Literature expert Melvyn Bragg discusses Fielding's 'Tom Jones', highlighting its unique blend of farce and epic elements in creating a morally complex protagonist. The podcast explores Fielding's turbulent childhood, controversial plays, character development, narrative complexity, and lasting impact on literature. It also delves into themes of authority, rebellion, and humor as an alternative to judgment, showcasing the enduring legacy of Fielding's work.

Explore the power struggles and tragedies among the Earls of Orkney, the strategic importance of Orkney as a Viking hub, the blend of myth and history in the Orkneyinga Saga, and the portrayal of Christian and Viking values. Delve into Viking sites in Orkney, the Cathedral of St Agnes, martyrs, alliances with the church, inaccuracies in the saga, and the extensive travels of the King of Norway.

Historian Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Marsilius of Padua's radical political ideas advocating for popular sovereignty and republican democracy in the 14th century. They explore his critiques of papal power, call for accountability in governance, and influence on later political thinkers like Hobbes.

Empress Dowager Cixi, a powerful figure in the Chinese court, ruled through child emperors during a time of rapid change. She faced criticisms for obstructing reforms, but also showed political acumen. The podcast discusses her rise to power, involvement in wars and rebellions, and legacy in the Qing dynasty, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in attaining ruling power.

The podcast discusses the profound contributions of Philippa Foot in moral philosophy, emphasizing virtues as essential for human flourishing. They explore her challenges to subjective values, her ethics based on virtues inspired by Aristotle, and her analysis of the Trolley Problem. The conversation covers her legacy in ethics, dedication to reasoning well, and rebellion against subjective morality.

Thomas Wyatt, the 'greatest poet of his age', introduced Italian Renaissance poetry to the English Tudor world. His poems under tight constraints are astonishingly fresh. Wyatt's life as an ambassador to Henry VIII and his rumored closeness to Anne Boleyn reveal the privilege under scrutiny he experienced. The podcast explores Wyatt's impactful influence on English poetry, especially with the sonnet form, paving the way for Shakespeare and Donne.

Delve into the mysteries of Mercury, from its connections to Copernicus and Einstein to the recent BepiColombo mission. Explore its lack of atmosphere, cratered surface, magnetic field, and potential water ice. Unravel the planet's complex formation and historical search for Planet Vulcan. Learn about Mercury's unique characteristics and ongoing geological processes, as well as the challenges of exploring exoplanets and landing on Mercury.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Bertolt Brecht, focusing on his aim to make the familiar 'strange' in his plays. They delve into his turbulent life, from Weimar Germany to post-war East Berlin, highlighting his impact on modern drama and his unique theatrical philosophy that aimed to engage audiences and provoke critical thinking.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Napoleon Bonaparte's Hundred Days, his return to power in France, defeat at Waterloo, and exile to Saint Helena. They explore Napoleon's strategic tactics, the political complexities of the time, the challenges faced by coalition forces, and the lasting impact of his legacy on European history.

Women in ancient Athens and Sparta lead a sex strike for peace in the Peloponnesian War in Aristophanes' comedy 'Lysistrata'. The play challenges gender roles, political power, and satirizes war costs. Discussion delves into humor, symbolism, and modern adaptations, highlighting the enduring relevance of the ancient Greek comedy.