RADIO CHOICE

THE California gold rush of the 1850s drew more than 300,000 hopefuls from all round the world in search of a fortune. This sudden influx of people, many of whom came via San Francisco, had a profound effect on the demographics of America, and the fortunes of a few. Melvyn Bragg and his guests on this week’s IN OUR TIME (RADIO 4, 9AM, 9.30PM) explore the gold rush story.

‘I TEACH suffering, its origin, cessation and path. That is all I teach.’ Naomi Appleton, a religious studies specialist, looks at the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths in the continuing series of A HISTORY OF IDEAS (RADIO 4, 12.04PM) exploring ideas and beliefs about living a good life.

RADCLIFFE & MACONIE (BBC 6 MUSIC, 1PM) have Adam Ant, the singer, dandy and rather fine dancer, on

their show today. Adam, who was diagnosed as bipolar and struggled with the effects of the medication, talks about his new tour and dealing with his demons.

MUSIC has the power to reach people deep in grief or lost in Alzheimer’s. It’s used to help those in recovery from brain injury or seeking a way out of trauma. Ricky Ross (pictured) of Deacon Blue presents

MUSIC AS MEDICINE (RADIO 2, 10PM), hearing from U.S. Army veterans, sufferers of serious illnesses, musicians, therapists and the bereaved about the vital role music has played in their lives.