today’s radio

FOUR THOUGHT

9.30AM, 8.45PM, RADIO 4 HHH If you are having a New Year clear-out, just pause for a break to listen to Sarah Gristwood.

She’s a historian and, in this talk, worries that our vogue for tidying is depriving future historians of valuable information.

JOE LYCETT’S OBSESSIONS

6.30PM, RADIO 4 HHH

The comedian returns for a second four-part series in which he takes a look at the things we can’t stop thinking about, with the help of some famous and not so famous guests. In this first instalment, weather presenter Carol Kirkwood reveals her obsession with a cat called Donald, while DJ Clara Amfo talks about her love of trainers.

Sam Lee (9pm, Radio 2)

Plus, Joe is given an introduction to the world of live-action role play by this week’s VOP (very obsessed person), Paul Fraine.

THE FOLK SHOW

9PM, RADIO 2 HHHH

Sam Lee is on the road in the next few weeks on an extensive UK tour, where the folk singer will feature songs from his new album, Old Wow. The album includes Sam’s new single, The Garden Of England, which has an accompanying video set in Sussex’s verdant Ashdown Forest. Cosmo Sheldrake and the Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser are also contributors to the album. Sam gives Mark Radcliffe songs from the album on tonight’s show.

FREE THINKING

10PM, RADIO 3 HHH

Is it possible to experience another’s reality? We can never be sure that the colours we see, the sounds we hear or the things we taste are the same for others as they are for us. A panel of philosophers and historians join presenter Shahidha Bari to mull over the matter. SJ