The Listening Books Podcast
Listening Books
For every kind of reader, but especially for fans of audiobooks. Featuring conversations with the authors and narrators of your favourite books, as well as reading round-ups and the odd lighthearted literary game.
Listening Books is a UK charity that provides audiobooks for those who struggle to read or hold a book due to an illness, disability, learning difficulty or mental health issue. Find out more at www.listening-books.org.uk. Follow @ListeningBooks
Author Leeanne O'Donnell
Leeanne O’Donnell is the author of Sparks of Bright Matter, a novel set in Georgian London and West Cork that follows the pursuits of scientist and alchemist, Peter Woulfe. In her thoughtful conversation with host Jessica Stone, she talks about what made Peter a subject of fascination to her, how her own near-sightedness inspired a beloved character’s way of navigating the world, and how learning about older traditions of spoken-word storytelling provoked a crisis of philosophy around the writte
Author Louise Hare
Louise Hare is the London-based author of This Lovely City and the Canary Club Mysteries. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, she talks about the second in that series, Harlem After Midnight—how the musical styles of ragtime and jazz support the story, how she creates a safe space for her main character, and how the historical setting resonates with current times. Books mentioned: Harlem After Midnight, Louise Hare, narrated by Leonie Elliott Miss Aldridge Regrets, Louise Hare, narra
Author Becca Caddy
Becca Caddy is a writer and journalist who likes to explore the human side of technology, and her book Screen Time offers the information and guidance to help us take back a bit more control over our digital lives. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, Becca talks about why our language around technology is so important and how we can be more deliberate in our use of the technological tools available to us. Books mentioned Screen Time: How to Make Peace with Your Devices and Find Your
Author Sierra Godfrey
Sierra Godfrey is the well-travelled author of A Very Typical Family and The Second Chance Hotel. In this joyful conversation with Jessica Stone, she talks about her first novel, her love for anything written or recommended by Marian Keyes, the nature of friendship, and even her meticulous system for tracking all the books she reads. Books mentioned: A Very Typical Family, Sierra Godfrey, narrated by Gail Shalan The Second Chance Hotel, Sierra Godfrey, narrated by Ri Paige Watermelon, Marian
Reading Roundup: Oldies and Newbies
Amy, Claire and Jessica each bring one ‘old’ book and one ‘new’ one to the table before Amy and Claire square off in Jess’s ridiculously challenging literary game. Books mentioned: Weirdo, Sara Pascoe, narrated by the author And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie, narrated by Dan Stevens The Canary Club Series, Louise Hare, narrated by Leonie Elliot and Georgina Campbell Psyche and Eros, Luna McNamara, narrated by Rachel Petladwala and Joshua Riley Persuasion, Jane Austen, narrated by Julie
Reading Roundup: Books that Centre Celebrations
A special festive episode discussing books that feature celebrations. Amy and Edward return for a final a face-off as Jess attempts to foil them with her literary quiz. Books mentioned: Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers The Party, by Elizabeth Day Bridget Jones’s Diary, by Helen Fielding Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio
Narrator Emily Woo Zeller
Emily Woo Zeller is an American voice actress and audiobook narrator whose work has earned heaps of awards, including AudioFile’s prestigious Golden Voice Award. You may have heard her reading fantasy books like R.F. Kuang’s Poppy War series, romance novels like Helen Hoang’s The Bride Test, or perhaps a spy thriller like Chloe Gong’s Foul Lady Fortune. Today she tells us what she appreciates about those books, and a little of what she’s learned about creating a well-balanced life. Other books
Narrator Stephanie Cannon
Stephanie Cannon is an American voice actor, circus performer, and audiobook narrator living in England. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, she tells us what that’s like, how walking on stilts complements reading in a box, which kinds of books she loves to narrate, and conversely which ones she'll take a pass on. We also discuss Kate Dylan’s cyberpunk dystopian novel Mindwalker and its sequel Mindbreaker, both narrated by Stephanie. Books and other recommendations: The Sharp Edge of
Narrator Jane McDowell
Jane McDowell is a talented actress and narrator with many credits to her name, including the Dr Ruth Galloway mystery series by Elly Griffiths. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, Jane tells us what it was like to record the last book of the series The Locked Room during a Covid lockdown, how animals help her create character voices, and what book was so moving that she wrote the author to thank her. Books mentioned, all narrated by Jane: The Locked Room, by Elly Griffiths Delicious,
Narrator Polly Lee
Polly Lee is an award winning actress and narrator of over 200 fiction and non-fiction books. She has also narrated over 200 romance novels under the name Ashford McNab/MacNab. Raised in the UK, she has lived in the US now for 25 years working equally in both her British and American dialects. Today she tells us about some of the books that have stayed with her, including Soman Chainani’s School for Good and Evil series, and the voices she would have done differently if she’d known how the ser
Author Bonnie Garmus
Bonnie Garmus is the author of Lessons in Chemistry, the bestselling novel about a chemist named Elizabeth Zott who becomes the host of a cooking show in the 1960s. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, Bonnie tells us about how her career as a copywriter shaped her approach to writing the novel, the one mispronunciation in the audiobook, and why she needed to break some rules to write this story. Other books mentioned in this episode: Chasing Hope by Nicholas D. Kristof Demon Copp
Narrator Gordon Griffin
Gordon Griffin has narrated over 900 audiobooks and in 2017 received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth for his services to audiobooks. He tells us about that experience, how the industry has changed over the years, how he prepares for each audiobook, and what the secret is to being a truly good narrator. Books Mentioned Rooftoppers, Katherine Rundell Billy Elliot, Melvin Burgess The New Woman, Charity Norman The Final Testimony of Raphael Ignatius Phoenix, Paul Sussman For more about Gor
Narrator Annie Aldington
Annie Aldington has voiced hundreds of audiobooks, and among them are some of the most popular titles in the Listening Books collection, including novels by Dilly Court, Martina Cole, Katie Price, Aoife Walsh, and Kitty Neale. Here Annie tells us how she happened into audiobook narration, shares her secret tricks for conquering difficult accents, and reveals just how much fun peripheral characters can be. Books Mentioned Adams Family Series, Mary Jane Staples Polly of Penn’s Place, Dee Williams
Author Dr Julie Smith
Clinical psychologist and author Dr Julie Smith joins Jess to share some of the practical wisdom from her bestselling book Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Want to know one of the most versatile tools to have in your mental health tool kit? Do you ever wish you could summon motivation when you need it most? Julie warns us of the pitfalls of chasing self-esteem and the rewards of living your life in line with who you want to be. You can find more of Julie's content on social media and on her
Author Jonathan Whitelaw
Author Jonathan Whitelaw joins Jess for a cosy chat about cosy crime. He tells us how he landed such a fantastic narrator in Sid Sagar, how he approached character development in The Bingo Hall Detectives, why he chose the Lake District for the setting, and what we should be reading while we wait for his next book, The Village Hall Vendetta. Books Mentioned The Bingo Hall Detectives and The Village Hall Vendetta, Jonathan Whitelaw Rivers of London: Amongst Our Weapons, Ben Aaronovitch A Spoonful
Author Florence Wilkinson
Author Florence Wilkinson talks about her book Wild City: Encounters with Urban Wildlife, giving lots of suggestions for noticing and encouraging the wildlife right on our doorstep. Books and Apps Mentioned Darwin Comes to Town: How the Urban Jungle Drives Evolution by Menno Schilthuizen Warbler Picture This Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over
Reading Roundup: Books Adapted to Film
Jess is joined by colleagues Amy and Lieve to talk about notable books adapted to film—for better and for worse! Of course, this is all just a warm-up for the true highlight, which is of course our Very Serious Literary Game. Will Amy triumph against her new opponent, or will Lieve take down the reigning champion? Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for
Author Emilie Pine
Emilie Pine, author of the personal essay collection Notes to Self and her recently published novel Ruth and Pen, tells us what it was like to narrate her emotionally difficult first book, what factored into the casting of Ruth and Pen’s audiobook narrator, and the sometimes surprising responses she’s received from readers. There is also wisdom here for the aspiring writer, or anyone attempting something that feels too enormous to begin. Mentioned in this episode: Notes to Self, a collection of
Writer Natasha Lipman
Natasha Lipman writes about what it means to live, and live well, with chronic illness. Here she talks to Jessica about the strategies she’s adopted to return her to the pleasures of reading. Books Mentioned The Kites by Romain Gary The Paddington Series by Michael Bond, read by Stephen Fry The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland Important Links To subscribe to Natasha’s newsletter and to participate in online bibliotherapy on the 15th November, head t
Slightly Foxed Editors Gail Pirkis and Hazel Wood
Gail Pirkis and Hazel Wood are founding editors of Slightly Foxed, the quarterly magazine and independent publishing house. As specialists in books that have stood the test of time even while falling out of fashion, Gail and Hazel bring us titles so good, they deserve to be heard as audiobooks, too. Books and Authors Recommended Humour My Grandmothers and I, Diana Holman-Hunt A Boy at the Hogarth Press, Richard Kennedy The Empress of Ireland, Christopher Robbins Natural History & the English Co
Reading Roundup: Summer Reads (Make Us Feel Fine)
Amy, Edward, and Jessica are back for this summer special filled with all the books they’ve got lined up for the sunshine and the sea shore. Come for the stellar book recs. Stay for the most unfair literary game in history (our history anyway). The Listening Books Podcast returns in September for a new monthly series! Edward is reading: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro The Secret History by Donna Tartt The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann Amy is reading: Dead Famous by Greg Jenner To t
Reading Roundup: Books that Bring Us Joy
Edward, Amy, and Jessica round up the books that have been bringing them joy this year . . . ‘joy’ veering very occasionally into malevolent glee, and Edward and Amy face off in a festive literary quiz. The audiobooks (or plays!) bringing Edward joy Under Milk Wood, Dylan Thomas Olive Kitteridge, Elizabeth Strout Right Ho, Jeeves, P.G. Wodehouse The audiobooks bringing Amy joy Short Stories by Roald Dahl, especially ‘The Way Up to Heaven’ Invisible Women, Caroline Criado Pérez Anything b
Publisher Cherry Potts & Author Marina Sánchez
‘I have to say as an editor, I was very pleased when I saw “flensing”. I thought, “Yes exactly! That’s exactly . . . Hurrah! Yes!” Publisher Cherry Potts from Arachne Press and indigenous Mexican Latinx author Marina Sánchez talk with Jess about the newly published anthology Where We Find Ourselves: Stories and Poems of Maps and Mapping from UK Writers of the Global Majority. The poems you hear are Geography Lesson, by Marina Sánchez, read by Marina Sánchez; and Departure Lounge, by Rhiya Pau, r
Actor Helen Barford
Do you think we'll ever really belong anywhere? 'I suppose not,' said Papa. 'Not the way people belong who have lived in one place all their lives. But we'll belong a little in lots of places, and I think that may be just as good.' Actor Helen Barford talks with Jessica about Judith Kerr's classic children’s novel When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, which she narrated for Listening Books' Sound Learning production. Helen also shares some good advice for anyone interested in taking up audiobook narra
Poet Fiona Bennett and Actor Michael Schaeffer
'My reading experience with poetry is that I'm in the presence of some...body and we're in that kind of potentially ... it might be that slightly late night kitchen table moment where you've sort of got through all the news and the stuff and you actually enter into where you really are, and what's going on, and what you really need to talk about.' Poet Fiona Bennett and Actor Michael Schaeffer talk with Jessica about how The Poetry Exchange began, why the poems are introduced as friends, and how
Author David Gange
The kayak gives this incredible perspective on the world, where you are really embedded in the worlds of the species, you're surrounded by other animals, they don't respond to you in the way that they respond to humans on foot because obviously they are so much more skilled in and on the water than you are. Writer and historian David Gange talks to Jessica about his book The Frayed Atlantic Edge: A Historian’s Journey from Shetland to the Channel, describing his adventures by kayak, his encounte
Author Claire Fuller
It does play huge roles in describing the character and circumstances, but really it’s there because I love food! Author Claire Fuller talks with Jess about her latest novel, Unsettled Ground, shortlisted for the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction, and her third novel, the simmering, suspenseful Bitter Orange. Claire reflects on the roles music and food play in her story-telling, and she describes how someone who never aspired to be a writer became one nonetheless. Books Claire Recommends for the
Author Francis Spufford
My other conviction here, is that when you're writing difficult things, you should make them as rich and pleasurable as possible for the reader, that there need to be compensations... Author Francis Spufford talks about what it's been like to launch his new novel, Light Perpetual, during a pandemic, the many talents and accents required of audiobook narrator Imogen Church, the fondness he holds for his 'unlikable' characters, and why the narrator was especially important for his historical novel
Actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
I was telling a story, and as an actor, as an artist, that’s the central love. Actor and audiobook narrator Kobna Holdbrook-Smith talks about what it was like to voice Rivers of London as his very first audiobook, what he had to unlearn to do voice work, how Frank Sinatra inspired his mic technique, and even his first experience of snow. He also offers a heap of recommendations for your reading list: Books Slough House series by Mick Herron, narrated by Sean Barrett The Architect’s Apprentice
Author Caroline O'Donoghue
'I wanted it to look like how it feels like, and how it feels to be Irish sometimes is that you are in a murder mystery.' Caroline O'Donoghue, host of Sentimental Garbage and author of Promising Young Women, Scenes of a Graphic Nature and the forthcoming YA novel All Our Hidden Gifts, tells Jess about playing with different genres, how some endings are too unbelievable to work, the inherent witchiness of being a girl, and how annoying it is for a movie to share your book's title. She also gives
Series 3 Trailer
Coming to a feed near you Thursday, 18 March 2021.
Reading Roundup: Audio Comfort Blankets
May your books be the best kind of company. The second episode of our 2020 two-part special, and our festive holiday gift to you. Amy, Abbie, and Jess talk about how their reading habits changed during the pandemic and which books and audiobooks saved the day. We also hear from authors Jenny Eclair, Bali Rai, and Sally Gardner about their comfort reads. Tayari Jones, Yangsze Choo, Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen, Sue Townsend, L.M. Montgomery, Marian Keyes, Roald Dahl, Gabriel García Márquez, Maggi
Author Adam Buxton
'Skip to the famous parts!' Writer and comedian Adam Buxton misses David Bowie, and he misses his dad. Here he talks with Amy about his new book Ramble Book: how it started, why it changed, how humourist David Sedaris influenced his process, and what might be next. With him, we ramble through pop culture, comedy, audiobooks, the 80s and 90s, boarding school, and more.
60th Anniversary Special with Gillie Howarth
'As an Irish person I have no such inhibitions.' For the last episode of the series, Jess talks to Gillie Howarth, who chairs the Listening Books Board of Trustees, about how it all began, and how it’s grown along the way. We also hear from Listening Books ambassadors Sally Gardner, Bali Rai, Kit de Waal, and Jenny Eclair. Finally, Nik de Garis, on his last day as audio producer, recalls proud achievements, embarrassing moments, and meeting Stephen Fry.
Reading Roundup: Books Popular with Listening Books Members
'I know not of the squeaky wheel.' Wail Qasim makes his debut appearance on the podcast, joining Amy Flinders and Jessica Stone for a chat in celebration of Listening Books' 60th birthday, focusing on books popular with Listening Books members before turning to some of Wail's and Amy's favourites.
Author Simon Brett
'I wasn't that sorry.' The ever-so-charming author of the Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter, Fethering and Blotto & Twinks series of crime novels joins Jessica in the studio to talk about the experience of narrating his own work, how to spot a crime writer's misdirections, and even what it was like to work with Douglas Adams on the pilot episode of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, lea
Reading Roundup: Books Even Better as Audiobooks
'And suddenly it starts to make sense.' Andrew Bell and Sarah Matthews join Jessica to round up some books they feel are even better as audiobooks than in their traditional printed format. From author-read autobiographies to full cast performances, they talk about which books and why they'd rather listen to.
Audiobook Narrator Bronwen Price
'Being read to is a basic human need.' Jess meets the person behind the microphone to find out more about what it takes to be a narrator. Voice artist Bronwen Price talks about what it is like to record stories in the studio, what helps her give her best performance and what her dream books to read would be. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty or a mental health issue. To find out more about what
Reading Roundup: Great Audiobook Narrators
'I don't want to be distracted by the voice.' Jess is joined by Listening Books staff members Nik and Claire to talk about the art of audiobook narration. What are the qualities that set the best narrators apart, and what quirks let a good book down? Nik and Claire recommend some favourite narrators before being put through their paces in Jess's dastardly quiz. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty
Author Natalie Haynes
'You cannot have her owl.' Writer, classicist, broadcaster and comedian Natalie Haynes brings her wit and humour to the studio to share her love of the classics and discuss her latest book. Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2020, A Thousand Ships is a reimagining of the fall of Troy, this time as told by the women (and goddesses) swept up and knocked down by the war. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, le
Reading Roundup: Myths and Fairy Tales Reimagined
Once upon a time in a recording studio far away, three women sat round to talk of fairies and bears! In this first episode of season two, Jessica Stone talks to Louise Barling and Abigail Jaggers from Listening Books about some of their favourite reimaginings of myths and fairy tales. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty or a mental health issue. To find out more about what we do, go to www.listeni
Bonus! Extra chat with Mark Evans
A treat to bring in the new year, an extra slice of conversation between Mark Evans and Jessica Stone, talking all about Mark's voracious reading habits. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty or a mental health issue. To find out more about what we do, go to www.listening-books.org.uk
Bleak Expectations creator Mark Evans
'Come on, Charles, get a grip.' Comedian, writer and avid reader Mark Evans sat down in the Listening Books studios with Jessica Stone to talk about his BBC Radio 4 smash hit comedy, Bleak Expectations and his relationship with the works of Charles Dickens. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty or a mental health issue. To find out more about what we do, go to www.listening-books.org.uk
Reading Roundup: Best Books for the Festive Season
'What is the Grinch? A green cat?' Sit next to the fire, pour some warm milk, grab a gingerbread man and settle in with Jessica Stone as she chats with Listening Books staff members Abbie (the Christmas elf) and Amy (the Christmas grinch) about about the best books to read this season and what literary adventures they'll be taking over the holidays. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty or a mental
Not the Booker's Sam Jordison
'It's all just for a Guardian mug.' What happens when judges overturn a popular vote? The Guardian's Sam Jordison, organiser of the long-running Not the Booker Prize, chats with Jessica about the nature of literary awards, and the sometimes tense conversations that arise about what's fair and what's worthy. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty or a mental health issue. To find out more about what w
Reading Roundup: Books that Made Us Cry
'I had to just put the book down to have a good cry.' Jessica Stone passes the tissues to our panel of Listening Books staff, Louise Barling and Jenny-Ann Lewis, as they discuss the books, both fiction and non-fiction, that have brought on the waterworks. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty or a mental health issue. To find out more about what we do, go to www.listening-books.org.uk
200 Years of Frankenstein
'No one is more goth than Mary Shelley.' To celebrate 200 years of Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, Abigail Jaggers tells Jessica all about the bizarre life of the writer Mary Shelley, as they take a deep dive together into the story that has been so influential, you might feel like you've read it even if you haven't. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty or a mental health issue. To find out
Reading Roundup: Horror Fiction
'Are you crazy? Don't go in the Basement!' What makes a horror story a horror? Who's the real monster? In this first episode, host Jessica Stone delves into the dingy depths of horror books with Claire Bell and Nik de Garis as they talk about some of their favourite spooky reads and puzzle out Jess's Horrible Horror Anagrams. Listening Books is an audiobook charity for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to illness, disability, learning difficulty or a mental health issue. To find
Series One Trailer
Get ready for a brand new podcast from the UK charity Listening Books looking at books with an audio slant. This series will look at the highs and lows of horror, why Mary Shelley was a goth, the upcoming book award season as well as why Charles Dickens would definitely have recorded his own audiobooks. Listening Books is a UK Charity that provides audiobooks for anyone who struggles to read or hold a book due to an illness, disability, learning difficulty or mental health issue. Find our more a