Drawing on the latest discoveries in archaeology, linguistics, psychology, and genetics, Prof. Steven Mithen reconstructs the steps by which language evolved, and he explains how it transformed the nature of thought and culture.

For years, we’ve been led to believe that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain and antidepressants are the solution. But what if this widely accepted belief has been built on unreliable truths? Join renowned psychiatrist, Joanna Moncrieff, as she takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the history of the serotonin theory of depression.

Join Comedian and environmental expert, Matt Winning, as he guides us through the main causes of climate change, what changes are needed, and what YOU can (and cannot) do about it - hopefully with a few laughs along the way!

Join Prof. Dorje Brody as he journeys into the uncharted territories, where physics meets psychology, and discover how the quantum mind could unlock new dimensions in our understanding of human nature.

Join David Gray-Hammond, autistic author and neurodiversity specialist, as he explores the ideas behind the neurodiversity movement, which drove through huge changes in identification, fighting stigma and redefining autism as an identity rather than a disease.

Join Erica McAlister as she takes us on a journey to dispel the negative perception we have of these incredible insects and highlights their amazing lives, and why we should be grateful that our planet is dominated by these wondrous creatures.

Join Tim Coulson, Professor of zoology & biology at Oxford University, as he presents a complete, uncomplicated guide to the science of life, the universe and everything.

Tom Chivers shows us how the single compelling idea of Bayes' theorem is not just a useful tool, but a description of almost everything, that has far-reaching consequences, and an impact on modern life.

Join Terri O'Sullivan as she shares her deeply personal journey from Jehovah's Witness to Humanist, and talks about the issues and difficulties so-called 'apostates' face when leaving a controlling religious group in the UK

There’s always been an appetite for stories about Life on Mars. Ever since the mid 1800s, when it became apparent that our own moon was lifeless, all eyes turned to the Red Planet.

The riveting history of the strange science of the 'Normal', and the origins of an anxiety-ridden modern obsession.

Join Dr. Catherine Kelly, geographer and cold-water swimming enthusiast, as she explores the latest research into the physical, psychological and social factors that connect water and wellbeing and explains why water makes us feel better.

Join Professor of Astrophysics Richard Ellis as he guides us through the origins of starlight, where the chemical evolution began, which ultimately led to our own existence in this remarkable universe.

Charles Darwin’s ‘On the Origin of Species’ is considered by many to be one of the most important scientific texts ever written, but how many amongst us have actually sat down and read it? And if you believe it’s all just about evolution, you’re in for a surprise!

Earth is home to a huge story that is rarely told - that of our ocean. Not the fish or the dolphins, but the massive ocean engine itself: what it does, why it works, and the many ways it has influenced animals, weather and human history & culture.
Join Helen Czerski as she dives deep to illuminate the murky depths of the ocean engine, examining the messengers, passengers and voyagers that live in it, travel over it, and survive because of it.

What's the connection between Shakespeare and maths? A lot, as it turns out! Shakespeare grew up in a time of remarkable mathematical innovation. Join Rob Eastaway as he takes us from astronomy to probability, music to multiplication, and shows how the new mathematical ideas of the time were reflected in much of the great bard’s work.

Join Nick Dearden as he shows how ‘Big Pharma’ has reshaped the relationship between richer and poorer countries, as the access to new medicines and the permission to manufacture them is policed - and he offers us a pathway to a fairer, safer system for all, with justice at its core.

Join us for an evening of captivating stories about Claudia de Rham’s quest to gain intimacy with gravity, to understand both its feeling and fundamental nature. Her life’s pursuit led her from a twist of fate that snatched away her dream of becoming an astronaut to an exhilarating breakthrough at the very frontiers of gravitational physics.

Join Pulitzer Prize winner James Ball in this gripping investigation that decodes the cryptic language of the online right and tracks the spread of QAnon, the world's first digital pandemic.