
Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 1129 | Founded | 14 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | ArtsSociety & Culture | ||||

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
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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.
Karine Polwart - thank you. Beautiful.
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.
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
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?’
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #63 | |
Apple Podcasts | #97 |
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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
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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Essay:
1. Arts & Ideas
2. Bookclub
3. The TLS Podcast
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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.
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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
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