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Dr Adam Rutherford and guests illuminate the mysteries and challenge the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.
Download the best satirical comedy from Radio 4, every Friday. Features The News Quiz, The Now Show and Dead Ringers.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history of ideas
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Seriously is home to the world’s best audio documentaries and podcast recommendations, and host Vanessa Kisuule brings you two fascinating new episodes every week.
Short documentaries and adventures in sound presented by Josie Long.
Witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With Brian Cox and Robin Ince.
David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.
Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners.
Brighten your week with the latest BBC Radio 4 comedy, introduced by Darren Harriott.
Tim Harford and the More or Less team try to make sense of the statistics which surround us. From BBC Radio 4
Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.
The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4
From Altruism to Wittgenstein, philosophers, theories and key themes.
Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad, presented by distinguished writers, journalists and academics.
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.
Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.
Fresh ideas from the sharpest minds working toward a cleaner, greener planet
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.
Aleks Krotoski explores the digital world
Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.
Reflections from a faith perspective on issues and people in the news.
Award-winning current affairs documentary series investigating major issues at home and abroad
Scientific principles, theory, and the role of key figures in the advancement of science.
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.
The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.
A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week
Intelligent and challenging quiz games on BBC Radio 4. Featuring Round Britain Quiz, Counterpoint and Brain of Britain with Quiz Masters including Paul Gambaccini.
Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze
Investigating every aspect of the food we eat
Series that demystifies health issues, separating fact from fiction and bringing clarity to conflicting health advice.
In-depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective
Popular culture, poetry, music and visual arts and the roles they play in our society.
New research on how society works
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.
A weekly reflection on a topical issue.
Clare Balding joins notable and interesting people for a walk through the countryside
An insight into the character of an influential figure making news headlines
Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact
Presenters recommend their favourite podcasts and speak to the people who make them.
Discussion of religious movements and the theories and individuals behind them.
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Your weekly fix of brand new stories written specially by today’s best writers. Brought to you by BBC Radio 4, home of the Modern Short Story.
Insight, analysis and expert debate as key policy makers are challenged on the latest news stories. From BBC Radio 4's Today programme
Countryside magazine featuring the people and wildlife that shape the landscape of the British Isles
Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels
Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music
This podcast features Open Book and A Good Read. Open Book talks to authors about their work. In A Good Read Harriett Gilbert discusses favourite books.
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Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
1
The Now Show - 26th February - ft Jess Fostekew, Beardyman and Ken Cheng...
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Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present the week via topical stand-up and sketches in front of a remote audience - and all from their own home!In the first show of the new series, they are joined by Jessica Fostekew who relays her time volunteering in a vaccination centre. Ken Cheng talks about his experiences as a Chinese Briton plus music from Beardym…
In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and breaking news from a global perspectiveBy BBC Radio 4
Pat Metheny has won 20 Grammy Awards, predominantly for his work as a jazz guitarist, but also for Best Rock Instrumental Performance, and Best Instrumental Composition. His latest work is as a composer. The album Road to the Sun has two major works for classical guitar. Four Paths of Light is a four movement suite for a solo instrument, played by …
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Six O'Clock News
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03/03/2021 The Chancellor has revealed how the government plans to start paying back the huge cost of the coronavirus crisis
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The Chancellor has used his second budget to reveal how the government plans to start paying back the huge cost of the coronavirus crisisBy BBC Radio 4
Paul Lewis is joined by a panel of experts to discuss how the Budget might affect your finances. Panelists:Anita Monteith – Tax manager at Institute of Chartered Accounts in England and WalesHeather Self - partner, Blick Rothenberg AccountantsTina Riches – volunteer, Tax AidGareth Morgan - chief executive, FerretYou can also e-mail moneybox@bbc.co.…
03 MAR 21By BBC Radio 4
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Woman's Hour
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Mothers' names on marriage certificates. The Budget. Captain Sir Tom's daughter Lucy Teixeira
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From May mothers' names will finally be featured alongside fathers' details on marriage certificates, in England and Wales thanks to years of campaigning both inside and outside of parliament. We hear from Ailsa Burkimsher Sadler who started the campaign for change back in 2013 and Revd Canon Dr Sandra Millar who is the Church of England’s Head of …
In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and breaking news from a global perspectiveBy BBC Radio 4
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Inside Health
1
Human challenge trials, Chess & memory, Dementia misdiagnosed
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28:00
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I have become hooked on playing online chess during this lockdown and after watching the Queen’s Gambit. So we’ll find out if it is actually doing my brain any good and whether it and similar games can ward off dementia. Margaret McCartney takes us on a fascinating tour through the history of deliberately infecting people with diseases, as the firs…
The shipping industry is worth millions to the British economy and we depend on it for most of our goods. File on 4 lifts the lid on the dangerous and polluting world of shipbreaking and investigates why ships once owned by UK companies end their lives on beaches in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.By BBC Radio 4
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Front Row
1
The Anchoress; Your Honour; Stories That Get Us Through
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Your Honour is a new Showtime miniseries starring Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston as a respected New Orleans judge whose son is involved in a hit-and-run. He faces a series of impossible choices questioning how far a Father will go to go to save a son's life. Developed by British Peter Moffat it's a remake of the hit Israeli show Kvodo. Novelist and …
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Six O'Clock News
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02/03/2021 Furlough scheme to be extended as part of the Budget
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A Cabinet minister has let slip that the Chancellor will use tomorrow's Budget to extend the furlough scheme.By BBC Radio 4
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Books and Authors
1
A Good Read: Twayna Mayne & Simon Savidge
28:02
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The comedian and the books blogger talk to Harriett about their favourite booksBy BBC Radio 4
The government has announced a series of proposals to “strengthen free speech and academic freedom at universities in England”, with a “free speech champion” investigating potential infringements on campuses. The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson warned of a “chilling effect” where students and staff feel they cannot express themselves freely. M…
The COP26 conference in Glasgow in November is going to be a very important moment in tackling climate change. We are currently not on track to meet the goal of limiting global temperature rise to between 1.5 and 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels. According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we need to halve total emissions by…
Josie Long presents short documentaries and adventures in sound about mothers and motherhood. We hear a story of a recurrent dream about searching for an absent mother, Heather O'Neill delves into the ways her mother and her own experience of motherhood have threaded through her life, and the writer Nikesh Shukla reflects on ways to remember a moth…
As International Women’s Day approaches, and peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban continue, what are the most pressing issues facing women in Afghanistan? Emma is joined by BBC Afghan reporter Mahjooba Nowrouzi, and scholar and women’s rights advocate Dr Orzala Ashraf Nemat.Actor, Sue Johnston has spoken about the sexism older …
02 MAR 21By BBC Radio 4
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The Life Scientific
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Sarah Bridle on the carbon footprint of food
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What would happen to our carbon emissions if we all went vegan? Astrophysicist, Sarah Bridle tells Jim Al-Khalili why she switched her attention from galaxies to food. A rising star in the study of extra-galactic astronomy, Sarah was a driving force behind one of the most ambitious astronomy projects of recent times, the Dark Energy Survey of the u…
Marie Le Conte explores the shared experiences of people aged 29 to 33, members of the so-called crisis cohort, who have had their adult lives book-ended by the financial crash of 2008 and the huge economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus.Marie examines what defines this generation of young, or not so young, people and what adulthood means for t…
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The World Tonight
1
Nicholas Sarkozy found guilty of corruption and influence-peddling
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In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and breaking news from a global perspectiveBy BBC Radio 4
There used to be a romantic notion of globalisation that all countries would simply have to get along as we were all so interconnected. Why fight when your interests are aligned? It’s an idea that has made direct military engagement less likely. But something very different has emerged in its place. We live in a new era of conflict, where states tr…
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Front Row
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Review of Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun, Adrian Younge - The American Negro, Springtime in poetry
28:22
28:22
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Kazuo Ishiguro has just published his eighth novel, the first to be written since he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017 and was knighted. Klara and the Sun is about an Artificial Friend, a robot whose role is to be a companion to the teenage Josie, though it becomes apparent that more may be expected of Klara. With resonances of two of his p…
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Six O'Clock News
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01/03/2021 Further evidence that UK Covid jabs reduce infections, concern about Brazil variant found in Britain
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Further evidence that UK Covid jabs reduce infections, concern about Brazil variant found in BritainBy BBC Radio 4
In the early days of the internet, trolls were nothing to fear. Comedians, tricksters, harmless pranksters ready to waste a little time or pounce on a typo. Some people enjoyed a bit of provocation to spark some spirited debate. You had flamers and griefers, but in general communities were good at booting out malicious actors, while leaving the tri…
The three top players play for the title of Counterpoint Champion with Paul GambacciniBy BBC Radio 4
01 MAR 21By BBC Radio 4
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Woman's Hour
1
Lockdown Hair, 'Red Wall' Mums, Greek Goddesses
42:36
42:36
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As the government announces plans for summer school and tutoring to help children catch up on their learning we hear from parents who think it’s more important to just let them go out to play with their friends. Recent polling suggests that mums in the “Red Wall” seats of the Midlands and North of England – areas which traditionally voted Labour bu…
Paul Merton hosts the return of Radio 4’s longest running panel show. In the first episode back since the death of Nicholas Parsons, who hosted for 50 years, Paul challenges guests Sheila Hancock, Gyles Brandreth, Tony Hawks and Pippa Evans to talk without hesitation, deviation, or repetition. JAM trivia - Sheila Hancock also appeared in the very f…
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Six O'Clock News
1
28/02/2021 Eighteen protestors in Myanmar have been killed, says the UN
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The UN says at least eighteen protestors have been killed by security forces in MyanmarBy BBC Radio 4
Elizabeth Day talks to Mary LawsonBy BBC Radio 4
What is the current school meal model, how well is it working and how has the pandemic highlighted existing problems and created new ones?More importantly, given the very public problems that have cropped up in recent months, how can the system be improved and made more sustainable and resilient?Sheila Dillon brings together a panel of school food …
Claire Horton is the former chief executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and is currently director general of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.She joined Battersea in 2010 during its landmark 150th year, spearheading a campaign which transformed the animal rescue service into a UK top 10 charity brand. During her years in charge, income a…
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Six O'Clock News
1
27/02/2021 Rishi Sunak urged to raise taxes
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Lord Clarke warns of financial crisis if high government borrowing during pandemic isn't tackled. Funeral service held for Sir Tom Moore who raised millions for NHS charitiesBy BBC Radio 4
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Woman's Hour
1
Weekend Woman's Hour - Camila Batmanghelidjh, Surrogacy, Women in Jazz
56:26
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In her first in-depth broadcast interview since winning the High Court disqualification case regarding the disbanded children's charity Kids Company, its founder, Camila Batmanghelidjh, explains why she fought so long and hard to be cleared.David Watkins is one of the first single men in the UK to have a surrogate baby after a law change in January…
Nearly a million carers will get an increase of just 35p a week from April. 939,000 people receive a benefit called Carer’s Allowance — currently £67.25 a week — for looking after another person who is severely disabled. In order to qualify people must provide for at least 35 hours a week - though most will spend considerably more time caring than …
27 FEB 21By BBC Radio 4
New York was hit hard in the pandemic, and more than 29 000 died since the first outbreak there. Residents and workers saw a changed landscape – gone were the tourist throngs, and bustling streets – social distancing signs thinned out the crowds and demarcated the streets. Now the city is re-opening and the soul-searching has begun. But Nick Bryant…
Carrie Symonds is Boris Johnson's fiancee and the mother of his baby. She is a also a former special advisor, committed animal rights activist and Brexit supporter. And, not that long ago, she was director of communications for the Conservative Party. It's that political experience that has fuelled questions about how much influence she has over de…
Cases of Covid 19 began to soar in the US in the autumn. By early January there were around 300,000 new cases a day. But since then the numbers have fallen steeply. What caused this dramatic drop? From herd immunity to the weather, Tim Harford explores some of the theories with Derek Thompson of The Atlantic magazine and Professor Jennifer Dowd, de…
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The World Tonight
1
Alex Salmond says “no doubt” Nicola Sturgeon broke ministerial code
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In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and breaking news from a global perspectiveBy BBC Radio 4
"So far," writes Tom Shakespeare, "the pub has weathered the tides of history and adapted to every change...so far." But Tom argues that, in the aftermath of months of closure, this great British institution is now in peril and we all have a role in saving it. Producer: Adele ArmstrongBy BBC Radio 4
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Front Row
1
The United States vs Billie Holiday reviewed, Adrian Scarborough, Ronald Pickup remembered, Joanna Pocock
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41:20
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We review a new biopic of jazz singer Billie Holiday, directed by Lee Daniels, which tells the story of the FBI’s campaign against her. They were afraid that performing her most famous song Strange Fruit, about the lynching of Black Americans, would incite unrest. Andra Day stars as Holiday. Barb Jungr and Be Manzini give their verdict, comment on …
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Six O'Clock News
1
26/02/2021 Alex Salmond accuses Scotland's leadership of failure.
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Scotland's former first minister tells inquiry key evidence was deliberately suppressed.By BBC Radio 4
Maria Thomas puts a female black academic at the centre of her short story Trip and Fall.By BBC Radio 4
Peter Gibbs hosts the gardening panel show. This week he's joined by Matt Biggs, Anne Swithinbank, James Wong and a live virtual audience, to answer questions from listeners about subjects from pomegranate trees to hardy houseplants. Away from the questions, we get an update from Matthew and Jane Wilson on their cut flower border project, and Clair…
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Fortunately... with Fi and Jane
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180. Martian Sandwiches and Mob Weddings, with Nick Bryant
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This week Fi Glover and Jane Garvey are joined by BBC New York Correspondent, Nick Bryant. Nick takes Fi and Jane back to relive their own experiences of the big apple. He also gives the lowdown on his last four years of 'heavy metal' reporting and how it built into his new book When America Stopped Being Great. Before Nick dialled in from the NYC …
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Woman's Hour
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Weekend Woman's Hour: Women at breaking point, Revenge porn, The term 'witch'
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55:31
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Why the latest lockdown has left so many women feeling at breaking point as they try to juggle home schooling and working from home simultaneously. Annie tells us her story and we hear from Leann Cross the Director of Homestart Greenwich and Sam Smethers the former Chief Exec of the Fawcett Society,. Model and TV personality, Zara McDermott talks a…
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Woman's Hour
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Buying sperm online. Author Julie Ma. Vintage wedding photos
42:27
42:27
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People wanting to start a family, who need to use a sperm donor say they feel forced into finding sperm online in unregulated spaces because NHS funding is rationed or they don’t qualify for it and it's too expensive to go to a private clinic. The UK’s fertility regulator has warned that doing so carries “significant risks”. We hear from the Chair …
