In Our Time Podcast
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.
Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 is essential listening for the intellectually curious. In each episode, host Melvyn Bragg and expert guests explore the characters, events and discoveries that have shaped our world.
History fans can learn about pivotal wars and societal upheavals, such as the rise and fall of Napoleon, the Sack of Rome in 1527, and the political intrigue of the Russian Revolution. Those fascinated by the lives of kings and queens can journey to Versailles to meet Marie Antoinette and Louis XIV the Sun King, or to Ancient Egypt to meet Cleopatra and Nerfertiti. Or perhaps you’re looking to explore the history of religion, from Buddhism’s early teachings to the Protestant Reformation.
If you’re interested in the stories behind iconic works of art, music and literature, dive in to discussions on the artistic genius of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. From Gothic architecture to the works of Shakespeare, each episode of In Our Time offers new insight into humanity’s cultural achievements.
Those looking to enrich their scientific knowledge can hear episodes on black holes, the Periodic Table, and classical theories of gravity, motion, evolution and relativity. Learn how the discovery of penicillin revolutionised medicine, and how the death of stars can lead to the formation of new planets.
Lovers of philosophy will find episodes on the big issues that define existence, from free will and ethics, to liberty and justice. In what ways did celebrated philosophers such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx push forward radical new ideas? How has the concept of karma evolved from the ancient Sanskrit texts of Hinduism to today? What was Plato’s concept of an ideal republic, and how did he explore this through the legend of the lost city of Atlantis?
In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.
Episodes to download
-
Aurora Leigh
Thu 24 Mar 2016
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Aurora Leigh by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
-
Bedlam
Thu 17 Mar 2016
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the early history of Bethlehem Hospital, known as Bedlam.
-
The Maya Civilization
Thu 10 Mar 2016
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Maya civilization in central America.
-
The Dutch East India Company
Thu 3 Mar 2016
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Dutch East India Company.
-
Mary Magdalene
Thu 25 Feb 2016
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Mary Magdalene, one of the best-known figures in the Bible
-
-
-
Chromatography
Thu 4 Feb 2016
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the origins, development and uses of chromatography.
-
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Thu 28 Jan 2016
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Eleanor of Aquitaine, the most powerful woman of her time.
-
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
Thu 21 Jan 2016
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense, published in 1776.
-
-
-
-
-
Chinese Legalism
Thu 10 Dec 2015
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Chinese Legalism from the time of the First Emperor.
-
Voyages of James Cook
Thu 3 Dec 2015
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the voyages of James Cook, as suggested by listeners.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Simone de Beauvoir
Thu 22 Oct 2015
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, work and life of Simone de Beauvoir.
-
Holbein at the Tudor Court
Thu 15 Oct 2015
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Holbein at the court of Henry VIII.
-
Alexander the Great
Thu 1 Oct 2015
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the life and legacy of Alexander the Great.
-
-
-
Frederick the Great
Thu 2 Jul 2015
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Frederick II, king of Prussia from 1740 to 1786.
-
-
Jane Eyre
Thu 18 Jun 2015
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, first published in 1847.
-
In Our Time podcasts
Download programmes from the huge In Our Time archive.
The In Our Time Listeners' Top 10
If you’re new to In Our Time, this is a good place to start.
Arts and Ideas podcast
Download the best of Radio 3's Free Thinking programme.