The Close Read Podcast
The Close Read Podcast from The Claremont Institute is hosted by associate editor Spencer Klavan, who phones authors whose Claremont Review of Books essays have prompted discussion. Episodes cover politics, literary culture and American history. The show has 94 episodes, roughly one every seven days, with a median length of about 33 minutes. Estimated downloads are 1,000 to 3,000 per episode, with a rate of about $40 to $75 per host-read mid-roll.
Engaged listeners of a long-running politics and literature interview show
- Episodes average about 33 minutes, giving room for a host-read mid-roll without disrupting the conversation
- Apple Podcasts shows 155 ratings with an average of 4.9, indicating a loyal, attentive audience
- Weekly cadence over more than six years builds a steady archive of conversations with authors and commentators
Brand fit report
Content
- Formats
- interview, co-hosted banter
- Tone
- thoughtful, conversational
- Language
- English
- Production
- Clean, edited audio
- Typical length
- 30 to 40 minutes
Audience
Commercial
- Brands seen
- None yet
- Categories promoted
- None yet
- Affiliate links
- No
No sponsor mentions found in the feed
Suitability GARM Brand Safety Floor + Suitability
Family friendly
Episode titles and description focus on political commentary and literary essays, with no explicit content flags; the political orientation is strong and visible.
We classify content, never people. No age, gender, ethnicity, religion or political views are inferred about the creator. Audience figures are estimates unless marked verified. Creators can correct anything on their profile.
Where to listen
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Website | claremontinstitute.substack.com/s/the-claremont-… |
| Apple Podcasts | podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1502293560 |
| RSS feed | api.substack.com/feed/podcast/5686016/s/250792.r… |
Benchmark score: 72 / 100
Public rule, same for everyone. How it works.
Recent episodes
| Episode | Date | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Have the Coastal Elite Colonized America’s Last Frontier? | 2026-10-13 | 34 min |
| Red and Dead | 2026-09-22 | 30 min |
| America's Report Card – The Woke Left Catastrophically Fails Students | 2026-09-15 | 31 min |
| Bursting the Bubble | 2026-08-28 | 16 min |
| America's Revolution, 250 Years On | 2026-08-18 | 38 min |
| Wine Lunacy | 2026-08-14 | 16 min |
Last six episodes from the show's feed, latest 6 days ago, a new one about every 7 days.
Associate editor Spencer Klavan phones up authors whose CRB essays have prompted deeper reflection and discussion. Over a drink, he'll chat with the leading minds on the Right about what's going on in politics and literary culture. claremontinstitute.substack.com
Do you make The Close Read Podcast? Claim or remove this page.
About The Close Read Podcast
The Close Read Podcast is produced by The Claremont Institute and hosted by associate editor Spencer Klavan, according to the feed and the Claremont Review of Books Substack page. Each episode features a phone conversation with an author whose essay has appeared in the Claremont Review of Books, covering politics, literary culture and American history. The show has 94 episodes in its feed, with releases about every seven days and a median length of roughly 33 minutes.
Apple Podcasts lists 155 ratings with an average of 4.9 out of 5, and the show is categorized under News, Society and Culture, and Philosophy. Listener figures are not published by the show. Based on ratings volume and show age, the estimated audience is 1,000 to 3,000 downloads per episode, weighted toward readers of conservative political and literary writing (estimate).
No sponsors were named in the feed or on the Substack page. At an estimated rate of about $18 to $25 per 1,000 downloads, a host-read mid-roll would cost roughly $40 to $75 per episode. Best suited to book publishers, education providers and civic organizations seeking a politically engaged audience.
Written from the show's public RSS feed, its Podcast Index listing and episode titles. Numbers updated 2026-10-19. The Close Read Podcast can edit or remove this page at any time.
Questions about The Close Read Podcast
How much does The Close Read Podcast charge for a podcast sponsorship?
Based on an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 downloads per episode, a host-read mid-roll is estimated at about $40 to $75 per episode. Final pricing depends on the show's own terms and the sponsorship format.
What is The Close Read Podcast about?
The show features Spencer Klavan speaking with authors whose essays appear in the Claremont Review of Books. Topics include politics, literary culture, American history and philosophy.
How do I contact The Close Read Podcast about sponsoring an episode?
The show's contact email unlocks on Starbooked for $0.80. Boosted shows can also be booked through Starbooked.
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