Lit Podcasts You Need to Listen To`
Do you sometimes feel like you haven't satisfied your book cravings, even after hours of reading or listening to an audiobook?
Sounds like you might need to get into book podcasts!
Book podcasts are lit in every sense of the word. Full of literature discussion, geeking out on book trivia, and recommendations! Sounds good, right? Even better: we've put together eight fabulous podcasts you should try right now!
The Penguin Podcast
If you love hearing words of wisdom and finding out what inspires your favourite authors, then this is the book podcast for you!
This award-winning podcast is published by Penguin but features guest hosts. Recent episodes have been hosted by radio and TV presenter Nihal Arthanayake. Every fortnight, an author is invited to talk about their work through selected objects that they've been inspired by. Guest authors include Ali Smith, Adam Kay and Alex Wheatle!
Brit Lit
Brit Lit is a podcast which is dedicated to - you guessed it! - British books and authors!
This is a great one for anyone who wants to find out more about authors and publishing in the UK. It's hosted by Claire, a British writer based in the US. Each episode she chats to a guest from the publishing world, usually an author, about their latest books, writing, and publishing advice. There's also news from the world of British books! Most recently she's chatted to Claire Jones, Milly Johnson and Lucy Farfort.
The Poetry Exchange
If you've ever loved a book or a poem so much that it feels like a friend then you'll want to check out The Poetry Exchange.
This podcast is a series of conversations about a poem that has been a friend to them. Their range of guests is really diverse, and includes names like Brian Cox, Maxine Peake, and Andrew Scott! Every episode is a celebration of the power that poetry has to bring poeple together. In more 'normal' times, they also hold live events at festivals in the UK.
Sentimental Garbage
Ever felt guilty about what you're reading?
If you love reading or listening to audiobooks, but you're not desperate to dive into a doorstop of a classic novel, or you haven't read ANY books of those '50 books to read before you die' lists, then you'll love this podcast.
Journalist and author Caroline O'Donoghue discusses books that many of us love, but don't always 'count' as 'literature'. She dissects chick-lit and investigates why it's often overlooked with authors, fans, and cultural critics like Dolly Alderton, Jojo Moyes, and Candice Carty-Williams.
Mostly Lit
Sadly, this is no longer an active book podcast. But it does have a great backlist of 75 episodes where hosts Raifa Rafiq and Alex Reads explore connections between literature, pop culture, and wellbeing.
With guests like authors Candice Carty-Williams and Julie Cohen, they cover topics as varied as gender, race and religion. It's big conversations merged with fun and entertaining chat!
Audioshelf
We all love audiobooks here at Listening Books, which means we're always on the hunt for that next great listen. If you're the same, then try Audioshelf!
Hosts Brad and Britney review chat about all things books on both a podcast and YouTube channel. They review audiobooks in a manner that's thoughtful, funny, and honest - with occasional debates about whether vampire novels are making a return and how YA novels have changed!
Backlisted
There are books and authors we've all heard of. But if you've ever wanted to stray off the beaten track a little when it comes to your next book, the Backlisted podcast could provide you with some great inspiration!
This podcast is all about giving those lesser-known books the attention they deserve. Each episode features a guest, usually an author, who chooses a book that they think deserves a little bit more love. Recent episodes include Val McDermid talking about crime novel Miss Pym Disposes, and John Niven and Sali Hughes discussing the novel Karoo.
The Listening Books Podcast
We didn't think it would be too cheeky to sneak ourselves onto the end of the list!
Hosted by Listening Books audio producer, Jessica Stone, our podcast is about all things literature with a focus on audiobooks. Sometimes we discuss specific topics, like holiday reads or books that make us cry, and often we have special guests like author Simon Brett or writer and comedian Adam Buxton! And we do love to throw in a literary-related game when the mood takes us...
Listen to The Listening Books Podcast
