Training the media industry today, upskilling it for tomorrow. Essential listening for the broadcast production, journalism and technology communities, from editorial and craft skills to taking your next step in the industry. You can get involved in the podcast discussion using the #academycast. This podcast was formerly the CoP Show.

Michael Sandel: The Public Philosopher

Political philosopher Professor Michael Sandel challenges an audience to apply some critical thinking to issues people usually rely on instinct to resolve. Recorded at the London School of Economics and Political Science, Professor Sandel debates issues such as education, social equality and healthcare.

More or Less: Behind the Stats

Tim Harford investigates numbers in the news. Numbers are used in every area of public debate. But are they always reliable? Tim and the More or Less team try to make sense of the statistics which surround us.

Man's effect on the environment, questioning accepted truths, challenging those in charge and reporting on progress towards improving the world. Presenters, Tom Heap and Dr Alice Roberts, travel the UK and the world in search of solutions to the challenges facing the natural world and the people and wildlife that live in it. 

Reith Lectures

The economic historian Professor Niall Ferguson presents the 2012 BBC Reith Lectures, titled The Rule of Law and Its Enemies. Across four programmes he explores the role of man-made institutions on global economic growth and democracy, referencing the global economic crisis and financial regulation, as well as the Arab Spring.

Demystifying the health issues of the day that confuse us. Inside Health, with Dr Mark Porter, will be offered in this download, as well as additional related programmes from BBC Radio 4.

Thinking Allowed

Laurie Taylor explores the latest research into how society works and discusses current ideas on how we live today.

Informative, educational and interesting. A special programme, in the form of a 'letter', specifically aimed at Gaelic learners who already have some knowledge of the language.

Make the English you speak sound more natural with The English We Speak from bbclearningenglish.com. Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme.

Jonathan Seff is following