In Our Time
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Spanning history, religion, culture, science and philosophy, In Our Time from BBC 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.
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Hosts & Guests
Excellent because it is woke
Mar 25
Woke means awake and aware and anti racism and anti ignorance and doing the right thing.
Please keep this going
Mar 14
In our times of blatant anti-intellectualism and the maligning of education and ideas, it’s essential public broadcasting still exists. We have been here before. I often don’t agree with Melvin and his guests but I have a tonne of respect for persevering in the BBC framework of providing basic facts. Keep this going
Often informative, but with a woke bent
Mar 15
Having a roundtable discussion of scholars is a fantastic format that I wish more podcasts would imitate. This is often a fascinating program, and every episode has something of value. That said, it often has woke overtones, either from the framing of the topic, the ideological agendas of guests, or the questions that are deemed the highest priorities. Some episodes are all but unlistenable as a result.
A fascinating and informative listening experience
12/24/2024
Has maintained its quality over the years. Other podcasts may briefly catch my interest, but I always return to this one
Its a breatho-thon
12/06/2024
I had to leave the audience of this wonderful show, as even though it has wonderful topics, guests and the host, I could no longer (even though I have tried so hard) listen to the hosts breathing, huffing and, oh forgive me humanity, his mouth noises and swallowing. Come on guys, there is a mute button. Ta-ta! Love the show!
In our time
12/01/2024
A very informative podcast. Melvyn articulates his mind well and asks pointed questions, he keeps the experts on their toes in a sometimes abrupt, yet convivial way. The topics are great; even if the subject matter might not necessarily appeal to me, the discussion itself is so well done that I become interested. Zero fluff, excellent general knowledge source.
One of Few Podcasts I Listen to …
09/13/2024
Best guests & host— even if I’m not initially interested in the topic, they get me interested with just their conversation. I always learn some “nuggets”— even about topics that I know well. IF something wasn’t covered, listen to the “bonus time” afterwards & it’ll be. Great adult bedtime story or long-journey companion. P.S. Yes, Melvyn is sometimes annoying; but, so were your parents, teachers, etc & that’s often his job as host & to keep episodes to 45 minutes.
Solid stuff
09/27/2024
Nothing exceptional, but there’s usually information here worth learning.
The best, hands down
09/05/2024
Found it years ago and been listening ever since. Not every topic is in my wheelhouse but most are and I think most inquisitive folks would agree with that. If you are a first timer go back and enjoy the extensive catalog.
Please correct sibilance
08/16/2024
It is so distracting when half your English guests are hissing uncontrollably. Like nails on a chalkboard.
About
Information
- Channel
- CreatorBBC Radio 4
- Years Active2005 - 2025
- Episodes1.1K
- RatingClean
- Copyright© (C) BBC 2025
- Show Website
- ProviderBBC Studios Distribution Limited
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