A weekly reflection on a topical issue.
Radio 4,·813 episodes
Sarah Dunant on Alexei Navalny and the creation of a modern martyr.
Howard Jacobson on the liberation of laughter and a world turned upside down.
Rebecca Stott reflects on what's to be gained by going 'down the rabbit hole'.
Tom Shakespeare ponders the demise of his handwriting.
Sara Wheeler ponders the value of ritual and its role in improving character and society.
Stephen Smith asks what's to become of Britain's naval tradition.
The theft of her backpack gets AL Kennedy thinking about questions of identity and loss.
Mark Damazer on how we judge our political masters.
Zoe Strimpel on sugar's extraordinary power to bind generations.
Alex Massie on the changing face of a Scottish New Year.
Michael Morpurgo takes us on a frosty walk near his home in Devon.
Will Self ponders the contemporary power of the sermon.
John Gray argues that pessimism can be a force for change.
Rebecca Stott reflects on the importance of nurturing the curiosity of children.
Adam Gopnik tells us why he's obsessed with steps... a lot of steps.
Sarah Dunant explores the elusive, individual nature of dreams.
Zoe Strimpel discusses her new-found fascination with infrastructure.
John Connell reflects on our changing relationship with rain.
Sara Wheeler questions the moral high ground of the 'nature lover'.
Alex Massie on deer stalking and the bleak magnificence of the Scottish Highlands.
Will Self on his personal news blackout.
Sarah Dunant reflects on why she's no longer shunning Bach for Bowie.
Stephen Smith muses on HS2 and his grandfather's job on the railways.
Howard Jacobson on the 'horrid fascination' of celebrity.
AL Kennedy reflects on the intoxicating nature of hate.
Zoe Strimpel ponders the current resurgence of ghost stories.
Will Self on the 'pernicious practice' of bucket lists.
Megan Nolan explores the trend of the 'trad wife'.
John Gray argues the case for monarchy.
Sara Wheeler reflects on the concept of limbo.