are becoming ever more polarised, leaving no room for the light and the shade. In The Half of It, Emma and Nicole will explore race and identity through the lens of the mixed race experience, creating a space for discussion and illuminating the true nuances of the mixed-race identity and what this really means. In The Half of It, Emma and Nicole, hosts of the critically acclaimed podcast Mixed Up, will discuss what it truly means to be mixed-race and all the different layers that fall into this. They will delve into everything from culture and identity, to interracial relationships, to adoption, to understanding the historical context of mixed-race people – and ultimately culminating in a rounder and deeper appreciation for the mixed-identity. They will illuminate us on their own experiences of growing up mixed, interweaving guest interviews and insights from people they talk to along the way. Emma and Nicole want to break down barriers and open up a deeper dialogue of the mixed-race experience. Although this was born out of a desire to speak directly to the mixed-race community, they discovered there is something in it for everyone. Whether you are mixed, you know someone mixed, if you have ever considered dating outside of your race, if you’re a parent committed to exposing your child to a more diverse view of the world, or indeed an adult committed to expanding your view of culture and identity – this is for you.

Emma Slade Edmondson, Nicole Ocran (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Social Science Audiobooks in Non-Fiction