Radical

BBC Radio 4

Conversations about the global forces reshaping our world and the radical ideas that could define the future.

Radical is a twice-weekly podcast where pioneering thinkers, bold innovators and influential voices explore the ideas, trends and breakthroughs transforming society. From politics and climate change to economics and artificial intelligence, each episode tackles the biggest challenges facing our world, and the solutions that could help shape what's next.

LISTEN: Listen to Radical every Monday and Thursday on BBC Sounds. You can also listen on your smart speaker - just say: "Ask BBC Sounds to play Radical." Available on most smart speakers.

GET IN TOUCH: - Send us a message or voice note on WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480. - Email: Radical@bbc.co.uk - Or join the conversation using #BBCRadical.

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231 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes231

Newest first

March 12 · 55 min
Taking Back Control: Why ‘Agency’ Could Be The Next Big Idea In Politics (James Kanagasooriam)
A top pollster explains how a sense of powerlessness amongst voters is shaping politics.
March 9 · 26 min
Does Marriage Need Modernising? (Your Radical Questions with Ed Davies)
Ed Davies answers your questions about modern family life and relationships.
March 5 · 1 hr 6 min
The Decline of Marriage: Why We Need to Prioritise Family Life (Ed Davies)
Marriage rates have fallen to historic lows, but what are the consequences?
March 2 · 24 min
How Can Families Limit the Ultra‑Processed Foods Their Kids Eat? (Your Radical Questions with Thomasina Miers)
Thomasina Miers answers your questions on hospitality, kids' meals and cooking in school.
February 26 · 51 min
Health and Hospitality: When Does Food Stop Being Food? (Thomasina Miers)
The UK is one of the world’s largest consumers of ultra-processed foods.
February 23 · 23 min
Is Capitalism Holding Back Social Mobility? (Your Radical Questions with Joe Seddon)
Joe Seddon answers your questions about social mobility, confidence and volunteering.
February 19 · 1 hr 4 min
Social Mobility: How to Break the Link Between Background and Opportunity (Joe Seddon)
Regional inequality is holding people back, and Joe Seddon wants to do something about it.
February 16 · 20 min
Can A ‘Repair Not Replace’ Culture Be Revived In Fashion? (Your Radical Questions with Josephine Philips)
Josephine Philips answers your questions on fast fashion, manufacturing and repair.
February 12 · 57 min
Consumer Culture: Why We Need to Buy Less (Josephine Philips)
The entrepreneur who wants you to stop throwing clothes away to combat fast fashion.
February 9 · 20 min
How Do We Reduce Political Polarisation Online? (Your Radical Questions with Jonathan Haidt)
Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, answers your questions.
February 5 · 56 min
Social Media Bans: Are We at a Global Turning Point? (Jonathan Haidt)
Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, on how to go smartphone free.
February 2 · 17 min
Will There Be a Revolt Against AI Music? (Your Radical Questions with Panos A. Panay)
The Grammys president answers your questions.
February 1 · 50 min
The Night Manager: How to Make Great British Drama (Simon Cornwell)
As series two comes to an end Amol speaks to John Le Carre’s son about the show's future.
January 29 · 48 min
Inside the Music Business: The Grammys President on the Fight to Protect Artists (Panos A. Panay)
The Recording Academy president thinks AI poses an 'existential threat' to the industry.
January 26 · 20 min
What Does It Take to Become a Foster Carer? (Your Radical Questions with Louise Allen)
Foster carer and author Louise Allen answers your questions about fostering.
January 22 · 56 min
Children in Care: How to Fix the Fostering Crisis (Louise Allen)
Foster carer Louise Allen says the problem isn’t the children, it’s the system.
January 19 · 22 min
How Will The Shift To Green Energy Reshape Global Politics? (Your Radical Questions with Professor Helen Thompson)
Helen Thompson answers your questions on energy, geopolitics and uncomfortable truths.
January 15 · 1 hr
Trump v China: How Oil Is Defining Great Power Politics (Professor Helen Thompson)
What is this new era of global politics and where it does it leave Europe?
January 12 · 23 min
Are You In a Social Media Echo Chamber? (Your Radical Questions with Louisa Munch)
Academic Louisa Munch answers your questions on politics, social media and accents.
January 8 · 1 hr 2 min
Knowledge and Nostalgia: Why a University Education Should Be Free (Louisa Munch)
Academic Louisa Munch argues that you shouldn’t have to pay for higher education.