Rebecca Solnit on George Orwell
Rebecca Solnit has devoted her latest book to his life and work. It’s called Orwell’s Roses, and it was inspired by a visit she paid to his rural cottage, where…
The Atlas Obscura Podcast: Alone on the Alaskan Frontier
What drives a person to live in isolation? Meet Sue Aikens, who thrives in the icy expanse of the Arctic. She shares stories of survival, self-discovery, and the wild encounters…
Writers’ History Lessons: The People’s Recorder podcast
The first episode of the People’s Recorder podcast begins with host Chris Haley declaring: “In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, when many said America was at her lowest point, something…
Dish Podcast:
Inside the Dish kitchen, Bob’s eyes go straight to the pork pie starter (naturally) and the crisp bowl. Angela then cooks up his nostalgic request; a kedgeree-style monkfish rice, served…
Song Exploder: Episode 305: Air “Playground Love” (feat. Gordon Tracks)
The band Air is a duo from Versailles, France. Their first EP came out in 1995, followed by their critically acclaimed debut album, Moon Safari, which was an international hit.…
99% Invisible: Sax Appeal
In the 19th century, Western Europe experienced a gold rush in musical innovation. It was a time of unprecedented opportunity, when your improvement to an ancient instrument—like the trumpet or…
Imaginary Worlds: Searching for Cryptids
When I was growing up, Bigfoot appeared regularly on the covers of supermarket tabloids, so I assumed he was a joke. But I’ve discovered that he’s part of a larger…
Not Just the Tudors: How Poets Spoke Truth to Power
Throughout history, the words of poets have often ignited change or unsettled those in power. In England particularly, poetry has both celebrated and criticised the country's greatest triumphs and darkest hours. Professor…
Arts & Ideas Podcast: Marriage
Why marry? Jane Austen began her novel Pride and Prejudice with the observation "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must…
Marc Maron Is Glad He’s Not a ‘Greedy Whore Who’ll Sell Out for Clickbait’
A chat with the outgoing WTF host about the changing state of media, sticking to principles, and why he’s walking away from his history-making show