The Common Reader
Henry OliverLiterary discussion www.commonreader.co.uk
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 39 | Founded | 4 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ArtsBooksSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
What a pleasure it was to talk to Ruth Scurr, author of John Aubrey: My Own Life, about the great man himself, who was born four hundred years ago this month. Aubrey is best know for his splendid Brief Lives but he preserved a huge amount of knowledg... more
Ahead of her new book What’s So Great About the Great Books? coming out in April, Naomi Kanakia and I talked about literature from Herodotus to Tony Tulathimutte. We touched on Chaucer, Anglo-Saxon poetry, Scott Alexander, Shakespeare, William James,... more
Hermione Lee is the renowned biographer of Virginia Woolf, Edith Wharton, Penelope Fitzgerald, and, most recently, Tom Stoppard. Stoppard died at the end of last year, so Hermione and I talked about the influence of Shaw and Eliot and Coward on his w... more
This episode of The Common Reader podcast is a little different. I spoke to both Jeffrey Lawrence and Julianne Werlin about literature, politics, and the future of the academic humanities. Questions included: what do we mean when we talk about litera... more
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Reviews
- Incredibly refreshing
Podcasts are almost entirely hosted by gawping clowns desperately trying to flog their lame jokes and feeble opinions. This is so totally unlike anything else I have heard on a podcast platform - the closest thing I can liken it to is The Rest is History. But minus the slightly tedious joshing. And it’s serious - unashamedly concerned with literature and the aesthetic. Quite unsuited to the times, and one of the reasons I like it so much.
Apple Podcasts5Dfg 325
United Kingdoma year ago - Great literary podcast, with a techy twist
Love the lack of faff, the great questions (second best after Tyler imho), and fantastic guests who I’ve not usually heard of. Keep going Henry!
Apple Podcasts5Flaahton2003United Kingdoma year ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #246 |  United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #152 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #43 |  Denmark/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #121 |  Mexico/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #139 | Denmark/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #220 |  Israel/Arts/Books |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Common Reader
What is The Common Reader about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A thoughtful literary discussion series that consistently foregrounds classics, criticism, and the evolving role of literature in public life. Episodes frequently surface big questions about how great books endure, how education and online discourse shape reading, and how philosophical and political ideas intersect with literary history. Guests range from novelists and biographers to critics and scholars, offering a mix of intimate biographical insights and broad debates about pedagogy, access, and the future of humanities. A standout trait is the blend of rigorous inquiry with accessible conversation, making dense ideas approachable for dedicated readers while still rewarding deep thinkers. This balance, plus a willingness to tackle contro... more
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How many listeners does The Common Reader get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Common Reader?
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How many subscribers and views does The Common Reader have?
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Which podcasts are similar to The Common Reader?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Common Reader:
1. Conversations with Tyler
2. The TLS Podcast
3. EconTalk
4. Past Present Future
5. Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
How many episodes of The Common Reader are there?
The Common Reader launched 4 years ago and published 39 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 The Common Reader?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Common Reader?
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What guests have appeared on The Common Reader?
Recent guests on The Common Reader include:
1. Ruth Scurr
2. Naomi Kanakia
3. Catherine Lacey
4. Clare Carlisle
5. Natasha Joukovsky
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.