Reviews
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“A Fleet St nepo baby par excellence, Sam Leith is the OE wet who failed ever upwards. This podcast is dross but it is at least marginally better than his dribble p- output for the Speccie.”
Miscellany via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
03/29/23
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“Sam Leith is a charming and terrifically informed and thoughtful reader and interviewer. This podcast never disappoints and is the best books cast I’ve found.”
dbev79 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/12/22
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“The most intelligent interviewer who really illuminates the subjects. When Lord Bragg finally gives up In Our Time, Sam’s the logical successor.”
Brennukjartan via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
08/04/22
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“The ever fascinating Robert Douglas-Fairhurst was a great guest and the subsequent episode with Borch Jacobsen was intriguing and soberly radical. Excellent podcast.”
Buhlteufelin via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/08/22
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“All the interviews on this podcast are typically informative and well done as a rule however I just had a good surprise today. Tessa Dunlop was interviewed about Army Girls. I didn’t expect it to be as fascinating and vivid as it turned out to be—nothing negative about her of course —it’s just...”Read full review »
Destael via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/17/21
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“This is a really good book review podcast”
Uggie3uk via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
11/12/21
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“Generally it’s very good and by far the best of its kind available, better than radio 4’s equivalents now. Occasional slips, like Frances Wilson on Lawrence—spoiled by irritating laughter throughout.”
sextus Pompeius via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/17/21
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“Excellent podcast about Dylan. Informative, considered, entertaining, thought provoking. Will definitely be back”
killiskey via Apple Podcasts ·
Ireland ·
05/16/21
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“Richard Dawkins? Woke trash. Bye, bye.”
Maria Dolores via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/04/21
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“I don’t think there is a better Arts interviewer than Leith. Though he’s clearly well read, informed, and critically astute, he always makes sure that it’s the authors voice and vision that are at the forefront of the discussion. It’s a rare gift these days, and one that has brought me a lot of...”Read full review »
Vieiravenom via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/27/20
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“Sam Leith is the best interviewer on literature I've ever heard. His knowledge is extraordinarily diverse but he remains engaging, easy-goinf and funny. I would not miss an episode and wish it were twice weekly.”Read full review »
Keffordos via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
05/09/20
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“Consistently excellent. Sam Leith is very bright & very well informed. He always gives his subjects time, & his Qs always go with the discussion & are to the point.
This is in the classical Spectator tradition, not remotely in the pugnacious & objectionable world of Rod...”Read full review »
Barbary Duck via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
03/02/20
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“Does this podcast ever feature British authors?”
WWW/5934 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/03/19
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“This really is a very thoughtful and engaging podcast. Sam Leith takes great care to allow a wide range of authors to talk deeply and openly about their work. There is always something of interest, often moving and the style is is one of intelligent engagement. Lovely.”
AlfRamsey66 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/29/19
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“I love Sam’s style
Books for the beach was a really helpful guide to books I wasn’t aware of”
spacdog via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
08/27/19
“I thought it was time to write a review because I have listened to a few now over the last few years whilst walking the dog. Sam is a laid back interviewer with knowledge, a gentle sense of humour and insightful questioning. Able to get the details and some nitty gritty out of the interviewee...”Read full review »
ozRuss via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
07/17/19
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“Erudite, insightful and enjoyable. Each episode is a treat.
Thank you for producing and providing”
Jecomprend via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
06/09/19
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“Love this podcast. Sam Leith lets his guests speak. Full of ideas.
The perfect listen for looking out of the bus window. I never read the books but I love hearing the chats. So interesting.”
Sktchy via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/02/19
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“Sam’s style of interview generally makes for an engaging listen, but this one with Bret Easton Ellis had so many nuggets for my English psyche it prompted me to say out loud “that was great!”.”
peter de leeds via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
05/12/19
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“Varied and entertaining interviews. Authors reveal so much about their motivation, methods and influences. Sam Leith is excellent in getting interviewees to open up.”
Robertsjg via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
04/04/19
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“Turn up the host mic volume please—don’t wish to miss a single witty word.”
The Fish Rover via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/20/19
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“The Spectator produces some great podcasts and I think this is the best. The guest authors are almost always fascinating and have something to say and the host’s contributions are always entertaining and apposite.”
Mike5977 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
03/17/19
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“Great interviewer, great interview. The book sounds intriguing. Thank you for this podcast. Especially loved the comment,
“May we all die as well.””
Be a Triz via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/13/19
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“The guests are consistently interesting. They are asked thoughtful questions and allowed to answer them, without being continuously interrupted. How novel & unlike many BBC Radio 4 podcasts, sadly. I look forward to new episodes & learn something every time I listen. Bravo!”
CMinDC via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/12/19
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“I'd like to congratulate your podcast. I listen to many very good podcasts, but yours is oustanding, in the way you conduct it, the interviewees etc. Helas, a mistep: the episode with Mr. John Hands. He didnt seem serious in most of his arguments. I even detected that you and your partner...”Read full review »
jack 756480 via Apple Podcasts ·
Argentina ·
01/19/19
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“Varied, interesting guests and Sam Leith is a genial interviewer.”
Stephen284 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
01/19/19
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“This podcast never fails to entertain, inform, and inspire.”
Tarquin Courgette via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
12/18/18
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“I enjoy this poddie - love the subject books, interviews and Sam, whose self-effacing manner avoids becoming the ⭐️ ‘star’.”
Barb2503 via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
12/16/18
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“Invariably interesting, just the right length, with a touch of lightness and humour, and a very good way to discover new books. Really excellent to listen to on a daily walk or commute. On a more specific note, on the last one I heard – featuring Lee Child – I was chuffed by the author mentioning...”Read full review »
Frederico Pinheiro de Melo via Apple Podcasts ·
Portugal ·
12/03/18
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“Almost always interesting and Sam Leith is great as host.”
Claes Sweden via Apple Podcasts ·
Sweden ·
11/03/18
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“Neil Macgregor interview was sublime. Thank you”
suewild via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/27/18
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“Informed guests. Intelligent discussion. What more could you want?”
itravel4music via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/22/18
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“Wide ranging and open - this podcast is always worth a look.”
Kindermord via Apple Podcasts ·
Ireland ·
10/08/18
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“I’ve tried many book podcasts but this one has most resisted becoming overly inwardly looking.
It is intelligent, informed, and well produced.
I’d strongly recommend it.”
Daniel R Parry via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
09/23/18
“Host Sam Leith is amazing -- he certainly gives the impression that he reads all the books from cover to cover, and he never lacks for an intelligent, witty, empathetic question or comment -- and his various guests are generally fascinating, articulate, and blessedly free of pomposity. Really,...”Read full review »
Scrbblr via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/21/18
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“I love the sheer variety of Sam Leith’s guests, from children’s authors to learned scientists. They respond well to his style of interview which is relaxed and well-informed.”
Cricket283 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/06/18
“give this podcast a go. Started with the Jesse Norman interview, which was excellent, and subsequently discovered more and more wonderful interviews. Production quality is also top.”
41jessi via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
07/31/18
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“Just gets better and better”
MD571 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
06/28/18
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“This podcast offers a charming and well-read host who appreciates literature, gives industry insight and gives niches their due.”
BTMule via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/18/18
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