Past Present Future
David RuncimanPast Present Future is a bi-weekly History of Ideas podcast with David Runciman, host and creator of Talking Politics, exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, culture to technology. David talks to historians, novelists, scientists and many others about where the most interesting ideas come from, what they mean, and why they matter. Ideas from the past, questions about the prese... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 334 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | HistoryNewsPolitics | |||
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Latest Episodes
The second life we explore in our series about the twentieth-century philosophers could not be more different from the first: David talks to philosopher Alex Carter about Simone Weil, who died aged just thirty-four and lived through much political an... more
Today we begin a new series exploring twentieth-century philosophy through the lives of the people behind the ideas. First up David talks to philosopher Nikhil Krishnan about A. J. Ayer, the man who helped inspire the rise and fall of logical positiv... more
In today’s episode David talks to forensic anthropologist Sue Black about what happens when forensic science and forensic expertise end up on trial in the courtroom. When and how did scientists get involved in the business of criminal prosecution? Wh... more
We come to the end of this series of bad ideas with a conversation with neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan about the problems of living in an age of diagnosis, when all medical conditions need a label and new labels appear all the time. What happens when... more
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Reviews
- Kind of a mess
I listened to most of the episode on deliverism, which was a tangled and confusing mess. The host and guest discussed deliverism for awhile but, at least as far as I got, never stated why it was a “bad idea,” and also failed to acknowledge that a huge part of left populism is delivering concrete promises—as in the “sewer socialism” of Mamdani (which so far has been quite successful, and so contradicts their idea of deliverism as “bad.”). Also, they fail to give an accurate historical definition ... more
Apple Podcasts2AmeliaInTheForest
United Statesa month ago - Superb
The world desperately needs good thinkers like David.
Apple Podcasts5Billybill1984United States2 months ago - Always fascinating
Past Present Future - love it . Such a range of topics, covered in intelligent depth by Runciman and guests. I listen whilst out for daily walk and then often revisit to go back over novel ideas and thoughts. I like having novel ideas at 76 yrs!!!
Apple Podcasts5chris mcilwaine
United Kingdom3 months ago - An extra treat whenever Helen and David re-unite
David hosts this varied, contemplative and engaging series of discussions with an easy balance of searching intellect and wry humour. PPF is never better than when David re-unites with his mesmerising erstwhile colleague Helen Thompson, a seemingly inexhaustible well of historic knowledge and analysis. Their regular Talking Politics podcast is much missed.
Apple Podcasts5Angela GreeningUnited Kingdom4 months ago - Wonderfully eclectic
I’m listening from Australia and enjoy the wide scope of topic. It is fascinating and intellectually stimulating with nice touches of quizzical humour and paradoxical musings.
Apple Podcasts5KimLizzy64
Australia4 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #150 | United States/History |
Apple Podcasts | #28 | United Kingdom/History |
Apple Podcasts | #158 |  Canada/History |
Apple Podcasts | #45 | Australia/History |
Apple Podcasts | #100 |  Germany/History |
Apple Podcasts | #116 |  Italy/History |
Talking Points
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Frequently Asked Questions About Past Present Future
What is Past Present Future about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A thoughtful, idea-forward program that foregrounds history of ideas through conversations with historians, journalists, scientists, and philosophers. Episodes frequently explore politics, culture, technology, and governance, often tying historical context to contemporary questions about democracy, media, and the future. Notable strengths include high-level, interdisciplinary discussions and a steady stream of expert guests, with a clear inclination toward rigorous analysis and long-form storytelling. Potential listeners include academics, policymakers, and intellectually curious professionals seeking historical perspective on current issues and big ideas that shape the future. The show often features live discussions, historical case studi... more
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Which podcasts are similar to Past Present Future?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Past Present Future:
1. The LRB Podcast
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3. The Econoclasts
4. Close Readings
5. London Review Bookshop Podcast
How many episodes of Past Present Future are there?
Past Present Future launched 3 years ago and published 334 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 Past Present Future?
Recent guests on Past Present Future include:
1. Alex Carter
2. Sue Black
3. Suzanne O'Sullivan
4. Ian Ellison
5. Catherine Taylor
6. Nikhil Krishnan
7. Jane Green
8. Greg Jenner
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.