Past Present Future
David Runciman
Past Present Future is a bi-weekly History of Ideas podcast with David Runciman, host and creator of Talking Politics, exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, culture to technology. David talks to historians, novelists, scientists and many others about where the most interesting ideas come from, what they mean, and why they matter.
Ideas from the past, questions about the present, shaping the future.
New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.
Take back your personal data with Incogni! Use code ppf at the link below and get 60% off annual plans: https://incogni.com/ppf
Ideas from the past, questions about the present, shaping the future.
New episodes every Wednesday and Sunday.
Take back your personal data with Incogni! Use code ppf at the link below and get 60% off annual plans: https://incogni.com/ppf
Episodes
Mentioned books
33 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 7min
Indignity w/Lea Ypi
Lea Ypi, an author and philosopher, delves into her new book, which chronicles her grandmother’s remarkable life against the backdrop of mid-twentieth-century Europe. The conversation explores the complexities of dignity as intertwined with personal histories amidst political turmoil. Ypi emphasizes the impact of decisions made during critical times, the struggles for agency in oppressive regimes, and how identities are shaped through family legacies. Together, they reflect on the moral dimensions of dignity and the role of memory in understanding our past.
22 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 60min
Dignity and Indignity w/Lea Ypi
In this engaging discussion, philosopher and writer Lea Ypi delves into her new book, "Indignity: A Life Reimagined." She explores the historical evolution of dignity, contrasting ancient views with Kantian insights on autonomy and moral philosophy. Ypi discusses how our understanding of dignity influences our perceptions of death and identity politics. She also highlights the tension between dignity and market value, addressing its implications for human rights and societal norms. A thought-provoking examination of what it means to live with dignity today!
10 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
PPF+: More of What You’ve Been Missing!
Robert Saunders, a historian known for his expertise on British politics, joins David Runciman to explore the profound aftermath of the 2016 Brexit referendum. They discuss how Brexit has reshaped the UK's political landscape, leading to a constitutional crisis and shifting public sentiments. The conversation also touches on the complexities of governance in a fragile parliamentary environment and highlights the emergence of smaller parties reshaping political engagement. It's a fascinating dive into the ripple effects of a single political decision.
82 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 5min
Politics on Trial: Hitler vs Weimar
Dive into the riveting tale of Hitler's 1924 treason trial, a moment that could have ended his ambitions but instead catapulted him to notoriety. Discover how his failed coup, the Beer Hall Putsch, reshaped Weimar Germany and the dynamics of power. Explore the dramatic betrayals among his conspirators and how Hitler skillfully turned his trial into a platform for his ideology. Reflect on the chilling repercussions of judicial decisions that paved the way for the Nazi party's rise, and ponder what might have been.
16 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 59min
Politics on Trial: Easter Rising 1916 w/Fintan O’Toole
Fintan O’Toole, an acclaimed Irish writer and historian, delves into the fallout from the Easter Rising of 1916. He discusses the ambitious goals of the uprising's leaders and the British missteps in their clandestine court-martials. O’Toole examines how these trials shaped perceptions of martyrdom, transforming fourteen executed leaders into potent symbols of Irish nationalism. He also explores Roger Casement's trial and George Bernard Shaw's unique ideas on defense, raising provocative questions about justice and traitorship amidst a chaotic political landscape.
42 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 55min
PPF+: A Taste of What You've Been Missing!
Helen Thompson, a keen political scientist and academic, dives into the cinematic depths of 'Apocalypse Now.' She unpacks how the film reflects American culture and critiques military strategies during the Vietnam War, especially through the lens of character journeys and disillusionment. The discussion also touches on Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein,' exploring its themes of empathy tied to imperialism, and draws connections between historical events and the evolution of political ideologies. Prepare for a thought-provoking reflection on war, identity, and the legacy of liberal ideals.
46 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 59min
Politics on Trial 100th Anniversary Special: Franz Kafka’s The Trial
Ian Ellison, a writer and Kafka expert, dives into the labyrinth of Franz Kafka’s 'The Trial' on its 100th anniversary. He unpacks the bizarre experience of a trial that never occurs and its eerie reflections of Kafka’s own struggles with love and identity. The conversation explores the concept of the 'Kafkaesque' and how Kafka's themes of absurdity and bureaucracy resonate in today's society. Ellison also sheds light on the relevance of these ideas amidst modern technology and complex social networks.
34 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 7min
Politics on Trial: Dreyfus vs the Conspiracy Theory
Delve into the gripping narrative of the Dreyfus Affair, a scandal that exposed deep societal rifts in France. Witness the absurdity of the legal battles that revealed rampant anti-Semitism and the shocking wrongful conviction of Alfred Dreyfus. Explore the tension between military reputation and the pursuit of justice, as hidden conspiracies unfold. Additionally, discover connections to Kafka’s themes of alienation and hypocrisy, shedding light on current political anxieties. This tale is a fascinating commentary on justice and societal collapse.
27 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
Politics on Trial: Oscar Wilde vs the Philistines
Dive into the dramatic trials of Oscar Wilde in 1895, where ambition met devastating consequences. Explore how Wilde's misguided libel suit against Lord Queensbury spiraled into public scandal, revealing the dark undercurrents of Victorian society. This gripping examination unpacks the moral dilemmas Wilde faced and the cultural forces that ultimately shaped his legacy. Witness the clash between art and societal norms, as Wilde's quest for beauty leads to his tragic downfall.
41 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
Now & Then with Robert Saunders: Whatever Happened to Unemployment?
Historian Robert Saunders joins to explore the fascinating history of unemployment in the UK. He discusses the landmark 1% unemployment rate in 1955 and its political implications. The conversation shifts to the evolution of work through significant eras, such as Victorian trade unionism and the Thatcher revolution. Saunders delves into gender dynamics post-World War I and how unemployment has shaped voter perceptions and party policies over the decades, including the Labour Party's identity today.
