A weekly reflection on a topical issue.
Radio 4,·825 episodes
Mary Beard reflects on why so many families have their own unique Christmas traditions.
Stephen Smith goes on a subterranean excursion to ponder the state of water companies.
Zoe Strimpel on the joys of seeing the world through the eyes of a nine-month-old.
Rebecca Stott reflects on the sadness and wonder of clearing her mother's house.
John Gray argues that we urgently need a new centre ground in British politics.
Megan Nolan on the almost mystical appeal of animal escapes.
Sara Wheeler reflects on the valuable perspective offered by out-of-date guidebooks.
1. Call Me Ishmael
James Naughtie with the first of four programmes on America's restless search for meaning.
2. Words, Words, Words
The second of James Naughtie's four programmes on America's restless search for meaning.
The Old Identity
James Naughtie continues his series exploring America's restless search for meaning.
The Brink
James Naughtie recalls a meeting with an ex-CIA chief worried about the future of America
Adam Gopnik goes in search of Donald Trump's secret power, with two famous essays in hand.
Zoe Strimpel's dilemma over voting for Kamala.
Howard Jacobson argues that liberation from red tape is no way to run a country.
Megan Nolan reflects on mothers... and not mothers.
Sarah Dunant looks forward to next week's US presidential debate.
Tom Shakespeare on the humiliation of crawling.
AL Kennedy on how a passing remark has given 'weird' back its mojo.
David Goodhart argues that the days of an ever-expanding university sector are over.
Sara Wheeler reflects on the societal forces that have created the imposter syndrome.
Will Self reflects on change... and getting ready for a stem cell transplant.
Michael Morpurgo on heroism, triumph and disappointment as the Olympics gets underway.
Adam Gopnik with the ultimate cure for sleeplessness.
Sarah Dunant on the profound challenge to America's sense of its own youthfulness.
Rebecca Stott on why Iris Murdoch's theory of 'unselfing' is so apt for our present moment
Mary Beard on the function of museums and the thorny issue of what should be in them.
Megan Nolan on why she's well suited to the insecurity of her generation's housing crisis.
Zoe Strimpel reflects on the rise and rise of the superfan.
Howard Jacobson ponders why men suddenly want to read about love.
Mark Damazer on elections and the tricky business of political language.
