Gone To Timbuktu, hosted by author and journalist Sophy Roberts, explores the art of travel with writers, poets, photographers and filmmakers. Conversations range from physical journeys to inner landscapes, creative influences to new ideas.
The Gone To Timbuktu podcast is an absolute gem of a show that takes its listeners on a captivating journey to some of the most remote and fascinating corners of the world. Hosted by the brilliant Sophy Roberts, who has already proven her expertise in capturing the essence of off-the-beaten-path travel through her book "The Lost Pianos of Siberia," this podcast is sure to ignite your wanderlust and leave you craving for more.
One of the best aspects of The Gone To Timbuktu podcast is its incredible selection of guests. Each episode features individuals who embody a sense of adventure, curiosity, and deep knowledge about their respective fields. From explorers and conservationists to historians and artists, the range of guests is diverse and ensures that every episode offers something unique. The host's ability to engage with these guests, bringing out their personal stories and insights, is truly impressive. It feels like sitting down for a conversation with old friends who have just returned from incredible journeys.
Another notable aspect of this podcast is its authenticity. In an era dominated by staged Instagram posts and carefully curated content, The Gone To Timbuktu podcast stands out as a genuine exploration into the unknown. The stories shared on each episode give listeners an intimate glimpse into places they may never visit themselves, weaving together history, culture, and personal experiences in a way that leaves you hungry for more knowledge about our vast world. It's refreshing to listen to a podcast that inspires true wonderment and sparks curiosity rather than simply promoting trendy destinations.
If there were any criticism to be made about The Gone To Timbuktu podcast, it would be that each episode feels too short. The captivating conversations often leave you wanting more, as though abruptly closing the door on an enthralling voyage through uncharted territory. While it's understandable that time constraints may exist for production purposes or guest availability, it would be wonderful if future episodes could be extended to allow for deeper exploration of the topics at hand. Nonetheless, this is a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things and does not detract from the overall excellence of the podcast.
In conclusion, The Gone To Timbuktu podcast is an absolute must-listen for anyone seeking an escape from their everyday lives and a window into some of the world's most intriguing places. Sophy Roberts has once again proven her talent for storytelling and her ability to transport listeners to far-off lands through her words. This podcast is a treasure trove of knowledge, inspiration, and a reminder that there are still countless hidden wonders waiting to be discovered. So grab your headphones, close your eyes, and prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey with The Gone To Timbuktu podcast. You won't regret it.
Sophy Roberts in conversation with author and journalist Jon Lee Anderson about his life of reportage, from Central America to Liberia to singing to reindeer in Alaska.
Author Laura Beatty discusses her book, Looking for Theophrastus, delving into Greece, the interconnectedness of space and time, the concept of wonder, and why we should care about someone who lived 2,400 years ago.
The British-American photographer Michael Turek returns to his roots in the Yorkshire Dales, discussing the influences that shape his work. He talks about the photographer-writer collaboration that he and Sophy have built, taking them from Siberia to Tajikistan and more.
Leon McCarron discusses his epic source-to-sea river journey through Turkey, Syria and Iraq. He unravels what deep history, beauty and ecological collapse really look like on the River Tigris.
The 87-year-old British photojournalist talks about the travels, writers and images that have given him respite from the brutality of war. He paints a vivid picture of India, Turkey, Greece, North Africa, Syria and the healing power of the Somerset Levels.
Tharik discusses his award-winning book, Minarets in the Mountains — documenting a road-trip through six European countries — the decolonisation of travel writing, and the rich Islamic traditions still kept alive in a region much ignored.
The British author talks about her latest book, Between the Chalk and the Sea — a stunningly evoked pilgrimage that feels both ancient and new, with the conversation running from Chaucer's Wife of Bath to finding relevance in travel close to home.
The ex-paratrooper, author and TV personality talks about how he covers so much ground, physically and creatively, with the publication of his eleventh book. He unpicks the role of a modern-day explorer, taking us from the desert to the Hindu Kush.
Cal Flyn talks about her awardwinning book, Islands of Abandonment: Life in the Post-Human Landscape. This episode takes us on a fascinating journey from the nuclear wasteland of Chernobyl to California's Salton Sea, investigating the ecology and psychology of abandoned places.
The idea of a foreign woman walking alone in Afghanistan might seem a world away from current events — but it's what makes Taran's book, Shadow City, urgent reading. Sophy and Taran meet up in Delhi's Aerocity to talk about breaking stereotypes.
In his 80th year, one of the most important travel writers of our time journeys along the Amur River — 1,100 miles, much of it on the China-Russia border. Sophy and Colin talk about their obsession with remote Siberia, and how to avoid (or avert) the gaze of the FSB.
The British writer and broadcaster Anthony Sattin discusses his new book, Nomads: The Wanderers Who Shaped Our World — a Sunday Times book of 2022 — and draws a curious link between travellers and ADHD.
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