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explore words discover worlds
Expand your horizons with 'explore words discover worlds', the podcast that brings the world of Bradford Literature Festival to your ears. From the classics to the cutting edge, we'll introduce you to the most exciting and thought-provoking authors, poets, and thinkers.
Episodes
explore words discover worldsS2 EP48: The Golden Age of Islam
In this episode, delve into the Golden Age of Islam in a captivating conversation with Dr Shamim Miah, author of Ibn Khaldun: Education, History and Society…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP47: Ben Aaronovitch and Jonathan Stroud in Conversation
In this episode, we hear from Ben Aaronovitch and Jonathan Stroud – two stellar names in the world of British Fantasy. Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP46: Hyper-Individualism - A 21st Century Obsession
In this episode, our panel discuss how society has changed and ask whether our obsession with individualism has eroded community values. Has life in the 21st…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP45 : Hitler's Rise to Power
In this episode, Mark Jones, author of 1923: The Forgotten Crisis in the Year of Hitler’s Coup, explores how and why Hitler and the Nazis were able to come to…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP44: Alt Wallah the Muslim Manosphere
In this episode, we delve into a new category of thought called ‘Alt-Wallah’ within the Islamicate, based around a supposed crisis of masculinity, the Alt…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP43: Women We Buried, Women We Burned
In this episode, hear from Rachel Louise Snyder as she tells her own story, which is as dramatic as many of those she has covered during her career as an…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP42: New World Order - China and Russia
In this episode, our panel of experts explore China’s increasing involvement in brokering deals in the Middle East, Russia and China’s shared and separate…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP41: Among the Eunuchs
In this episode, we are joined by Leyla Jagiella, cultural anthropologist, scholar of religion and author of Among the Eunuchs. From an early age, she knew she…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP40: Kit De Waal In Conversation
In this episode, step into the vividly colourful and wildly contrasting world of bestselling author, Kit De Waal, as she shares her captivating memoir. Iman…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP39: In Search of Boudica
In this episode, delve into the history and legend of one of Britain’s most iconic figures – Boudica, the warrior queen who led the greatest rebellion the…
explore words discover worldsS2 E38: A Woman’s Life on the Road - Sara Wheeler and Christina Lamb In Conversation
In this episode, hear from Sara Wheeler, whose adventures have taken her to some of the most exciting and far-flung places on the planet, and award-winning…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP37: Tolkien and Lewis - Friendship That Redefined Fantasy
In this episode, Tolkien biographer John Garth and Professor Diane Purkiss hold a fascinating discussion exploring the bonds between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP36: The Artist and the Ethics
In this episode our panellists Anthony Anaxagorou, Nikita Gill, Jeremy Noel-Tod, and chair Sanah Ahsan, as they ask whether in our information-saturated age…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP35: In Search of the Divine - Living Histories of Sufism in India
In this episode, travel on a spiritual journey with renowned writer, scholar and translator Rana Safvi, as she delves into the rise of Sufism in India. Safvi…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP34: Behind the Brontës with Blake Morrison
In this episode, poet and author, Blake Morrison and actor, Yusra Warsama explore the Bronte sisters’ remarkable legacy, and discuss some of the sisters’ rare…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP33: What Does A Jew Look Like?
In this episode, writer and sociologist Keith Kahn-Harris and award-winning photographic artist and journalist Robert Stothard discuss their book: What Does A…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP32: The Power of Activism
In this episode, join Reza Aslan for an enlightening talk about the enduring legacy of Hussain ibn Ali, a figure who, while often seen as polarising within…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP31: Average Whiteman - Ian Abdal Latif Whiteman and Richard Thompson in Conversation
In this episode, immerse yourself in the fascinating tales of two extraordinary musicians, Ian Abdal Latif Whiteman and Richard Thompson, as they take the…
explore words discover worldsS2 E30: Our River... Our Sky (Film Q&A)
In this episode, we take a closer look at the film Our River...Our Sky. Set in Baghdad during winter 2006, Our River...Our Sky is a remarkable and moving view…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP29: Refugee Prophets - From Moses to Muhammad
In this episode, join us for a thought-provoking discussion which draws parallels between the current refugee crisis and the experiences of prophets from the…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP28: What Lights My Feminist Fire?
What does it mean to be a feminist right now? In this episode, you can hear a series of short, inspirational talks from our panel on what being a feminist…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP27: Homelands - A Personal History of Europe
In this episode, renowned historian Timothy Garton Ash sheds light on how Europe slowly recovered and rebuilt amid the ashes of the Second World War – and then…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP26: Biological Security After the Pandemic
In this episode, we discuss global biosecurity's critical role in preventing disease outbreaks. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the consequences of an…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP25: Picasso - Outside the Frame
In this episode, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pablo Picasso's passing and delve into why he continues to inspire artists around the world.
explore words discover worldsS2 EP24: Shashi Tharoor on Ambedkar A Life
In this episode, we explore the life of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, one of India's revered figures, with author Shashi Tharoor. Tharoor's biography gives fresh…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP23: Songbook with Richard Thompson
In this episode, we're joined by legendary British singer-songwriter Richard Thompson. With a career spanning over 55 years, Thompson delves into his musical…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP22: The Romani & Traveller 'Voice' in World Literature
In this episode, join Dr. Adrian Marsh, a leading Romani-Traveller academic and researcher in Romani Studies, as he explores the history and impact of Romani…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP21: Coup Against Democracy - Iran 70 Years On
In this episode, our panel explores the enduring impact of the Mosaddegh coup in Iran, 70 years after this pivotal event. We will delve into Iran's role in the…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP20: Astropolitics - The New Frontier
In this episode, we explore the new space race and astropolitics. Discover the intersection of space, politics, and international relations, as we discuss the…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP19: Samantha Shannon & Tasha Suri In Conversation
In this episode, we celebrate the rise of talented female authors in the fantasy genre, led by literary trailblazers Samantha Shannon and Tasha Suri, who are…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP18: The Universal Appeal of Rumi's Poetry
In this episode, we delve into the timeless mysticism of Rumi, the celebrated Islamic poet. Despite living over 800 years ago, Rumi's poetic wisdom continues…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP17: You Have Not Yet Been Defeated
In this episode, we spotlight the story of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a high-profile political prisoner in Egypt. His book, You Have Not Yet Been Defeated, is a…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP16: Reza Aslan - An American Martyr in Persia
In this episode, New York Times bestselling author Reza Aslan discusses his book, An American Martyr in Persia, unveiling the extraordinary story of Howard…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP15: In Conversation Vasay Chaudhry
In this episode, we welcome one of Pakistan's most beloved and multifaceted public figures, Vasay Chaudhry.
explore words discover worldsS2 EP14: The Birth of the Middle East
In this episode, Eugene Rogan, the Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at the University of Oxford, and Gardner Thompson, author of Legacy of Empire…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP13: The Ottoman Empire - From Conquest to Collapse
In this episode, we explore the reasons behind the rapid expansion of the Ottoman Empire, including its military conquests, political organisation, and…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP12: 20 Years of the Good Friday Agreement
It has been 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement helped bring peace to Northern Ireland, but how stable is that peace today? Join David Donoghue and Kerri…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP11: Tiger Work - Ben Okri In Conversation
In this episode, Ben Okri, one of the foremost writers of our age, as he tackles the biggest existential challenge facing the world today, climate change.
explore words discover worldsS2 EP10: The World in 2030 with Professor Paul Rogers
In this episode, we explore what the world will look like in 2030. Professor Paul Rogers discusses how the 21st century is already shaping up to be arguably…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP9: Baby Does a Runner - Anita Rani In Conversation
In this episode, broadcaster and writer, Anita Rani shares details about her debut novel, ‘Baby Does a Runner’, which follows the story of a woman who…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP8: Unearthing Urdu Poetry
Urdu poetry has a long tradition with many different forms and is an important part of the culture of South Asia. In this episode, spoken entirely in Urdu…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP7: Val McDermid - Queen of Crime
In this episode, we delve into life and work of one of the most successful crime writers in the world, Val McDermid. She’s joined by host Abir Mukherjee to…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP6: The Vagina Dialogues
In this episode, we’re joined by special guests and contributors of V: An Empowering Celebration of the Vulva and Vagina, a ground-breaking debut by Florence…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP5: Dispatches from the Diaspora - Gary Younge In Conversation
In this episode, Gary Younge reflects on witnessing some of modern history’s biggest moments, including joining revellers during Obama’s victory and entering…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP4 - Sebastian Faulks In Conversation
In this episode, we hear from, Sebastian Faulks, one of our greatest writers and author of a string of bestselling books including Birdsong and Charlotte Gray.
explore words discover worldsS2 EP3: Three Worlds - Avi Shlaim In Conversation
In this episode, we hear acclaimed Israeli-British historian Avi Shlaim, about his unique memoir from the lost world of Arab-Jews. He was just five years old…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP2: Sir Michael Palin in Conversation
In this episode, we delve into the travels of Sir Michael Palin, a Monty Python star who has gone onto establish himself as a talented actor, writer and…
explore words discover worldsS2 EP1: Stuart Maconie - The Full English
In this episode, broadcaster, writer and journalist, Stuart Maconie, will take you on a journey through our towns and their rich array of characters, exploring…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP18: The Lament of the Reed
This episode is an insight into one of the most quoted and studied poems in Muslim tradition, ‘The Lament of the Reed’. The essence of Rumi’s manuscript…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP17: How to Solve a Crime
Join us as this expert-led panel discussion delves into the world of crime-solving beyond the pages of your favourite books and TV shows. Find out how to solve…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP16: How Religion Evolved
In this episode, we explore the topic of religion with Professor Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Oxford. He…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP15: The Escape Artists - Jonathan Freedland In Conversation
In this episode, take a trip back to April 1944 when Rudolf Vrba and Fred Wetzler became the first Jews ever to escape Auschwitz. After grappling with…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP14: Inspired by the Brontës
In this episode, we explore the legacy of one of Yorkshire's most famous literary families - the Brontës. We are joined by a panel of accomplished authors who…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP13: Confucius Says - The Man Behind the Myths
In today's thought-provoking episode, we delve into the life and times of China's greatest philosopher, Confucius. Author Jonathan Clements outlines the life…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP12: Eyes Wide Shut
In this episode, we delve into the complex topics of #MeToo, sexual violence, and the liberation and pitfalls of speaking out against abuses of power…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP11: What Does Ukraine Mean for European and Global Security?
In this episode Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, and a regular contributor on global security for open Democracy…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP10: The Last Prince of Bengal - A Family’s Journey from an Indian Palace to the Australian Outback
In this episode, travel from an Indian palace to the Australian Outback with author and academic Lyn Innes. In her book, The Last Prince of Bengal, Lyn shares…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP9: Shaykh Yahya Rhodus - Book of Contemplation
Join acclaimed scholar Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, founding director of Al-Maqasid, an Islamic seminary in Pennsylvania, for a discussion of al-Ghazali and Aristotle.
explore words discover worldsS1 EP8: Joanne Harris In Conversation
This episode takes us into the mysterious world of Joanne Harris, the author of the UK bestseller, Chocolat. Discussing her latest work, A Narrow Door, a…
explore words discover worldsS1 EP7: Critical Muslim - Liberty
Presented in partnership with Critical Muslim, this panel discussion explores who defines the liberty we are told we enjoy, and how our world views impact the…