21st Century Mythologies

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Duration

60 minutes

50 minutes

11 minutes

Genre

Arts
Culture and the Media
Factual

Station

Radio 4

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	Screw-top Wine Bottle	20141006		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut to the Shard, to the Kardashians. In this first programme Conrad turns his mind to an innovation Barthes would have abhorred: the screw top wine bottle. Peter Conrad turns his mind to the screw-top wine bottle. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
02	The Apple Icon	20141007		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. In this second programme Conrad turns his attention to one of the most powerful images of our era: Steve Jobs' Apple Icon. Peter Conrad turns his mind to one of the most powerful images of our era, the Apple icon. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
03	Nando's	20141008		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. Today he looks at the ubiquitous home of piri piri chicken, Nandos. Peter Conrad looks at the ubiquitous home of peri-peri chicken, Nando's. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
04	The Shard	20141009		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut to the Kardashians. Today Conrad looks at that defining landmark of the London skyline The Shard. Peter Conrad looks at a defining landmark of the London skyline, the Shard. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
05	Oscar Pistorius	20141016	20141010 (R4)	In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining pop culture icons of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, Oscar Pistorius. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of our era. In this episode, Oscar Pistorius. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
06	The Kardashians	20141013		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to today's topic, the Kardashians. Peter Conrad explores the phenomenon of reality TV celebrities the Kardashians. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
07	The Cronut	20141014		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the Cronut. Peter Conrad focuses on the cronut, a cross between a croissant and a doughnut. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
08	The E-cigarette	20141015		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the e-cigarette. Peter Conrad explores the rise of the electronic cigarette. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
09	The Selfie	20141010	20141016 (R4)	In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. Today he analyses the Selfie. Peter Conrad analyses the selfie. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
10	Flight Mh370	20141017		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining pop cultural moments of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, missing flight MH370. Peter Conrad dissects popular culture including the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
11	Her Majesty The Queen	20141020		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining popular icons of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, Her Majesty the Queen. Peter Conrad considers the long-reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
12	The Oyster Card	20141021		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the Oyster Card. Peter Conrad looks at the electronic travel card used on public transport in London. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
13	Celebrity Pets	20141022		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, celebrity pets. Peter Conrad turns his attention to celebrity pets. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
14	The E-reader	20141023		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the e-reader. Peter Conrad turns his attention to the e-reader. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
15	The 9-11 Museum	20141024		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining cultural icons of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the e 9/11 Museum. Peter Conrad turns his attention to the 9/11 museum. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
16	Omnibus - Part 1	20141226		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. Today he looks at the ubiquitous home of piri piri chicken, Nandos. Peter Conrad analyses 21st-century popular culture in the spirit of Roland Barthes. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
17	Omnibus - Part 2	20141227		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	Screw-top Wine Bottle	20141006		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut to the Shard, to the Kardashians. In this first programme Conrad turns his mind to an innovation Barthes would have abhorred: the screw top wine bottle. Peter Conrad turns his mind to the screw-top wine bottle. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
02	The Apple Icon	20141007		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. In this second programme Conrad turns his attention to one of the most powerful images of our era: Steve Jobs' Apple Icon. Peter Conrad turns his mind to one of the most powerful images of our era, the Apple icon. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
03	Nando's	20141008		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. Today he looks at the ubiquitous home of piri piri chicken, Nandos. Peter Conrad looks at the ubiquitous home of peri-peri chicken, Nando's. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
04	The Shard	20141009		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut to the Kardashians. Today Conrad looks at that defining landmark of the London skyline The Shard. Peter Conrad looks at a defining landmark of the London skyline, the Shard. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
05	Oscar Pistorius	20141016	20141010 (R4)	In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining pop culture icons of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, Oscar Pistorius. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of our era. In this episode, Oscar Pistorius. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
06	The Kardashians	20141013		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to today's topic, the Kardashians. Peter Conrad explores the phenomenon of reality TV celebrities the Kardashians. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
07	The Cronut	20141014		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the Cronut. Peter Conrad focuses on the cronut, a cross between a croissant and a doughnut. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
08	The E-cigarette	20141015		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the e-cigarette. Peter Conrad explores the rise of the electronic cigarette. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
09	The Selfie	20141010	20141016 (R4)	In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. Today he analyses the Selfie. Peter Conrad analyses the selfie. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
10	Flight Mh370	20141017		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining pop cultural moments of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, missing flight MH370. Peter Conrad dissects popular culture including the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
11	Her Majesty The Queen	20141020		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining popular icons of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, Her Majesty the Queen. Peter Conrad considers the long-reigning British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
12	The Oyster Card	20141021		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the Oyster Card. Peter Conrad looks at the electronic travel card used on public transport in London. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
13	Celebrity Pets	20141022		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, celebrity pets. Peter Conrad turns his attention to celebrity pets. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
14	The E-reader	20141023		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the e-reader. Peter Conrad turns his attention to the e-reader. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
15	The 9-11 Museum	20141024		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining cultural icons of our era, from the Shard, to the Kardashians to today, the e 9/11 Museum. Peter Conrad turns his attention to the 9/11 museum. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
16	Omnibus - Part 1	20141226		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. Today he looks at the ubiquitous home of piri piri chicken, Nandos. Peter Conrad analyses 21st-century popular culture in the spirit of Roland Barthes. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.
17	Omnibus - Part 2	20141227		In 1954, the French critic and semiotician Roland Barthes began a series of essays in which he analysed the popular culture of his day. He called his essays 'Mythologies.' In this series of witty talks, the acclaimed writer and critic Peter Conrad delivers a series of 21st Century Mythologies in a French accent of the mind. Conrad ranges over the defining effluvia of our era, from the Cronut, to the Shard, to the Kardashians. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era. Peter Conrad dissects the popular culture of his era, as Roland Barthes did 60 years ago.