Explore the history of the Barbary Corsairs, notorious North African pirates who plundered European ships and towns. Learn about their multicultural nature, the role of the Ottoman Empire, the rise of Hyroden Pasha, and the harsh conditions of galley slavery. Discover the forms of enslavement and captivity in North Africa and the influence of lingua franca on Pilari language.

This podcast delves into Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, exploring topics such as happiness, living a good life, weakness of will, pleasure, friendship, and the mean. They discuss Aristotle's background, his focus on the rational part of the human psyche, and the importance of practical wisdom. The role of friendship in Aristotle's philosophy and his analysis of weakness of will are also explored. The podcast takes an interesting turn towards supernatural encounters and an advertisement for Nordstrom at the end.

Explore the plot and themes of Emile Zola's novel Germinal, the impact of environment and heredity on characters in Zola's Rugon Macar series, the harsh conditions faced by miners, the vivid depiction of poverty through inanimate objects, the portrayal of the body and dynamics within the mining community, Zola's use of sensationalism and its impact on reception, his significance in literary fiction, and various audio clips and advertisements.

Explore the life and work of Julian of Norwich, a woman writer from the late 14th century who documented her visions of Christ's suffering in a book called Revelations of Divine Love. Delve into her belief in the centrality of the passion and her association of God with motherhood. Explore her powerful imagery and enduring legacy, as well as the reassuring messages she offered during times of despair caused by the plague and war. Also, discover her concept of two ways of seeing and the significance of her cat emblem.

Bragg and guests discuss the Federalist Papers written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. They explore the new Constitution's intentions, the divided nature of the states after the Revolution, and the need for a stronger government. They also delve into Madison's argument against factionalism, the enduring significance of the Federalist Papers, and the compromises made over slavery at the Constitutional Convention.

This podcast explores the fascinating world of plankton, discussing their role in the marine food chain, the largest migration of life on Earth, and the importance of phytoplankton in producing oxygen. The speakers also delve into nutrient imbalances, iron's role in limiting primary reduction, and how plankton data can inform environmental management. They emphasize the need for collaboration, funding, and managing oceans.

This podcast discusses John Maynard Keynes' influential book on the economic consequences of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. It explores the impact of the peace terms on Germany and its connection to British appeasement in the 1930s. The podcast also delves into Keynes' family background and the influence it had on his ideas, the shift in public opinion towards Germany, the economic challenges faced by France and Germany after the war, missed opportunities for building a stable Europe, the impact and legacies of the League of Nations, and Keynes' approach to economics and beliefs on overpopulation.

Exploring the iconic opening scene of Ingmar Bergman's film 'The Seventh Seal' where Death plays chess with a Crusader. The significance of the dance scene and Bergman's conflicted views on Hitler. The metaphorical use of religion and Bergman's filmmaking techniques. Analyzing the use of comedy and the depth of a character's voice in relation to death.

Melvyn Bragg, host of 'In Our Time', talks to Mishal Husain about the evolution of the podcast show, the depth and research involved, and the challenges facing the BBC. They discuss the importance of producing top-quality programs, attracting diverse audiences, and express enthusiasm for the future of 'In Our Time'.

Albert Einstein, physicist who produced papers in 1905 that changed physics. Topics covered: Einstein's upbringing, education, and early life experiences, his approach to physics and experimental work, his relationship with Max Planck and their collaboration, Einstein's political activities during World War I, his theory of relativity and its confirmation, and his intellectual daring and moral courage.