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
"Doom-prepping" tech billionaires have been in the headlines recently and whether it’s ecological crisis or a breakdown in law and order, fear of societal collapse seems to lurk in the background of a lot of discussion in politics and wider society. ... more
From economics to dreams: Anne McElvoy and guests consider the value of irrationality. How often is emotion, instinct and unsound thinking behind the decisions taken by governments, financial markets and citizens? And does it matter if long term stra... more
From military ceremonies to folk customs - can traditions really provide an answer to nationalism and boost local pride? Former MP Penny Mordaunt is publishing a book called Pomp and Circumstance: Why Britain's Traditions Matter written with Chris Le... more
Science is one of the major sources of authority in society today. Scientists develop technologies to make our lives easier and more comfortable. They fight diseases, they have identified and are helping to combat climate change. Yet developments lik... more
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Reviews
- Please keep making more episodes!!
Amazing!!
Apple Podcasts5linenfrolic21
United States2 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 States3 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 States4 months ago - Matthew Sweet is the Squirrel Nutkin of broadcasting.
I can’t make up my mind about the move from R3, and I don’t know if I’m projecting here, but I feel an edge of nervousness about making the reduction to one show a week really count, no matter who presents. Hope this is not unfair. I still listen, but with an enhanced feeling of panning for little flakes of gold.
Apple Podcasts3greg_bedford
United Kingdoma year ago Great episode
Podcast Addict52 years agoElan Mask
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #143 |  Saudi Arabia/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #153 |  New Zealand/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #174 |  Hong Kong/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #225 |  Russia/Society & Culture |
Apple Podcasts | #230 |  Ireland/Society & Culture |
Talking Points
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Frequently Asked Questions About Arts & Ideas
What is Arts & Ideas about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Expect insightful discussions surrounding contemporary issues and historical contexts in this podcast, which brings noted thinkers to reflect on the ideas shaping our reality. Topics explored span a wide range, including friendship dynamics, censorship, the interplay of faith, politics, and culture, as well as deeper philosophical inquiries into subjects such as failure and common sense. Listeners are likely to appreciate the blend of personal anecdotes, academic perspectives, and cultural commentary, making it an enriching experience for those interested in society, history, and the arts. The unique aspect of this podcast is its ability to engage with diverse narratives while fostering dialogue on both personal and societal levels, appeali... more
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How many listeners does Arts & Ideas get?
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Which podcasts are similar to Arts & Ideas?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Arts & Ideas:
1. Start the Week
2. The LRB Podcast
3. The TLS Podcast
4. London Review Bookshop Podcast
5. In Our Time
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.
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What guests have appeared on Arts & Ideas?
Recent guests on Arts & Ideas include:
1. Uran Ferizi
2. Ceri Houlbrook
3. Sunder Katwala
4. Penny Mordaunt
5. Tiffany Watt Smith
6. Alexander Douglas
7. Phuong Le
8. Stephen Shapiro
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.