Literary Podcasts

Quarantine freed Americans’ precious time that was so coveted and rare before we were all locked into our homes under stay-at-home orders. The start time of this quarantine has varied for people depending on place of habitation, but the shelter in place orders started anywhere from late February to late March. While bibliophiles have no doubt been reading books and poetry and plays (anything they could get their hands on really) or writing their own, there is something to be said for listening to experts talk about books. While literature is about characters talking in readers’ heads creating a story, listening to a flesh-and-bone person talking about your favorite books or authors is fascinating. Depending on the podcast you choose, you can dive deeper into a subject you have thought of a lot or learn about an author or series that is completely new to you.

*WARNING* - Before listening to podcast episodes, read the titles and descriptions! Details about a book (or movie in some cases) you were going to read (or see) may be revealed in order to adequately discuss a plot and its importance.

The History of Literature discusses literature and pop culture through the ages. Episodes can be about specific authors, literary rivalries, specific classics and stories, genres, and even films that are alluded to in books. I will say; however, the host is a little ramble-y. It takes him awhile to “get going”. I honestly skip the first ten minutes or so. After he gets the episode going, he explains well. He seems to bring the same guest on a lot. This podcast brings up a lot of interesting topics, but you must be patient.

All the Books! is a weekly recommendation and book premiering podcast. In contrast to The History of Literature, the focus of this podcast is new and upcoming books. The hosts discuss genres, so that if you’re interested in a certain type of book at the moment, they have new recommendations for you! The subseries, All the backlist! discusses older books that are still in print but fit the bill for the genre they are discussing. (like a podcast for “oldie-but-goodies” books).

The Losers’ Club focuses on Stephen King novels. The hosts dissect symbols, motifs, and characters that make King’s books horrifyingly wonderful. As Stephen King books are adapted to film, the podcast discusses King’s work on the screen as well. If you’re interested in the ins-and-outs of horror and Stephen King, The Losers’ Club is for you.

The Literary Life brings a historical spin to literature discussion. My current favorite series, a discussion about Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, not only reveals the complexities of the play but also tells of the allusions to the Victorian faults. The hosts bring historical details that truly help bring literature to life by using its historical context to convey its textual meaning. By “Literary Life” they do not just means the lives of characters or our lives as readers, but they also mean the lives of people the characters are based upon.

 *WARNING* - These podcasts are all listed on Spotify; however, I cannot guarantee they will be listed on any other apps or stations.

Enjoy!