Last time we brought you some of the most exciting debut novelists to look out for in 2022, so this week we're introducing you to some of the best new non-fiction writers to add to your reading list this year. It's a veritable treasure chest of books, from a comic memoir to ornithology, mental health, family and cultural history, and an exploration of how the Earth, as we know it, came to be. In this episode, we hear from: CJ Hauser, author of The Crane Wife , Mya-Rose Craig, author of Birdgirl ...
Jan 26, 2022•35 min
A new year = new books, and there are plenty of brilliant new stories to look out for this year. To get your 2022 reading list started, we've brought together five of this year's most exciting debut novelists. Speaking to Isy Suttie, they introduce us to themselves and their books, and give us some insight into their inspirations and aspirations. From a darkly comic dystopia to sumptuous historical fiction to a subversive take on modern womanhood and more – there's something for everyone amongst...
Jan 12, 2022•47 min
As we approach the end of 2021, we're revisiting some of the most memorable moments on the Penguin Podcast this year. Conn Iggulden takes his writing research extremely (and we mean, *extremely*) seriously, Emma Dabiri gives us a tour of her bookshelves, Owen Jones tells us exactly which Keir he named his feline friend after, Hafsa Zayyan's shares why her grandfather sends her letters back to her, Gyles Brandreth reveals his enduring fondness for teddy bears and Ali Smith treasures advice from a...
Dec 22, 2021•31 min
As we approach the end of 2021, we're revisiting some of our favourite moments on the Penguin Podcast this year. Zadie Smith and Nick Laird tell us about the unexpectedly colourful spectrum of noise that helps them work, Adam Kay reveals the best way to avoid being distracted by social media while trying to write a book, Ashley Audrain discusses the song that had a huge influence on her debut novel, former director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor shows us what a rhino doesn't actually look ...
Dec 08, 2021•33 min
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss his thirteenth novel, ‘Bewilderment’. Using objects like Bach’s Goldberg Variation 18, an unsmoked hickory nut, and a petrified piece of redwood, Powers transport us to his home in the Great Smoky Mountains, musing on the importance of sense as an entranceway to curiosity, writing as a resistance of habituation, and the centrifugal feeling that connects the work of the artist and the scientist; that of bewilderme...
Nov 24, 2021•34 min
In this special live recording at The London Palladium, Dolly Alderton speaks to award-winning actor and writer Stanley Tucci to discuss his new food memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food . Stanley speaks passionately about food, and shares with Dolly the ways in which it’s been inextricably intertwined with his life. He recalls early memories of TV chefs, tells us some favourite recipes, and explains how surviving throat cancer has renewed his appreciation for the simple joy of taste. #PenguinPod...
Nov 10, 2021•42 min
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout joins Isy Suttie to discuss the third book in her Lucy Barton series, ‘Oh, William!’. Using objects like a ring gifted to her by a great aunt and a postcard of the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald as a starting point, Strout muses on the almost mystical process that allows her to inhabit the characters she creates, her preoccupation with class and the shame that so often sits alongside it, and the epiphany that came to her on the comedy stage. #Pengui...
Oct 27, 2021•38 min
The writer that penned an early-noughties viral phenomenon aged just 13, Jade LB, speaks to Nihal Arthanayake about ‘Keisha The Sket’. Having lived on the phones and websites of fans for the past two decades, it’s now been formally published for the first time with additional content from the author and essays from esteemed contemporary writers like Candice Carty-Williams and Caleb Femi. Using the notion of Black-British girlhood and an old diary, Jade dissects her own life growing up in a world...
Oct 13, 2021•35 min
The author, podcaster and stand-up comedian Shon Faye joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss her first book, The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice . Using iconic queer artefacts like the film ‘The Wizard of Oz’, starring Judy Garland, alongside Lady Gaga’s ‘Chromatica’ album as a gateway, Shon shares with Nihal the experiences that lead to her writing The Transgender Issue : the internalised homophobia, street harassment, and urgency to set the terms of the conversation around Trans liberat...
Sep 29, 2021•37 min
Author, broadcaster, entertainer and former politician Gyles Brandreth talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his upcoming memoir, Odd Boy Out . In this episode, Gyles Brandreth considers how delving into his own childhood has challenged his usual aversion to being introspective, and how breaking the mirror of self-indulgence can truly enrich your life. Using a teddy bear, a green carnation and some words of wisdom from a war commander, he shows us that the sunshine of his childhood still shines brigh...
Sep 15, 2021•37 min
“Time is just the medium through which life unfolds.” This week, mentalist, illusionist, painter and author Derren Brown talks to Isy Suttie about his latest book, ‘A Book of Secrets: Finding Solace in a Stubborn World’. In this episode, Derren and Isy delve into the questions at the heart of the way we live our lives. Using objects like a camera and a paintbrush, Derren shares the small ways in which he is able to make peace with the universe. #PenguinPodcast ‘A Book of Secrets: Finding Solace ...
Sep 01, 2021•40 min
World-renowned author Paula Hawkins talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest thriller, A Slow Fire Burning . In this episode, Paula Hawkins reflects on the disparity between commercial success and her confidence as a writer, particularly in the face of criticism. Is it possible to strike the perfect balance between prosperity and critical acclaim? Using a postcard and a well-worn jumper, she shares her fondness for the keepsakes which remind us of who we are. #PenguinPodcast The audiobook ver...
Aug 18, 2021•35 min
Bestselling historical fiction author Conn Iggulden talks to Nihal Arthanayake about Protector , the latest book in his Athenian series. In this episode, Conn Iggulden recalls the wondrous stories which ignited his imagination as a child and inspired him to begin writing. Armed with a Roman sword and a silver pen, he reveals his methods for understanding the reality of physical combat and tells us about his growing sentimentality in adulthood. #PenguinPodcast Protector is available to buy as an ...
Aug 04, 2021•35 min
Prolific author Alexander McCall Smith joins Nihal Arthanayake to share tales from behind his impressive body of work. In this episode, the ever-curious Alexander McCall Smith tells of his affection for Botswana, and its important role as the backdrop to his much-loved series, The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency , gives due respect to the surprises of an author’s subconscious mind, and waxes lyrical about the Celtic art that inspired the story behind one of the fascinating objects he’s brought with...
Jul 21, 2021•32 min
To celebrate this year’s upcoming Booker Prize nominations, we've delved back into the archives and cherry-picked highlights from eight very special interviews. Hear about the inspirations, frustrations, and secrets behind the winners of the most prestigious prize in literature. What’s in a name? What is the worst question you can ask an author? Who has a squirrel skull hidden under their bed? All these questions are answered, alongside discussions of African Temporality, the importance of misch...
Jul 07, 2021•30 min
“There’s a way in which memory can press up against the present”: this week, American author Avni Doshi talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her wildly successful debut novel, ’Burnt Sugar’, which was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize. In this episode, Avni and Nihal discuss the problematic deification of motherhood in South Asian communities, using humour to explore dark subject matter, and using her nomadic experiences to develop her writing style. #PenguinPodcast 'Burnt Sugar' is available to...
Jun 23, 2021•37 min
Labour MP, podcast host and now author Ed Miliband talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his debut book, ‘Go Big: How To Fix Our World’. Using a scene from ’The West Wing’ and a Robert Kennedy speech as jump off points, Ed and Nihal meditate on Ed's time as Leader of the Opposition, reconciling a partisan political climate, and being an idealist in a world of pragmatists. #PenguinPodcast Robert Kennedy’s Day of Affirmation speech can be found here - https://bit.ly/2T7Gff9 The ‘Let Bartlet be Bartlet’...
Jun 09, 2021•37 min
Tune in to an exclusive conversation between President Barack Obama and England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford as they meet for the first time. In this special bonus episode of the #PenguinPodcast, moderated by June Sarpong, Barack Obama and Marcus Rashford discuss the power that young people have to make change, the positive impact that reading can have and the importance of giving back to your local community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 28, 2021•30 min
Bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest book, ’Malibu Rising’. Much of Taylor’s fiction focuses on the world of celebrity and fame - she talks to Nihal about why a cultural fascination with celebrities exists, the insidious, seductive nature of fame, and how the accessibility of stars today has changed fame forever. They also discuss her writing process (which involves a lot of iced tea!) and the joys of immersing yourself in another time period. #Pengu...
May 26, 2021•31 min
Author, social historian and broadcaster Emma Dabiri talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest book, 'What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition’. Emma picks objects, including a bookshelf and an incense holder, which instigate a fascinating conversation about the changing landscape of online activism, the books she continues to return to for inspiration, and the importance of interrogating our current world order. #PenguinPodcast 'What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to...
May 12, 2021•32 min
Literary power couple Zadie Smith and Nick Laird chat to Nihal Arthanayake about their collaborative project, ‘Weirdo’, a children’s book about the quiet power of being different, featuring exquisite illustrations from Magenta Fox. In this episode, Zadie and Nick discuss the joy of removing words from their work, the virtues of rawness in writing, and the inspiration they take from the internal life of their aging pug, Maud. #PenguinPodcast ‘Weirdo’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - http...
Apr 28, 2021•36 min
Ghanaian-American novelist Yaa Gyasi talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her second novel, ’Transcendent Kingdom’. Using objects like a photo of a mouse and a SZA song, the author of the award-winning ‘Homegoing’ chats to Nihal about her Ghanaian heritage, liking your own characters, and discussing mental illness in African cultures. #PenguinPodcast ’Transcendent Kingdom’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3e0h7Oa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 14, 2021•35 min
Author and ex-publicity director Ashley Audrain talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her wildly successful debut novel, ’The Push’. Using objects like a popular Canadian children’s book and a Brandi Carlile song, Ashley chats to Nihal about the contradictions of motherhood, the catharsis of exploring our deepest fears on a page, and how parenting and writing co-exist. #PenguinPodcast ’The Push’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2QFIHIv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...
Mar 31, 2021•33 min
Professor of Black Studies and author Kehinde Andrews talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his latest book, ’The New Age of Empire’. Using objects like his dad’s British passport, a keyring, and an iconic hip-hop album, they chat about embracing Black culture as a teenager, reckoning with the concept of ‘Britishness’ and the commercialisation of Black music. #PenguinPodcast’ 'The New Age of Empire’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3eJ5OvH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...
Mar 17, 2021•34 min
Coinciding with World Book Day, writer and former junior doctor Adam Kay chats to Isy Suttie about his first children’s book, ‘Kay’s Anatomy’. Using objects like a letter from Alan Bennett and a Victorian bone cutting saw as a springboard, they discuss writing as a coping mechanism, relearning the piano and his undying love of Pulp. #PenguinPodcast ‘Kay’s Anatomy’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3uP4n4q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Mar 03, 2021•43 min
British Art Historian and former Director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor chats to Nihal about the new audiobook of ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’. Neil has chosen 4 of those objects plus an entirely new one (object 101!) including a Jade Axe and an Akan Drum. He chats to Nihal about how their meaning can change over time #PenguinPodcast ‘A History of the World in 100 objects’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3dfSbUb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...
Feb 16, 2021•34 min
Author and playwright Ali Smith chats to Nihal about her 2014 multi award-winning novel ‘How to be Both’, which has just been released as an audiobook. In this episode, Ali reveals how she takes herself out of her comfort zone, why we should give books a chance when reading them and her love of silent film. #PenguinPodcast 'How to be Both' will be available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2Z6TNaz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 03, 2021•31 min
Hafsa Zayyan, co-winner of Stormzy’s #Merky Books New Writer’s Prize, chats to Nihal about her debut novel ‘We Are All Birds Of Uganda’. She chats to Nihal about completing the book in six months and why a sense of belonging and home is so important no matter where you live. Hafsa also brings along some of the objects which inspire her, including letters from her late Nigerian grandfather #PenguinPodcast ‘We Are All Birds Of Uganda' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/39MM...
Jan 20, 2021•28 min
Owen Jones, Guardian columnist and Labour party activist chats to Nihal about the tumultuous rise and fall of Corbynism via his new book ‘This Land’. Owen explains why he doesn’t like writing and brings objects that help him get past that, including music from The Boxer Rebellion and his cats Kier and Rickman. #PenguinPodcast ‘This Land: The Story of a Movement’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/38pSVSy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 06, 2021•32 min
In the second part of this special edition Nihal Arthanayake chooses some more clips from a selection of his favourite episodes. This includes why Nigella Lawson has to travel with tea bags, how Jonathan Coe became a warm-up act on a cruise ship, and why Andrew Hunter Murray was inspired by a dog at Slough Railway Station.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 30, 2020•32 min
