Rephonic
Artwork for Private Life
Elizabeth Hardwick
Brontë Sisters
Joyce Carol Oates
Jonbenét Ramsey
The New York Review
Wuthering Heights
Jane Eyre
Joan Didion
Godlike
True Crime
Memoir
19th Century Literature
The Central Park Five
Autobiography
Victorian Society
Nadja
New York City
Creative Process
Seduction and Betrayal
Serial Killers

Private Life is a podcast from The New York Review, hosted by contributor Jarrett Earnest. Each episode offers intimate, in-depth conversations with distinguished voices from across the literary landscape—about their lives, their work, and the ideas that shape both. Along the way, they revisit pieces from the Review's robust sixty-year archive (some episodes of the podcast will feature newly recor... more

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Artwork for Private Life

Latest Episodes

In this episode of Private Life, the writer and New York Review contributor Namwali Serpell joins Jarrett Earnest to discuss her new book, On Morrison, a collection of essays about Toni Morrison and her work. Their conversation covers Morrison’s life... more

In this episode of Private Life, the writer, translator, and editor Gini Alhadeff reads excerpts from Mark Polizzotti’s recent translation, for NYRB Classics, of André Breton’s 1928 surrealist novel, Nadja. Blending autobiography and fiction, this ab... more

In this episode of Private Life, Jarrett Earnest is joined by Mark Polizzotti to discuss André Breton’s surrealist novel, Nadja, originally published in 1928 and translated into English by Polizzotti for NYRB Classics in 2025. Polizzotti gives insigh... more

In this episode of Private Life, Richard Hell reads from his novel Godlike (2005), which was reissued last month by NYRB Classics with a new afterword by Raymond Faye. Godlike tells the story of a poet perambulating downtown Manhattan in the 1970s an... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Namwali Serpell
Novelist and essayist; author of On Morrison
Author and scholar
Episode: Namwali Serpell on Toni Morrison, Criticism, and Narrative Empathy
Gini Alhadeff
Reader of Nadja excerpt
Writer
Episode: Gini Alhadeff Reads from André Breton's ’Nadja’
Mark Polizzotti
Leading Breton scholar, translator of Nadja
The New York Review Books / translator of Nadja
Episode: Mark Polizzotti on André Breton, Translation, and Surrealism
Richard Hell
Punk rock pioneer, writer, and subject of Godlike and related works
Musician, Writer
Episode: Richard Hell on ’Godlike’ and Poetry as a Way of Life

Host

Jarrett Earnest
Host of Private Life, contributor to NYRB with a focus on literary culture and critical discourse.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 30 ratings
  • Alissa Bennett RULES

    I would listen to Bennett reading the ingredients off a cold medicine bottle.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jett K Crieger
    United Statesa month ago
  • A treat

    It’s a joy to hear thoughtful, in depth interviews with such talented writers. I love that they couple the episodes with an audio version of the author’s relevant pieces.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nycgirl1996
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the literary depth and reading selections.
Lively integration of archival readings with modern discussion.
Thoughtful, in-depth conversations with writers and critics are a standout.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#206
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#96
Italy/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#215
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#26
Chile/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#149
Netherlands/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Mark Polizzotti on André Breton, Translation, and Surrealism
Q: What surprised you about Breton's life and leadership of Surrealism during your study?
Polizzotti reflects on Breton's contradictions—visionary openness to liberation coupled with authoritarian traits—and how this tension shaped Surrealism's longevity and internal debates.
Mark Polizzotti on André Breton, Translation, and Surrealism
Q: How did Nadja herself come into focus in your translation and introduction?
He discusses elevating Nadja's presence by incorporating her own voice and correspondence, revealing her as a real historical figure rather than a mere fictional catalyst, and how newly available letters and photos broaden the biographical frame.
Mark Polizzotti on André Breton, Translation, and Surrealism
Q: I wanted to know how you retranslated key passages and what you were trying to preserve or adjust for modern readers.
Polizzotti explains he aimed to preserve the underlying philosophical and psychological texture of Breton's prose, while making the syntax and rhythm accessible to contemporary readers, sometimes shifting word order to convey meaning without betraying the source.
Richard Hell on ’Godlike’ and Poetry as a Way of Life
Q: How did you approach incorporating quotes and other voices within Godlike?
I trusted my instincts; quotes emerged naturally as part of the storytelling, adding texture and connecting the narrative to a broader poetic conversation without forcing a single authoritative voice.
Richard Hell on ’Godlike’ and Poetry as a Way of Life
Q: Did you consider changing your name as a form of self-creation, given your discussion of Richard Hell and Rambeau?
No, I didn't change my name; I chose Hell partly because of the inevitable associations with my past, but the decision was more about shaping a persona rather than chasing a legend.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Private Life

What is Private Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful, literary interview series centered on writers, critics, and cultural thinkers. Conversations weave together deep dives into books, essays, and the authors' lives, with frequent readings from classic NYRB pieces and discussions of contemporary culture. Episodes often explore art, memory, journalism, and the ethics of storytelling, offering a patient, marrow-deep look at how literature and ideas shape identity and society. A notable strength is the long-form, intimate interview style that pairs archival reading with contemporary reflection, making it a rich destination for listeners who crave context, nuance, and literary culture.

What stands out is the blend of archival material with fresh conversations, the frequent presence ... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with Private Life:

1. The New Yorker Radio Hour
2. The LRB Podcast
3. The Paris Review
4. The Political Scene | The New Yorker
5. London Review Bookshop Podcast

How many episodes of Private Life are there?

Private Life launched 2 months ago and published 10 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 Private Life?

Recent guests on Private Life include:

1. Namwali Serpell
2. Gini Alhadeff
3. Mark Polizzotti
4. Richard Hell

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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