History · BBC Radio 4
by BBC Radio 4
A world-class seminar, every week. In Our Time explores the ideas, people and discoveries that have shaped our world, spanning history, philosophy, religion, science, literature, art and culture. On Thursdays, hear brand-new episodes hosted by Misha Glenny and leading academics. On Mondays, discover Misha's Archive Picks: classic conversations from the In Our Time archive, originally presented by Melvyn Bragg. Recent episodes have featured topics as wide-ranging as the Roman Arena, Handel's Messiah, John Keats, On Liberty and the Mariana Trench, bringing expert insight to pivotal events, influential thinkers and remarkable discoveries. Throughout the archive, you can hear discussions on historical figures such as Marie Antoinette, Nefertiti, Mary Wollstonecraft, Karl Marx and Albert Einstein; explore great works of literature such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Nineteen Eighty-Four, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and the poetry of John Donne; uncover the stories behind cultural masterpieces including Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel; or journey from Jupiter and the death of stars, to the theories of Plato and Aristotle. In Our Time celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and the enduring power of ideas.
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Position in the History chart (US), last 90 days.
Where In Our Time ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 1, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
Lots of good topics, super guest experts, and excellent production. And Misha Glenny is superb as the new host!
Love the new host - he has injected a new energy and tone to the podcast which is a welcome and needed change. Thank you for providing excellent topics and guests.
it has been illuminating for me not just the material covered, but how scholars can ardently disagree with each other in a direct but appropriate way. I’m keenly aware nowadays that this is a lost art for many in public discourse. I never thought I would be so interested, in say, the 10th 11th and 12th centuries and why i’ve come to believe that history really matters. I can get so lost in an episode that I’ll get 8000 steps in without realizing it! Cheers and thanks😎
This show has been an absolute joy of learning from so many scholars and Mr. Braggs brilliant interview skills and insane level of preparation. I think he needs to be Sir Braggs! Enjoy your retirement. You have given us a lifetime of episodes to listen to over and over for decades.
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
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Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of In Our Time, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
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