Podcasts

2026

Direct links to some podcasts I listen to, sometimes.

In Moscow's Shadows by Mark Galeotti.
Recommended to me during the pandemic, before the war. Mark Galeotti's analysis is clear minded. His interest in, and care for, the Russian people gives the programme humanity. His knowledge of how politicking is done, in government and in criminal gangs, makes the programme compelling.

Timeless reliables. When I find myself in times of trouble.

The History of Rome by Mike Duncan.
Remarkable.
In Our Time by Melvyn Bragg (and Misha Glenny since 2026).
He's not everybody's cup of tea but I have a soft spot for his style and the continuity of a show that he put together from 1998 until his retirement in 2025. I like the programmes a lot and appreciate the analysis.

Revolutions by Mike Duncan.
The follow-on series from The History of Rome. Mike Duncan's steady delivery has never let me down; it's helped to keep me going through many uncertain times. His calm summarisation of complicated situations is comforting; we're not alone. We all suffer and enjoy reversals like Napoleon's. And the Bolsheviks were sure that a period of calm would come, eventually, after the revolution was done; it didn't. History doesn't ever stop.
The Daily by the New York Times
I used to like the generally calm format of The Daily in the older days. It was interesting to get the NY Time's correspondents' take on an issue, even if they were often bewildering. Changes in its delivery and the depression of the neverending churn of news makes it much less interesting these days.

Blowback by Brendan James and Noah Kulwin.
I listened to four series, Iraq, Cuba, Korea and Aghanistan. American intervention abroad. Much greed, violence and suffering. Who wrote that the West has been the greatest exporter of violence in history? Maybe there's time to make it up.
Tech Won't Save Us by Paris Marx.
People discuss technology and how it's going great. Sometimes a bit insufferable and kind of conflicted since the host seems to embrace social media and the hustle economy but often worthwhile.
LeVar Burton Reads by LeVar Burton.
Great stories chosen and read by ~~Geordi La Forge~~ LeVar Burton.

This page was last rendered on February 28, 2026.