As the weather gets warmer and the pandemic begins to lift (hopefully soon), we will all be outside once again running, walking our dogs, exploring. What better way to enjoy than to plug into your favorite podcast?
Here are 5 literature-based shows that will bring definitely a smile to your face:
1.) Book Fight
A frank weekly podcast in which the hosts, Mike Ingram and Tom McAllister, editors at Barrelhouse Magazine and authors of fiction and creative nonfiction, talk about books they love and more importantly, books they hate. It was the winner of a 2015 Philadelphia Geek Award for Best Streaming Media Project, and you don’t need to read the books to enjoy the show! They describe it as a podcast about “books, writing, reading, and raccoons.” Often digressing and going off on semi-related tangents, this podcast also hilariously covers the most recent happenings in the literary world.
2.) Backlisted
Brought to you by Unbound books, this podcast aims to give old books a new life. Presenters John Mitchinson and Andy Miller have a weekly guest with whom they debate and try to convince to read whichever book is at hand and why it has stood the test of time. From the classic Dickens to other more obscure writers, this podcast is one your inner literature nerd will love! It’s always fun to listen with others as you ask each other and yourselves, “Are you convinced? Will you read the book?”
3.) You’re Booked
Daisy Buchanan, journalist and self identified “book snooper,” hosts this fresh and funny podcast in which she pokes around famous authors’ bookshelves.
“I’ll be asking our guests all about the first forbidden books they read under the covers, the beloved books they have borrowed, and never given back, and those impressive heavyweight hardbacks that make them look like intellectual giants — even though they couldn’t get beyond the first twenty pages. We’ll also be talking about what makes readers into writers, how our guests became book lovers and their favorite reading memories, all with a dash of intelligence and a dollop of irreverence.”
Most recent guests include Elizabeth Day and Nikesh Shulka.
4.) Bad Book Reviews
This is one of my all-time favorite literature podcasts. Host Alexis De Weese invites authors and gives them a chance to joke and laugh about bad and silly reviews they have received, while also taking on what a good book review entails and how books should be discussed. “All authors get bad reviews, but sometimes a reader’s negative thoughts are too funny to take seriously.” It doesn’t take itself too seriously and each episode is a joy to listen to!
5.) So Many Damn Books
Do you enjoy drinking cocktails? Do you enjoy drinking cocktails that are inspired by books? Well, look no further. This entertaining podcast is about to be your new favorite with hosts Christopher Hermelin and Drew Broussard who chat with well-known authors about reading, writing, the world of publishing, and their ever-growing stack of books to read. Hermelin and Broussard are bubbly and because they’re having such a great time, you as the listener do too! Recorded at the Damn Library in Brooklyn, NY. For show info, book lists, and drink recipes, visit somanydamnbooks.com