In Our Time cover art
Podcast · 46 episodes

In Our Time, page 2

by BBC Radio 4 · English

A world-class seminar, every week. In Our Time explores the ideas, people and discoveries that have shaped our world, spanning history, philosophy, religion, science, literature, art and culture. On Thursdays, hear brand-new episodes hosted by Misha Glenny and leading academics. On Mondays, discover Misha's Archive Picks: classic conversations from the In Our Time archive, originally presented by Melvyn Bragg. Recent episodes have featured topics as wide-ranging as the Roman Arena, Handel's Messiah, John Keats, On Liberty and the Mariana Trench, bringing expert insight to pivotal events, influential thinkers and remarkable discoveries. Throughout the archive, you can hear discussions on historical figures such as Marie Antoinette, Nefertiti, Mary Wollstonecraft, Karl Marx and Albert Einstein; explore great works of literature such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and the poetry of John Donne; uncover the stories behind cultural masterpieces including Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel; or journey from Jupiter and the death of stars, to the theories of Plato and Aristotle. In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.

All episodes, page 2

The Spanish-American War 1898The causes, course, and consequences of the Spanish-American War (1898), focusing on Spain’s imperial mindset, U.S. motives, Cuban independence, and the parallel U.S. conquest of the Philippines.30 Apr 2026 · 55 min · 31 chapters
SiliconSilicon’s role across the universe and Earth—how it forms in stars, builds planets via silicates, enables electronics through ultra-pure crystal purification, and supports life through silica…23 Apr 2026 · 53 min · 21 chapters
DadaismDadaism—how it began in Zurich in 1916 during World War I, why it embraced absurdity and anti-art performance, how it spread across Europe via magazines and networks, and what it left behind…16 Apr 2026 · 51 min · 25 chapters
ArchaeaThe episode explains what archaea are, how Carl Woese showed they are a distinct “third domain” of life, where they live (often extreme, oxygen-free environments), and why they matter for the origin…9 Apr 2026 · 53 min · 26 chapters
Margaret BeaufortMargaret Beaufort’s life from heiress of the Beaufort line through the Wars of the Roses, her role as mother of Henry VII, and her influence as a Tudor matriarch.2 Apr 2026 · 54 min · 22 chapters
The Columbian ExchangeThe “Columbian Exchange” after Columbus’s 1492 arrival—transfer of crops, animals, and especially pathogens between the Americas and Eurasia/Africa—its demographic collapse, environmental effects,…26 Mar 2026 · 53 min · 24 chapters
John KeatsIn this episode of *In Our Time*, host Misha Glenny engages with experts Fiona Stafford, Nicholas Roe, and Meiko O’Halloran to explore the life and works of the renowned poet John Keats (1795-1821).19 Mar 2026 · 48 min · 25 chapters
The Code of HammurabiMartin Worthington, Professor in Middle Eastern Studies at Trinity College Dublin12 Mar 2026 · 50 min · 26 chapters
Henry IV Part 1In this episode of BBC Radio 4’s *In Our Time*, host Misha Glenny guides a discussion on William Shakespeare's play *Henry IV Part 1*, exploring its themes, characters, and historical context.5 Mar 2026 · 51 min · 25 chapters
The Roman ArenaIn this episode of *In Our Time*, hosted by Misha Glenny, the discussion focuses on the Roman arena, particularly gladiatorial combat, and its social, political, and economic implications in the…26 Feb 2026 · 50 min · 25 chapters
The Mariana TrenchThis episode of *In Our Time*, hosted by Misha Glenny, dives deep into the Mariana Trench, one of the most fascinating geological features on the planet.19 Feb 2026 · 58 min · 24 chapters
On LibertyHelen McCabe, Professor of Political Theory at the University of Nottingham12 Feb 2026 · 49 min · 25 chapters
Welcoming Misha GlennyIn Our Time from BBC Radio 4 is an intellectually stimulating podcast that explores a range of topics including history, religion, culture, science, and philosophy.5 Feb 2026 · 6 min · 2 chapters
While you wait: The Death of Reading (from The Global Story)In this episode from the BBC podcast In Our Time, host Misha Glenny introduces a discussion about the decline of reading in contemporary society, featuring writer James Marriott.29 Jan 2026 · 27 min · 13 chapters
Melvyn Bragg meets Misha GlennyA discussion on the success of "In Our Time" and what changes may occur with Misha Glenny as the new host.22 Jan 2026 · 16 min · 7 chapters
Dickens (Archive Episode)A podcast exploring significant historical, cultural, scientific, and philosophical topics.15 Jan 2026 · 44 min · 20 chapters
Emily Dickinson (Archive Episode)To commemorate Melvyn Bragg's remarkable 27 years as the host of *In Our Time*, notable fans selected their favorite episodes.8 Jan 2026 · 50 min · 19 chapters
CivilityThe episode “Civility” examines how “civility” (civilitas) became a contested virtue: a minimal code for disagreeing without insult, yet also a tool for exclusion, social control, and even domination.31 Jul 2025 · 51 min · 19 chapters
DragonsThe episode “Dragons” (BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time) traces how dragon legends arise and change across cultures—China, the West (Greek/Roman/Christian), and Britain/Wales—covering symbolism, supposed…24 Jul 2025 · 46 min · 19 chapters
Barbour's 'Brus'A discussion of John Barbour’s 14th-century Scots poem The Bruce, its purpose in the 1370s, and how it portrays Robert the Bruce, Scottish freedom, and “chivalry” through battle-focused storytelling.17 Jul 2025 · 49 min · 20 chapters
The Evolution of LungsHow lungs evolved from ancient fish to land animals, and how different breathing systems (mammal diaphragm breathing, frog buccal pumping, bird unidirectional lungs with air sacs, and skin…10 Jul 2025 · 48 min · 19 chapters
The Vienna SecessionThe Vienna Secession (c. 1897–1902): how Gustav Klimt and fellow artists broke from Vienna’s conservative Kunstlerhaus/exhibition establishment, built a radical Art Nouveau exhibition hall, and fused…3 Jul 2025 · 54 min · 22 chapters