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Beyoncé, Beauty and the Pursuit of Youth

Zoe Strimpel on the perils of treating youth as a commodity.

• 9 mins

Midsummer and the Mysteries of Colour

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

• 9 mins

Observing Ourselves

Will Self reflects on mirrors, narcissism and human imperfection.

• 9 mins

Good Directions

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

• 9 mins

Notes on Ageing

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

• 9 mins

The Dragon and The Dog

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

• 9 mins

The Soul of a Rebel

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

• 9 mins

Freddie Mercury's Moustache Comb

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

• 9 mins

The Tourist Trap

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

• 9 mins

Limbo

Sara Wheeler reflects on the concept of limbo.

• 9 mins

The Rationality of Monarchy

John Gray argues the case for monarchy.

• 9 mins

The Trad Wife

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

• 9 mins

Against the Bucket List

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

• 9 mins

My Love Affair with the Mysterious

Zoe Strimpel ponders the current resurgence of ghost stories.

• 9 mins

In the Spite House

AL Kennedy reflects on the intoxicating nature of hate.

• 9 mins

The Wink of Dishonour

Howard Jacobson on the 'horrid fascination' of celebrity.

• 9 mins

Mixed Signals

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

• 9 mins

The Piano: A Lifetime of Wrong Notes

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

• 9 mins

No News Is Good News

Will Self on his personal news blackout.

• 9 mins

On Deer Stalking

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

• 9 mins

Red Squirrel Good?

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

• 9 mins

Looks Like Rain

John Connell reflects on our changing relationship with rain.

• 9 mins

Material World

Zoe Strimpel discusses her new-found fascination with infrastructure.

• 9 mins

The Strangeness of Dreams

Sarah Dunant explores the elusive, individual nature of dreams.

• 9 mins

10,000 Steps

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

• 9 mins

On the Curiosity of Children

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

• 9 mins

The Usefulness of Pessimism

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

• 9 mins

Dearly Beloved

Will Self ponders the contemporary power of the sermon.

• 9 mins

Taking Time

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

• 9 mins

A Lump of Coal and a Black Bun

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

• 9 mins