Hay Festival 2025: The Big Ideas, Bold Voices, and Brilliant Minds We Won’t Forget

Every May, the literary world descends on Hay-on-Wye for a whirlwind of muddy boots, caffeine-fuelled debates and ideas big enough to shift the cultural dial. This year’s Hay Festival didn’t disappoint. Over 600 events brought together a rich mix of authors, academics, comedians, campaigners and curious minds, all keen to explore what’s changing, what matters, and what might come next.

From the power of AI to the ethics of end-of-life care, from political backstories to the science of self-mastery, the 2025 line-up delivered punchy insights and powerful stories in equal measure. Here’s a snapshot of the sessions that had us scribbling notes, nodding in agreement, and occasionally needing a moment to process.

Big Ideas & Future Thinking

Hay has always been a place for curiosity, but this year felt particularly urgent. Conversations around AI, radicalisation, and digital society weren’t just speculative—they were deeply grounded in the now. The common thread? A call to pause and think more critically about how we build the future, and who gets to shape it. The sessions were diverse, covering topics from the impact of AI on the future of work to the psychological mechanisms that drive ideological thinking and our growing dependence on smartphones.

• Richard & Daniel Susskind: This father-son duo explored the future of work and society in an age of AI. Their insights on trust, regulation and the changing shape of expertise offered a blueprint for thoughtful innovation.

• Leor Zmigrod: A rising voice in political neuroscience, Leor explained the psychological mechanisms that drive ideological thinking and why some people are more susceptible to radicalisation than others.

• Kaitlin Regehr:  A cultural theorist who brings warmth and clarity to complex issues, Kaitlin unpacked our increasing reliance on smartphones. Her session sparked sharp, relatable reflections on screen time, self-control and how we navigate the digital world.

Science, Health & The Human Brain

This wasn’t science for scientists; it was science for the curious, making complex ideas like climate complexity and cognitive overload personal and actionable. The shared emphasis on empathy, on nuance, and on not pretending the world is more certain than it really is left us feeling empowered and capable of understanding these complex ideas.

• David Spiegelhalter:  With sharp anecdotes and approachable insight, David broke down how chance and probability shape our lives, showing that uncertainty isn’t something to fear, but to understand better.

• Cordelia Fine: Challenging assumptions with rigour and wit, Cordelia took a closer look at how science can unintentionally reinforce gender bias. Her talk invited us to examine the narratives behind the data and what they mean for equality.

• Dr Julie Smith: A practising psychologist turned viral sensation, Julie offered honest, practical advice on dealing with life’s emotional curveballs.

Power, Politics & Society

This year’s political sessions had teeth, not just in their critique of global systems, but in the personal stories woven through them. Speakers tackled big themes like power, truth and accountability, often through the lens of their own experience, which made for a series of disarmingly human, often surprisingly funny sessions, fostering a sense of connection and empathy among the audience.

• Anthony Scaramucci: The former White House Communications Director shared candid stories from the political front lines, offering personal reflections on reputation, resilience, and finding humour in the chaos.

• Misha Glenny: Veteran journalist Misha Glenny traced the tangled threads of cybercrime and global conflict, making a complex web of geopolitics feel both urgent and accessible.

• Christine Rosen: Thoughtful and philosophical, Christine challenged us to preserve our humanity amid digital acceleration and cultural noise.

Storytelling, Culture & Connection

Hay’s soul lies in its stories. This year’s line-up didn’t just share narratives, they reimagined how we tell them. Whether through data, historical drama, or classic Fry-style wit, these talks celebrated the many ways we make sense of ourselves, each other, and the messiness in between.

• Mona Chalabi: A data journalist who brings colour, sound and heart to the numbers, Mona showed how information can become a form of art.

• Oliver Burkeman: With sharp humour and gentle wisdom, Oliver helped us rethink productivity, time and how we make peace with limits.

• Stephen Fry: A festival favourite, Stephen combined personal anecdotes, cultural insight, and sparkling humour in a talk that felt like both a performance and a masterclass.

Movement, Motivation & Mastery

These weren’t your typical motivational talks. They were rich, reflective, and grounded in lived experience. Whether from the sports field, the monastery or a Saturday morning run, each speaker offered their hard-won lessons on discipline, perspective and how to keep going when things get tough.

• Paul Sinton-Hewitt: Paul’s story of how a single idea became a global fitness movement reminded us that community leadership often begins with showing up, week in, week out.

• Shi Heng Yi: Blending ancient wisdom with modern clarity, Shi Heng Yi explored how stillness, structure, and self-awareness can unlock personal growth and resilience.

• Dan Biggar: Drawing from over a decade at the peak of professional rugby, Dan spoke with authenticity about mindset, leadership, and what it really means to bounce back.

Final Thoughts

Hay Festival 2025 proved, once again, that the real magic of live events lies not just in what’s said, but in what it sparks. The line-up was full of prominent voices, bold ideas and the kind of moments that stay with you long after the tents come down.

From quiet reflections to standing ovations, this year’s festival gave us plenty to think about. If any of these speakers sound like a good fit for your event, we’d love to help bring them to your stage.

Seen someone who sparked your interest? We’re here to help make it happen! Get in touch with our team for tailored speaker recommendations for your next event.