American atheists

Claudia examines the Hierarchy of Needs, part of Abraham Maslow's theory of motivation.

The row that exploded between Eddington and Chandrasekhar over the death of stars.

The Russian-born writer whose influence is most evident in her adopted home of the USA.

Neuropsychologist Paul Broks looks at the idea of leading a good life by being selfish.

A classic experiment in operant conditioning conducted by the famous behaviourist.

The fastest pair of fists in East Asia and the first global Chinese film star.

Biographer Kate Buford explains Burt Lancaster's unconventional and successful career

While Freud relied on expert and patient, Rogers pioneered a therapeutic model of equals.

Writer and comedy star Rhona Cameron champions Charles Bukowski.

Ken talks to Soweto Kinch about saxophonist Charlie Parker, one of the founders of bebop.

Should Americans celebrate, or be embarrased by, Columbus Day?

Daniel Dennett talks to Jim Al-Khalili about the evolution of the human brain.

Dr Craig Venter on his own experiences as a collector, medic and geneticist.

Germaine Greer presents a profile of eccentric 1970s rock icon Frank Zappa.

Germaine Greer presents a profile of eccentric 1970s rock icon Frank Zappa.

BBC Radio 4 Front Row interview with Philip Roth 27 June 2011

Sally Marlow investigates why many jazz musicians turned to heroin in the post-war period.

Claire Bolderson profiles the founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales.

Jodie Foster talks to Simon Mayo about her new film, Money Monster.

Claudia Hammond profiles JB Watson, the psychologist considered the father of behaviourism

Director Joss Whedon pops in to discuss Much Ado About Nothing.

Novelist Joyce Carol Oates on dealing with her first few months as a widow.

Writer Julie Burchill talks to Matthew Parris about Hollywood star Ava Gardner.

Rajesh Mirchandani meets with Kevin Bacon to explore the strange game of fame.

Aminatta Forna tells the extraordinary story of hard-living writer Jack London.

Alistair Cooke remembers meeting Ronald Colman and Katherine Hepburn.

Micky Dolenz: The MGM Singles Collection is out now, only on Vinyl.

American novelist Philip Roth, 1933-2018.

Putting the record straight on how ‘bacteria/bacterium’ and ‘decimate’ should be used.

Seth MacFarlane interviewed by Edith Bowman and James King