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Artwork for A Reading Life, A Writing Life,

A Reading Life, A Writing Life, with Sally Bayley

Sally Bayley, Andrew Smith
A Glastonbury Romance
Literature
Blindness
Richard Wilbur
Nature
Pond Man
Writing
José Saramago
Creativity
Time
John Cowper Powys
Chronic Pain
Alice In Wonderland
V.S. Pritchett
Pain
History
Insomnia
Twelfth Night
New Year's Eve
Health Challenges

Acclaimed writer Sally Bayley lives on a narrowboat, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, sustained by reading and writing. In this series, she invites us into her life, showing us how books have the power to change your life. Sally has recently been diagnosed with an auto-immune disease, but this is not a misery memoir podcast; she shows us how literature and connection to nature can co... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes86Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsEducation

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Artwork for A Reading Life, A Writing Life,

Latest Episodes

‘She brought so little personality with her that she seemed scarcely to disturb the air…’

This week, marking the arrival of Autumn, Sally has been thinking about literary arrivals, in particular those in L.P. Hartley’s 1957 novel, The Hireling. List... more

‘From Waterloo Station to the small country town of Ramsgard in Dorset is a journey of not more than three or four hours, but having by good luck found a compartment to himself, Wolf Solent was able to indulge in such an orgy of concentrated thought,... more

‘The fate of the writer is to dwell in that realm of shadows and apparitions and half-seen thoughts…’

This week, we join Sally sketching a scene for her new novel, Mrs Parnell, in which the stern housekeeper Mrs Parsons encounters a figure on the st... more

‘He stood still in the gloom of the hall, trying to catch the air that the voice was singing and gazing up at his wife. There was grace and mystery in her attitude as if she were a symbol of something.’

A special episode this week, as we join Sally ... more

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Recent Guests

Aida Edemariam
Born to Ethiopian and Canadian parents, she writes personal history and is a senior feature writer at The Guardian.
The Guardian
Episode: A Reading Life, A Writing Life in Conversation

Host

Sally Bayley
Acclaimed writer and teacher, known for her insightful reflections on the intersection of literature and life. She explores complex themes through personal narratives and literary discussions.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 132 ratings
  • Look forward to every episode

    I love this podcast, it inspires me to read and to discover books and writers, both familiar and new. I enjoy how Sally revels in language, giving me new perspectives, and the background soundscapes are beautiful. I look forward to each new episode!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rebecca Nant
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Serendipity

    As I hadn’t heard of Sally Bayley, I found this series quite by accident when doing a search for “Porius” (John Cowper Powys). The very first episode spoke volumes and promised further meditations to come against the noise and haste which increasingly defines our world. Wherever she is today, I wish our host the best.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    pataphysician
    United States10 months ago
  • Wonderful podcast series!

    What a wonderfully fantastic idea for a unique podcast series!! That’s my French summer holiday sorted in the evenings with my family, either side of new card games specially purchased for the trip 👍🌞📖 Looking forward so much to getting my teeth stuck into this superb series. What I’ve listened to so far is music to my ears. Congratulations Sally on an excellently produced series!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ultraviolet101
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Beautiful, lyrical, meditative podcast

    I love this podcast. Each episode is a piece of art on its own. Everytime I choose a favourite one I keep being suprised by the lyrical beauty of the following. It’s also a sort of Literary Manifesto 2.0 because there are so many poetic enunciations and aphorismatic verses in each audio. It gives an insight into the artistic life of a masterful and original writer: the listener can feel a peculiar closeness to the speaking voice, entering the literary world that she beautifully and artfully conj... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eleonora Maio
    Italy2 years ago
  • No.19 The body in the library

    This is now my favourite podcast. I only listen at night and it helps me drop off to sleep. She has such a nice soothing voice.

    The subjects are interesting. I like her talking with her young neighbour, Maeve Magnus, and no.19 is a particular favourite. Please continue making them.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sleepy Chriszzzzzz
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

There is a significant recognition of the host's unique perspective and literary expertise, drawing listeners who seek deeper understanding of life through words.
The podcast is praised for its artistic production and deeply reflective narratives that offer both comfort and inspiration to listeners.
Many reviews highlight the soothing quality of the host's voice and the powerful connections made between personal experiences and literary themes.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful exploration of literature and life, often describing the content as immersive and meditative.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#206
United Kingdom/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A Conversation on Difficulty and Ambiguity
Q: How would you help a contemporary reader not panic about these transitions?
By encouraging them to work with the difficulty inherent in challenging texts, framing them as aesthetic strategies rather than personal shortcomings.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About A Reading Life, A Writing Life,

What is A Reading Life, A Writing Life, about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the intersection of literature, life experiences, and the natural world, this series features reflective discussions led by an acclaimed writer living on a narrowboat. The host shares personal narratives that explore how reading and writing provide solace and understanding amidst life's challenges, particularly in light of her recent health issues. Episodes navigate complex themes through literary analysis and anecdotal storytelling, blending insights on various authors and their works while embracing the beauty of the surrounding environment. With a rich tapestry of soundscapes and emotional depth, listeners are invited to appreciate the transformative power of literature and the connections that life and nature foster.

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Which podcasts are similar to A Reading Life, A Writing Life,?

These podcasts share a similar audience with A Reading Life, A Writing Life,:

1. Arts & Ideas
2. The LRB Podcast
3. The Paris Review
4. The TLS Podcast
5. Therapy Works

How many episodes of A Reading Life, A Writing Life, are there?

A Reading Life, A Writing Life, launched 3 years ago and published 86 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on A Reading Life, A Writing Life,?

Recent guests on A Reading Life, A Writing Life, include:

1. Aida Edemariam

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