The program is eclectic in form and content. Ideas covers social issues, culture and the arts, geopolitics, history, science and technology, biology and the humanities. Most of Ideas’ broadcasts are documentaries in which thoughts are gathered, contexts explored and connections made.

The 1965 premiere broadcast of Ideas (originally known as The Best Ideas You'll Hear Tonight) was on the CBC-FM network, amalgamating two former series titled University of the Air and The Learning Stage. The first three programs featured a discussion of Darwin's theory of evolution and an interview with members of the CBC Galapagos Expedition, a series called “Peace on Earth,” the music of Villa-Lobos and a talk by Earle Birney about poetry and creativity. Back in 1965, the CBC Times announced that "full-attention programming is what CBC-FM radio offers its listeners. Ideas is a series prepared for people who just enjoy thinking."

This program belongs to the following categories:

• Documentary
• Opinion & Commentary