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.
Shows with Subscription Benefits
Hosts & Guests
$70 Paywall
5 Mar
I love In Our Time & it has been such a formative & positive influence on my life & kindled a pursuit of knowledge & interest in the world. However, with it going behind a $70 paywall it feels like the BBC turning its back on the world & making education exclusively for the wealthy. After over twenty years of listening l’ll walk away from it.
Euphonious and intelligent
02/09/2024
Such a rare and consistently enjoyable podcast. Not only are expert guests knowledgeable enough to know they they know everything, they all have pleasant voices. What’s more, they interact respectfully and share the space. The subject mater is varied and interesting. Regardless of what it’s about, my parasympathetic nervous system has never gone into auditory fight or flight mode. People can’t always help the way they sound. I have a singing voice that would clear a concert hall. Hence I’m not on Spotify. Five fat stars, and thank, you thank you so very much.
Huge loud ad at the end
26/12/2024
Don't fall asleep (as I like to do listening to podcasts). As of December 2024, you're in for a wake-up call at the end of every episode, in the form of an ad that's much louder than the show. BOOM and you're awake.
Great show
25/02/2024
This is an excellent podcast The topics are varied, the experts great Melvyn does a great job chairing the sessions Highly recommended
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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