Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Sand | 20230918 | Ed Conway starts an epic journey through time and around the world with the oldest of materials, sand. Despite received wisdom, much of our world is built on sand and is now transformed into the most advanced machines on the planet. But sand also played a surprising and fascinating role in the industrial revolution and even in increasing literacy rates. Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Our Future', written by Ed Conway, explores which materials we have relied upon to build civilisations and how we will use them to forge our future. Abridged by Anna Magnusson Read by John Hollingworth An epic journey through the six materials we rely upon to build our world. An epic journey through time and around the world and six materials that make our world. |
| 02 | Salt | 20230919 | Historically, those who controlled the salt controlled the power. The world's monopolies may have changed, but salt remains vital to our existence. Beyond the dinner table, it sits at the heart of the chemicals industry and lifesaving sanitation. Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Our Future', written by Ed Conway, explores which materials we have relied upon to build civilisations and how we will use them to forge our future. Abridged by Anna Magnusson Read by John Hollingworth An epic journey through the six materials we rely upon to build our world. An epic journey through time and around the world and six materials that make our world. |
| 03 | Iron And Copper | 20230920 | The abundantly available iron and copper remain at the centre of sustainable infrastructure and electrification. As the global population increases, so does our need for these materials, and with it comes the tension between hopes of a greener future and the devastation of the natural world and indigenous rights. Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Our Future', written by Ed Conway, explores which materials we have relied upon to build civilisations and how we will use them to forge our future. Abridged by Anna Magnusson Read by John Hollingworth An epic journey through the six materials we rely upon to build our world. An epic journey through time and around the world and six materials that make our world. |
| 04 | Oil And Gas | 20230921 | The discovery of vast quantities of crude oil in Saudi Arabia changed the course of history and global politics. We are still overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels for our comfort and survival, even as their use ushers in a new era of climate change. Paradoxically, in the story of 'energy transition', fossil fuels may be our best option for building a sustainable future. Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Our Future', written by Ed Conway, explores which materials we have relied upon to build civilisations and how we will use them to forge our future. Abridged by Anna Magnusson Read by John Hollingworth An epic journey through the six materials we rely upon to build our world. An epic journey through time and around the world and six materials that make our world. |
| 05 | Lithium | 20230922 | In the driest place on earth the eerie salt pools of the Atacama Desert, Chile may hold the key to our future. The lithium that swirls in the prehistoric water could be capable of storing the energy we need to power our world for generations to come. Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Our Future', written by Ed Conway, explores which materials we have relied upon to build civilisations and how we will use them to forge our future. Abridged by Anna Magnusson Read by John Hollingworth An epic journey through the six materials we rely upon to build our world. An epic journey through time and around the world and six materials that make our world. |