Free Thinking
Free Thinking is a BBC Radio 4 discussion show hosted by Matthew Sweet, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy, examining ideas shaping contemporary life. It has about 1,000 episodes released weekly, with a median length near 57 minutes. Estimated downloads are 5,000 to 25,000 per episode (estimated), with a rate of $90 to $625 per episode.
Long-running BBC Radio 4 discussion reaching a thoughtful, established audience
- Over 1,000 episodes released weekly since 2017 under the BBC Radio 4 brand.
- Recent Apple Podcasts rating of 4.3 from 296 ratings, with a large share of five-star reviews.
- Roughly 57-minute episodes give a sponsor room for a host-read mid-roll.
Brand fit report
Content
- Formats
- panel discussion, interview, themed essay
- Tone
- thoughtful, erudite
- Language
- English
- Production
- Studio production
- Typical length
- 55 to 58 minutes
Audience
Commercial
- Brands seen
- None yet
- Categories promoted
- None yet
- Affiliate links
- No
No sponsor mentions found in the feed
Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability
Family friendly
Episode titles such as 'Weapons, Real and Symbolic' and 'Satire and Gulliver's Travels' suggest serious cultural and political discussion with no explicit flags.
We classify content, never people. No age, gender, ethnicity, religion or political views are inferred about the creator. Audience figures are estimates unless marked verified. Creators can correct anything on their profile.
Where to listen
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Website | www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0144txn |
| Apple Podcasts | podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id140685432 |
| RSS feed | podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/b0144txn.rss |
Benchmark score: 65 / 100
Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.
Recent episodes
| Episode | Date | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | 2026-10-16 | 57 min |
| Reading Against the Grain | 2026-10-09 | 57 min |
| The Example of St Francis | 2026-10-02 | 57 min |
| Intellectuals | 2026-09-25 | 57 min |
| The Ethics of Knowledge | 2026-07-10 | 57 min |
| Trade and Traffic | 2026-07-03 | 57 min |
Last six episodes from the show's feed, latest 3 days ago, a new one about every 7 days.
Leading thinkers discuss the ideas shaping our lives - looking back at the news and making links between past and present. Fridays at 9pm on BBC Radio 4. Presented by Matthew Sweet, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy.
About Free Thinking
Free Thinking is a long-running BBC Radio 4 discussion programme presented by Matthew Sweet, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy, as listed in the show's feed and on the BBC programmes page. Each episode brings thinkers together to discuss ideas shaping contemporary life and to draw links between past and present. The feed lists 1,000 episodes released on a weekly cadence, with a median length of about 57 minutes.
Apple Podcasts shows 296 ratings with an average of 4.3 out of 5, and the show has been listed there since 2006. Audience figures are not published, so the estimated 5,000 to 25,000 downloads per episode is an inference from rating counts and show reach. The audience is estimated to skew toward listeners aged 45 and over, based on the subject matter.
No sponsors appear in the feed. An estimated host-read mid-roll rate of $90 to $625 per episode suits publishers, book brands and premium cultural products, though BBC policy on commercial sponsorship should be checked first.
Written from the show's public RSS feed, its Podcast Index listing and episode titles. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. Free Thinking can edit or remove this page at any time.
Questions about Free Thinking
How much does Free Thinking charge for a podcast sponsorship?
Based on estimated downloads of 5,000 to 25,000 per episode, a host-read mid-roll is estimated at $90 to $625 per episode. Actual availability depends on BBC policy and is not confirmed.
What is Free Thinking about?
Free Thinking is a BBC Radio 4 discussion show presented by Matthew Sweet, Shahidha Bari and Anne McElvoy. It explores ideas, books and cultural themes, linking past thought to the present.
How do I contact Free Thinking about sponsoring an episode?
The show's contact email unlocks on Starbooked for $0.80. Boosted shows can also be booked through Starbooked.
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