Delve into the weird and wonderful Greek myths, from Zeus to Achilles, with a cast of epic characters like Odysseus and Aphrodite, shaping Western civilization. Explore the historical roots, the peculiar end with Telegonus, the transition from oral to written traditions, and the dynamic portrayals of Jason and Medea. Unpack Ovid's humorous and political reinterpretation of Greek myths in 'Metamorphoses'.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the 19th century mathematician Ada Lovelace. Deep in the heart of the Pentagon is a network of computers. They control the US military, the most powerful army on the planet, but they are controlled by a programming language called Ada. It’s named after Ada Lovelace, the allegedly hard drinking 19th century mathematician and daughter of Lord Byron. In her work with Charles Babbage on a steam driven calculating machine called the Difference Engine, Ada understood, perhaps before anyone else, what a computer might truly be. As such the Difference Engine is the spiritual ancestor of the modern computer.Ada Lovelace has been called many things - the first computer programmer and a prophet of the computer age – but most poetically perhaps by Babbage himself as an ‘enchantress of numbers’.With Patricia Fara, Senior Tutor at Clare College, Cambridge; Doron Swade, Visiting Professor in the History of Computing at Portsmouth University; John Fuegi, Visiting Professor in Biography at Kingston University.

Delve into the themes of violence, betrayal, and familial cruelty in Shakespeare's play King Lear, exploring the historical origins of the story and Shakespeare's adaptation style. The chapter discusses the intricate relationships and political ambitions within the play, the roots of the Lear story in old European folktales, Shakespeare's transformation of a happy-ending tale into a tragic masterpiece, and the role of the fool as a truth teller in the narrative.

Melvyn Bragg and guests explore the concept of the Multiverse, discussing the limitations of the known universe, the inflationary theory, the anthropic principle, and the implications of a multiverse on the laws of nature. They debate the testability of string theory and quantum gravity, emphasizing the speculative nature of the discussion within the realms of physics.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to America. They explore its collaborative origins, French influence on American independence, and the evolving meaning of liberty as represented by female figures like the Statue of Liberty.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Social Contract, exploring the concept of political authority through a contract with the governed. They delve into Rousseau's views on civil freedom, the general will, and the challenges of forming a common will, contrasting his ideas with thinkers like Hobbes and Locke. The episode also touches on Mary Astell's feminist critique, Rousseau's influence on the American Republic model, and the enduring impact of the social contract concept on modern society.

Explore the fascinating world of Emperor Rudolph II's court in Prague, filled with wizards, alchemists, and brilliant minds like Kepler and Bruno. Discover his obsession with magic, art, rare treasures, and enigmatic figures who shaped Renaissance ideas. Delve into the mysterious Voynich manuscript, Rudolph's diverse collections, and his patronage of intellectual pursuits challenging societal norms.

Discover how plate tectonics revolutionized geology, explaining continental drift, mountain formation, and fossil puzzles. Experts discuss the forces behind tectonic plate movement, seismic events, and interconnected Earth systems. Explore the link between plate tectonics, evolution, and the potential for life on Earth and beyond.

Explore the mysterious and powerful Fisher King from medieval legend, a symbol of Christian beliefs, tragedy, and society's decay. Discover his influence on writers from Chretien de Troyes to TS Eliot. Dive into Percival's encounter, Celtic origins in literature, and the myth's connection to psychology and spirituality.

Historical events expert Melvyn Bragg dives into the iconic Charge of the Light Brigade, a minor skirmish that made a massive impact in British culture. They discuss the debacle's limited military significance but profound influence on war attitudes, censorship in reporting, and the inspiring poetry that emerged. The podcast explores the key figures involved, breakdowns in communication leading to the infamous charge, and the lasting legacy on societal and military reforms.