Listener sentiment
Past Present Future continues to command exceptionally strong listener enthusiasm, with the vast majority of recent ratings praising David Runciman's intellectual depth, mellifluous delivery, and rare ability to make complex ideas about history, philosophy, politics, and literature both accessible and genuinely absorbing. Listeners repeatedly single out themed series — on essays, political films, historical trials, American elections, and novels — as particular highlights, and they consistently celebrate the podcast as a refreshing antidote to polarized discourse and an intellectual refuge in turbulent times. Collaborations with Helen Thompson draw especially enthusiastic responses, with many listeners expressing nostalgia for the duo's earlier Talking Politics work. A small but persistent minority raise concerns about ads that interrupt the conversation flow without warning, and some listeners perceive a left-leaning bias when the show turns to contemporary political topics, arguing that historical episodes are stronger than present-day analysis. Occasional criticisms also touch on episodes that feel tangled or insufficiently argued, and some find certain series unremittingly grim. These complaints, however, remain a minor current against an otherwise dominant chorus of praise for what listeners describe as one of the best ideas-focused podcasts available.
Apple4.7 · 128
Summary generated Sep 7, 2026
