麻豆约拍

Adam Gopnik: Role Reversal

A weekly reflection on a topical issue.

• 10 mins

Adam Gopnik: Long-Form Television

Adam Gopnik reflects on the reason for our obsession with long-form television series.

• 10 mins

John Gray: Euro Despair

John Gray sees the euro as a misconceived project with Greece's economy as a casualty.

• 10 mins

John Gray: Recalling Eric Ambler

John Gray frecalls the work of Eric Ambler and finds unsettling contemporary echoes.

• 10 mins

Another Kind of Atheism

John Gray discusses why it's time to rethink today's narrow view of atheism.

• 10 mins

The Abolition of Man

John Gray warns about the dangers of science that promises to enhance human abilities.

• 10 mins

P J O'Rourke: Presidential Candidates

PJ O'Rourke sizes up the candidates aspiring to be President of the United States.

• 10 mins

Will Self: Losing Sleep

Will Self reflects on the various reasons for his inability to sleep soundly any more.

• 10 mins

Will Self: A Life of Habit

Will Self sees a love of habit as a shield against the unexpected in life.

• 10 mins

Will Self: What's in a Name

Will Self reflects on the significance of names, including his own.

• 10 mins

Will Self: Looks Matter

Will Self says people cannot pretend that looks do not matter.

• 10 mins

Will Self: On Gardening

Will Self reflects on our relationship with gardens and gardening.

• 10 mins

Roger Scruton: In Defence of Free Speech

Roger Scruton argues that the law on freedom of speech ought to protect heretical views.

• 10 mins

Roger Scruton: Offensive Jokes

Roger Scruton argues for the freedom to make jokes that others may find offensive.

• 10 mins

Roger Scruton: The Tyranny of Pop

Roger Scruton deplores the tyranny of banal and ubiquitous pop music.

• 10 mins

Sarah Dunant: Crisis in Catholicism

Sarah Dunant sees a new crisis in the Catholic Church as a result of unchanged policy.

• 10 mins

From Pot to Profit

Sarah Dunant welcomes Canada's plans to fully legalise marijuana.

• 10 mins

Sarah Dunant: Protest, Paris, Terror

Sarah Dunant reflects on the links between protest, terrorism, climate change and Paris.

• 10 mins

Howard Jacobson: Second-Hand Books

Howard Jacobson reflects on his lifelong passion for buying second-hand books.

• 10 mins

Howard Jacobson: Christmas

Howard Jacobson recalls a mongrel mix of traditions in his family's Christmas festivities.

• 10 mins

Howard Jacobson: Sermons

Howard Jacobson would sooner see Radio 4's Thought for the Day more, not less, religious.

• 10 mins

Howard Jacobson: Wisdom

Howard Jacobson does not feel complimented when someone describes him as 'wise'.

• 10 mins

Peerless

Tom Shakespeare suggests ways to shrink and completely reform the House of Lords.

• 10 mins

Sing a New Song

Tom Shakespeare argues that the country needs a new national anthem.

• 10 mins

Face to Face

Tom Shakespeare is concerned by what the rise of cosmetic surgery says about society.

• 10 mins

Expert by Experience

Tom Shakespeare reflects that personal experience is the most powerful form of expertise.

• 10 mins

Star Wars Obsession

Writer Helen Macdonald confesses to an obsession with the recent Star Wars movie.

• 10 mins

Anti-Political Punditry

Adam Gopnik says the New Hampshire primary results are less revolutionary than they look.

• 10 mins

Vanilla Happiness

Adam Gopnik says the secret of happiness lies in unexpected pleasures.

• 10 mins

Moral Futures

Adam Gopnik thinks future generations will judge us as harshly as we judge our ancestors.

• 10 mins