What we listened to: 4 bookish podcasts to check out now
I’m a huge podcast listener, and I’m into bookish podcasts almost as much as I’m into reading the books themselves.
But there is such an abundance of podcasts out there (book-themed and otherwise) that it’s hard to know where to begin, so here are some of my favourites that I return to again and again to help you get started.
My most recent audio discovery, Sentimental Garbage is a joyful, charming and witty podcast fronted by writer and broadcaster Caroline O’Donoghue. Every episode, she and a guest delve into and champion a piece of literature, an author or a genre that has previously been written off as frivolous, unimportant or not “literary”.
The books discussed include my own teenage obsessions Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging and Bridget Jones’s Diary but with the podcast expanding to discuss other previously dismissed cultural artefacts in television, film and music, there’s something for everyone.
Also a publishing house and a quarterly magazine, Slightly Foxed shines a light on unusual, forgotten or whimsical authors, literary genres, themes and periods that don’t normally get talked about (or published) as much as they perhaps should be. Topics in the podcast’s back catalogue include literary drinking, idling authors, graphic novels and much more.
The hosts invite engaging experts and writers to each episode to dissect the topic of the week in a way that is as illuminating as it is entertaining, and at a quarterly release only, each episode is to be savoured and enjoyed until the next one drops.
If you like to keep up-to-date with lots of new releases in the book world, The Penguin Books Podcast has got you covered. Interviewing authors — including big literary names and debut novelists alike — the podcast asks its guests to describe three objects in relation to their work, such as Richard Osman’s scented candle which he lights when he begins writing.
The podcast offers fabulous insight into the way guests are inspired and how exactly they go about writing. If you’re interested in hearing about writers’ processes, this is the podcast for you!
Women’s Prize for Fiction Podcast
With hosts including Zawe Ashton and Vick Hope, this podcast offers a wealth of bookish audio content that you certainly don’t need to be a fan of the Women’s Prize for Fiction to listen to and enjoy. The podcast takes deep dives into the shortlisted novels each year but aside from Prize content, exciting guests are also invited on to give us their “Bookshelfie” — a discussion of some of their favourite books ever, or books that have had a particular impact on their lives, careers and values.
My favourite episodes include Malorie Blackman’s and Candice Carty-Williams’s, but with an extensive back catalogue, I’m really spoilt for choice!
**
The good news is that all of the podcasts mentioned have a rich back catalogue of episodes to binge, or to pick and choose as you please. So curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea, or go out for a springtime stroll with the company of these literary podcasters in your ears!