Nihal Arthanayake is a seasoned radio presenter and podcast host. Drawing on decades of interviewing and broadcasting experience, his first book Let’s Talk explores the importance of conversation as an urgent antidote to the increasing amount of time spent communicating online.

Examining the historical record, Arthanayake shows us the reverence with which conversation was once regarded in society. He looks at conversation as a vital restorative process in healing years of conflict in Northern Ireland and its role in building bridges across increasingly divided and hostile communities.

Describing his professional work as ‘my three-hour-long little radio club for the curiously empathetic’, Arthanayake adeptly addresses the heart of the matter. To have fulfilling, mutually rewarding conversations, we must be inquisitive as to the lives of others. Wanting to understand why people hold the views they do is a vital first-step towards building relationship and community. The rewards for us both as individuals and as part of something bigger are significant.

At a time where politics and society are increasingly polarised and fractious, prioritising conversation has never been more needed.