Best Literary Hubs Podcasts (2025)

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September 26, 2025 38:16

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4d ago38:16

38:16

Many of us were told or taught that the internet would be permanent — that the things we post, whether on social media or a blog or even a real-life website like Literary Hub, would last forever. But much of the last decade or so has proved that that's not true! Things can disappear at the blink of an eye — or the flash of a very rich person's temp…

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Mariana Enriquez 44:34

5d ago44:34

44:34

This week, Jordan sits down with the "queen of Latin American gothic horror," Mariana Enriquez, to talk about the manuscript she burned and how it led her to search for a mode of horror writing that was drawn from her own lived experiences of terror. Mentioned: Jorge Luis Borges, Argentina's military dictatorship of 1976 to 1983, gravestones as mon…

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Sara DiVello: Broadway Butterfly 57:30

5d ago57:30

57:30

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with my friend and fellow author interviewer, Sara DiVello. Sara is a thriller author, and creator and host of Mystery and Thriller Mavens, a popular author interview series and interactive Facebook group. We met at the San Diego Writers Festival and have since become friends. Sara's boundless energy and verve…

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September 19, 2025 36:52

11d ago36:52

36:52

Featuring Gretchen Felker-Martin, Erica Cerulo & Claire Mazur of 831 Stories, and a phone call from Chill Subs! It's a scary time to be speaking up for what we believe in, but these are the times when we must simply speak even louder in support of the good and just and right. Sometimes, that means calling it like it is when a hatemonger dies and st…

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Miriam Toews 48:51

12d ago48:51

48:51

Jordan sits down to talk with Miriam Toews about her new book, A Truce That Is Not Peace, her first nonfiction book, and the events that inspired it: the death by suicide of her father and then, later, her sister. They talk about the long periods of silence her father and sister both went through when they were alive, and how Toews' own persistent …

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Celebrating Cultural Identity: Inside Philadelphia's Only Spanish-English Bookstore 25:57

12d ago25:57

25:57

Send us a text Step into Philadelphia's only Spanish-English bookstore, where literature becomes a powerful bridge connecting communities and celebrating cultural heritage. The Julia de Burgos Bookstore, named after Puerto Rico's most celebrated poet, offers more than just books—it provides a sanctuary where Puerto Rican and Latinx voices take cent…

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Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday | Book Summary 10:06

16d ago10:06

10:06

Here is a podcast-ready book summary for "Ego Is the Enemy" by Ryan Holiday, including a description and the requested book link: Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday explores the hidden dangers of ego as an obstacle to personal and professional growth. Drawing on stories from history, philosophy, and modern figures, the book reveals how an inflated se…

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September 12, 2025 45:00

18d ago45:00

45:00

Happy birthday to us, it's been a year since we launched The Lit Hub Podcast! Not that you'd know it, because Drew completely forgot and didn't include a word about it in the episode itself. But still, we're proud!! This week, Drew talks to Boris Kachka of The Atlantic about their new travel-writing series "The Writer's Way" (featuring the likes of…

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Tova Mirvis: We Would Never 36:06

19d ago36:06

36:06

Send us a text On this episode, I chat with author Tova Mirvis about her novel, We Would Never, a psychological exploration inspired by a real murder case she discovered on Facebook. Mirvis reveals how true crime reporting always left her hungry for the human story beneath the headlines, and how she carefully crafted characters who start as a typic…

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Who Chooses the books? An interview with RPL Librarian Sarah Stumpf 52:07

20d ago52:07

52:07

Ever wonder how Rockford Public Library decides which books make it to the shelves — and how that affects you as a reader? In this episode, I talk with Adult Collections librarian Sarah Stumpf about the behind-the-scenes process of building the collection, from community requests to hidden gems. Along the way, you’ll pick up library lingo like ‘cir…

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September 5, 2025 43:50

25d ago43:50

43:50

September means back-to-school! Hooray for learning! Hooray for fall! There's definitely not anything bad or weird going on as relates to education, the weather, spooky season, or anything else... First up this week, Joelle Renstrom talks with Drew about being a teacher in 2025 and her recent essay for the site about Cliffs Notes. Then, Molly Odint…

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Saturn Press: The Art of Letterpress in a Digital Age 39:27

26d ago39:27

39:27

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with James Anderson, co-owner of Saturn Press with his with Diedre. The humble greeting card might seem like a relic in our digital age, but as James reveals, these tactile treasures carry meaning far beyond their paper boundaries. James shares how Saturn Press creates distinctive cards using vintage presses f…

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Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering 14:25

1M ago14:25

14:25

This podcast episode explores the transformative ideas from Joseph Nguyen's "Don't Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is the Beginning & End of Suffering." Discover how the root cause of emotional and psychological suffering is our own thinking, learn the difference between thoughts and thinking, and find practical frameworks for exper…

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August 29, 2025 44:11

1M ago44:11

44:11

Superheroes are back, baby! You will believe a man can fly — but did you know that such things were happening in the decades before Siegel and Schuster created Kal-El in 1938? Joshua Glenn, editor of Before Superman: Superhumans of the Radium Age and overall series editor of MIT Press's Radium Age Science Fiction series, stops by to tell Drew about…

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Kendra Elliot: Her First Mistake 21:51

1M ago21:51

21:51

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with author Kendra Elliot about her new novel, Her First Mistake. Kendra Elliot has sold thirteen million books, hit the Wall Street Journal top ten bestseller list more than a dozen times, and is a three-time winner of the Daphne du Maurier award. She is an International Thriller Writers' finalist and a Roman…

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August 22, 2025 26:43

1M ago26:43

26:43

Oh summer colds, you might be the worst kind of cold. But that won't stop The Lit Hub Podcast! This week, as we celebrate the dog days of summer, Brittany Allen drops by to tell Drew about curating Lit Hub's ongoing, weekly list of nice things. Then, an intro (for those who don't already know them!) to Lit Hub Radio stalwarts Fiction/Non/Fiction wi…

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San Miguel Writers' Conference: Where Global Voices Unite on Mexican Soil 44:53

1M ago44:53

44:53

Send us a text Hi, and welcome to this episode of The Bookshop Podcast! Step into the vibrant literary heart of Mexico with the San Miguel Writers Conference, where cultural exchange and creative inspiration meet in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Susan Page, founder and president, alongside executive director Jodi Pincus, unveil the magi…

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August 15, 2025 39:40

2M ago39:40

39:40

Drew's been working on (gasp) a novel and it seems to be going well (because saying so certainly won't jinx it) so this week is a bit of writer-work-focused! Kicking off with a shout to Ursula K. Le Guin's Steering the Craft, we are then joined by Erin Somers (author of Stay Up with Hugo Best and the forthcoming The Ten Year Affair but also a repor…

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From Advertising to Italy: Pinch Me, by Barbara Boyle 38:27

2M ago38:27

38:27

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Barbara Boyle about her memoir, Pinch Me. After decades crafting commercials and campaigns for global giants like Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson, Barbara was drawn to a completely different path. Her story begins with a magical honeymoon visit to the Piedmont region of Italy, where, gazing over te…

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August 8, 2025 41:04

2M ago41:04

41:04

Summer, to me, means long days and hanging out in nature and Shakespeare — specifically Shakespeare in the Park. After James Folta wrote about NYC Comptroller Brad Lander's sonnet for the ribbon cutting at the revamped Delacorte Theater in Central Park, his office reached out to remind us that the Comptroller has done this multiple times now... and…

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A New Chapter at the Library–Meet the New Executive Director Anthony Cortez 33:32

2M ago33:32

33:32

We’re excited to introduce you to Anthony Cortez, the new Executive Director of the Rockford Public Library. With a strong background in IT and finance, Anthony is stepping into a role that’s all about connection, creativity, and community impact. In this episode, we’ll talk about his vision for the future of the library and what it means to lead o…

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Bookworm Phoenix: Lucy Yu, Owner Yu & Me Books 34:27

2M ago34:27

34:27

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Lucy Yu, founder and owner of Yu & Me Books. Trained as a chemical engineer, her life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic when grief from losing a close friend led to deep reflection about her purpose. "I'm here on earth to do art and foster love," she realized, and from this epiphany, You and Me …

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Atomic Habits: How to become 37.88 times Better at Anything 25:06

2M ago25:06

25:06

By Ramis Parambath

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August 1, 2025 40:36

2M ago40:36

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We're back from our lil summer break and shaking off the rust! It's been hot, but getting maybe better—and we're trying to take the slow pace and the long view before we truly roll into the fall. Speaking of: what are you reading for the rest of the summer? Perhaps try the Sealey Challenge (all funds this year going to the Sameer Project)! Or start…

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From Medicine to Fiction: Danielle Teller's Literary Journey 26:51

2M ago26:51

26:51

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Danielle Teller about how her creative journey defies conventional wisdom about career paths. From Yale-trained pulmonologist studying lung disease to acclaimed novelist, her story demonstrates how life's unexpected turns might lead us exactly where we're meant to be. "I was a huge bookworm when I was a k…

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From Kickstarter to Community Hub: Amanda Friss and Parenthesis Books 19:02

2M ago19:02

19:02

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Amanda Friss, the founder of Parentheses Books, which is nestled in the heart of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Parentheses Books is more than just a bookstore—it’s a space for community, curiosity, and connection. Since opening its doors, the shop has become a vibrant gathering place for readers of all kinds, o…

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Smart Library Hacks: Go Digital and Save Big 32:25

3M ago32:25

32:25

In this episode, we’re joined by Katelyn Coombes, Digital Content Specialist at the Rockford Public Library, who shares the inside scoop on the library’s digital offerings. From free e-books and audiobooks to powerful online databases, Katelyn breaks down how these resources can save you money while expanding your access to knowledge and entertainm…

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Women In A Golden State: 175 Voices from California 39:26

3M ago39:26

39:26

Send us a text This episode is sponsored by Saturn Press! Hey indie bookshops! Did you know that greeting cards are a fantastic way for bookshops to boost sales? Saturn Press creates beautiful, handcrafted letterpress cards that customers love to purchase alongside books, helping bookshops grow and thrive. As a thank you for tuning in to The Booksh…

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July 11, 2025 37:17

3M ago37:17

37:17

Halfway through the year means it's time to anticipate again! That's right: the Lit Hub staff has compiled a list (multiple lists, actually) of books you should be looking forward to for the rest of the calendar year—and now we bring you a bunch of staff members talking about some (some!) of the books they're most excited for. Featuring (in order o…

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Word on the Water: Three Friends, A Dutch Barge, And A Whole Lot of Books 37:21

3M ago37:21

37:21

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Paddy Screech, a co-owner of Word on the Water. Paddy shares the story of London's famous floating bookshop, housed in a 1920s Dutch barge moored along Regent's Canal in King's Cross, London. Paddy takes us from his early days as a literature-loving boy in an agricultural school to his unlikely friendship…

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July 4, 2025 6:43

3M ago6:43

6:43

"...that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from this earth." No, Lincoln didn't say that on July 4th—but Jefferson was a racist and Adams wasn't all that inspiring a speaker ("sit down, John!") and we certainly aren't going to quote Hamilton (the guy or the show). Anyway, not a real episode this week—just a li…

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Talking Europe | Finding Europe on London’s Streets: understanding the enduring ties between London and the European Literary imagination 21:02

3M ago21:02

21:02

This episode of Talking Europe focuses on a unique literary project that underscores the enduring cultural ties between the UK and the rest of the European continent: the interactive, online European Literary Map of London devised by University College London's European Institute. Highlighting London’s relevance for European culture and in particul…

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60 Years of Library Service: A Conversation with Jean Lythgoe 25:56

3M ago25:56

25:56

Jean Lythgoe began her career at Rockford Public Library at just 18 years old. Six decades later, she's become a beloved fixture and true legend of the institution. In this episode, we sit down with Jean to explore how libraries have transformed and her perspective on the importance of libraries today. Note: Jean retired shortly before this episode…

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Queer Haven Books: How Two Women Built a Queer Literary Sanctuary 32:30

3M ago32:30

32:30

Send us a text This episode is sponsored by Saturn Press! Hey indie bookshops! Did you know that greeting cards are a fantastic way for bookshops to boost sales? Saturn Press creates beautiful, handcrafted letterpress cards that customers love to purchase alongside books, helping bookshops grow and thrive. As a thank you for tuning in to The Booksh…

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June 27, 2025 50:39

3M ago50:39

50:39

We're riding the high of something going right in the world (see: NYC's mayoral primary) and leaning mostly into hijinks and happiness this week—but not before we remind you all of the very real stakes facing artists of all stripes right now, the frankly-existential threat that is generative AI. First up, Brittany Cavallaro drops by to introduce th…

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Renee Gladman 42:49

3M ago42:49

42:49

Jordan sits down with Renee Gladman to talk about prose architecture, Henry James, walking in cities, and mushrooms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Peniel E. Joseph, Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution 53:49

3M ago53:49

53:49

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with historian Peniel E. Joseph about his latest book, Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution. Joseph's storytelling prowess brings James Baldwin, Martin Luther King Jn., President Kennedy, and Bobbie Kennedy to vibrant life, not as static icons but as complex humans navigating …

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June 20, 2025 38:38

3M ago38:38

38:38

Community. Community, community, community, now more than ever. We kick things off this week with a special guest: Leila Green Little, lead plaintiff in the ongoing Little v. Llano County book-banning case, chats with both Drew and Anthony Aycock, whose piece about the case ran this week on the site. Then, Drew talks to Benjamin Davis of Chill Subs…

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Nicholson Baker 40:12

3M ago40:12

40:12

Nicholson Baker sits down with Jordan to discuss writing about the unsung pleasures and details of the world-- things like the way your mother cuts up a banana, or the advertisements in your favorite magazine. Things that "live in this between area of noticing, they're part of the background of life." Mentioned in the episode: Nicholson's book abou…

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The Art of Seasonal Cooking with Pascale Beale 41:44

4M ago41:44

41:44

Send us a text This episode is sponsored by Saturn Press! Hey indie bookshops! Did you know that greeting cards are a fantastic way for bookshops to boost sales? Saturn Press creates beautiful, handcrafted letterpress cards that customers love to purchase alongside books, helping bookshops grow and thrive. As a thank you for tuning in to The Booksh…

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June 13, 2025 36:31

4M ago36:31

36:31

Oh another bad week in the world, and what's a book podcast to do but... talk about Hamlet! Seriously, though: theater belongs in the literary conversation and there's something about the confluence of text and audio that we obviously take very seriously here at Literary Hub or else we wouldn't be doing this podcast! So, this episode is primarily M…

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APPLE IN CHINA: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company By Patrick McGee 7:17

4M ago7:17

7:17

By Ramis Parambath

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Sarah Aziza 51:06

4M ago51:06

51:06

Sarah Aziza sits down with Jordan to talk about the eating disorder that almost took her life in 2019, and the search into her family's history in Palestine that she undertook in a bid for her own survival. Mentioned in the episode: the Nakba transgenerational trauma José Muñoz, Cruising Utopia ghurba Sarah Aziza is a Palestinian American writer, t…

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Megan Beatie: A Publicist's Journey 50:56

4M ago50:56

50:56

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with book publicist Megan Beatie about book publicity in a revealing conversation about the art and science of literary promotion. Drawing on over 25 years of experience working with authors ranging from Linda Ronstadt to Tess Gerritsen, Megan shares how the publishing landscape has undergone a dramatic transf…

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European Literary London: Irish Writing, Language and Identity 38:09

4M ago38:09

38:09

In this episode of our podcast 'Talking Europe', Hayley Anderson, one of our 2024-25 Student Ambassadors, sits down with Ciara Broderick, the UCL 2025 European Literary Map of London Writer in Residence. Their conversation delves into Ciara’s journey as a writer, her experiences settling into London, and the creative process behind her upcoming sho…

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June 6, 2025 44:11

4M ago44:11

44:11

Do you have one of the ~iconic~ Joan Didion Lit Hub totes? (You can still get one, ps.) Were you also interested, and then maybe confused, by the 'new' Joan Didion book? Don't worry, we've got you covered this week. We've also got some writer-beware tips for those hoping to get their work out into the world while avoiding a mess like the one at Unb…

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Lisa Ko 41:52

4M ago41:52

41:52

Lisa Ko sits down with Jordan to talk about the daily journaling practice that she started at age five, and the period of creative crisis between her first and second novels when she began methodically destroying every journal she'd ever kept. Mentioned in the episode: Tehching Hsieh soft gaze Moleskin daily journals Lisa Ko is the author of the ne…

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The Literary Heartbeat of Santa Barbara: Jen Lemberger at Chaucer's Books 38:59

4M ago38:59

38:59

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Jen Lemberger, co-owner of Chaucer's Books. Nestled in Santa Barbara's Loreto Plaza sits a literary institution fifty-one years in the making. Chaucer's Books, now under the stewardship of Jen Lemberger and Greg Feitt, stands as a testament to the enduring power of independent bookstores in our communitie…

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May 30, 2025 42:17

4M ago42:17

42:17

How do you solve a problem like romantasy? What is it like to have written the most banned book in the country? Jenny Hamilton chats about her Reactor essay "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Romantasy?" and George M. Johnson talks banned books, being banned, and their new podcast Fighting Words. * "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Romantasy?" * "Nata…

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Fabled Forms: Kristin Beyers’ Dragon Installation in Rockford 32:49

4M ago32:49

32:49

Artist Kristin Beyers joins us to share the story behind her enchanting dragon installation at the Rockford Public Library — a blend of fantasy, sculpture, and community magic that brings mythical creatures to life among the bookshelves. Come and visit the dragons in the Youth Services area at the Main Library, 118 N. Main St. Follow Kristin on Ins…