explore words discover worlds

Join acclaimed scholar Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, founding director of Al-Maqasid, an Islamic seminary in Pennsylvania, for a discussion of al-Ghazali and Aristotle.

This episode takes us into the mysterious world of Joanne Harris, the author of the UK bestseller, Chocolat. Discussing her latest work, A Narrow Door, a gripping whodunnit that explores the lengths a headmistress will go to protect her school's reputation. Joanne's writing often takes aim at difficult topics and A Narrow Door is no exception.

Presented in partnership with Critical Muslim, this panel discussion explores who defines the liberty we are told we enjoy, and how our world views impact the ways we assert our liberty. Our panelists include Shanon Shah, an award-winning writer and broadcaster on Muslim and LGBTQ+ issues; Shamim Miah, a senior lecturer in criminology and social policy at the University of Huddersfield; Canon Gile...

Today's episode is a timely exploration into the often-overlooked topic of mental health. Horatio Clare, author of the gripping memoir 'Heavy Light', takes us through his personal journey of breakdown, treatment, and recovery, and tackles the taboo surrounding sectioning and detention in hospitals.

Today's episode is an insightful discussion on the impact of crime reporting on society as Marianne Colbran shares her research on the changes in crime reporting over the past 40 years, including the impact of the Leveson Report and the 'fake news' era. The panel also explores how working practices and lack of diversity in newsrooms have led to representational harm and the 'othering' of communiti...

This episode takes us on a journey through the world of fantasy literature and the legacy of one of its greatest pioneers. While fantasy certainly existed before Frodo, Gollum and Middle-earth, as soon as visionary author J.R.R. Tolkien picked up his pen, the genre was never the same again. Acclaimed author Courttia Newland joins David Barnett for a discussion about Tolkien’s vast impact within li...

In this episode, we delve into the life and work of William Morris, the 19th century's most celebrated designer and a key figure in the Arts & Crafts Movement. Renowned antiques dealer and TV personality Drew Pritchard, and fashion designer Giles Deacon, take us on a journey through the life and work of William Morris.

In this episode, Anna Gunin, Daria Mattingly, and Javaad Alipoor discuss the heart of Russia's invasion of Ukraine from their unique perspectives as a translator of Russian literature, a historian specializing in the Holodomor, and a writer and director.

In this episode we uncover the fascinating life of Charlotte Brontë and her travels abroad. From her extended stays at the Heger School in Brussels to her little-known honeymoon in Wales and Ireland, Charlotte's experiences offer a wealth of information to explore. Join authors Pauline Clooney, Monica Kendall, and Michael O’Dowd as they discuss Charlotte's attitudes and experiences of travel, draw...