explore words discover worlds

In this episode, we delve into the travels of Sir Michael Palin, a Monty Python star who has gone onto establish himself as a talented actor, writer and presenter. He joins hosts Saeed Khan to discuss his latest journey to Iraq where he got a sense of what life is like in a region of the world that has witnessed bloodshed and destruction.

In this episode, broadcaster, writer and journalist, Stuart Maconie, will take you on a journey through our towns and their rich array of characters, exploring some of the familiar, and not so familiar, corners of our national psyche.

This episode is an insight into one of the most quoted and studied poems in Muslim tradition, ‘The Lament of the Reed’. The essence of Rumi’s manuscript Mathnavi is contained in this poem, which describes the anguish of the reed upon being separated from the reed bed, a metaphor for the sorrow that the soul feels when separated from the Divine.

Join us as this expert-led panel discussion delves into the world of crime-solving beyond the pages of your favourite books and TV shows. Find out how to solve a crime with world-leading, front-line forensics Professor Angela Gallop, the author of ' How to Solve a Crime: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Forensics ', and Niamh Nic Daeid, director of the award-winning Leverhulme Research Centre for...

In this episode, we explore the topic of religion with Professor Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Oxford. He joins host Aaqil Ahmed, former Head of Religion and Ethics at the BBC, to discuss the evolutionary purpose of spiritual thought, the endurance of religion in an increasingly secular world, and the human impulse to believe.

In this episode, take a trip back to April 1944 when Rudolf Vrba and Fred Wetzler became the first Jews ever to escape Auschwitz. After grappling with electrified fences, dodging watchtowers and evading the eagle-eyed SS with their vicious guard dogs in order to secure their freedom, Vrba then began work on his next task - to reveal the horrors of the Holocaust via an eyewitness report that ultima...

In this episode, we explore the legacy of one of Yorkshire's most famous literary families - the Brontës. We are joined by a panel of accomplished authors who share their thoughts on how the Brontës' works inspired their own creativity, and the family's lasting influence on popular culture. Tasha Suri, Isabel Greenberg, and Shereen Malherbe discuss their unique interpretations of the Brontës' work...

In today's thought-provoking episode, we delve into the life and times of China's greatest philosopher, Confucius. Author Jonathan Clements outlines the life and times of China’s greatest philosopher, concentrating on sides rarely seen – the younger years of Confucius, his interaction with his pupils, his feuds with his enemies and even his sarcastic wit.

In this episode, we delve into the complex topics of #MeToo, sexual violence, and the liberation and pitfalls of speaking out against abuses of power. Exploring two gripping novels: Complicit by Winnie M Li, which takes an unflinching look at the film industry and sexual abuse, and Young Women by Jessica Moor, which asks how complicit we are in a world built for men.

In this episode Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, and a regular contributor on global security for open Democracy talks about the life-changing impact of the conflict on the residents of Ukraine, creating a European refugee crisis comparable to the Second World War.

In this episode, travel from an Indian palace to the Australian Outback with author and academic Lyn Innes. In her book, The Last Prince of Bengal , Lyn shares the incredible true story of her royal ancestor, Nawab Nazim, and his family's journey from Indian riches to relative anonymity. Hosted by Bengal-born poet and writer Bashabi Fraser, this eye-opening conversation spans the extremes of Briti...

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...