Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Nikola Tesla's pivotal role in the battle between Thomas Edison's DC and George Westinghouse's AC, leading to the dominance of AC in electrification. Topics include Tesla's revolutionary motor design, showmanship, mysterious exploits, and impact on innovation.

Elias Lönnrot compiled The Kalevala, a Finnish epic poem, to unify Finnish identity, leading to independence in 1917. The podcast explores the folklore of Finnish peasants, the mystical themes of Finnish gods and heroes, the unique language of the Kalevala, its cultural significance in Finland, and the challenges of translating its poetic devices. It also delves into the enduring impact of the epic on national consciousness and contemporary cultural influences.

Explore the contrasting perspectives on Julian the Apostate, the last pagan Roman Emperor, known for promoting paganism over Christianity. Delve into his philosophical reflections, military campaigns against Sassanians and Germanic tribes, and his intriguing legacy as a hero to humanists of the Enlightenment.

Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the revolutionary impact of the waltz in British society, evolving from formal structures to daring styles set to Strauss music. They discuss its influence on literature, ballet, and music, and its role in breaking social norms and forming new creative expressions.

Historian and broadcaster Melvyn Bragg discusses the 1871 Mokrani Revolt in Algeria against French rule, leading to tensions and further waves of French migrants. The revolt marked a shift towards national identity and inspired nationalists in the 1950s, setting the stage for Algeria's fight for independence.

Guest Werner Heisenberg revolutionized quantum mechanics with his Uncertainty Principle, challenging the idea of simultaneously measuring atomic particles' position and momentum. The podcast delves into Heisenberg's life, political influences, and the profound implications of his contributions to modern physics.

Explore the brutal aftermath of the sack of Rome in 1527 and its impact on religion, politics, and warfare. Delve into the intense conflict between France and Spain for dominance over Italy. Narrate the chaotic events of the invasion and looting of Rome, focusing on hunger and greed. Discuss the Italian involvement in the invasion and the cultural losses suffered. Highlight the damage to art, restoration efforts, and the emotional toll on artists. Explore the political and social consequences, including shifts in power dynamics and the impact on ordinary people. Delve into the persecution faced by Jews in Rome during the sack and the fascination with firearms in wartime.

Delving into the whimsical world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, experts discuss Lewis Carroll's influences, the collaborative storytelling process with children, and the multifaceted interpretations of the iconic story. They explore the enduring global appeal of Alice, her cultural legacy, and post-story life, highlighting the diverse adaptations and captivating evolution of the character.

Explore the fascinating world of hormones, from their crucial role in coordinating human physiology to their influence on puberty, menopause, stress response, and weight regulation. Learn about the intricate interactions of hormones in maintaining balance and how they impact our health and wellbeing. Delve into the challenges posed by endocrine disruptors in pregnancy and the potential for personalized hormone treatments. Discover the evolutionary perspectives on hormone systems and the brain's response to hormonal signals.

Exploring the rise and fall of the Hanseatic League, a dominant force in North European trade. Topics include tax exemptions, monarch reliance on loans, and decline due to nation-state power. The league's impact on global trade networks, economic tactics, and enduring legacy discussed. Reflections on historical economic growth and security dynamics of the Hansa highlighted.