The Listening Books Podcast
For every kind of reader, but especially for fans of audiobooks. Join us for exclusive interviews with award-winning actors, narrators, authors, and familiar voices from the entertainment world as we discuss the books that have inspired them, shaped their careers, and stayed with them long after the final chapter. Discover new listens, behind-the-scenes stories, and unexpected literary favourites along the way. Listening Books is a UK charity providing an audiobook lending service for those who find it difficult to read or hold a book due to an illness, disability, learning difficulty or mental health condition. Find out more at www.listening-books.org.uk.
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With...Adam Buxton
07/07/2026
With...Adam Buxton
The Listening Books Podcast is back with an all-new sound! Joining Nicola and Megan for the first episode of series 7 is Adam Buxton – British comedian, writer, actor, broadcaster and podcaster. They discuss the audiobooks he's listening to at the moment, his latest book, I Love You, Byeee, and how he wrote it with an audio-first approach, as well as his latest project, Successpod. And, of course, there's a chat about his canine companion, Rosie. If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Instagram: @ListeningBooks, or find us on Facebook at The Listening Books Podcast is hosted Nicola Austin and Megan Harvey and is a production for Listening Books, a UK charity for those who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information.
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Author Leeanne O'Donnell
11/07/2024
Author Leeanne O'Donnell
Leeanne O’Donnell is the author of Sparks of Bright Matter, a novel set in Georgian London and West Cork that follows the pursuits of scientist and alchemist, Peter Woulfe. In her thoughtful conversation with host Jessica Stone, she talks about what made Peter a subject of fascination to her, how her own near-sightedness inspired a beloved character’s way of navigating the world, and how learning about older traditions of spoken-word storytelling provoked a crisis of philosophy around the written word. This is Leeanne’s debut novel, but she’s no stranger to telling stories—she’s made a number of award-winning radio documentaries and presents her own podcast about Irish mythology with Pol O Colmain, Into the Mythic. Books mentioned: Sparks of Bright Matter, Leeanne O’Donnell, narrated by Gerry O’Brien Give the gift of audio this Christmas with a Listening Books gift membership: We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Author Louise Hare
10/03/2024
Author Louise Hare
Louise Hare is the London-based author of This Lovely City and the Canary Club Mysteries. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, she talks about the second in that series, Harlem After Midnight—how the musical styles of ragtime and jazz support the story, how she creates a safe space for her main character, and how the historical setting resonates with current times. Books mentioned: Harlem After Midnight, Louise Hare, narrated by Leonie Elliott Miss Aldridge Regrets, Louise Hare, narrated by Georgina Campbell This Lovely City, Louise Hare, narrated by Theo Solomon and Karise Yansen Another Country, James Baldwin, narrated by Dion Graham Links: We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Author Becca Caddy
09/05/2024
Author Becca Caddy
Becca Caddy is a writer and journalist who likes to explore the human side of technology, and her book Screen Time offers the information and guidance to help us take back a bit more control over our digital lives. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, Becca talks about why our language around technology is so important and how we can be more deliberate in our use of the technological tools available to us. Books mentioned Screen Time: How to Make Peace with Your Devices and Find Your Techquilibrium, Becca Caddy, narrated by Julie Maisey Hello World: How to Be Human in the Age of the Machine, Hannah Fry, narrated by the author Irresistible: Why We Can't Stop Checking, Scrolling, Clicking and Watching, Adam Alter, narrated by the author Apps Mentioned Waking Up: Meditation and Wisdom Headspace Links Becca Caddy's website: A special, YouTube-only episode of The Listening Books Podcast with bestselling author B.A. Paris: We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Author Sierra Godfrey
08/01/2024
Author Sierra Godfrey
Sierra Godfrey is the well-travelled author of A Very Typical Family and The Second Chance Hotel. In this joyful conversation with Jessica Stone, she talks about her first novel, her love for anything written or recommended by Marian Keyes, the nature of friendship, and even her meticulous system for tracking all the books she reads. Books mentioned: A Very Typical Family, Sierra Godfrey, narrated by Gail Shalan The Second Chance Hotel, Sierra Godfrey, narrated by Ri Paige Watermelon, Marian Keyes, narrated by Gerri Halligan The Unmaking of June Farrow, Adrienne Young, narrated by Brittany Pressley Clover Hendry’s Day Off, Beth Morrey, narrated by Imogen Church and the author Links: We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Reading Roundup: Oldies and Newbies
07/02/2024
Reading Roundup: Oldies and Newbies
Amy, Claire and Jessica each bring one ‘old’ book and one ‘new’ one to the table before Amy and Claire square off in Jess’s ridiculously challenging literary game. Books mentioned: Weirdo, Sara Pascoe, narrated by the author And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie, narrated by Dan Stevens The Canary Club Series, Louise Hare, narrated by Leonie Elliot and Georgina Campbell Psyche and Eros, Luna McNamara, narrated by Rachel Petladwala and Joshua Riley Persuasion, Jane Austen, narrated by Juliet Stevenson The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck, full cast LA Theatre Works production Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver, narrated by Charlie Thurston We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service reaching over 100,000 people with print impairments. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Reading Roundup: Books that Centre Celebrations
12/20/2023
Reading Roundup: Books that Centre Celebrations
A special festive episode discussing books that feature celebrations. Amy and Edward return for a final a face-off as Jess attempts to foil them with her literary quiz. Books mentioned: Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers The Party, by Elizabeth Day Bridget Jones’s Diary, by Helen Fielding Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel:
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Narrator Emily Woo Zeller
11/16/2023
Narrator Emily Woo Zeller
Emily Woo Zeller is an American voice actress and audiobook narrator whose work has earned heaps of awards, including AudioFile’s prestigious Golden Voice Award. You may have heard her reading fantasy books like R.F. Kuang’s Poppy War series, romance novels like Helen Hoang’s The Bride Test, or perhaps a spy thriller like Chloe Gong’s Foul Lady Fortune. Today she tells us what she appreciates about those books, and a little of what she’s learned about creating a well-balanced life. Other books mentioned: Phoenix Extravagant, by Yoon Ha Lee The Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease, by Elissa Epel The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer; by Elizabeth Blackburn, Elissa Epel Links! Emilly Woo Zeller and Gabra Zackman’s short-form romance and erotica: AudioFile interview: Give the gift of audio this Christmas with a Listening Books gift membership: Members' Choice Award To vote for your favourite audiobook to win the Members Choice Award, visit We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Narrator Stephanie Cannon
11/09/2023
Narrator Stephanie Cannon
Stephanie Cannon is an American voice actor, circus performer, and audiobook narrator living in England. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, she tells us what that’s like, how walking on stilts complements reading in a box, which kinds of books she loves to narrate, and conversely which ones she'll take a pass on. We also discuss Kate Dylan’s cyberpunk dystopian novel Mindwalker and its sequel Mindbreaker, both narrated by Stephanie. Books and other recommendations: The Sharp Edge of Silence, by Cameron Kelly Rosenblum, narrated by Stephanie Cannon Mindwalker, by Kate Dylan, narrated by Stephanie Cannon Mindbreaker, by Kate Dylan, narrated by Stephanie Cannon Noir, by Christopher Moore, narrated by Johnny Heller Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words, by Tara Sivec and Andy Arndt, narrated by Andy Arndt The Space Race, docudrama from B7 Media, narrated by Kate Mulgrew Links! For more of Stephanie’s work, head to her website To vote for your favourite audiobook to win the Members Choice Award, visit Give the gift of audio this Christmas with a Listening Books gift membership: We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Narrator Jane McDowell
11/02/2023
Narrator Jane McDowell
Jane McDowell is a talented actress and narrator with many credits to her name, including the Dr Ruth Galloway mystery series by Elly Griffiths. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, Jane tells us what it was like to record the last book of the series The Locked Room during a Covid lockdown, how animals help her create character voices, and what book was so moving that she wrote the author to thank her. Books mentioned, all narrated by Jane: The Locked Room, by Elly Griffiths Delicious, by Nicki Pellegrino Snow Widows, by Katherine MacInnes Curlew Moon, by Mary Colwell The Hidden World of the Fox, by Adele Brand The Confession of Katherine Howard, by Suzannah Dunn A Killer's Confession, by Karen Edwards Gift MembershipGive the gift of audio this Christmas with a Listening Books gift membership: Members' Choice AwardTo vote for your favourite audiobook to win the Members Choice Award, visit We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Narrator Polly Lee
10/26/2023
Narrator Polly Lee
Polly Lee is an award winning actress and narrator of over 200 fiction and non-fiction books. She has also narrated over 200 romance novels under the name Ashford McNab/MacNab. Raised in the UK, she has lived in the US now for 25 years working equally in both her British and American dialects. Today she tells us about some of the books that have stayed with her, including Soman Chainani’s School for Good and Evil series, and the voices she would have done differently if she’d known how the series would play out. Other books mentioned: A Place to Hang the Moon, by Kate Albus Better Late than Never: Understand, survive and thrive a midlife diagnosis of ADHD, by Emma Mahony and Sari Solden Members' Choice Award To vote for your favourite audiobook to win the Members Choice Award, visit We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Author Bonnie Garmus
10/19/2023
Author Bonnie Garmus
Bonnie Garmus is the author of Lessons in Chemistry, the bestselling novel about a chemist named Elizabeth Zott who becomes the host of a cooking show in the 1960s. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, Bonnie tells us about how her career as a copywriter shaped her approach to writing the novel, the one mispronunciation in the audiobook, and why she needed to break some rules to write this story. Other books mentioned in this episode: Chasing Hope by Nicholas D. Kristof Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Members' Choice Award To vote for your favourite audiobook to win the Members Choice Award, visit We’d love to hear from you! If you're enjoying this podcast, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, can help others find us (and makes us feel good, too). You can also give us a shout on Twitter or Instagram: Or find us on Facebook at We also have more content on our YouTube channel: Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 120,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. Visit for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to
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Narrator Gordon Griffin
06/29/2023
Narrator Gordon Griffin
Gordon Griffin has narrated over 900 audiobooks and in 2017 received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth for his services to audiobooks. He tells us about that experience, how the industry has changed over the years, how he prepares for each audiobook, and what the secret is to being a truly good narrator. Books Mentioned Rooftoppers, Katherine Rundell Billy Elliot, Melvin Burgess The New Woman, Charity Norman The Final Testimony of Raphael Ignatius Phoenix, Paul Sussman For more about Gordon Griffin's work and workshops, visit gordongriffin.com. Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 115,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. For more information, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Narrator Annie Aldington
04/30/2023
Narrator Annie Aldington
Annie Aldington has voiced hundreds of audiobooks, and among them are some of the most popular titles in the Listening Books collection, including novels by Dilly Court, Martina Cole, Katie Price, Aoife Walsh, and Kitty Neale. Here Annie tells us how she happened into audiobook narration, shares her secret tricks for conquering difficult accents, and reveals just how much fun peripheral characters can be. Books Mentioned Adams Family Series, Mary Jane Staples Polly of Penn’s Place, Dee Williams Voice and the Actor, Cicely Berry The Tulip Tearooms, Pam Evans The Good Time Girls, Fiona Ford Woolworths Series, Elaine Everest The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper, Hallie Rubenhold Authors Mentioned Dilly Court Martina Cole Kay Brellend The Good Time Girls, Fiona Ford Jean Fullerton Kerry Barnes Edie Baylis Apps and Podcasts Mentioned The Accent Kit (app) Murder Mile UK True-Crime Podcast Scotland Yard Confidential Catford 6699 Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 115,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. For more information, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Author Dr Julie Smith
03/23/2023
Author Dr Julie Smith
Clinical psychologist and author Dr Julie Smith joins Jess to share some of the practical wisdom from her bestselling book Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Want to know one of the most versatile tools to have in your mental health tool kit? Do you ever wish you could summon motivation when you need it most? Julie warns us of the pitfalls of chasing self-esteem and the rewards of living your life in line with who you want to be. You can find more of Julie's content on social media and . Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 115,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. For more information, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Author Jonathan Whitelaw
02/23/2023
Author Jonathan Whitelaw
Author Jonathan Whitelaw joins Jess for a cosy chat about cosy crime. He tells us how he landed such a fantastic narrator in Sid Sagar, how he approached character development in The Bingo Hall Detectives, why he chose the Lake District for the setting, and what we should be reading while we wait for his next book, The Village Hall Vendetta. Books Mentioned The Bingo Hall Detectives and The Village Hall Vendetta, Jonathan Whitelaw Rivers of London: Amongst Our Weapons, Ben Aaronovitch A Spoonful of Murder, J.M. Hall Her Majesty the Queen Investigates (series), S.J. Bennett The Marlow Murder Club and Death Comes to Marlow, Robert Thorogood Links Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 115,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. For more information, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Author Florence Wilkinson
01/26/2023
Author Florence Wilkinson
Author Florence Wilkinson talks about her book Wild City: Encounters with Urban Wildlife, giving lots of suggestions for noticing and encouraging the wildlife right on our doorstep. Books and Apps Mentioned Darwin Comes to Town: How the Urban Jungle Drives Evolution by Menno Schilthuizen Warbler Picture This Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 115,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. For more information, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Reading Roundup: Books Adapted to Film
12/22/2022
Reading Roundup: Books Adapted to Film
Jess is joined by colleagues Amy and Lieve to talk about notable books adapted to film—for better and for worse! Of course, this is all just a warm-up for the true highlight, which is of course our Very Serious Literary Game. Will Amy triumph against her new opponent, or will Lieve take down the reigning champion? Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 115,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. For more information, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Author Emilie Pine
12/01/2022
Author Emilie Pine
Emilie Pine, author of the personal essay collection Notes to Self and her recently published novel Ruth and Pen, tells us what it was like to narrate her emotionally difficult first book, what factored into the casting of Ruth and Pen’s audiobook narrator, and the sometimes surprising responses she’s received from readers. There is also wisdom here for the aspiring writer, or anyone attempting something that feels too enormous to begin. Mentioned in this episode: Notes to Self, a collection of personal essays written and narrated by Emilie, published by Tramp Press Ruth and Pen, a novel written by Emilie and narrated by Jody O’Neill, published by Hamish Hamilton Good Sex, a play written by Emilie, produced by Dead Centre, and directed by Ben Kidd Small: On motherhoods, a memoir written by Claire Lynch, published by Octopus Publishing Group Ulysses by James Joyce Virginia Woolf Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 115,000 members who find that an illness, mental health condition, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. For more information, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Writer Natasha Lipman
10/27/2022
Writer Natasha Lipman
Natasha Lipman writes about what it means to live, and live well, with chronic illness. Here she talks to Jessica about the strategies she’s adopted to return her to the pleasures of reading. Books Mentioned The Kites by Romain Gary The Paddington Series by Michael Bond, read by Stephen Fry The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland Important Links To subscribe to Natasha’s newsletter and to participate in online bibliotherapy on the 15th November, head to For more information about Listening Books, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is produced by Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 115,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join.
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Slightly Foxed Editors Gail Pirkis and Hazel Wood
09/22/2022
Slightly Foxed Editors Gail Pirkis and Hazel Wood
Gail Pirkis and Hazel Wood are founding editors of Slightly Foxed, the quarterly magazine and independent publishing house. As specialists in books that have stood the test of time even while falling out of fashion, Gail and Hazel bring us titles so good, they deserve to be heard as audiobooks, too. Books and Authors Recommended Humour My Grandmothers and I, Diana Holman-Hunt A Boy at the Hogarth Press, Richard Kennedy The Empress of Ireland, Christopher Robbins Natural History & the English Countryside Adrian Bell Trilogy: Corduroy, Silver Ley, The Cherry Tree James Rebanks: English Pastoral, A Shepherd’s Life Lark Rise to Candleford Trilogy, Flora Thompson: Lark Rise, Over to Candleford, Candleford Green The Brensham Trilogy, John Moore: Portrait of Elmbury, Brensham Village, The Blue Field Children’s Books BB (Denys Watchkins-Pitchford): The Little Grey Men, Down the Bright Stream Ronald Welch’s novels Rosemary Sutcliff’s Roman and post-Roman novels* Memoirs & Diaries Blue Remembered Hills, Rosemary Sutcliff A Late Beginner, Priscilla Napier A Sort of Life, Graham Green Roald Dahl: Boy, Going Solo The House of Elric, Gavin Maxwell Giving Up the Ghost, Hilary Mantel Conundrum, Jan Morris Nella Last’s War, Nella Last Recommended Audiobooks Richard Crompton’s Just William series, read by Martin Jarvis Anthony Trollope: The Barsetshire Chronicles, The Pallisers, read by *Timothy West Will She Do, Eileen Atkins, read by the author In My Mind’s Eye: A Thought Diary, Jan Morris, read by Phyllida Nash A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth For more information about Slightly Foxed, visit . Who Are We? The Listening Books Podcast is hosted by audio producer Jessica Stone and is a production of Listening Books, a UK charity that provides an audiobook lending service for over 115,000 members who find that an illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. It’s simple to join. For more information, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Reading Roundup: Summer Reads (Make Us Feel Fine)
07/21/2022
Reading Roundup: Summer Reads (Make Us Feel Fine)
Amy, Edward, and Jessica are back for this summer special filled with all the books they’ve got lined up for the sunshine and the sea shore. Come for the stellar book recs. Stay for the most unfair literary game in history (our history anyway). The Listening Books Podcast returns in September for a new monthly series! Edward is reading: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro The Secret History by Donna Tartt The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann Amy is reading: Dead Famous by Greg Jenner To the Greatest Heights by Vanessa O’Brien Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams I’ll Be You by Janelle Brown Jessica is reading: Home Stretch by Graham Norton The Master by Colm Toibín The Magician by Colm Toibín Ulysses by James Joyce as read by Who Are We? Edward Herring is Membership Support Officer at Listening Books. Amy Flinders is Publisher Relations Manager. And Jessica Stone is Audio Producer, and host of the Listening Books Podcast. For more information about Listening Books, whether you’re interested in our Sound Learning initiative or our collaboration with PressPreader, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Reading Roundup: Books that Bring Us Joy
12/16/2021
Reading Roundup: Books that Bring Us Joy
Edward, Amy, and Jessica round up the books that have been bringing them joy this year . . . ‘joy’ veering very occasionally into malevolent glee, and Edward and Amy face off in a festive literary quiz. The audiobooks (or plays!) bringing Edward joy Under Milk Wood, Dylan Thomas Olive Kitteridge, Elizabeth Strout Right Ho, Jeeves, P.G. Wodehouse The audiobooks bringing Amy joy Short Stories by Roald Dahl, especially ‘The Way Up to Heaven’ Invisible Women, Caroline Criado Pérez Anything by Caitlin Moran! The Descent of Man, Grayson Perry Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman The Silver Linings Playbook, Matthew Quick Crooked Heart, Lissa Evans The Midnight Library, Matt Haig A Streetcat Named Bob, James Bowen The audiobooks bringing Jessica joy Light a Penny Candle, Maeve Binchy Circle of Friends, Maeve Binchy The Frayed Atlantic Edge, David Gange (You can hear Jess’s conversation with David in an earlier episode) When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, Judith Kerr (You can hear Jess’s conversation with narrator Helen Barford in an earlier episode) Who Are We? Edward Herring is Membership Support Officer at Listening Books. Amy Flinders is Publisher Relations Manager. And Jessica Stone is Audio Producer, and of course, host of The Listening Books Podcast. For more information about Listening Books, whether you’re interested in our Sound Learning initiative or our collaboration with PressPreader, head to . To purchase a gift membership, go directly to We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on .
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Publisher Cherry Potts & Author Marina Sánchez
10/29/2021
Publisher Cherry Potts & Author Marina Sánchez
‘I have to say as an editor, I was very pleased when I saw “flensing”. I thought, “Yes exactly! That’s exactly . . . Hurrah! Yes!” Publisher Cherry Potts from and indigenous Mexican Latinx author Marina Sánchez talk with Jess about the newly published anthology Where We Find Ourselves: Stories and Poems of Maps and Mapping from UK Writers of the Global Majority. The poems you hear are Geography Lesson, by Marina Sánchez, read by Marina Sánchez; and Departure Lounge, by Rhiya Pau, read by Farhana Khalique. Marina recommends the Zapotec poet Irma Pineda, and Cherry recommends Jay Bernard’s debut collection of poetry, Surge. *** We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on . For more information about Listening Books, whether you’re interested in our Sound Learning initiative or our collaboration with PressPreader, head to .
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Actor Helen Barford
09/23/2021
Actor Helen Barford
Do you think we'll ever really belong anywhere? 'I suppose not,' said Papa. 'Not the way people belong who have lived in one place all their lives. But we'll belong a little in lots of places, and I think that may be just as good.' Actor Helen Barford talks with Jessica about Judith Kerr's classic children’s novel When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, which she narrated for Listening Books' Sound Learning production. Helen also shares some good advice for anyone interested in taking up audiobook narration. Books Helen and her children recommend for the Beast Quest (series), Adam Blade Harry Potter (series), JK Rowling The Secret Seven (series) and The Famous Five (series), Enid Blyton Julia Donaldson’s books, especially Tyrannosaurus Drip and What the Ladybird Heard Roald Dahl’s books, especially Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett The Railway Children, Edith Nesbit We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on . For more information about Listening Books, whether you’re interested in our Sound Learning initiative or our collaboration with PressPreader, head to .
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Poet Fiona Bennett and Actor Michael Schaeffer
08/12/2021
Poet Fiona Bennett and Actor Michael Schaeffer
'My reading experience with poetry is that I'm in the presence of some...body and we're in that kind of potentially ... it might be that slightly late night kitchen table moment where you've sort of got through all the news and the stuff and you actually enter into where you really are, and what's going on, and what you really need to talk about.' Poet Fiona Bennett and Actor Michael Schaeffer talk with Jessica about how began, why the poems are introduced as friends, and how the way we encounter poems can shape our experience of them. Fiona’s recommendations for the Rapture, by Carol Ann Duffy A Sleepwalk on the Severn, by Alice Oswald We’d love to hear from you! You can also give us a shout on Twitter: , Or Instagram: , Or , And we also have some content on . For more information about Listening Books, head to
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Author David Gange
07/15/2021
Author David Gange
The kayak gives this incredible perspective on the world, where you are really embedded in the worlds of the species, you're surrounded by other animals, they don't respond to you in the way that they respond to humans on foot because obviously they are so much more skilled in and on the water than you are. Writer and historian David Gange talks to Jessica about his book The Frayed Atlantic Edge: A Historian’s Journey from Shetland to the Channel, describing his adventures by kayak, his encounters with wildlife, the importance of poets to history, and why he was discouraged from narrating his own audiobook. David's book recommendations for the Audiobook Listening Challenge: Floating Coast: An Environmental History of the Bering Strait by Bathsheba Demuth Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Fathoms: The World in the Whale by Rebecca Giggs Moder Dy/ Mother Wave by Roseanne Watt Links: Twitter: Instagram:
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Author Claire Fuller
06/17/2021
Author Claire Fuller
It does play huge roles in describing the character and circumstances, but really it’s there because I love food! Author Claire Fuller talks with Jess about her latest novel, Unsettled Ground, shortlisted for the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction, and her third novel, the simmering, suspenseful Bitter Orange. Claire reflects on the roles music and food play in her story-telling, and she describes how someone who never aspired to be a writer became one nonetheless. Books Claire Recommends for the Ian McEwan's Atonement Donna Tartt's The Secret History Links! We’d Love to Hear From You! Twitter: Instagram:
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Author Francis Spufford
05/13/2021
Author Francis Spufford
My other conviction here, is that when you're writing difficult things, you should make them as rich and pleasurable as possible for the reader, that there need to be compensations... Author Francis Spufford talks about what it's been like to launch his new novel, Light Perpetual, during a pandemic, the many talents and accents required of audiobook narrator Imogen Church, the fondness he holds for his 'unlikable' characters, and why the narrator was especially important for his historical novel Golden Hill. To top it off, he delivers a beautiful reflection on the extraordinariness of our ordinary lives. Books Francis Recommends for the Historical Fiction: Antonia Hodgson's Tom Hawkins series, specifically The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins and The Silver Collar Penelope Fitzgerald's The Blue Flower, The Beginning of Spring, Innocence, and The Gate of Angels Nonfiction: Oliver Morton's The Moon: A History for the Future Get in touch Twitter: Instagram: For more information about the charity,
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Actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
04/15/2021
Actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
I was telling a story, and as an actor, as an artist, that’s the central love. Actor and audiobook narrator Kobna Holdbrook-Smith talks about what it was like to voice Rivers of London as his very first audiobook, what he had to unlearn to do voice work, how Frank Sinatra inspired his mic technique, and even his first experience of snow. He also offers a heap of recommendations for your reading list: Books Slough House series by Mick Herron, narrated by Sean Barrett The Architect’s Apprentice by Elif Shafak, narrated by Grant Cartwright The Terrible: A Storyteller’s Memoir, by Yrsa Daley-Ward, narrated by the author and Howard Daley-Ward She Would Be King by Weyétu Moore, narrated by the author The Milkman by Anna Burns, narrated by Bríd Brennan Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo, narrated by James Goode Circe by Madeline Miller, narrated by Perdita Weeks The Rosewater books (The Wormwood Trilogy) by Tade Thompson, narrated by Bayo Gbadamosi Authors Anne Carson, Roxane Gay, Toni Morrison Narrators Imogen Church, Anna Bentinck, Nicole Davis, Raj Ghatak, Tania Rodrigues, Adjoa Andoh, Bayo Gbadamosi Links Jess promised to include! Twitter & Instagram: @ListeningBooks
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