Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the physics of time. When writing the Principia Mathematica, Isaac Newton declared his hand on most of the big questions in physics. He outlined the nature of space, explained the motions of the planets and conceived the operation of gravity. He also laid down the law on time declaring: “Absolute, true, and mathematical time, of itself and from its own nature, flows equably without relation to anything external.” For Newton time was absolute and set apart from the universe, but with the theories of Albert Einstein time became more complicated; it could be squeezed and distorted and was different in different places.Time is integral to our experience of things but we find it very difficult to think about. It may not even exist and yet seems written into the existence of absolutely everything. With Jim Al-Khalili, Professor of Theoretical Physics and Chair in the Public Engagement in Science at the University of Surrey; Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences at the Open University and Ian Stewart, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Warwick.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history of scientific ideas about heat. As anyone who’s ever burnt their hand will testify – heat is a pretty commonplace concept. Cups of coffee cool down, microwaves reheat them, water boils at 100 degrees and freezes on cold winter nights.Behind the everyday experience of hot things lies a complex story of ideas spread across Paris, Manchester and particularly Glasgow. It’s a story of brewing vats and steam engines, of fridges, thermometers and the heat death of the universe. But most importantly, it was the understanding and harnessing of heat that helped make the modern world of industry, engineering and technology.With Simon Schaffer, Professor of History of Science at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Darwin College; Hasok Chang, Professor of Philosophy of Science at University College London and Joanna Haigh, Professor of Atmospheric Physics at Imperial College London

Melvyn Bragg discusses the Great Reform Act of 1832, exploring the political landscape, disparities in parliamentary representation, resistance to reform, and the push for change. The Act transformed British politics, extending the vote and empowering industrial cities for the first time. The episode highlights class alliances, the birth of Chartism, and the impact of the Reform Acts of 1832 and 1867 on British democracy.

Explore the evolution of neuroscience, from studying the dead brain to using imaging tech, revealing new insights into the human mind. Delve into the triune brain model and the consciousness-brain connection. Learn about brain imaging in auditory hallucinations and memory functions, and the intricacies of brain surgery for epilepsy evaluation.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss The Great Fire of London which destroyed up to a third of the city in 1666. Samuel Pepys described the scene in his diary:“all over the Thames, with one's face in the wind, you were almost burned with a shower of firedrops…and in corners and upon steeples, and between churches and houses, as far as we could see up the hill of the City, we saw the fire …It made me weep to see it.”The London that rose from the ashes was a visible manifestation of ideas; of the politics, religion, economics and science of the heady Restoration period. Christopher Wren, of course, but also Robert Hooke, The Royal Society, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Restoration court of Charles II and, inevitably, building regulations. With Lisa Jardine, Centenary Professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen Mary, University of London; Vanessa Harding, Reader in London History at Birkbeck, University of London and Jonathan Sawday, Professor of English Studies at the University of Strathclyde

Explore Aristotle's 'Politics' as he delves into the role of wealth in governing societies, contrasting with Plato's idealism. Discover Aristotle's vision of active citizenship and political virtue, challenging the notion of mere obedience to laws. Uncover the historical influences on Aristotle's political theories and his pragmatic approach to creating an ideal society through communal institutions.

Explore the life and adventures of Simon Bolivar, a revolutionary liberator of Spanish America. From his Enlightenment-inspired ideas to leading armies across the Andes, his journey is filled with intrigue and unexpected turns. Discover the impact of Napoleon, the role of Britain, and Bolivar's transformation into a national hero after death.

Delve into the dynamic and theatrical world of the Baroque Movement in art, music, and architecture. Explore the religious and aesthetic significance of the period, from the sumptuous sculptures to the nationalization of creative arts. Uncover the complexities and contradictions of the Baroque style, from its roots in Catholicism to its influence on European monarchs and the enduring debates on its classification.

Discover the historical debate on Vitalism, exploring the role of electricity in defining life. From Frankenstein's experiment to debates on vital auras in human embryology, witness the quest to unlock the secret of life itself. Delve into contrasting views of vitalism in 19th-century France and the ongoing debate with DNA discovery.

Explore the impact of Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems on mathematics as it unravels the limitations of self-consistent systems, challenges Hilbert's vision, and introduces the concept of unprovable statements. Delve into the paradox of sets, the role of axioms, and the evolution of mathematical structures through the lens of ancient principles and non-Euclidean geometries.