A weekly reflection on a topical issue.
Radio 4,·839 episodes
Sara Wheeler ponders the value of ritual and its role in improving character and society.
02 Feb 2024,·9 mins
Stephen Smith asks what's to become of Britain's naval tradition.
26 Jan 2024,·9 mins
The theft of her backpack gets AL Kennedy thinking about questions of identity and loss.
19 Jan 2024,·9 mins
Mark Damazer on how we judge our political masters.
12 Jan 2024,·9 mins
Zoe Strimpel on sugar's extraordinary power to bind generations.
05 Jan 2024,·9 mins
Alex Massie on the changing face of a Scottish New Year.
29 Dec 2023,·9 mins
Michael Morpurgo takes us on a frosty walk near his home in Devon.
22 Dec 2023,·9 mins
Will Self ponders the contemporary power of the sermon.
15 Dec 2023,·9 mins
John Gray argues that pessimism can be a force for change.
08 Dec 2023,·9 mins
Rebecca Stott reflects on the importance of nurturing the curiosity of children.
01 Dec 2023,·9 mins
Adam Gopnik tells us why he's obsessed with steps... a lot of steps.
24 Nov 2023,·9 mins
Sarah Dunant explores the elusive, individual nature of dreams.
17 Nov 2023,·9 mins
Zoe Strimpel discusses her new-found fascination with infrastructure.
10 Nov 2023,·9 mins
John Connell reflects on our changing relationship with rain.
03 Nov 2023,·9 mins
Sara Wheeler questions the moral high ground of the 'nature lover'.
27 Oct 2023,·9 mins
Alex Massie on deer stalking and the bleak magnificence of the Scottish Highlands.
20 Oct 2023,·9 mins
Will Self on his personal news blackout.
13 Oct 2023,·9 mins
Sarah Dunant reflects on why she's no longer shunning Bach for Bowie.
06 Oct 2023,·9 mins
Stephen Smith muses on HS2 and his grandfather's job on the railways.
29 Sep 2023,·9 mins
Howard Jacobson on the 'horrid fascination' of celebrity.
22 Sep 2023,·9 mins
AL Kennedy reflects on the intoxicating nature of hate.
15 Sep 2023,·9 mins
Zoe Strimpel ponders the current resurgence of ghost stories.
08 Sep 2023,·9 mins
Will Self on the 'pernicious practice' of bucket lists.
01 Sep 2023,·9 mins
Megan Nolan explores the trend of the 'trad wife'.
25 Aug 2023,·9 mins
John Gray argues the case for monarchy.
18 Aug 2023,·9 mins
Sara Wheeler reflects on the concept of limbo.
11 Aug 2023,·9 mins
Sarah Dunant ponders how historic cities deal with unprecedented numbers of tourists.
04 Aug 2023,·9 mins
Stephen Smith on our fascination with the belongings of the rich and famous.
28 Jul 2023,·9 mins
As a seasoned protester, Trevor Phillips explores what’s wrong with protest today.
21 Jul 2023,·9 mins
Adam Gopnik reflects on the truths our dogs can teach us.
14 Jul 2023,·9 mins
