Free Thinking

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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with artists and thinkers in debates and interviews.

The ideas shaping our lives today - with leading artists and thinkers in extended interview and debate.

Free Thinking: Magic

Magic

BBC Radio 4 - Free Thinking, Magic

Matthew Sweet and guests conjure a conversation about the importance and appeal of magic

Matthew Sweet and guests delve into the deep history of magic, its evolution into religion and science and its continuing relevance in the 21st century

Matthew Sweet delves into the deep history of magic, its evolution into religion and science and its continuing relevance in the 21st century.  Joining his coven are novelist and historian Kate Laity, Professor of European Archaeology at Oxford University Chris Gosden, Jessica Gossling who's one of the leaders of the Decadence Research Unit at Goldsmiths, University of London and John Tresch, Professor of the History of Science and Folk Practice at the Warburg Institute.

The History of Magic - From Alchemy to Witchcraft, from the Ice Age to the Present by Chris Gosden is out now.

Chastity Flame by K.A. Laity is available now.

You can find other conversations in our archive featuring French novelist Marie Dariussecq in a programme called Enchantment, Witches and Woodlands https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0000qkl 
Historians Marina Warner and Susannah Lipscomb look at Witchfinding  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06kckxk 
Novelists Zoe Gilbert, Madeline Miller and Kirsty Logan compare notes on Charms https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b1q0xc 

Producer: Torquil MacLeod

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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