In Our Time - Podcast Rankings and reviews

Yes, Bragg can be grouchy and imperious at times and I wish the topics weren’t so Eurocentric but that doesn’t keep me from listening to this completely absorbing podcast. I learn at least one thing every episode that is so fascinating I have to share it with my (very patient) husband and friends the next day. The guests are almost always well chosen - not just experts in their field but usually passionate and clear in their communication. Bragg is good at guiding the discussion to a place that nicely balances academic rigor with compelling, accessible narrative. I even find myself loving topics I had no interest in before. I’m so happy there are 1000 of these - they will keep me engaged and learning for years!

A very informative podcast. Melvyn articulates his mind well and asks pointed questions, he keeps the experts on their toes in a sometimes abrupt, yet convivial way.
The topics are great; even if the subject matter might not necessarily appeal to me, the discussion itself is so well done that I become interested.
Zero fluff, excellent general knowledge source.

This is the most accessible and intellectual podcast I have heard. I love the host and the guests and the topics. Even when I know nothing about a topic when I start to listen, I feel so engaged and instructed by the end of the episode.

Best guests & host— even if I’m not initially interested in the topic, they get me interested with just their conversation. I always learn some “nuggets”— even about topics that I know well. IF something wasn’t covered, listen to the “bonus time” afterwards & it’ll be. Great adult bedtime story or long-journey companion. P.S. Yes, Melvyn is sometimes annoying; but, so were your parents, teachers, etc & that’s often his job as host & to keep episodes to 45 minutes.

I enjoy the panelists and topics in this show but Melvin is frequently a misogynist bully to women in this show. Most obviously he was revolting in his treatment of Helen Foxhall Forbes, from what I recall. He should be ashamed of himself and his producers or someone should educate him on how to treat women. Aside from basic politeness, he needs to do better as a presenter and a human being. He’s talking to people who know more than he does and regardless should show them respect