Fidias Podcast

What if your emotions aren't hardwired into your brain, but something your brain actually creates? World-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett joins Fidias to challenge everything we think we know about emotions, human behaviour and the mind. From how our bodies shape our feelings to the neuroscience of happiness, social relationships and human control, this conversation will change how you see yourself and the world around you.

Lukas Sieper is a German politician and Member of the European Parliament representing the Partei des Fortschritts (Party of Progress) within the Renew Europe political group. Elected in 2024, he founded his party in 2020 and has focused on issues such as transparency, democratic values, education reform and European cooperation.https://www.instagram.com/lukas_sieper/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:59 How Lukas Became a Member of the EU Parliament03:16 The Perks of Joining a Political Group08:12 The Cons of Joining a Political Group11:44 The War in Ukraine28:49 Fidias' Mistakes on Russia35:22 Lukas' Most Important Issue to Fight For37:17 Lowering the Salaries of Politicians41:45 Maternity Leave for Politicians44:14 Fidias' Top Priorities50:15 Young People Together Are Stronger

Economist and political analyst Jeffrey Sachs joins Fidias for a discussion on the wars in Iran and Ukraine, the prospects for diplomacy, and Europe’s role in shaping regional security. They also examine the Iran nuclear agreement, the influence of oil and geopolitics in the Middle East, and the potential effects of artificial intelligence on employment and modern warfare.

Jeffrey Sachs is an American economist, academic, and public policy analyst known for his work on economic development, poverty reduction, and sustainability. He has advised governments and international organizations, including the UN, on economic policies. Sachs played a key role in the transition of post-Soviet economies to market systems and was a leading advocate for the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. Currently, he is a professor at Columbia University and directs the Center for Sustainable Development.https://www.jeffsachs.org/Event in the European Parliament in Brussels on the 14th of October 2026. Thanks to MEP Danilo Della Valle for co-organising the event with us.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:41 How to Make Peace in a Crazy World08:52 The Rise of China17:14 Gorbachev's Role in World Peace24:41 Russia's Biggest Crime29:25 NATO Expansion37:31 What Happened in Ukraine in 201443:06 The War in Ukraine Could Have Been Prevented00:47:58 The War in Iran Disaster00:52:12 Europe Must Find Its Own Foreign Policy00:58:03 EU Rearmament01:10:35 Is A Multipolar World Possible?01:25:21 The Biggest Mistake of the EU01:34:27 The "Global South"01:46:31 US Midterm ElectionsSole liability rests with the Member financing this political and information activity. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

In this conversation, Fidias speaks with Alexander Mercouris about Europe’s response to the wars in Iran and Ukraine, the changing balance of power in the Middle East, and the roles of Russia and the United States. They also discuss relations between Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, debate the EU’s direction and the state of democracy in Europe, and consider what lasting peace could look like.