Podcasting is starting to become big business with over 2.6 billion downloads in 2014. Edison Research reported that fully one-third of all Americans 12 years of age or older now say they have listened to at least one podcast. One of the biggest new segments of podcasts is books and today we are going to look at some of the best ones out there.
Overdue – This is a great podcast done by the senior Products Editor at Ars Technica and an Education Director at Lantern Theater Company. Overdue is simply fantastic! It’s refreshing to finally have a bookish podcast that discusses literature intelligently and has a sense of humor.
Goosebuds – This is a podcast done by three guys who dig into the Young Adult Literature worlds of R.L. Stine and give them the deep critique and respect they deserve. Its is out of control hilarious.
Books on a Nightstand – This is a podcast done by two people who work at Penguin Random House. They provide great book recommendations, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the world of books, bookstores and publishing.
Book Riot – They have a bunch of different podcasts, but I am partial to Reading Lives where authors come on and talk about the books that got them into reading and inspire them. All the Books the hostess expresses her love for books in wacky ways: I loved this book so much it made me want to claw off my face in joy.
Geeks Guide to the Galaxy – Lots of interviews with authors and the host is great as he knows the show isn’t about him and doesn’t try and be a drivetime radio host like so many do.
Sword and Laser – This is a science fiction and fantasy-themed book club, video show and podcast, started by Veronica Belmont and Tom Merritt. The main goal of the club is to build a strong online community of sci-fi / fantasy buffs, and to discuss and enjoy books of both genres.
The Digested Read – John Crace of the Guardian does a series of short podcasts where he talks about one new book coming out in about 500 words.
Smart Bitches Trashy Books – Not updated nearly enough, but this podcast tends to interview debut authors and talk about their life and books.
Do you have a podcast not on this list? Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite one.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
