The Guardian Books podcast

The Guardian Books podcast is our weekly look at the world of books, presented by Claire Armitstead, Richard Lea and Sian Cain. In-depth interviews with authors from all over the world, discussions and investigations make this the perfect companion for readers and writers alike

Weekend: episode two of a new podcast

Ease into the weekend with our brand new podcast, showcasing some of the best Guardian and Observer writing from the week, read by talented narrators. In this episode, Marina Hyde looks at the new additions to Downing Street (2m00s), Hadley Freeman interviews Hollywood actor Will Arnett (9m56s), Sirin Kale tries her hand at quiz show Mastermind (26m32s), and David Robson examines why we’re so stressed about stress (41m08s). If you like what you hear, subscribe to Weekend on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

04-01
51:22

Weekend: episode one of a new podcast

Ease into the weekend with our brand new podcast, showcasing some of the best Guardian and Observer writing from the week, read by talented narrators. In our first episode, Marina Hyde reflects on another less than stellar week for Boris Johnson (1m38s), Edward Helmore charts the rise of Joe Rogan (9m46s), Laura Snapes goes deep with singer George Ezra (18m30s), and Alex Moshakis asks, “Are you a jerk at work?” (34m40s). If you like what you hear, subscribe to Weekend on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

02-05
49:56

Comfort Eating with Grace Dent: episode one of a new podcast

Have you ever wondered what famous people actually eat? In our new podcast, Guardian restaurant critic Grace Dent does just that, asking well-known guests to lift the lid on the food they turn to when they’re at home alone – and what comfort foods have seen them through their lives. In the first episode, screenwriter Russell T Davies tells Grace about his childhood in Swansea, the delights of Woolworth’s pork and egg pies, and how his husband’s death informed his latest TV series, It’s a Sin. Future guests will include Nish Kumar, Rafe Spall and Aisling Bea. Episodes willl be released every Tuesday – search for it wherever you get your podcasts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

07-01
39:46

'Our climate crisis is a choice': Christiana Figueres on why we can change the future - books podcast

On our final episode, the diplomat who spearheaded the Paris Agreement discusses why we should feel optimisitic about our ability to tackle the climate crisis. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

04-21
43:49

Why David Attenborough is famous but 'he isn't a celebrity' – books podcast

We speak to Horrible Histories consultant and podcaster Greg Jenner about the history of celebrity and share what listeners are reading. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

04-14
38:23

From diseases to memes, how do things spread? - books podcast

Mathematician Adam Kucharski talks about how the concept of ‘contagion’ is rooted in our social lives and we share your reading tips for lockdown. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

04-07
33:03

Hunting down the 42 paintings of Pieter Bruegel - books podcast

On this week’s show we talk to Toby Ferris about his pursuit of the Dutch master and look at how the literary world is dealing with the pandemic. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

03-31
37:18

Glenn Patterson and what to read while self-isolating – books podcast

On this week’s show we talk to the Northern Irish writer about his new novel and discuss how headlines can impact our appetite for certain books. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

03-24
38:26

Who was St Paul? With Christos Tsiolkas and Tom Holland – books podcast

On this week’s podcast, we talk to Tsiolkas about his novel on the life of St Paul and the historian Holland explains what we know about the man. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

03-17
38:50

'What if Gandalf joined The Sweeney?': Ben Aaronovitch on Rivers of London – books podcast

On this week’s show, the bestselling fantasy author talks about how he came to invent a magical branch of the Met, and we discuss Hilary Mantel’s new novel The Mirror & The Light. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

03-10
33:32

Inside the Brontës' fantasy world, and a Booker controversy – books podcast

On this week’s show, we talk to graphic novelist Isabel Greenberg about her comic Glass Town and the 2020 longlist for the International Booker prize. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

03-03
37:23

The surprising history of astrology – books podcast

Alexander Boxer talks about his book A Scheme of Heaven and we discuss why Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers tried to remove a juror for her reading history. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

02-25
31:01

Maaza Mengiste on the Ethiopian women who fought Italy – books podcast

The novelist explains how she discovered her family was woven into history, plus the new wave of Ethiopian literature in English. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

02-18
32:51

Sophie Hannah on the recipe for a perfect crime novel – books podcast

The crime writer joins us to discuss the mechanics of mystery novels, plus Margaret Atwood at the Hay festival in Cartagena. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

02-11
34:35

Adam Rutherford on how to tackle racist pseudoscience - books podcast

The geneticist explains why science offers no support for prejudice. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

02-04
33:28

Jonathan Coe and Sara Collins on their Costa-winning novels – books podcast

We welcome not one but two Costa winners, as the victors in the novel and the debut fiction categories join us in the studio. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

01-28
39:38

Jeanine Cummins on her explosive new novel, American Dirt

The novelist explains her sudden decision to write her controversial thriller, and we hail TS Eliot prize winner Roger Robinson. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

01-22
40:19

Samantha Harvey on her year without sleep – books podcast

On this week’s show, the novelist explains how she came to write about her insomnia and we consider why indie bookshops are booming in the UK and Ireland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

01-14
37:33

Eoin Colfer on returning to Artemis Fowl – books podcast

This week, the creator of the biggest child villain in literature talks about comedy writing and seeing his creation adapted by Disney. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

01-07
32:09

Our favourite books of 2019, and the most exciting books of 2020 – books podcast

Priya Basil talks about the dynamics of the dinner table and her book Be My Guest, and we chat about the best books of the year. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

12-24
37:36

Leyla Darvishzade

lovely content! im agog to hear about next guests comfort food!

11-28 Reply

soheil jamshidian

I am reading "a people's tragedy" by orlando figes. the book is about history of russia and the roots of revelution in 1905 and 1918. I also find psychology books worthwile during the quarantine.

04-15 Reply

Hannah Morgan

I am reading Hallie Rubenhold's amazing book at the moment, it's gripping. Some fantastic points made in this podcast about how we treat victims (particularly female) of crime.

03-12 Reply

Brenda Causey

Urge over killl girl you'll be a woman soon

07-29 Reply

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