{"id":28087,"date":"2026-01-13T15:41:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T15:41:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/?p=28087"},"modified":"2026-01-13T15:41:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T15:41:07","slug":"dive-into-the-minds-of-the-great-thinkers-with-new-bbc-ou-radio-series","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/around-ou\/tv-radio\/dive-into-the-minds-of-the-great-thinkers-with-new-bbc-ou-radio-series\/","title":{"rendered":"Dive into the minds of the great thinkers, with new BBC\/OU radio series"},"content":{"rendered":"

Discover the surprising moments that sparked amazing ideas with the new series of BBC Radio 4\u2019s Human Intelligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The returning series of this OU-BBC co-production is broadcast on consecutive weekdays \u00a0at 13.45pm on BBC Radio 4 and on BBC Sounds and reveals the trailblazers of history and the lightbulb moments that set them on the road to discovery.<\/p>\n

Join Naomi Alderman as she explores brilliant minds and ideas. From political theorists to\u00a0scientists to inventors,\u00a0authors\u00a0and artists. Our world is based on their ideas and\u00a0innovations. But how\u00a0did they do their work, what did they struggle with, where did they find their dedication, creativity, and inspiration?<\/p>\n

The first week focuses on Exiles – thinkers who dared to differ, including Marie Curie, Karl Marx, and Ovid.<\/p>\n

Academic consultants from a wide range of disciplines<\/h2>\n

Karl Marx\u2019s ideas caused revolutions, toppled governments, and re-made the political map of the world. He was exiled\u00a0again and again\u00a0– fleeing Prussia for France, then to Brussels, eventually living in London where he completed his masterwork Capital.\u00a0How did exile influence his thinking?<\/p>\n

Later episodes will see Naomi uncovering the background behind famous Perfectionists, such as artist Leonardo da Vinci, followed by a look at Recluses, including writer Emily Bronte and poet Li Qingzhao.<\/p>\n

The series is produced by BBC Studios in partnership with The Open University.<\/p>\n

There are 15 episodes (15 minutes each) in total.<\/p>\n

Academics from wide-ranging disciplines at The Open University are involved in the series which covers the famous thinkers, scientists and adventurers:<\/p>\n

EXILES<\/strong><\/p>\n