17 Awesome Podcasts I’ve Been Listening to Lately (Bookish and Non)

17 Awesome Podcasts I've Been Listening To Lately


Podcasts are my one of my favorite forms of entertainment these days…mostly because they make boring tasks way more interesting and they work for me during times when audiobooks don’t. So, I thought it was about time to share the awesome podcasts I’ve been listening to lately (some of which are brand, spankin’ new!)!

I should absolutely be embarrassed about some of these (I know my mom will be), but I like a healthy mix of high and lowbrow entertainment.

I focused on newer-to-me podcasts for this post, so I haven’t included a few huge podcasts that I’ve been listening to for a long time (The Book Riot Podcast, All the Books, and What Should I Read Next?). 

Podcasts about Books and Reading

Annotated
Just launched (as in 2 weeks ago) by the folks at Book Riot, Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky (co-hosts of The Book Riot Podcast) host what they’ve described as “This American Life for books.” Only one episode has dropped so far (“Is It 1984 Yet?”), but it was a fascinating one!

Drunk Booksellers
In this monthly podcast, hosts Kim and Emma interview different booksellers about books and bookstores…and feature a special cocktail. The talk is often boozy and profane, which is fine with me! There hasn’t been a new episode since May, but I’m hoping that will change soon.

From the Front Porch
Annie Jones and Chris Jensen of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia talk “books, small business, and life in the South.” I’ve recently gotten some fantastic book recommendations from this podcast, especially from Annie. She steered me in the right direction on Rabbit Cake and Standard Deviation…and now I’m anxiously awaiting American Fire (out today) thanks to her (and Book of the Month Club). I’m a big fan of their monthly reading recaps and “Love it or Loathe it” feature (where they break down whether they loved or hated a particular book…most recently A Separation).

Just the Right Book with Roxanne Coady
Hosted by the owner of R.J. Julia Booksellers (an independent bookstore in Madison, CT), Just the Right Book features author interviews, reading discussions, and book recommendations. I’m partial to her author interviews and have recently loved episodes featuring Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, John Grisham, and Yewande Omotoso (author of The Woman Next Door).

Reading Glasses
I literally just started listening to this podcast hosted by Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara where they “help you get more out of your literary experiences.” I enjoyed a recent episode on caring about book awards and am planning to dig into their backlist with Readers in a Non-Reader World and Navigating New Releases.

Podcasts with Great Blogging Tips

Brilliant Business Moms
Hosted by Beth Anne Schwamberger, owner of Brilliant Business Moms, which provides practical business advice and community support for “Mamapreneurs.” The podcast highlights practical business advice from mom entrepreneur guests. While not every episode is pertinent to bloggers, many of them are! I’ve learned a ton about social media, email marketing, branding, and how to think creatively from Beth Anne and her guests.

The Chopped Podcast
Hosted by Marly McMillen of NamelyMarly.com, this podcast is actually for food bloggers, but much of the information is applicable to blogging in general. She generally interviews a guest and recent episodes on SEO (#124) and Google Analytics (#129) are chock full of awesome information that bloggers should know, but probably don’t.

The Strategy Hour Podcast
Abagail and Emylee help female online entrepreneurs “break down their Oprah-sized dreams to create a functioning command center to tame the chaos of their business.” Their podcast, blog, and online courses are chock full of tips that are applicable to book bloggers…email marketing, social media, how to run a successful launch, how to stay mentally positive, and much more. Their “badass boss babe” attitude will make you feel like you can do literally anything!

Non-Trashy Entertainment Podcasts

30 for 30 Podcasts
Y’all have probably heard of ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series…well, it just became a brand spanking new podcast! 30 for 30 tackles sports stories “that touch on larger themes beyond sports.” The first episode featuring the U.S. decathlon duo (and Reebok marketing juggernauts) Dan and Dave grabbed my Olympics-loving heart.  

Revisionist History
Malcolm Gladwell (author of Outliers and The Tipping Point) “reinterprets something from the past: an event, a person, an idea. Something overlooked. Something misunderstood.” Season 2 premiered recently with episodes on L.A. golf courses (I swear, this is fascinating) and a look at a terrorist who switched sides. Some of my favorite episodes from Season 1 are The Big Man Can’t Shoot (about granny-style free throw shooting in the NBA) and Carlos Doesn’t Remember (about how hard it is to overcome hardship in the American school system).

Sorta Awesome
Co-hosted by Megan Tietz, Rebekah Hoffer, Laura Tremaine, and Kelly Gordon, Sorta Awesome is “geared toward women who want to stay current on all things awesome, including culture, media, trending conversations and general girlfriend chat.” They talk about anything and everything and I’m not always interested in every episode. But, a couple episodes have really stuck with me (The Awesome Freedom of the Don’t Do List and S-Town by Serial: Thoughts and Theories) and they often talk books, including a monthly preview of the Book of the Month Club selections.

Trashy Entertainment Podcasts (i.e. The Bachelor franchise and other reality TV)

Channel 33’s Bachelor/ette Party
Juliet Litman and a guest host break down The Bachelor franchise shows without spoilers. I’m generally on Juliet’s page about which contestants are terrible and which are pretty awesome…and she has a massive and awkwardly open crush on Ben Higgins.

Channel 33’s Jam Session
The Ringer‘s Juliet Litman (also co-host of Bachelor/ette Party, mentioned above) and Mallory Rubin talk celebrity gossip and pop culture. Juliet, in particular’s, take on things is right up my alley. She and I are often on the same page about the celebrities who are douchebags and general douchebag behavior.

Mouthing Off with Olivia Caridi
Olivia Caridi, resident Bachelor villain from Ben Higgins‘ season, talks to various reality TV stars. She’s a smart and witty interviewer (she was a broadcast journalist before going on The Bachelor) and isn’t afraid to call B.S. on some of her guests. She interviews lots of past Bachelor contestants, but also branches out from Bachelor Nation (into Southern Charm, which makes me happy!).

Reality Steve Podcast
Y’all have probably heard me talk about Reality Steve before…he’s the blogger that spoils all the Bachelor franchise shows every season. And, provides a look behind the curtain of reality TV and The Bachelor/ette in particular. He’s gotten me to watch the show an entirely different way. On the podcast, he interviews past contestants who are no longer under contract with ABC (so they spill tons of dirt) and is now branching out into other people from the reality TV world.

The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast
Co-hosts ex-Bachelor Ben Higgins and ex-Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise contestant/resident crier Ashley Iaconetti chat about all things Bachelor and interview past contestants. They have a silly dynamic and I promise Ashley is actually smart and articulate (despite her showing on the Bachelor shows). Though there are definitely some things that annoy me about this podcast (particularly Ben’s tendency to talk down to and over Ashley and the cheesy “call-ins” they do), but the juicy gossip does outweigh the bad.

Do you listen to podcasts? What awesome ones have you been listening to lately?

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32 Comments

  1. I’ve been doing a little more podcast listening recently and really want to go over this amazing list carefully. Knowing our similar tastes, I’m sure I’ll find some I love. It a very thorough sounding list. Later though…off to the airport!

    Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      They’re so great for making household tasks more interesting! I think you’d really love Annie’s recs on From the Front Porch.

      Have a great trip! I’m headed out tomorrow morning!

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  2. renee wrote:

    This is an awesome post! I love podcasts and if I’m not listening to an audiobook I’m listening to them while driving, cleaning, cooking, etc. But I’ve had the worst time finding book related ones…how did you find all these, they sound fantastic! I also love Reality Steve but hadn’t heard of channel 33 so I’ll check that out.

    Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Oh, you’ll love Bach Party if you like Reality Steve…he’s actually been a guest on her podcast a couple times!

      Hmm…how did I find them. I can’t quite remember! I know I found From the Front Porch and Just the Right Book through Modern Mrs. Darcy…she published a bookish podcasts list awhile back. And I used to listen to Books on the Nightstand before that shut down and they did an episode on their favorite bookish podcasts right before they went off the air…I think Drunk Booksellers was from that. Book Riot I can’t remember, but they were the first book podcast I ever listened to…and they have a whole suite of them. And then I read MMD blog before she started her podcast, so that’s where I found What Should I Read Next? And I just recently found Reading Glasses and can’t remember how!

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  3. Gabby wrote:

    I looooooove Revisionist History! My husband got me into it and it inspired me to actually read Gladwell. My favorite pop culture guilty pleasure podcast is Who Weekly, which is super funny banter about D-and-lower-list celeb and has an amazing facebook group. Less fluffy ones that I enjoy are The Allusionist (about language) and You Must Remember This (Old Hollywood). I do love 30 For 30, so I’ll have to check out their new podcast!

    Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Well, I’ll have to check out Who Weekly (love the play on US Weekly, by the way)! Sounds rights up my alley!

      My favorite Gladwell is Outliers if you want to read him…or maybe listen to it on audio as a compromise?! Close to a podcast, right?!

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  4. Annie wrote:

    Anne Bogel’s “What Should I Read Next” is my favorite among with Revisionist History!

    Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I love that one too! The only reason I didn’t “officially” include it in this list is I wanted to focus on all the newer stuff I’d discovered more recently.

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  5. Monica wrote:

    Thanks for recommendations! I love podcasts and was looking for some new ones.

    Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Welcome – hope you find something you love!

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  6. I’m so glad you posted this! I love listening to book related podcasts. Currently, my favorite is Teen Creeps. They discuss YA pulp fiction from the 80’s/90’s.

    Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I haven’t heard of that one – probably b/c I don’t read much YA, but the whole 80’s/90’s thing does appeal to me!

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  7. I don’t listen to podcasts, but after hearing everyone rave about Serial and S-town, I feel a little FOMO!

    Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Becky S wrote:

      Serial is what got me into Podcasts!

      Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      OMG – you HAVE to! Those 2 are among my favorites and Serial was actually the first podcast I ever listened to. Try that first – Season 1, don’t bother with Season 2.

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  8. Catherine wrote:

    A podcast post! Yay!! I love that you broke it into trashy and non-trashy. Olivia Cardili sounds interesting- if she interviews Real Housewives, my trashy TV viewing.

    I have given up on bookish podcasts. Book Riot stopped working for me over a leaf ago and Literary Disco went quiet for awhile so I dropped them. The only one i still listen to is The Readerly Report.

    My current favorites are Homecoming, Tom & Lorenzo’s Pop Style Opinionfest, and Fresh Air. And wellRed, which is one of the most profane and funniest things I’ve heard in a long time. Three good ole Southern boys who talk politics and every other crazy thing that comes into their heads.

    Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Weren’t you the one that mentioned I had to do one recently?! I think you were and thank you – I needed a simple post idea!

      Definitely listen to Olivia – she has interviewed RHW people! Her interview with Shep was great…and she did Craig later on. And her most recent one is The Situation from Jersey Shore, which I never watched, but it’s a really interesting interview in general.

      Literary Disco has had a couple episodes kind of recently, but for some reason they don’t look super appealing to me though I did listen to them for awhile. I think you’d like From the Front Porch and Just the Right Book 🙂

      Well, dang, how have I not been listening to wellRed?! That sounds right up my alley! Going to subscribe right this very second.

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  9. Becky S wrote:

    I love podcasts too~ discovered them about 2 years ago. I’m find myself drawn to true crime ones. Some of my recent favs are Twisted Philly, Sworn, Court Junkie & The Conspriators.

    Posted 7.11.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I think I’d love true crime podcasts…love true crime books and Serial was the first podcast I ever listened to and loved it (I wonder how many people picked up a podcast habit in general from listening to Serial? I’m sure that number is sky high!).

      I’ve heard The Criminal (?) is good. I’ll check out the ones you mentioned…

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  10. Sarah R wrote:

    -The Popcast – all things pop culture, including books, TV, movie
    -Smartest Person in the Room – Laura Tremaine and Megan Tietz of Sorta Awesome
    -Young House Love Has A Podcast
    -Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald – pop culture interviews, emphasis on Real Housewives franchise (This is funny but really profane!)
    -What Should I Read Next – Modern Mrs. Darcy’s podcast
    -The Lively Show – non-book related but talks about living with intention
    -Happier with Gretchen Rubin

    Thanks for your suggestions! I added Reading Glasses and From the Front Porch to my list.

    Posted 7.12.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I love WSIRN also! And I should check out Smartest Person in the Room since I like Sorta Awesome…didn’t realize they had another podcast!

      And I’ve heard good things about the Popcast!

      Hope Reading Glasses and From the Front Porch work for you!

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  11. I’m always looking for podcasts to add! My favorites:

    Futility Closet – quirky history and curiosities. puzzles. well-researched. bite-size.
    Astonishing Legends – unsolved mysteries, paranormal stories. well-researched. long, deep dives.
    My Favorite Murder – two funny smart ladies relating historical crimes. hard to explain.
    Oh No Ross and Carrie – two people research claims of the paranormal, spirituality as open-minded skeptics.
    Judge John Hodgman – fake internet justice. just funny.
    This Podcast is Haunted – two best friends basically tell ghost stories.
    Welcome to Night Vale – narrative, episodic. if Garrison Keillor gave the news of a town in the Twilight Zone.

    Posted 7.13.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I’ve heard great things about Welcome to Night Vale! And My Favorite Murder sounds really good…I love true crime!

      Posted 7.13.17 Reply
  12. Tara wrote:

    I found Just the Right Book by accident one day and I’ve really enjoyed it. In addition, I’ve been listening to Pod Save America, Fresh Air, This American Life, Real Talk with Nicole Antoinette (she’s a running friend), and I’m definitely going to check out this 30 for 30 podcast! Thanks so much for sharing that one; I’m excited!

    Posted 7.13.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      I used to listen to Pod Save America back when it was Keepin’ it 1600…and when the election was going in. Since then, I’ve sort of fallen off the bandwagon since there’s no election at the moment.

      I think you’ll love the 30 for 30…not every episode interests me, but I just pick and choose.

      Posted 7.19.17 Reply
  13. OMG I am revealing my trashy tastes here, but what’d you think about what Nick Viall said about Reality Steve on Juliet Litman’s podcast? Cause I was fascinated at how much he seemed to hate him, and it kind of made me also dislike Reality Steve? Anyway, I am listening to JAM Session right now so our tastes in trashy podcasts align. I also listen to the “Here to Make Friends” Bachelor franchise recap podcast, which is a Huffington Post podcast and which I like a lot.

    Posted 7.15.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Oooh – I haven’t listened to Here to Make Friends…need to check that out! Just what I need…more Bachelor podcasts – ha! I also just heard that Kaitlyn Bristowe just started a podcast and I love her…bet that one will be good.

      I heard Nick on Bach Party (love Juliet by the way!)…I think he came across as so arrogant. Very much “oh, I don’t talk about things that went on on the Bach b/c I’m now better than that now”…but he would be nothing without the Bach. I read RS later and he said he has all the emails b/w him and Nick’s Dad and that there was no stalking going on whatsoever…that all Nick’s Dad’s emails were friendly, etc. I’m kind of inclined to believe RS b/c Nick has such a fame-whore history.

      Posted 7.19.17 Reply
  14. Helen wrote:

    I listen to a ton of podcasts. Right now John Grisham is doing a podcast with his latest book tour called …wait for it BOOK TOUR WITH JOHN GRISHAM. He visits independent bookstores and gets popular/famous authors from the area to join him.
    My absolute favorite podcast is CRIME WRITERS ON. They started as a Serial discussion podcast but they’ve expanded to cover true crime, pop culture, TV and always recommend good documentaries, podcasts and TV show to check out. Great banter!

    Posted 7.18.17 Reply
    • Sarah Dickinson wrote:

      Oh the Grisham one sounds great! He was on Just the Right Book and gave a great interview…even though I haven’t read one of his books in ages!

      Posted 7.19.17 Reply
  15. Ooooh, thanks for the tip on Annotated! Loving it!

    Posted 6.6.19 Reply
  16. My first podcast years ago was What Should I Read Next and I still love it. The other one I listen to regularly is SSOP – Strong Sense of Place. Mel and Dave recommend 5 books/episode focusing on a particular place. It is SO well researched and their banter is delightful but they stay focused on the books. I high recommend giving it a try. It is supported by a visually appealing and information filled blog – Strong Sense of Place.

    Posted 5.13.22 Reply

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