A weekly programme that illuminates the mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.
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BBC Radio 4 Podcasts
Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain tackle listeners' conundrums with the power of science!
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Historical themes, events and key individuals from Akhenaten to Xenophon.
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The Limelight podcast - for fiction and drama serials you won't want to miss from Radio 4.
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Topical comedy from the sharpest satirical minds in the business. Listen first on BBC Sounds, every Friday. Is the news driving you up the wall? You’re not alone. Let the comedians take the strain and work out what’s been funny this week. Features BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Dead Ringers, The Naked Week and Too Long; Didn’t Read. Listen on BBC Sounds, seven days earlier than anywhere else, and subscribe to make sure that you don’t miss an episode.
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Find reading inspiration with favourite books chosen by our guests.
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New research on how society works
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Lucy Worsley investigates the crimes of Victorian women from a contemporary, feminist perspective.
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Brighten your week with the latest BBC Radio 4 comedy.
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From ghostly phantoms to UFOs, Danny Robins investigates real-life stories of paranormal encounters. So, are you Team Believer or Team Sceptic? Written and presented by Danny Robins Editor and Sound Designer: Charlie Brandon-King Music: Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Lanterns on the Lake Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4
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Tim Harford and the More or Less team try to make sense of the statistics which surround us. From BBC Radio 4
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The home of Marianna Spring's social media and disinformation investigations for BBC Radio 4, with new series 'Why Do You Hate Me? USA'
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Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.
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In-depth conversations with some of the world's leading artists and creatives across theatre, visual arts, music, dance, film and more. Hosted by John Wilson.
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Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.
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Scientific principles, theory, and the role of key figures in the advancement of science.
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Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.
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NEW on The History Podcast: Half-Life. Drawn to a family legend about his German-Jewish family's dramatic escape from Nazi Germany in 1936, the writer Joe Dunthorne accidentally discovers a far more disturbing history.
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News-making original journalism documentary series, investigating stories at home and abroad.
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Leading thinkers discuss the ideas shaping our lives – looking back at the news and making links between past and present. Broadcast as Free Thinking, Fridays at 9pm on BBC Radio 4. Presented by Matthew Sweet, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy.
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Kirsty Young asks fascinating people what advice they would give their younger self. Authors, artists, actors and film-makers are among those revisiting the moments that made them.
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In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective
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Reflections from a faith perspective on issues and people in the news.
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Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently
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Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North Americ ...
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David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news
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Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze
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Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. In this new series, Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci investigate which political buzzwords are strong and stable and which are a crock of covfefe. Each week Helen and Armando will crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to decode the doublespeak. Why does everything now have to be 'turbo-charged'? What's the difference between a 'pledge' and a 'mission'? Why has my local MP been 'weaponised' and ...
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National and international news from BBC Radio 4.
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Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday
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Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future
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An insight into the character of an influential figure making news headlines
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The latest news about food, farming and the countryside
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Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music
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Investigating every aspect of the food we eat
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Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels
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Intelligent and challenging quiz games on BBC Radio 4. Featuring Round Britain Quiz, Counterpoint and Brain of Britain with Quizmasters including Paul Gambaccini, Kirsty Lang and Russell Davies.
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Unique satire with topical and character-filled sketches which brilliantly capture everything that provokes us; culture, politics, work... and other people.
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Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them
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Presenter James Crawford looks at an author's latest work and delves further into their creative process by learning about the three other texts that have shaped their writing.
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A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week
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The big political stories with lively discussion and expert comment and analysis from politicians and journalists, 10pm every Sunday on BBC Radio 4.
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The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. In each episode of You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner is joined by a comedian and an expert historian to learn and laugh about the past. History isn’t just about dates and textbooks – it’s about extraordinary characters, amazing stories, and some very questionable fashion choices. How long did it take to build an Egyptian pyramid? What does the Bayeux Tapestry reveal about medieval life? Why did it take nearly half a millennium fo ...
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The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.
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Every Friday we bring you a new drama from BBC Radio 4 or Radio 3. Exercise your imagination with some of the best writers and actors on radio. Storytelling at its very best.
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The show on how we think, feel and behave. Claudia Hammond delves into the evidence on mental health, psychology and neuroscience.
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Political journalist Jonathan Pie gets a radio phone-in show and as his personal and professional worlds collide we see why he's so incredibly angry about absolutely everything.
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NEW in Politically: Postwar. David Runciman tells the story of one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age.
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Dead Ringers: Ep1. Greta, Trump and Eau de Farage
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The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions. This week: Greta Thunberg floats her boat at Rachel Reeves, Trump and Elon couple up on Love Island, and Gary Lineker tries something new. Cast: Jan Ravens, Jon Culshaw, Jess Robinson, Kieran Hodgson and Duncan Wisbey. The epi…
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The Psychology of Curiosity at Cheltenham Science Festival
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Is curiosity good for us, or should we learn a lesson from what curiosity did to the cat? And why does curiosity drive some people to explore the ends of the earth and beyond, while others just really aren’t very curious at all? As a journalist and author, Claudia Hammond has turned curiosity into a profession. She invites a panel of people for who…
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Tim Coulson on how predators shape ecosystems and evolution
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As a young man, traveling in Africa, Tim Coulson - now Professor of Zoology at the University of Oxford - became seriously ill with malaria and was told a second bout would probably kill him. Aged only 20, this brush with his own mortality led him to promise himself he would write a complete guide to science: life, the universe and everything. His …
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24 JUN 25By BBC Radio 4
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24/06/25 New labs for animal disease, 5G farm network, agricultural students
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Work has officially begun to create a new National Biosecurity Centre. It's being built on the existing Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) site, at Weybridge in Surrey. The whole project is costing between two and three billion pounds and is expected to take until 2033 to complete. The APHA was recently criticised by the National Audit Office, w…
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Iran has responded to a US strike on its nuclear programme by firing missiles at an American base in Qatar as well as other bases in Iraq. Residents in Doha saw missiles flying through the night sky before being intercepted by Qatar's air defence system, nobody was injured. President Trump called it a "weak response" and thanked Iran for "early not…
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Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer on F1 starring Brad Pitt
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Samira talks to legendary Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer, whose latest film F1 stars Brad Pitt as a racing car driver. Alistair McGowan and Dr Caroline Potter celebrate the extraordinary music and life of the French composer Erik Satie, whose centenary is marked on Radio 3 on Saturday. Alistair's play about Satie, called Three Pieces in the S…
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Americanswers… Has Trump triggered all out war in the Middle East?
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What has Donald Trump started in the Middle East after US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend? He also seemingly changed his position on regime change in the country, posting on Truth Social that it may be needed to ‘MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN’. The Americast team - along with Matt Chorley from 5 Live - discuss the potential fallout o…
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Iran says it has fired missiles at American military bases in Qatar and Iraq
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Iran says it has launched missiles at US airbases in Qatar and Iraq in response to strikes on its nuclear sites on Saturday. Qatar called the attack on the US-run Al Udeid base a "flagrant violation" and says it reserves the right to respond directly. Also: The Home Secretary confirms she will ban the group, Palestine Action, under anti-terror laws…
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For over a hundred years no one thought too much about the origins of the RSPB, but among its founders was a woman in Didsbury opposed to the use of feathers in fashionable hats. Emily Williamson was outraged by the widespread slaughter of egrets and the crested grebe. She had tried to join the all-male British Ornithological Union, and when that f…
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WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT by Sarah Winman, chosen by Harry TrevaldwynTHE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho, chosen by Xantoné BlacqJAMES by Percival Everett, chosen by Harriett Gilbert Music producer and composer Xantoné Blacq joins actor and writer Harry Trevaldwyn to share the books they love with presenter Harriett Gilbert. First up, Harry brings to the tab…
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23/06/25: Ag graduates, sustainable livestock, Scottish meat
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We look at what the prospects are for modern agriculture students, and what they're studying - from land management and vet science to AI and robotics. The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers says the Scottish government should be doing more to help the sector recover from falling cattle numbers. Meat imports are putting pressure on farmers. B…
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23 JUN 25By BBC Radio 4
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Sanctuary is an ancient idea of a place of refuge or freedom from harm. It has deep roots in the history, literature and myths of many cultures. Marina Warner’s new book Sanctuary explores travelling tales and concepts of hospitality and home - suggesting that myths, stories and works of art can be places of sanctuary too. The story of leprosy is a…
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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
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David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
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continue reading
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
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continue reading
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
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continue reading
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
…
continue reading
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
…
continue reading
David Runciman tells the story of the 1945 election and the dawn of a new age. The 1945 general election was one of the biggest shocks in British parliamentary history: a decisive rejection of Winston Churchill and his leadership. The election of Clement Attlee's Labour government in a landslide marked a break with the past and signalled a strong d…
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Marianna Spring returns to the world of conspiracy theories.By BBC Radio 4
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Marianna Spring returns to the world of conspiracy theories.By BBC Radio 4
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Marianna Spring returns to the world of conspiracy theories.By BBC Radio 4
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Marianna Spring returns to the world of conspiracy theories.By BBC Radio 4
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Join Henry Normal as he uses his unique blend of comedy and poetry to investigate what it truly means to be human. How are we different from other animals? Is there such a thing as a soul? Is it green or brown bin day today? These are just some of the unanswered questions Henry will be leaving unanswered in this new show, recorded live at the Hay-o…
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Marianna Spring returns to the world of conspiracy theories.By BBC Radio 4
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What next after America strikes Iran?By BBC Radio 4
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The Pentagon used more than a dozen so-called "bunker buster" bombs on sites in Iran. Tehran has warned that the strikes "will have everlasting consequences."By BBC Radio 4
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Kirsty Lang referees a contest between Northern Ireland and The Midlands.By BBC Radio 4
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Presented by James Crawford, Take Four Books, speaks to the award-winning short story writer Wendy Erskine about her first novel - The Benefactors - and explores its connections to three other literary works. The Benefactors is a polyphonic immersion into modern day Belfast and follows the events surrounding a teenage house party. Three mothers clo…
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Newscast: The US Bombs Iranian Nuclear Sites
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Today we look at the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites. Donald Trump told Tehran to "make peace" or face "far greater" attacks in future. Iran has warned of “everlasting consequences”.Security analyst Gordon Corera goes through what we know about the strikes and what could happen next. Gary O’Donoghue, chief North America correspondent,…
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Abdulrazak Gurnah is emeritus Professor of Post-Colonial Literatures at the University of Kent and the 2021 Nobel Prize winner in Literature. Born in Zanzibar in 1948, the second of six children, Abdulrazak grew up in the dying days of the island’s status as a British protectorate before independence was declared in 1963. The revolution which follo…
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Current Director-General of Technology and Innovation, Blaise Metreweli, was recently appointed as the new chief of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, MI6. She’s the first woman to assume the role. She attended Westminster School, where she got a glimpse of leadership in her role as head girl. In 1995, she went on to study Anthropology at Cambri…
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Iran says at least 430 people have been killed since Israel began attacking the country a week ago
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Iran says at least 430 people have been killed, and thousands injured, since Israel began attacking the country, just over a week ago. As the two countries continue to fire missiles at each other, Israel said it had killed another three top military figures in Iran. Also: A British man has been arrested near an RAF base in Cyprus – on suspicion of …
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Kate Adie presents stories from Iran, Israel, India, the US and Canada. Israel's decision to launch strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites has brought more uncertainty to an already volatile region. Several hundred Iranian civilians have been killed in the attacks and thousands more have fled Tehran. Jiyar Gol has spoken to people from acros…
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21 JUN 25By BBC Radio 4
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21/06/25 Farming Today This Week: Royal Highland Show, trade deal with the Gulf States, rural crime, farming in a heatwave
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Despite Climate Change Committee warnings, the Scottish Government says it will not reduce livestock numbers. Some good news on rural crime, but livestock theft remains high. Could a trade deal with the Gulf States open the door to low-welfare meat imports? Mud sunscreen for pigs: farmers tell us what they do for livestock and crops to combat a hea…
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Untruths sneak into our lives in all kinds of ways. Sometimes they’re outright lies. Blatant misinformation. But in this episode, we’re going to talk about something else - those sneaky numbers and claims that bounce around our society and that aren’t exactly false, but are leading you down the wrong path. That’s the subject of a book called May Co…
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Hundreds and thousands of sole traders and landlords are facing a significant change in how they file their tax returns. In less than a year 800,000 people with a turnover of above £50,000 who fill out self assessment tax returns will have to fill out summaries four times a year, and then do their final self assessment too. It's all part of somethi…
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MPs back assisted dying bill, sending it to House of Lords
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MPs have backed the legalisation of assisted dying by a majority of 23. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill will now progress to the House of Lords where it'll face further scrutiny and amendments. We spoke to campaigners outside Parliament as the votes were cast and two members of the House of Lords who will now shape the Bill. The BBC ha…
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Journalists Peter Hitchens and Oliver Kamm, radio presenter and comedian Ellis James, languages expert Ross Perlin, Diana Sutton director of The Bell Foundation and podcaster and academic Reetika Revathy Subramanian join Matthew Sweet for a conversation about how language unites and divides us. Ross Perlin's book Language City: The Fight to Preserv…
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MPs pave the way for assisted dying to become legal in England and Wales
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The bill allows terminally ill adults who are expected to die within six months to seek medical help to end their own lives. But it must first go to the Lords, where it will face further scrutiny. Also: reports say at least 400 people in Gaza have now been killed outside US-backed aid centres since they began operating last month. And protesters ha…
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Sir Geoff Palmer, Barbara Holdridge, Kim Woodburn, Sly Stone
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John Wilson on Sir Godfrey “Geoff” Palmer, the scientist whose discovery of a new brewing method revolutionized the industry and saved them millions of pounds Barbara Holdridge, the entrepreneur who co-founded a new record label that paved the way for the audiobook industry Kim Woodburn, the reality TV Star who made gained popular recognition throu…
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What causes onions to bolt? What do the team think about using crocs at the bottom of pots? How should I go about pruning my lilac tree? Kathy Clugston and a panel of esteemed gardening experts visit West Horsley, Surrey, to tackle common horticultural challenges and share practical solutions. Joining her are pest and disease specialist Pippa Green…
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Professor Michael Crawford: A Life through Food
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In this episode of 'A Life Through Food', Sheila Dillon meets one of the most provocative scientific minds of the last half-century: Professor Michael Crawford. Now in his 90s, Crawford’s pioneering research into the brain and nutrition has reshaped how we understand the essential role of food—especially Omega-3 fatty acids—in human development and…
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