In Our Time
BBC Radio 4
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.
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
Mentioned books
29 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 53min
Shakespeare's Sonnets (Archive Episode)
Emma Smith, a Professor of Shakespeare Studies, Hannah Crawforth, a Senior Lecturer in Early Modern Literature, and Don Paterson, a Poet and Professor of Poetry, delve into the intricacies of Shakespeare's Sonnets. They explore the significance of the 1609 publication, the unique emotional resonance of the sonnet form, and the enigmatic identities of figures like the Dark Lady. Insightful discussions include Sonnet 116's paradoxes, the brutal honesty of Sonnet 129, and the impact of changing critical tastes over time, highlighting how these works have been rediscovered and reinterpreted.
36 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 47min
Margery Kempe and English Mysticism (Archive Episode)
Join Miri Rubin, professor of medieval history, Katherine Lewis, expert in women's spirituality, and Anthony Bale, medieval literature specialist, as they dive into the life of Margery Kempe. Discover her profound visions, the scrutiny she faced for her mystical experiences, and the societal challenges that shaped her journey. They discuss the significance of her pilgrimage to Jerusalem, her complex relationship with the Church, and how her Book emerged from obscurity to illuminate the spirituality of women in medieval England.
45 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 50min
Eclipses (Archive Episode)
Join Carolin Crawford, a public astronomer from Cambridge, Frank Close, an Oxford physicist and author, and Lucie Green, a solar physics professor at UCL, as they delve into the mesmerizing world of eclipses. They discuss the mystical cultural myths surrounding eclipses in ancient societies, personal sensory experiences during these events, and groundbreaking scientific discoveries they led to, such as the confirmation of Einstein's theories and the discovery of helium. Discover how eclipses shape our understanding of the universe and inspire both science and awe.
47 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 49min
Feathered Dinosaurs (Archive Episode)
Join experts Mike Benton, a vertebrate palaeontology professor, Steve Brusatte, a Chancellor's Fellow in palaeontology, and Maria McNamara, a geology lecturer specializing in fossil preservation, as they delve into the fascinating world of feathered dinosaurs. They discuss how fossil discoveries reshaped our understanding of dinosaurs, revealing feathered theropods and the evolutionary link to modern birds. The conversation also explores feather functions, the revolutionary impact of Chinese fossil beds, and what these ancient creatures can tell us about survival and extinction.
71 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 49min
Pauli's Exclusion Principle (Archive Episode)
Frank Close, a particle physicist and science communicator, Michela Massimi, a philosophy of science professor, and Graham Farmelo, a science writer and historian, dive into the life and groundbreaking ideas of Wolfgang Pauli. They discuss the crucial Exclusion Principle, which states that no two electrons can occupy the same quantum state. The guests explore Pauli's early brilliance, his connection with Jung, and his bold prediction of the neutrino. They also touch on the amusing 'Pauli Effect' of equipment failure around him and his lasting impact on quantum physics.
104 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 47min
Zeno's Paradoxes (Archive Episode)
Join Marcus du Sautoy, a mathematics professor at Oxford, Barbara Sattler, a philosophy lecturer at St Andrews, and James Warren, an ancient philosophy reader at Cambridge, as they delve into the mind-bending world of Zeno's paradoxes. They explore his challenges to the notion of motion, including Achilles never catching the tortoise. Du Sautoy traces the implications for mathematics, while Sattler and Warren discuss the philosophical significance of these puzzles. Their conversation links ancient thinking to modern issues like infinity and discrete reality.
15 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 51min
Thomas Hardy's Poetry (Archive Episode)
In this discussion on Thomas Hardy's poetry, guests Mark Ford, Jane Thomas, and Tim Armstrong delve into the poet's transition from novels back to poetry, driven by his profound grief for his wife Emma. They explore themes of love, loss, and skepticism in Hardy's work, including the poignant 'Poems of 1912-13' that reflect stages of mourning. The trio highlights Hardy's modern outlook, anti-war sentiments, and how he shaped English literature, influencing modernists while experimenting with vivid language and complex emotions.
71 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 44min
The Moon (Archive Episode)
Join Paul Murdin, Visiting Professor of Astronomy, who brings insights on lunar dynamics, and Caroline Crawford, Gresham Professor of Astronomy, who delves into the Moon's cultural significance. They explore lunar cycles used for prehistoric timekeeping and how the Moon influences Earth’s tides. Ian Crawford, an expert in planetary science, discusses the Moon's geology and formation theories, including the Giant Impact hypothesis. The potential for water resources and colonization sparks fascinating debates about humanity's future on our celestial neighbor.
42 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 52min
The Waltz (Archive Episode)
Theresa Jill Buckland, an Emeritus Professor of Dance History, discusses the waltz's evolution from its German roots to its rise in British ballrooms. Derek B. Scott, a music expert, highlights the influence of Johann Strauss on the dance's distinctive sound. Susan Jones, an English Literature scholar, explores the waltz's representation in literature and its moral complexities. Together, they delve into how this once-controversial dance bridged social divides, reshaped popular culture, and remains a significant force in music and literature today.
263 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 51min
Civility: talking with those who disagree with you
Join Teresa Bejan, a political theory professor at Oxford, John Gallagher, an early modern history expert from Leeds, and Phil Withington, a history professor at Sheffield, as they explore the multifaceted concept of civility. They discuss its historical evolution from the Renaissance thinkers like Erasmus to Hobbes, and how it informs modern discourse. Delve into the balance between toleration and civil disagreement, and learn why civility remains crucial in navigating diverse opinions today, while also reflecting on its historical misuse in society.
