Past Present Future

Historian Robert Saunders discusses the 1997 UK General Elections, exploring why Tories didn't get credit for a strong economy, New Labour's impact on campaigning, and the election's effect on proportional representation. They also ponder the significance of the Millennium Dome.

Historian Robert Saunders discusses the pivotal 1979 UK election that brought Margaret Thatcher to power. They explore what might have happened if the election was called earlier, the concept of Thatcherism, and the Labour party's struggles post-Thatcher. Bonus episode on the 1924 election available on PPF+

Historian Robert Saunders discusses the 1945 UK General Election, Churchill's post-war fate, Labour's radical program, and Attlee's leadership. The podcast explores wartime influences, economic policies, Labour party factions, election strategies, and post-election challenges.

Historian Robert Saunders discusses the 1906 UK General Elections with a focus on the Tory disaster and Liberal triumph. The episode explores the reasons behind the Conservative Party's worst result, the Liberals' landslide victory, the election slogan 'Big Loaf, Little Loaf', and the forgotten Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman.

Delve into the dystopian world of 'The Handmaid's Tale' discussing Gilead's origins and potential futures. Explore themes of replacement fear, ideological basis in society, and the ruthless takeover of a dystopian regime. Analyze the oppressive society of Gilead focusing on power dynamics, roles of women, and parallels to real-world issues. Contemplate catastrophic events shaping dystopian futures and the importance of societal trends.

Exploring the complexities of India and democracy in Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, discussing themes of identity, division, and magical realism, and delving into the unique portrayal of India's evolution through historical events. Plus, analyzing the relevance of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale in today's society.

Delving into Ayn Rand's 'Atlas Shrugged' and its enduring influence on tech titans, exploring themes of individualism, free market, and anti-socialist polemics. Unpacking the central themes of guilt and power in the novel, and drawing parallels between characters in the book and contemporary industrial giants. Discussing the impact of 'Atlas Shrugged' on visionary entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, teasing upcoming analysis of British politics and Salman Rushdie's 'Midnight's Children'.

Exploring Brecht's anti-war play set during the Thirty Years' War, delving into themes of violence and cruelty. Analyzing Mother Courage's unlovable character and audience empathy. Reflecting on the misinterpretation of 'poignant' in student essays and teasing upcoming episodes on UK politics and historical elections.

The podcast explores H.G. Wells' The Time Machine and its themes of class struggle, societal divisions, and the consequences of evolution. It delves into the contrasting civilizations of Eloi and Morlocks, symbolic representations of social classes. The discussion includes the exploration of the underground in London, reflecting on human identity and the philosophical reflections on human development.

Delve into the complex duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, exploring themes like hypocrisy, control, and conflicting desires. Compare two murder mysteries in London showcasing different motives. Unravel the transformation's impact on relationships and societal constraints. Reflect on the intertwined identities of characters and their public-private persona divide, drawing parallels to real-world figures like Hillary Clinton. Explore themes of human division in literature and anticipate the upcoming episode dissecting H.G. Wells' works.