Free Thinking
BBC Radio 4Leading thinkers discuss the ideas shaping our lives - looking back at the news and making links between past and present. 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
Do we have a responsibility to inform ourselves about the state of the world? Is the experience of some people valued more highly than that of others? Matthew Sweet investigates the ethics of knowledge in Radio 4's round table discussion programme. W... more
What does trade set in motion beyond the exchange of goods? Anne McElvoy explores the movement of commerce across time as a carrier of habits, ideas, ambitions and influence, as well as of material things. From the early modern world, where trade was... more
Shahidha Bari investigates the child’s-eye view of the world. From navigating AI, to living through war, to the joys of reading, what makes children’s perspectives so distinctive? With writer Katherine Rundell, psychotherapist Josh Cohen, nature writ... more
How has the figure of the outsider or eccentric has been used to explore English culture, history, politics, and our relationship with nature and the countryside? Matthew Sweet discusses, including a re-reading of Sylvia Townsend Warner's 1926 novel ... 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 Kingdom3 months 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 Addict16 months agoroadshowrigoletto- looking backward
Rather often irritatingly dominated , regardless of topoi, by guest historians dabbling (in) psychology, or, even worse, philosophy.
Apple Podcasts2ndjuxhhehaijdbehbbxk
Germany6 months ago - Please keep making more episodes!!
Amazing!!
Apple Podcasts5linenfrolic21
United States10 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 Statesa year ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #84 |  South Korea/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #161 |  India/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #196 |  Ukraine/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #202 |  South Africa/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #233 |  Spain/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #245 |  Poland/Society & Culture |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Free Thinking
What is Free Thinking about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Thoughtful, cross-disciplinary conversations that pull threads from history, philosophy, culture, and current events into accessible, idea-driven dialogue. Episodes frequently center on big questions about taste, authority, purity, humility, and how society negotiates power, identity, and public discourse, often with a panel of academics, journalists, and policy thinkers. Standout traits include high intellectual breadth, rigorous analysis, and guests who bridge theory with real-world implications, making it attractive to listeners who enjoy deep, literature- and ideas-focused conversation with a distinctly cultural and political lens.
Where can I find podcast stats for Free Thinking?
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How many listeners does Free Thinking get?
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What are the audience demographics for Free Thinking?
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How many subscribers and views does Free Thinking have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Free Thinking?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Free Thinking:
1. The TLS Podcast
2. The LRB Podcast
3. London Review Bookshop Podcast
4. Start the Week
5. Close Readings
How many episodes of Free Thinking are there?
Free Thinking 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 Free Thinking?
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What guests have appeared on Free Thinking?
Recent guests on Free Thinking include:
1. Elizabeth-Jane Burnett
2. Josh Cohen
3. Nomisha Kurian
4. Emma Butcher
5. Katherine Rundell
6. Sophie Scott Brown
7. Charles Foster
8. Jade Munslow Ong
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.