We’ve created a list of the best book podcasts out there, ranging in topics from interviewing favourite authors, book recommendations and understanding the mythical worlds of your favourite book series.
This list will be split into book podcasts as well as literature podcasts, so you can choose easily which type of podcast suits you best.
Hopefully we’ll inspire you to start listening to podcasts and reading all the wonderful book recommendations offered.
Best Book Podcasts of 2020
Backlisted
Hosted By: John Mitchinson and Andy Miller
# of Episodes: 107
Why We Like It: Each episode features a new guest (usually a writer or critic) with a book they love and think it is deserving of a wider audience. The guest discusses the reasons why they think the book has stood the test of time and should be read by more.
Link: https://soundcloud.com/backlistedpod
You’re Booked
Hosted By: Daisy Buchanan
# of Episodes: 48
Why We Like It: Daisy Buchanan asks her guests all about the books they read – the forbidden, the beloved and never given back books. The podcast also discusses how the guests became book lovers, their favourite reading memories as well as what makes readers into writers.
Previous guests include Dolly Alderton, Nina Stibbe and Nikesh Shukla.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/booked
Banging Book Club
Hosted By: Hannah Witton, Lucy Moon and Leena Norms
# of Episodes: 47
Why We Like It: Hannah, Lucy and Leena are three friends who read a book about sex and gender every month. Each episode is spent discussing the best bits of the book and their own experiences to do with the topic.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/bangingbookclub
Just the Right Book
Hosted By: Roxanne Coady
# of Episodes: 213
Why We Like It: Roxanne owns a famous independent bookstore in Madison, Connecticut. Roxanne helps you discover new and noteworthy books across all genres, lets you know her favourite authors at the time and brings you up to date in the literary world.
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/just-the-right-book-with-roxanne-coady/id1183164119
Fully Booked
Hosted By: Editors at Kirkus Reviews
# of Episodes: 145
Why We Like It: The editors at Kirkus Reviews interview everyone’s favourite authors, tell you if bestselling books are worth it and introduce you to great books – mainstream or obscure.
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/fully-booked-by-kirkus-reviews/id1220910735
The Stories That Changed My Life
Hosted By: Reading in Heels
# of Episodes: 9
Why We Like It: Each episode a new guest shares life stories as well as literary stories that have inspired them and changed the way they view their lives. Don’t worry – no literary knowledge is needed to listen to this podcast, as the episodes aren’t book reviews or feature in-depth discussions.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/the-stories-that-changed-my-life
Not Another Book Podcast
Hosted By: PostColonialChild, BooksAndRhymes and BookShyBooksGet
# of Episodes: 19
Why We Like It: A fortnightly podcast where the hosts share their popular, and maybe unpopular, opinions about the most loved books.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/notanotherbookpodcast
Black Chick Lit
Hosted By: Dani and Mollie
# of Episodes: 34
Why We Like It: Bi-monthly episodes discuss books by and for black women. Join the hosts as they discuss the books, laugh at jokes and drink wine.
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/black-chick-lit/id1177676310
Hey Ya
Hosted By: Eric and Kelly
# of Episodes: 59
Why We Like It: Eric and Kelly offer a wide selection and recommendations of their favourite Young Adult books.
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hey-ya/id1281701749
The Literary Salon
Hosted By: Damian Barr
# of Episodes: 151
Why We Like It: Each episode a new author is encouraged to read from their greatest work, as well as discuss their own personal stories. The podcast is recorded live in front of a live audience to provide some unique atmosphere to each episode. Previous guests have included Jojo Moyes, Yaa Gyasi, Diana Athill and Louis de Bernieres.
Link: https://www.theliterarysalon.co.uk/podcast
Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books
Hosted By: Zibby Owens
# of Episodes: 222
Why We Like It: With an episode released every day, Zibby, a New York City-based mum of four, talks to other writers about their books and work. Previous guests have been Kelly Corrigan, Tonya Dalton and Matt Hall.
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books/id1366633318
So Many Damn Books
Hosted By: Christopher Hermelin and Drew Broussard
# of Episodes: 128
Why We Like It: Each episode discusses loads of new book recommendations whilst interviewing author guests and drinking ‘special drinks’.
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/so-many-damn-books/id931442125
Smart Podcast, Trashy Books
Hosted By: Sarah Wendell
# of Episodes: 150
Why We Like It: Each episode is filled with fun and mayhem whilst talking with authors, readers, reviewers, bloggers and lots more. Topics are often centred around romantic fiction, the issues surrounding romance readers as well as of course, recommendations of what Sarah and the guest are reading and enjoying.
Link: https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/podcast/
VINTAGE BOOKS
Hosted By: Leena Norms
# of Episodes: 147
Why We Like It: A fortnightly podcast, which includes author interviews, book news and discussions ranging in a variety of topics from literary fiction, cookery, crime fiction to history.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/vintagepodcast
This is Spoke
Hosted By: Fenn O’Meally and Big Zuu
# of Episodes: 25
Why We Like It: A podcast that discusses big topics straight from social media. The hosts create meaningful conversations with people from the world of music, art, literature and fashion.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/spoke
By the Book
Hosted By: Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer
# of Episodes: 115
Why We Like It: Each episode sees Jolenta and Kristen read a new self-help book and live life exactly as instructed. The results range from life-changing to simply hilarious.
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/mn/podcast/by-the-book/id1217948628
MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Podcast
Hosted By: Andrew Sims, Micah Tannenbaum, Eric Scull and Matt Britton
# of Episodes: 453+
Why We Like It: After 10 years of podcasting, the hosts discuss all things Harry Potter. MuggleCast is currently discussing the Fantastic Beasts films, the theme parks, and, of course, the original Harry Potter series.
Link: MuggleCast.com
What Should I Read Next?
Hosted By: Anne
# of Episodes: 214
Why We Like It: With Anne being a professional writer, podcast and most importantly a reader, she talks to readers about their favourite books, reading struggles and of course, what they should read next. This podcast isn’t bossy, it gives you all the information you need to know to choose your next book. Each episode you’ll hear about all things books and reading, as well as a bit of literary matchmaking.
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-should-i-read-next/id1073499086
Drunk Booksellers
Hosted By: Kim and Emma
# of Episodes: 18
Why We Like It: With a little help of some alcoholic refreshments, Emma and Kim interview professionals about books and bookselling – simple!
Link: http://drunkbooksellers.com/
History of Westeros
Hosted By: Aziz and Ashaya
# of Episodes: 237
Why We Like It: Any Game of Thrones fan will love this podcast. Produced by A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones fanatics, each episode goes into great detail of the past, present and future of Westeros.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/westeroshistory
Overdue
Hosted By: Andrew and Craig
# of Episodes: 397
Why We Like It: From classic literature, the most childish children’s books to obscure plays, Andrew and Craig read and discuss books that you’ve been meaning to read.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/overdue
Best Literary Podcasts of 2020
The Brit Lit Podcast
Hosted By: Claire Handscombe
# of Episodes: 58
Why We Like It: Every fortnight a new episode is released, featuring an interview with somebody in the publishing industry. Recent guests have been authors, bloggers and bookstagrammers.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/the-brit-lit-podcast
Literary Friction
Hosted By: Carrie and Octavia
# of Episodes: 72
Why We Like It: Each episode, Carrie and Octavia are joined by a guest author, and interview them about their book. Through the interviewing, they work in a related theme, whether that be coastlines or corpses. In this podcast, you can expect lively discussion, lots of great book recommendations and even a little music thrown in there too.
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/literaryfriction
Mostly Lit
Hosted By: Alex Reads, Raifa Rafiq and Derek Owusu
# of Episodes: 75
Why We Like It: A wide range of topics are discussed, from books, film, TV pop-culture, Grime and wellness. “If it’s ‘lit’, we’re on it”
Link: https://play.acast.com/s/mostlylit
