
Colm Tóibín
Irish novelist, playwright, and journalist. His works explore Irish history and identity.
Top 10 podcasts with Colm Tóibín
Ranked by the Snipd community

87 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 41min
236. The Great Famine: The Blight Strikes Ireland (Ep 1)
Colm Tóibín, a renowned writer and historian known for his works like Brooklyn, dives deep into the Great Famine's lasting impact on Irish identity. He discusses how the potato blight devastated families, leading to mass starvation and evictions. Tóibín highlights the neglect from British authorities, particularly Charles Trevelyan's misguided policies, and the moral dilemmas faced during this crisis. The conversation also touches on how this tragic event shaped nationalism and cultural memory in Ireland, influencing literature and societal narratives.

71 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 44min
237. The Great Famine: The Irish Exodus to America (Ep 2)
Colm Tóibín, acclaimed Irish novelist and journalist, dives into the legacy of the Great Famine and its impact on Irish identity. He discusses the journey of famine refugees boarding 'coffin ships' and their shift in labor preferences upon arriving in America. Tóibín examines how Irish emigration laid the groundwork for powerful communities in cities like Boston and New York, influencing American politics today. The conversation also touches on the complex relationship between historical trauma and Irish nationalism, showcasing how these narratives resonate even in contemporary culture.

12 snips
Dec 5, 2012 • 1h 35min
László Krasznahorkai in conversation with Colm Tóibín
László Krasznahorkai, a Hungarian literary maestro known for his intricate prose, engages with Colm Tóibín, an Irish literary giant celebrated for his insightful novels. They dive into the influence of Kyoto on Krasznahorkai’s work, exploring perceptions of eternity. He reflects on his travels to China and Mongolia, revealing contrasts between cultures. Their riveting discussion covers the challenges of translating long, rhythmic sentences, humor in his novels, and collaborating with filmmaker Béla Tarr on adaptations. Listeners also get a sneak peek into Krasznahorkai’s forthcoming works.

5 snips
May 21, 2025 • 44min
Old Pope, New Pope
Colm Tóibín, an acclaimed Irish novelist and critic, discusses the evolving papacy and the paradox of necessary change within the Church. He reflects on Pope Francis's leadership, revealing how a smile masked his iron-fist governance. Tóibín also examines the church's interactions with politics, particularly during the Trump era, and the implications of papal reforms on communities, including the complexities of beliefs surrounding issues like gay blessings. His insights paint a vivid picture of a transformative period in Catholicism.

Dec 16, 2024 • 59min
661 James Baldwin (with Colm Tóibín)
Acclaimed Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, known for works like "The Master," shares his admiration for James Baldwin, whose "Go Tell It on the Mountain" deeply influenced him. Tóibín explores Baldwin's unique blend of personal reflection and social critique, highlighting the parallels with Henry James. He dives into Baldwin's emotional journey and the complexities of his identity within American culture. Tóibín also discusses his new book, "On James Baldwin," which offers readers intimate insights into Baldwin's enduring legacy.

Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 8min
EP.230 - COLM TÓIBÍN
In this episode, acclaimed Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, known for 'Brooklyn' and his role as a professor at Columbia University, shares profound insights on various topics. He explores the complex motivations behind terrorism and reflects on invaluable lessons learned from his battle with cancer. Tóibín also discusses his latest work, 'Long Island,' and why he finds journaling 'offensive.' The magic of Bob Dylan's music and its impact on storytelling also takes center stage, revealing the deep interplay between literature and music.

Nov 16, 2025 • 55min
Ben Elton and the case for popular fiction
In this lively discussion, Ben Elton, a British comic and novelist, shares insights on the hurdles of writing popular fiction and the joy of reflecting on his career in his new autobiography. Sofie Laguna, an acclaimed Australian author, delves into her novel The Underworld, exploring adolescence intertwined with Roman mythology. Colm Tóibín, an Irish literary critic, offers fascinating reading rules for Jane Austen's works and reveals how understanding her characters' backgrounds enriches our reading experience.

Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 8min
Raport o książkach – Colm Tóibín
Colm Tóibín, wybitny irlandzki pisarz znany z 'Brooklyn' i 'Long Island', dzieli się swoimi refleksjami na temat pisania. Opowiada o zaskakujących wizjach, które prowadzą do stworzenia powieści oraz o tajnikach stylistyki, które pozwalają mu zbalansować intensywność narracji. Tóibín analizuje też różnice między irlandzkimi i włoskimi doświadczeniami imigrantów oraz znaczenie milczenia w opowiadaniu dramatu. Porusza również temat transformacji głównych bohaterów oraz wpływu współczesnych lektur na jego twórczość.

Apr 5, 2025 • 31min
Read This: The Long Ireland of Colm Tóibín
Colm Tóibín, one of Ireland’s finest authors known for 'Brooklyn' and 'The Master,' dives into his latest work, 'Long Island.' He discusses the challenges and intricacies of writing a sequel, the importance of James Baldwin's influence on literature, and the humorous side of finding his book in Costco. Tóibín also delves into themes of identity and family dynamics while exploring the immigrant experience that shapes his narratives. His reflections on feminism and storytelling add depth to the conversation.

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 40min
Brooklyn
Dans cet échange captivant, Saoirse Ronan, actrice principale de l'adaptation cinématographique, Colm Tóibín, auteur du roman, et John Crowley, réalisateur, explorent la transition entre le livre et le film 'Brooklyn'. Ils discutent des défis d'Ailish, une jeune femme irlandaise qui lutte pour s'intégrer à Brooklyn, tout en naviguant à travers des thèmes d'amour, de nostalgie et d'identité. Leur analyse du processus d'adaptation met en lumière la profondeur de l'œuvre et l'impact émotionnel sur les personnages.


