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
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The Cavendish Family in Science
Thu 20 May 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the scientific achievements of the Cavendish family.
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William James's 'The Varieties of Religious Experience'
Thu 13 May 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James.
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The Zulu Nation's Rise and Fall
Thu 15 Apr 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the rise and fall of the Zulu Nation.
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William Hazlitt
Thu 8 Apr 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the life and works of the essayist William Hazlitt.
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The City - a history, part 2
Thu 1 Apr 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history of the city.
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The City - a history, part 1
Thu 25 Mar 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the rise of the city, from its Bronze Age origins to 1800.
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Munch and The Scream
Thu 18 Mar 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Edvard Munch and his most famous painting, The Scream.
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The Infant Brain
Thu 4 Mar 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss what new research reveals about the infant brain.
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Calvinism
Thu 25 Feb 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas of John Calvin and their impact.
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The Indian Mutiny
Thu 18 Feb 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Indian Mutiny of 1857 and the rebellion which followed
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Mathematics' Unintended Consequences
Thu 11 Feb 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the unintended consequences of mathematical discoveries.
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Ibn Khaldun
Thu 4 Feb 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the 14th-century Arab philosopher of history Ibn Khaldun.
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Silas Marner
Thu 28 Jan 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss George Eliot's 1861 novel Silas Marner.
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The Frankfurt School
Thu 14 Jan 2010
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas and influence of the Frankfurt School.
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The Royal Society and British Science: Episode 4—The Royal Society and British Science
Thu 7 Jan 2010
The more discreet role played by the Society in the 20th century.
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The Royal Society and British Science: Episode 3—The Royal Society and British Science
Wed 6 Jan 2010
The 19th century blooms scientifically with numerous alternative, specialist societies.
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The Royal Society and British Science: Episode 2—The Royal Society and British Science
Tue 5 Jan 2010
How Newton tested the lines between government-funded research and public access.
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The Royal Society and British Science: Episode 1—The Royal Society and British Science
Mon 4 Jan 2010
Melvyn Bragg travels to Oxford, where the young Christopher Wren and friends experimented.
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Mary Wollstonecraft
Thu 31 Dec 2009
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the life and ideas of Mary Wollstonecraft.
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Pythagoras
Thu 10 Dec 2009
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas of Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans.
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The Silk Road
Thu 3 Dec 2009
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Silk Road, the trade routes which spanned Asia.
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Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Thu 26 Nov 2009
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.
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Radiation
Thu 12 Nov 2009
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the discovery of radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays
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
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