In this episode of Talking Humanities, Dr. Alistair Brown, Assistant Professor of Digital Humanities and Modern Literature at Durham University, discusses the importance of studying English in today’s world. Walking along the River Wear, he explains how English fosters empathy and story craft—skills crucial not only to personal development but also to modern industries like tech, where understanding human narratives is vital. Dr. Brown introduces the English Creates campaign, aimed at reversing declining enrolments by highlighting the value and versatility of English degrees. He also explores how Artificial Intelligence challenges traditional English pedagogy and stresses the importance of critical thinking to navigate AI’s limitations. The conversation extends into virtual reality and gamification in literature education through his “VR Literature Library” project, making classic texts immersive and emotionally engaging for younger learners. Throughout, Dr. Brown advocates for a “transformative humanities” approach—honouring traditional skills while adapting them for digital futures, including video game storytelling and the creative industries.