Why is Red Bull so popular - even though no one likes the taste? Why do we prefer stripy toothpaste? And why do we think branded painkillers are more effective? Ad man Rory Sutherland discusses why we think we are rational creatures, making logical evidence based decisions in economics and business, when in fact we aren’t.

The decline of Britain’s countryside and wildlife has been meticulously documented by some of the best naturalists in the world. The insects have largely gone, farmland birds have been decimated, and our rivers, uplands and urban green spaces are all in a less than happy state. Economist, Professor Dieter Helm CBE, shares his radical but tangible plan for positive change.

We find ourselves in unchartered political times. Our electorate has changed – it appears that political allegiances may have moved from a class basis to a more cultural footing. Against the backdrop of Brexit and recent parliamentary tantrums, Philip Collins helps us examine how things have fundamentally changed and how to fix the UK’s broken politics.

With a lifetime of exploring the fundamental nature and origins of the universe, theoretical physicist Alan Lightman talks about the unscientific experience of looking up at the stars late one night on his boat and “falling into infinity”. In our interview he explores this apparent contradiction, and how in his belief, it is still possible to be a scientist and a spiritual person connected to something larger than oneself.

One day the headlines say coffee is bad for you. The next day, the media seemingly changes its mind. The real answer exists in your DNA and whether you are a fast or slow ‘metaboliser’ of caffeine. Our interview with surgeon and geneticist Dr Sharad Paul looks at what the future of genetics can hold for our health, and explores his preventative ideas on treating wellness, not illness.

Lucy Siegle is an accomplished Guardian, Observer and BBC journalist and broadcaster, with a passion for environmental and social justice. She is also the go-to environment expert for Sky News and Good Morning Britain. 'Listen to the planet (and we should all do this much more) and you’ll hear a faint drumbeat. It’s a beat that will grow louder over the next two years.’