S1 E1 | London underground… literally

London's multifaceted nature is explored by examining its physical and social underbelly. The conversation begins on the Central Line, where social demographer Danny Dorling explains how life expectancy varies drastically between stops due to migration patterns of affluent and less affluent populations. Urban explorer Bradley Garrett uncovers hidden layers beneath the city, such as abandoned tube stations and deep-level shelters built during World War II, now housing telecommunications infrastructure. The discussion shifts to the opulent "iceberg houses" of Kensington and Chelsea, where professor Roger Burrows reveals the stark contrast between extreme wealth and poverty, exemplified by the proximity of these underground mansions to the Grenfell Tower. The extracted London clay is used to remodel areas like Stratford, highlighting the continuous reshaping of the city.