?In Our Time: Presented by Melvyn Bragg, this podcast is one of the most prominent discussion series on BBC Radio. Having first aired in 1998, in 2004 In Our Time became one of the first local BBC shows to be remade into a podcast. With over 1k published episodes, the podcast is now unfortunately coming to an end. Earlier this month, Bragg announced his retirement following two decades of his journey with the show.

Each episode of the podcast is a focused discussion with a runtime of 45 minutes to an hour. Bragg hosts top academics and experts to tackle a specific topic, which can range from history and culture all the way to science and philosophy — all delivered with impressive depth and clarity. The conversation is built on quite the particular structure: Bragg gives his signature introduction, then guides listeners through a chronological or thematic path, making it easy to follow without sacrificing narrative accuracy.

Among the most interesting historical episodes, The Korean Empire sees Bragg and his guests dissect the pivotal time period between 1897 and 1930, when Emperor Gojong established the Korean Empire in an attempt to assert sovereignty in the face of increasing pressure from Japan, China, and Western powers. The discussion covers the external pressures surrounding Korea, as well as its internal reforms at the time. Above that, the episode places the Korean experiences within the broader context of Asian transformation at the turn of the 20th century.

In Our Time has cracked the code when it comes to original audio experiences that do not sacrifice educational value, making it one of the most prominent shows on BBC Radio. The podcast has garnered over 2 mn weekly listeners across a range of age groups. By presenting complex topics in an accessible manner, it proves an indispensable resource for an audience hungry for knowledge.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can tune in on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Anghami | PodBean | Deezer | Amazon Music.