Arts & Ideas
BBC Radio 4Leading thinkers discuss the ideas shaping our lives – looking back at the news and making links between past and present. Broadcast as Free Thinking, Fridays at 9pm on BBC Radio 4. Presented by Matthew Sweet, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 2000 | Founded | 20 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Society & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
‘Technologies of the self’ is a phrase from the French philosopher Michel Foucault to describe things people might do to shape the people they are, like dieting, exercise, journaling, or in an earlier age perhaps like prayer, or confession. Shahidha ... more
From taking the middle ground to the mid-life crisis, Middle England to middle managers, to being a middle child - is occupying a position in the middle out of fashion?
Anne McElvoy hosts Radio 4's ideas discussion programme and her guests this week... more
How do weapons exert real and symbolic power, both now and in history?
Joining Matthew Sweet are:
The former soldier and politician Tobias Ellwood
The sculptor Hew Locke, whose artworks exploring colonial power have featured weaponry
The Renaissa... more
From spiritual cleanliness to purity spirals: Matthew Sweet is joined by guests including David Aaronovitch; Catherine Coldstream, author of Cloistered – My Years as a Nun; Linda Woodhead, Professor of the Sociology of Religion at King's College, Uni... more
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Reviews
- Sour taste
The episode about taste was rubbish. Instead of presenting us with ideas and examples of good and bad taste and then critiquing the entire concept, most of them just critiqued the entire concept and bored on about Kant and their boohoo prestigious job in opera where they had got some booing and therefore it was the fault of you know who. The one boomer there was terrific, Peter York, but was punched around by the young bullies and the whole thing fell apart into the usual BBC slop
Apple Podcasts1AllFood62
United Kingdoma month ago You get one star and screw your assumption that this is a review of the podcast and not the episode. I don't find that a productive assumption.
I found this fascinating: there is a person and his work discussed by you, but you fail to mention the name in your notes. Clarity not a value for you? Did you make this a productive interaction? Actually don't care that we know and can research the subject, do you? Christ, you're annoying. Fix your shit.
Podcast Addict14 months agoroadshowrigoletto- looking backward
Rather often irritatingly dominated , regardless of topoi, by guest historians dabbling (in) psychology, or, even worse, philosophy.
Apple Podcasts2ndjuxhhehaijdbehbbxk
Germany4 months ago - Please keep making more episodes!!
Amazing!!
Apple Podcasts5linenfrolic21
United States8 months ago - Let’s mix up the podcasts!
I want to see (or hear)!Matthew Sweet on the podcast “Backlisted” talk about one of his favorites out of print book. The interaction between him and Andy Miller would be fascinating to hear.’
Apple Podcasts5Pete BullockUnited States9 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #239 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #119 |  Saudi Arabia/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #139 |  Argentina/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #215 |  Hong Kong/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #218 |  Philippines/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #224 |  Ireland/Society & Culture |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arts & Ideas
What is Arts & Ideas about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Thoughtful, cross-disciplinary conversations about culture, society, and ideas, anchored in history and philosophy. Episodes frequently explore authority, power, and how language, art, and policy shape public life, often featuring academics, historians, writers, and policymakers as guests. The show blends scholarly analysis with accessible storytelling, inviting listeners to connect past debates with contemporary issues. A standout is its breadth of topics—from feminism and literature to governance and technology—delivered with deep knowledge and engaging hosts. This mix makes it attractive to listeners who enjoy rigorous ideas presented in a lively dialogue, with a preference for well-formed arguments and nuanced perspectives.
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How many listeners does Arts & Ideas get?
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How many subscribers and views does Arts & Ideas have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Arts & Ideas?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Arts & Ideas:
1. The LRB Podcast
2. London Review Bookshop Podcast
3. Start the Week
4. The TLS Podcast
5. Close Readings
How many episodes of Arts & Ideas are there?
Arts & Ideas launched 20 years ago and published 2000 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Arts & Ideas?
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What guests have appeared on Arts & Ideas?
Recent guests on Arts & Ideas include:
1. Symeon Brown
2. Claire Ainsley
3. Catherine Carr
4. Adrian Wooldridge
5. David Aaronovitch
6. Louise Brangan
7. Catherine Coldstream
8. Izabella Scott
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.