Best Sonni Reading Project Podcasts (2025)

1
Legendary Producer Joe Boyd on World Music & London Music Scene in the '60s 57:29

24d ago57:29

57:29

Guests: Joe Boyd, Record Producer & Author of And the Roots of Rhythm Remain Joe Boyd is a legend in music. He was the soundman when Dylan went electric at Newport, the founder of the legendary UFO club in London, and the producer of seminal works by Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, John Martyn, Fairport Convention, R.E.M., and many more. In the 1980s, Boyd…

1
The Life of Traffic's Chris Wood with author Dan Ropek 57:56

2M ago57:56

57:56

Guests: Dan Ropek, Author of Tragic Magic: The Life of Traffic’s Chris Wood Traffic was the most enigmatic British band of their day. Formed in early 1967 by Chris Wood, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Dave Mason, they rejected the bright lights of London in favor of a run-down, supposedly haunted cottage in the country - a place to live communally…

1
Talkin' Greenwich Village - A Musical History with author David Browne 57:59

3M ago57:59

57:59

New York’s Greenwich Village is a compact sanctuary that has attracted a legion of visionaries and non-conformists who had an outsized influence on 20th-century culture – on alternative lifestyles, progressive politics, and the arts, especially music. Within the maze of coffeehouses, nightclubs, and watering holes on its narrow streets, the legends…

1
The Complicated Life of Skip Spence with Moby Grape's Don Stevenson & Author Cam Cobb 57:57

4M ago57:57

57:57

Guests: Don Stevenson, drummer/songwriter of Moby Grape & Cam Cobb, author of Weighted Down: The Complicated Life of Skip Spence. He was one of the Holy Trinity of critically revered and maybe unjustly labeled “acid casualties” of late ‘60s/early ‘70s music. Along with Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett and the 13th Floor Elevators’ Roky Erickson, Skip Spenc…

1
Sonny Rollins, Saxophone Colossus with author Aidan Levy 57:46

5M ago57:46

57:46

Guest: Aidan Levy, Author of Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins. In his new book, Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins, author Aidan Levy has created a work nearly as sprawling and monumental as the seven decades of sounds crafted by a man widely considered “jazz’s greatest living improviser.” Levy devoted se…

1
The Life & Death of Free Jazz Pioneer Albert Ayler with author Richard Koloda 57:55

6M ago57:55

57:55

Guest: Richard Koloda, Author of Holy Ghost: The Life and Death of Free Jazz Pioneer Albert Ayler A lawyer by trade and a jazz musicologist by passion, Richard Koloda has spent over two decades creating the most authoritative look at the life and music of free jazz pioneer Albert Ayler. His book follows Albert's life from his childhood and apprenti…

1
Moon Zappa on her memoir, Earth to Moon 57:32

7M ago57:32

57:32

Earth to Moon is the new critically acclaimed memoir of Moon Zappa, the eldest child of legendary rocker Frank Zappa and his wife, Gail. The book presents the often-disturbing realities of growing up in the shadow of her self-absorbed, workaholic dad (a man she idolized above all others) and her bossy mother, who vented at her eldest child due, to …

1
Rocker Dave Mason on his memoir, Only You Know and I Know 57:48

8M ago57:48

57:48

Only You Know and I Know is not only the name of one of his biggest hits but also the title of rocker Dave Mason’s new autobiography. It’s a freewheeling testament, providing that Dave was one of the most Zelig of rocker. He came to fame as a co-founder of the group Traffic and the writer of their biggest and most cover hit, “Feelin’ Alright.” He’s…

1
King Crimson, their 50+ Year history with author Sid Smith 57:53

9M ago57:53

57:53

Hosted by Sal Cataldi Guest: Sid Smith, Author of In the Court of King Crimson: An Observation over 50 Years Sid Smith is a British journalist best known for In the Court of King Crimson: An Observation over Fifty Year, the definitive history of Robert Fripp and his band, King Crimson, the primary architects of progressive rock. Smith has penned hu…

1
Author Joel Selvin on his new book on star-crossed drummer Jim Gordon 57:59

10M ago57:59

57:59

Hosted by Sal Cataldi. Guest: Joel Selvin From 1972 – 2009, Selvin was the very influential rock music columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. He is also the author of more than a dozen of the best books on rock music and culture. His works have covered artists like Sly Stone, The Grateful Dead, Ricky Nelson, and Sammy Hagar and events like the …

1
History of the Fillmore East with Joshua White (Joshua Lightshow) and author Frank Mastropolo 57:58

10M ago57:58

57:58

Guests: Frank Mastropolo and Joshua White This month, "Reading is Funktamental" host Sal Cataldi speaks to two people who know the illustrious history of the legendary Fillmore East best. Frank Mastropolo is the author of Fillmore East: The Venue That Changed Rock History Forever, a comprehensive history of the most famous rock hall in NYC history.…

1
Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera on his new memoir 57:42

10M ago57:42

57:42

Hosted by Sal Cataldi Guest: Phil Manzanera Phil Manzanera is a guitarist, songwriter and producer best known for his long-running association with Roxy Music, one of the leading pioneers of art-rock. Manzanera has concurrently pursued a long and fruitful career as a solo artist and a collaborator with leading names like Brian Eno, Robert Wyatt, Bo…

1
Eccentric singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock on his new memoir 57:54

10M ago57:54

57:54

Hosted by Sal Cataldi Guest: Robyn Hitchcock Robyn Hitchcock is one of the true eccentrics of British music, a songwriter who has revealed the beauty in the absurdity of life for five decades. He first rose to fame with the influential art-rockers the Soft Boys in the mid-‘70s before going solo in the early ‘80s producing over two dozen acclaimed a…

1
HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE - ANTHONY'S GOAL 8:57

1+ y ago8:57

8:57

Anthony's hockey team has battled its way to the championship, but his opponents keep using racist insults to throw him off his game. Even when he brings his best, some players try to tell him that he doesn't belong. Can Anthony overcome the everyday micro-aggressions, stereotyping, and racism he encounters as a Black hockey player and help his tea…

1
PARKER LOOKS UP - An Extraordinary Moment 6:26

2y ago6:26

6:26

Written by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry Illustrated by Brittany Jackson I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS STORY.

1
A Halloween Scare In Florida 10:03

2+ y ago10:03

10:03

Written by Eric James Illustrated by Marina Le Ray I DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHTS TO THIS STORY

1
OUR FAMILY LOVES BASKETBALL! 7:16

3y ago7:16

7:16

A story about Josiah and his family's love of watching college basketball, professional basketball, but also playing basketball together. I OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS STORY

1
¡FIESTA! 3:47

3y ago3:47

3:47

Horns, airplanes, and tops. Whistles, gum, and rings.What should the children choose?And what will they do with all the things they buy?Open this book to find out and to count with them -- in English and in Spanish. It's easy!

1
THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA 22:29

3y ago22:29

22:29

Prince Patrick wants to marry a real princess but they're not easy to find. Still anything is possible with the help of a cousin, a witch and a pea. This delightful retelling of the classic tale is part of Series One of the Usborne Young Reading Programme, written for children just starting to read.

1
ZARA'S BIG MESSY DAY (THAT TURNED OUT OKAY) 9:28

3y ago9:28

9:28

Young readers will join Zara, a clever,'s responsible, and sometimes anxious seven-year-old girl, in learning a fun .and simple breathing exercise to help them mindfully manage their big messy emotions and find peace and calm in any situation.(GOOGLE)

1
DAISY'S GRANDMA LOVES TO CROCHET 2:43

3y ago2:43

2:43

Daisy's Grandma loves to crochet...what will she make Daisy today? An easy to read picture book from Daisy Farm Crafts, perfect for children who have a grandma that loves to crochet!

1
The Very Bad Bunny 5:20

3y ago5:20

5:20

Because he's constantly spilling or breaking things, P.J. Funnybunny's family thinks he's the worst bunny ever--until his cousin Binky comes to visit and shows them what naughty really means.

1
Silverlicious 13:11

3y ago13:11

13:11

When Pinkalicious loses a tooth, it's not just any tooth—it's her sweet tooth! Suddenly candy no longer tastes sweet! With her pinkatastic pen, Pinkalicious writes a note to the Tooth Fairy and tucks it under her pillow... only to hear from Cupid, the Easter Bunny, and a Christmas elf instead. It is not until the Tooth Fairy finally responds—and wo…

1
POLAR BEAR, POLAR BEAR, WHAT DO YOU HEAR? 4:27

3y ago4:27

4:27

What will you hear when you read this book to a preschool child?Lots of noise!Children will chant the rhythmic words. They'll make the sounds the animals make. And they'll pretend to be the zoo animals featured in the book-- look at the last page!Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle are two of the most respected names in children's education and children…

1
THE RAINBOW FISH 3:18

3+ y ago3:18

3:18

BY: MARCUS PFISTER The Rainbow Fish is a children's picture book drawn and written by Swiss author and illustrator, Marcus Pfister, and translated into English by J. Alison James. The book is best known for its message about selfishness and sharing and for the distinctive shiny foil scales of the Rainbow Fish.…

1
BUDDY MANATEE 6:26

4y ago6:26

6:26

BUDDY MANATEE is written and illustrated by Panama City, Florida author Tim Thomas, and is an environmentally correct children's book, of a young manatee (Buddy) who becomes injured in one of Florida's springs. The story depicts how Buddy is rescued, rehabilitated and released back in to the wild.

1
THE INCREDIBLES 3:27

4y ago3:27

3:27

By Disney/Pixar, Published by: Publications International, Ltd

1
MY DADDY AND I 2:49

4y ago2:49

2:49

In only about 200 words, author P.K. Hallinan expresses the loving relationship between child and father. With rhyming verse and colorful illustrations, the book is sure to become a storytime favorite. (Amazon)

1
ASKING FOR HELP 6:52

4y ago6:52

6:52

Do you ever feel anxiety? Do you know how and when it is triggered? Did you know its normal to be fearful of asking for help? Anxiety can strike at any time, no matter your age or social standing. It can leave its mark on every part of your life. Asking For Help, explains to kids how reaching out for help is the first step in the process of healing…

1
I'M NOT GOING TO GET UP TODAY! 6:11

4y ago6:11

6:11

NOTHING is getting the young hero of this easy-reader out of bed—not an alarm clock, roosters, barking dogs, the police, the news media, or the United States Marines! With illustrations by beloved New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson—and a plot that children and adults can relate to—this is a funny fantasy that the whole family can enjoy together!…

1
CAILLOU: TRAINING WHEELS 4:51

4y ago4:51

4:51

Caillou would like to remove the training wheels on his bike, but he soon learns that there is a proper time for everything.

1
Pete The Cat: The Big Easter Adventure 4:40

4y ago4:40

4:40

Author and artist James Dean brings us along for a hippity-hoppity Easter adventure with the coolest cat around: Pete!When Pete wakes up Easter morning, ready to check out his basket of goodies, he discovers the Easter Bunny needs a little extra help. Our favorite groovy blue cat puts on his bunny ears and finds a way to collect, paint, and hide th…

1
THE BERENSTAIN BEARS: EASTER STORY 8:15

4y ago8:15

8:15

The Bear cubs and Papa are candy-crazy this Easter! But Mama, with help from Papa, tells the cubs about Jesus' resurrection and shows them that salvation is much sweeter than candy. Includes a colorful sticker set.

1
A Witch Lives Under My Bed...And It's Not That Bad! 7:30

4y ago7:30

7:30

A Witch Lives Under my bed and it's not that Bad! comes from the author's primordial terror of witches, and like most children, the dreaded non-specific THING under the bed. So, why not turn that on its head, with humor and heart? With cute and quirky illustrations, and humor that will appeal to kids and the adults reading to them, A Witch Lives un…

1
THE VERY FIRST AMERICANS 12:20

4y ago12:20

12:20

Long before Columbus landed in America, hundreds of groups of people had already made their homes here. You may have heard of some of them—like the Sioux, Hopi, and Seminole. But where did they live? What did they eat? How did they have fun? And where are they today? From coast to coast, learn all about these very first Americans! (Amazon)…

1
THE MAGIC HOCKEY STICK 11:04

4y ago11:04

11:04

Inspired by a real event, this is the fictional tale of a little girl whose parents win Wayne Gretzky's hockey stick at an auction. When thechild begins to play with it, she becomes her team's star. Meanwhile,"The Great One" goes into the greatest slump of his career. Realizing he needs the stick more than she does, the girl returns it to him, and …

1
INKY THE OCTOPUS 9:41

4y ago9:41

9:41

Follow Inky the octopus as he escapes from the National Aquarium of New Zealand to the ocean! Based on a true story, Inky the Octopus: Bound for Glory chronicles the adventure that the real-life Inky might have taken on his escape to freedom in the open ocean! (Amazon)

1
THE TOOTH BOOK 6:41

4y ago6:41

6:41

Teeth--they come in handy when you chew or smile! In Dr. Seuss's hilarious ode to teeth, little ones will laugh out loud as they find out all the things teeth can do and how to take care of them so they last a lifetime!

1
I LOVE YOU WHEREVER YOU ARE 3:48

4y ago3:48

3:48

This story beautifully capturesthe timeless love shared between a big person and a little person.

1
THE FOOT BOOK 3:07

4y ago3:07

3:07

The Foot Book is a children's book written by Dr. Seuss and first published in 1968, “And renewed in 1996” The Foot Book is intended for young children, and it seeks to convey the concept of opposites through depictions of different kinds of feet. Wikipedia

1
LITTLE LEADERS BOLD WOMEN IN BLACK HISTORY - MAYA ANGELOU 3:39

4y ago3:39

3:39

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History is the debut book from Vashti Harrison. Based on her popular Instagram posts from Black History Month 2017 it features 40 biographies of African American women that helped shape history. It is a 96-page paper over board book published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers.…

1
GOODNIGHT HOCKEY 3:43

4y ago3:43

3:43

A young fan cheers on his hometown hockey team, and then returns home to snuggle into bed. From the first puck drop to the final buzzer, Goodnight Hockey will have every hockey fan cheering

1
HEATHER HAS TWO MOMMIES 6:19

4y ago6:19

6:19

First published in 1989, Heather Has Two Mommies is a children's book written by Lesléa Newman with illustrations by Diana Souza. This ground-breaking novel was one of the first pieces of LGBTQ children's literature to garner broad attention. (Wikipedia)

1
A IS FOR AWESOME! 23 ICONIC WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD 8:12

4y ago8:12

8:12

Why stick with plain old A, B, C when you can have Amelia, Malala, Tina, Ruth, all the way to eXtraordinary You―and the Zillion of adventures you will go on? Instagram superstar Eva Chen, author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes, is back with an alphabet board book depicting feminist icons in A Is for Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the …

1
RILEY CAN BE ANYTHING 7:06

4y ago7:06

7:06

The inspiring rhyming story follows Riley as he discovers some of the wonderful things he can do when he grows up. With the help of his big cousin Joe, Riley is taken on a series of imaginative journeys that allow him to realize he can be anything he wants to be. (Amazon)