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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...

In this episode, we explore the reasons behind the rapid expansion of the Ottoman Empire, including its military conquests, political organisation, and relative religious tolerance, as well as the challenges and weaknesses that led to its eventual decline.

It has been 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement helped bring peace to Northern Ireland, but how stable is that peace today? Join David Donoghue and Kerri Ní Dochartaigh as they discuss the legacy of this historic deal and what it means to the people of Northern Ireland and their future.

In this episode, Ben Okri, one of the foremost writers of our age, as he tackles the biggest existential challenge facing the world today, climate change.

In this episode, we explore what the world will look like in 2030. Professor Paul Rogers discusses how the 21st century is already shaping up to be arguably the most tumultuous in human history, and we’re not even a quarter of the way through it. Recorded live at the 2023 Bradford Literature Festival, this episode looks at global issues including climate change, political instability, and economic...

In this episode, broadcaster and writer, Anita Rani shares details about her debut novel, ‘ Baby Does a Runner’ , which follows the story of a woman who seemingly has everything until a chance discovery of love letters between her grandfather and another woman takes her on a journey of self-discovery.

Urdu poetry has a long tradition with many different forms and is an important part of the culture of South Asia. In this episode, spoken entirely in Urdu, Bradford-based Urdu poet Tasneem Hassan will discuss her writing and inspiration.

In this episode, we delve into life and work of one of the most successful crime writers in the world, Val McDermid. She’s joined by host Abir Mukherjee to discuss her 35-year career and selling a staggering 18.5 million books around the world.

In this episode, we’re joined by special guests and contributors of V: An Empowering Celebration of the Vulva and Vagina, a ground-breaking debut by Florence Schechter. Our guests include Hafsa Qureshi, Hafsa Qureshi and Eliza Rainbow.

In this episode, Gary Younge reflects on witnessing some of modern history’s biggest moments, including joining revellers during Obama’s victory and entering New Orleans days after Hurricane Katrina, to interviewing Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Maya Angelou and Stormzy.

In this episode, we hear from, Sebastian Faulks, one of our greatest writers and author of a string of bestselling books including Birdsong and Charlotte Gray.

In this episode, we hear acclaimed Israeli-British historian Avi Shlaim, about his unique memoir from the lost world of Arab-Jews. He was just five years old when antisemitic violence following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War forced his family to flee their beloved Iraq to live in a newly-created Israel.