Podcast artwork thumbnail for Last Word

Last Word

Kirsty Lang, Matthew Bannister, Shahidha Bari

Booking Overview

A weekly obituary and biographical programme examining the lives and legacies of recently deceased figures, typically through interviews with friends, relatives, colleagues, biographers, journalists, curators, and subject-matter experts. Credible pitches include authoritative witnesses, distinguished cultural or political commentators, professional collaborators, family members, and experts with a direct connection to the deceased; booking difficulty is medium because relevance and firsthand insight matter more than broad celebrity, although prominent figures are sometimes featured.

Metrics

Episodes: 587

Frequency: Weekly

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Estimated listeners: 1,000 - 10,000

Gender skew: Neutral

Listener location: United Kingdom

Contact Information

Publicly listed emails

podcast.support@bbc.co.uk

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

Host

Kirsty Lang - British journalist and broadcaster known for presenting and contributing to BBC radio and television programmes focused on current affairs, arts, culture, and public life.

Matthew Bannister - British journalist and broadcaster with extensive experience presenting BBC radio programmes about current affairs, culture, and notable public figures.

Shahidha Bari - British writer, broadcaster, and academic whose work focuses on literature, art, culture, and intellectual history.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

medium
Typical Credentials:  
Direct personal, professional, or family connection to the deceased, or established expertise as a journalist, author, academic, curator, critic, broadcaster, artist, medical professional, or industry practitioner.
Required Achievements:  
Senior professional or institutional leadership roles, Published books, journalism, or scholarship, Recognised careers in the arts, media, politics, sport, or science, Firsthand collaboration, friendship, family connection, or professional involvement with the subject

Recent Guest Discussions

Alexander Stonor Saunders - Frances Stonor Saunders's Research Into Cold War Cultural Influence And Covert CIA Activity.

Paul Kingsnorth - Wendell Berry's Writing, Environmental Philosophy, Farming, And Ideas About Community.

Mark Cousins - Film Producer Jeremy Thomas's Career, Filmmaking, And Artistic Ambitions.

Judith Antell - Bonnie Greer's Life, Career, Cultural Criticism, And Later Projects.

Alastair Macaulay - Pauline Clayden's Ballet Career, Talent, And Place In British Dance History.

Recent Topics

History, Biography, Art, Politics, Journalism

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
Last Word
:

Jeffrey Archer: From politics, to page-turners, to prison

October 09, 2026

Lord Archer of Weston-Super-Mare - Jeffery Archer - was a top sprinter in his 20s, an MP at 29, a multi-million best-selling author and a close confidant of Conservative Prime Ministers, his career came crashing down following unwise investments, a scandal involving a sex worker and a conviction for perjury. A life worthy of a novel, told by journalist Michael Crick when he wrote 'Stranger than Fiction', an unauthorised biography of Jeffrey Archer. Cassandra Wilson was once described by Time ...

"A woman who wears my clothes is not afraid to be noticed" fashion designer Bob Mackie

September 25, 2026

The spectacular designer to the stars Bob Mackie, who created Cher’s notorious “nude illusion” dress. From Diana Ross to Tina Turner and more recently from Miley Cyrus to Sabrina Carpenter, wearing a Bob Mackie creation, most likely studded with sequins and elaborate embroidery and with a revealing cut, was bound to turn heads and lead to acres of media coverage. Joe McFate was Bob’s Design Director for over thirty years. He explained the design process Bob went through with every single dres...

“A powerful wordsmith and artist” – remembering the playwright and cultural critic Bonnie Greer

September 18, 2026

Playwright and critic Bonnie Greer was a frequent panellist on programmes such as Newsnight and Question Time where she took part in one of its most contentious episodes. Kirsty spoke to Judith Antell who was Bonnie's agent and friend for over 20 years. They discuss how Bonnie's father being stationed in the UK during World War 2 shaped her view on the country; the surprising backlash Bonnie faced after appearing on a 2009 edition of Question Time with the then leader of the British National ...

Frequently asked questions

Here's some frequently asked questions for
Last Word
:

How do I get in touch with Last Word?

Last Word is hosted by Kirsty Lang and Matthew Bannister. Its publicly listed email is podcast.support@bbc.co.uk. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Last Word?

The publicly listed email for Last Word: podcast.support@bbc.co.uk.

How many listeners does Last Word have?

Podseeker estimates Last Word reaches 1,000 to 10,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Last Word?

Last Word typically books working professionals with real expertise. Typical guest background: Direct personal, professional, or family connection to the deceased, or established expertise as a journalist, author, academic, curator, critic, broadcaster, artist, medical professional, or industry practitioner. Common among recent guests: Senior professional or institutional leadership roles; Published books, journalism, or scholarship; Recognised careers in the arts, media, politics, sport, or science. Recent guests include Alexander Stonor Saunders, Paul Kingsnorth, and Mark Cousins.

How hard is it to get booked on Last Word?

Medium. Guests usually need solid credentials in the topic and an idea that fits the show.

What topics does Last Word cover?

Recent episodes cover History, Biography, Art, Politics, and Journalism. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.

Publicly listed emails

podcast.support@bbc.co.uk

Looking for the right person? Join Podseeker to find direct host and producer contacts and manage your podcast outreach.

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