I’ve been listening to this show for a few years now and it still remains one of my go-to podcasts.

Whether you’re really into language, just like finding out about interesting stuff or hearing stories from interesting people, Helen always brings something fun, informative and/or thought provoking. She’s a great host, really easy to listen to and just a delightful person!

I’ve really learnt so much from this podcast. And the fact that it’s a little shorter than a lot of others I listen to means it’s great to binge listen to!

I only found out about this podcast a few months ago, but I’ve just finished listening to all of them. Such a soothing voice and very interesting content, on topics that I wouldn’t otherwise know about. Make more please!

Love the show but could not listen to “new rules” episode because becouse of the speed of guests speech. It sounded like she was playing at x2.

One of the most intelligent podcast authors whilst being very accessible.

The end...

Difficult to describe this without making it sound tedious; but a 15 minute dive into a word’s meaning, history & current use that’s funny, entertaining, informative and thought provoking.

Short enough that I can pay attention to a whole episode while doped up on painkillers and on bed rest but stops me being bored

I’m a bit nervous about writing a review as I’m not a linguist, English isn’t my first language and I’m dyslexic! But I have binged all of the episodes so far and I love them all! Well worth a listen. Keep up the good work Helen.

The person who recommended the Allusionist to me the first night we met is now a dear friend! And now I never miss an episode. Listen to interesting language stories and get new friends... it’s a winning combo!

Wonderful podcast. I enjoy everything Helen puts out but this is the best! Only negative would be that there aren’t enough episodes

A brilliant podcast. Thank you.

I discovered this podcast after Helen was on Getting Curious, and I’m so happy I found it. The Allusionist is funny, witty and entertaining. The host is so fantastic that this is the only podcast where I don’t skip through the adverts, everything is brilliantly written and clever down to the last second. Highly recommended.

I've been listening to The Allusionist since the start and have absolutely loved it. The Pride episode is one of my favourites. And everyone loves the c-word episode. Podcast gold. An honourable member of the Radiotopia stable.

I stumbled across this podcast by accident, but since then I have been an avid listener.

Really fascinating every time. Explore the origin or meaning of words and phrases and the content is presented in a very accessible way.

Helen is an amazing broadcaster and I love all of her podcasts. Please don’t stop xx

Missed Helen this week - get well soon !

A Welsh speaker myself, but of little knowledge of its use in Patagonia, this was a very informative and enjoyable episode. Helen was very sensitive and respectful of the language, which doesn’t always happen with English-speaking commentators. Gwych!

If you like the quiet wit of Helen Zaltzman - the queen of podcasting - the Allusionist is a must listen. You’ll learn so much about words and language and be thoroughly entertained along the way.

Never miss an episode.

Just love Helen’s love of language. Beautifully crafted pod.

Well researched, excellently produced and approaching subjects from different perspectives make this podcast a must to subscribe to. That the young lady has a superb sense of humour is a huge added bonus. Don’t just subscribe but listen to earlier episodes, too.

Little sister of Andy does a mean podcast on language. Insightful and entertaining.

Love her

An enjoyable podcast

Love this podcast, it's so nice to find others who share a love of language & etymology!

Love it. Not only does it never fail to entertain it has also turned me onto lots of other great podcasts and content.

This should be ranked way higher in the charts! An injection of a little humour into the derivation of words and language with little stories along the way - a really nice way to fill about half an hour usually.

Helen has such a great way of explaining things & chooses interesting stuff to explain. Fascinating topics!!!!

Clearly a labour of love for Helen, and it shows. The Allusionist is consistently fascinating and thought-provoking, and tackles tough and also unexpected subjects. Great music from Martin Austwick as well.

I like words. I like this podcast.

If you're the kind of person who loves knowing the origin of a word or using outdated slang then this is the show for you. The hosting and production is top notch. All of the Zaltzman family podcasts are worth exploring.

Very nice and smart pod, but episodes are way too short and there's way too much of asking for money.

Love it! Helen is a great host and the amateur etymologist in me is very happy. Another brilliant Radiotopia podcast!

I enjoy this, I just wish the eps were a bit longer so Helen could squeeze out more language juice. Thank you Helen, nonetheless.

Helen zaltzman is the most entertaining broadcaster, love everything she does.

Very clever, very funny, each and every episode is great

Helen presentation style is both lighthearted and entertaining with a small pinch of cynicism. The show consistently amuses and educates; while always being a pleasure.

Helen amuses and entertains while providing morsels of linguistic insight.

Amazing mix of informative, funny, interesteing and easy to listen to.

Nice podcast for curious minds. Looking forward to hearing Helen with her brother Andy on The Bugle!

Very well put together and interesting podcast, I learn something new every time but Helen also brings a lot of wit and humour to the delivery as well. Definitely one for word nerds!

I absolutely love this podcast. Intelligent, witty, and far more eloquent than my poor excuse for a review. Well worth subscribing to

That is all 😁

Love this! Have listened to AMT forever and this is just as good!

Informative, funny, witty, classic makes you think makes you laugh entertainement from very likable persons.

One of the highlights of my listening week (or fortnight?) is seeing the new allusionist pop into my podcast feed. Always interesting and always delivered with wry charm. Keep up the good work!

Listened back to back to back and now working my way through Answer Me This.

Got me through a stressful week. Appreciated.

Thanks Helen - a great podcast, well crafted and fascinating.

All the elements I want in a podcast. It's informative, interesting, quirky and entertaining. Well worth listening to.

Occasionally interesting content but poor production makes this an unenjoyable listen. Really lets down the Radiotopia family.