As of this episode, we’ve only six listener questions left, so do send one in today. Though now we’ve mentioned it we’re braced for a tsunami of filth, or at least a tsunami of questions, we’re happy to discuss anything you care, or dare, to throw our way.

The first of two listener questions for today’s episode comes from Ray in Newmilns, Scotland - “I’ve been thinking about human evolution in space, but closer to home than you think. Recently a group of astronauts came home early as one was ill, but we’ve yet to experience fighting, arguments, crime, murder, death and war in space. All negative I know, but how would these occurrences affect space travel/exploration in the short/medium/long term?”

Stuart feels that even if space exploration leads to a wide range of positive and negative outcomes, including conflict and advancement, the underlying human behaviours are likely to remain consistent, suggesting that when humanity extends itself into space, it may still interpret and repeat familiar patterns of narrow mindedness and conflict seen on Earth.

William argues that human space travel remains extraordinarily rare, with only a tiny number of highly selected individuals ever experiencing it, and suggests that astronauts such as Neil Armstrong are chosen precisely for their exceptional stress tolerance and emotional control. He contends that this unusual temperament enables people to function effectively in extreme environments and may help explain why space has so far remained relatively free of conflict.

The second of today’s two listener questions arrives from Drew in Standerwick, Somerset, England - “Where do you think you’ll be as creators in 5 years?”

Stuart notes that the podcast is tied to a five year timeline following the community interest company’s he and William are involved with, first funding round, meaning it would likely conclude in 2031, after which he hopes to retire, reduce pressure on himself, and focus on managing his health with greater acceptance rather than pursuing new projets. Using humour, including jokes about figures like Neil Armstrong and “never” starting to like jazz, he frames this as a deliberate preference for slowing down rather than reinventing himself.

William explains that he is considering creative projects for the future, including a YouTube based history channel about Oxford’s hidden history beyond the university focus, as well as producing music. He feels these are ideas he would like to develop over the next five years but is not placing pressure on himself, allowing them to remain flexible alongside other priorities. He perceives creative work as needing a clear sense of purpose or “so what” factor, explaining that he wants any output he produces to feel meaningful rather than simply existing for the sake of constant production.

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠thepeoplescountryside@gmail.com

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