Nigel Slater: the food writer opens the door to his fascinating home life
Nigel is the first podcast guest ever to make me cry. I'm a big fan of his writing, and suspected he'd be a kindred spirit, but spending the day with him in his house was an overwhelming experience I wasn't prepared for.
He lives around the corner from where I grew up, in a pared-back way that feels very familiar. In this remarkably honest conversation, he outlines the essential role his home plays in keeping him on an even keel.
We discuss what it's like to suffer from panic attacks, and how they're triggered by the built environment. He tells me that whenever he arrives in a building he hasn't been to before, the first thing he does is check where the exit is so that he can plan his escape.
We touch on the childhood trauma that he wrote about in his brilliant memoir, Toast, from his mother's death to his father's bullying. We discuss the roots of his lifelong interest in gardening, why he keeps a daily diary, and the importance of smell within the home.
This is a conversation I'll remember forever. Thank you, Nigel.
This episode was recorded in person at Nigel's home in London.
For more:
Pick up a copy of Nigel Slater's latest book, A Thousand Feasts: Small Moments of Joy … a Memoir of Sorts
Find out more about Nigel's collaboration with Perfumer H
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Pick up a copy of Matt Gibberd’s latest book, A Modern Way To Live
Follow Matt Gibberd on Instagram
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Watch our Homing In films on YouTube
Producer: Laconic Collective
Graphic Design: Ben Tucker
Music: Simeon Walker
This episode is sponsored by Vitsoe.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Homing In
The Homing In podcast explores the importance of home in shaping who we are. Join Matt Gibberd, author and co-founder of The Modern House, as he invites each guest to discuss their life story through the lens of the spaces they’ve occupied, from their childhood home to where they live now. Each episode is recorded on location, on the guest’s sofa or around their kitchen table. This provides unique behind-the-scenes access into the private lives of some of our leading public figures, including actors, artists, chefs and entrepreneurs. Be prepared for tears, laughter and everything in between.
"The Best Podcasts To Listen To Now" – Vogue
Homing In is produced by The Modern House, with music by Simeon Walker.
The Modern House is an estate agency that helps people live in more thoughtful and beautiful ways. If you have a modern home to sell, get in touch to find out how we can maximise its value.
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- No. of episodes: 56
- Latest episode: 2025-04-03
- Arts Society & Culture
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