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Artwork for Gone To Timbuktu

Gone To Timbuktu

Sophy Roberts
The Place Of Tides
Bruce Parry
Colonialism
Bruce Chatwin
Lake District
Vega Archipelago
North Pole
Indigenous Rights
Climate Change
Travel Writing
Arctic Exploration
Writing Process
Africa
Literature
George Orwell
Burma Sahib
Creativity
Travel
Poetry
Wild Twin

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 to new ideas.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes18Founded2 years ago
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Society & CultureBooksPlaces & TravelArts

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Artwork for Gone To Timbuktu

Latest Episodes

Filmmaker Bruce Parry talks about his return to the BBC with a new three-part series named after his original breakthrough TV documentary ‘Tribe’. He explores how much there is still to learn from Indigenous peoples — and how modern living divorces u... more

Norwegian polar explorer, author and publisher, Erling Kagge, speaks about his new book, The North Pole: The History of an Obsession. In a lively conversation, he and Sophy discuss the difference between Norwegian and British approaches to exploratio... more

Short bio: 

Writer Noreen Masud discusses her book, A Flat Place, delving into how level landscapes – from Pakistan to England’s Suffolk coast — can echo the psychology of complex trauma.

James Rebanks, a farmer and Sunday Times-bestselling writer from the Lake District, discusses his new book, The Place of Tides, revealing a moving story of courage and determination on a remote Norwegian island.

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Recent Guests

Erling Kagge
Polar explorer, author, and publisher, known for his historic expeditions to the North and South Poles and his writings on silence and adventure.
Publisher, Author
Episode: Series 2 Ep 5: Erling Kagge
Noreen Masud
British writer and lecturer in 20th century literature
University of Bristol
Episode: Series 2 Ep 4: Noreen Masud
James Rebanks
Farmer and author known for books about rural life in England, including 'The Shepherd's Life' and 'English Pastoral'
Self-employed
Episode: Series 2 Ep 3: James Rebanks
Jeff Young
Author of 'Wild Twin' and 'Ghost Town', writer for screen, stage, and radio
Episode: Series 2 Ep 2: Jeff Young
Paul Theroux
Novelist and travel writer, author of more than 50 books including The Great Railway Bazaar and Riding the Iron Rooster.
Episode: Series 2 Ep 1: Paul Theroux

Host

Sophy Roberts
Host of Gone To Timbuktu, Sophy Roberts is an author and journalist with a keen interest in travel and cultural exploration. She engages deeply with her guests, facilitating thoughtful conversations that reflect on physical and inner landscapes.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 160 ratings
  • 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
  • Charming, fascinating and engaging

    I’ve loved every episode so far and spent a fortune buying the books that sophy and her guests bring to life through this brilliant podcast . Sophy has an brilliant interview style , inquisitive and charming and wonderfully articulate . My favourites so far, Don Mccullin, I’ve extracted some brilliant one liners from him, and Laura Beatty for her subject matter Theophrastus.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nikkic1962
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Another world

    These podcasts have transported me to another place , another world - they have fired my curiosity and imagination and made me desperate to travel again. Inspiring , informative and evocative. Thank you Sophy

    From Bev in South Africa

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bev Missing
    South Africa2 years ago
  • A thoughtful, literary exploration of travel writing

    Consistently excellent so far. Has become my favourite podcast on writing about travel and place

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jim B Canada
    Canada2 years ago
  • Original and engaging

    Having listened to 5 episodes so far, I cannot wait for more. The self awareness and sensitivity that Sophy demonstrates as an observer/interlocutor/traveller/writer really shines through with her choice of guests, the interwoven subject matter, the diversity of ideas and the engagement with the very real and beautiful challenges we face globally and locally. Thank you for making this.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    _missdv_
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some feedback suggests that while the content is invaluable, the host's delivery could be smoother to enhance listener enjoyment. Overall, critiques tend to focus on minor stylistic preferences rather than the substantive quality of discussions.
The engaging interview style of the host fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere, making listeners feel connected to the narratives and experiences being shared.
Listeners praise the thoughtful and articulate discussions on travel and culture, often expressing a desire to explore the topics further. Many appreciate the diverse range of guests, noting how the insights shared are both inspiring and informative.

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 2 Ep 5: Erling Kagge
Q: Do you think that sort of the most profound part of it has been The North Pole of all those expeditions you've done? Spiritually profound?
Yes, it was most shaping, but not as much as the South Pole expedition which was a deeper spiritual experience due to the solitude.
Series 2 Ep 5: Erling Kagge
Q: How many North Poles are there?
Erling discusses four North Poles: the geographical, magnetic, celestial, and an imaginative one.
Series 2 Ep 6: Bruce Parry
Q: What insights did you gain during your time with Indigenous communities?
Parry emphasizes the importance of understanding and learning from Indigenous communities, highlighting that living among them has profoundly changed his perspectives.
Series 2 Ep 6: Bruce Parry
Q: What motivated you to leave the Royal Marines?
Bruce Parry shares that he was a young man with misplaced priorities and was often in trouble, which led to him leaving the military.
Series 2 Ep 4: Noreen Masud
Q: What is Noreen's view on the changing societal opportunities for women and immigrants in the context of literature?
She believes opportunities have diminished, and the arts are increasingly a preserve of the wealthy and privileged, contrasting her experiences growing up.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gone To Timbuktu

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

Focusing on the multifaceted experience of travel, the discussions span both physical journeys and the introspective journeys that shape our understanding of the world. With a diverse array of guests—including writers, poets, and filmmakers—the content interrogates the interplay between travel and culture, creativity, and identity. Listeners can expect explorations into significant themes such as environmental stewardship, cultural narratives, and personal stories of resilience and adventure. The unique blend of literary and artistic perspectives, alongside deep dives into philosophical reflections, sets this series apart as a thoughtful and enriching resource for anyone captivated by exploration and storytelling.

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Which podcasts are similar to Gone To Timbuktu?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Gone To Timbuktu:

1. This Cultural Life
2. Desert Island Discs
3. THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST
4. Travel Secrets
5. Bookclub

How many episodes of Gone To Timbuktu are there?

Gone To Timbuktu launched 2 years ago and published 18 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. Erling Kagge
2. Noreen Masud
3. James Rebanks
4. Jeff Young
5. Paul Theroux

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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