In Our Time

In this engaging discussion, Mike Murphy, a Professor at the University of Cambridge, sheds light on how mitochondria are vital for energy production in complex life forms. Florencia Camus from UCL delves into the genetics and evolutionary history of these powerhouses, while Nick Lane explores their integral role in health and aging. The trio discusses mitochondrial DNA’s unique maternal inheritance and its implications for tracing human ancestry. They also touch on cutting-edge topics like mitochondrial replacement therapy and its potential to revolutionize medicine.

Catriona Seth, an expert in French literature, Guy Rowlands, a historian of early modern Europe, and Penny Roberts, a specialist in political strategies, dive into the fascinating reign of Louis XIV. They discuss how he centralized power and became the 'Sun King,' embodying authority while navigating complex court dynamics. The trio examines his military reforms, financial strategies, and the cultural influence he wielded. They also address the legacy he left behind and the challenges his successors faced in maintaining his vision of absolute monarchy.

Join classics experts Katharine Earnshaw, Neville Morley, and Diana Spencer as they explore Virgil's 'Georgics'—a remarkable blend of farming manual and philosophical treatise. They discuss its intricate connections between agriculture and post-civil war politics in Rome, exploring the significance of rural life and land ownership. The conversation highlights the symbolism of bees as reflections of civil unrest and examines Virgil’s Epicurean influences, making his insights relevant to today's environmental challenges.

Satona Suzuki, a Lecturer in Japanese History, and Erica Baffelli, a Professor of Japanese Studies, delve into the Shimabara Rebellion of the 1630s. They discuss the uprising's roots in poverty and heavy taxation, driven by predominantly Christian peasants. The guests highlight the brutal response from the Tokugawa shogunate, which deployed a massive army to quash the rebellion. The ensuing crackdown on Christianity ultimately led to Japan's 250-year isolation from the outside world, reshaping its socio-political landscape forever.

Join Sarah Pearce, an expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Ian Karten, a Jewish Studies professor, and Charlotte Hempel, a specialist in Second Temple Judaism. They dive into the gripping tale of how a Bedouin shepherd's discovery in 1946 unearthed texts that reshaped our understanding of Jewish beliefs around the time of Jesus. The discussion reveals the complexities of the Essenes, the significance of the Jerusalem temple, and the advanced technologies now illuminating these ancient writings. A fascinating look at our historical roots!

Sarah Churchwell, a Professor of American Literature, Peter Riley, a Lecturer in 19th Century American Literature, and Mark Ford, a Professor of English and American Literature, dive into the life of Walt Whitman. They discuss his groundbreaking collection, 'Leaves of Grass,' and how it defied traditional forms through free verse. The conversation also explores Whitman's complex relationship with individuality and community amid the Civil War. His evolving views on race and societal norms, infused with optimism and paradox, reveal his enduring influence on American poetry.

In this engaging discussion, Staffan Muller-Wille, a University Lecturer in History of Life at Cambridge, and Stella Sandford, a Professor of Modern European Philosophy, explore the revolutionary impact of Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy. They delve into Linnaeus's innovative binomial nomenclature and his daring classification of species, including humans alongside apes. The conversation also touches on the complex interplay between theology and science, showcasing how philosophical ideas shaped botanical science and sparked modern ecological thinking.

Anne Curry, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, Andrew Ayton, Senior Research Fellow, and Erika Graham-Goering, Lecturer in Late Medieval History, delve into the monumental Battle of Crécy. They discuss how Edward III's strategic use of terrain and longbowmen led to a surprising English victory against a larger French force. The conversation highlights the political tensions that fueled the battle, the evolving tactics of warfare, and the economic strategies that shaped the conflict. They also touch on the aftermath, including its pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War.

In this insightful discussion, Erin Goeres, an expert in Old Norse literature, Pragya Vohra, a medieval history lecturer, and Elizabeth Tyler, a professor of medieval literature, explore King Cnut's transformative reign in 11th-century England. They delve into Cnut's strategic governance during Viking invasions, his political alliances, especially with Archbishop Wolfstein, and the significant role of his wife, Emma. The conversation also touches on the famous tale of Cnut and the waves, symbolizing humility and authority in leadership.

Join Hermione Lee, an expert in Virginia Woolf's literature, Michele Barrett, a feminist theory scholar, and Alexandra Harris, a modern literature specialist as they delve into Woolf's groundbreaking essay on women and fiction. They explore how Woolf's personal experiences shaped her views on women's independence in writing. The conversation highlights Woolf's critique of gender roles, the importance of personal space for women writers, and her lasting legacy on female authorship. Wit, wisdom, and community interplay in their discussion of narrative styles and the evolution of women's voices in literature.