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
37 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.
59 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.
219 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 46min
Dragons
Kelsey Granger, a postdoctoral researcher in Chinese history, shares insights on the cultural significance of dragons in China. Juliette Wood, an expert in Welsh folklore, contrasts Welsh dragons with their male counterparts, exploring gender dynamics. Daniel Ogden, a professor of ancient history, discusses the symbolism of dragons in Greek and Roman mythology. The conversation dives into dragons' evolving roles as terrifying beasts and revered deities across cultures, revealing their influence on literature, national identities, and contemporary media.
43 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 49min
Barbour's 'Brus'
Join Rhiannon Purdie, an expert in Older Scots literature, Michael Brown, a scholar of Scottish history, and Steve Boardman, a specialist in the early Stewart kings, as they unravel John Barbour's epic poem 'The Brus'. They discuss its role in depicting Robert the Bruce’s victory at Bannockburn and how Barbour's narrative stirs national pride in Scotland. The conversation explores the poem's historical context and its impact on Scottish identity, as well as the intricacies of medieval chivalry and the cultural significance of the Stewart lineage.
120 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 48min
The Evolution of Lungs
Join experts Jonathan Codd, Steve Brusatte, and Emily Rayfield as they unravel the fascinating evolution of lungs. They discuss how lungs began with ancient fish adapting to land, showcasing the incredible transition from gills to lungs. The guests highlight striking continuities in respiratory systems, from tiny birds to massive dinosaurs. Bet you didn't know hiccups trace back to our amphibious ancestors! This enlightening conversation also touches on unique adaptations in birds that enable high-altitude flight, offering a whole new perspective on breathing.
