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David Runciman

The History of Ideas Podcast
with David Runciman

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A bi-weekly podcast exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, science to fiction.

Latest episode

Political Conversions: Switching Sides in the 21st Century

5 April 2026

00:00 / 01:04

In the final episode of this series David talks to political historian David Klemperer about how political conversion works today. Is this a post-ideological age or have the ideologies simply changed? Is switching sides easier or harder in the age of social media? Who or what might play the role once performed in political conversions by the Soviet Union? Are we still capable of changing our minds?

Join us on Friday 17th April at the Regent Street Cinema in London for the second film in our new season: a screening of South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut followed by a live podcast recording with David and director and campaigner Beeban Kidron. Tickets available now https://bit.ly/3O5rSEY

You can find out everything you need to know about this podcast – who we are, what we do, plus merch, events and full lists of all episodes and PPF+ bonus episodes on our website https://www.ppfideas.com

Next Time: PPF Live Film Special – Metropolitan w/James Marriott

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More episodes

Political Conversions: From Trotskyism to Neoconservatism

1 April 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Political Conversions: Communism – The God That Failed

29 March 2026

00:00 / 01:04

Political Conversions: Going Fascist

25 March 2026

00:00 / 01:04

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