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Something Understood Episodes

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  1. Nationalism

    Mark Tully examines the bonds that bind nations and asks if nationalism is good or bad.

  2. The Elephant

    Mark Tully investigates the spiritual and cultural power of the elephant.

  3. Impermanence

    Melissa Viney reflects on the impermanence of things.

  4. Over and Over

    John McCarthy considers the pleasures and benefits of repetition.

  5. Transience

    Should we care that everything is impermanent? Samira Ahmed explores ideas of transience.

  6. Temptation

    In his second special programme for Lent, Mark Tully discusses Temptation.

  7. Where It Was

    Chris Brookes reflects on how not to let the past imprison us.

  8. Gifts

    John McCarthy considers the complexities in giving and receiving gifts.

  9. Wilderness Years

    A time of exile or renewal? Samira Ahmed explores the impact of periods away from society.

  10. Abstinence

    As Lent approaches, Mark Tully discusses the purpose and effects of fasting.

  11. Father and Son

    Hardeep Singh Kohli reflects on the relationship between fathers and sons.

  12. A Place Called Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

    John McCarthy reflects on how we can experience home both as a place and a state of mind.

  13. Up in Flames

    Samira Ahmed reflects on the creative and destructive power of fire.

  14. The Call of the City

    Are cities paved with gold or sinks of iniquity? Mark Tully examines the call of the city.

  15. Moving with God

    Mark Tully discusses the use of dance and movement as worship.

  16. The Strange Familiar

    Sarah Cuddon reflects on the conjunction of the familiar and the strange in our lives.

  17. Keeping up Appearances

    Mark Tully examines the human preoccupation with fashion.

  18. In the Interest of Boredom

    John McCarthy explores that most exasperating of moods, boredom.

  19. Touch

    Arts journalist Marie-Louise Muir considers the value of human touch.

  20. Walking and the Mind

    John McCarthy explores the effects of walking on our creative and spiritual well-being.

  21. Made by Hand

    Samira Ahmed reflects on the power and pleasure of making things by hand.

  22. A Special Tribute to Nelson Mandela

    Mike Wooldridge presents a celebration of the life and career of Nelson Mandela.

  23. Anticipation

    Mark Tully looks at both sides of anticipation and how we relish or dread what is to come.

  24. Mapping the Territory

    Tom Robinson considers the space between the map and the territory.

  25. Harmony

    Mark Tully appreciates harmony in the company of pianist and composer David Owen Norris.

  26. Artificial Soul

    Could a robot have a soul? John McCarthy speaks to experts in artificial intelligence.

  27. Transformation

    Mark Tully draws on a Russian folk tale to explore the theme of transformation.

  28. Gold

    Writer Lucy Mangan reflects on the value and the meanings we invest in gold.

  29. Wine

    Mark Tully uncorks a bottle with the Bishop of Brighton to consider the symbolism of wine.

  30. Peeling the Dragon Skin

    John McCarthy considers the benefits and drawbacks of having a tough hide.

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