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 Misha Glenny 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 Nefertiti. 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 Nefertiti. 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
51 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 44min
Dickens (Archive Episode)
Join literary experts Rosemary Ashton, Michael Slater, and John Bowen as they explore the complex world of Charles Dickens. Ashton offers insights into Victorian London’s stark contrasts, while Slater reveals Dickens’s calls for social reform, emphasizing housing and sanitation. Bowen dives into the darker shades of Dickens's works like 'Bleak House,' linking his characters' struggles with larger societal issues. They discuss Dickens's moral narrative that urges compassion, and his nuanced portrayal of women, revealing his love-hate relationship with Britain.
32 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 50min
Emily Dickinson (Archive Episode)
Fiona Green, a Senior Lecturer at Cambridge, discusses the profound influence of Dickinson's upbringing in a sociable family and the intellectual landscape of Amherst. Linda Freedman, from University College London, delves into Dickinson's complex relationship with faith, highlighting her critical views on religion. Paraic Finnerty, a Reader at Portsmouth, examines Dickinson's reclusiveness and her intricate relationships, revealing how war imagery and violent metaphors fueled her poignant poetry. Together, they explore her unique voice and enduring legacy.
87 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.
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.
194 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 54min
The Vienna Secession
Diane Silverthorne, an art historian focused on Vienna 1900, Mark Berry, a professor specializing in music and intellectual history, and Leslie Topp, an architecture historian, delve into the dynamic world of the Vienna Secession. They discuss how Gustav Klimt led this artistic revolution in 1897 to blend fine art, music, and design against a backdrop of Vienna's cultural vibrancy. Topics include the significance of Klimt's gold-leaf paintings, the societal impact of Jewish patrons, and the movement's legacy in modernism and architectural innovation.
247 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 46min
Hypnosis
Catherine Wynne, a Reader in Victorian literature, Devin Terhune, an experimental psychologist, and Quinton Deeley, a neuropsychiatrist, delve into the intriguing history and cultural perceptions of hypnosis. They explore Franz Anton Mesmer's revolutionary techniques and the challenges he faced from the medical community. The discussion reveals the varying degrees of hypnotic susceptibility, its applications in therapy, and the fascinating interplay between language and suggestion. Literary influences, particularly in the 19th century, are also examined, showcasing hypnosis's broad impact.
