More Bookish Podcasts to Enjoy

Five (+1) more podcasts for your listening pleasure

Hi readers and podcast listeners,

My love of podcasts is no secret. I’ve mentioned it in the newsletter before here and here, and I’ve devoted an entire issue of my newsletter to my favorite podcasts that I listen to every time an episode drops. Several readers mentioned that they are always on the lookout for new and different bookish-related podcasts; readers, your wish is my command.

In this issue, I highlight five podcasts not mentioned in the previous newsletter and a welcome back to one of my favorite podcasts after a health scare. I love listening to podcasts when I drive and walk; it makes the time go by faster, especially when walking. Even if my mind wanders while listening, I’ve not usually missed anything important, like I would if I were listening to an audiobook. I've really enjoyed the few audiobooks I’ve listened to. Still, I have to force myself to concentrate, or my mind wanders, and then I have to rewind.

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Now, on to the list of podcasts. There is something for everyone, including a short podcast and a couple of diverse podcasts:

• Strong Sense of Place, welcome back Mel & Dave. Oh, how I have missed your podcast. Dave had some medical challenges but is on the mend, and they are back at it with their newest podcast episode about Costa Rica that dropped yesterday. Most of the episodes are about a specific country and books set in that country; however, their episode on The Library is one of my favorites. Check out their podcast, you won’t be sorry, and you’ll have plenty of episodes to catch up on. Their Patreon page includes more information about the episodes, insider information, and the opportunity to get to know Mel & Dave better.

• Reading Women, a podcast that shares the love of books by or about women. Originally started by two friends, it has grown to several co-hosts and contributors that make it possible week after week. The hosts interview authors, talk about specific books, highlight different themes, and discuss diverse authors and their books. They share information about each podcast on their website, including transcripts. The website also provides a wealth of information on each episode, the authors they have interviewed, and the yearly reading challenges. They also have a Patreon page that provides members additional content and more ways to connect with the creators. If diversity is what you are looking for, this is one of the best podcasts and websites you will find.

• Professional Book Nerds, a podcast by books lovers for book lovers. Adam Sockel and Jill Grunenweld are not only book lovers and book nerds, but are Overdrive employees and share weekly book recommendations, author interviews, and bookish fun. The pair podcasts about the yearly reading challenge, seasonal book bingo, book challenges, monthly book previews, author interviews, and many other bookish things to keep your TBR overflowing. They have such an easy back and forth banter, and you can hear their bookish enthusiasm in every episode. They have done live events and interviews with authors, and those videos are on the website. There is also an Instagram page that provides more TBR books if you run out of something to read.

• Read-Aloud Revival, a website and podcast created by author and homeschooling mom Sarah Mackenzie “to help nurture warm family relationships while also raising kids who love to read.” The website is a wealth of information with book lists, a weekly newsletter you can subscribe to, and 180 podcast episodes geared towards ways parents can help their children learn to love reading. Past episodes have included information about homeschooling, Q & A sessions, interviews with children’s book authors, and so much information and helpful tips on raising readers. She has a “premium” option that includes more content for parents and their kids, classes and writing workshops, book clubs for the entire family, monthly reads, a community forum, and so much more. I don’t listen to every episode, and I also don’t have small children. I do have grandkids, and I have put some of what I have learned from her into practice to help them enjoy reading more.

• The Weekly Reader, a weekly NPR podcast, told start to finish in less than 4 minutes. As I mentioned in a previous newsletter about podcasts, I love a short podcast, and this one packs a big punch in just a few minutes. Podcast host Marion Winik discusses two recent releases that tie together by genre or theme and tells you just enough to entice you to want to go out and buy it or check it out from your library.

• The Stacks, a podcast that is “your literary best friend, your virtual book club, and your one-stop-shop for everything books.” Host Traci Thomas says, “listening to The Stacks is like a smart bookish brunch with literary pals you’ve been waiting for.” Her guests include authors, publishing professionals, journalists, bloggers, and other podcast creators. They talk about new books, backlist books, book recommendations, and diversity and lack thereof in the publishing world. On the last episode of each month, the Stacks Book Club discusses that month’s book club pick with the author in an in-depth conversation about the book, the author’s writing process, and all the behind-the-scenes content related to the book. Traci is an engaging host, has a soothing voice you want to listen to, and has a way with the guests to make them shine while keeping control of the conversation. She also has a Patreon page that hosts the monthly Stacks Bookclub with additional content over and above the podcast.

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If you are a podcast lover like I am, I hope you discovered a new-to-you podcast from above. Subscribe and download an episode, and dive in head-first. If you aren’t sure about podcasts yet, there is no time like the present to discover a great bookish podcast. Find and download a podcast player (I use Overcast), subscribe to a podcast from above, and dip your toes in the water by listening to an episode. Don’t forget to go back and check the first podcast newsletter here, as there are more great podcast recommendations.

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That’s it for today; I’m off to listen to a podcast episode about Costa Rica. Happy listening!