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Personal Landscapes

Ryan Murdock
Japan
George Orwell
Late Bronze Age
Japanese Culture
Tamerlane
The Wakhan Corridor
James Salter
Jonathan Raban
Burma
Ian Fleming
James Bond
Samarkand
Oxus River
Jeffrey Meyers
Literature
Nicholas Shakespeare
World War II
Travel Writing
Poland
Cold War

Ryan Murdock talks with the world’s most original writers, publishers and travelers to get the story behind great books about place. www.personallandscapespodcast.com

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes75Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Places & TravelArtsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Personal Landscapes

Latest Episodes

In a small medieval palace on Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, a young girl chosen from a caste of Buddhist goldsmiths watches over this broad valley and protects the country and its people.

She’s the embodiment of Devi, the universal goddess, and Hindu k... more

YouTube

Every book I read about Easter Island said roughly the same thing: a small, isolated group of people living on the world’s most remote inhabited island couldn’t have sculpted, moved and erected the enormous statues that are Easter Island’s most famou... more

YouTube

Moonlighting posed as a detective show, but it was actually an old-fashioned 1940s screwball-comedy. Mysteries were just a framework for the romantic tension between the two main characters, played by Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd.

In an era when... more

YouTube

I first encountered Constantine Cavafy in Lawrence Durrell’s Alexandria Quartet, where ‘the old poet’ represented the ghostly voice of the city.

I was immediately attracted to the dreamlike quality of his poems, and the way he captured a sense of me... more

YouTube

Peter Matthiessen is a towering figure of twentieth-century American letters, and the only writer to win the National Book Award in both fiction and nonfiction.

He’s also a difficult man to pin down because he accomplished so much in so many differe... more

YouTube

This drive to discover is deeply human, and as today’s guest will tell you, it might even be encoded in our genes.

Alex Hutchinson is the author of The Explorer's Gene. He draws on the latest insights from neuroscience and behavioural psychology to ... more

YouTube

Film noir is is my favourite silver screen genre. I’ve seen every A-list film noir multiple times, and most of the B-movies, too. I’ve wanted to do a podcast conversation about it since I started Personal Landscapes.

These downbeat stories of ordina... more

YouTube

When his doctor told him to walk or die, Peter Carpenter transformed a health crisis into a feat of urban archaeology.

In wandering the streets where David Bowie honed his craft, Carpenter uncovered hidden dimensions and new connections to pivotal B... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Isabella Tree
Author and conservationist, known for books including 'The Living Goddess' and 'Wilding'.
Episode: Isabella Tree on Nepal’s living goddess
Mike Pitts
Archaeologist and author
Author of Island at the Edge of the World
Episode: Easter Island with archaeologist Mike Pitts
Scott Ryan
Author and host of the YouTube series Tiger Talk, known for his works including 'Moonlighting: An Oral History'.
Fayetteville Mafia Press, Tucker DS Press
Episode: Moonlighting: reliving the 80’s with Scott Ryan
Lance Richardson
Biographer of Peter Matthiessen
Episode: Peter Matthiessen with biographer Lance Richardson
Alex Hutchinson
Author of The Explorer's Gene and National Magazine Award-winning science journalist.
Outside Magazine
Episode: Alex Hutchinson on what drives us to explore
Foster Hirsch
Film historian and author of 'Film Noir, The Dark Side of the Screen'
Episode: Foster Hirsch on film noir and 1950s Hollywood
Nicky Gardner
Co-author of Europe By Rail and former co-editor of Hidden Europe Magazine
Hidden Europe Magazine
Episode: Europe By Rail with Nicky Gardner
Andrew McCarthy
Award-winning travel writer and actor known for his roles in iconic 80s films
Episode: Andrew McCarthy on walking the Camino and the Brat Pack
Chris Reiter
Journalist and author of 'Broken Republic'
Episode: Germany’s Broken Republic

Host

Ryan Murdock
Host and author with interests in literature and travel, Ryan Murdock explores the stories behind notable books and cultural narratives.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 55 ratings
  • A must for travellers!

    Wonderful interviews about travel, writing, life, people

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pang Dynasty
    Canadaa year ago
  • Always enjoyable and interesting observations by your guest. Thanks.

    Excellent podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pollen i
    Canadaa year ago
  • Review

    Excellent podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jane20242025
    Canadaa year ago
  • Wonderful guests, great host

    Just excellent on books, especially writing about place and travel

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mbp9990
    Finland2 years ago
  • A rich listening experience about travel and the world

    I recently discovered this podcast, and am delighted to have these episodes to listen to. Ryan Murdock is very well read, smart, and deeply empathetic — and a great interviewer. He clearly does a lot of homework before bringing an author on, and it makes for a rich listening experience. He’s read the classics and the best of contemporary writers and much else besides, which adds many dimensions to the podcasts. He is clearly an adventurous and curious traveler, and has a genuine interest in ever... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Burleith20007
    United States2 years ago
  • Great Podcast for Bibliophiles and Wanderers

    Excellent podcast and one of my absolute favorites. Host is thoughtful, intelligent and always well prepared for the guest. Guests are a mix of folks I have read or heard of and those I haven’t but all have fascinating stories. The show always leads me to further explore books I have not read or even perhaps heard of.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    caztrish
    United States2 years ago
  • For the curious

    Rare to find podcast that gives enough space for a subject to truly breath. For the curious seekers out there

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Laytee12
    Canada2 years ago
  • Great Interviewing by Ryan

    The guests are always compelling and this podcast always leads me to new reading. I look forward to every new episode. Terrific podcast for both travelers and readers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anne NJ
    United States2 years ago
  • Thank you

    I just found this podcast and love it. Please continue on with your insightful questions, calm demeanor, and intelligent conversations. This should be required listening for all high school and college students. Knowing our world through travel or through the eyes of travel writers can create a world more full of compassion and understanding.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MBMG123
    United States3 years ago
  • Exploring places through people

    Some excellent in-depth interviews with travellers, writers and adventurers. Some of the interviews bog down when Ryan Murdock interjects with his own stories which can be obscure or too detailed.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Jim B Canada
    Canada4 years ago
  • Exploring places through people

    Some excellent in-depth interviews with travellers, writers and adventurers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jim B Canada
    Canada4 years ago
  • Great Show

    Loving Ryan’s new podcast. It is right up my alley. Great conversations and guests so far. I’ve subscribed. Can’t wait to see where this goes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jeremybassetti
    United States5 years ago
  • Inspirational and Self-reflection Inducing

    While Personal Landscapes only has three released episodes at this time, I have to say that if the current cadence and rhythm of conversations continues, this podcast might quickly become a go-to source of inspiration and insight for both those seeking to articulate there own stories of place, and a delightful escape, filled with fascinating discussions for those who are long due for a journey, but do to circumstances, must take a more more voyeuristic perspective for the moment.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Vern Jeffery
    United States5 years ago
  • Interesting & Infomative

    Brilliant new podcast with enlightening and at times light-hearted stories and reviews of travel and books. Highly entertaining!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RW Wilson
    Canada5 years ago
  • An exciting new addition to the world of podcasts

    This was a pleasant surprise. Not the typical book review podcast but something deeper and richer. If you enjoy good books, travel and interesting conversations then this a good podcast for you. I’m looking forward to future episodes since the first one was so entertaining.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rick98569
    Canada5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners praise the thoughtful and intelligent discussions, highlighting the depth of the interviews and the quality of guests.
Many find it a rich source of inspiration about travel and literature, recommending it to those who enjoy exploring cultural narratives.
The episodes are noted for their unique perspectives, connecting personal stories with broader cultural themes.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Isabella Tree on Nepal’s living goddess
Q: Is this unique to the Nawars as a group in Nepal? Why them? How did this develop?
As far as I know, it developed because there was a very strong feminine tradition, the female goddesses were very, very strong in the Kathmandu Valley.
Isabella Tree on Nepal’s living goddess
Q: What were the Kumari's powers? What powers did she channel?
I mean, everything. I mean, I think when the Kumari of Kathmandu was first invested on her throne, she was believed to provide the Hindu king with extraordinary supernatural powers.
Isabella Tree on Nepal’s living goddess
Q: So when did you first go to Nepal? Was this in the days of the Hippie Trail, or was that already over by then?
It was the tail end of the Hippie Trail, and I think that's sort of what attracted us.
Easter Island with archaeologist Mike Pitts
Q: So how many people would be sent off on one of these colonizing missions?
It's largely guesswork, but maybe two or three hundred people arrived in Rapa Nui on two or three ocean-going canoes.
Moonlighting: reliving the 80’s with Scott Ryan
Q: What factors contributed to the end of Moonlighting?
The combination of poor timing, behind-the-scenes tensions, and coinciding personal circumstances for the actors led to its decline, rather than just the romantic resolution between the leads.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Landscapes

What is Personal Landscapes about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Featuring insightful dialogues with distinguished writers, publishers, and travelers, this podcast investigates the stories behind notable books that explore the theme of place. The host engages guests from various backgrounds to discuss their works, revealing the interplay between literature and geography, personal experiences, and cultural narratives. The conversations often touch upon topics like travel, environmental issues, and the significance of storytelling in defining our relationship with different locations. Unique to this podcast is its emphasis on diving into the biographies of authors and the historical contexts behind their works, making it a rich source for those interested in both literature and travel.

Where can I find podcast stats for Personal Landscapes?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Personal Landscapes. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Personal Landscapes and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Personal Landscapes get?

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To see how many followers or subscribers Personal Landscapes has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

How many episodes of Personal Landscapes are there?

Personal Landscapes launched 5 years ago and published 75 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 Personal Landscapes?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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What guests have appeared on Personal Landscapes?

Recent guests on Personal Landscapes include:

1. Isabella Tree
2. Mike Pitts
3. Scott Ryan
4. Lance Richardson
5. Alex Hutchinson
6. Foster Hirsch
7. Nicky Gardner
8. Andrew McCarthy

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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