Books Podcast
A weekly podcast, presented by editor of Guardian books Claire Armitstead, for author interviews, readings and discussions - plus a full recording of our monthly book club.
Lisa Taddeo on sex and desire in Three Women – books podcast
This week, Taddeo discusses her bestseller about the intimate lives of women, and we take a look at the 2019 Booker prize longlist. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Ocean Vuong and the new Great American Novel - books podcast
On this week’s show, we speak to the poet about his debut novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous and discuss the evolution of the Great American Novel. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Iris Murdoch at 100 and Howard Jacobson on humour and shame – books podcast
On this week’s show, we talk to Jacobson about his new novel, and discuss the compelling career of Murdoch. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Intolerance is rising in Europe, but can writers find hope? – books podcast
with Johny Pitts and Roger Robinson. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Tracy K Smith on the place of poetry in modern America – books podcast
The outgoing US poet laureate talks about her career, and we chat about the work of Alice Oswald, the new Oxford professor of poetry. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Bernadine Evaristo and Lene Wold – books podcast
This podcast contains descriptions of violence which some may find distressing. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
What is it like being a refugee? with Pajtim Statovci and Dina Nayeri – books podcast
For Refugee Week, two writers discuss their experiences as asylum seekers and the challenges facing refugees around the world. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Women's prize winner Tayari Jones and Sandra Newman – books podcast
On this week’s show, we meet the author of An American Marriage fresh from her win, and speak to Newman about her time-travelling novel The Heavens. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Hay festival special with Pat Barker, John Lanchester, Max Porter and more – books podcast
Claire and Sian bring you some of the highlights from the annual books festival held in the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Inside the world of trauma cleaners – books podcast
Sarah Krasnostein talks about her biography The Trauma Cleaner and we remember children’s author Judith Kerr. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
The life of Alexander von Humboldt, plus foraging for food – books podcast
On this week’s show, Andrea Wulf shares her new graphic novel biography of Alexander von Humboldt and professional forager John Wright takes us on a hunt for wild food in London. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
'You can't sustain a career on shocking people': is Bret Easton Ellis genuine? – books podcast
The American Psycho author talks about the reactions to his first book in 10 years, and we discuss the UK’s new poet laureate, Simon Armitage. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Heida: the Icelandic model who became a shepherd – books podcast
On this week’s show, we speak to Heida Ásgeirsdóttir about her life as a farmer, and to Irish writer Sinéad Gleeson about her collection Constellations. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Joe Dunthorne and Sarah Crossan on poetry and fiction – books podcast
On this week’s show, Crossan talks about using poetry in her novel-in-verse Toffee and Dunthorne shares why he writes poetry to escape novels. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Are we too reverent with William Shakespeare? – books podcast
On this week’s show, we sit down with Shakespeare expert Emma Smith and novelist Tash Aw talks about his latest book, We, the Survivors. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
The Man Booker international shortlist and Nicole Flattery – books podcast
On this week’s show, we discuss the 2019 shortlist for the best fiction in translation with Boyd Tonkin, and speak to Nicole Flattery about her short story collection, Show Them a Good Time. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Elizabeth-Jane Burnett and Ian Maleney on soil, family and loss – books podcast
This week we hear two contrasting approaches to eternal questions of belonging, plus regional differences in literature. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
Nina Stibbe and the price of an expert bookseller – books podcast
This week we talk comedy with Nina Stibbe and turn to the serious topic of booksellers’ pay. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod
The rise of autofiction, with Olivia Laing and Christina Patterson – books podcast
A trend for authors to use their real lives as a template for stories has been widely noted. Two writers who complicate this picture join us to look for the facts
Psychedelic drugs: Michael Pollan on the history, science and experience of taking them – books podcast
The famously hands-on journalist talks about his colourful history of psychedelic drugs and their potential for treating addiction, depression and PTSD