Mary Beard asks why we laugh and explores what laughter can tell us about ourselves, our relationships and the world we live in.

In this very special episode of Inside Culture, Mary Beard meets former US Secretary of State, First Lady, senator and presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Mary Beard asks why we are drawn to literature, theatre, TV and film that take us ‘back to school’. She meets authors Philip Pullman and Liz Pichon to discuss the enduring popularity of these stories.

Shahidha Bari takes the reins for this episode which celebrates the joy of books and asks whether the way we read is changing. In Leicester, Shahidha drops in on author Alex Wheatle and actress Sara Powell, who are in the process of turning one of Alex's novels into an audiobook. She also hears from impassioned authors about the enduring popularity of the printed page - writers whose lives were shaped by their local library and the world of books it contained.

Mary Beard investigates the ongoing history of creative connection and cultural exchange between Britain and Australia and asks what that relationship looks like today. Mary visits The Box in Plymouth, where the National Museum of Australia’s groundbreaking exhibition Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters has just been installed. She will speak to the exhibition’s curator, Margo Neale, about how Songlines takes visitors on a journey across the Australian desert, telling the foundation stories of the country’s indigenous people through the work of their artists. In London, Mary catches up with musician and comedian Tim Minchin as he embarks upon a new UK tour. Mary also meets creatives and leaders who have lived and worked both in Britain and down under, including the 27th Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard, actor Cate Blanchett and journalist Stan Grant. Playing out the episode with a track from her new album is ex-Neighbours actress and musician Natalie Imbruglia.