The Listening Books Podcast

Episode Three, Series 7 of the podcast is here! Nicola and Megan are joined by broadcaster, writer and economist Ed Balls. The former politician reflects on the books that have shaped him, from childhood classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Swallows and Amazons, to the life changing Testament of Youth. He also reflects on the role of memory and food in his writing, and offers some sage advice about the importance of living in the moment.

For episode two of The Listening Books Podcast Series 7, Nicola and Megan are joined by beloved radio presenter, screenwriter, and children's author Konnie Huq. Known to many children of the noughties as a presenter of Blue Peter, Konnie delves into the inspiration behind her Cookie book series, discusses updating classic fairy tales for modern readers, and shares which books she's currently reading. Buckle up for a fascinating chat about STEM, consumerism, troglodytes, and even dog ancestry! 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 https://www.facebook.com/ListeningBooks12 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 https://www.listening-books.org.uk for more information.

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 https://www.facebook.com/ListeningBooks12 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 https://www.listening-books.org.uk for more information.

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: https://www.listening-books.org.uk/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: @ListeningBooks Or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ListeningBooks12 We also have more content on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ListeningBooks 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 https://www.listening-books.org.uk for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to https://www.listening-books.org.uk/gift-membership

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: https://louisehare.com/ 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: @ListeningBooks Or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ListeningBooks12 We also have more content on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ListeningBooks 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 https://www.listening-books.org.uk for more information. To purchase a gift membership, go directly to https://www.listening-books.org.uk/gift-membership