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In this episode, hear from Sara Wheeler, whose adventures have taken her to some of the most exciting and far-flung places on the planet, and award-winning journalist and bestselling author, Christina Lamb, one of Britain’s leading foreign correspondents.

In this episode, Tolkien biographer John Garth and Professor Diane Purkiss hold a fascinating discussion exploring the bonds between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, and the impact they had on each other’s work.

In this episode our panellists Anthony Anaxagorou, Nikita Gill, Jeremy Noel-Tod, and chair Sanah Ahsan, as they ask whether in our information-saturated age and with ethics evolving over the years: has it become impossible to separate artists from their work?

In this episode, travel on a spiritual journey with renowned writer, scholar and translator Rana Safvi, as she delves into the rise of Sufism in India. Safvi discusses her book, In Search of the Divine, which evokes in vivid detail the sacred atmosphere she encountered during her research.

In this episode, poet and author, Blake Morrison and actor, Yusra Warsama explore the Bronte sisters’ remarkable legacy, and discuss some of the sisters’ rare manuscripts and first editions that form part of the Blavatnik Honresfield Library.

In this episode, writer and sociologist Keith Kahn-Harris and award-winning photographic artist and journalist Robert Stothard discuss their book: What Does A Jew Look Like? Fed up with media clichés around a ‘typical’ Jewish person, they set out to illustrate the diversity of the Jewish community, and celebrate the countless ways that men and women can be Jewish in Britain today.

In this episode, join Reza Aslan for an enlightening talk about the enduring legacy of Hussain ibn Ali, a figure who, while often seen as polarising within Islam, has the potential to be a unifying force for social justice and freedom of speech.

In this episode, immerse yourself in the fascinating tales of two extraordinary musicians, Ian Abdal Latif Whiteman and Richard Thompson, as they take the stage with filmmaker Ovidio Salazar for a captivating conversation about the power of music, faith, and their encounters with real holy men and not-so-holy men.

In this episode, we take a closer look at the film Our River...Our Sky. Set in Baghdad during winter 2006, Our River...Our Sky is a remarkable and moving view of everyday life in a war zone. We’d suggest watching Our River...Our Sky before listening to this episode.

In this episode, join us for a thought-provoking discussion which draws parallels between the current refugee crisis and the experiences of prophets from the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

What does it mean to be a feminist right now? In this episode, you can hear a series of short, inspirational talks from our panel on what being a feminist means to them.

In this episode, renowned historian Timothy Garton Ash sheds light on how Europe slowly recovered and rebuilt amid the ashes of the Second World War – and then faltered. This subject is close to his heart and is the subject of his book: Homelands: A Personal History of Europe.

In this episode, we discuss global biosecurity's critical role in preventing disease outbreaks. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the consequences of an uncontrolled virus, raising questions about the potential weaponisation of viruses.

In this episode, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso's passing and delve into why he continues to inspire artists around the world.

In this episode, we explore the life of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, one of India's revered figures, with author Shashi Tharoor. Tharoor's biography gives fresh insights into Ambedkar's life and legacy, highlighting the hurdles he overcame in a society that stigmatised his community.

In this episode, we're joined by legendary British singer-songwriter Richard Thompson. With a career spanning over 55 years, Thompson delves into his musical journey, reflecting on influences and collaborations with icons like Sandy Denny, Jimi Hendrix, and Nick Drake.

In this episode, join Dr. Adrian Marsh, a leading Romani-Traveller academic and researcher in Romani Studies, as he explores the history and impact of Romani and Traveller literature and poetry.

In this episode, our panel explores the enduring impact of the Mosaddegh coup in Iran, 70 years after this pivotal event. We will delve into Iran's role in the Middle East, its global relationships, and its future in a complex geopolitical landscape.

In this episode, we explore the new space race and astropolitics. Discover the intersection of space, politics, and international relations, as we discuss the presence of spy satellites in space and the prospect of humans on Mars, once the stuff of science fiction.

In this episode, we celebrate the rise of talented female authors in the fantasy genre, led by literary trailblazers Samantha Shannon and Tasha Suri, who are changing the landscape and drawing new audiences.

In this episode, we delve into the timeless mysticism of Rumi, the celebrated Islamic poet. Despite living over 800 years ago, Rumi's poetic wisdom continues to inspire generations of seekers, both in print and across social media.

In this episode, we spotlight the story of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a high-profile political prisoner in Egypt. His book, You Have Not Yet Been Defeated , is a unique account from the frontline of a decade of global upheaval.

In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Reza Aslan discusses his book, An American Martyr in Persia , unveiling the extraordinary story of Howard Baskerville, a Christian missionary from South Dakota. Baskerville joined Persian students in their fight for democracy during the 1907 revolution, where his death inspired a transformation in Iran's political landscape.

In this episode, we welcome one of Pakistan's most beloved and multifaceted public figures, Vasay Chaudhry.

In this episode, Eugene Rogan, the Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at the University of Oxford, and Gardner Thompson, author of Legacy of Empire, shed light on the intricate impact of Western powers on the political and social landscape of the modern Middle East. Exploring the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent actions of colonial powers like Britain and France, our panel...