Sophy Roberts 'The Lost Pianos of Siberia'

Series TwoIn this episode of #TheNewAbnormal, I interview Sophy Roberts, journalist and author of 'The Lost Pianos of Siberia'.  She focuses on travel stories in remote parts of the world, with a special interest in literature, history, culture and conversation. The ex-Travel Editor of The Economist and a Special Correspondent for Conde Nast Traveller, she shoots articles as well as writing them, including cover features for the Financial Times. Her first non-fiction book, The Lost Pianos of Siberia was named a Times, Sunday Times and Independent ‘Book of the Year’, a ‘Best Travel Book of 2020’ by Smithsonian Magazine, The Spectator, and i paper, and recently shortlisted for the Stanford Dolman Travel Book of 2021. As she says of the book, which is currently being translated into seven languages, "Siberia's expansive history is traditionally one of exiles, bitter cold and suffering. Yet there is another tale to tell..." (The Wall St Journal commented "these pages sing like a symphony"). Sophy also contributes to radio, podcast and panel events, including the BBC, The Economist, Times Radio, Tortoise and The Royal Geographical Society. So, we discuss all of the above, along with issues inc the business of tourism vs the serendipity of travel, music as a conduit of hope, the solace of culture, travel as an act of empathy, and the need to 'keep looking outwards' in the age of Covid. Having been to Siberia myself (before Putin's horrendous attack on Ukraine) I have to say that I found her stories about the people, landscape and history of that extraordinary region to be fascinating.  

Om Podcasten

#TheNewAbnormal podcast (over 200,000 downloads…) focuses on understanding today and anticipating the future. Discussing these subjects via the stories and viewpoints of my guests has led to some fascinating conversations with activists, creatives, writers, philosophers, strategists, psychologists, lecturers, futurists, etc. Re: my bio, I'm a strategist, author and public speaker. My first book went to No1 in the business charts, whilst my second was shortlisted for the 'Business Book of the Year' Awards. ('The New Abnormal' is bought to you in partnership with The Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, a global leader in applying futures studies to solve strategic challenges. The Institute’s core offerings inc megatrend analysis, scenario planning, risk assessment, innovation processes, and strategic foresight re: helping clients to be #FuturesReady.) So, we hope you enjoy listening to the series! Please note that the podcast was set up during the early days of Covid, and is divided into Series One [2020-21] Series Two [2021-22] Series Three [2022-23].  All rights reserved. #TheNewAbnormal podcast series © Sean Pillot de Chenecey 2020