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Podcast

A weekly reflection on a topical issue.

Updated: weekly
Episodes available: indefinitely

Episodes to download

  •

    A Plate of Pfeffernusse

    Fri 5 Jan 2024

    Zoe Strimpel on sugar's extraordinary power to bind generations.

  • A Lump of Coal and a Black Bun

    Fri 29 Dec 2023

    Alex Massie on the changing face of a Scottish New Year.

  • Taking Time

    Fri 22 Dec 2023

    Michael Morpurgo takes us on a frosty walk near his home in Devon.

  • Dearly Beloved

    Fri 15 Dec 2023

    Will Self ponders the contemporary power of the sermon.

  • The Usefulness of Pessimism

    Fri 8 Dec 2023

    John Gray argues that pessimism can be a force for change.

  • On the Curiosity of Children

    Fri 1 Dec 2023

    Rebecca Stott reflects on the importance of nurturing the curiosity of children.

  • 10,000 Steps

    Fri 24 Nov 2023

    Adam Gopnik tells us why he's obsessed with steps... a lot of steps.

  • The Strangeness of Dreams

    Fri 17 Nov 2023

    Sarah Dunant explores the elusive, individual nature of dreams.

  • Material World

    Fri 10 Nov 2023

    Zoe Strimpel discusses her new-found fascination with infrastructure.

  • Looks Like Rain

    Fri 3 Nov 2023

    John Connell reflects on our changing relationship with rain.

  • Red Squirrel Good?

    Fri 27 Oct 2023

    Sara Wheeler questions the moral high ground of the 'nature lover'.

  • On Deer Stalking

    Fri 20 Oct 2023

    Alex Massie on deer stalking and the bleak magnificence of the Scottish Highlands.

  • No News Is Good News

    Fri 13 Oct 2023

    Will Self on his personal news blackout.

  • The Piano: A Lifetime of Wrong Notes

    Fri 6 Oct 2023

    Sarah Dunant reflects on why she's no longer shunning Bach for Bowie.

  • Mixed Signals

    Fri 29 Sep 2023

    Stephen Smith muses on HS2 and his grandfather's job on the railways.

  • The Wink of Dishonour

    Fri 22 Sep 2023

    Howard Jacobson on the 'horrid fascination' of celebrity.

  • In the Spite House

    Fri 15 Sep 2023

    AL Kennedy reflects on the intoxicating nature of hate.

  • My Love Affair with the Mysterious

    Fri 8 Sep 2023

    Zoe Strimpel ponders the current resurgence of ghost stories.

  • Against the Bucket List

    Fri 1 Sep 2023

    Will Self on the 'pernicious practice' of bucket lists.

  • The Trad Wife

    Fri 25 Aug 2023

    Megan Nolan explores the trend of the 'trad wife'.

  • The Rationality of Monarchy

    Fri 18 Aug 2023

    John Gray argues the case for monarchy.

  • Limbo

    Fri 11 Aug 2023

    Sara Wheeler reflects on the concept of limbo.

  • The Tourist Trap

    Fri 4 Aug 2023

    Sarah Dunant ponders how historic cities deal with unprecedented numbers of tourists.

  • Freddie Mercury's Moustache Comb

    Fri 28 Jul 2023

    Stephen Smith on our fascination with the belongings of the rich and famous.

  • The Soul of a Rebel

    Fri 21 Jul 2023

    As a seasoned protester, Trevor Phillips explores what鈥檚 wrong with protest today.

  • The Dragon and The Dog

    Fri 14 Jul 2023

    Adam Gopnik reflects on the truths our dogs can teach us.

  • Notes on Ageing

    Fri 7 Jul 2023

    Michael Morpurgo reflects on age as he approaches his 80th birthday.

  • Good Directions

    Fri 30 Jun 2023

    AL Kennedy ponders how we deal with a never-ending cycle of bad news.

  • Observing Ourselves

    Fri 23 Jun 2023

    Will Self reflects on mirrors, narcissism and human imperfection.

  • Midsummer and the Mysteries of Colour

    Fri 16 Jun 2023

    As Midsummer Day approaches, Rebecca Stott examines our complex relationship with colour.

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