Photo of Miranda Sawyer
Miranda Sawyer

Miranda Sawyer is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author who has been a feature writer for The Observer for over 30 years. She is the paper’s audio critic and was made a member of the Radio Academy in 2021. Her latest book, Uncommon People, Britpop and Beyond in 20 Songs is published in paperback in June 2025.

Photo of Miranda Sawyer

Miranda Sawyer

Miranda Sawyer is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and author who has been a feature writer for The Observer for over 30 years. She is the paper’s audio critic and was made a member of the Radio Academy in 2021. Her latest book, Uncommon People, Britpop and Beyond in 20 Songs is published in paperback in June 2025.

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Radio 2 really needs Sara Cox

    The new Breakfast Show host brings zip, flare and humour to her long-desired slot. The BBC will breathe a sigh of relief

    Fri, 10 Jul 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Russell Tovey’s tale of two brothers is a tribute to queer lives

    Andrew Scott and George MacKay excel in the moving audio novel Starlings – just skip the theme tune. Plus Caitlin Moran branches out

    Fri, 3 Jul 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    With Successpod! Adam Buxton proves he can’t fail

    The podcasting don’s new Audible series is a typically witty exploration of middle-aged anxieties. Plus, a magical nine-hour audio special from Radio 3

    Mon, 22 Jun 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    ‘If there was a cultural Olympics, the UK would be champions at festivals’

    With British festivals in ever-declining numbers, there has never been a more important time to embrace and celebrate what has become a rite of passage and life-changing experience

    Sat, 20 Jun 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Indie Supergroup turns the comedy up to 11 with two great hosts

    Standups Adam Flood and Alexandra Haddow have fun vetting former indie stars to join their fictional band. Plus Alistair Green’s hit-and-miss satire, and young people adversely affected by race and class

    Sat, 13 Jun 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Intrigue: To Catch a King is investigative journalism at its most thrilling

    The dogged double act behind the BBC’s To Catch a Scorpion return on the trail of a people smuggling kingpin. Plus, the highs of Sixty Years of Hurt

    Sun, 24 May 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    The making of Madonna

    Bandsplain’s deep dive into the singer’s journey from a drummer living off peanuts to the planet’s bestselling female artist makes for fascinating listening. Plus, Bad Chat with Greg James and Alice Levine shows promise

    Sun, 17 May 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Broken Veil - always expect the unexpected

    The award-winning hosts switch up the approach to their paranormal investigations this series

    Sun, 3 May 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Is AI taking over podcasting?

    Hundreds of AI-generated shows are being launched daily, but here is proof of the value of the human touch

    Sat, 25 Apr 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Radio 4 explores what it means to be a girl

    Young women’s views on education, sex and puberty ranged from bleak to uplifting on Catherine Carr’s About the Girls

    Sun, 19 Apr 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Serial’s The Idiot explores a dark family rift

    M Gessen’s new true crime podcast about a father’s deplorable actions is skilfully made, but leaves the listener wanting more. Plus, History’s Greatest Fails has room for improvement

    Sun, 12 Apr 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    The year of Zendaya

    In this episode, Miranda and Liv provide the ultimate culture guide to 2026, discussing everything you need to know about the big cultural trends, industry news, the people to watch and the moments everyone will be talking about. Stay in touch!   Miranda Sawyer on Instagram  Liv Little on Instagram  @WeHaveNotes_Pod on Instagram @WeHaveNotes_Pod on TikTok wehavenotes@observer.co.uk via email   

    57 min • S2, E12

  • Miranda Sawyer
    The Overturn makes you lose faith in the justice system

    This new series examining shocking miscarriages of justice in UK law is gripping – and depressing

    Sat, 28 Mar 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    SNL UK has arrived and BTS are back!

    A British version of the hit sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live debuted last weekend, but how did this historic moment come about? Miranda speaks to SNL writer, Gráinne Maguire, to get all the behind the scenes details.    And BTS, the biggest boy band in the world, are back with a new album 82-date tour. The 4-year hiatus is over and the group is returning to the music scene after serving in the South Korean military. But how did seven young Korean men become an international sensation? Former Glamour editor and super fan Jo Elvin joins Miranda to explain.       

    61 min • S2, E11

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Life after the Coldplay kiss cam

    The vilified female executive Kristin Cabot is a compelling guest, but Winfrey’s podcast is still flawed. Plus, the dirty business of clean energy

    Sat, 21 Mar 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Kneecap: ‘Nobody actually thinks we’re terrorists. It’s a carnival of distraction’

    The Irish-language hip-hop trio are back with a new ‘statement piece’ album

    Sat, 21 Mar 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Why are we all obsessed with Louis Theroux?

    Legendary documentarian Louis Theroux is back with a new Netflix show - and of course we all watched it. But how did Louis become such a beloved cultural figure, especially with young people?  And Liv and Miranda ask - how can a relationship benefit or hurt a celebrity's brand in 2026.   

    54 min • S2, E10

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Everything is fake – does anybody care?

    Jamie Bartlett investigates modern life’s blurring of reality in a revelatory series

    Sat, 14 Mar 2026

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Will Michael B Jordan or Timothée Chalamet win the Oscar?

    The finale of this year's awards season takes place this Sunday, with Hollywood's biggest stars gathering in LA for the 98th Academy Awards - also known as the Oscars.    While Oscars can be won on merit alone, many are the result of strategic campaigns akin to an election.    So, how do you win an Oscar? Liv and Miranda get all the details from journalist and award campaign strategist, Leila Latif.  Liv and Miranda love to share their recommendations, here's what's on their radar this week:    Liv: Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2026   Read more On My Radar recommendations from The Observer's New Review HERE    Let's chat! Send us your voice notes!  @WeHaveNotes_Pod on Instagram @WeHaveNotes_Pod on TikTok wehavenotes@observer.co.uk via email   

    53 min • S2, E9

  • Miranda Sawyer
    Don’t Say A Word doesn’t say enough

    Nicky Campbell’s BBC 5 Live podcast avoids hard conversations about the knotty subject of what we can and can’t say today. Plus, Radio 1’s nice but nauseating Novel Idea

    Sun, 8 Mar 2026

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