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
New York City
Creative Process
Seduction and Betrayal
Serial Killers
Richard Hell

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes7Founded2 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsEducation

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Artwork for Private Life

Latest Episodes

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

In this episode of Private Life, Richard Hell joins Jarrett Earnest to discuss his novel Godlike (newly reissued by NYRB Classics), his creative process, the love of poetry, and the stories behind his work.  

Richard Hell is a writer and former musi... more

In the June 24, 1999, issue of The New York Review of Books, Joyce Carol Oates wrote about the murder of JonBenét Ramsey and dissected America’s fascination with “the category of nonfiction known as ‘true crime.’” In this episode of Private Life, “Th... more

In the third episode of Private Life, Joyce Carol Oates joins Jarrett Earnest for an expansive conversation on everything from Joan Didion to serial killers. They discuss “New York: Sentimental Journeys,” Didion’s essay from the Review’s March 7, 199... more

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Recent Guests

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 24 ratings
  • Alissa Bennett RULES

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jett K Crieger
    United States21 days 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 States21 days 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
#236
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#243
Italy/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#173
Switzerland/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#234
Ireland/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#234
Belgium/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Richard Hell on ’Godlike’ and Poetry as a Way of Life
Q: What did it mean to you to want to write about poetry as a way of living?
I wanted to have a great time writing the book and to be free of external obligations, using poetry and the Rambeau-Verlaine cast as a means to explore life as experience and to push the narrative beyond conventional storytelling.

Audience Metrics

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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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Which podcasts are similar to Private Life?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Private Life:

1. Between The Covers : Conversations with Writers in Fiction, Nonfiction & Poetry
2. The New Yorker Radio Hour
3. The Book Review
4. NPR's Book of the Day
5. City Arts & Lectures

How many episodes of Private Life are there?

Private Life launched 2 months ago and published 7 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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Recent guests on Private Life include:

1. Richard Hell

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