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Artwork for The Essay

The Essay

BBC Radio 3
Leeds
Both Arms
Wallabies
Kenneth Armitage
Loch Lomond
Inchconnachan
Nelson Mandela
Art and Empathy
Pavlova
Fiona Bride Cahoon
Beavers
Scotland
Anna Pavlova
Christmas Pudding
Odesa
Ukraine
Jewish Community
Conservation
Osprey
Cahoon Clan

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

PublishesDailyEpisodes1129Founded14 years ago
Categories
ArtsSociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Essay

Latest Episodes

In 1773, Phillis Wheatley became the first African American to publish a collection of poems. Jade Cuttle looks at the way her poems were described and asks what do we categorise as nature writing? Her essay considers the idea of "coining" and the wo... more

What connects actors with baristas? In 1983, the American sociologist Arlie Russell Hochschild published a book called The Managed Heart which studied the working world of airline stewards. Jaswinder Blackwell-Pal’s essay considers what it means when... more

The Japanese philosopher Yujin Nagasawa says the majority of people are what he calls ‘existential optimists’. What does this mean for ideas about evil and the creation of life? Jack Symes’ essay takes us through the views of thinkers including Schop... more

Having worked as a criminal and family barrister, Shona Minson has seen the effect on women and their children when a mother is sentenced to prison for committing a crime. Her essay considers the 1989 Children Act and what she sees as contradictory a... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host

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Recent Guests

Mona Arshi
A poet and human rights lawyer from West London
Episode: Digging for Words
Ludwig Quandt
Principal cellist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra since 1993
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Episode: 4. Ludwig Quandt
Robin Graham
First woman to earn a principal horn position in a major American symphony orchestra by audition.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Episode: 3. Robin Graham
Stephen Marquiss
Pianist and educator
Episode: 2. Stephen Marquiss
Julian Lloyd Webber
Internationally renowned cellist and soloist
Episode: 1. Julian Lloyd Webber
Lucy Stevens
Actor, singer, and theatre maker focused on the lives of female composers.
Episode: Teresa del Riego's suffrage anthem
Elizabeth Marcus
Vocal coach, accompanist, and professor of harpsichord at the Guildhall School.
Episode: Teresa del Riego's suffrage anthem
Al Beck
Neighbor and music enthusiast navigating stage four cancer
Episode: Time Has Told Me

Host

Matthew Heddle

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 313 ratings
  • Karine Polwart

    I have loved these episodes by Karine so much, it felt like being introduced to Al Beck and his family and so much of the music that was important to him. I confess I shed some tears and visited a lot of the music mentioned. Thank you so much for this moving series of essays.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ajaytown
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • thank you

    Karine Polwart - thank you. Beautiful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tobar03
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Prithee Kind Sirs

    Where might I find the series of essays recently referenced;

    ==> “Composers and Their Dogs”

    I’ve searched everywhere and failed to find them.

    Thanks in advance.

    A VERY loyal listener from Canada.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cap'n Canuck
    Canada2 years ago
  • Great...but!

    Just to echo others comments here. Downloads!!! Sometimes they work, sometimes not. Is it a dev problem?

    Whatever it is, can you sort it out please. Ta

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Donald Globex III
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Whither the download (pt. 2)?

    It’s a year on, and the downloads have shuddered to a halt again, which is a shame, as it’s so good. This is what I wrote in 2022: ‘I am missing this terrific programme in my downloads - the last was 15th June, and there are plenty of programmes listed on the R3 website. Any thoughts?’

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarkoB1111
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Overall, the content is highly regarded for its thoughtful exploration of diverse topics, making it a valuable addition to daily routines of listeners seeking intellectual engagement.
Listeners appreciate the moving and insightful nature of recent essays, especially those connecting personal experiences with broader themes.
There are complaints regarding technical issues, particularly with downloading episodes, which can detract from the listening experience.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#63
Hong Kong/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#97
South Korea/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Poems of the Troubles
Q: Is it important sometimes, particularly with something as chaotic as war, to put it inside some sort of formal shape?
Yes, the form is everything in a poem. It makes it clearer and more memorable.
Poems of the Troubles
Q: Did you consciously set out to write about the Troubles?
No, I didn't. But poetry is about everything that happens to everybody, and the Troubles were a big part of many lives in this community.
Poems of Love and Ageing
Q: You've spent a life writing poetry, would you have it any other way?
Absolutely no other way, as poetry has been essential for my life.
Poems of Love and Ageing
Q: In your later works, do you see a change in the way you write?
Yes, I think the poems are becoming simpler and clearer while retaining a family likeness.
Poems of Love and Ageing
Q: Michael, what use is poetry?
Poetry serves no practical use but holds great value, particularly during significant life events.

Audience Metrics

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

Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Essay

What is The Essay about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This engaging podcast features thought-provoking essays delivered by prominent writers who share insights across various captivating themes each week. Topics encompass a wide array of disciplines including arts, history, philosophy, science, and religion, providing listeners with a rich tapestry of intellectual offerings. Each episode often presents unique narratives that invite reflection and exploration, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate the intersection of learning and creativity.

Listeners can anticipate a diverse mix of perspectives and storytelling styles from respected voices, enhancing their understanding of significant issues and cultural moments. The thoughtfully curated content ensures that the experiences a... more

Where can I find podcast stats for The Essay?

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Which podcasts are similar to The Essay?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Essay:

1. Arts & Ideas
2. Bookclub
3. The TLS Podcast
4. Front Row
5. Backlisted

How many episodes of The Essay are there?

The Essay launched 14 years ago and published 1129 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 Essay?

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.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Essay?

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What guests have appeared on The Essay?

Recent guests on The Essay include:

1. Mona Arshi
2. Ludwig Quandt
3. Robin Graham
4. Stephen Marquiss
5. Julian Lloyd Webber
6. Lucy Stevens
7. Elizabeth Marcus
8. Al Beck

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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