logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2021
42m 31s

A History of Rock

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

A History of Rock

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by rock enthusiasts Ross Noble, Paleontologist Susie Maidment and Geologist Chris Jackson to look at the history of rock. Unfortunately for Ross, this turns out to mean actual rolling stones, rather than THE Rolling Stones. We hear what secrets the study of rock reveals about the very birth of our planet, to the incredible creatures that walked the Earth many millions of years ago, preserved in our ancient stones.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Up next
Today
What’s the deal with eels? – Lucy Porter, David Righton and Caroline Durif
<p>Fishing rods at the ready, Brian Cox and Robin Ince attempt to reel in a creature that has baffled scientists since Aristotle: the eel. Wriggling in to help them uncover the mysteries of one of nature’s slimiest subjects are marine scientists David Righton and Caroline Durif, ... Show More
42m 26s
Nov 19
What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy
<p>Robin Ince and Brian Cox wind up at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich – arguably the centre of time – to uncoil the mysteries of what time is and how on Earth (…and on moon) we keep track of it. Taking the time to join them are comedian Marcus Brigstocke, curator of the Royal ... Show More
42m 18s
Nov 12
Mind-reading computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke Bashford
For once, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are on the same wavelength – with thinking caps firmly on, they plug into the science of brain-computer interfaces. Helping them decode the tech are neuroscientist Luke Bashford, biomedical engineer Anne Vanhoestenberghe, and comedian Phil Wang. ... Show More
42m 42s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2019
Stonehenge
Greg Jenner digs into the history and mystery surrounding Stonehenge. Is it really the symbol of fertility and scene of sacrifice it’s portrayed to be, and what part of Stonehenge is the henge exactly? Featuring podcasting legend Richard Herring alongside archaeologist Susan Grea ... Show More
46m 40s
Dec 2020
Stonehenge (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner digs into the history and mystery of Stonehenge. Is it really the symbol of fertility and scene of sacrifice it’s portrayed to be, and what part of Stonehenge is the henge exactly? Featuring podcasting legend Richard Herring alongside archaeologist Susan Greaney from ... Show More
29m 31s
Dec 2023
The Stone of Scone Heist
<p>On Christmas day in 1950, the Stone of Scone was removed, heist-style, from Westminster Abbey. Some believed it to be an act of theft, and others, liberation. </p> <p><strong>Research:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Aitchison, Nick. “Scotland's Stone of Destiny : myth, history and nati ... Show More
39m 43s
Mar 2022
The Wonder of Stonehenge
<p>Towering above the Wiltshire countryside, Stonehenge is perhaps the world's most awe-inspiring ancient stone circle. Shrouded in layers of speculation and folklore, this iconic British monument has spurred myths and legends that persist today. Dan is joined by Neil Wilkin, cur ... Show More
25m 16s
Dec 2021
The Origins of Life on Earth
<p>Today we’re going back to the beginning – no Romans, Celts, Egyptians or Macedonians in sight. We’re going much further back, covering billions of years of prehistory as we look at the emergence of life on Earth. From the rise of the earliest microscopic membranes to the arriv ... Show More
1h 24m
Sep 2022
Geology (ROCKS) Part 1 with Schmitty Thompson
<p>What is a rock? How big is a boulder? Why are they pretty and heavy? It’s rock talk with a true enthusiast, the charming and beloved Geologist Schmitty Thompson. Schmitty walks us through different types of rocks, minerals, geological formations, roadside wonders, countertop c ... Show More
1h 3m
Sep 2023
The History of the 2010s Part 3: The New Genres
It must have been so easy to write about rock back in the 50s...comparatively easy to today, i mean...everything was so new that that’s all you had to pay attention to...there wasn’t exactly anything called “rock history” back then because the music had no history... What began a ... Show More
24m 5s
Jan 2022
Classic Rock
Jack's Rake is a famous diagonal groove up a Lake District rock face. It's tough, but not too tough - so can a newby climber manage it? Helping Emily Knight up the face is Anna Fleming, author of Time on Rock, plus Langdale native Bill Birkett who's made a few first ascents in th ... Show More
23m 52s
Jul 2023
Stonehenge
<p>Stonehenge. The most iconic prehistoric monument in the world. And yet its story is still so enigmatic.</p><br><p>In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Sue Greaney to shine a light on Stonehenge’s prehistoric story. Together they explore this monument's creation ... Show More
47m 54s
Sep 2022
Geology (ROCKS) Part 2 with Schmitty Thompson
<p>We’re back! Listen to Part 1 first, then hit this follow-up with your favorite geologist Schmitty Thompson, who answers listener questions a-plenty. Such as: What is a geode? Are crystals in gift shops even real? Where’s the best place to look at rocks? Is ice a rock? Plus: ro ... Show More
48m 4s