Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and The 44 Scotland Street novels, presents a season of beautifully written short stories. Distract yourself with the warmth of his voice and the infectious ripple of his laughter as he reads short stories written for you, from the heart. A truly positive distraction and an antidote to the stresses of everyday life. Find the full range of Alexander McCall Smith’s work – short stories, novels in series and stand alone novels, poetry and non-fiction at alexandermccallsmith.com.

Latest episodes

In the Swimming Pool | The Positive Distraction Podcast with Alexander McCall Smith

October 7, 2026 · 13 min

Welcome to Season 2 of Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith, which begins with the story called In the Swimming Pool. In this podcast, Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency…
At the Arachnophobia Workshop | The Positive Distraction Podcast with Alexander McCall Smith

September 9, 2026 · 8 min

At the Arachnophobia Workshop is the eighth episode of Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith, a brand new podcast from the beloved author. Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective…
The Handbag; Miracolo; The Descent | The Positive Distraction Podcast with Alexander McCall Smith

September 2, 2026 · 24 min

These three short stories together make up the seventh episode of Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith, a brand new podcast from the beloved author. Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies'…
The Director | The Positive Distraction Podcast with Alexander McCall Smith

August 26, 2026 · 16 min

The Director is the sixth episode of Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith, a brand new podcast from the beloved author. Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and The 44…
My Italian Bulldozer | The Positive Distraction Podcast with Alexander McCall Smith

August 19, 2026 · 8 min

My Italian Bulldozer is the fifth episode of Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith, a brand new podcast from the beloved author. Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and The…
Sleaze | The Positive Distraction Podcast with Alexander McCall Smith

August 12, 2026 · 15 min

Sleaze is the fourth episode of Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith, a brand new podcast from the beloved author. Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and The 44 Scotland…
Logs for Sale | The Positive Distraction Podcast with Alexander McCall Smith

August 5, 2026 · 21 min

Logs for Sale is the third episode of Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith, a brand new podcast from the beloved author. Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and The 44…
Show and Tell | The Positive Distraction Podcast with Alexander McCall Smith

July 29, 2026 · 12 min

Show and Tell is the second episode of Positive Distraction with Alexander McCall Smith, a brand new podcast from the beloved author. Alexander McCall Smith, worldwide best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and The 44…