The end of 2023 saw the end of one of the greatest book podcasts on the planet. Maris Kreizman ended the brilliant The Maris Review and is now focusing her efforts as a columnist for Literary Hub. Even before she announced the end of her podcast, I was mulling over a list of the book-related podcasts I consider essential and listen to regularly. This is that list.
Below are the podcasts I consistently listen to and consider great tools for readers and writers.
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Otherppl by Brad Listi
Brad has provided one of the longest-running podcasts about writing out there. His conversations flow with ease and he allows guests room to breathe. He covers more than literature and is a wellspring of finding great writers across all mediums.
Favorite recent episode: Lauren Groff
Ursa Short Fiction by Deesha Philyaw and Dawnie Walton
These two authors bring a breath of fresh air to their interviews and highlight what it means to be an author and dig into questions no one else is asking. They also feature mini-episodes that highlight writers reading from their work. Fans of the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful will love those episodes.
Favorite recent episode: Nafissa Thompson-Spires on the Making of ‘Heads of the Colored People’
Read Appalachia by Kendra Winchester
Kendra’s ode to a misunderstood region is informative and insightful. She is a an advocate unlike any other in the literary world. These episodes are NPR-worthy chats that tackle questions about Appalachia others just aren’t asking. Her pervious podcast, Reading Women, is still worth going back to listen to as well.
Favorite recent episode: What is Appalachian Literature, Anyway?
Lit Friends by Annie Liontas and Lito Velázquez
This brand-new podcast is a riot. I feel like I am sitting inside a living room enjoying the best conversation on the planet. Though it is in its infancy, this podcast is going to be one listeners will want to play as soon as episodes drop.
Favorite recent episode: Chosen Family: Again & Again with Justin Torres & Angela Flournoy.
The Stacks by Traci Thomas
Traci’s podcast is fun as hell. It’s serious and thoughtful, but her ability to have fun with authors is unparalleled. She shows just how clever a book interview can be.
Favorite recent episode: Jesmyn Ward
I’m a Writer But by Lindsay Hunter and Alex Higley
Lindsay and Alex nimbly get to the heart of why writers write when there is so much going on in their lives. It’s about literature, but it’s also about life and dreams outside of writing.
Favorite recent listen: E.J. Koh on the Connection Between Her Memoir and Her Novel
Book of the Day by NPR
What is there to say about NPR and their coverage of books that hasn’t been said already. This is one of the only mainstream book outlets that gets it right.
Books Are Pop Culture by Reggie Bailey and Akili Nzuri
The vibe Reggie and Akili bring to their episodes is a chef’s kiss. They know how to make their guests, and listeners, feel at ease. It’s easy for literary pods feel seclusive in a way, but BAPC always feels welcoming.
Favorite recent episode: Kashana Cauley
Missing Pages by Bethanne Patrick
Bethanne is a beacon of hope in the literary world. She strives to make it welcoming to all and allows her podcast to explore wide-ranging topics beyond just a traditional author interview. Her recent Paradigm Shift series is a must listen.
Favorite recent episode: Paradigm Shift: Botched Initiative: The Dungeons and Dragons Story
