Free Thinking

Publicly listed emails

freethinking@bbc.co.uk

podcast.support@bbc.co.uk

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

Bread

October 16, 2026

The 'bread of life', your 'bread and butter', bread riots and 'let them eat cake', gentrification and bakeries: Shahidha Bari hosts the round-table discussion programme about ideas and, as part of Radio 4's Farming Tomorrow season of programmes, our topic is bread. Shahidha's guests are: Paul Mason, journalist and writer on economics and history whose latest book is Reds: A Global History of Communism Pen Vogler author of Stuffed: A History of Good Food and Hard Times in Britain New Generatio...

Reading Against the Grain

October 09, 2026

What is left unsaid and who is missing from historical archives? Reading against the grain is a way of thinking about these questions and in the week when Woman's Hour marks 80 years of broadcasting, Radio 4's Friday night round table discussion programme about ideas traces the way thinking about representation has changed through the decades. Matthew Sweet is joined by: Sally Alexander, an activist with the Women's Liberation Movement and founding editor of the History Workshop Journal, whe...

The Example of St Francis

October 02, 2026

He renounced his fortune and lived amongst animals so does the example of St Francis help us think about issues like the wealth gap and our relationship with the environment and the natural world. October 4th is his feast day and this year the Catholic church is marking the 800th anniversary of his death. For Radio 4's Friday night roundtable discussion programme about ideas past and present Anne McElvoy is joined by: Peter Stanford is an author of articles and books on religion including a...

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How do I get in touch with Free Thinking?

Free Thinking is hosted by Matthew Sweet and Shahidha Bari. Its publicly listed emails are freethinking@bbc.co.uk and podcast.support@bbc.co.uk. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Free Thinking?

The publicly listed emails for Free Thinking: freethinking@bbc.co.uk and podcast.support@bbc.co.uk.

How many listeners does Free Thinking have?

Podseeker estimates Free Thinking reaches 10,000 to 100,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Free Thinking?

Free Thinking typically books well-known public figures. Typical guest background: Established academics, authors, journalists, and subject-matter experts with direct expertise in the episode’s theme; senior public figures may also be invited when their experience is relevant. Common among recent guests: Published books on relevant subjects; Professorships or senior research appointments; Established journalism or editorial roles. Recent guests include Sophie Oliver, Hetta Howes, and Adjoa Osei.

How hard is it to get booked on Free Thinking?

High. It mostly books established leaders in its field.

What topics does Free Thinking cover?

Recent episodes cover Society, Philosophy, History, Politics, and Religion. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.