But podcasts. I hadn't considered them. They do.
I'm not even sure I knew what a podcast was. Maybe that's where you are, too. Let's start there.
I like this definition from The Podcast Host: "Simply put: a podcast is an audio program, just like talk radio, but you subscribe to it on your smartphone and listen to it whenever you like." The podcasts I've listened to are free, but apparently you can also subscribe to podcasts, and some of those subscriptions cost money.
I'm mostly interested in podcasts about books. Here are some book and book-ish podcasts I've sampled or have been recommended to me.
Backlisted, brought to you by Unbound, aims to give new life to old books. Regular presenters John Mitchinson and Andy Miller enter into a lively discussion with a guest to convince their listeners to read a book while arguing why it has stood the test of time.
Just the Right Book is a podcast hosted by Roxanne Coady, owner of famous independent bookstore R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison, CT, that will help you discover new and noteworthy books in all genres, give you unique insights into your favorite authors, and bring you up to date with what’s happening in the literary world.
Each chapter of 3 Books uncovers and discusses the three most formative books of a unique and inspiring individual.
A Way with Words is a fun radio show and podcast about language examined through family, history, and culture.
Along with host Pamela Paul, the editors behind The New York Times book review keep you updated on the news of the literary world, their reads of the moment, and the given week's most popular books.
A must for the serious reader, Bookworm showcases writers of fiction and poetry - the established, new or emerging - all interviewed with insight and precision by the show's host and guiding spirit, Michael Silverblatt.
Each episode, comedian Jolenta Greenberg and her friend Kristen Meinzer select a different self-help book and live life exactly as is instructed.
The Guardian Books podcast is a weekly delve into the world of writing. It features some of the world’s best authors through in-depth interviews while discussing wider trends, round-ups, prize winners and retrospectives on classic works.
Lit Up, a sanctuary for people who are crazy about books. On the podcast, you’ll hear from the world's most provocative writers talk about the power of stories and what drives them to create the work they do.
This show is for the person who loves celebrating the triumph of finishing a story, only to be stuck on which page-turner to pick next. In comes host Anne Bogel, who interviews readers about the books they're enjoying, in addition to the ones they didn't care for.
In each episode, hosts Andrew and Craig discuss novels that you've been meaning to read (and probably should have read by now) but haven't quite gotten to yet.
He Read She Read is the podcast where a couple of married bookworms discuss what they're reading and learning.
The mission of this highly-engaging and informative podcast is to help readers 'improve [themselves] through literature'.
Host Jason Balmet reads through classic Christian books as he delves into the minds of the most influential Christian writers throughout the course of history.
Happiness Project author Gretchen Rubin shares insights, strategies, stories, and tips that help people understand themselves and create a happier life.
What does it mean to be human? How do we want to live? And who will we be to each other? Each week On Being explores a new discovery about the immensity of our lives.
Have you listened to any of these podcasts?
Are there any others you recommend?
*The chief takeaway from my class last summer, of course, has been the discovery of a new, almost other-worldly genre called flash nonfiction. Raise your hand if you've read flash nonfiction. I thought so.
Bookish themed podcasts I like not listed here are Sarah’s Bookshelf, and The Librarian Is In (NYPL}
ReplyDeleteI will look for these. I haven't tried either of these.
DeleteI will look for this one, Vicki. Even though I do like green beans....
ReplyDeleteQuite a few of these are on my list! I'll echo Shelleyrae's recommendations above and also add Novel Pairings (one of the hosts is Chelsey of He Read She Read) and Currently Reading.
ReplyDeleteNew-to-me also, JoAnn. Thank you!
DeleteThanks for the list. I listen to a couple book podcasts (the NYT podcast & Sarah's Bookshelves) but I need to try out a few more. I should make more time for them ... but somehow I haven't yet.
ReplyDeletePodcasts are something that are very new to me.
Deletei have read some flash fiction, but not nonfiction. i don't watch many podcasts but i think they are cool. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I think flash nonfiction is a new phenomenon.
DeleteI've never even heard of this
DeleteSo you're going to explain flash fiction in your next post, right?
ReplyDeleteHaha! Perhaps I will.
DeleteI love podcasts when I find time to listen to them. My favorites are: Wait, Wait...Don't Tell me (since I am never in the car to hear it at its air time); Crime Junkie; Ear Hustle; and I am currently listening to 1619, which is also pretty good.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recommendations, Helen.
DeleteI never think of podcasts because I don't have a phone so it would be on the computer and I don't know that I see that working for me. But I have to say, so many of these sound very good!
ReplyDeleteI listen to them on my computer. I don't know why I don't listen on my phone.
DeleteI'm also on a podcast kick. I would recommend the Bookriot podcasts for reading. Very well done. Occasionally, Fresh Air has book reviews and authors on. I second Ear Hustle - amazing. But I also listen to a lot of True Crime/political junkie stuff too - Slow Burn, Unfinished, Unfinished Deep South, Women and Crime, She Votes! (about the 19th amendment's passage), Gladiator (about Aaron Hernadez), True Crime Bull****,
ReplyDeleteWow. Thank you, Melissa.
DeleteThey sound great, especially By The Book. Trying to live exactly by a self-help book would provide entertainment and insight, i think. Especially insight into what doesn't work!
ReplyDeleteBy the Book hosts also have a book out about their attempts.
DeleteThese all sound good. I have so far resisted listening to podcasts, for the most part, because I feel they take my time away from audiobooks. I feel like I prefer primary to secondary sources.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, Emma.
DeleteI need to check out Happier and On Being. Merci beaucoup
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy these as much as I have.
DeleteI have never ever listened to a podcast. I hardly get time to listen to my audio books! But one day I will try this. Wonder what format they will be in then...
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend Deb!
I've only listened to a few, but the ones I have listened to have been awfully compelling.
DeleteGosh I listen to quite a few,my favourites are
ReplyDeleteThe Complete Guide to Everything
The TED talk one!
Dark Poutine
Welcome to Night Vale
The White Vault
Hello from the Magic Tavern
Duolingo French
That’s the ones that are on current seasons, I love listening to them, usually when driving or dog walking. I have never tried a book podcast, I shall check them out!
Great. Thanks, Heather.
DeleteThanks for sharing! Podcast is a world of knowledge!
ReplyDeleteYou've informed me and convinced me. I will try some of these .
ReplyDeleteWow. That's a great resource of podcasts for me to sample. I listen to He Read She Read and Bogel's What Should I Read Next. I'm afraid if I add too many more, I won't have time for my audiobooks. It's a fine balance. :)
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that I use Stitcher to listen to the podcasts. I find it very easy to navigate and keep track of which episodes I've already listened to.
ReplyDelete