Libro.fm Podcast

We chat with critically-acclaimed and award-winning author Silvia Moreno-Garcia about the inspiration behind her latest novel, The Bewitching, including the Salem Witch Trials and fall in New England. Silvia also dives into the process and research behind writing in different time periods and settings, as well as differences in the horror genre across the globe. We also discuss the importance of finding the right narrator, as well as special editions of novels—and the beautiful art Silvia commissions for her books to help bring the characters to life. Read the full transcript: [TRANSCRIPT] (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XFc3H9owIGCOqRFnrTvkqAEjsy1OAi4V4g8WlQVHxMA/edit?usp=sharing) Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Silvia Moreno-Garcia: Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of The Bewitching, The Seventh Veil of Salome, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, Mexican Gothic, and many other books. She has won the Locus, British Fantasy and World Fantasy awards. Get Silvia’s Books: The Bewitching Mexican Gothic Gods of Jade and Shadow The Daughter of Doctor Moreau Silver Nitrate Books discussed on today’s episode: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson Climate Is Just the Start by Mikaela Loach Still Life by Sarah Winman Tin Man by Sarah Winman

In this episode, Maggie Tokuda-Hall speaks about refusing to write to market expectations. She reflects on her experience with censorship and her picture book Love in the Library—which ultimately led to her being a founding member of Authors Against Book Bans. Maggie also shares what it's like to author graphic novels, including The Worst Ronin and Squad, and to collaborate with artists throughout the process. She also highlights information on how listeners can fight book bans, as well as the most important action they can all take right now. On the topic, Olivia shares an opportunity for individuals to join a Banned Books Week Read-In this October to protest ongoing censorship. Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Maggie Tokuda-Hall: Maggie Tokuda-Hall has an MFA in creative writing from USF, and BA in art from Scripps College. She’s the author of numerous award winning, best-selling children’s and young adult books including Love in the Library, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea duology, Squad, and The Worst Ronin. She has been called “... one of the most unflinching voices in contemporary genre literature.” Maggie is a founding member and national leader of Authors Against Book Bans. She is the co-host of the Failure to Adapt podcast. She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, children, and objectively perfect dog. Get Maggie’s Books: Love in the Library The Siren, the Song, and the Spy The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea Books discussed on today’s episode: Cantoras by Caro De Robertis Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti Banned Books Week resources: Banned Books Week Read-In near you Ways to learn more about and fight bans

In this episode, Craig and Olivia sit down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan to talk about the power of romance, the craft of building interconnected worlds, and why representation—on and off the page—matters. In the wake of her latest novel’s release, Can’t Get Enough, Kennedy shares how her emotionally rich, socially conscious love stories give voice to characters and communities often overlooked, and why she considers rest a form of resistance. The conversation explores the artistry of series writing, the importance of friendships and family relationships in romance, and her passionate advocacy for audiobooks as an equally valid form of reading. Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12grqSDcTz7I1wFtZe7mqqPoCY9V9fn4N_Kkomlz22O8/edit?usp=sharing Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Kennedy Ryan: Kennedy Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary romance, praised by Entertainment Weekly as “one of the finest romance writers of our age.” Her award-winning Skyland series—including Before I Let Go, This Could Be Us, and Can’t Get Enough—has earned honors from TIME, Amazon, and Publisher’s Weekly, and is currently in development at Peacock, where she serves as Executive Producer. A two-time Audie Award winner and the first Black author to win the RITA Award for romance, Ryan is also the co-founder of LiFT 4 Autism, which has raised over $500,000 for Kulture City. Books discussed on today’s episode: Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale Indigo by Beverly Jenkins Seven Days in June by Tia Williams August Lane by Regina Black Restore Me by J.L. Seegars Kill Creatures by Rory Power The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley

Cory shares the motivation behind keeping his audiobooks off Audible—even if it means sacrificing a paycheck—and explains how DRM laws allow Amazon to exert control over books they didn’t even create. The conversation covers everything from how monopoly power has shaped the digital marketplace, to the rise of “enshittification,” a term Cory coined to describe the lifecycle of once-useful tech platforms. They also discuss the importance of decentralized social media, the future of authorship in a platform-dominated world, and why it’s time to stop trying to shop your way out of broken systems and start organizing for real change. Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bC4FqH1ZzxPlbtH-Vs1-u-oJFnu4WRKHVHszr4VAbtI/edit?tab=t.0 Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Cory Doctotow: Cory Doctorow is a bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction, a longtime advocate for digital rights, and co-editor of the blog Boing Boing. His recent works include The Bezzle, Picks and Shovels, and the upcoming nonfiction book Enshittification. He also runs the daily newsletter Pluralistic.net. Get Cory’s Books: Picks and Shovels Enshittification Books discussed on today’s episode: Little Bosses Everywhere by Bridget Read Careless People by Lucy Osborne Original Sin by Alex Thompson and Jake Tapper I’ll Tell You When I’m Home by Hala Alyan Disappoint Me by Nikole Dinan

In this episode, Craig and Olivia sit down with legendary travel writer and TV host Rick Steves to celebrate the 50th episode of the Libro.fm Podcast. Rick shares insights from his newest book, On the Hippie Trail, a travel memoir drawn from journals he kept as a 23-year-old backpacking from Istanbul to India in the late 1970s. They discuss the importance of journaling and how travel shaped Rick’s lifelong commitment to teaching, storytelling, and political awareness.He also talks about his other book, Travel as a Political Act, and how travel can challenge ethnocentrism, spark empathy, and inspire deeper civic engagement. Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Rick Steves: Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, empowers Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves' Europe, headquartered in Edmonds, Washington, near Seattle. There he produces a best-selling guidebook series, a popular public television show, a weekly public radio show, a syndicated travel column, and free travel information available through his travel center and ricksteves.com. Rick Steves' Europe also runs a successful small-group tour program taking 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. Get Rick’s Books: On the Hippie Trail Travel as a Political Act

In this episode, Craig and Olivia sit down with Eve L. Ewing—author, scholar, poet, comic book writer, and professor—to talk about her newest book, Original Sins: The (Mis)Education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism. Eve shares the inspirations behind the book, the emotional toll of writing it, and the active role imagination plays in justice and systemic transformation. Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Eve L. Ewing: Eve L. Ewing is a writer, scholar, and cultural organizer from Chicago. She is the award-winning author of four books: Electric Arches, 1919, Ghosts in the Schoolyard, and Maya and the Robot. She is the co-author (with Nate Marshall) of the play No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks and has written several projects for Marvel Comics. Photo credit: Jaclyn Rivas Get Eve’s Book: Original Sins 1919 Maya and the Robot Ghosts in the Schoolyard Books discussed on today’s episode: The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins Codename: Pale Horse by Scott Payne

In this episode of the Libro.fm podcast, Craig and Olivia sit down with Annie B. Jones—author of Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put, owner of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia, and host of the beloved From the Front Porch podcast. Annie shares the inspiration behind her essay collection, how running an indie bookstore shaped her view of third places, and why books aren’t just escape, but flashlights guiding us back into connection with the world. Plus, see how Libro.fm is celebrating Independent Bookstore Day on April 26! Celebrate Indie Bookstore Day: https://2ly.link/2608h Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Annie B. Jones: Annie B. Jones is a writer, podcaster, and the owner of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. Jones hosts From the Front Porch, a weekly podcast about books, small business, and life in the South, and her work has been featured in Southern Living magazine. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, she lives in Thomasville with her husband, Jordan, and their dog, Sam Malone. Get Annie’s Book: Ordinary Time Books discussed on today's episode: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito Woodworking by Emily St. James

This episode of the Libro.fm podcast features an interview with Amanda Jones, a school librarian and anti-censorship advocate whose book "That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America" became a national bestseller. Amanda discusses her decision to write the book, the process of narrating the audiobook version, and the importance of combating book bans and censorship in libraries and schools. She provides advice for starting grassroots organizations to fight book bans and shares insights on navigating the complex issues around representation and censorship in literary collections. Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. Get Amanda’s Book: That Librarian Books discussed on today's episode: Banned Together (Our Fight for Readers' Rights) by Ashley Hope Pérez Creep by Emma van Straaten All Friends Are Necessary by Tomas Moniz Big Familia by Tomas Moniz The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander

In this episode of the Libro.fm podcast, hosts Craig and Karen interview Aaliyah Bilal, author of the 2023 National Book Award finalist "Temple Folk." Aaliyah discusses her creative process and journey to becoming a writer, why she prefers to write short stories and the inspiration behind her collection, and book recommendations for those interested in exploring Islam in Ghana and Sudan. Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Aaliyah: Aaliyah Bilal is an American writer acclaimed for her debut short story collection, Temple Folk, which explores the lives of Black Muslims in 1970s America. The collection was a finalist for the 2023 National Book Award for Fiction and the 2024 Aspen Words Literary Prize. Bilal received the 2024 Whiting Award and the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence. Get Aaliyah's books: Temple Folk Books discussed on today's episode: The Prophet of Zongo Street by Mohammed Naseehu Ali Season of Migration to the North by Tayeb Salih

Recorded live at the 2024 Texas Book Festival in Austin, this episode features authors Karla Cornejo Villavicencio (The Undocumented Americans, Catalina) and Amanda Montell (Cultish, The Age of Magical Overthinking). The authors discuss narrating their own audiobooks, touching on everything from incorporating humor and emotion to the challenges of audiobook production. They also offer advice for first-time narrators, discuss the nuances of audiobooks compared to print, and reflect on how their distinct styles shape the listening experience. Watch the live video recording here Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Karla: Karla Cornejo Villavicencio is an Ecuadorian-American writer and the author of The Undocumented Americans and Catalina. Her work, which focuses on race, culture, and immigration, has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, Elle, Interview, and on NPR. About Amanda: Amanda Montell is an American writer and the author of Wordslut and Cultish. Her work, which focuses on language, linguistics, and pop culture, has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Wired, and on NPR. Get Karla's books: Catalina The Undocumented Americans Get Amanda’s books: Cultish Wordslut The Age of Magical Overthinking

In this episode, we chat with acclaimed author, poet, and painter Percival Everett to discuss his award-winning novel James— the 2024 National Book Award winner and Libro.fm’s Audiobook of the Year. Percival shares his thoughts on the magic of language, the role of place in storytelling, and the whirlwind experience of his recent book tour. He also reflects on balancing his many creative passions, his journey as a writer, and the profound power of literature. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Percival: Percival Everett is a celebrated American writer and a Distinguished Professor of English at USC whose 2024 novel James won the National Book Award. His work has earned numerous honors, including the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, the NBCC Ivan Sandrof Life Achievement Award, and the Windham-Campbell Prize. In 2023, his novel Erasure was adapted into the feature film American Fiction. Get Percival’s books: James The Trees Erasure Books discussed on today’s episode: The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler Dvorak's Prophecy by Joseph Horowitz Last Room On The Left by Leah Konen The Snow Killer by Ross Greenwood We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin

In this episode, we sit down with Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, author of The Undocumented Americans and Catalina, which was longlisted for the 2024 National Book Awards. Cornejo Villavicencio opens up about her experience with meeting readers for the first time and how the unpredictability of the publishing world has shaped her perspective. She also discusses the process of recording Catalina’s audiobook and how it led to her connecting with the novel in a deeper, more personal way. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Karla: Karla Cornejo Villavicencio is an Ecuadorian-American writer and the author of The Undocumented Americans and Catalina. Catalina was longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction. Her work, which focuses on race, culture, and immigration, has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, Elle, Interview, and on NPR. Get Karla's books: Catalina The Undocumented Americans Books discussed on today’s episode: Model Home by Rivers Solomon Fingersmith by Sarah Waters The Drowned and the Saved by Primo Levi

In this episode, hosts Karen Farmer and Craig Silva chat with comedian, actor, and debut author Adrian Bliss. Adrian shares his journey from creating online comedy sketches to writing The Greatest Nobodies of History, which explores humorous and mostly factual stories of overlooked historical figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s ferret and Henry VIII’s Groom of the Stool. Adrian reflects on the shift from immediate online feedback to the publishing process and discusses creating an audiobook, collaborating with voice actors, and transitioning from short-form content to long-form storytelling. Plus, he shares his love for history, photography, and his favorite historical tidbits. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Adrian: Adrian Bliss is a British comedian, writer, and filmmaker known for his quirky and imaginative humor, often shared through viral sketches on social media. He gained popularity with his humorous historical and literary videos, blending absurdity with a touch of educational satire. Get Adrian's new book: The Greatest Nobodies of History Books discussed on today’s episode: William by Mason Coile Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang The River of Doubt by Candice Millard

In this episode, Philomena Polefrone, PhD discusses her role in advocating for intellectual freedom through the ABA. The conversation touches on book bans, censorship, and the role of bookstores as spaces for activism. The discussion covers the history of book bans, grassroots organizing, and the legal challenges involved in defending diverse literature. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Philomena: Philomena Polefrone is the Advocacy Associate Manager at the American Booksellers Association, where she champions intellectual freedom and free expression. With a background in bookselling and a decade in academia, Philomena brings a unique perspective to her work, blending literature and activism. She leads initiatives like the Set Books Free Project, aimed at combating book bans and promoting access to diverse, often censored literature. Her passion for defending the right to read makes her a key advocate in the fight against censorship. Books discussed on today’s episode: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell The 1619 Project by Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman & Jake Silverstein Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

On today’s episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we dive into literacy for young readers with graphic novelist Huda Fahmy and children’s bookshop owner Anna Hersh. We dive into school reading lists, storytime at bookshops, building confidence, the process of turning graphic novels into audiobooks, and even a mischievous cat with a knack for escaping in baby strollers. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Huda Fahmy: Huda Fahmy grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, and has loved comics since she was a child. She taught English to middle and high schoolers for eight years before she started writing about her experiences as a visibly Muslim woman in America and was encouraged by her older sister to turn these stories into comics. Huda was a finalist for the National Book Award for her YA graphic novel, Huda F Cares?. About Anna Hersh: Anna is the co-owner and animal care coordinator at Wild Rumpus Bookstore in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before Wild Rumpus she worked with exotic animals in sanctuaries. Books discussed on today’s episode: Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy Huda F Cares by Huda Fahmy As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu Run by Blake Crouch Endgame by Frank Brady

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we chat with Mel Saavedra, the owner of Steamy Lit Bookstore and the driving force behind Steamy Lit Con. Mel discusses her deep passion for romance literature, the genre's growing popularity, and the importance of representation in romance novels. Mel also delves into her subscription service, the Steam Box, and her new podcast, Romance Unleashed. The episode concludes with a lightning round, Instagram story time, and, as always, some great book recommendations. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Mel: Mel Saavedra, founder of Steamy Lit, is a proud Latina, Navy Veteran, and dog mom. A passionate reader of steamy romance, her love for the genre deepened in 2020. Noticing the lack of representation for authors of color in romance, she created Steamy Lit to empower discussions around sexuality and self-love, and to provide a platform for underrepresented authors. Books discussed on today’s episode: Brittainy Cherry's 'Elemental series' The Design of Us by Sajni Patel I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan

In today's episode, we interview renowned horror author Stephen Graham Jones. We delve into his latest book, "I Was a Teenage Slasher," and explore his passion for the horror genre. Additionally, we discuss his journey from aspiring farmer to successful writer, and pick his brain for book and movie recommendations! READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Stephen Graham Jones: Stephen Graham Jones is a prolific American horror author known for his unique blend of contemporary horror and Native American themes. Born in West Texas and a member of the Blackfeet Nation, Jones has written numerous acclaimed novels and short stories, including "The Only Good Indians" and "Mongrels." His work often explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the supernatural. Read Stephen Graham Jones’s books: I Was A Teenage Slasher My Heart Is a Chainsaw The Only Good Indians Mongrels Books discussed on today's episode: Please Stop Trying to Leave Me by Alana Saab Mean Spirited by Nick Roberts Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we chat with prolific and beloved audiobook narrator Natalie Naudus who shares her journey into the world of audiobooks. We discuss the challenges and rewards of the profession, including the process of bringing characters to life through voice. The episode provides an insider's look at the audiobook industry, and we discuss tips and tricks of the trade, how AI narration is disrupting the industry, her debut novel, and much more. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: PRIMETIME when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Natalie Naudus: Natalie Naudus is one of the most beloved audiobook narrators working today. She has won an Audie award and nine Earphones awards, and maintains a robust social media following. She lives with her family on a mountain in Virginia. Gay the Pray Away is her debut novel which was released in June 2024. Read Natalie's book: Gay the Pray Away Books discussed on today's episode: Interesting Facts about Space by Emily Austin Sucker by Daniel Hornsby Grey Dog by Elliott Gish Ring by Koji Suzuki

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sit down with Christine Bollow, co-owner and events manager for the DC based, community-oriented Loyalty Bookstore. We discuss the importance of book events to communities, Christine’s previous career in audiobooks, how Loyalty raises up young authors and marginalized voices, and our least favorite household chores. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. Books discussed on today’s episode: Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781250824479-light-from-uncommon-stars Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781549113482

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we interview Kalima DeSuze, the owner of Cafe con Libros, an intersectional feminist bookstore and coffee shop in Brooklyn, New York. Kalima discusses the challenges of running a bookstore, the importance of community support, and the decision-making process behind stocking books. She also talks about the power of book clubs as spaces for discussion and connection, and the role of audiobooks in making reading more accessible. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. Books discussed on today’s episode: The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker