A weekly reflection on a topical issue.
Radio 4,Β·825 episodes
Will Self deplores the British attitude to children, mixing sentimentality with cruelty
As she leaves academia, Rebecca Stott says an audit culture is stifling universities.
Sarah Dunant asks if we should judge the past by the standards of the present - or future.
David Goodhart rejects what he calls the 'Eton conspiracy myth'.
Zoe Strimpel reflects on the impact of rapid home delivery on the way we live our lives.
Adam Gopnik on the quest for lost souls.
Howard Jacobson stares out to sea....and ponders the 'mysterious nexus of sea and Santa'.
Will Self on our fetishisation of property.
Sarah Dunant discusses living on a cusp of history.
Sara Wheeler reflects on why place names matter.
Tom Shakespeare on University Challenge and a starter for ten.
AL Kennedy on why everything these days is... annoying.
Zoe Strimpel on the binary choice of motherhood.
Sarah Dunant reflects on political will and its relationship to changing behaviour.
Will Self on motor-mania.
Adam Gopnik poses the question: Do you have a right to make my life into your art?
Sara Wheeler on why it's vital that research into neurodiversity is better understood.
David Goodhart ponders why we're reluctant to talk about integration.
Zia Haider Rahman on why he's introducing his 5-year-old godson to mathematics.
Rebecca Stott asks if it's time to admit that some faith groups are not safe for children.
Michael Morpurgo tells the story of one child refugee, heading our way.
John Gray reflects on doubt, faith and love... through the life of Arthur Balfour.
Sara Wheeler explores the emotional power of food.
Zoe Strimpel argues that it's time to wean ourselves off TV as a coping mechanism.
Rebecca Stott reflects on the difficulty of communicating climate change.
Adam Gopnik presents an extended anecdote about art, television and memory.
Howard Jacobson reflects on present wrapping
John Connell walks in the footsteps of the Irish monk, St Brendan.
Bernardine Evaristo argues that online trolls are poisoning human interaction.
Sara Wheeler on why she has little time for the current fad of wild swimming.
