Listener sentiment
New Books in Psychoanalysis has built a strong reputation over more than a decade as a rare and valuable resource for in-depth interviews with psychoanalytic authors and scholars, with long-time listeners consistently praising the hosts' preparedness, the caliber of guests, and the accessibility of often technical material. A persistent thread across all years is poor audio quality, which multiple reviewers say makes listening difficult despite the strong content. In the most recent ratings, a clear divide has emerged: several listeners feel the show has drifted into left-leaning political commentary and critical theory — pathologizing conservative viewpoints — at the expense of clinical psychoanalysis, while others push back, arguing that psychoanalysis has always been inherently progressive and that engaging with social issues is consistent with the field's traditions. The recent window also introduces complaints about intrusive advertising that some find jarring. Overall, the show retains a loyal base that values its scholarly depth, but the recent political direction has become the dominant point of contention among newer reviewers.
Apple3.8 · 29
Summary generated Sep 14, 2026