

The Very Short Introductions Podcast
Oxford University Press
A concise and original introduction to a wide range of subjects—from Public Health to Buddhist Ethics, Soft Matter to Classics, and Art History to Globalization—by the expert authors of the Very Short Introductions series. For wherever your curiosity may take you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 17, 2022 • 11min
Sexuality – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 59
In this episode, Véronique Mottier introduces and explores what shapes our sexuality.
Learn more about “Sexuality: A Very Short Introduction” here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/sexuality-a-very-short-introduction-9780199298020
Veronique Mottier is a Fellow of Jesus College at Cambridge University and also Professor in Sociology at the University of Lausanne.
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the next episode of The Very Short Introductions Podcast will premiere on Thursday, 1 December 2022.
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– Google Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/34W2bvY
– iHeartRadio: https://oxford.ly/3vjowkl
– SoundCloud: https://oxford.ly/3nPvtoD
– Spotify: https://oxford.ly/3dxUJuP
– Stitcher: https://oxford.ly/3k9kEvH
– TuneIn: https://oxford.ly/3M7iMAU
– YouTube: https://oxford.ly/3kZF8Jh
© Oxford University Press

Nov 10, 2022 • 15min
The Avant-Garde – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 58
David Cottington, an Emeritus Professor of Art History at Kingston University, explores the transformative concept of the Avant-Garde, a cornerstone of modern culture. He traces its origins back to the French Revolution and contrasts it with romantic ideals from writers like Shelley. The discussion dives into the evolving relationship between avant-garde movements and mainstream culture, revealing ongoing tensions between artistic integrity and market demands. Cottington also highlights how the term has shifted from a critical standard to a marketing buzzword.

Nov 3, 2022 • 15min
Evangelicalism – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 57
John G. Stackhouse Jr., Mikolaski Professor of Religious Studies and award-winning scholar, dives into the rich tapestry of Evangelicalism. He dismantles stereotypes, revealing the movement's diverse makeup, including the roles of women and people of color. Stackhouse explores the complex relationship between evangelical beliefs and modern societal values, emphasizing individuality within community. He also defines key characteristics that set evangelicalism apart, highlighting its global influence and the importance of personal faith journeys.

Oct 27, 2022 • 11min
Anarchism – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 56
Join Alex Prichard, an Associate Professor at the University of Exeter and expert on anarchism, as he demystifies this often-misunderstood ideology. He dives into its origins and critiques of capitalism, revealing how anarchism champions freedom while challenging unjust power. Discussing influential figures like Proudhon and the surprising presence of anarchist ideas in pop culture, Alex also highlights the importance of communal labor and critiques private property. Discover how anarchism shapes protest movements and rethinks historical narratives.

Oct 20, 2022 • 11min
Asian American History – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 55
Madeline Y. Hsu, a historian and Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, dives into the critical topics of Asian American history and its impact on the U.S. She highlights the long-standing contributions of Asian Americans and discusses the effects of legal exclusions on immigration and detention policies. Hsu also addresses contemporary stereotypes shaped by historical narratives, emphasizing the need for inclusive historical perspectives that foster a multiracial, egalitarian society.

Oct 13, 2022 • 13min
Philosophy of Science – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 54
In this episode, Samir Okasha introduces the philosophy of science, a field that looks to address key questions such as the issue of scientific change and ethics in science.
Learn more about “Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction” here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/philosophy-of-science-very-short-introduction-9780198745587
Samir Okasha is Professor of Philosophy of Science at the University of Bristol, where he has taught since 2003. He currently serves as Associate Editor of Philosophy of Science, and has previously served as Associate Editor for the European Journal for the Philosophy of Science.
Follow The Very Short Introductions Podcast on:
– Amazon Music: https://oxford.ly/3jDBK5Z
– Apple Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/2SQQ79R
– Audible: https://oxford.ly/3yw0xSn
– Blubrry: https://oxford.ly/2IVCep0
– Google Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/34W2bvY
– iHeartRadio: https://oxford.ly/3vjowkl
– SoundCloud: https://oxford.ly/3nPvtoD
– Spotify: https://oxford.ly/3dxUJuP
– Stitcher: https://oxford.ly/3k9kEvH
– TuneIn: https://oxford.ly/3M7iMAU
– YouTube: https://oxford.ly/3kZF8Jh
© Oxford University Press

Oct 6, 2022 • 13min
Negotiation – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 53
In this installment, Carrie Menkel-Meadow, a distinguished professor in law and political science with nearly 40 years of experience, dives into the art of negotiation. She explains negotiation as a vital skill for personal and professional interactions. Topics range from the importance of context in shaping negotiation styles to how asking simple questions can unlock mutual gains. Carrie also highlights cognitive biases that can affect outcomes and the significance of trust and ethics. Her insights bridge the gap between theory and practical application.

Jun 9, 2022 • 16min
Abolitionism – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 52
Richard S. Newman, a Professor of History at the Rochester Institute of Technology and an expert on abolitionism, highlights the global movement to end slavery. He delves into the rich history of abolitionism, illuminating its evolution from the 18th century through the Civil War. Newman emphasizes the vital role of women, particularly British abolitionists like Elizabeth Heyrick, and connects their efforts to today's conversations on race and justice. The discussion draws intriguing parallels between historical struggles and contemporary human rights movements.

Jun 2, 2022 • 7min
Revolutions – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 51
In this episode, Jack A. Goldstone introduces revolutions, which, from 1789 in France to 2011 in Cairo, have shaken the world and dominate the popular imagination.
Learn more about “Revolutions: A Very Short Introduction” here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/revolutions-a-very-short-introduction-9780199858507
Jack A. Goldstone is Virginia E. and John T. Hazel, Jr. Professor of Public Policy and Eminent Scholar, School of Public Policy, at George Mason University. He is the author of Revolution and Rebellion in the Early Modern World.
Follow The Very Short Introductions Podcast on:
– Amazon Music: https://oxford.ly/3jDBK5Z
– Apple Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/2SQQ79R
– Audible: https://oxford.ly/3yw0xSn
– Blubrry: https://oxford.ly/2IVCep0
– Google Podcasts: https://oxford.ly/34W2bvY
– iHeartRadio: https://oxford.ly/3vjowkl
– SoundCloud: https://oxford.ly/3nPvtoD
– Spotify: https://oxford.ly/3dxUJuP
– Stitcher: https://oxford.ly/3k9kEvH
– TuneIn: https://oxford.ly/3M7iMAU
– YouTube: https://oxford.ly/3kZF8Jh
© Oxford University Press

May 26, 2022 • 12min
Alexander the Great – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 50
Hugh Bowden, Professor of Ancient History at King’s College London, introduces Alexander the Great and discusses his legacy. Topics include the limited information about Alexander's life, various sources of evidence, his conquest of the Persian Empire, and his adoption of local practices.