NOTA BENE: This Week in the Art World
Benjamin Godsill & Nate Freeman
NOTA BENE is the podcast version of a boozy lunch at Sant Ambroeus in which adviser Benjamin Godsill and Vanity Fair art columnist Nate Freeman dish fresh art world gossip from Dimes Square to Mayfair, peel back the curtain on auctions, galleries and fairs—and, critically, tell you where to eat and drink in every museum-stuffed port of call. Plus there’s a special guest each week, and we’ll roast them good regardless of how much clout they carry on the circuit. It’s NOTA BENE. Don’t close the deal until you tune in.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 4, 2026 • 54min
The Fairs and the American Hartland
James and Benjamin are back. Recorded a week ago this somewhat stale episode recounts the fairs that were in NYC as well as Jame's tour around the fly-over states. All that AND MORE on THE ONLY ART PODCAST
Sep 14, 2026 • 55min
Back To School: The Simulacrum of Connoisseurship
Benjamin and James are BACK! As promised (if not a few days late). In this episode we get into the first round of September gallery openings in NYC as well as the taste-slopification of the artworld via instagram, and the loss of artist and downtown legend Lucien Smith. All that AND MORE on THE ONLY ART PODCAST!
Aug 31, 2026 • 57min
Summer Jet Set Report
Reporting on events of the summer that was including events in Menorca, Provence, Aspen and the Hamptons Benjamin and James dish on the people, the parties and the art.All this AND MORE on THE ONLY ART PODCAST.
Jun 18, 2026 • 30min
There's Only One Basel
We are back. James and Benjamin discuss their time in the lovely city on the Rhein and the ONLY FAIR THAT MATTERS. From sausages to parties to art we cover (almost) all of it. PLUS some disturbing rumors about the future of the fair.All that AND MORE. on THE ONLY ART PODCAST.
Jun 8, 2026 • 37min
Drowning in PDFs
Benjamin and James discuss all the news that is not fit to print in the world of art. And preview the upcoming swiss fairs. All that AND MORE on THE ONLY ART PODCAST
May 19, 2026 • 42min
Post Fair Blues
James Michael Shaeffer, Jr., a Paris-based art correspondent and advisor, recounts on-the-ground scenes from New York fair week. They compare fairs to gallery viewing, praise TEFAF and standout solo shows, debate market trends like auctions and collectible pop artifacts, and trade funny anecdotes about gallery etiquette and art-world social friction.
May 16, 2026 • 1h 54min
May Auction Preview with Special Guest Lock Kresler
And we are BACK. Nate and Benjamin are joined by everyone's favorite auction specialist, the ever erudite wiz himself, Lock Anderson Kresler .We break down all the top auction lots at the three houses as well as discuss local art fair, museum and restaurant news. We know how much you all look forward to this episode and you are gonna make sure your headphones are fully charged and you have a good route around the park lined up for this TWO HOUR super episode. You won't wan to bid without listening to it.All that AND MORE on THE ONLY ART PODCAST
May 12, 2026 • 54min
Report From Venice (and Stockholm and Berlin and NY)
Benjamin Godsill is joined by co-host James Michael Shaeffer, Jr. to discuss all the recent art events in Venice, Berlin, Stockholm and NYC.All that, And MORE on THE ONLY ART PODCAST!
Mar 13, 2026 • 24min
Coast 2 Coast
And... we are back. Benjamin is in NY and Nate is (still) in LA discussing all the haps in the artworld AND Nate's COVER STORY in Vanity Fair plus Larry's big Oscars Week Opening in LA.ALL that AND MORE on THE ONLY ART PODCAST
Feb 27, 2026 • 41min
Californication: LA Frieze 2026
Nate and Benjamin are Joined by James Michael Shaeffer, Jr. to talk about everything going down during Frieze LA, 2026. Galleries, Museums, Meals and yes fairs. The good the bad and the UGLY. All that AND MORE on THE ONLY ART PODCAST.and happy birthday nate
