Best Inspector Morse Podcasts (2024)

1
Sir Martin Gilbert - Never Again - history of the Holocaust 18:28

21h ago18:28

18:28

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on December 10th 1948. We now live in a world where the rights agreed in that document are widely ignored and some politicians openly seek to remove the UK from enforcing them. Plus racial intolerance is on the march . The horrible spectre of antisemitism is looming over the news as is denial of…

1
Anthony Horowitz, Moonflower Murders Episode 1 | MASTERPIECE Studio 29:17

3d ago29:17

29:17

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Moonflower Murders Episode 1. Having composed over 60 novels and countless screenplays, Anthony Horowitz is among today’s most prolific writers. We talk with Anthony about the sequel to MASTERPIECE’s Magpie Murders, his novel Moonflower Murders, and how he adapted this story for the screen. Anthony shares…

1
Deborah Ellis - The Breadwinner : A book for children about about the life of a girl in Afghanistan living under Taliban rules. 13:54

7d ago13:54

13:54

This interview was recorded in 2001 and in the introduction recorded at the time I say that the story is no longer relevant as the Taliban are no longer in charge. This was true at the time but sadly the Taliban are back and the the story of The Breadwinner is all too relevant again. Did the UK let these people down?…

1
Jeanette Winterson - Oranges are Not the Only Fruit. 45:54

28d ago45:54

45:54

Jeanette Winterson celebrated her 65th birthday on August 27th. This interview was recorded when Jeanette was a 20 something brand new literary force. I remember this converstaion with huge affection. Mostly I would talk to an author for 20 minutes or so but this conversation is twice that. It was recorded in the spring of 1984 when 'Oranges are No…

1
Encore: Both Atticus Pünd And Tim McMullan Are In On The Same Big Secret 32:08

18d ago32:08

32:08

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode. Actor Tim McMullan had worked with author and screenwriter Anthony Horrowitz before, but never on a title as wild as the adaptation of his own Magpie Murders. As Atticus Pünd — a fictional detective who solves murders both real and imaginary — McMullan has great fun gently ribbing the classic…

1
Barry Cunliffe : Facing The Sea Of Sand - the Sahara and the peoples of Northern Africa 30:56

20d ago30:56

30:56

Emeritus Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe is an academic archaeologist who writes enthusiastically and engagingly about his passions. In this interview he talks to me about his book which tells the whole of African human history focussing on the Sahara. Sir Barry takes the story of us from our evolution through to the present day. Is he optimistic abou…

1
Encore: Lesley Manville Lights Up The Screen As Susan Ryeland 39:10

25d ago39:10

39:10

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode. Lesley Manville is in high demand lately for her excellent work on screen, so it seems only fitting that she come to the MASTERPIECE screen in the role of brilliant editor Susan Ryeland in the twisty mystery of Magpie Murders. Manville explores what drew her to the role, and where she stands …

1
Encore: Anthony Horowitz Takes A Meta Approach To Mystery Fiction In His 'Magpie Murders' 35:03

1M ago35:03

35:03

This is an encore release of an earlier podcast episode. Anthony Horowitz has written dozens of books and scores of television dramas in his lengthy career, but the task of transforming his meta mystery novel, Magpie Murders — a crime novel about writing and publishing crime novels — was especially tricky. Fortunately for MASTERPIECE viewers, the r…

1
Terry Pratchett - The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents. 8:58

1M ago8:58

8:58

When the lit fest season comes round some 'late' authors are very much missed. This is another conversation from the archive. Terry Pratchett died in 2015. Terry started life writing when he was just a boy and in adult life became press officer for the nuclear power stations of the Central Electricity Board. When the Pratchett books became hugely s…

1
Rishi Nair & Daisy Coulam Episode 8, Grantchester Season 9 | MASTERPIECE Studio 32:04

1M ago32:04

32:04

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Grantchester Season 9. Reverend Alphy Kottaram could be described as a “glass half full” kind of guy. And this season, that optimistic outlook has been repeatedly put to the test. Today, we’re joined once again by lead actor Rishi Nair, and Grantchester writer and creator Daisy Coulam to look back on this…

1
Steve Kershaw - Mythologica and Vintskevich-Kershaw Trio 27:42

2M ago27:42

27:42

Steve Kershaw has two personas .... he is Steve the musician and Dr Stephen the classics tutor. He is involved in two new projects. One is a magnificent illustrated childrens encyclopedia of gods, monsters and mortals from ancient Greece. The other is a jazz trio recording. Steve is the Oxfordshire based bass player. The pianist and saxophonist Leo…

1
Al Weaver, Grantchester Season 9 | MASTERPIECE Studio 30:32

2M ago30:32

30:32

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Grantchester Season 9. Actor Al Weaver has played fan-favorite Leonard Finch since the first season of Grantchester. After successfully stepping behind the camera as the director of an episode last season, he’s back in the director’s seat for Episodes 4 and 5 of Season 9. Today, we’re joined by Al to disc…

1
Paul Alexander : Bitter Crop - The Heartache and Triumph of Billie Holiday's Last Year 36:12

2M ago36:12

36:12

Bitter Crop is a superb biography of Billie Holiday who was probably the very best jazz singer there has ever been. The book title is takes from one of Billie's signature songs, 'Strange Fruit'. There have been films and many books about Billie's career but not all of them came close to telling the whole truth of a remarkable life. True there were …

1
Rishi Nair & Daisy Coulam Episode 3, Grantchester Season 9 | MASTERPIECE Studio 36:30

3M ago36:30

36:30

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 3 of Grantchester Season 9. Actor Rishi Nair steps into the role of Grantchester’s newest vicar, Alphy Kottaram. But this quaint Cambridgeshire village doesn’t exactly welcome him with open arms. Will Alphy find his place in Grantchester? Today, we’re joined by Rishi and lead writer and executive …

1
Colin Dexter - The Remorseful Day : Inventing Inspector Morse. 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

Colin Dexter was a splendid writer. His creation Inspector Morse is superb on the page and just as gripping on television. I used to meet Colin in the pub on Banbury Road in Oxford, The Dew Drop. He was great company and almost completely unaware of his success and star quality. I recorded this conversation in his house after the publication of The…

1
Simon Sebag Montefiore : the life of Potemkin : his bones are still making news. 23:55

3M ago23:55

23:55

Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore explains the mythic status of this eighteenth century Russian statesman, and military leader. In this conversation recorded in London in 2000 the historian Simon Sebag Montefiore tells David Freeman about practical politics in 18th century Russia and how Potemkin made his way in society with the help of the love of …

1
Tom Brittney Says Farewell, Grantchester Season 9 | MASTERPIECE Studio 35:37

3M ago35:37

35:37

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Grantchester Season 9. Tom Brittney has been a multi-hyphenate on Grantchester: lead actor, director, and executive producer. For the past five seasons, we’ve watched his character, Will Davenport, transform from rash youth to family man. This week, Tom joins us for a final time to reflect on what playing…

1
Rowland Bagnall : Near - Life Experiences : Poetry Collection 25:01

3M ago25:01

25:01

Taylor Swift attracts huge interest in her song lyrics. They are studied as poetry. Rowland Bagnall is a different sort of poet. Near - Life Experience, his new collection is just published When I spoke to him we talked about his poetic motivation and the process of writing these concentrated nuggets of observation. His replies are thoughtful and e…

1
Tim Coulson - The Universal History of Us 19:19

3M ago19:19

19:19

Tim Coulson talks about his book which tells the amazing story of 13.8 billion years of history from the Big Bang to you! It is a wonderful read - inspiring, gripping and fascinating. And just a thought .... did a deity have a hand in the story? Tim explains his view!By David Freeman

1
Marcus Chown - A Crack In Everything : How black holes came in from the cold 26:34

4M ago26:34

26:34

This glorious popular science books tells the story of how black holes that were thought to be too ridiculous to exist in 1916 had by 1971 been proved to exist. Einstein thought they were impossible but in 1971 Paul Murdin and Louise Webster discovered the very first black hole, Cygnus X-1 Marcus tells the story of these extraordinary people who di…

1
Truddi Chase - When Rabbit Howls : A memoir of living with multiple personalities. 14:07

4M ago14:07

14:07

Truddi Chase lived with dissociative identity disorder a condition that used to be called multiple personality disorder. On the cover of her book the author was named as 'The Troops' - the name she gave to her 90 plus identities. When I interviewed her she was with her therapist Robert Phillips. The whole story was very difficult to assimilate as y…

1
David Wilson - A Plot to Kill 29:55

4M ago29:55

29:55

It's Bafta time again. The winner of the BAFTA for best actor went to Timothy Spall for his performance in 'The Sixth Commandment'. Timothy played Peter Farquar, a gay Christian teacher who was murdered by a student, Ben Field. The horrific murder actually happened in the normally peaceful village of Maids Moreton in Buckinghamshire. The true story…

1
Gwyneth Hughes, Episode 4, Mr Bates vs The Post Office | MASTERPIECE Studio 25:28

5M ago25:28

25:28

Mr Bates vs The Post Office writer Gwyneth Hughes joins the podcast again to continue our conversation about this real-life scandal, and what lessons we can take away from one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history.By MASTERPIECE

1
Catherine Nixey - Heresy : Jesus Christ and other sons of God 26:00

5M ago26:00

26:00

This new book is terrific - its a revelation. Catherine has studied texts written around the same time as the writings we know as the gospels. Some of these ancient documents tell the story of the bible characters we are familiar with in a totally different way. Listen to Catherine talk about her research and you will be surprised ..... probably ve…

1
Andrea Riseborough, Alice & Jack | MASTERPIECE Studio 27:16

5M ago27:16

27:16

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Alice & Jack. For lead actor and executive producer Andrea Riseborough, love can look like many things. From confusion and estrangement to laughter and awkwardness, love is always beyond our control. This week, Andrea brings us inside the mind of her character Alice, and to the heart of her tragic relatio…

1
Ashley Mullinger - My Fishing Life 24:25

5M ago24:25

24:25

Ashley Mullinger is a commercial fisherman. She used to work in an office but found it dull and stressful. She decided to go on a half day fishing trip with a couple of her friends just to make a change. The friends sort of liked it but Ashley REALLY liked it and now does it as a full time job. She is so good at it she was awarded the title of 'Fis…

1
Aisling Bea, Alice & Jack | MASTERPIECE Studio 33:57

5M ago33:57

33:57

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for episode 5 of Alice & Jack Actor Aisling Bea delights in bringing nuance to her characters and finding the humor in dramatic roles. This week, Aisling joins us to discuss playing Jack’s dynamic and resilient ex-wife Lynn in Alice & Jack, and how her character maintains her poise and dignity despite the cha…

1
Rebecca Frayn - Lost in Ibiza 18:02

5M ago18:02

18:02

There is an article in the Culture section of The Sunday Times about father and daughter Michael and Rebecca Frayn. Rebecca is a farmer and environmental activist and writer who lives in the north of Ibiza. Her new novel 'Lost in Ibiza' is coincidentally, about a young environmental activist who travels to Ibiza to meet her biological father for th…

1
Eric Bibb talks about his life in music 19:22

6M ago19:22

19:22

Eric Bibb remembers his introduction into music via his dad Leon and the musical luminaries who visited the family home. Paul Robeson was his Godather, and a very young Bob Dylan gave him some sound advice. Now 72 Eric is still touring, playing, and writing songs. He is one of lifes gentlemen!By David Freeman

1
Gwyneth Hughes, Mr Bates vs The Post Office | MASTERPIECE Studio 32:30

5M ago32:30

32:30

For writer Gwyneth Hughes, Mr Bates vs The Post Office is the perfect culmination of her years of experience as a journalist, documentarian, and dramatist. This week, Gwyneth joins us to discuss how she adapted this true story for the screen, and the real-life impact of this drama series as the fallout from the scandal continues to echo in Parliame…

1
Leslie Howard - The Celestial Wife 19:21

6M ago19:21

19:21

This novel is set in the 1960s with a backdrop of The Beatles and other music of the time. It tells the story of Daisy Shoemaker who is 15 in 1964. She was born into a fundamentalist Mormon community on the US - Canada border. In a ceremony called Placement she is given as a teenage wife to a much older man. She finds this intolerable and runs away…

1
Helena Bonham Carter, Nolly | MASTERPIECE Studio 44:06

6M ago44:06

44:06

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Nolly. Actor Helena Bonham Carter enjoys playing complex, dynamic roles. From Princess Margaret to Bellatrix Lestrange, she never shies away from complicated characters. This week, we talked with Helena about playing the trailblazing Noele Gordon in Russell T Davies’ Nolly, a role for which she earned a B…

1
Angus Hanton - Vassal State 21:47

6M ago21:47

21:47

This brand new book examines the astonishing extent of American ownership in UK business. Whether you are interested in 'taking back control' or how much of our day to day financial transactions happen via the US, you will find this fascinating and possibly horrifying.By David Freeman

1
Blair Mowat, Nolly | MASTERPIECE Studio 36:39

6M ago36:39

36:39

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Nolly. Composer Blair Mowat has written music for a long list of film and TV productions, including Class, After The Flood, and recently, Russell T. Davies’ bittersweet love letter to the Queen of the Midlands, Nolly. This week, we talked with Blair about how he approached composing the music for this elo…

1
Gareth E. Rees - Sunken Lands 20:32

6M ago20:32

20:32

Sunken Lands is about a journey through flooded kingdoms and lost worlds. Gareth tells of places he has visited to see history and extrapolates forward to imagine the world we are leaving for future generations. There is anger, poetry, myth .... and David Bowie.By David Freeman

1
Victor Levin, Alice & Jack | MASTERPIECE Studio 32:03

6M ago32:03

32:03

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1 of Alice & Jack. For Alice & Jack writer and creator Victor Levin, love is a messy business worth fighting for. It often bypasses the rules of reason and logic and throws all kinds of emotional curve balls. But in the end, it’s the best thing we have. In this interview, Victor joins us to share …

1
Robin Dunbar - How Religion Evolved And Why it Endures 27:30

7M ago27:30

27:30

In the spring of 2024 clashes driven by different religious beliefs and identities seem frighteningly threatening. Robin Dunbar is Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at the University of Oxford. From his academic standpoint he charts the evolution of religion in all its many guises and forms. Does the professor's analysis explain the enduring but…

1
Harriet Walter - Thoughts on Acting 23:56

7M ago23:56

23:56

Succession is one of the great TV events. Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong. Kieron Culkin and Sarah Snook are rightly lauded for their acting ability but don't forget Harriet Walter who portrays the mother of Shiv, Kendall and Roman, Lady Caroline Collingwood. David Freeman talked to the actress Harriet Walter when her autobiography 'Other People's Shoes' …

1
Stuart Martin Says Goodbye, Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 4 | MASTERPIECE Studio 22:59

7M ago22:59

22:59

WARNING: This episode contains significant spoilers for Season 4 of Miss Scarlet and The Duke. For four seasons, we’ve watched Eliza Scarlet and William Wellington work together to solve a seemingly endless stream of serpentine mysteries in Victorian era London. But by the fourth episode of Season Four, Eliza and William's relationship is forever c…

1
Tariq Ali - The Clash of Fundamentalisms : Christianity, Islam and Capitalism 21:37

7M ago21:37

21:37

The year 2024 is proving as troubled as it's immediate predecessors. Why is this? Is there any cause for optimism? Where do non rational beliefs and convictions fit in the conflicts? This conversation with the activist and thinker Tariq Ali was recorded soon after the outrage of 9/11. There is a plan for the future in what Tariq was saying but I wo…

1
Wartime Rations and Black Markets, All Creatures Great and Small Season 4 | MASTERPIECE Studio 29:31

7M ago29:31

29:31

Dr. Mark Roodhouse, historical consultant for All Creatures Great & Small, and lecturer in History at the University of York, joins us to discuss his role on the show, and the real-life history behind rationing and black markets in World War II-era Britain.By MASTERPIECE

1
Robin Eggar - biography of Tom Jones 12:35

7M ago12:35

12:35

This conversation was recorded in 2000 when Robin Eggar's biography of Tom Jones was first published. At this time Tom's wife, Linda, was still alive and Tom himself was a mere 60 years old. It emerges from this interview that the man born Thomas Woodward was driven by two passions. What they are is revealed in this Author Archive episode.…

1
Nina Simone 16:36

7M ago16:36

16:36

Nina Simone was born on February 21st 1933' There has been news recently of a plan to buy Nina Simone's childhood home in Tryon North Carolina and make it into a museum celebrating the life and work of the girl who was born Eunice Waymon. I interviewed Nina in December 1998 just before her last ever show at the Royal Albert Hall in London. She was …

1
Nicholas Ralph, All Creatures Great and Small Season 4 | MASTERPIECE Studio 30:43

7M ago30:43

30:43

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 7 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 4. Lead actor Nicholas Ralph returns to the podcast to reflect on Season Four of All Creatures Great and Small, and how his character, James Herriot, learned to embrace the ever-present uncertainties of life while training a new vet, joining the RAF, and b…

1
Andrew Lownie - Traitor King : The Scandalous Exile of the Duke & Duchess of Windsor. 20:57

7M ago20:57

20:57

Once again Meghan and Harry are juggling with their identities. They are clearly wanting to be royal having given up being 'royal'. If you decide to walk away from your royal identity just what are you left with? This book,'Traitor King', tells the story of an inglorious royal. It is a shocking example of what happens when inherited status is rando…

1
Lisa St Aubin De Teran - Memory Maps 14:32

7M ago14:32

14:32

Lisa has written a new memoir 'Better Broken Than New' She has ploughed this furrow before and I interviewed her when 'Memory Maps' was published. Lisa has lived life to the full. She is a very beguiling woman and many men have fallen for her charms and married her. On the day I interviewed her she was in the mood for remembering her life and loves…

1
Rachael New & Ben Edwards, Episode 6 Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 4 | MASTERPIECE Studio 16:32

7M ago16:32

16:32

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 6 of Miss Scarlet and The Duke Season 4. Writers Rachael New and Ben Edwards are back to wrap up Season Four of Miss Scarlet and The Duke. At the end of this season, Eliza steps out of the shadows cast by her father, Nash, and the Duke, and finally hangs her own shingle. This week, Rachael and Ben…

1
Jon Ronson : Them 13:42

7M ago13:42

13:42

Jon Ronson was not so well known when this conversation was recorded in the early 2000s I was very taken with the subject of the book and the way Jon talked about it. Being a Jewish journalist getting involved with people money raising for Hamas seemed improbable. It's true of course, as was Jon's interest in the wilder fancies of David Icke. 'Them…

1
James Anthony-Rose, All Creatures Great and Small Season 4 | MASTERPIECE Studio 32:05

8M ago32:05

32:05

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 5 of All Creatures Great and Small Season 4. Actor James Anthony-Rose joins All Creatures Great and Small this season as new veterinarian Richard Carmody. With Tristan away and James leaving for military training, there’s a lot of pressure on Richard to succeed in the veterinary practice. Will he …

1
Maeve Binchy - Scarlet Feather 15:04

8M ago15:04

15:04

This conversation was recorded when the very last Maeve Binchy novel was published in paperback. Maeve was always an entertaining interviewee - getting her to talk was never a problem! Unsurprisingly her books continue to sell.By David Freeman

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Inspector Morse Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide