A concise and original introduction to a wide range of subjects—from Public Health to Buddhist Ethics, Soft Matter to Classics, and Art History to Globalization—by the expert authors of the Very Short Introductions series. For wherever your curiosity may take you.
Latest episodes
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11 min
Ancient Greek and Roman Science - The Very Short Introductions Podcast
In the last episode of Season 7, Liba Taub introduces the science of ancient Greece and Rome and details the link between poetry, philosophy, and science. A PDF transcript for this…
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15 min
Napoleon - The Very Short Introductions Podcast
In this episode, David A. Bell introduces Napoleon Bonaparte and his revolutionary life and career. A PDF transcript for this episode can be found here: https://oxfordacademic.blub…
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15 min
Condensed Matter Physics - The Very Short Introductions Podcast
In this episode, Ross H. McKenzie introduces condensed matter physics, the field which aims to explain how states of matter and their distinct physical properties emerge. A PDF tra…
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15 min
Democracy - The Very Short Introductions Podcast
In this episode, Naomi Zack introduces democracy and the challenges posed against such a foundational part of our lives in the 21st century. A PDF transcript for this episode can b…
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14 min
Utopianism - The Very Short Introductions Podcast
In this episode, Lyman Tower Sargent introduces utopianism, an idea that is commonplace in our society and has shaped our politics, literature, and religion. A PDF transcript for t…
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11 min
Nelson Mandela - The Very Short Introductions Podcast
In this episode, Elleke Boehmer introduces the world-renowned figure of Nelson Mandela and looks critically at his legacy. A PDF transcript for this episode can be found here: http…
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16 min
The Beats - The Very Short Introductions Podcast
In this episode, David Sterritt introduces the Beats, the generation of writers in the 1950s and 1960s who broke taboos and countered conservative culture to change American litera…
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19 min
Martyrdom - The Very Short Introductions Podcast
In this episode, Jolyon Mitchell introduces martyrdom and explores why we view historical martyrdom differently than acts of martyrdom in today’s world. A PDF transcript for this e…
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12 min
Bohemians - The Very Short Introductions Podcast
In the first episode of Season 7, David Weir introduces what we mean when we refer to the “bohemian” lifestyle and culture, and the way it has influenced spheres such as literature…
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10 min
Japanese Literature - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 70
In the last episode of Season 6, Alan Tansman introduces Japanese literature, a canon that stretches back 1500 years, and includes writers such as Murasaki Shikibu and Haruki Murak…
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14 min
The History of Emotions - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 69
In the episode, Thomas Dixon introduces the history of emotions, showing the complex nature of our emotions and how they have developed culturally. Learn more about The History of…
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15 min
Nutrition - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 68
In this episode, David Bender introduces nutrition, a topic of interest to us all as we try to live healthier lives but one which can prove confusing due to the wealth of informati…
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13 min
Ancient Assyria - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 67
In this episode, Karen Radner introduces Ancient Assyria, a kingdom which grew to be geographically vast, socially diverse, and multicultural. Learn more about Ancient Assyria: A V…
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14 min
Stem Cells - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 66
In this episode, Jonathan Stack introduces stem cells and how they can be used in the treatment of a range of diseases. Learn more about Stem Cells: A Very Short Introduction here:…
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17 min
Infinity - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 65
In this episode, Ian Stewart introduces the concept of infinity and discusses its application to mathematics, science, and everyday life. Learn more about Infinity: A Very Short In…
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17 min
Marine Biology - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 64
In this episode, Philip Mladenov introduces marine biology, a field whose importance is ever growing as our oceans undergo rapid and profound changes due to human influence. Learn…
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17 min
Development - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 63
In the first episode of Season 6, Ian Goldin introduces development, the process by which nations escape poverty and achieve economic and social progress. This crucial process has…
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11 min
Happiness - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 62
In the final episode of Season 5, Daniel Haybron introduces the emotion most of us aspire to have—happiness—and how our pursuit of it impacts our well-being. Learn more about “Happ…
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11 min
British Cinema - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 61
In this episode, Charles Barr introduces British cinema, the home of Ealing Studios and Alfred Hitchcock, and delves into its global significance. Learn more about “British Cinema:…
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19 min
Behavioural Economics - The Very Short Introductions Podcast - Episode 60
In this episode, Michelle Baddeley explores behavioural economics, a field that allows us to understand our own decision-making processes and how this can impact our financial beha…