The Penguin Podcast

As the Christmas season approaches, we’ve assembled an expert panel to help you navigate your gifting dilemmas and find the ideal presents for everyone on your list. Plus, how do you politely decline a festive party? And is bending the spine of a book the approved way to read it? We find out with etiquette expert, and Help I've S*xted my Boss podcaster, William Hanson as we discuss his new book Just Good Manners. For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 8: Christmas giftingEnjoy 20% off your order at Penguin Shop using the discount code PENGUINPODCAST. T&Cs applySend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we time-travel through our bookshelves as we recommend must-read historical fiction in answer to your reading requests. Plus, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name. Sign up to our Booksmarks panelBooks and authors mentioned in this episode:By Any Other Name by Jodie PicoultThe Warm Hands of Ghosts by Catherine ArdenThe Glass Woman by Caroline LeeJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteFirebrand by Elizabeth FreemantleThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre DumasAct of Oblivion by Robert HarrisIn Memoriam by Alice WinnMaurice by E.M. ForsterMy Policeman by Bethan RobertsFor the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 7: Historical FictionSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you usually prefer: the book or the film? Or do you enjoy both? In this episode, we delve into books that have successfully transitioned from page to screen. We'll also be chatting with best-selling author Robert Harris about his gripping thriller, Conclave, which has been adapted for the silver screen this November, starring Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci. So grab your books and your popcorn, and get ready for another book-filled episode.Books and authors mentioned in this episode:Conclave by Robert HarrisPrecipice by Robert HarrisMiss Austen by Gill HornbyRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldAtonement by Ian McEwanThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottFor the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 6: Books to ScreenSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we dive into the world of crime, thrillers, and mysteries! We answer your listener questions with award-winning author Kate Atkinson and publicist Alison Barrow. Plus, Kate discusses her brand-new Jackson Brodie novel, Death at the Sign of the Rook. Get ready for some killer reads!Books and authors mentioned in this episode:Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate AtkinsonThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe Cloisters by Katie HayesGone, Baby, Gone by Dennis LehaneThe Thursday Murder Club series by Richard OsmanThe Blue Hour by Paula HawkinsCharles Paris series by Simon BrettYellow Face by Rebecca F.KuangHelen FieldsGone Girl by Gillian FlynnThe Christmas Appeal by Janice HallettFor the full list of books and transcript visit: Episode 5: Crime and MysteriesSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking for a book that will keep you up at night? If you enjoy that tingling sensation down your spine while reading something on the spookier side then you're in the right place. In this episode, we explore the best horror and ghost stories perfect for Halloween. Alongside filling your book pile with terrifying but page-turning recommendations, we sit down with Booker-shortlisted author, Daisy Johnson to talk about her new collection of ghost stories, The Hotel. Books and authors mentioned in this episode:The Hotel by Daisy JohnsonHeads Will Roll by Josh WinningThe Night House by Jo NesboThe Terror by Dan SimmonsFor the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 4: Scary readsSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a book a classic? Who decided which books make it into the canon? And how long would it take to read the entire list? Join our exploration through our Classic bookshelves with author Henry Eliot who answers listener questions with reading recommendations from all eras. Plus, we delve into the world of Jane Austen with Gill Hornby, whose novel Miss Austen is being adapted into a four-part drama by the BBC.Books and authors mentioned in this episode:The Penguin Classics Book by Henry EliotThe Penguin Modern Classics Book by Henry EliotMiss Austen by Gill HornbyFor the full list of recommended reads visit: Episode 3: ClassicsSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastFollow Henry's substack by clicking here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us in our book-filled studio is broadcaster and author Zeinab Badawi, who shares her journey chronicling Africa's spectacular history through the voices of African historians, archaeologists, and local storytellers. Plus, we put your reading requests to award-winning author Derek Owusu to top up your reading pile with books by Black authors to celebrate Black History Month. Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Explore all the books discussed and a transcript by visiting: Episode 2: Black History MonthWebsite: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastBooks mentioned in this episode: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie BlackmanGiovanni's Room by James BaldwinThat Reminds Me by Derek OwusuHomegoing by Yaa GyasiAn African History of Africa by Zainab BadawiThe Confessions of Franny Langton by Sara CollinsBlack Cake by Charmaine WilkersonThe Lonely Londoners by Sam SelvonGhana Must Go by Teiye SelassieThe Terrible by Yrsa Daley-Ward Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it like to judge the world's most prestigious book prize? How do judges manage to read 150 submissions in a matter of months? And how do publishers update the winning book jacket so swiftly? In the first episode of our new series Ask Penguin, join our new host, Rhianna Dhillon as we delve into the world of literary prizes with this year's Booker Prize judge and award-winning author, Sara Collins. We also answer your Ask Penguin questions with plenty of book recommendations to inspire your next read.If you would like to send us a message or a question, email penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Visit our website for more information about The Penguin Podcast: www.penguin.co.uk/podcastFor more information about this episode including a full list of books discussed visit: Episode 1: Prize-winnersBooks mentioned in this episode: The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara CollinsThe Safe Keep by Yael Van Der WoudenOrbital by Samantha HarveyCreation Lake by Rachel KushnerGirl, Woman, Other by Bernardine EvaristoThe God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy Mr Loverman by Bernardine EvaristoThe Emperor's Babe by Bernadine EvaristoGliff by Ali Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Penguin Podcast is returning with a brand-new series called Ask Penguin. In each episode, we will take you inside Penguin Books to meet some of the incredible authors we publish as well as the people who work here, to get answers to all of your book-related questions.Need help finding your next page-turning read? Are you curious to know what a day in the life of an editor is like? Or perhaps why a small, aquatic, flightless bird became the iconic emblem that adorns Penguin books worldwide? The new series launches on Thursday 3rd October, where we'll be discussing prize-winning novels with award-winning author, and this year's Booker Prize judge, Sara Collins, and provide you with plenty of book recommendations with Publishing Director Simon Prosser. Send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode!Find out more: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast we're recapping the year with a selection of the brilliant guests we've welcomed onto the show. We hear from Jane Fallon, Chris van Tulleken, Julian Barnes, David Mitchell and more. We thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you in 2024. Happy holidays.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by national treasure and bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks.Together they they discuss the tweet that helped inspire his latest book, The Seventh Son, his thoughts on imposter Syndrome and humility, the influence of George Orwell on his political outlook, and a magical riverbank he discovered in France. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by Booker Longlisted author, C Pam Zhang.Together they discuss Zhang's latest novel, The Land of Milk and Honey, as well as the effects of extreme wealth on the human psyche, the place of pleasure and joy in human existence, the many expectations still placed upon women, and the literary benefits of being a marginalised writer.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by one of our time's most important moral philosophers and animal rights activists, Peter Singer.In this episode, they discuss Singer's experience of animal rights in the 70s compared to now, what inspired him to begin campaigning for the rights of animals, the importance of suffering in determining rights, and his views on the rise of veganism.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by the former Finance Minister of Greece and co-founder of the international grassroots movement DM25 as well as a Professor of economics at the University of Athens, Yanis Varoufakis. His latest book, Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism, explores how the owners of big tech have become the world's feudal overlords.In this episode, Nihal and Yanis discuss the impact living through the digital age has on our lives, how commodities have more freedom of movement than people, and the objects that inspired the theories explored in his book. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by bestselling author, public speaker, and founder of The School of Life, Alain de Botton. His latest book, A Therapeutic Journey, deals with mental ill-health and recuperation and has been described as both a source of companionship in our loneliest moments and a practical guide to finding reasons for hope. In this episode, Isy and Alain discuss the theory behind why, as adults, we cry at happy things, the importance of listening to children, and the value of pursuing a 'good enough' life that prioritises emotional wellbeing. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by comedian, writer and actor David Mitchell for a chat about Unruly, a thoughtful, funny exploration of the founding fathers and mothers of England and, subsequently, Britain. They discuss the historical artefacts that inspired the book, why people in the Middle Ages had more confidence, and how a bout of food poisoning changed the course of English history forever. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by journalist and award-winning writer, Megan Nolan.Megan joins Isy for a chat about her latest novel, Ordinary Human Failings. They also discuss the amorality of tabloid journalism, familiar narratives of where trauma can lead you, personal pain and the limitations of empathy, and the significance of owning an armchair you’ll rarely use. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by Barister, TV host and Novelist, Rob Rinder. Rob joins Isy for a joyful conversation about his number one Sunday Times best-selling novel, The Trial.Also on the podcast, we hear Rob's perspective on imposter syndrome and its benefits, how fear and justice intersect in court, that he believes your writing style is influenced by where you sit, and why a worn-out hair brush is so precious to him. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by debut novelist Michael Magee.Michael joins us to discuss his critically acclaimed novel, Close to Home, which has already been shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize.The two also discuss how Michael's novel started off as a letter-writing exercise, approaching masculinity on his own terms, working alter egos into fiction, and how bleakness in working-class fiction works best when there is added levity.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, we bring you a special episode: Shaparak Khorsandi in conversation with Isy Suttie live from Lattitude Festival. Shaparak joined us to discuss her latest book, Scatter Brain: How I finally got off the ADHD rollercoaster and became the owner of a very tidy sock drawer.The two also discuss the subtle distinctions between shame and embarrassment, memories of climbing a pear tree, the life-changing power of an ADHD diagnosis, and how being on I’m A Celebrity gave her a spiritual experience.  Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.