Tune Into These Bookish Podcasts

Podcasts make an excellent supplement to reading: They allow readers to delve into aspects of their favorite books and authors that they otherwise might not have the time or ability to explore. We’re big podcast listeners, and enthusiastically encourage you to get on the podcast bandwagon. Here are some bookish podcasts we’re enjoying recently. Let us know what you’re listening to in the comments!

Black Chick Lit

This exciting podcast is a bi-monthly production that focuses on books by and about Black women. The hosts, Dani and Mollie, dish on prose and characterization, while at the same time infusing the show with humor. Our fave episode yet: “The Wedding Date.”

Reading Women

After discovering a mutual love of feminist literature in graduate school, friends Kendra Winchester and Autumn Privett founded the Reading Women podcast, where they interview authors, talk about the books they’re reading, and offer recommendations. They also host a fantastic annual reading challenge! Our fave episode yet: “Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism.”

Deadline City

Hosted by authors Dhonielle Clayton and Zoraida Córdova, this podcast is a must-listen for writers and anyone interested in the publishing industry. Clayton and Córdova share tips on craft, the publishing industry, creative burnout, and more. Our fave episode yet: “Doubt Town.”

Fated Mates

Season One of this addicting podcast features hosts Sarah MacLean and Jen Prokop guiding listeners in a close reading of the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. Season Two, airing now, explores books that were seminal reads for MacLean and Prokop. Our fave episode yet: “Curvy Heroines in Romance.

The Librarian Is In

Librarians are the best people to ask for book recommendations, and this podcast features two from the New York Public Library: Rhonda Evans and Frank Collerius. Tune in for recommendations, library news, and more. Our fave episode yet: “We’re Baaaack!.”

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Ever wish you could take a class on your favorite book? Meet your new professors: Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile, who tackle one Harry Potter book each season with episodes exploring themes such as loneliness, privilege, trauma, and more. Our fave episode yet: “Blessing Ginny Weasley.”

Books and Boba

Reera Yoo and Marvin Yueh host this podcast that focuses on works by Asian and Asian American authors, plus monthly news roundups and author interviews. Our fave episode yet: “Author Chat with Abigail Hing Wen.”

Shelf Love

Every week Andrea Martucci and a guest take a deep dive into a different romance novel, discussing tropes, writing, perceptions of the genre, and more. If you love listening to authors talk about their personal favorite books, you won’t be able to get enough of Shelf Love. Our fave episode yet: “The Year of the Ginger Beard. Listener Superlatives: Favorites Romance Reads From 2019 with B. And Her Books.

First Draft

In each episode of First Draft Pod, host Sarah Enni speaks with a different author about their creative process, exploring where ideas come from, writer’s block, the impact of art, and more. Our fave episode yet: “Mailbag with Marie Lu.”

Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast

Readers who can’t get enough gay romance novels, look no further for your perfect podcast. Listeners can tune in for pop culture tidbits, interviews with their favorite authors, and more. Our fave episode yet: “Big Gay Fiction Book Club: Arctic Heat by Annabeth Albert.”

What’s your favorite bookish podcast?

4 Comments
  1. I co-host a podcast called AudioShelf, where we review audiobooks, interview authors and narrators, and have wild bookish conversations!

  2. Mine is… My own! Currently Reading Podcast!
    I’m also surprised not to see a few of my other favorites on here:
    The Stacks
    Sarah’s Bookshelves Live
    What Should I Read Next
    Novel Pairings

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