BBC Radio 4 Podcasts

show episodes

BBC Radio 4

97k

623

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

A weekly programme that illuminates the mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.

BBC Radio 4

310

Unsubscribe

7d ago0w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

BBC Radio 4

162

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain tackle listeners' conundrums with the power of science!

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

1
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4

10k

258

Unsubscribe

20h ago20h ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Topical comedy from the sharpest satirical minds in the business. Listen first on BBC Sounds, every Friday. Is the news driving you up the wall? You’re not alone. Let the comedians take the strain and work out what’s been funny this week. Features BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Dead Ringers, The Naked Week and Too Long; Didn’t Read. Listen on BBC Sounds, seven days earlier than anywhere else, and subscribe to make sure that you don’t miss an episode.

4
Limelight

BBC Radio 4

881

254

Unsubscribe

4d ago4d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

The Limelight podcast - for fiction and drama serials you won't want to miss from Radio 4.

1
A Good Read

BBC Radio 4

372

Unsubscribe

2h ago2h ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Find reading inspiration with favourite books chosen by our guests.

1
Comedy of the Week

BBC Radio 4

164k

Unsubscribe

9m ago9m ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Brighten your week with the latest BBC Radio 4 comedy.

1
Great Lives

BBC Radio 4

391

Unsubscribe

4m ago4m ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

4
From Our Own Correspondent

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

1d ago1d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories beyond the news headlines. Presented by Kate Adie.

1
Uncanny

BBC Radio 4

696

105

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

From ghostly phantoms to UFOs, Danny Robins investigates real-life stories of paranormal encounters. So, are you Team Believer or Team Sceptic? Written and presented by Danny Robins Editor and Sound Designer: Charlie Brandon-King Music: Evelyn Sykes Theme Music by Lanterns on the Lake Produced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard A Bafflegab and Uncanny Media production for BBC Radio 4

1
More or Less

BBC Radio 4

17k

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly+

Tim Harford explains - and sometimes debunks - the numbers and statistics used in political debate, the news and everyday life

1
Desert Island Discs

BBC Radio 4

150k

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

1
Six O'Clock News

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

22m ago22m ago

Unsubscribe

Daily

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

1
Fairy Meadow

BBC Radio 4

110

Unsubscribe

1M ago4w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

In 1970, three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer was taken from an Australian beach. No-one knows what happened. Fifty years on - can the mystery be solved?

1
Strong Message Here

BBC Radio 4

176

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Armando Iannucci hosts the programme that gives you a cast-iron guarantee to be laser-focused on decoding the baffling world of political language. Each week he'll be joined by a guest to crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to demystify the doublespeak. Why does everything now have to be 'turbo-charged'? What's the difference between a 'pledge' and a 'mission'? Why has my local MP been 'weaponised' and should I be worried? You'll be treated to a crash course in the dark arts of p ...

1
File on 4 Investigates

BBC Radio 4

771

474

Unsubscribe

7d ago0w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

News-making original journalism documentary series, investigating stories at home and abroad.

1
Marianna in Conspiracyland

BBC Radio 4

222

Unsubscribe

1M ago4w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

The home of Marianna Spring's social media and disinformation investigations for BBC Radio 4, with new series "Marianna in Conspiracyland 2".

1
Beyond Belief

BBC Radio 4

359

Unsubscribe

13d ago1w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world

1
This Cultural Life

BBC Radio 4

255

138

Unsubscribe

4d ago4d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

In-depth conversations with some of the world's leading artists and creatives across theatre, visual arts, music, dance, film and more. Hosted by John Wilson.

1
The Life Scientific

BBC Radio 4

340

Unsubscribe

6d ago6d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future

1
The World Tonight

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Daily

In depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective

1
Last Word

BBC Radio 4

305

540

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently

1
Drama of the Week

BBC Radio 4

46k

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

Every Friday we bring you a new drama from BBC Radio 4 or Radio 3. Exercise your imagination with some of the best writers and actors on radio. Storytelling at its very best.

1
Arts & Ideas

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

10d ago1w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Leading 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.

1
Front Row

BBC Radio 4

660

Unsubscribe

22m ago22m ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly+

Live magazine programme on the worlds of arts, literature, film, media and music

1
The Briefing Room

BBC Radio 4

365

Unsubscribe

4d ago4d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

1
Intrigue

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

12d ago1w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

Ben Lewis unravels the tangled story of a Christian billionaire family, stolen relics, fake treasures and the scholar turned sleuth who exposed the scandal of biblical proportions. Intrigue: 'Jaw-dropping', 'gripping', 'bingeable,' 'thrilling' - dramatic true stories and investigations that reveal how the world really works.

1
Bookclub

BBC Radio 4

343

Unsubscribe

18h ago18h ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels

51
Take Four Books

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

8d ago1w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Presenter James Crawford looks at an author's latest work and delves further into their creative process by learning about the three other texts that have shaped their writing.

1
Start the Week

BBC Radio 4

263

622

Unsubscribe

30m ago30m ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday

1
Thought for the Day

BBC Radio 4

24k

Unsubscribe

6h ago6h ago

Unsubscribe

Daily

Reflections from a faith perspective on issues and people in the news.

1
Money Box

BBC Radio 4

63k

674

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly+

The latest news from the world of personal finance plus advice for those trying to make the most of their money.

1
The History Podcast

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

8d ago1w ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

When Antony Easton's enigmatic father passes away, he begins sorting through a suitcase filled with cryptic family clues. Neatly stacked German money, a family tree stretching back generations, and books filled with sprawling notes. He also finds his father's birth certificate, but bearing a different name. Confronting his dad's double identity, Antony begins a ten-year quest to uncover the truth. Piece-by-piece he comes to understand his family's dark history. Large numbers of his relatives ...

1
Screenshot

BBC Radio 4

107

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode guide us through the expanding universe of the moving image revealing fascinating links and hidden gems from cinema and TV to streaming and beyond.

1
Farming Today

BBC Radio 4

438

Unsubscribe

7h ago7h ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

1
Americast

BBC News

497

Unsubscribe

12m ago12m ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly+

Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North Americ ...

1
Mark Steel's in Town

BBC Radio 4

183

Unsubscribe

27d ago3w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

Comedian Mark Steel visits towns across the UK, meets the locals, and creates a stand up show for them - and us - about the town.

1
The Food Programme

BBC Radio 4

796

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Investigating every aspect of the food we eat

51
Profile

BBC Radio 4

408

653

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

An insight into the character of an influential figure making news headlines

1
You're Dead to Me

BBC Radio 4

231

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

The comedy podcast that takes history seriously. In each episode of You’re Dead to Me from BBC Radio 4, Greg Jenner is joined by a comedian and an expert historian to learn and laugh about the past. History isn’t just about dates and textbooks – it’s about extraordinary characters, amazing stories, and some very questionable fashion choices. How long did it take to build an Egyptian pyramid? What does the Bayeux Tapestry reveal about medieval life? Why did it take nearly half a millennium fo ...

1
This Week in History

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

11h ago11h ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life.

1
Gardeners' Question Time

BBC Radio 4

956

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly

A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week

1
Moral Maze

BBC Radio 4

257

Unsubscribe

1M ago4w ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze

1
Westminster Hour

BBC Radio 4

453

Unsubscribe

12h ago12h ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

The big political stories with lively discussion and expert comment and analysis from politicians and journalists, 10pm every Sunday on BBC Radio 4.

1
Illuminated

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

1h ago1h ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

Illuminated is BBC Radio 4's home for creative and surprising one-off documentaries that shed light on hidden worlds. Welcome to a place of audio beauty and joy, with emotion and human experience at its heart. The programmes you will find in this feed explore the reality of contemporary Britain and the world, venturing into its weirdest and most wonderful aspects. This is a chance to meet voices that are not normally heard, open secret doors into concealed chambers and, above all, be transpo ...

1
The Archers Omnibus

BBC Radio 4

Unsubscribe

2d ago2d ago

Unsubscribe

Weekly

The week's events in Ambridge

1
AntiSocial

BBC Radio 4

142

Unsubscribe

3d ago3d ago

Unsubscribe

Monthly+

Peace talks for the culture wars. In an era of polarisation, propaganda and pile-ons, AntiSocial offers an alternative: understanding, facts, and respect. Each week, Adam Fleming takes on a topic that's generating conflict on social media, blogs, talk shows and phone-ins and helps you work out what the arguments are really about.

show series

1
The News Quiz: Ep8. Titles, Jewels and "Chocolate" Bars 28:29

20h ago28:29

28:29

Alasdair Beckett-King, Laura Lexx, Ahir Shah and Ava Santina join Andy Zaltzman for this week's quiz. Brace yourselves for stories about the stripping of both Royal Titles and Royal Crown Jewels as well as the big question of the moment, are things better or worse than they used to be? Written by Andy ZaltzmanAdditional material by: Milo Edwards, C…

1
Zadie Smith and Brenda Blethyn live in studio 42:15

23m ago42:15

42:15

Zadie Smith talks about the art of the essay, as she publishes a non-fiction collection, Dead and Alive. Brenda Blethyn discusses her new film Dragonfly, for which she's just been nominated for Best Joint Performance at the British Independent Film Awards along with her co-star Andrea Riseborough. In the last of Front Row's interviews with the auth…

1
Americanswers…on 5 Live! Could Andrew answer Epstein questions before Congress? 33:34

12m ago33:34

33:34

Sarah, Anthony and Marianna join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your questions. The team look at a week of elections in New York, Virginia and New Jersey, how recent developments with the royal family could impact the release of the Epstein files in the US, and whether the president is serious about testing nuclear weapons for the first time sinc…

1
Police investigate whether train stabbings suspect is linked to three other incidents 30:25

20m ago30:25

30:25

Police are investigating whether the man charged with stabbing people on a train on Saturday is linked to three other knife incidents. Anthony Williams has appeared in court.By BBC Radio 4

1
Nicola Sturgeon and Alistair McGowan 27:43

2h ago27:43

27:43

Two books featuring teenage killers feature this time. Nicola Sturgeon MSP votes for Elif Shafak's Honour as her good read. It details the reasons behind the so-called honour killing carried out by a young Turkish Kurd living in London in the 1970s. Nicola says it provides valuable cultural insight into the reasons behind a particular form of viole…

1
Oliver Postgate 27:39

4m ago27:39

27:39

"Postgate's work is deep inside me and I think that's true for so many of my generation...His work represents nothing less than a touchstone for our national imagination and in that sense it's profoundly important" Andrew Davenport, writer, composer, and creator of Teletubbies and In the Night Garden, nominates Oliver Postgate, who, along with his …

1
Chine McDonald 3:16

12m ago3:16

3:16

03 NOV 2025By BBC Radio 4

1
Storytelling: Jeanette Winterson, Rory Stewart and Soweto Kinch 42:03

30m ago42:03

42:03

In her latest novel, One Aladdin Two Lamps, the writer Jeanette Winterson takes inspiration from the legendary story of Shahrazad in One Thousand and One Nights. But she calls on the reader to look again at stories we think we know, unpick how fiction works, and have the courage to challenge and change the narrative. The saxophonist and presenter S…

1
03/11/2025: Food security, no confidence in DAERA, where seeds start 11:59

7h ago11:59

11:59

A cross party group of MPs are warning that UK food production could drop by almost a third, by 2050. The All Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture also says that by 2050 - assuming all Government targets were met in full - almost a quarter of current UK farmland could be used for other purposes including renewable ener…

1
3rd to 9th November 5:34

2h ago5:34

5:34

Fascinating, surprising and eye-opening stories from the past, brought to life. This week: 3rd to 9th November 3rd November1534 - English parliament passes the Act of Supremacy9th November 1938 - Kristallnacht4th November 1922 - Discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb Presented by Jane Steel and Ron BrownBy BBC Radio 4

1
Carbon Lifeforms 28:36

9m ago28:36

28:36

Jon Long and Dr Tara Shine join forces for more of the hybrid comedy-magazine show that emits jokes and facts that (carbon) capture all things climate to demystify the issues and offer advice on how to make positive choices in our everyday lives. This week - The Carbon Cost of Tech, The Internet and AI with special guests Chris McCausland and Mike …

1
Westminster Hour 02 November 2025 48:48

2h ago48:48

48:48

A horrific knife attack, Budget speculation and manifesto pledgesBy BBC Radio 4

1
A 32-year-old man is questioned over train stabbings 16:32

21m ago16:32

16:32

Police investigating a stabbing attack on a train last night say they are now treating a 32-year-old man as their only suspect. A second man, aged 35, has been released.By BBC Radio 4

1
The Piano Boat 28:53

1h ago28:53

28:53

The Piano Boat, the floating concert hall where world-renowned concert pianist Masayuki Tayama played, sits empty. His wife, Rhiana, is left with a boat with no captain and a Steinway she was never allowed to play. We join her as she processes her grief and considers the future of The Piano Boat without Masa. Rhiana and Masa commissioned the boat i…

1
Hallie Rubenhold 27:45

39m ago27:45

27:45

Presented by James Naughtie, the writer and historian Hallie Rubenhold takes questions from a Bookclub audience on her prize-winning book The Five: The Untold Lives Of The Women Killed by Jack The Ripper. The book shines a light on Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Kate Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly who were all murdered in Whitechapel,…

1
Angela Harding, artist 52:15

18m ago52:15

52:15

Angela Harding is an artist, printmaker and illustrator. Based in Rutland, Angela’s work is inspired by the countryside of the British Isles, and in particular British birds. Alongside her many prints and artistic creations, her award-willing illustrations can be found adorning many a book cover. Angela was born in Stoke-on-Trent in June 1960, the …

1
02/11/2025 1:12:14

13m ago1:12:14

1:12:14

Writer: Sarah HehirDirector: Helen AitkenEditor: Jeremy Howe Josh Archer…. Angus ImrieKenton Archer…. Richard AttleePip Archer…. Daisy BadgerLilian Bellamy…. Sunny OrmondeVince Casey…. Tony TurnerJustin Elliott….. Simon WilliamsMiranda Elliott…. Lucy FlemingAmber Gordon…. Olivia BernstoneEddie Grundy…. Trevor HarrisonEmma Grundy…. Emerald O’Hanraha…

1
Andy Burnham 15:12

1h ago15:12

15:12

As Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership of the Labour party comes under increasing pressure and criticism, we profile a man who may well be waiting in the wings. Andy Burnham, a Labour stalwart who started his political career in the Blair and Brown era, seems determined to have his say in the party’s future too. Last month, he caused a political storm wh…

1
Pressure grows on Andrew to testify to US inquiry into Epstein 16:32

6m ago16:32

16:32

Pressure is growing on the former prince, Andrew, to agree to face questions in the US about his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Months of criticism over his close friendship with the late sex offender has culminated in Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being stripped of his title. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing. But members of Congress in the US say i…

1
Argentina’s Milei wins big 28:34

4h ago28:34

28:34

Kate Adie introduces stories from Argentina, South Korea, Japan, Ireland and the Occupied West Bank. For decades, Argentina's cycle of boom and bust seemed endless, but two years ago, a chainsaw-wielding, self-styled 'anarcho capitalist' called Javier Milei promised a way out of all that. Since elected as president he’s shown some signs of being ab…

1
Rev Canon Dr Rob Marshall 2:47

2d ago2:47

2:47

01 NOV 2025By BBC Radio 4

1
Paying with Cash and Pension Age Rise 25:00

6h ago25:00

25:00

Cash now accounts for less than 10% of all the retail payments we make. New figures out this week UK Finance, which represents banks and others, show the latest in the long term decline of cash. Just over a year ago new rules from the regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority said banks had to ensure customers had access to their cash and could ta…

1
01/11/2025: Drought, invasive species, waste 25:03

8h ago25:03

25:03

The government's Drought Group has warned of ongoing problems in the year ahead unless reservoirs and rivers get enough rain in the next few months. The hot dry summer has pushed many farmers to re-evaluate how they use water. We speak to an expert who works with farmers and landowners to plan and manage water use. This week on Farming Today we've …

1
US lawmakers call for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to give Epstein evidence 37:56

15h ago37:56

37:56

The government says it has no plans to change the law in order to remove Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, from the line of succession. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have seized on Andrew's loss of his royal title to renew their calls for him to give evidence in their investigations into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. We hear fr…

1
Case 1. The Haunted Street – Halloween Special 1:08:08

18h ago1:08:08

1:08:08

A special hour-long live investigation recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre for Halloween. Virginia moves to a quiet street in the city of Bath with her young family. A series of strange events cause her to doubt her own sanity, until an exchange with a neighbour reveals that she's not the only one experiencing scary occurrences... Written and present…

1
Downing Street says there are no plans to remove Andrew Mountbatten Windsor from the line of succession 30:34

20h ago30:34

30:34

The government has said it has no plans to introduce a law to change the line of succession, after the King stripped his brother of all his titles and honours. Also: A former Sergeant-Major is jailed for sexually assaulting a teenaged recruit, who later killed herself. And a charity proposes restorative justice for sub postmasters wronged by the Ho…

1
Halloween special: How many people did the real Dracula impale? 8:57

22h ago8:57

8:57

Vlad III Dracula, the Wallachian Prince who became Bram Stokers inspiration behind his famous vampire 'Count Dracula,' was a brutal ruler. So brutal that history dubbed him 'Vlad the Impaler' due to his penchant for that particularly gruesome form of execution. Which, without going into too much detail, involved driving a large stake or pole throug…

1
What can the UK learn from China on renewable energy? 27:56

22h ago27:56

27:56

This week, renewables overtake coal as the world’s biggest source of electricity. China is leading the renewable charge despite its global reputation as a coal burning polluter. Zulfiqar Khan, Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University and Tsinghua University in Beijing and Furong Li, Professor in the department of Electrical Engineering at the U…

1
Prunella Scales CBE, Gillian Tindall, Roger Smith, Anthony Grey 27:44

22h ago27:44

27:44

Matthew Bannister on The actor Prunella Scales, best known for playing Sybil in the TV comedy Fawlty Towers. Her son Samuel West reflects on her long career and happy marriage to fellow actor Timothy West. Gillian Tindall, the writer who pioneered the technique of exploring history through the portal of a particular house or area. Roger Smith, who …

1
Phyllis Court: White Fly, River Thames and Favourite Gardens 42:26

24h ago42:26

42:26

Might our otherwise polluted River Thames have a positive impact on my garden? Why has there been so much whitefly this year? Do the panel have a favourite garden they’ve visited? Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered gurus head to the Phyllis Court Club in Henley-on-Thames, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to thei…

1
Women’s safety and public transport 53:54

1d ago53:54

53:54

A petition calling for women-only tube carriages has surpassed 12,000 signatures. It comes amid increased reports of sexual offences on public transport, both in London and beyond. Supporters claim that giving women the option to travel separately from men will make them safer, and send a message that harassment is unacceptable. Critics argue that …

1
Frankenstein 42:29

1d ago42:29

42:29

Ellen and Mark explore the enduring appeal of Frankenstein. Mark speaks to director Guillermo Del Toro on his new adaptation of the classic novel and why the Frankenstein story has had such an influence on his career. Ellen then talks to critic Anne Billson about the history of Frankenstein throughout cinema history as well as speaking to director …

1
Keeping It Local: A Suffolk Story 42:07

1d ago42:07

42:07

It's twenty years since the Aldeburgh Food Festival began. Sheila Dillon examines its impact in this small Suffolk seaside town where food producers work together to forge strong local supply chains. She speaks to the festival's co-founder Lady Caroline Cranbrook who has been a passionate advocate of Suffolk's rich food ecosystem. She goes on a sho…

1
Bishop Richard Harries 2:52

1d ago2:52

2:52

31 OCT 25By BBC Radio 4

1
Samhain 44:39

1d ago44:39

44:39

By Ben Lewis. Soulful drama infused with storytelling and song, inspired by the myths and rituals surrounding the Pagan festival of Samhain. Claire and her husband David are staying in a isolated old house on the remote Scottish island of Jura.It’s the end of October. Of all the nights of the year, this is the one when the veil between this world a…

1
We Didn't Start the Fire 28:33

1d ago28:33

28:33

It has been said that you can't start a fire without a spark, but as Hannah and Dara are about to discover, that's not true! Welcome to the fiery phenomenon of spontaneous combustion, when something can ignite all on its own: no matches, no sparks, no external flame. It happens when certain materials heat themselves up internally through chemical o…

1
The Betrayed: Episode 4. Badboy 28:40

1d ago28:40

28:40

A five-part drama about a family - and a society - divided by far-right populist extremism. When Louise a senior officer in the Garda Síochána sees her brother Frank on the news, taking part in an aggressive far-right protest she is shocked. Not least because she is and she had no idea Frank had been influenced by the populist extremists who hurl a…

1
Case 31: A Shock on the Back Seat 1:44

1d ago1:44

1:44

Our final short tale of terror for Halloween. Written and presented by Danny RobinsResearcher: Nancy BottomleyEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeHead of Production: Kerry LuterCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian RobertsProduced by Danny Robins and Simon…

1
SPECIAL EDITION: Prunella Scales 21:23

1d ago21:23

21:23

In this special edition of Last Word, Matthew Bannister talks to the actor Samuel West about his mother Prunella Scales. Prunella died on the 27th October, aged 93. Known for her work on stage and screen over many decades – Prunella was particularly renowned for her role as Sybil on Fawlty Towers. In addition to countless other roles, she appeared …

1
The Bruce Springsteen Story: 3. Born in the USA 28:25

1d ago28:25

28:25

How did Bruce become The Boss, and what did it cost him to get there? Laura Barton explores the extraordinary life story of Bruce Springsteen, taking a front-row seat at five important gigs to reveal the life behind the legend. Bruce's story continues in rural Holmdel, New Jersey, alone with a four-track tape recorder. He goes back into his childho…

1
31/10/25: Pumpkin growers' nightmare. Drought to continue into 2026? UK Carbon budget. Invasive species 14:01

3d ago14:01

14:01

Pumpkin growers have had a nightmare year. The crop needs plenty of water and the hot summer made them ripen too early for Halloween. Cost of living pressures have also affected some farms running visitor attractions like Pumpkin patches. Drought could continue into 2026 for some parts of England. The National Drought Group met yesterday and warned…

1
American War of Independence (Radio Edit) 28:08

1d ago28:08

28:08

Greg Jenner is joined in the 18th century by Professor Frank Cogliano and comedian and actor Patton Oswalt to learn about the American War of Independence. Also known as the American Revolutionary War, 2025 marks 250 years since the start of the conflict in 1775, when the first battles between the British army and the colonial resistance were fough…

1
Is Donald Trump building a ballroom or a bunker at the White House? 32:14

1d ago32:14

32:14

Donald Trump’s decision to demolish the East Wing of the White House in favour of a new and much larger ballroom has sparked controversy - and conspiracy theories - across the U.S. The president has wanted to build the ballroom since his first term in office, but he told reporters over the summer that the plans would not "interfere” with any other …

1
The fall of a prince 37:40

1d ago37:40

37:40

Buckingham Palace says Prince Andrew will lose his 'prince' title and from now on be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. He will also move out of Royal Lodge. In a statement, the Palace said, "these censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him." We hear from a royal biographer and a …

1
Review Show: Bugonia, Salman Rushdie stories, The Line of Beauty 42:24

2d ago42:24

42:24

Tahmima Anam and Tristram Fane Saunders join Tom Sutcliffe to review The Eleventh Hour, a collection of five short stories from Salman Rushdie in his first return to fiction since he was attacked in 2022. Director of Poor Things and The Favourite Yorgos Lanthimos brings more strangeness to cinema screens with Bugonia, a thriller with Emma Stone and…

1
Letting agent apologises for not applying for rental licence on behalf of Rachel Reeves 30:20

2d ago30:20

30:20

Rachel Reeves's letting agent has apologised for not applying for a special licence on her behalf, when renting out her home in south London. Also: The UN says there must be accountability for the atrocities being carried out by the RSF militia in Sudan. And scientists make extraordinary discoveries in some of the coldest, deepest and most remote w…

1
Are embryos made from skin cells the future of fertility treatment? 28:18

2d ago28:18

28:18

Scientists in the US have, for the first time, made early-stage human embryos by manipulating DNA taken from people's skin cells and then fertilising them with sperm. It’s hoped the technique could overcome infertility due to old age or disease. Marnie Chesterton is joined by Dr Geraldine Jowett from the University of Cambridge and Emily Jackson fr…

1
How should we handle historic public inquiries? 28:48

2d ago28:48

28:48

When a disaster or serious event happens, such as the Grenfell Tower fire, the Manchester Arena terrorist attack or the Covid pandemic, you can be pretty sure that a public inquiry will follow. They’re popular with the public as a means of investigating serious state failure. And for Governments they can be a good way of kicking a difficult issue i…