The Listening Books Podcast

Listening Books
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The Listening Books Podcast

For every kind of reader, but especially for fans of audiobooks. Featuring conversations with the authors and narrators of your favourite books, as well as reading round-ups and the odd lighthearted literary game. Listening Books is a UK charity that provides audiobooks for those who struggle to read or hold a book due to an illness, disability, learning difficulty or mental health issue. Find out more at www.listening-books.org.uk. Follow @ListeningBooks

  1. Author Leeanne O'Donnell

    11/07/2024

    Author Leeanne O'Donnell

    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

    43 min
  2. Author Louise Hare

    10/03/2024

    Author Louise Hare

    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

    31 min
  3. Author Becca Caddy

    09/05/2024

    Author Becca Caddy

    Becca Caddy is a writer and journalist who likes to explore the human side of technology, and her book Screen Time offers the information and guidance to help us take back a bit more control over our digital lives. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, Becca talks about why our language around technology is so important and how we can be more deliberate in our use of the technological tools available to us.   Books mentioned Screen Time: How to Make Peace with Your Devices and Find Your Techquilibrium, Becca Caddy, narrated by Julie Maisey Hello World: How to Be Human in the Age of the Machine, Hannah Fry, narrated by the author Irresistible: Why We Can't Stop Checking, Scrolling, Clicking and Watching, Adam Alter, narrated by the author   Apps Mentioned Waking Up: Meditation and Wisdom Headspace   Links Becca Caddy's website: https://beccacaddy.com/ A special, YouTube-only episode of The Listening Books Podcast with bestselling author B.A. Paris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMuOepbkhaY   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

    35 min
  4. Author Sierra Godfrey

    08/01/2024

    Author Sierra Godfrey

    Sierra Godfrey is the well-travelled author of A Very Typical Family and The Second Chance Hotel. In this joyful conversation with Jessica Stone, she talks about her first novel, her love for anything written or recommended by Marian Keyes, the nature of friendship, and even her meticulous system for tracking all the books she reads.    Books mentioned: A Very Typical Family, Sierra Godfrey, narrated by Gail Shalan The Second Chance Hotel, Sierra Godfrey, narrated by Ri Paige Watermelon, Marian Keyes, narrated by Gerri Halligan The Unmaking of June Farrow, Adrienne Young, narrated by Brittany Pressley Clover Hendry’s Day Off, Beth Morrey, narrated by Imogen Church and the author   Links: https://sierragodfrey.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

    29 min

  5. 07/02/2024

    Reading Roundup: Oldies and Newbies

    Amy, Claire and Jessica each bring one ‘old’ book and one ‘new’ one to the table before Amy and Claire square off in Jess’s ridiculously challenging literary game.   Books mentioned: Weirdo, Sara Pascoe, narrated by the author And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie, narrated by Dan Stevens The Canary Club Series, Louise Hare, narrated by Leonie Elliot and Georgina Campbell Psyche and Eros, Luna McNamara, narrated by Rachel Petladwala and Joshua Riley Persuasion, Jane Austen, narrated by Juliet Stevenson The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck, full cast LA Theatre Works production Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver, narrated by Charlie Thurston   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 reaching over 100,000 people with print impairments. 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

    48 min

  6. 12/20/2023

    Reading Roundup: Books that Centre Celebrations

    A special festive episode discussing books that feature celebrations. Amy and Edward return for a final a face-off as Jess attempts to foil them with her literary quiz.  Books mentioned:  Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh  The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers  The Party, by Elizabeth Day  Bridget Jones’s Diary, by Helen Fielding  Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen  Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen  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  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

    39 min
  7. Narrator Emily Woo Zeller

    11/16/2023

    Narrator Emily Woo Zeller

    Emily Woo Zeller is an American voice actress and audiobook narrator whose work has earned heaps of awards, including AudioFile’s prestigious Golden Voice Award. You may have heard her reading fantasy books like R.F. Kuang’s Poppy War series, romance novels like Helen Hoang’s The Bride Test, or perhaps a spy thriller like Chloe Gong’s Foul Lady Fortune. Today she tells us what she appreciates about those books, and a little of what she’s learned about creating a well-balanced life.   Other books mentioned: Phoenix Extravagant, by Yoon Ha Lee The Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease, by Elissa Epel The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer; by Elizabeth Blackburn, Elissa Epel    Links! Emilly Woo Zeller and Gabra Zackman’s short-form romance and erotica: https://www.lovebytesoriginals.com/ AudioFile interview: https://www.audiofilemagazine.com/articles/interview-with-golden-voice-narrator-emily-woo-zeller/ Give the gift of audio this Christmas with a Listening Books gift membership: https://www.listening-books.org.uk/gift-membership Members' Choice Award To vote for your favourite audiobook to win the Members Choice Award, visit https://www.listening-books.org.uk/extra/members-choice-award 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

    38 min
  8. Narrator Stephanie Cannon

    11/09/2023

    Narrator Stephanie Cannon

    Stephanie Cannon is an American voice actor, circus performer, and audiobook narrator living in England. In this conversation with host Jessica Stone, she tells us what that’s like, how walking on stilts complements reading in a box, which kinds of books she loves to narrate, and conversely which ones she'll take a pass on. We also discuss Kate Dylan’s cyberpunk dystopian novel Mindwalker and its sequel Mindbreaker, both narrated by Stephanie.  Books and other recommendations: The Sharp Edge of Silence, by Cameron Kelly Rosenblum, narrated by Stephanie Cannon  Mindwalker, by Kate Dylan, narrated by Stephanie Cannon Mindbreaker, by Kate Dylan, narrated by Stephanie Cannon Noir, by Christopher Moore, narrated by Johnny Heller  Heidi’s Guide to Four Letter Words, by Tara Sivec and Andy Arndt, narrated by Andy Arndt The Space Race, docudrama from B7 Media, narrated by Kate Mulgrew Links! For more of Stephanie’s work, head to her website www.sparkthecannon.com To vote for your favourite audiobook to win the Members Choice Award, visit https://www.listening-books.org.uk/extra/members-choice-award  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

    39 min
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For every kind of reader, but especially for fans of audiobooks. Featuring conversations with the authors and narrators of your favourite books, as well as reading round-ups and the odd lighthearted literary game. Listening Books is a UK charity that provides audiobooks for those who struggle to read or hold a book due to an illness, disability, learning difficulty or mental health issue. Find out more at www.listening-books.org.uk. Follow @ListeningBooks

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