The TLS Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Outsiders Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

This week, Patrick McGuinness delves into the moving and illuminating notebooks kept by Albert Camus; and Elizabeth Lowry on the untold lives of novelist Anita Brookner.

'The Complete Notebooks', by Albert Camus, translated by Ryan Bloom

'Anita Brookner: Art and life', by Hermione Lee

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cat's Whiskers Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

This week, Toby Lichtig on the six Booker hopefuls; and Kathryn Hughes joins us in an exploration of feline mysteries.

'Cats: A History', by Rod Phillips

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manderley Revisited Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

This week, Rohan Maitzen on Rose Tremain's reimagining of Rebecca, and a new way of seeing the terrifying Mrs Danvers; and Jamie McKendrick reads his poem, 'The Importance of Time'.

'The Housekeeper', by Rose Tremain

'The Importance of Time', by Jamie McKendrick

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who's in Charge Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

This week, Anchit Sathi asks what an "author" is in the age of AI; and Keggie Carew on the world of symbiotic slime and friendly fungi.

'Togetherness: Symbiosis and the hidden story of life's greatest collaboration', by Rowan Hooper

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noses to the grindstone! Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

This week, Mary Beard gives us the inside track on what it's like to be a Booker Prize judge; and Russell Williams guides us through the highlights of a new season in French publishing.

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lines of beauty Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

This week, we look back at the poets who've shared their work with us this year.

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chill out! Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

This week, we look back at some of the year's highlights, and illuminating conversations about rest, relaxation and reading with Emily Herring and Christy Edwall.

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Games Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

This week, we look back at some of the year's highlights, and illuminating conversations with Joanna Kavenna and Nick Enfield.

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A wine-dark Western? Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

This week, A. E. Stallings takes stock of Christopher Nolan's Odyssey, a “thrilling combination of seemingly opposite tendencies”; and Sam Riviere reads us a new poem

'The Odyssey', directed by Christopher Nolan

'Warm War' by Sam Riviere

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July Highlights Aug 02, 2026

Show notes

Before we turn the page on July, here's a look back at some of the conversations from this month's episodes on The TLS Podcast.

In this month's TLS Highlights, Hannah Lowe reads a new poem with a botanical theme; Claire Harman explores the self-possession and vigour of the youngest Brontë sibling; Scarlett Baron considers an attempt to cut James Joyce down to size; Carrie Cracknell discusses the delights and challenges of directing Tom Stoppard's Arcadia; and Ben Street reflects on the tricky business of artists at the cinema.

Produced by Charlotte Pardy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.