In Human Intelligence, Naomi Alderman dissects the minds of brilliant thinkers from the past; examining the myriad ways in which humans think and realising that great minds don't, in fact, think alike.
Naomi Alderman returns with her series that explores the minds of the greatest thinkers in history. From political theorists to scientists to inventors, authors and artists. Our world is based on their ideas and innovations. How did they do their work, what did they struggle with, where did they find their dedication, creativity and inspiration?
Naomi explores the mind of Homer, the ancient Greek epic poet. She examines how oral tradition, memory, and performance were integral to the imagination of his work, and how storytelling functioned as a shared cultural intelligence long before writing became dominant. Through themes of heroism, fate, and human struggle, Homer’s epics reveal a deeply patterned way of thinking about the world. Naomi investigates how his storytelling mind has influenced countless generations, cultures and societies.
Special thanks to Edith Hall, Professor of Classics at the University of Durham.
Produced by BBC Studios in partnership with The Open University.
Presenter: Naomi Alderman
Production Co-ordinator: Amelia Paul
Researcher: Sasha Edye-Lindner
Series Producer: Anishka Sharma
Executive Producer: Paul Smith
Mix Engineer: Nigel Appleton
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
10 Aug 2026
Conversationalists: Fatema Mernissi
Naomi Alderman returns with her series that explores the minds of the greatest thinkers in history. From political theorists to scientists to inventors, authors and artists. Our world is based on their ideas and innovations. How did they do their work, what did they struggle with, where did they find their dedication, creativity and inspiration?
Fatema Mernissi, a pioneering sociologist and Islamic feminist whose work centred on voice, storytelling, and power. She examined how narrative becomes a tool of resistance and survival. Naomi Alderman explores her belief that who gets to speak, and be heard, shapes societies, identities, and authority structures. Mernissi also recognised early on how emerging digital spaces could amplify women’s voices globally. Her thinking blends sociology, literature, and activism, offering a profound framework for understanding communication, agency, and cultural transformation.
Special thanks to Zakia Salime, associate professor of sociology and women's and gender and sexuality studies at Rutgers University.
Produced by BBC Studios in partnership with The Open University.
Presenter: Naomi Alderman
Production Co-ordinator: Amelia Paul
Researcher: Sasha Edye-Lindner
Series Producer: Anishka Sharma
Executive Producer: Paul Smith
Mix Engineer: Nigel Appleton
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
10 Aug 2026
Conversationalists: Isabella D'este
Naomi Alderman returns with her series that explores the minds of the greatest thinkers in history. From political theorists to scientists to inventors, authors and artists. Our world is based on their ideas and innovations. How did they do their work, what did they struggle with, where did they find their dedication, creativity and inspiration?
Isabella d'Este was one of the most influential cultural figures of the Italian Renaissance. Renowned for her intelligence, political acumen, and refined taste, she shaped the artistic and intellectual life of her time through strategic patronage and correspondence with leading thinkers and artists. Naomi examines how she navigated the complex power dynamics of Italian courts, using curiosity, diplomacy, and aesthetic vision as tools of influence. From her famed studiolo to her extensive letters, Isabella’s thinking reveals a deeply modern mind; shrewd, self-aware, and committed to shaping culture through intellect as much as authority.
Special thanks to Sarah Cockrum, lecturer in medieval history at the University of Glasgow.
Produced by BBC Studios in partnership with The Open University.
Presenter: Naomi Alderman
Production Co-ordinator: Amelia Paul
Researcher: Sasha Edye-Lindner
Series Producer: Anishka Sharma
Executive Producer: Paul Smith
Mix Engineer: Nigel Appleton
Production Manager: Jo Kyle
Who has been a guest on Human Intelligence
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Catherine Fletcher
Jim Al-Khalili
Anna Rowlands
Dr Cutcha Risling Baldy
Elisa Sampson Vera Tudela
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
4.5 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
63
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
31
Contact Human Intelligence
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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