Gone To Timbuktu

I have high respect for the author Sophy Roberts, her knowledge, experience and vision. I love the concept of the podcast - the intro of which I don’t want to ever skip (kudos to the Mongolian music and the photo illustration of the podcast). I’m glad I’ve learned about the authors interviewed so far as I am a big traveller who loves books but somehow doesn’t read much at all and feels bad about it. The downside for me is the voice and use of voice of the interviewer. I find the lack of fluidity difficult as words are chopped and the accent on some syllables quite disturbing for flow. It is, I understand, pointless and almost mean to reproach to somebody the way they sound. But I would kindly suggest trying to find another tone, lower, slower (less nasal and in projection) to capture the listener better. I am quite bothered by the habit of the interviewer to interrupt the interviewee as well, I find it rude and disruptive. I also don’t buy some of the comments that sound exaggerated “I am so ignorant about that word, Go-Go-gobek?” or the excessive use of “profoundly relevant / brilliant / necessary” and “you’re a marvel” which express an opinion without explaining the reasons and only seem to aim at flattering the author (who are all recognised traveler writers as I understand so they don’t need being praised that way on that platform I would assume). The result is that I have had to listen to the same episode over 5 times to actually listen and take in the story. I persisted because of the subject that is at the heart of my life. But will probably give up if it continues the same way. I am sure it could be adjusted as sometimes some interactions are a lot smoother. Of course maybe Ms Roberts will find it either impossible or offensive to suggest such thing. I hope the comment can be constructive. As a final comment, I think a better introduction of the interviewees would be beneficial. As well as more sharing of Sophy Roberts’ experience and understanding of the subject / place of travel / culture (rather than her opinion, always excessively positive, about the book itself). Perhaps some pauses in the episode with music or sound relevant to the conversation would be as enchanting as the beginning of the podcast and help take us away, to Timbuktu. I hope I’ll come back in a few weeks to give a five stars.