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Artwork for Radical

Radical with Amol Rajan

BBC Radio 4
Democracy
Ravish Kumar
India
Cancer
Ukraine
Mental Health
Populism
Economic Instability
Gus O'donnell
Labour Party
NHS
United Kingdom
Prostate Cancer
Diagnosis
Health Care
Immunotherapy
Gaza
Keir Starmer
SNP
Childline

Conversations about tomorrow, from Today.

Every week Today programme presenter Amol Rajan talks to radicals, pioneers and innovators from all over the world. From populism and climate change, to economics and AI... How can their radical ideas help you win the future?

As well as presenting Today on BBC Radio 4, Amol is also the host of University Challenge on BBC One. Before that he was the BBC's m... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes178Founded2 years ago
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Society & Culture

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Artwork for Radical

Latest Episodes

As president of The Recording Academy, which organises the Grammy Awards, Panos A. Panay is grappling with how artificial intelligence and streaming is transforming the music industry, often at the expense of artists.

A former agent who worked with... more

Louise Allen answers your questions about the rewards and challenges of being a foster carer.

She also discusses reports that a new government strategy will back a scheme that helps foster carers expand their properties to give more young people a h... more

As the government prepares to introduce a strategy to boost fostering in England, Amol speaks to foster carer and author Louise Allen about the crisis in the system and what it will take to fix it.

At the end of March 2024 there were 83,630 childre... more

Professor Helen Thompson, an expert on oil and global politics, answers your questions about Europe’s energy security, whether America would intercept Russian-flagged tankers carrying oil to Cuba and what uncomfortable truth she would inject into pol... more

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Recent Guests

Louise Allen
Foster carer and author and illustrator with a background of traumatic childhood experiences.
Episode: Children in Care: How to Fix the Fostering Crisis (Louise Allen)
Helen Thompson
Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Episode: How Will The Shift To Green Energy Reshape Global Politics? (Your Radical Questions with Professor Helen Thompson)
Louisa Munch
A young academic based at Warwick University and a social media influencer advocating for critical theory and education.
Warwick University
Episode: Knowledge and Nostalgia: Why a University Education Should Be Free (Louisa Munch)
Catherine Rundle
British children's author
Episode: Radical Essay: How Is Technology Changing Our Lives? (A 2025 Review)
Jordan Stevens
Musician and advocate for young men
Episode: Radical Essay: How Is Technology Changing Our Lives? (A 2025 Review)
Dario Amadei
CEO of Anthropic
Anthropic
Episode: Radical Essay: How Is Technology Changing Our Lives? (A 2025 Review)
Nick Clegg
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Facebook executive
Meta
Episode: Radical Essay: How Is Technology Changing Our Lives? (A 2025 Review)
Naomi Alderman
Bestselling author and commentator on technology and society
Author of Don't Burn Anyone at the Stake Today
Episode: Information Crisis: Why Social Media Bans Aren't The Answer (Naomi Alderman)
Jamie Oliver
Chef, author, and campaigner
Episode: Should School Meals Be Plant-Based? (Your Radical Questions with Jamie Oliver)

Host

Amol Rajan
Amol Rajan is known for his thoughtful, engaging style of interviewing, often resonating with guests' experiences and providing deep insights into vital issues. As a journalist and broadcaster, he brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to each conversation.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Fascinating

    Rich and interesting conversations.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Paul in Dublin
    United Kingdom25 days ago
  • Excellent

    This is the very best podcast I have come across. I recommend it to anyone who wants to think. Thank you to the BBC, Amol Rajan and his guests; especially Naomi Alderman.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Carolann Samuels
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Amol is joyously intelligent and inquisitive

    So refreshing to listen to Amol -he does not dumb subjects down.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alisonbcoll
    Spaina month ago
  • Excellent

    An outstanding podcast. Amol’s objective questioning fosters a deep discussion. Thanks!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Les343
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • No 1 podcast of 2025.

    Without a doubt my favourite podcast and kept me going as I walked the Portuguese Camino Way in 2025. A wide variety of topics with in-depth interviews that explore new ways to shape our society in the 21st century. All done in a professional yet friendly manner. Already looking forward to the interviews of 2026! Thanks to Amol and the production team for their commitment, energy, enthusiasm and brains.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Caroline 012
    United Kingdoma month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many appreciate the breadth of topics covered, finding the discussions to be both timely and thought-provoking, resonating with current societal concerns.
While some find inconsistencies in the depth of content, many express satisfaction with the overall approach to complex subjects, often referring to the podcast as intellectually stimulating.
Listeners praise Amol's interviewing style as insightful and engaging, often noting his ability to connect with guests on a personal level.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How Will The Shift To Green Energy Reshape Global Politics? (Your Radical Questions with Professor Helen Thompson)
Q: How will the shift away from burning gas and oil affect geopolitics?
The energy transition is already reshaping geopolitics, particularly given China's dominance in the solar, wind, and battery markets.
How Will The Shift To Green Energy Reshape Global Politics? (Your Radical Questions with Professor Helen Thompson)
Q: What might happen if Russian-flagged tankers deliver oil to Cuba?
It's unlikely Putin would risk supporting Cuba with oil given the US's serious stance on Venezuela's oil exports.
How Will The Shift To Green Energy Reshape Global Politics? (Your Radical Questions with Professor Helen Thompson)
Q: If there was a surplus of oil and gas in the US during the 90s and noughties, why did they not export this to Europe?
The US became a large oil importer and found it difficult to influence European energy imports, having its own energy problems.
Can Donald Trump Be Compared To Julius Caesar? (Your Radical Questions with Tom Holland)
Q: When are you going to score that first 100 for the authors, Tom?
Holland humorously admits he might never score a century but reflects on the support he received from a sports psychologist, leading to a run of excellent performances.
Can Donald Trump Be Compared To Julius Caesar? (Your Radical Questions with Tom Holland)
Q: I'd be very interested to hear Tom's reflections on Trump's reign in light of his understanding of Christianity and the Roman Empire.
Holland emphasizes the historical anxiety of a Caesar-like figure arising in the American Republic, explaining how Trump's presidency aligns with fears of a decline in democratic governance.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Radical

What is Radical about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A rich exploration of pressing societal issues, combining compelling discourse with diverse perspectives, the episodes feature conversations with innovators, activists, and thought leaders tackling subjects ranging from climate change and economics to AI and public health. The format encourages deep reflection by engaging guests who not only challenge conventional wisdom but also share actionable insights on building a better future. Listeners can expect a balance of intellectual rigor and accessible conversation, making complex topics more relatable and relevant to everyday life. Notably, the openness to addressing controversial issues, perhaps considered radical, sets this podcast apart from more traditional interview formats, appealing t... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with Radical:

1. The News Agents
2. Political Thinking with Nick Robinson
3. The Rest Is Politics
4. The Rest Is Politics: Leading
5. Newscast

How many episodes of Radical are there?

Radical launched 2 years ago and published 178 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 Radical?

Recent guests on Radical include:

1. Louise Allen
2. Helen Thompson
3. Louisa Munch
4. Catherine Rundle
5. Jordan Stevens
6. Dario Amadei
7. Nick Clegg
8. Naomi Alderman

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.

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