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 | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
How have attitudes to punishment changed over time, and what ideas about the rationale for punishment are circulating today? In Radio 4's roundtable discussion programme, Matthew Sweet and guests explore the criminal justice system through history.
more
From an impoverished neighbourhood in South London, Charlie Chaplin became one of the most significant figures in the development of cinema. More recently, TV writers like Sophie Willan and Michaela Coel have transformed the way working class lives a... more
'The strong do what they will, the weak suffer what they must'. So claimed the powerful Athenians, according to the Ancient Greek historian Thucydides. Plato tried to demonstrate that might does not make right, and thinkers ever since, from Hobbes an... more
What do we mean when we talk about productivity?
Anne McElvoy and guests discuss labour in the context of both work and motherhood: what the language of childbirth tells us about how mothers and their bodies are viewed today; how the language of pro... more
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Reviews
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 Addict1a month agoroadshowrigoletto- looking backward
Rather often irritatingly dominated , regardless of topoi, by guest historians dabbling (in) psychology, or, even worse, philosophy.
Apple Podcasts2ndjuxhhehaijdbehbbxk
Germanya month ago - Please keep making more episodes!!
Amazing!!
Apple Podcasts5linenfrolic21
United States5 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 States6 months ago - Friendship show was a step in the right direction
Arts & Ideas has been in steep decline since March 2024. One can feel the heavy hand of the BBC, terrorized by far right pressure groups and apparatchiks of the Tory and Labour party, enforcing a new set of standards, a ban on almost any topic or guest that might alienate reactionaries, alongside a dumbing down of the way topics are even addressed, with changes to the show’s format to speed it up and reduce the amount of actual discussion in favor of gimmicks like poorly-executed attempts at coo... more
Apple Podcasts5melodie-cUnited States7 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #63 |  Russia/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #89 |  Finland/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #105 |  South Korea/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #190 |  Philippines/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #190 |  India/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #196 |  Ukraine/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?
In each episode, leading thinkers engage in insightful discussions around the ideas and cultural phenomena that shape contemporary society. Topics range from the nuances of idleness, the evolution of marriage, to the complexities of friendship and the weight of tradition in our lives. The conversations often include historical perspectives, philosophical inquiries, and cultural critiques, bringing a multifaceted examination of pressing social issues and human experiences. The podcast is characterized by its intellectual rigor, featuring a diverse array of guests, including historians, philosophers, and artists, which enriches the dialogue and encourages listeners to reflect critically on the world around them.
Where can I find podcast stats for Arts & Ideas?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Arts & Ideas. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Arts & Ideas and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does Arts & Ideas get?
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What are the audience demographics for Arts & Ideas?
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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. Thinking Allowed
4. In Our Time
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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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Arts & Ideas?
Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Arts & Ideas from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Arts & Ideas?
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What guests have appeared on Arts & Ideas?
Recent guests on Arts & Ideas include:
1. Adelle Stripe
2. Jacqueline Riding
3. Sam Johnson-Schlee
4. Laura Minor
5. Ian La Frenais
6. Rutger Bregman
7. Sunder Katwala
8. Uran Ferizi
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.