5 Book Podcasts You Should Be Listening To
Do you struggle to find recommendations for what to read next? Maybe you want to find out more about the literary landscape and publishing industry. If so, we’ve got a selection of engaging and exciting book podcasts for you.
With podcasts covering everything from putting a spotlight on diverse voices to inspiring the next generation of readers, you’re in for a bookish treat in this piece.
Put words in your ears with this fantastic collection of book-themed podcasts — simply search for the titles below where you usually get your podcasts (be it Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, or alternatives). Read on to get inspired — will one of the podcasts below become your go-to source for recommendations? We hope so!
The Book Riot Podcast
This lively, weekly podcast is hosted by seasoned book lovers, Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky. The perfect listen that lets you keep your finger on the pulse of everything going on in the literary world — from events and new releases to industry developments.
Offering insightful recommendations for what’s hot off the press, as well as industry insider gossip, expect humour, passion, and expert opinions throughout. Whether you’re a casual reader or a page-turning bibliophile, Book Riot is guaranteed to become your go-to source for everything and anything literary.
Black Chick Lit
A bi-monthly podcast that focuses on books about and by black women. Each month hosts, Danielle and Mollie, dive into a new text, reading across genre and form, looking at everything from Swing Time by Zadie Smith to Queen Sugar by Natalie Baszile.
During the second episode of the month, they hold ‘BCL Chats’ that allow listeners to share their opinions about different aspects of reader life. Talking about broad topics in publishing and literature, Danielle and Mollie create a welcoming and inclusive space for people to discover and celebrate the best of Black literature, with a deep focus on representation and diversity. Perfect for those looking for recommendations for novels from diverse voices.
It’s Not a Book Podcast
This podcast goes beyond the usual deep dives into particular novels, with wider discussions about film and TV adaptations, cultural phenomena, and literary analysis.
The hosts, Zack, Reuben, and Kehinde, three south Londoners, offer candid discussions and points of view across a range of topics. Having covered texts as varied as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to Phillip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, you can be sure to gain something from what the boys have to say. It’s Not a Book Podcast offers a fresh perspective that explores how the books that we read impact and shape the wider world.
Puffin Podcast: Mission Imagination
Puffin’s Mission Imagination podcast is a fantastic show aimed at igniting the imaginations of young readers to get into reading. The Aria award-winning show is hosted by comedian, actor, and Gogglebox star, Babatúndé Aléshé, who whisks listeners away into the world of one of the best Puffin books.
Each week he’s joined by the Puffin author of the book with past guests including Greg James, Humza Arshad, and Jen Carney. The engaging tone and playful interactive games encourage children to explore their creativity through literature and dream big. Puffin’s Mission Imagination podcast is a brilliant choice to listen to with your little ones, and we believe it definitely succeeds in inspiring the next generation of readers.
London Review Bookshop Podcast
A slightly different take on the classic podcast format in comparison to the others in this list, the London Review Bookshop Podcast lets listeners hear the best authors present and talk about their latest works, all recorded in live events.
With over 200 episodes, ranging from debates and discussions to readings, the London Review Bookshop Podcast is perfect for those after thoughtful dialogue from the authors themselves. With knowledgeable hosts and an access-all-areas point of view, we recommend this a must for listeners interested in deeper inspections of contemporary literature.
Keep up with the latest book trends
Whenever you need a recommendation for the next best book to read, there’s a podcast out there for everything — from specific genres to light-hearted, comedic approaches.
From the lowdown on the latest releases to articles on the ever-raging battle between Kindles and paperbacks, you can always count on Victoria Freudenheim to be a source of expert, bookish content.
For more quality content from the literary world, be sure not to miss any of our latest reviews or most recent articles on our blog.
