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5 Bookish Podcasts for Reading Addicts

By November 8, 2016July 15th, 2018Inspired by Literature, Literature

The early 21st century saw a new form of entertainment to download onto our computer or device- the podcast. Podcast is a portmanteau derived from the words ‘iPod’ (from Apple Inc) and ‘broadcast’ although alternative, less-Appley names such as ‘netcast’ have been offered. The BBC had even tried to force their employees to use ‘free download’ but it didn’t stick. There are thousands of podcasts out there, and a good deal of those are literary-based or bookish: from interviews and book reviews to fictional stories.




We have picked a handful of our favourites including engaging book chats with witty people, to science fiction, myths and legends and much in-between. Get ready to fill your media player app with some of the best bookish podcasts around, starting with a deliciously awkward offering from Jamie Morton and crew.

My Dad Wrote A Porno is a discussion-based podcast surrounding an instant cult-classic Belinda Blinked by Rocky Flintstone. Avoid it if you are sensitive to foul language, sexual content, or cringe-worthy moments of burning awkwardness.

When Jamie’s father decided to write erotic fiction and showed it to his son, Jamie could see the genius/madness borderline his father was treading… Rocky has an individual approach to erotica, sexuality, and the human anatomy. There are moments the listener is unsure if he understands a woman’s physiology, or whether his protagonist Belinda Blumenthal is even human.

The stories are obviously too good not to share so Jamie decided to share it with the world. Jamie is joined by James Cooper, and Alice Levine from BBC Radio 1, to endure half an hour of erotic fiction written by the inimitable Rocky Flintstone. Jamie reads Rocky’s chapters exactly as they are written which is, frankly, hilarious, and the fact his father is the author adds a lovely layer of cringe. Alice’s reactions mirror my own shrieks and expletives, and James’s well-timed wit is wonderfully sharp. Jump into the surprisingly sexual world of Steele’s Pots and Pans with this pant-wettingly funny reading of Belinda Blinked. You may regret it but only slightly.

The Myths And Legends Podcast is next and as you can imagine it deals with prevailing folk and fairy stories from around the world. That is almost enough for me but on top of a great content theme, the author and presenter of this podcast comes across as an personable guy. I mean, look at that face, doesn’t that look like a cool guy with interesting things to say? Jason Weiser is an enthusiastic, well-read, and funny presenter without being condescending or annoying. He tells each story as accurately as possible while adding his own amiable edge to it.

If you are a fan of myths and legends that have travelled the globe throughout the centuries this podcast is for you. Weiser gives us a wonderful insight into the variation of stories people have told to amuse, warn, and frighten. I was a late comer to this particular party so I have so much to catch up on so I started by picking out my favourite legends such as Jason and the Argonauts. Weiser splits that particular myth into sections so he has enough time to give them the detail and dedication they need. There was a special spooky edition for Halloween which I had to pause mid-listen as it was giving me chills despite Weiser’s occasionally cheeky quips. This is proper easy listening that is entertaining and informative!



According to their website:

“THE TRUTH makes movies for your ears: short stories that are sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and always intriguing. Each story is different, and usually 10 to 20 minutes long. We take you to unexpected places using only sound. For best results, use headphones!”

The Truth Podcast was created by a group of writers and performers who wanted to show the world the power of storytelling.

The team behind The Truth are an independent production who create their own unique stories, performed by actors from the Magnet Theatre in New York City. Each episode is directed by Jonathan Mitchell who has been making radio for over 20 years.

I’ve been listening to The Truth Podcast for a few months now and it has fast become my favourite. Every story is different but always captivating and clever. The acting is excellent and the actors draw you in to each story from the moment they speak- helped along by the smart and funny scripts. If you love short stories you will adore this- and if you don’t read short stories yet you may just start after subscribing to The Truth.

Welcome To Night Vale is in the style of radio updates for the Night Vale community and is presented by the wonderful Cecil Gershwin Palmer (voiced by Cecil Baldwin). The science fiction dystopia series was created by Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink in 2012 who wanted to create a place where perhaps conspiracy stories are actually true, and it snowballed from there. Each episode can stand alone as a slightly creepy yet entertaining insight into the Night Vale community but what I love are the running jokes throughout the series’. ALL HAIL THE MIGHTY GLOW CLOUD!

The past four years of student life has been made more bearable thanks to my twice-monthly downloads of Welcome To Night Vale. It is pure escapism… Unnerving and odd escapism. Cecil’s ‘everything is absolutely not ok but that is ok’ attitude is hilarious; my favourite episodes usually heavily involve Cecil. He speaks to you, and the residents of the desert town, with a comforting tone, only occasionally freaking out. My most recent favourite episode involved being asked by Cecil to wear headphones, listening out for an unknown creature, and moving earbuds from ear to ear. It wasn’t that easy while attempting to empty the dishwasher.

Angela Ledgerwood heads up Lit Up, a podcast about all things books. No topic too personal, or too controversial, Angela discusses a range of topics within her guest’s reads. Australian born, Angela has a pleasant voice and a soft accent that is not only easy to listen to but also quite soothing. She discusses themes and topics frankly with her guests, and she certainly wouldn’t be out of place on BBC Woman’s Hour.

Angela and her guests chat easily about their books and reads, and the themes raised while they read (or wrote) the book. I knew this was a half decent podcast when I was listening to people speak on a topic I wouldn’t normally find myself interested in, like fasting traditions in Ireland. Somehow Angie and guest manage to bring a topic alive and relate to it through discussion and reflection.

The best one so far for a philosophy lover like myself is the discussion with Alain De Botton, it is basically therapy. The sound isn’t great because they couldn’t record it in person but it is so worth it! They discuss his books, culture and nature, and his insights into the expectations of love.




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