16 Best Podcasts on Books That Will Have You Addicted

Are you looking for the best podcasts on books out there?!

In today’s age there is so much content in the ether, and it’s hard to know where to turn your attention, or even where to start. However, it is precisely because of this that there is a bookish podcast for everybody.

Types of podcasts for booklovers:

There are book podcasts that interview new authors! This is a great way to find out what’s out and about, and what is new on the horizon.

There are literature deep dives. These are podcasters that really go into literature, and explore all the different themes/ tropes/ and historical context of the time.

And then there are history led book podcasts, which aim to explore the factual and historical context that accompanies each novel.

There are so many more out there, but these are the most popular.

This post is all about the best podcasts on books, and everything you should know about them.

Why Listen To Podcasts:

Learning Over Scrolling

Too many people spend their life in survival mode. The day goes work, home, scroll/chores, bed, repeat. This is clearly not a good way to live as it removes thought and reflection from your day. I am a big fan of mindfulness in general, and I personally don’t use social media, but I am NEVER bored. Really. I still feel like I have no time at all sometimes. But one thing that really makes me step out of survival mode is listening to podcasts.

Listening to podcasts opens up a whole new way of learning. I don’t hate the modern age, because learning, having access to information, and becoming a ‘better’ version of yourself has never been easier.

Spend time learning about the things you are interested in rather than mindless scrolling. The cognitive and learning benefits are transformative, and how you spend your free time speaks volumes about you. If you spend your time actively learning new things you will be far better off than someone who gets home and spends their evening watching cartoons.

Become a Better Reader

But, what does a ‘better reader’ even mean?

You will learn to think about your reading, and life in general, through multiple different lenses. You will be encouraged to think more critically about characters, themes, writing styles, and even your own interpretations. Sometimes a podcast episode can completely change the way you see a book you thought you understood.

They also introduce you to books you may never have picked up otherwise, which keeps reading feeling exciting and fresh. Hearing passionate discussions about literature often reminds me why I love reading in the first place.

Mental Wellbeing and Relaxation

My mood is so good when i’m listening to a podcast. Listening to podcasts from topics you are interested in increases feelings of belonging and community. It helps you switch off and relax.

Listening to podcasts on topics you care about can create a real sense of belonging and community, especially when you do not always have people around you who share the same interests. They help you switch off from stress, slow your thoughts down, and feel connected to a wider world of readers and thinkers. In a time where so much media feels loud and overwhelming, podcasts can feel surprisingly grounding.

When To Listen to Podcasts

One of the absolute best things about listening to podcasts is how easy they are to fit into every day life. Not only that but how easy they are to listen to while doing a task that is otherwise pretty dull and boring.

While Walking

Walking has become a major part of fitness in the past few years. Step goals are very motivating to a lot of people, and great for mental health as well. It is easy to swap out tunes for a podcast here and there, plus it makes the time fly by!

In the Bath

Baths are my happy time. I am never more relaxed than in a bath with some candles and Epson salts. Seriously, they’re the best. Over the past few years I’ve been incorporating listening to podcasts while I’m in the bath. This has easily become my favourite part of my day, and I love incorporating podcasts for book lovers into it.

Getting Ready

Early in the morning my brain is functioning at a snails pace. All my brain wants to do is go back to bed and get cosy and warm. These thoughts disappear the second I put on a cosy or motivating podcast. Suddenly my brain doesn’t have to wish it was back in bed as it’s distracted and motivated by a low level of stimulation.

Suddenly i’ve brushed my teeth, had breakfast, got my shoes on and i’m out the door.

Where to Listen to Podcasts:

If you are looking for the best book podcasts or simply want more podcasts for book lovers in your daily routine, the good news is that they are incredibly easy to access. Whether you enjoy literary discussions, author interviews, romance book podcasts, or casual conversations between readers, there is truly something for everyone.

Podcasts can be found free in plenty of places. Most podcasters publish their podcasts over multiple of these streaming services so, whatever you choose, it is unlikely you will miss out.

Spotify

A lot of people search specifically for book podcasts on Spotify, and honestly, it is one of my favourite places to listen. Spotify makes it really easy to discover good book podcasts through recommendations, curated lists, and trending shows. I love that I can switch between music and podcasts so easily, especially when I am walking, getting ready, or relaxing in the bath.

Spotify is also great if you are trying to find the best podcasts for book lovers because there are so many different styles of shows available. Whether you enjoy deep literary analysis, cosy reading chats, or even romance book podcasts, there is always something new to discover.

Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts is another brilliant platform, especially if you already use Apple devices. It is simple to follow your favourite shows, save episodes for later, and browse through categories to discover new podcasts about books.

I also think it is one of the easiest places to start if you are new to podcasts because the layout feels clean and organised. If you are searching for the best podcasts on books or looking for book podcast ideas to inspire your next read, Apple Podcasts has endless options to explore.

At the end of the day, the best platform is simply the one you enjoy using most. Once you find a few podcasts you genuinely connect with, listening becomes such an enjoyable part of everyday life.

YouTube

YouTube is another amazing place to find podcasts about books, especially if you enjoy watching conversations as well as listening to them. I love that many of the best book podcasts upload full video episodes, so it can feel much more personal and engaging. Sometimes seeing people’s expressions and reactions makes the discussion feel even more genuine and comforting.

YouTube is also brilliant for discovering new podcasts for book lovers because the recommendations are endless. Once you watch a few episodes, your homepage quickly fills with good book podcasts, reading discussions, author interviews, and even romance book podcasts if that is your genre.

Another thing I really enjoy is how easy it is to leave comments and interact with other listeners. It creates a real sense of community and makes the experience feel more connected, rather than just listening on your own.

Best Book Podcasts to Listen To:

These are some of the best podcasts for book lovers that I keep coming back to, especially when I want thoughtful discussions, comfort listening, or new book podcast ideas.

1. The Cozy Club

The Cozy Club blends reading with cosy living, creating episodes that feel comforting and calming. Alongside book discussions, there are conversations about routines, wellbeing, and creating a peaceful atmosphere in everyday life. It feels less like a formal review podcast and more like sitting down with someone who genuinely loves books and slow living.

Listen for free here:

The Cozy Club – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

2. Book Fight

Book Fight takes a more analytical and discussion-based approach to literature and writing. The hosts often explore novels, authors, literary culture, and the realities of publishing, but the conversations still feel humorous and relaxed rather than overly academic. It is one of those podcasts where you come away thinking differently about books and storytelling.

Listen for free here:

Book Fight – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

3. NPR’s Book of the Day

This podcast focuses on introducing listeners to recently released books through short author interviews and discussions. Episodes are usually brief, which makes them perfect if you want quick recommendations or want to hear directly from writers about the inspiration behind their work.

Listen for free here:

NPR’s Book of the Day – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

4. Borrowed

Borrowed explores the emotional and cultural impact books and libraries have on people’s lives. The episodes often look at how reading connects communities, shapes memories, and influences identity. It has a reflective and thoughtful tone that makes it feel very personal.

Listen for free here:

Borrowed & Returned – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

5. Totally Booked

Totally Booked focuses on book recommendations, reading habits, and conversations about favourite novels across different genres. The atmosphere feels enthusiastic and welcoming, like being part of an excited group chat about books.

Listen for free here:

Totally Booked with Zibby – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

6. Ask Penguin

This podcast centres around interviews with authors from a huge range of genres and backgrounds. The conversations often explore the writing process, creativity, personal inspiration, and the themes behind specific books. It is ideal if you enjoy hearing what goes on behind the scenes of publishing and storytelling.

Listen for free here:

Ask Penguin – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

7. All the Books!

All the Books! is heavily focused on new releases and recommendations. Episodes usually highlight books from lots of different genres, making it a brilliant podcast for discovering titles to add to your reading list. If your TBR pile is already out of control, this definitely will not help.

Listen for free here:

All the Books! – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

8. Bad Author Book Club

This podcast mixes book discussion with humour and casual conversation. Instead of feeling overly polished or formal, the episodes feel spontaneous and entertaining, like listening to friends debate books together with plenty of jokes and chaotic opinions along the way.

Listen for free here:

Bad Author Book Club – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

9. Fresh Air

Although Fresh Air covers wider culture beyond books, many episodes feature authors discussing their work, careers, and personal experiences. The interviews are often reflective and in-depth, making it especially interesting if you enjoy hearing writers talk about the real-life influences behind their stories.

10. The Maris Review

The Maris Review focuses on long-form conversations with authors about literature, creativity, and the realities of being a writer. The discussions often feel honest and introspective, giving listeners a deeper understanding of both books and the people who create them.

Listen for free here:

The Maris Review – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

11. On the Road with Penguin Classics

This podcast combines classic literature with travel and history, exploring the places connected to famous writers and novels. It gives classic books a more human and real-world context, which makes older literature feel much more accessible and alive.

Listen for free here:

On the Road with Penguin Classics – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

12. Sentimental Garbage

Sentimental Garbage looks at books, films, and pop culture that are often dismissed as “guilty pleasures,” especially stories aimed at women. The discussions are funny, intelligent, and surprisingly emotional at times, and the podcast does a brilliant job of defending the value of stories that people often underestimate.

Listen for free here:

Sentimental Garbage – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

13. The Great Books Podcast

This podcast focuses mainly on classic literature and explores why certain books have remained influential over time. Episodes often break down themes, historical context, and the lasting impact particular novels have had on readers and culture.

Listen for free here:

The Great Books – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

14. The History of Literature

The History of Literature explores authors, literary movements, poems, and novels from different periods of history. It blends storytelling with literary discussion in a way that feels informative without becoming overwhelming or overly academic.

Listen for free here:

The History of Literature – Podcast – Apple Podcasts

15. What Should I Read Next?

This podcast is built around personalised book recommendations. In each episode, guests talk about books they love, books they disliked, and what they are looking for in their next read. The host then suggests titles based on their tastes, which makes every episode feel unique and incredibly relatable for readers.

Listen for free here:

What Should I Read Next? – Podcast – Ap p le Podcasts

16. The Stacks

The Stacks combines conversations about books with wider discussions about culture, identity, creativity, and life experiences. The episodes often feel thoughtful and personal, showing how literature connects to real-world issues and individual perspectives.

Listen for free here:

The Stacks – Podcast – Apple Podcasts