Listener sentiment
Not Lost draws overwhelmingly enthusiastic reviews, with listeners praising host Brendan Newnam's wit, humility, and conversational warmth, as well as the show's immersive sound design and ability to make travel feel intimate and accessible — especially welcome during and after the pandemic. Many reviewers are longtime fans of Brendan's earlier show, Dinner Party Download, and see Not Lost as a worthy successor; the chemistry between Brendan and his recurring travel companion Danielle is singled out repeatedly, with numerous listeners hoping she becomes a permanent fixture. The central dinner-party premise is the main fault line: some find it endearing and vulnerable, while others consider it awkward, forced, or even culturally tone-deaf, particularly around the Mexico City episode, which drew both sharp criticism and thoughtful praise. A smaller set of critics feel the show prioritizes the host's introspection over genuine cultural engagement, and several note heavy ad loads and Pushkin network cross-promotion cluttering the feed. The most recent review reflects a growing frustration among devoted fans that the show has gone quiet, with feed notifications redirecting to other Pushkin podcasts rather than new episodes — leaving listeners uncertain about the show's future.
Apple4.7 · 150
Summary generated Sep 18, 2026
