Podcast · 4 episodes
The Forum
by BBC World Service · English
The programme that explains the present by exploring the past.
Latest episodes
Robots and realityDomestic robots and the history, capabilities, and risks of autonomous helpers—especially floor sweepers, lawnmowers, dishwashers/laundry robots, and the question of whether humanoid form or “acting…18 Oct 2025 · 49 min
Weddings: Romance and ritualThe episode explores why weddings feel irresistible by tracing wedding history, rituals, and how modern consumer culture shapes them—contrasting ancient ceremonies (e.g., Hindu vows) with “invented…20 Sep 2025 · 49 min
The unfolding history of the magazineThe history and evolution of magazines—from early “storehouse” origins and proto-magazines, to business models (subscriptions, advertising), changing cover design, and survival strategies in the…16 Aug 2025 · 49 min
All episodes
Robots and realityDomestic robots and the history, capabilities, and risks of autonomous helpers—especially floor sweepers, lawnmowers, dishwashers/laundry robots, and the question of whether humanoid form or “acting…18 Oct 2025 · 49 min · 19 chapters
Weddings: Romance and ritualThe episode explores why weddings feel irresistible by tracing wedding history, rituals, and how modern consumer culture shapes them—contrasting ancient ceremonies (e.g., Hindu vows) with “invented…20 Sep 2025 · 49 min · 26 chapters
The unfolding history of the magazineThe history and evolution of magazines—from early “storehouse” origins and proto-magazines, to business models (subscriptions, advertising), changing cover design, and survival strategies in the…16 Aug 2025 · 49 min · 27 chapters
Movie theatre magicThe history and cultural purpose of movie theatres/cinemas—how their buildings, audiences, programming, and technologies (silent accompaniment, sound, multiplexing, TV/VHS) shaped the movie-going…19 Jul 2025 · 49 min · 23 chapters