The acclaimed storytelling podcast ‘What’s Your Map?’ is making a highly anticipated return with its fifth season, promising a fresh wave of global voices, deeply personal narratives, and an immersive live recording at one of the world’s most celebrated literary gatherings — the Hay Festival.
Blending history, geography, culture, and human experience, the new season is set to premiere on 25 March 2026, expanding its unique format with international guests, interactive storytelling, and enhanced digital features designed for modern podcast audiences.
A Podcast Where Maps Tell Human Stories
Produced by Oculi Mundi, the official digital platform of the The Sunderland Collection, What’s Your Map? has carved a distinctive niche in the podcast landscape.
Unlike conventional history or travel podcasts, the series revolves around a simple yet powerful concept:
- Each guest selects a map that has shaped their thinking
- Conversations unfold around the emotional, cultural, and intellectual impact of that map
- Personal stories intertwine with scientific discovery, exploration, and identity
At the heart of the show is host Jerry Brotton, a respected historian and author known for making complex historical narratives accessible and engaging.
Season 5: Bigger, Broader, and More Global
The upcoming fifth season signals a major step forward for the podcast, with a diverse and international lineup of guests spanning multiple disciplines.
Featured Voices This Season
Listeners can expect conversations with:
- Cecilie Skog — renowned polar explorer and mountaineer
- Ross Perlin — expert on endangered languages
- Marcello Canuto — specialist in ancient civilizations
- Richard A. Pegg — curator and cartographic historian
- Rohini Rai — academic voice in cultural studies
- Bill Rankin — mapping and data visualization expert
- Jonathan Wright — historian and writer
- Debbie Ding — interdisciplinary creative voice
What Makes This Season Unique
- 🌍 Global perspectives on mapping and identity
- 🧠 Deep dives into how maps shape human understanding
- 📖 Rich storytelling blending science, memory, and culture
- 🎧 Enhanced listening experience across major podcast platforms
Live at Hay Festival: A Major Highlight
One of the most exciting announcements for Season 5 is a live-recorded episode set to take place at the iconic Hay Festival.
Event Details
- 📅 Date: 27 May 2026
- 🕣 Time: 8:30 PM
- 📍 Venue: Discovery Stage
The live show will feature an engaging panel discussion with:
- Tim Marshall
- David Olusoga
- Emma Jane Unsworth
Together with host Jerry Brotton, the panel will explore how maps influence politics, storytelling, history, and personal identity — all recorded in front of a live audience.
A Multi-Sensory Podcast Experience
Beyond audio storytelling, What’s Your Map? continues to stand out by offering a visual and educational companion experience.
What Listeners Can Access Online
Through the Oculi Mundi platform, audiences can:
Speaking about the upcoming season, Helen Sunderland Cohen shared insights into the evolving direction of the podcast.
