Natalie Sue’s debut novel “I Hope This Finds You Well” was an international bestseller. Now she’s back with another novel set to release in August! “You'll Love It Here” is a contemporary and thoughtful comedy about a career-oriented woman who gets forcefully put on leave. She becomes the building manager for her strange apartment building and ends up forming a connection with her tenants that she previously disliked. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Natalie about her unique writing style, her co...
Jun 27, 2026•28 min•Ep. 351
Author Barry Walters’ latest book "Mighty Real" blurs the line between chronicle and memoir and explores the fascinating history of LGBTQ+ music from the underground dancefloors of the 1970s to the global charts of the 1990s. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Barry to learn how LGBTQ+ musicians, music industry executives and fans reshaped the mainstream music scene. Barry also reflects on his daunting experience to record the 21-hour long audiobook. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lan...
Jun 26, 2026•32 min•Ep. 350
Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Szell explore the power of humour in storytelling and how humour can make challenging topics approachable in a way that nothing else can. They cover a range of titles that utilize humour effectively, including: Books mentioned in this episode include: “The Heroes” by Joe Abercrombie “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov “Molly the Maid” Series by Nita Prose “The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams “Gentleman B...
Jun 19, 2026•28 min•Ep. 349
Kate Cayley’s “Property” is a 2026 finalist for the Amazon Canada First Novel Award. The fictional novel follows troubled residents in a gentrifying neighbourhood where they navigate class and privilege, queer respectability and friendship. By the evening, tragedy strikes and someone has died. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Kate about the book’s themes and her narration for the audiobook. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and p...
Jun 13, 2026•28 min•Ep. 348
Paralympian Victoria Nolan’s 2014 memoir “Beyond Vision: The Story of a Blind Rower” is the inspiration behind the upcoming biopic “Blindly Victorious.” Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Victoria to learn about her journey with vision loss, her experience as a para-athlete and the process of bringing her lived experiences to the big screen. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook C...
Jun 12, 2026•28 min•Ep. 347
Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll reflect on authors who take big risks in their storytelling, everything from subject matter to writing styles and killing off significant characters. Books mentioned in this episode include: • “The First Law Series” and “The Heroes” by Joe Abercrombie • “Brighton Rock” and “The End of the Affair” by Graham Greene • “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman • by Joe Abercrombie • “The Road” and “Blood Meridian” by Cormac McCarthy • “Flesh” by David Szlay • “Game of ...
Jun 06, 2026•28 min•Ep. 346
In 2025, music writer Niko Stratis released “The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman,” a memoir-in-essays on transness, dad rock, and the music that saves us. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Niko to learn about her journey as a trans woman through, her love for bands like Wilco, and her experience with narrating the audiobook. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays...
Jun 05, 2026•28 min•Ep. 345
Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll explore the complex modern cultural significance of books. They examine books as status objects, books as a refuge of long-form content and the way the publishing industry culturally punches above its weight. In the latter portion of the show, Jacob chats with Penny Leclair about her new book “Life with Jefferson: A Biography of a Guide Dog.” This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishe...
May 30, 2026•28 min•Ep. 344
This summer, Jess Janz is coming out with a new essay collection “The Table Where We Meet.” The book reflects on ‘Dinner with Strangers,’ an initiative she created that encourages strangers to gather and learn more about each other without ever talking about their work or jobs. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Jess about the world of human interaction and belonging. She also reflects on her experience writing and narrating the audiobook. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audioboo...
May 29, 2026•30 min•Ep. 343
Imani Thompson’s debut novel “Honey” is a wickedly funny and suspenseful thriller about a graduate student who murders bad men and justifies it in the name of feminism. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Imani to learn how the book explores issues of racialized systems and the Manosphere. In addition, Imani reflects on her research and process for writing her debut novel. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new...
May 22, 2026•29 min•Ep. 342
Host Jacob Shymanski celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day which is recognized on May 21. He looks back on past interviews with: Matisse Hamel-Nelis, co-author of the educational book called “Accessible Communications: Create Impact, Avoid Missteps and Build Trust” Craig Fitzpatrick, a blind ice hockey player who published an audiobook called “Finding the Puck: Leadership Lessons from My Journey Through Blind Hockey” Mark Pearson, the co-founder of the audiobook platform Libro.fm and Lac...
May 16, 2026•28 min•Ep. 341
Author Judy Batalion joins host Jacob Shymanski to talk about her debut historical fiction “The Last Woman of Warsaw.” The novel tells the story of two very different Jewish women in Warsaw in the late 1930s as they unexpectedly come together in search of their missing mentor. Judy and Jacob chat about the research she did to capture 1930s Warsaw, including the fashion, art and architecture. She also describes the real-life experiences that influenced the story and its characters. This episode w...
May 15, 2026•28 min•Ep. 340
The monomyth, otherwise known as the “hero’s journey” is a story structure popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book “The Hero With A Thousand Faces.” It’s a classic storytelling pattern that has been repeated time and time again from myths around the world. Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll explore the concept of the monomyth and debate if it really is the human story society craves. In the latter portion of the show, Red reflects on his 100th episode of the “My Life In Books” podcast. ...
May 09, 2026•28 min•Ep. 339
Jennifer Chevalier’s fiction novel “The Winter Witch” captures the story of two sisters fleeing a curse aboard a bride ship from Normandy to 17th-century Quebec. Along the way they meet a mysterious witch who forces them to confront the truth of their past. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Jennifer about the research she did to create the book’s setting and characters. She also shares a Shelfie, her three favourite books with a magical theme. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Aud...
May 08, 2026•31 min•Ep. 338
“Fireflies in Winter” is the latest novel by Eleanor Shearer. The book explores themes of survival, love and freedom and follows a Jamaican Maroon orphan and an escaped slave hiding in the wilderness. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Eleanor about why she chose to write a historical literary fiction set in 17th century Nova Scotia. She also describes why she deliberately presented the book in a lyrical style of writing. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcas...
May 02, 2026•28 min•Ep. 337
Jessica Barrett’s new book “No Place Like Home” provides an honest glimpse into Canada’s housing crisis. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Jessica about the issues of housing affordability and the lessons Canada can take away from other countries. She also reflects on her own housing experiences and explains the missing key to Canada’s housing crisis: understanding the meaning of home. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publish...
May 01, 2026•28 min•Ep. 336
There’s an interesting cultural difference between print books and audiobooks. Print books have been around for centuries and have been deeply engrained into society. Audiobooks have also been around for a while and have seen many evolutions. From talking books, to books on tape and streaming services. However, they’re also often misunderstood. Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll reflect on the medium of audiobooks and their significance in literature then and now. They also explore the wid...
Apr 25, 2026•28 min•Ep. 335
“To Leave a Warrior Behind” is a new biography about Charles R. Saunders, the “Father of Sword and Soul,” a sub-genre in fantasy writing based on African inspired myths and culture. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with the book’s author Jon Tattrie about Saunders’ fascinating life as a journalist, his journey to Halifax as an American draft dodger and his almost forgotten legacy as an author who redefined a genre. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-a...
Apr 24, 2026•28 min•Ep. 334
“The Cure for Everything” is a new book that takes a deep dive into the struggle for public health, its history of fighting infectious diseases and its vision for human thriving. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with co-authors Michelle A. Williams and Linda Marsa about the compelling argument for strong public health services for collective well-being. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on...
Apr 18, 2026•28 min•Ep. 333
Uzma Jalaluddin returns to the show to talk about “Moonlight Murder,” the brand-new sequel to her novel “Detective Aunty.” Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Uzma about the interesting dynamics of writing a follow up. They also discuss her upcoming collaboration with Mindy Kaling to adapt one of her previous books, as well as the importance of positive portrayals of Muslim representation in literature and on screen. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on A...
Apr 17, 2026•28 min•Ep. 332
Book publishing continues to rise year after year. But with all the noise in book marketing and recommendations from algorithms, how do you decipher what book to pick up next that is actually worth the read? Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll share some tips and tricks to help you find your next favourite book! Books mentioned include: “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman “Is a River Alive?” by Robert Macfarlane “Crow” by Amy Spurway “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir “The Apollo Murders Se...
Apr 11, 2026•28 min•Ep. 331
The Calgary Public Library achieved a record-breaking year in 2025! They reached their highest circulation in history with 17.5 million items borrowed, which include 6.5 million digital titles. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Genevieve Luthy from Calgary Public Library to learn about why the library has seen a 15% increase and to discuss what purpose libraries serve in modern day for Canadians across the board. Genevieve also shares insight into her role and the fascinating work that goes i...
Apr 10, 2026•28 min•Ep. 330
“Certified Beauties: More of Hockey's Greatest Untold Stories” is the latest book by Canadian sportscaster James Duthie. The book shares a collection of some of the most compelling, hilarious and heartwarming stories from the world of hockey. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Duthie to discuss the making of the book and the fascinating side of hockey that no one gets to see. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two...
Apr 04, 2026•28 min•Ep. 328
As the movie adaptation of Andy Weir’s 2021 novel, Project Hail Mary, is making a splash at the box office, loads of people are returning to the book. Specifically, it’s fantastic audiobook edition narrated by Ray Porter, which won the Audy for best audiobook in 2022. Red Szell joins Jacob to breakdown why this book might be considered an instant classic. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow...
Mar 27, 2026•29 min•Ep. 329
Dr. Brian Goldman’s “The Casino Shift” gives you a glimpse into the real-life pressures of Canadian emergency departments in the healthcare system. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Dr. Goldman to discuss the making of the book and to learn about some of the methods that go behind treating patients in emergency situations. Dr. Goldman also considers the upgrades needed to improve Canada’s emergency rooms. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-au...
Mar 20, 2026•35 min•Ep. 327
A recent article in the New York Times shares the story of Coral Hart, a romance writer who has been using AI to mass produce over 200 books under 21 different pen names. How do you feel about the use of AI in books? Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll explore this question and give their candid thoughts. Plus, is Audible feeling competition for once? Jacob and Red discuss Audible’s cheaper subscription plan and Spotify’s venture into audiobook distribution. This episode is produced by Andr...
Mar 14, 2026•28 min•Ep. 326
Patricia Finn’s debut novel “The Golden Boy” shares a story about family life, love, betrayal, mercy, and second chances. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up with Finn to discuss the development of her books’ characters and to explore why she decided to take a step back from the audiobook’s production. She wants the art to speak for itself. Finn also reflects on her previous experiences in television and film production, as well as her time as a ghostwriter. This episode was produced by Andrika De L...
Mar 13, 2026•28 min•Ep. 325
Malcolm Kempt’s debut mystery novel follows a disgraced police investigator in the heart of the Arctic Circle, whose path to redemption is paved with blood and ice. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Kempt about the inspiration behind the book and reflects on his previous life as a criminal lawyer in the remote Arctic. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Audio excerpted with permission of Penguin Random House Audio from A GIFT BEFORE DYING by Malcolm Kempt, read by Stephen Mendel © 2...
Mar 07, 2026•29 min•Ep. 324
Recording artist and musician Lachi dropped a new book earlier this year entitled “I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity, and Power.” Host Jacob Shymanksi catches up with Lachi to chat about her journey with disability culture, identity and accessibility. This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle. Note: Audio excerpted with permission of Penguin Random House Audio from I IDENTIFY AS BLIND by Lachi, excerpt read by the author. Lachi ℗ 2026 Penguin Rando...
Mar 06, 2026•35 min•Ep. 323
Host Jacob Shymanski and friend of the show Red Széll dive into their favourite titles for travel and adventure! Books mentioned in this episode include: • “An Account of the Voyages... in the Southern Hemisphere” by James Cook • “A Voyage Towards the South Pole and Round the World” by James Cook • “A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean” by James Cook • “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” by David Grann • “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne • “Underland” by Robert Macfarlane • “...
Feb 28, 2026•28 min•Ep. 321
