Last Word
BBC Radio 4Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 568 | Founded | 16 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentarySociety & CulturePersonal Journals | |||
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Latest Episodes
The virtuoso pianist, Ruth Slenczynska was the last living student of Sergei Rachmaninoff. She began performing at the age of four, and was once reputed to be the greatest child prodigy since Mozart.
From the Australian outback to the forefront of B... more
Dr Ittai Gradel, the Danish antiquities dealer who uncovered the theft of hundreds of artefacts from the British Museum. Katie Razzall recalls how he helped her report the story.
Dame Shirley Porter, the Conservative leader of Westminster Council wh... more
Xia De-hong, inspired her daughter Jung Chang to write the best selling book Wild Swans about her trials and tribulations at the hands of the Chinese government.
Lord Hunt, the meteorologist and former Director General and Chief Executive of the Met... more
Matthew Bannister on Andy Kershaw, the radio DJ who championed world music, traversing the globe to bring new and eclectic sounds to a mainstream audience. For a time he was roadie to Billy Bragg who recalls their life on the road together. Dame Aver... more
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Reviews
- Great Programme
Informative biographical details, well presented. People are dying to get onto this programme!
Apple Podcasts5Teac 2021
Australia4 months ago - Always something to absorb
Really - my music collection has expanded thanks to this podcast- I never expected that.
Apple Podcasts5paulsplanet
United Kingdom3 years ago - ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Techno blade now please ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Apple Podcasts1hgjfvghjhfjgfghjgfhfjhg
United States3 years ago - Death loses its sting!
The range of people is excellent and interesting: a good listen.
Apple Podcasts4GrandmatriarchUnited Kingdom4 years ago - It’s 2022
In 2022 why dose Matthew Bannister think it’s ok to say “ taken the Micky “ dose he not know that it’s an anti Irish saying from the last century?
Apple Podcasts1kellyUnited Kingdom4 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #44 | United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #214 |  Italy/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #42 |  New Zealand/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #76 |  Philippines/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #90 |  Ireland/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Apple Podcasts | #109 |  Singapore/Society & Culture/Personal Journals |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About Last Word
What is Last Word about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show curates biographical portraits of people who have recently died, weaving together achievements, personal journeys, and the broader contexts of their lives. Episodes cover a wide range of fields—from civil rights and politics to art, science, and culture—often highlighting the colleagues, family members, and former collaborators who illuminate each figure's impact. A standout aspect is the breadth of subjects: activists, writers, performers, scientists, and public servants are all given thoughtful, archival-style treatment, making it accessible to general listeners while offering depth for those curious about history and human stories. The program's strengths lie in its respectful tone, well-researched narratives, and ability to tr... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Last Word?
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How many listeners does Last Word get?
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What are the audience demographics for Last Word?
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How many subscribers and views does Last Word have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Last Word?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Last Word:
1. Great Lives
2. Profile
3. This Cultural Life
4. Private Passions
5. From Our Own Correspondent
How many episodes of Last Word are there?
Last Word launched 16 years ago and published 568 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Last Word?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Last Word?
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What guests have appeared on Last Word?
Recent guests on Last Word include:
1. Desmond Morris
2. Averil Cameron
3. Judith Rapoport
4. Diana Dawes
5. Biruté Galdikas
6. Sir Tony Hoare
7. Mary Rand
8. Robert Fox
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.