Podcast host Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the dark history of witchcraft in Reformation Europe, discussing the publication of Maleus Maleficarum in 1486, the misogyny and devil ideology surrounding women accused of witchcraft, the intricate societal perceptions of witches, and the tragic consequences of large-scale witch persecution fueled by political and religious turmoil in early modern Europe.

Melvyn Bragg, an expert in rhetoric and philosophy, discusses the development and impact of rhetoric throughout history. The conversation delves into contrasting views on rhetoric by philosophers like Gorgias and Plato, its evolution from Hellenistic to Renaissance periods, and the role of rhetoric in governance and decision-making. The podcast also explores the contrasting rhetorical styles of Hitler and Churchill, highlighting the power and influence of rhetoric in shaping messages and controlling crowds.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Han Synthesis philosophies of China. In The Analects the Chinese sage Confucius says of statecraft: "He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn to it".Confucianism had been all but outlawed under the Chin Emperor, but in 206 BC the Han dynasty came to power and held sway for over 400 years. They brought Confucian thought to the heart of government, his favourite books became set texts for the world's first civil service exam and in a grand intellectual project 'The Great Tao' was combined with 'The Five Phases' and with the Yin and the Yang.Who were the Han? How did they bring these strands of thought together into the great founding moment of Chinese culture? And what drove them to their extraordinary intellectual task?With Christopher Cullen, Director of the Needham Research Institute; Carol Michaelson, Assistant Keeper of Chinese Art in the Department of Asia at the British Museum; Roel Sterckx, Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Cambridge.

Explore the life and ideas of Jean-Paul Sartre, from his relationship with Simone de Beauvoir to his political activism and enduring quotes. Delve into the philosophical complexities of identity in his novel Lanose, resistance embedded in his plays, provocative remarks on freedom under Nazi occupation, and the intricate dynamics between Sartre and Albert Camus.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the idea of Politeness. A new idea that stalked the land at the start of the eighteenth century in Britain, Politeness soon acquired a philosophy, a literature and even a society devoted to its thrall. It may seem to represent the very opposite now, but at that time, when Queen Anne was on the throne and The Spectator was in the coffee houses, politeness was part of a radical social revolution.How did the idea of politeness challenge the accepted norms of behaviour? How did a notion of how to behave affect the great wealth of eighteenth century culture? With Amanda Vickery, Reader in History at Royal Holloway, University of London; David Wootton, Professor of History at the University of York; John Mullan, Senior Lecturer in English at University College London.

Scientists discuss the emergence of organic matter, the common ancestry of all life forms, and the role of evolution in starting the cycle of life. Topics include the primordial soup theory, Earth's formation, the role of oxygen, carbon's importance, Darwin's insights, RNA's role in life origins, and the potential extraterrestrial origins of life.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Battle of Agincourt, the strategic struggles, Henry V's motivations, and the cultural legacy. Topics include English-French monarchy relations, archers in historical armies, siege tactics, leadership challenges, and tactical decisions on the battlefield. The podcast explores Henry V's triumph and legacy, examining his return after the battle, political implications, and literary representations.

Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into 'The Odyssey' by Homer, exploring its enduring appeal and universal themes. They discuss Odysseus' character, Penelope's challenges, deception, and manipulation in the epic. The podcast touches on the narrative structure, historical context, and feminist perspectives on the story.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history of the most detailed number in nature. In the Bible's description of Solomon's temple it comes out as three, Archimedes calculated it to the equivalent of 14 decimal places and today's super computers have defined it with an extraordinary degree of accuracy to its first 1.4 trillion digits. It is the longest number in nature and we only need its first 32 figures to calculate the size of the known universe within the accuracy of one proton. We are talking about Pi, 3.14159 etc, the number which describes the ratio of a circle's diameter to its circumference. How has something so commonplace in nature been such a challenge for maths? And what does the oddly ubiquitous nature of Pi tell us about the hidden complexities of our world? With Robert Kaplan, co-founder of the Maths Circle at Harvard University, Eleanor Robson, Lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at Cambridge University; and Ian Stewart, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Warwick.

Melvyn Bragg and guests explore George Washington's role in the American Revolution, delving into his transition from a mild-mannered farmer to a revolutionary leader. They discuss the intellectual inspirations behind the American Constitution and the tensions between colonial identities and British authorities leading up to the Declaration of Independence.