Four Thought BBC Radio 4
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- Society & Culture
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Series of thought-provoking talks in which the speakers air their thinking on the trends, ideas, interests and passions that affect culture and society
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What I've Learned from Four Thought
In the final episode of Four Thought, Sheila Cook reflects on what she has learned from producing it for eleven years.
Sheila, who left the BBC in 2022, produced around 150 episodes on Four Thought, and in this reflection on the power of hope she looks back at some of the talks which have reminded her that - amidst bad news - we are often surrounded by remarkable people, doing remarkable things.
Producer: Giles Edwards -
Life Without Chilli
Three years on from her first appearance on Four Thought, Dr. Dina Rezk returns to Four Thought. Her first talk was about the shocking and unexpected death of her mother; this time, as she describes another bereavement, the tone is unexpectedly positively, even exultant, as Dina reflects on the difference between the two experiences.
Producer: Giles Edwards -
Care to Care
Farrah Jarral explains why she believes we need to put care at the centre of our society.
Sharing a story about how her beloved grandmother's lifetime of caring for others - family members and others - meant many people wanted to care for her when the need arose, Farrah reflects on what care does for us as individuals.
Producer: Giles Edwards -
Turning to Art
Ted Harrison argues that only art can truly capture the essence of spirituality.
Ted is a former journalist who, close to turning sixty, decided to turn away from using words and instead chose art. It was, he says, because he realised the limitations imposed by words, and the way in which art can capture the ineffable, the spiritual.
Producer: Giles Edwards -
Stand Up for Irish Travellers
Martin Warde is the first Irish Traveller to become a professional comedian. In this talk he recounts his early years travelling before his family settled down and he and his brothers attended school in Galway. His school days weren't easy, he and other traveller boys were treated differently. One teacher however inspired him to pursue his dream of being a performer. Now as a writer and comedian focussing on Traveller life Martin examines the surprising ways people in which respond to his material - both travellers and the settled community. Martin argues it's important to engage in comedy that can make you feel uncomfortable.
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I'm not having children to save the planet
Sarah Williams always wanted to become a mum. But the more she learnt about the climate crisis, the more she questioned her decision. In this talk Sarah explains why she's chosen not to have children in order to save the planet, and how she encourages others to think twice about it. She says that she is not anti-child but that overpopulation is something that should concern everyone. Sarah also points out there are more sustainable ways to start a family, like adoption.
Customer Reviews
Short, Sharp Best 15 mins of my day
I love these short, sharp and poignant podcasts. The Sophie Howe one on 18/7 in particular took me on a journey, and I learnt so much about how Policy and politics need to and can change; And how women are inspired to do this. Thoughtful, inspiring and motivating. Thank you BBC. Keep up the good work.
Narratives. All these narratives.
The guest delivered her review of herself reading books, yet reviewed not one actual book. A self obsessed metaphor for the BBC. I was treated to the usual Woke BBC claptrap in which our morals were criticised and we are effectively accused of xenophobia by a non-pedagog who presumes to “educate” by arguing for the “anti” brand of racism. More like Auntie Racist. Because remember, children, only white people can be racist.
Sophie the superstar!
I loved listening to Sophie Howes story about how she became the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales. We need more women to break through the glass ceiling and the hurdles in the way, and we need more women to talk about those hurdles to inspire future generations. Di iawn!