Imagine stepping into the shoes of a broadcasting legend after decades of captivating audiences with profound explorations of the human experience—it's a monumental shift that's got everyone talking! BBC Radio 4 has just revealed that acclaimed journalist, author, and broadcaster Misha Glenny is set to take the reins as the new host of their flagship program, In Our Time, starting with the fresh season next year. This comes after Melvyn Bragg, the beloved figure who's guided the show for over 27 years and delivered more than 1,000 episodes, announced his departure back in September. For longtime fans, this change feels like the end of an era, but it also promises exciting new directions.
Since its debut back in 1998, In Our Time has stood as a bedrock of intellectual stimulation on Radio 4, offering listeners rich, hour-long dives into topics spanning history, philosophy, science, and culture. Picture this: experts from top universities gathering to unpack everything from ancient civilizations to cutting-edge quantum theories, making complex ideas accessible even if you're just dipping your toes into these subjects for the first time. It's no wonder the show consistently ranks among the BBC's top on-demand listens globally and has surged in popularity on BBC Sounds as a podcast favorite, especially drawing in younger audiences under 35 while bridging generational gaps with its timeless appeal.
The upcoming series kicks off on Thursday, January 15, right on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, staying true to its mission of delving into grand concepts and intriguing themes alongside world-class specialists. If you're new to the show, think of it as your personal gateway to lifelong learning—episodes that spark curiosity and often leave you pondering long after the credits roll. You can catch up on past episodes via BBC Sounds at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qykl to get a feel for what makes it so special.
To mark this exciting transition, Misha Glenny will team up with Melvyn Bragg for a heartfelt discussion during Bragg's guest-edited slot on The Today Programme. Scheduled for December 24, this special segment—part of the lineup announced at https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2025/today-programme-guest-editors-cate-blanchett-melvyn-bragg-theresa-may—offers a rare chance for fans to hear these two icons reflect on the show's storied past and what lies ahead. It's a moment that blends nostalgia with anticipation, reminding us how personal connections drive great radio.
Mohit Bakaya, who oversees BBC Radio 4 as Controller and leads BBC Speech Audio as Director, shared his thoughts: 'Envisioning In Our Time without Melvyn feels almost impossible, yet with Misha Glenny coming aboard, I'm confident it'll flourish even more. He'll keep it as an engaging window into the realm of big ideas, invaluable for students tackling assignments or anyone simply eager to expand their horizons.'
Misha brings an impressive track record as both a historian and on-air personality, and he's no stranger to Radio 4 listeners. Over the past ten years, he's chronicled the foundational tales of 15 nations in his celebrated 'The Invention Of...' series, unpacking how geography, politics, and culture forged modern identities—for instance, exploring the quirky origins of everyday inventions that shaped societies. He's also fronted captivating specials like 'The Rise and Rise of the Microchip,' which traces the tech revolution from silicon labs to our smartphones, and 'Continental Divides,' examining Europe's shifting landscapes. But here's where it gets controversial: some purists might argue that his global focus on gritty topics like crime and conflict could steer the show toward edgier territories than Bragg's more classical bent—do you think that's a bold evolution or a risky departure?
What truly sets Misha apart is his deep grasp of global politics, scientific breakthroughs, cultural nuances, and historical turning points, paired with a knack for turning dense material into riveting stories that hook you from the start. This makes him perfectly poised to honor and extend Melvyn Bragg's incredible achievements. Bakaya added, 'I'm thrilled to watch him infuse his unique perspective into one of Radio 4's—and the BBC's—most treasured offerings.'
Reflecting on the opportunity, Misha Glenny remarked: 'Stepping into In Our Time is an immense privilege; it's a true institution. The reason it's thrived for so long owes everything to Melvyn's masterful guidance and his sharp, unrelenting inquisitiveness. I'm eager to uphold the vibrant, insightful dialogues that audiences adore. Throughout my journey—from witnessing the collapse of communism across Eastern Europe to delving into the boundaries, pasts, and inhabitants that define various countries—I've always been driven by an insatiable wonder about our world and the concepts that mold it. That's a passion I know resonates with In Our Time's followers, and I can't wait to channel it alongside the show's brilliant guests and loyal listeners.'
Melvyn Bragg himself expressed: 'Hosting In Our Time has been one of the greatest honors of my life over these many years, and I'm genuinely pleased that Misha is stepping up. With his vast expertise and talent for straightforward, compelling exchanges, he's the right choice to lead these conversations forward. I extend my best wishes to him and the entire team for continued triumphs.'
And this is the part most people miss: while Bragg's tenure built an unshakeable legacy of scholarly depth, Glenny's edge in investigative journalism could inject fresh energy, perhaps even tackling underrepresented angles like technology's dark side in a way that challenges traditional academia. Misha Glenny is a powerhouse in journalism, broadcasting, and writing. He cut his teeth covering the dramatic unraveling of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the turbulent conflicts in the Balkans, gaining worldwide acclaim for his insightful, on-the-ground reporting that humanized the chaos for global audiences.
On BBC Radio 4, he's become a go-to voice, helming standout series like 'The Invention Of...,' a 55-episode odyssey across 15 countries that reveals surprising backstories—think how a single event in history could pivot a nation's fate. Other highlights include 'The Secret History of the World,' unearthing forgotten narratives, and 'The Rise and Rise of the Microchip,' which demystifies how tiny circuits revolutionized daily life. Beyond radio, he curates hit podcasts such as 'Putin: Prisoner of Power,' dissecting modern geopolitics, and 'The Rise of the Iron Men,' probing industrial titans' influences.
As an author, Misha's bibliography shines with titles like 'McMafia: Seriously Organised Crime,' which inspired the gripping BBC series featuring James Norton and exposed the shadowy webs of international syndicates. Then there's 'DarkMarket: How Hackers Became the New Mafia,' a eye-opener on cyber underworlds for beginners wondering how online anonymity fuels crime, and 'Nemesis: One Man and the Battle for Rio,' now being adapted for TV, chronicling a lone crusader's fight against urban violence. His writings consistently illuminate the clandestine infrastructures of worldwide illicit activities and technology's double-edged sword on safety and social fabrics. Currently, he serves as Rector of the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, fostering interdisciplinary dialogues that echo the spirit of In Our Time.
Follow for more updates on this fascinating handover. So, what do you think—will Misha Glenny keep the magic alive, or does this signal a needed shake-up for intellectual radio in a fast-changing world? Share your takes in the comments: Are you excited for his take, or do you miss Melvyn already? Let's discuss!
