New research on how society works
BBC Radio 4
public
[search 0]
))
×
Best BBC Radio 4 podcasts we could find (updated February 2020)
Best BBC Radio 4 podcasts we could find
Updated February 2020
Updated February 2020
Join millions of Player FM users today to get news and insights whenever you like, even when you're offline. Podcast smarter with the free podcast app that refuses to compromise. Let's play!
Join the world's best podcast app to manage your favorite shows online and play them offline on our Android and iOS apps. It's free and easy!
Dr Adam Rutherford and guests illuminate the mysteries and challenge the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.
A rich selection of documentaries aimed at relentlessly curious minds, introduced by Rhianna Dhillon.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history of ideas
Download the best satirical comedy from Radio 4, every Friday. Features The News Quiz, The Now Show, Dead Ringers and Lobby Land.
Historical themes, events and key individuals from Akhenaten to Xenophon.
Witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With Brian Cox and Robin Ince.
Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners.
Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future.
Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.
Tim Harford and the More or Less team try to make sense of the statistics which surround us. From BBC Radio 4
Aleks Krotoski explores the digital world
Short documentaries and adventures in sound presented by Josie Long.
The programme that offers a female perspective on the world
Brighten your week with the latest BBC Radio 4 comedy, introduced by Darren Harriott.
Insight, wit and analysis as BBC correspondents, journalists and writers take a closer look at the stories behind the headlines. Presented by Kate Adie and Pascale Harter.
Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad, presented by distinguished writers, journalists and academics.
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4
David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.
Scientific principles, theory, and the role of key figures in the advancement of science.
Award-winning current affairs documentary series investigating major issues at home and abroad
The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.
Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze
Every Friday we bring you a new drama from BBC Radio 4 or Radio 3. Exercise your imagination with some of the best writers and actors on radio. Storytelling at its very best.
Reflections from a faith perspective on issues and people in the news.
Series exploring the world of words and the ways in which we use them
Intelligent and challenging quiz games on BBC Radio 4. Featuring Round Britain Quiz, Counterpoint and Brain of Britain with Quiz Masters including Paul Gambaccini.
Series that demystifies health issues, separating fact from fiction and bringing clarity to conflicting health advice.
Investigating every aspect of the food we eat
Extended version of the topical panel show, featuring extra content you won't have heard in The News Quiz
Insight, analysis and expert debate as key policy makers are challenged on the latest news stories. From BBC Radio 4's Today programme
A frank look behind the scenes with broadcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover as guests from Radio, TV and podcasting share stories they probably shouldn’t. Released every Friday.
Popular culture, poetry, music and visual arts and the roles they play in our society.
A weekly reflection on a topical issue.
One big question about one big story from the news - and beyond - every weekday. Tina Daheley and Matthew Price search for answers that will change the way we see the world.
Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music
Presenter Tom Sutcliffe and guests offer sharp, critical discussion of the week's cultural events
A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week
Popular history series where the past connects with the present.
Nick Robinson talks about what’s really going on in British politics.
An insight into the character of an influential figure making news headlines
Grace Dent presents a series documenting the untold dramas of 21st-century Britain.
In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective
Clare Balding joins notable and interesting people for a walk through the countryside
Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.
The latest news about food, farming and the countryside
Greg Foot and his guests look for the facts behind the fads and search for the scientific evidence behind a product’s bold claims.
F
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
1News Quiz: Immigration, Inundation, Resignation, Nomination and Incubation28:56
28:56
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
28:56
Nish welcomes Desiree Burch, Sindhu Vee, Neil Delamere and journalist Danny Finkelstein.By BBC Radio 4
S
Six O'Clock News
1First British death announced of the coronavirus outbreak30:43
30:43
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
30:43
A British man has died in Japan after catching the coronavirus on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, while it was held in quarantine at the port of Yokohama earlier this month.By BBC Radio 4
M
More or Less: Behind the Stats
1More or Less: Superforecasting, wood burning stoves and the real story of Hidden Figures25:54
25:54
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
25:54
Dipping into the archive for stories on the art of prediction and wood burner pollutionBy BBC Radio 4
The Labour deputy leadership candidate on uniting Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, saving Hearts FC and why Labour has to recover in Scotland if it is ever to win in Westminster againBy BBC Radio 4
Peter Gibbs and his panel of gardening experts are in Worplesdon, Surrey. Matthew Pottage, Pippa Greenwood and Matt Biggs answer the audience questions.The panellists discuss the best way to revive soggy lawns, advise on the best time to prune an acer, and recommend flowering shrubs for an area which is dry in the summer but water-logged in the win…
F
Fortunately... with Fi and Jane
1129. Manageable Breaks and Verdant Bushes, with Phil Wang49:37
49:37
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
49:37
This week on Fortunately, Fi and Jane are joined by the comedian Phil Wang.Phil and Fi share their love of Portugal and the three of them then dive into the best way to store girders, what its like to be on a panel show, the importance of optimism, the merits of Las Vegas and much more. There's a test of Jane's incredible time guessing psychic abil…
Written by Lucia Haynes with monologues by Eileen Horne.Dr Alex Bridges is an expert forensic psychiatrist, assessing and treating perpetrators of the most unthinkable crimes.In this compelling drama, Alex charts the psychological impact of the murder of a young man on his family.A week after 19 year-old Jamie's murder, Dr Alex Bridges interviews t…
W
Woman's Hour
1Helen Lewis on Difficult Women, elder abuse in care homes, the National Women's Register46:05
46:05
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
46:05
Helen Lewis discusses her new book ‘Difficult Women: a history of feminism in 11 fights’ and why she believes that today’s feminists could gain from being more generous to the feminists of previous generations.A new Care Quality Commission report says that in a three month period in 2018, 899 sexual incidents or incidents of alleged sexual abuse we…
2020 has been quite a year, we're only two months in but have already faced an impending war between the US and Iran, deadly bushfires in Australia, and now coronavirus is spreading across the world.So, in light of that, we thought it was time to return to an earlier episode to make us all feel better. It’s about self-care and making time for some …
28 FEB 20By BBC Radio 4
We assess the market reaction as investors fear the coronavirus outbreak could trigger a global recession(Image: pedestrians walk past a display showing information of global stock markets in Tokyo, Japan, 26 Feb 2020. Credit: EPA)By BBC Radio 4
F
Farming Today
128/02/20 EU trade deal, Energy audit, Rogue chickens13:38
13:38
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
13:38
Almost a month after the UK formally left the European Union, the government has published a document outlining what it would like its future trading relationship with the EU to look like. Negotiations start next week. Caz Graham talks to a spokesman from the International Chamber of Commerce, who explains the detail of the document and gives his v…
Two cold callers feature in this episode. Jennifer Langston from Ontario in Canada sent this message to curiouscases@bbc.co.uk:"My husband has just taken up cold water swimming and he'll swim in temperatures as low as 6 degrees Celsius. I worry that it's too cold for him, but he claims that 'swimming in cold water is good for you', which drives me …
What would you do with a day out of time? The leap day, 29th February, is the result of an unsolved 3000 year-old problem. Conceived by the Egyptians, passed on to the Romans and reformed by Pope Gregory, it’s all too often a day that passes by without another thought. This year, the artist Monster Chetwynd won’t let that happen. Known for her exub…
T
The World Tonight
1Appeal Court says plans to build third runway at Heathrow are unlawful37:51
37:51
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
37:51
(Campaigners outside Royal Courts of Justice in London after they won Court of Appeal challenge against 3rd runway at Heathrow. credit: Press Association)By BBC Radio 4
F
Front Row
1Director Céline Sciamma, conductor André J. Thomas, clash of the titles28:15
28:15
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
28:15
French director Céline Sciamma on her BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated film Portrait of a Lady on Fire, about an 18th Century artist who falls in love with the woman she is painting. Critics have hailed it as a manifesto for the female gaze.André J. Thomas, composer and conductor of gospel music and spirituals, discusses the African-American musica…
S
Six O'Clock News
127/02/2020 Heathrow runway plans unlawful30:41
30:41
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
30:41
A court has ruled that government plans for a third runway at Heathrow are unlawful, because they do not take into account climate change commitments.By BBC Radio 4
F
Farming Today
127/02/20 - Environment Bill, NFU Conference, Carbon footprint on farms13:41
13:41
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
13:41
The government's Environment Bill is making its way through the House of Commons, with its second reading taking place this week. The bill includes plans for the introduction of a new Office for Environmental Protection, which will take over the environmental watchdog role formerly performed by bodies at the European Union. Caz Graham talks to the …
For years there were allegations that Harvey Weinstein had assaulted women. This week he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault, including rape, and faces up to 29 years in prison. So, how did the Hollywood titan create his downfall? The New Yorker’s Ken Auletta has been covering Weinstein since 2002, and tells us how Weinstein became one…
B
BBC Inside Science
1The Big Compost Experiment; Using AI to screen for new antibiotics; Science of slapstick28:21
28:21
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
28:21
Composters - we need you! Or rather materials scientists at UCL, Mark Miodownik and Danielle Purkiss, need you to take part in their Big Compost Experiment. Launched back in November, the team asked members of the public to fill in an online questionnaire about their composting and recycling habits. With special reference to plastic packaging label…
R
Ramblings
1The Wilberforce Way with Inderjit Bhogal24:04
24:04
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
24:04
Clare Balding walks with Sikh-turned-Methodist, Inderjit Bhogal, along part of the Wilberforce Way in East Yorkshire. Inderjit created this long distance walking route to honour Wilberforce who led the campaign against the slave trade. They start at Pocklington School, where Wilberforce studied, and ramble canal-side to Melbourne Ings. Inderjit Bho…
In Italy 528 people are infected and 14 have died, officials say, amid global efforts to stop the virus spreading.Italy registered a 25% surge in coronavirus cases in 24 hours, and the infections remain centred on outbreaks in two northern regions - Lombardy and Veneto. But a few cases have turned up now in southern Italy too.Professor Neil Ferguso…
Childhood cancer is thankfully rare and the past few decades have seen dramatic improvements in the outlook for children diagnosed with the disease; today more than three-quarters survive. We hear from three mothers – Sam, June and Jenny - whose children were diagnosed. How did they cope day to day watching their offspring struggle through endless …
27 FEB 20By BBC Radio 4
Stories from China, Iraq, Pakistan and Russia and the cost of breaking bones in America. Healthcare is a very hot issue in the US race for the Democratic presidential nominee. Bernie Sanders is promising to roll out government-run health insurance for everyone. When Laura Trevelyan broke her wrist, she found navigating the US insurance system both …
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the origins of horses, from their dog sized ancestors to their proliferation in the New World until hunted to extinction, their domestication in Asia and their development since. The genetics of the modern horse are the most studied of any animal, after humans, yet it is still uncertain why they only have one toe on …
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the origins of horses, from their dog sized ancestors to their proliferation in the New World until hunted to extinction, their domestication in Asia and their development since. The genetics of the modern horse are the most studied of any animal, after humans, yet it is still uncertain why they only have one toe on …
The boss of Ryanair has been criticised for saying that airport security checks should focus on Muslim men who are travelling alone, because they pose the biggest terror threat. The Muslim Council of Britain said Michael O'Leary's comments were "racist and discriminatory". Profiling is the practice of categorising people and predicting their behavi…
B
Best of Today
1Thursday's business with Dominic O'Connell12:00
12:00
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
12:00
Singapore feels the chill of the coronavirus – no deaths, but a frozen economy(Image: people, some wearing a protective facemask, cross the road in Singapore on February 26, 2020. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)By BBC Radio 4
T
The World Tonight
1Coronavirus – more new cases recorded outside China than inside37:58
37:58
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
37:58
Passengers, wearing masks as a precautionary measure to avoid contracting the Covid-19 virus, travel through an airport in Sao Paulo, Brazil (credit AFP/Getty Images)By BBC Radio 4
F
Front Row
1Viviana Durante, Jeet Thayil, filming amidst the coronavirus outbreak, new visa rules for touring artists28:22
28:22
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
28:22
Ballerina Viviana Durante discusses her evening of dance celebrating Isadora Duncan, whose radical barefoot dancing shocked and enthralled European audiences in the early 1900s, before she was killed in a freak accident when her scarf got caught in the wheels of a car.Life is beginning to imitate art for a British film crew in northern Italy. Direc…
S
Six O'Clock News
126/02/2020 More coronavirus cases outside China than inside30:42
30:42
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
30:42
Governments step up plans to cope with spread of the virus. Cases in Europe rise sharply. Sajid Javid, uses resignation speech to attack PM and his adviser Dominic Cummings.By BBC Radio 4
B
Beyond Today
1What are police cameras doing with your face print?20:28
20:28
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
20:28
Facial recognition technology is increasingly widespread. You might use it to unlock your phone or computer. It’s used in airports around the world and some shops are using the software to catch or deter shoplifters. Now it’s being used by the police in two parts of the UK. The Metropolitan Police is using live facial recognition cameras on London …
Citizenship - Carol Vincent, Professor of Sociology of Education, explores the way in which children are being taught about ‘fundamental British values’ such as democracy and tolerance. Does this government imposed requirement too easily result in a celebration of reductionist symbols and stereotypes of Britishness - 'tea and the Queen'? Also, Davi…
T
The News Quiz Extra
1Immigration, Inundation, Resignation, Nomination, Separation, Incubation, Inebriaton and Refiguration44:14
44:14
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
44:14
Nish Kumar discusses the top stories from the week's news with comedians Desiree Burch, Sindhu Vee, Neil Delamere and journalist for The Times Danny Finkelstein.In this week's extended edition, the panel talk about the government's new immigration proposals, the floods hitting the UK, Michael Bloomberg entering the Democratic race, the resignation …
An extended version of the News Quiz as Nish Kumar and his team of panellists unpick the week's news, including Boris Johnson's increased spending on infrastructure including a potential bridge from Scotland to Ireland, Trump weighing in on the Roger Stone case, the Irish election, Ofcom regulating social media and strange radio messages emanating …
T
The News Quiz Extra
1Trump's dream week, petrolheads, the Irish General Election and dangerous lost property44:21
44:21
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
44:21
Even more bits of news-wrangling in this extended edition of Friday's show. Andrew Maxwell, Zoe Lyons, Daily Telegraph journalist Michael Deacon and stand-up comedian Sophie Duker join Nish this week.Producer: Richard MorrisA BBC Studios ProductionBy BBC Radio 4 Extra
Extra bits swept up from the cutting room floor of last week's News Quiz featuring Andy Zaltzman, Geoff Norcott, Suzi Ruffell and Professor Anand Menon. Nish Kumar is host.Producer: Richard MorrisA BBC Studios ProductionBy BBC Radio 4 Extra
Nish and the team discuss the big stories from the week's news including Davos, Bezos, HS2, the Labour Leadership race, and emotional support animals. Joining him to discuss all these topics are comedians Kerry Godliman, Angela Barnes, Justin Moorhouse and journalist from The Spectator Isabel Hardman.The Producer is Sam Michell and the News Quiz Ex…
An extended satirical review of the week's news, chaired by Nish Kumar with Rosie Jones, Hugo Rifkind, Ahir Shah and Rachel Parris.By BBC Radio 4 Extra
A satirical review of the week's news, chaired by Nish KumarBy BBC Radio 4 Extra
Landlords and letting agencies who advertise property with a ban on renting benefits claimants - so-called "No DSS" clauses - risk legal action under anti-discrimination laws. So why do such restrictions persist? What can prospective tenants on benefits do about it? And what legal and financial risks are being run by landlords who display "No DSS" …
B
Best of Today
1Celia Birtwell - Hockney's most famous muse4:51
4:51
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
4:51
David Hockney loves to paint his friends, people he works with, celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars. But there is one woman he has sketched and painted over and over again, Celia Birtwell. She is a textile and fashion designer, famous for her pre-Raphaelite hair and brightly coloured dresses. Two exhibitions of Hockney's portraits have just …
Farming Today comes from the annual conference of the National Farmers' Union in Birmingham, where the NFU president describes 2020 as "the most significant year in living memory" for British agriculture. Anna Hill asks her why. We hear from delegates at the conference, who talk about what they see as the priorities for British farming post-Brexit.…
W
Woman's Hour
1Mercury retrograde. A new study into eating disorders. Clever working class women in the UK. Author Anne Enright.45:11
45:11
+
Play later
Play later
+
Lists
Like
Liked
45:11
Astrology concepts such as retrogrades and returns are no longer niche, they’re meme-worthy, and horoscopes have evolved from a bit of fun into revered life guidance. This isn’t the first time astrology has been part of the Zeitgeist, but it’s definitely enjoying a mainstream moment.So as Mercury the planet that rules technology, travel and communi…
26 FEB 20By BBC Radio 4
