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Artwork for Gone To Timbuktu

Gone To Timbuktu

Sophy Roberts
Travel Writing
Great North Road
The Place Of Tides
Bruce Parry
Romani Culture
Atlantis
Kabul
Train Travel
Bruce Chatwin
Colonialism
Lake District
Vega Archipelago
North Pole
Indigenous Rights
Climate Change
North Yorkshire
Rivers
Mining
Kapka Kassabova
The Drowned Places

'Gone To Timbuktu', hosted by author and journalist Sophy Roberts, explores the art of travel with writers, poets, photographers and filmmakers. Conversations range from physical journeys to inner landscapes, creative influences and new ideas — themes explored further in the host's Substack, also called 'Gone To Timbuktu'.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes31Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksSociety & CulturePlaces & TravelArts

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Artwork for Gone To Timbuktu

Latest Episodes

The journalist and biographer Lance Richardson takes on a titan of American literature, Peter Matthiessen — novelist, naturalist, Zen teacher, one-time CIA agent, and author of one of the classic travel books of the 20th century, The Snow Leopard.

The South African author, explorer and conservationist takes us on a magnetic river journey through the great spine of Africa. His storytelling leads us into the dreamscape of 'Ghost Elephants' — Werner Herzog's new film following Steve in Angola.

The Nigerian author talks about two books: one a journey across his homeland reaching for fragments of history from his nation's civil war, the other a powerful dreamscape evoking the cities of the Sahel, from N'Djamena to Khartoum.

In Greyhound, the Canadian-Irish author Joanna Pocock takes us on a journey across America by bus, in a truly modern blend of memoir, reportage, and the literary imagination.

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Steve Boyes
Scientist, explorer, and author focused on Africa's rivers and wildlife
National Geographic
Episode: Series 3 Ep 6: Steve Boyes
Emmanuel Iduma
Nigerian author and contemporary writer exploring the art of travel through literature and photography
William Collins (publisher of I Am Still With You)
Episode: Series 3 Ep 5: Emmanuel Iduma
Joanna Pocock
Author of Greyhound, which discusses travel, ecocide, and capitalism.
Fitzgerald Editions
Episode: Series 3 Ep 4: Joanna Pocock
Leo Damrosch
Author of Storyteller, The Life of Robert Louis Stevenson
Yale University Press
Episode: Series 3 Ep 3: Leo Damrosch
Monisha Rajesh
British author and journalist
Bloomsbury
Episode: Series 3 Ep 2: Monisha Rajesh
Lyse Doucet
BBC's Chief International Correspondent and author of The Finest Hotel in Kabul
BBC
Episode: Series 3 Ep 1: Lyse Doucet
Caroline Eden
British writer known for her travel and food writing
Episode: Series 2 Ep 12: Caroline Eden
Damian Le Bas
Writer, filmmaker, and visual artist
Vintage
Episode: Series 2 Ep 11: Damian Le Bas
Kapka Kassabova
Bulgarian author and poet, writer of 'Anima: A Wild Pastoral'
Episode: Series 2 Ep 10: Kapka Kassabova

Host

Sophy Roberts
Host of the show and an author and journalist with expertise in travel writing, storytelling, and cultural discussions.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 185 ratings
  • Best Podcast Out There

    Absolutely fantastic podcast! Sophy has a unique and journalistic approach to interviewing guests and the conversations are always interesting and lively. The guests themselves are very engaging and well chosen. Overall 10/10, certainly one of the best podcasts out there!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    I want to use the app please
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Fabulous

    Inspirational and intelligent podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Oceandreamsistaken
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Fascinating conversations

    I only came across Gone To Timbuktu in the last month, but have been working my way through the two seasons with equal parts interest and pleasure. As a travel photographer (and sometimes writer) myself, these are wonderful conversations to listen to, with the added bonus of some really great book tips.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MWSWE1983
    Sweden8 months ago
  • Expert interviews provide remarkable insights.

    Fantastic insights into travel storytelling.

    The interviews are uniquely effective because Sophy is one of the best travel authors and journalists out there. She’s able to go deep into both subject and technique, thanks to her expertise.

    This allows you to enjoy the work of the subjects in a brand new way.

    Brilliant.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ash Bhardwaj
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Makes you want to travel

    After reading (and loving) The Lost Pianos of Siberia, I was delighted to learn Sophy Roberts started a podcast. It’s fantastic, with a mix of smart, curious, and well-traveled guests that make you want to hit the road yesterday. My only complaint is that it’s not longer :)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ilikewaterbottles
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some feedback suggests a wish for more varied pacing and perhaps a more fluid presentation style from the host.
Many reviews highlight the quality and diversity of guests, noting their unique insights into the art of travel.
The podcast fosters a sense of adventure and curiosity, with a number of comments expressing a desire to travel after listening.
Listeners appreciate the deep-dive, intellectual exploration of travel and culture, often praising the host's engaging interview style.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Series 3 Ep 6: Steve Boyes
Q: Can you explain the connection between the parrot and the rivers?
Boyes explains that the Mears parrot is tied to riverine forests and depends on them for its survival.
Series 3 Ep 6: Steve Boyes
Q: What is it about birds that is your obsession?
Boyes describes birds as 'agents of the wild', ubiquitous and integral to his experiences.
Series 3 Ep 3: Leo Damrosch
Q: Where does it all begin for Robert Louis Stevenson?
It begins in 1850, born as the only child of a loving couple, a distinguished civil engineer, known for constructing lighthouses along the Scottish coast.
Series 3 Ep 3: Leo Damrosch
Q: Would you say there's a single masterpiece?
If I had to pick one novel, it would be the lesser known Catriona, which is the sequel to Kidnapped, set in Edinburgh.
Series 3 Ep 2: Monisha Rajesh
Q: What is the arching theme that you want readers to connect with and feel through 'Moonlight Express'?
Rajesh aims to explore the emotional and nostalgic dimensions of train travel, emphasizing the unique experiences and intimate conversations that unfold during journeys.

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 Gone To Timbuktu

What is Gone To Timbuktu about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Examining the intricacies of travel through the lens of literature, artistry, and personal narratives, episodes feature in-depth conversations with a diverse array of writers, photographers, and filmmakers. Topics often intersect physical journeys with emotional and creative landscapes, touching upon the influences of culture, capitalism, and ecology on travel experiences. Noteworthy for its intellectual depth and evocative storytelling, the podcast fosters a rich exploration of what it means to journey in today's world while encouraging listeners to reflect on their own cultural narratives and connections.

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Which podcasts are similar to Gone To Timbuktu?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Gone To Timbuktu:

1. London Review Bookshop Podcast
2. Desert Island Discs
3. The Rest Is Politics
4. Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud
5. The LRB Podcast

How many episodes of Gone To Timbuktu are there?

Gone To Timbuktu launched 3 years ago and published 31 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 Gone To Timbuktu?

Recent guests on Gone To Timbuktu include:

1. Steve Boyes
2. Emmanuel Iduma
3. Joanna Pocock
4. Leo Damrosch
5. Monisha Rajesh
6. Lyse Doucet
7. Caroline Eden
8. Damian Le Bas

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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