The TLS Podcast cover image

The TLS Podcast

Latest episodes

undefined
Jul 3, 2025 • 41min

HORSE TRADING

This week, Nicola Shulman is staggered by Sarah Vine's account of Westminster rivalry; and James Clackson on the irresistible rise of Indo-European.'How not to be a political wife: A memoir', by Sarah Vine'Proto: How one language went global', by Laura Spinney'The Indo-Europeans rediscovered: How a scientific revolution is rewriting their story', by JP MalloryProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jun 26, 2025 • 50min

DON'T STOP...

... thinking about tomorrow. This week, Michael Caines on a musical inspired by a classic album; and Toby Lichtig talks to Mike Berners-Lee about the future of cliimate action at the Guernsey Literary Festival.'Sterophonic', by David Adjmi, Duke of York’s Theatre, until October 11'A Climate of Truth: Why We Need It and How to Get It', by Mike Berners-LeeProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jun 19, 2025 • 52min

Seasons in the Sun

This week, what TLS contributors are reading this summer; and Catherine Taylor on a trio of novels highlighting the growing pains of adolescence.'Back in the Day', by Oliver Lovrenski, translated by Nichola Smalley'Fun and Games', by John Patrick McHugh'Girl, 1983', by Linn Ullmann, translated by Martin AitkenProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jun 12, 2025 • 50min

It All Adds Up

This week, Sara Lodge counts the ways that mathematics influenced writers from Byron to Trollope; and Russell Williams on the transformative power of rites and rituals.'The Number Sense of Nineteenth-Century British Literature', by Stefanie Markovits'The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book of Magic', by Alan Moore and Steve MooreProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 4min

Making Hay

This week, a special podcast from the Hay Festival ranges from the ancient world to the 16th-century, taking in the art of criticism, the centrality of religion and eco-catastrophe. With Stephanie Merritt, Edith Hall, Toby Lichtig and a guest appearance from TLS crossword compiler Praxiteles.'Traitor's Legacy', by SJ Parris'Epic of the Earth: Reading Homer's "Iliad" in the Fight for a Dying World', by Edith HallProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
May 29, 2025 • 53min

Unearthed Treasures

This week, Magna Carta experts David Carpenter and Nicholas Vincent tell us how they discovered a rare original of the document; and Michael Caines on a spritely new staging of a Shaw play starring mother and daughter Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter.'Mrs Warren's Profession', by George Bernard Shaw, Garrick Theatre, London, until August 16Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
May 22, 2025 • 43min

Vagabond Hearts

In this discussion, Eimear McBride, a celebrated novelist, delves into Richard Ellmann's biography of James Joyce, shedding light on Joyce's complex work and its accessibility to readers. Mark Naylor, a keen writer, explores the intriguing themes of Adam Weymouth's 'Lone Wolf,' examining human-wolf interactions and conservation tensions. Their conversation weaves between literature and nature, sparking thought on legacy, societal prejudices, and the delicate dance between wildlife and humanity.
undefined
May 15, 2025 • 47min

Days to Remember

Vanessa Curtis, an esteemed author and Virginia Woolf specialist, joins writer Claire Lowdon, who has extensively surveyed Helen Garner's works. They celebrate the centenary of Woolf's 'Mrs. Dalloway,' delving into its themes and Woolf's literary evolution. The conversation also highlights Garner's impactful diaries and novels like 'Monkey Grip,' exploring her portrayal of relationships and trauma in 1970s Melbourne. With insights into gender dynamics and the creative process, this discussion captures the lasting relevance of both authors in shaping contemporary literature.
undefined
May 8, 2025 • 46min

Big Cheese, Big Apple

This week, Nicola Shulman salutes the memoirs of an old-school editor and socialite; and Rebecca Fraser on an unexpectedly peaceful transition of power in 17th-century America.'When the going was good: an editor’s adventures during the last golden age of magazines', by Graydon Carter'Taking Manhattan: the extraordinary events that created New York and shaped America', by Russell ShortoProduced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
May 1, 2025 • 59min

On our travels

This week, Toby Lichtig travels to Oslo to interview Nobel laureate Jon Fosse; meanwhile, Natasha Lehrer heads to Zurich for a compelling new play by Deborah Levy.Jon Fosse is published in English by Fitzcarraldo Editions'50 Minutes', by Deborah Levy, Neumarkt Theatre, Zurich, until May 7Produced by Charlotte Pardy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app