“I have good intentions. I often intend to listen to non-fiction, or podcasts that will make me think/inform/educate/open up my world (I’m chronically ill so Lockdown doesn’t look much different to my normal. It just has an extra layer of anxiety) But my go to mental health treatment is generally escapism, so I usually end up listening to an audiobook of a fiction novel I’ve read before. Or anything read by Bill Bryson. Safe things. Things that might stress me out a bit because I never manage to remember stuff any more (my illness is neurological) but will take me out of my head for a bit.
I’ve been aware of AFP for a long time, but it’s only recently that I’ve found myself drawn to her writing. She floated closer to the surface of my attention via IG of all places, due to her willingness to stick her head above the parapet on her last tour about some of the issues inexplicably gaining traction in some parts of the US.
Then of course the world changed even more, and her writing became a window into how another part of the world is dealing with a pandemic.
When she announced the podcast, and book club (for patrons) I thought “that sounds interesting.” But I think that about a lot of things. Then I never even get through one of them, let alone a second.
Today is Tuesday. The Lenny Henry conversation was released today. I’ve already listened to it.
I use the word conversation intentionally. It’s not a veiled insult. It’s a compliment. Listening to these I don’t get that unsettling feeling of inadequacy that colours so much of my life these days. I’m not reaching for a pen to take notes because I need to remember something. By that I don’t mean there aren’t ‘Aha!’ moments, there are. What I’m clumsily trying to articulate is that the two episodes so far leave me feeling more like I’ve been somewhere with a group of friends and acquaintances and have been lucky enough be sat where I could to listen in on a conversation between two interesting people having a wide ranging honest exchange of views about well, everything.
I’m kind of shocked that I’ve already managed to listen to two episodes already.
I’ve really enjoyed them. The time flies by - just like it does when you’re talking to a good friend.
So, yeah, basically the two episodes released so far have been accessible and engaging. Even if you’re unfamiliar with any/all of the people involved - give this a listen.”
sand625 via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
10/06/20