If you love books, then chances are you’ll love literary podcasts. Whether you’re looking for a podcast to listen to on your commute or your workout, or for a better way to stay updated on the latest books and authors, there’s a podcast for you. Here are the top ten literary podcasts not to miss.
- Backlisted: www.backlisted.fm
One of the most popular literary podcasts around, Backlisted is hosted by Unbound. Presented by John Mitchinson and Andy Miller, Backlisted aims to give old books new life. In each episode the two presenters, alongside an invited guest, attempt to convince listeners to read an old book, whilst discussing the main reasons why it remains relevant and popular.
2. The Guardian Books Podcast: https://www.theguardian.com/books/series/books
Hosted by Richard Lea, Claire Armitstead and Sian Cain and produced by The Guardian, this weekly podcast features some of the most renown authors. As well as author interviews, they also discuss trends in contemporary writing, as well as examining classic works.
3. Banging Book Club: https://play.acast.com/s/bangingbookclub
If you’re interested in books about sex and gender, then Banging Book Club is the literary podcast for you. Over the course of 47 episodes, three friends read a book about sex or gender and discuss it on the podcast. As well as discussing their favorite parts of the book or its flaws, they also share their personal experiences which creates a more intimate and personalized podcast.
4. Freedom, Books, Flowers & The Moon: https://play.acast.com/s/tlsvoices
The Times Literary Supplement produces this weekly podcast, whose title was inspired by Oscar Wilde’s question: ‘With freedom, books, flowers and the moon, who could not be happy?’ Through the lens of literature, aspects and trends in culture and ideas are examined and deeply interrogated each week.
5. Literary Friction: https://www.nts.live/shows/literaryfriction
Literary Friction is a monthly podcast which is hosted by two friends, Octavia and Carrie. If you’re looking for a more conversational podcast, then Literary Friction will be the one for you. As well as interviewing both new and established authors, Literary Friction also offers personal recommendations. The main aim of the podcast is to share and discuss books and ideas and each episode is designed around a theme.
6. Literary Disco: https://www.literarydisco.com/
Established in 2012, Literary Disco is hosted by three writer friends (Julia Pistell, Rider String and Tod Goldberg). The three hosts discuss all book types and genres. As well as fiction, they also read children’s books and YA, as well as poetry, plays and non-fiction books. Similarly, the guests vary from authors who suggest books to read and debate, to teachers, actors and librarians, offering a great array of opinions.
7. Reading Women: https://www.readingwomenpodcast.com/
Reading Women is a podcast aimed at discussing and sharing books written by women or featuring remarkable women. Hosted by Kendra Winchester and Autumn Privett, the podcast has a book club feel and seeks to reclaim the phrase ‘women’s literature’. Each episode is usually based around a theme, but authors are also sometimes interviewed.
8. So Many Damn Books: http://www.somanydamnbooks.com/
If you’re looking for a fun literary podcast to listen to, then make sure not to miss So Many Damn Books. Hosted by Drew Broussard and Christopher Hermelin, each episode is accompanied by a themed cocktail designed by the hosts and linked to the guest author. Join them for a cocktail as they talk about publishing, literature, reading and all the books on your ‘to-be-read’ list with an established author.
9. Moms Don’t Have Time To Read Books: https://zibbyowens.podbean.com/
Launched in 2018 by mother-of-four, Zibby Owens, Moms Don’t have Time To Read Books is the perfect podcast for busy book-lovers. In each short episode, Zibby interviews an author and in so doing, provides a way for book-lovers to stay up-to-date with the latest books. This is a highly popular and thoroughly entertaining podcast you won’t want to miss.
10. Read Or Dead: Read Or Dead: https://bookriot.com/listen/shows/readordead/
Fans of mystery and crime novels will enjoy Read or Dead. This podcast, hosted by Katie MacBride and Rincey Abraham, releases new episodes each fortnight and covers all aspects of crime fiction, including cozy mysteries, thrillers and suspense books.
Conclusion
Whatever your preferred genre, there is a literary podcast for you. From serious, in-depth literary discussions to fun, themed podcasts, it has never been easier to keep up-to-date with the world of books.
Beatrix is a successful editor and writer at Academized, who writes articles about book marketing. She particularly enjoys offering advice and tips to new writers at Essayroo, helping them to market their books and better connect with their readers. An avid reader herself, Beatrix particularly enjoys crime novels and listening to podcasts during her daily runs.