Gone to Timbuktu

A Podcast on the Art of Travel

Listen to Latest Episode

Series One

Anthony Sattin

The British writer and broadcaster Anthony Sattin discusses his latest book, Nomads: The Wanderers Who Shaped Our World — a Sunday Times book of 2022 — and draws a curious link between travellers and ADHD.

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.

Episode Three

Taran Khan

The idea of a foreign woman walking alone in Afghanistan might seem a world away from current events — but it’s what makes Khan’s book, Shadow City, urgent reading. Sophy and Taran meet up in Delhi’s Aerocity to talk about breaking stereotypes.

Episode Four

Cal Flyn

Islands of Abandonment is a critically acclaimed exploration of the ecology and psychology of abandoned places, from Chernobyl to California’s Salton Sea. Sophy and Cal discuss the taboo of desolate places — as well as finding reason to hope.

Episode Five

Levison Wood

The ex-paratrooper, author and TV personality talks candidly about how he covers so much ground, both physically and creatively, as he launches his eleventh book — about the fall of Kabul. He unpicks adventure for adventure’s sake, and the allure of the remote.

Episode Six

Gail Simmons

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.

Podcast

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Gone To Timbuktu is hosted by author and journalist, Sophy Roberts

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