Beyond the Text: The Intellectual Historian's Podcast

Welcome to Beyond the Text, a podcast series dedicated to delving into intellectual history with depth and context. In a world saturated with quick takes, Beyond the Text goes the extra mile. Paying homage to Skinner's insights on the importance of context, this podcast unveils overlooked aspects of historical and intellectual narratives.

Co-hosted by Samuel Woodall and Jack Thomson, Beyond the Text explores the profound impact of thought and ideas throughout human history—forces that have driven change, shaped societies, and sparked revolutions. Beyond the mere words on the page, this podcast unravels the layers surrounding pivotal concepts and moments. Each episode meticulously examines the connections, influences, and societal currents that contribute to their evolution.

Join us on this journey to grasp the true significance of intellectual history. Whether you're an enthusiast, a curious mind, or someone intrigued by the myriad forces shaping our world, Beyond the Text provides a space for nuanced exploration. Tune in and venture beyond the surface to understand the rich tapestry of our intellectual heritage.

Samuel Woodall is a PhD candidate in Intellectual History at the University of Buckingham. He previously earned an MLitt in Intellectual History from the University of St. Andrews and a BA (Hons) in History and Politics from the University of Exeter.

Jack Thomson holds an MA in Philosophy from the University of Buckingham and brings a philosophical lens to the exploration of ideas, ensuring each discussion is both rigorous and thought-provoking.

Podcasting since 2023 • 69 episodes

Beyond the Text: The Intellectual Historian's Podcast

Latest Episodes

Can Education Save Us from Society?

Can education protect us from the society that forms us? In the final episode of our Rousseau series, Samuel Woodall and Jack Thomson turn to Émile (1762), childhood and the difficult task of learning to be free.Rousseau wants children ...

October 16, 2026 • Episode 3 • 21:55

Can society make us free again?

If society creates dependence and inequality, can political association also make us free? In the second episode of our Rousseau series, Samuel Woodall and Jack Thomson move from the Discourse on Inequality (1755) to The Social Contract (1762)....

October 14, 2026 • Episode 2 • 25:11

Who was Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and why did he turn against civilisation?

In the first of three Beyond the Text episodes on Rousseau, Samuel Woodall explores the life behind the arguments: the Confessions, Geneva, Madame de Warens, Paris and Diderot, the First Discourse, amour-propre, and the troubled relationship wi...

October 12, 2026 • Episode 1 • 20:09

Who gets to call others barbarous?

Who gets to call another society barbarous, and what does that judgement reveal about ourselves? In the final episode of our Montaigne series, Samuel Woodall and Jack Thomson discuss custom, European self-criticism, cruelty, compassion and the ...

October 09, 2026 • 17:34

How should we learn to live and die?

Does thinking about death set us free, or keep us trapped by fear? In the second episode of our Montaigne series, Samuel Woodall and Jack Thomson explore philosophy as preparation for death, the relationship between virtue and pleasure, and an ...

October 07, 2026 • 14:34

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Fan Mail

Gentleman, love the show. Very insightful discussion! Please however, fix Jack’s microphone/recording set up - he’s extremely hard to hear most of the time and nearly inaudible other times.

Richmond, Virginia