Best Reader Engagement Podcasts (2025)

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How to Motivate Kids to Read (Without Bribes or Battles) 19:19

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6d ago19:19

19:19

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “Just one more page and then you can…”—you’re not alone. When reading turns into a negotiation, rewards can feel like the only way forward. But what if motivation could grow naturally—without stickers, snacks, or standoffs? In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook opens up abo…

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Proof is Profitable — Use Reviews, Contests, and Awards to Drive Reader Engagement and Sales: Self-Publishing Advice Conference Highlight 57:48

16d ago57:48

57:48

In this Self-Publishing Advice Conference highlight, discover how reviews, contests, and awards can boost your reputation and drive engagement in the session, “Proof is Profitable.” Hannah Jacobson of Book Award Pro and Edward Trayer of The Wishing Shelf Book Awards share case studies and practical strategies alongside a panel of award-winning indi…

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The Art of Reader Engagement | Substance Over Subscribers 1:54:35

25d ago1:54:35

1:54:35

Send us a text Join Sean's Substack: https://substack.com/@seannordquist This episode delves into the captivating world of historical figures like Henry Morgan, exploring how their stories inspire new narratives and the art of putting a unique twist on established history. Guest Sean Nordquist shares invaluable insights into the writing process, pr…

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Books you should read this fall and holiday season 33:23

4h ago33:23

33:23

Temperatures are going down and it's time for Fall reads and books for the holidays! We're joined this week by our friends Melati Parker and Rylie Occhipinto from Wijaya House in Tempe: a bookstore, flower and craft shop! From horror, dark academia and the classics, our host Whitney Clark also has some recommendations as well. A few of the favorite…

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Expanding Access to Work-Based Learning: Innovative Models for Career-Aligned Education 57:47

23h ago57:47

57:47

This edWeb podcast is S=sponsored by Project Lead The Way. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. Discover how schools are reimagining career-connected learning through high-quality internships and apprenticeships that break down barriers and open new pathways for students. This engaging edWeb podcast showcases cutting-edge models, tool…

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Behavioral Management: The Secret Curriculum with Dr. Anita Archer 30:28

1d ago30:28

30:28

Today we sit down with Dr. Anita Archer to unpack how clear, compassionate behavior systems transform a room from reactive to ready. The big shift isn’t about control; it’s about removing guesswork so students know what to do and teachers can teach. To begin, Dr. Archer dives into why behavior management is important. From there, she breaks down ho…

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Balancing Writing with the Business of Being an Author: Member Q&A with Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black 38:57

2d ago38:57

38:57

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Member Q&A podcast, hosts Michael La Ronn and Sacha Black discuss how indie authors can balance the creative work of writing with the ongoing demands of marketing and business management. Other questions include: Is it smart to include QR codes in your e-books and print editions, and what’s the best …

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News: Baker & Taylor to Close, Spotify Links with ChatGPT, Reedsy Launches New No-AI Writing Challenge 11:19

4d ago11:19

11:19

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports on the closure of Baker & Taylor, the century-old book distributor that will shut down in 2026, leaving a gap that companies like Ingram and Amazon may fill. He also notes Spotify’s new integration with ChatGPT, assuring creators that their music and podcasts won’t be us…

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Interview: Production and Distribution Strategies of a Six-Figure Author, with Anna Featherstone and Fiona Tarr 47:01

6d ago47:01

47:01

In this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi Podcast, Anna Featherstone speaks with indie author Fiona Tarr about the production and distribution strategies that helped her grow from her first fantasy novel in 2014 to becoming a six-figure mystery and crime writer today. Fiona explains how she keeps her production pipeline on track, why her lon…

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Journey from Heartland to Wildlife Warrior: Tim Santel's Inspiring Wildlife Conservation Career 1:00:56

6d ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it takes to go from being a nature-loving Midwesterner to a pivotal figure in wildlife law enforcement? Discover how Tim Santel's unique career path led him to fight against big cat trafficking and rhino and elephant poaching as he become a champion for wildlife conservation. Episode Summary: This episode …

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Eli Rallo on her new memoir, Taylor Swift's engagement and "Wicked For Good" 38:45

7d ago38:45

38:45

You've probably seen her viral TikTok videos and now Eli Rallo is out with her new memoir: "Does Anybody Else Feel This Way?" The author, content creator and self-proclaimed theater kid joins the podcast this week to talk about the book, which features a series of essays. Rallo touches on everything from friendship breakups, navigating social media…

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Designing a Menu of Behavior Intervention Options: Beyond Check-In Check-Out 1:02:47

8d ago1:02:47

1:02:47

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Branching Minds. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. Check-In Check-Out is the go-to behavior intervention for many schools—and for good reason. It works. But it’s not the only option, and many students need something more or something different. In this edWeb podcast, Trudy Bender and Dr. Brian Gau…

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Normalizing Feelings: Finding Your Best Self, Every Day with Shannon Allison 14:49

8d ago14:49

14:49

Feelings walk into class before backpacks do. We sit down with first grade teacher Shannon Allison to explore how simple, repeatable SEL moves turn big emotions into teachable moments and stronger learning. Instead of treating social emotional learning as an add-on, Shannon shows how to weave it into routines that students can use right away and th…

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Inspirational Indie Author Interview #194: Judith Hutchinson Lepore. Canadian Novelist Turns Real-Life Wildfire Escape into Story of Survival and Community 23:11

9d ago23:11

23:11

My guest this episode is Judith Hutchinson Lepore, a Canadian writer from British Columbia whose work spans fantasy, historical fiction, and memoir. Her latest book, Finding the Phoenix, tells how she and her family escaped a devastating wildfire that destroyed much of their community. What began as personal loss became a story of renewal and conne…

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Driving K-12 Innovation: Tech Enablers (Part 2) 56:26

11d ago56:26

56:26

This edWeb podcast is presented by CoSN and AASA and sponsored by ClassLink. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. CoSN’s 2025 Driving K-12 Innovation report is the collaborative result of an international advisory board of over 130 education and technology experts. Together, they produced the report that identifies the most important …

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Using AI and Learning Science to Integrate Assessment and Instruction 51:36

11d ago51:36

51:36

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by HMH. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. The integration of AI into K–12 education is often framed as inevitable, but its impact depends on how thoughtfully it is designed and applied. This edWeb podcast situates AI within a historical and research-based context, examining both its potential and its…

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News: Bookshop.org Expands to E-Books, Amazon Updates Kindle Scribe with New Color and Note-Taking Features 12:28

11d ago12:28

12:28

On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports that Bookshop.org has launched e-book sales in the UK, allowing readers to support local bookstores while buying digital titles—a boost for indie authors whose books are distributed through Draft2Digital and other platforms. He also notes that Bookshop.org has been short…

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Traci Abramson - Victim #8 19:42

12d ago19:42

19:42

Former CIA officer Traci Hunter Abramson trades classified briefings for bestselling novels, written with the kind of authenticity only experience can give. We talk about her latest, Victim #8, how a layover in Istanbul sparked a story, and why her years in the Agency still shape every page.By Terry Shepherd

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Interview: Building Business Authority Through Books with Matty Dalrymple and Karen Williams 31:35

13d ago31:35

31:35

ALLi Campaigns Manager Matty Dalrymple talks with Karen Williams of Librotas about how authors can build business authority through their books. Karen discusses her path into writing and mentoring nonfiction authors, stressing structure, clarity, and preparation. She explains how authority-building books enhance credibility and business growth, exp…

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Empowering Little Justice Leaders with Dr. Shelby Kretz 23:40

13d ago23:40

23:40

By Dr Diane Jackson Schnoor

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Beyond Memorization: Orthographic Mapping for Dyslexic, Multilingual, and Striving Readers 55:02

14d ago55:02

55:02

By Really Great Reading

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The history of banned books 23:57

14d ago23:57

23:57

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In Memory of Dr. Jane Goodall 29:50

15d ago29:50

29:50

By edWeb

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Raymond E. Foster - Chasing the Surge 22:01

15d ago22:01

22:01

By Terry Shepherd

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The Power of Personalized Professional Learning with Stephanie Lawkins 12:58

15d ago12:58

12:58

In today's episode, Stephanie Lawkins, Vice President of Educator Success at Curriculum Associates, joins to share how rethinking professional learning (PL) to create a more personalized approach creates a much stronger outcome and experience for educators. Instead of long, generic sessions, we explore how role-aware design, data, and smart recomme…

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Reach New Heights: Exploring STEM and CTE with Drones 59:48

15d ago59:48

59:48

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Pitsco Education. The webinar recording can be accessed here. Discover how drone technology is transforming Career and Technical Education (CTE) in middle and high schools. In this dynamic edWeb podcast, you hear directly from education leaders who have successfully launched aviation and drone programs, explore th…

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Using Math Curriculum-Based Measurement: From Screening to Instruction 58:01

16d ago58:01

58:01

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by SpringMath Accelerate. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. As states respond to longstanding declines in math proficiency, many now, or will soon, require universal screening. But what works best in numeracy screening? Research has shown curriculum-based measurement (CBM) delivers the biggest impact…

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Book Nooks on a Budget: Simple Spaces Kids Will Love 11:00

18d ago11:00

11:00

When you think “reading nook,” do you picture twinkle lights, teepees, and shelves full of brand-new books? The truth is, cozy reading spaces don’t have to be elaborate—or expensive. In fact, some of the best book nooks are the simplest ones, created with what you already have at home. In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Elle…

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News: Anthropic Settlement Moves Forward, Spotify Clarifies Terms, L. J. Ross Shortlisted, TikTok Secures US Future 9:44

18d ago9:44

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On this episode of the Self-Publishing with ALLi podcast, Dan Holloway reports that the judge in the Anthropic case has approved the settlement process, confirming 482,000 eligible titles with payments split 50/50 between authors and publishers. He clarifies that Spotify’s new terms do not affect creators, celebrates L. J. Ross’s shortlist nominati…

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The Literary Rebel's Guide: Richie Billing on Writing Against the Grain 1:48:44

20d ago1:48:44

1:48:44

Send us a text Learn more about guest Richie Billings here: https://richiebilling.com/ For exclusive perks and free fiction, join the crew on Substack. All of these WDW episodes are there, as well as host William R. Hincy's bonkers, rock-n-roll satire, PIRATES OF APPALACHIA: https://wrhincy.substack.com/ Join host William R. Hincy for another spiri…

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Stolen skulls, mystic beasts, and secret societies 1:23:52

19d ago1:23:52

1:23:52

Send us a text Learn more about Colin Dickey here: https://colindickey.com/ Join host William R. Hincy on Writers Drinking Whiskey for an engaging conversation with author Colin Dickey, as they delve into the underworlds of UFOs, conspiracy theories, modern monsters, haunted history, and stolen skulls. Join our COMMUNITY on YouTube to watch every e…

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Audio Interview: New Trends in Self-Publishing at SelfPubCon25 with Howard Lovy and Kayleigh Brindley 23:48

20d ago23:48

23:48

In this special episode of Self-Publishing with ALLi, Howard Lovy interviews Kayleigh Brindley, conference manager for SelfPubCon25. Kayleigh offers a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s Self-Publishing Advice Conference, which takes place online October 18–19. She discusses the theme, “New Trends in Self-Publishing,” the decision to spread the e…

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The Engagement Effect: Transforming Learning with Steve Spangler 44:52

20d ago44:52

44:52

Send us a text Imagine... Imagine stepping into a space where learning is a magical journey, igniting curiosity and wonder. Picture students engaging with the material in a way that lights a spark. And this engagement isn't limited to the classroom -- it's available to people from all walks of life. This is the world Steve Spangler envisions in his…

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Former Chiefs WebBrief: The Role of Civic Education in Preparing Students for Their Future and to Keep the Republic Strong 32:37

20d ago32:37

32:37

This edWeb podcast is part of a series of WebBriefs hosted by The Alliance of Former Chief State School Officers. The meeting recording can be accessed here. As we reflect on the nation’s journey and look ahead to the next 250 years, this WebBrief, hosted by the Alliance of Former Chief State School Officers, explores the vital role educators play …

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Inclusive Family Engagement for Every Language, Culture, and Tech Level 59:18

21d ago59:18

59:18

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Bloomz, Inc. The webinar recording can be accessed here. Reach every family—no translations needed. Learn how to engage multilingual families using immersive, tech-friendly tools. Engaging all families isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. In this edWeb podcast, educators learn practical strategies to connect with f…

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Heather Ogden - The Betrayal 17:12

22d ago17:12

17:12

In a world where loyalty can be the sharpest weapon and truth itself is treason, debut novelist Heather Ogden invites us into the haunting depths of her new dystopian fantasy, The Betrayal—the first in The Lies We Fear series. With a passion for fantasy and magical realism, Heather has crafted a story that blends mysterious magic, hidden truths, an…

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5.23 A Special Issue of the New Ecozoic Reader 44:15

22d ago44:15

44:15

This episode is about a very special issue of The New Ecozoic Reader that has just been released. This special issue, edited by the Forum's own Sam Mickey and Sam C. King, offers retrospective and prospective views on the field of religion and ecology: looking at where we've been, where things stand now, and how the field, and our work together, co…

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Strategies for Older Striving Readers with Lisa Mucci 13:41

23d ago13:41

13:41

Literacy is a lifeline for academic success and lifelong opportunities. For older students still struggling with reading, targeted intervention powerful and transformative. In this conversation with Lisa Mucci, Curriculum Associates' Impact Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction, we explore practical, evidence-based strategies that can make an im…

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Oral Language: The Hidden Barrier to Reading Success 57:35

23d ago57:35

57:35

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by OxEd & Assessment. The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here. Strong reading comprehension starts long before a child even opens their first book. Decades of research into the Science of Reading show that building strong oral language skills in early education forms the foundation for reading success. Yet …

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Inspirational Indie Author Interview #193: Stephen Oram Explores Humanity, Technology, and Applied Science Fiction 29:53

23d ago29:53

29:53

My guest this episode is Stephen Oram, a London-based author of near-future science fiction who explores the intersection of humanity with imperfect technology. His journey has taken him from squatter and countercultural outsider to civil servant, and now to full-time writer. As a practitioner of applied science fiction, he works with scientists an…