61 Best Literary Fiction Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

A monthly reading and conversation with the New Yorker fiction editor Deborah Treisman.

Our greatest actors transport us through the magic of fiction, one short story at a time. Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich diversity of voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy. New episodes every Thursday, from Symphony Space. more

New Yorker fiction writers read their stories.

Every week, join award-winning narrator B.J. Harrison as he narrates the greatest stories the world has ever known. From the jungles of South America to the Mississippi Delta, from Victorian England to the sands of the Arabian desert, join us on a fantastic journey through the words of the world's greatest authors. Critically-acclaimed and highly recommended for anyone who loves a good story with plenty of substance. more

Not just book chat! The Literary Life Podcast is an ongoing conversation about the skill and art of reading well and the lost intellectual tradition needed to fully enter into the great works of literature.Experienced teachers Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks (of www.HouseOfHumaneLetters.com) join lifelong reader Cindy Rollins (of www.MorningtimeForMoms.com) for slow reads of classic literature, conversations with book lovers, and an ever-unfolding discussion of how Stories Will Save the World.And check out our sister podcast The Well Read Poem with poet Thomas Banks. more

The literary podcast that has been giving new life to old books since 2015. For show notes visit backlisted.fm and get an extra two shows a month by supporting the pod at patreon.com/backlisted more

The book club podcast where Dave Warneke has read the book so you don't have to. Each episode Dave tells two special guests all about a classic novel or play, and by the end of the show, both you and they can pretend you've read it. From Austen to Tolstoy, Shakespeare to Hemingway... Devour a classic in a single sitting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

The Thing About Austen is a podcast about Jane Austen's world — the people, objects, and culture that shape Austen's fiction. Come for the historical context and stay for the literary shenanigans. Think of us as your somewhat cheeky tour guides to the life and times of Jane Austen. more

Welcome to your new favourite book club. If you enjoy deep dives into the greatest books ever written, you will love Hardcore Literature. Provocative poems, evocative epics, and life-changing literary analyses. We don't just read the great books - we live them. Together we'll suck the marrow out of Shakespeare, Homer, and Tolstoy. We'll relish the most moving art ever committed to the page and stage from every age. Join us on the reading adventure of a lifetime. more

Otherppl is a books and culture podcast hosted by novelist Brad Listi. Featuring candid, in-depth conversations with acclaimed and emerging authors, the show explores literature, writing, publishing, the creative process, screenwriting and pop culture. More than 1,000 interviews since 2011. New episodes weekly. more

BOOKS ∙ WORKSHOPS ∙ PODCAST

Led by James Naughtie, a group of readers talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels

What are you reading, loving or being challenged by? We review the latest in fiction for dedicated readers and for those who wish they read more. more

Your favourite fiction authors share the story behind their latest books.

First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing is a weekly show featuring in-depth interviews with fiction, non-fiction, essay, and poetry writers. First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing highlights the voices of writers as they discuss their work, their craft, and the literary arts. This weekly show hosted by Mitzi Rapkin is a celebration of creative writing and the individuals who are dedicated to bringing their carefully chosen words to print as well as the impact writers have on the world we live in. more

The Los Angeles Review of Books Radio Hour is a weekly show featuring interviews, readings and discussions about all things literary. Hosted by LARB Editors-at-Large Kate Wolf, Medaya Ocher, and Eric Newman. more

Listen to the latest literary events recorded at the London Review Bookshop, covering fiction, poetry, politics, music and much more. Find out about our upcoming events here More from the Bookshop: Discover our author of the month, book of the week and more: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/bkshppod⁠⁠ From the LRB: Subscribe to the LRB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/subsbkshppod⁠ Close Readings podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/crbkshppod⁠ LRB Audiobooks: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/audiobooksbkshppod⁠ Bags, binders and more at the LRB Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/storebkshppod⁠ Get in touch: ****@lrb.co.uk more

One True Podcast explores all things related to Hemingway, his work, and his world. The show is hosted by Mark Cirino and produced by Michael Von Cannon. Join us in conversation with scholars, artists, political leaders, and other luminaries. For more, follow us on Twitter @1truepod. You can also email us at ****@gmail.com. more

A podcast about literary fiction and the world of books, with hosts Matt Bucher and Dave Laird. [Logo by Chris Ayers] more

Few literary terms are more hotly debated, discounted, or derided than the 'Great American Novel.' But while critics routinely dismiss the phrase as at best hype and as at worst exclusionary, the belief that a national literature commensurate with both the scope and the contradictions of being American persists. In this podcast Scott Yarbrough and Kirk Curnutt examine totemic works such as Herman Melville's Moby-Dick and Toni Morrison's Beloved that have been labeled GANs, exploring their themes, forms, and reception histories, asking why, when, and how they entered the literary canon. Readers beware: there be spoilers here, and other hijinks ensue... more

Close Readings is a multi-series podcast from the London Review of Books. Two contributors explore areas of literature through a selection of key works, providing an introductory grounding like no other. Listen to some episodes for free here, and extracts from our ongoing subscriber-only series. How To Subscribe In Apple Podcasts, click 'subscribe' at the top of this podcast feed to unlock the full episodes. Or for other podcast apps, sign up here: https://lrb.me/closereadings RUNNING IN 2026 'Who's afraid of realism?' with James Wood and guests 'Nature in Crisis' with Meehan Crist and Peter Godfrey-Smith 'Narrative Poems' with Seamus Perry and Mark Ford 'London Revisited' with Rosemary Hill and guests Bonus Series: 'The Man Behind the Curtain' with Tom McCarthy and Thomas Jones ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CLOSE READINGS SUBSCRIPTION: 'Conversations in Philosophy' with Jonathan Rée and James Wood 'Fiction and the Fantastic' with Marina Warner, Anna Della Subin, Adam Thirlwell and Chloe Aridjis 'Love and Death' with Seamus Perry and Mark Ford 'Novel Approaches' with Clare Bucknell, Thomas Jones and other guests 'Among the Ancients' with Emily Wilson and Thomas Jones 'Medieval Beginnings' with Irina Dumitrescu and Mary Wellesley 'The Long and Short' with Mark Ford and Seamus Perry 'Modern-ish Poets: Series 1' with Mark Ford and Seamus Perry 'Among the Ancients II' with Emily Wilson and Thomas Jones 'On Satire' with Colin Burrow and Clare Bucknell 'Human Conditions' with Adam Shatz, Judith Butler, Pankaj Mishra and Brent Hayes Edwards 'Political Poems' with Mark Ford and Seamus Perry 'Medieval LOLs' with Irina Dumitrescu and Mary Wellesley Get in touch: ****@lrb.co.uk more

Ellen and Harriet are a mother and daughter who have been talking about Jane Austen together since Harriet was first old enough to read her. In this podcast, we will be doing a close reading of the books.In each episode, we will look at a few chapters. As well as talking about anything that strikes us in the chapters, we will also pick a favourite sentence, have a discussion about one of the characters, and then Ellen will give a social historian perspective about some element of the nineteenth century that seems pertinent, and Harriet will talk about the chapters in pop culture adaptations of the book. more

Words and Nerds Podcast is an entertaining and conversational podcast that aims to get inside a writer's mind. We discuss books, the social and political influences of a writer's work and how literature has the power to change the world. The podcast digs deep to bring you an in depth and sometimes humorous analysis of the author's book and its influences. Join us for a new way of looking at literature. Dani Vee your host, English teacher, podcaster, reader, book enthusiast and over-thinker. Dani is joined by various guest co-hosts and has a number of spin off episodes including the Feedback Sessions, Summer Series Takeover, Bite-Size Episodes, livestreams, mash-ups and cross-overs. Subscribe, leave a review and listen now. more

Hosted by Whitney Terrell and V.V. Ganeshananthan, fiction/non/fiction interprets current events through the lens of literature, and features conversations with writers of all stripes, from novelists and poets to journalists and essayists. more

Find your next great read. Book recommendations, book news and guests, including top authors and other book enthusiasts who discuss what's happening in the world of books with a focus on frontlist and backlist fiction including literary fiction, suspense, historical, memoir and nonfiction. more

The unofficial podcast of literary misfits everywhere who want to engage with books of 'substance' (i.e. serious, respected, heavy, philosophical, classic), or at least considered such. more

A podcast for writers and readers who are obsessive about their books. Interviews with established and up-and-coming writers, and recommendations for the best in contemporary fiction, poetry, and drama. Chris Holmes. Chris is Chair of Literatures in English and Associate Professor at Ithaca College. He writes criticism on contemporary global literatures. He is the co-director of The New Voices Festival, a celebration of work in poetry, prose, and playwriting by up-and-coming young writers. more

Welcome Jane Austen lovers and haters alike! Kristin and Maggie discuss how Austen's classic novels have influenced their lives and challenged them to be better people. more

Welcome to A Jane Austen Year a seasonal journey through Jane Austen's novels, the story of her life and the world she lived in.Created and recorded at Jane Austen's House in Chawton, Hampshire the most treasured Austen site in the world. more

To celebrate a hundred years since Sylvia Beach published James Joyce's Ulysses , and to encourage readers to engage (or re-engage) with this spirited, funny, life-changing book, Shakespeare and Company, Paris—in partnership with Penguin Classics and Hay Festival—created an ensemble recording of the unabridged text, released as a free podcast between the centenary of the publication on 2nd February 2022 and Bloomsday on June 16 2022. Read by more than a hundred writers, artists, comedians and musicians from all over the world— including Sally Rooney, Margaret Atwood, Stephen Fry, Pete Buttigieg, Kae Tempest, Ben Okri, Ali Smith, Eddie Izzard, Joanna Lumley and many, many more... (full cast list below)— Friends of Shakespeare and Company read Ulysses is a polyphonic and diverse celebration of this Modernist masterwork. Also featuring Bloomcast . A deep-dive into the text with Adam Biles, Alice McCrum and Lex Paulson, as well as other bonus episodes. Conceived and produced by Adam Biles, Literary Director at Shakespeare and Company, Paris Discover more about Shakespeare and Company here: https://shakespeareandcompany.com Buy the Penguin Classics official partner edition of Ulysses here: https://shakespeareandcompany.com/d/9780241552636/ulysses Find out more about Hay Festival here: https://www.hayfestival.com/home Featuring (in order): Will Self Jeanette Winterson Paul Murray Ishion Hutchinson Caoilinn Hughes Eddie Izzard Lola Peploe Nathan Englander Joe Dunthorne Kate Stables Jarred McGinnis Nicholson Baker Richard Barnett Amy Sackville Chigozie Obioma Erica Wagner Patrick Marber Claire-Louise Bennett Aleksandar Hemon Ryan Van Winkle Cressida Brown Holly Pester Adam Thirlwell Catherine Lacey Ciaran Farrell Lauren Elkin Andrew Hankinson Conor Horgan Andy Miller Preti Taneja Salena Godden Sinéad Gleeson Luke Kennard Sophie Gorman Nicole Flattery John Freeman Aysegul Savas Daniel Levin Becker John Butler John Mitchinson Sigrid Rausing Max Porter Eimear McBride Keith Ridgway Philip Hoare Deborah Landau Karthika Nair Cerys Matthews DBC Pierre Katharina Volckmer Mark O'Connell Marcel Theroux Sylvia Whitman & David Delannet Lenny Kaye Sarah Churchwell Olivia Laing Katie Kitamura Ali Smith Keri Walsh Lesley Blume Patrick Hastings Ben Okri Colm Toibin Chloe Aridjis Stephen Fry Douglas Stuart Pete Buttigieg Tara Mulholland Paul Muldoon S&Co Table Readers (Anne Bielec, Ben Brown, Amanda Dennis, Linda Fallon, Heather Heartley, Octavia Horgan, Conor Lee Bourke, Lex Paulson, Kate Poston, Francesca Reece) David Keenan Tom McCarthy David Szalay Jesse Ball Carter Bays James Gregor Will Burns Declan McCavana Greg Proops Jennifer Canada Sam Jordison Eloise Millar Hollie McNish Michael Pedersen Jonathan Safran Foer Sasha Foer Ethan Hawke Rob Doyle Roisin Kiberd Lucy Sante Caitlinn O Keefe Deborah Levy Meena Kandasamy Joanna Lumley Susan Philipz Sylvia Whitman Bonnie Greer Emilie Pine Margaret Atwood Kae Tempest Lou Doillon Sally Rooney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Weekly long-form discussions about books with authors, translators and critics from around the world.

On the LOB Podcast we discuss books, primarily fiction, literature, but also feature interviews with authors, writers, publishers, editors, and educators. If you love fiction, literature or just books in general, you're in the right place. We upload our podcast weekly on Fridays more

A podcast reading its way through the NYRB Classics, a series that resurrects fiction and nonfiction works worth remembering. more

In each episode Trevor Berrett and Paul Wilson have a pleasant conversation about books and reading. Visit our blog at http://mookseandgripes.com/reviews. Follow us on Twitter @mookse and @bibliopaul. Email ****@gmail.com. mookse.substack.com more

Welcome to the Norton Library Podcast, where we explore influential works of literature and philosophy with the leading scholars and teachers behind Norton's newest series of classics. In each episode, with a Norton Library editor or translator as our guide, we'll learn something new and surprising about these classic works—why they endure, and what it means to read them today. Hosted by Mark Cirino and produced by Michael Von Cannon, the co-creators of the Hemingway Society's popular show One True Podcast. more

Listen to authors reading from their new books of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction featured in Page One: Where New and Noteworthy Books Begin. more

In 1929 F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote Ernest Hemingway that because his short stories now earned $4000 a pop he was 'an old whore' who had 'mastered the 40 positions' when 'in her youth one was enough.' But were the upwards of 180 stories he cranked out when not writing The Great Gatsby really the work of a literary prostitute selling out his talent for a fast buck? Kirk Curnutt and Robert Trogdon don't think so. Each episode they draw a random title from a hat and explore its place in Fitzgerald's career, in the magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post or Esquire where it may have appeared, and in the overall development of the American short story. Along the way, they talk literary politics, history, and gossip from the 1920s and 1930s, rediscovering the lively personalities and rivalries that tried to define the porous boundaries between commercial and artistic fiction, between the popular and the avant-garde, between the forgotten and the canonized.  more

Original short stories in the classic tradition, written and narrated by Don McDonald, author of the Civil War novel The Line Uncrossed and creator of the Litreading podcast. New Tales Told brings you brand-new literary short fiction, each story complete in a single listen. Some reach back centuries. Others slip into futures that haven't quite arrived. A few will follow you out of the room. Historical fiction, speculative tales, quiet character studies and the occasional chill, told the way stories were first meant to be told: out loud, by someone who's spent four decades behind a microphone. The storyteller of old, just a tap away. New Tales Told. The classic short story, reimagined for today. If a story stays with you, a five-star rating helps other listeners find it. If it didn't… maybe just forget you listened. New Tales Told is part of Short Storyverses ( https://shortstoryverses.com ), a network of podcasts devoted to exceptional storytelling. There's Litreading for timeless classic short stories, Season's Readings for holiday tales any time of year, FRIGHTLY! for tales of terror, and Readastorus for younger listeners. Find them all wherever you get your podcasts. Narrated by veteran broadcaster and professional voice actor Don McDonald ( https://donmcdonald.com ). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

In My Good Books is the podcast for UK readers who love crime fiction, thrillers, and literary fiction. Hosted by Susie Green, each episode features relaxed, in-depth conversations with authors and fellow readers about the stories that stay with us, the books we can't stop recommending, and the creative process behind the page. Whether you're looking for your next gripping read or curious about how your favourite authors craft their stories, this podcast is here to inspire, entertain, and help you discover your next great book. New episodes every week, follow to never miss an episode! more

With episodes in which two devoted readers (Jeffrey Severs and Michael Streit) unpack his deadpan, hilarious, and disturbing works one by one, DDSWTNP is dedicated to the idea that Don DeLillo, the greatest of living writers, deserves every serious reader's attention. Contact: ****@gmail.com. @delillopodcast. **Support our work and our trip to DeLillo's archive**: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/delillopodcast more

Across the Pond is a podcast about the most discussed and anticipated books on both sides of the Atlantic. Texas indie bookstore owner Lori Feathers and UK publisher Sam Jordison bring their unique perspectives on the book business, local literary trends, and author news. In each episode Lori and Sam will also provide a critical take on an important book, discussing how it has been anticipated and received on either side of the pond. Exciting US and UK authors occasionally join Lori and Sam to talk about their work. more

A series of newly recorded, in-depth conversations with authors published by Fitzcarraldo Editions about their work, touching on process, style, form, themes and influences. more

Gary Alan McBride founded the Boulder, Colorado-based Writers Who Read novel study group in May of 2018. Since then he and other local writers have been analyzing 10 novels per year within 12-18 months of their publication. Gary is also the author of the WwR reference guide, Literary Forensics: How Reading Can Make You a Better Writer , available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook in bookstores and at online retailers worldwide. More information here: https://LiteraryForensicsBook.com. WwR is focused 100% on today's fiction, mostly in advance of academic scholarship, so we live on the cutting edge of contemporary analysis. And that's how we like it. Our goal is to read like a writer and not wait for someone else to tell us what to think. That means we read with intent--to become better at noticing what the author is doing to manage our emotions and manipulate our point of view. And so it doesn't matter whether what we read is critically acclaimed or academically vetted, because we can learn the same lessons from bad writing as from highly polished prose. We use our own reactions to the text to discover where to dig, and we use Literary Forensics techniques to sift through the layers. Our goal is to uncover the author's intent and to identify the tools they used to create their story so we can use them in our own writing. On our monthly podcast Gary is joined by Whitney Pinion, Mira Landry, and sometimes others guest readers. We discuss our own textual discoveries as well as insights gleaned from our group discussion, because as much as we can learn on our own, we can learn so much more about how to read and write when we listen to others' viewpoints. And that's where you come in, dear listener. We invite you to join us each month, 10 months a year, for a new episode when we discuss the latest literary techniques and publishing trends so that you can try out these techniques for yourself and maybe add your voice to ours. We are Writers Who Read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

A monthly behind-the-scenes dive into everything interesting, dynamic, strange, and wonderful happening in literary culture—featuring Lit Hub staff, columnists, and special guests! Hosted by Drew Broussard, The Lit Hub Podcast airs the last Friday of every month. Maybe some other times too! The Lit Hub Podcast is a production of Lit Hub Radio Music by Dani Lencioni of Evelyn Engineering and production by Stardust House more

Ready to embark on an epic literary adventure or maybe just learn what all the Ulysses buzz is about? Join your Ulysses80 team Cliona O'Farrelly and Mark Sanford Gross as we delve into James Joyce's Ulysses ! Starting June 1st, 2025, we're reading 'Ulysses In 80 Days,' finishing August 19th. Expect insightful discussions on the journey, fun detours, and recaps of our weekly chats with scholars, cultural experts, authors, and more. Never feel alone or frustrated in your own Ulysses journey. Whether you're a curious newcomer, a literary hobbyist, or a devoted Ulysses fan, tune in and enrich your experience! We're thrilled to have you. also @ulysses80.bsky.social more

In a book club spanning over a decade, Joe, Kevin, Wes, and Scott actually discuss the books- and now, it's a podcast! With a focus on serious fiction, the four explore context, interpretation, and criticism while enjoying a few drinks and lively banter. There will be spoilers- so, if you haven't read the novel, and would prefer not to hear plot points, pause this now, go read the book, and then press play. more

Novelist Spotlight is a gathering place for people interested in reading and writing great fiction and literature. This is where you will hear from the authors who write the novels and learn of their motivations, writing process, characters, struggles and successes. Novelist Spotlight is hosted by Mike Consol, a lifelong journalist and author of four novels. more

Words on a Wire is a radio show about fiction, poetry, the writing community, and whatever other issues concern literary writers and readers of books. Hosted by Daniel Chacón and Tim Z. Hernandez. Originally broadcasted on www.ktep.org Write to us: ****@gmail.com more

Book Spider (previously known as The God Setebos) is a book-of-the-week podcast primarily covering novels, with the occasional detour into nonfiction, literary criticism, poetry, and music. We pride ourselves in running a smart podcast for the discerning listener, and we strive for the highest level of intellectual rigor.Our mascot, the book spider, sits in its cold corner, gathering its web of text, looking at the world with its calm, chilly eyes. more

A little podcast that loves big books. You don't need to have read with us to enjoy the show as we always do a synopsis of the work as well as dive into the life and times of the author behind it. Our conversations vary and roam, but we always have a good time asking if each book we cover should be included in 'the canon' of important novels.Our show icon is by Jeremy Kanne at Smart Yeti. more

Bookies' Favourite book club podcast reads literary shortlists and award winning novels. Broadcast journalist Aaron Rice & writer Colin Rice, who has a publishing background, are joined by bookworms Lucy & Hannah. Regularly joined by book club members, authors, publishers, judges, audiobook narrators, book cover designers and bookfluencers. Series 1: International Booker Prize 2025 Series 2: Booker Prize 2025 Series 3: Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize 2026 Series 4: International Booker Prize 2026 Series 5: Booker Prize 2026 more

Great novels offer insights into the human condition but can they also be tools for living? Co-hosts Ella Berthoud and Isabelle Dupuy provide bibliotherapy in our new podcast series. Each month listeners can write in with their dilemmas and our dynamic duo will suggest remedies for the head and heart, drawn from novels, poetry and prose collections. more

The Collidescope Podcast takes the literary values of George Salis' online publication www.TheCollidescope.com and presents you with innovative stories handpicked and read by George. He also interviews notable authors and discusses invisible books with friends. more

The Big Book Project is a multi-venue reading experience for bibliophiles fascinated by long or dense works of fiction and interested in discussing them with others, one novel at a time. The works selected will be capacious novels from the mid-nineteenth century through today that possess an abundant writing style or complexity in structure and themes. The notion that reading need not be a solitary activity has special resonance with these novels given that there is much to discuss, elaborate upon and question in the authors' expression of ideas. I like to think of these novels as abundant because I appreciate their richness and volume, characteristics bestow a sort of grace to luxuriate with the text. The critic and scholar Alexander Nehamas writes that when a work of art beckons, it is because we do not fully understand it but feel the strong desire to do so. And it is this deliberative process, the journey, of trying to understand why a novel is extraordinary that I want to explore with fellow readers at The Big Book Project. We discuss books like Roberto Bolaño's 2666 more

Fiction Reviews for the LitCurious.

Interviews, book chat and everything about the short stories and graphic fiction from all around the world appearing in Fictionable. 'Storytellers, readers and creatives alike will love' The Independent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Short stories, with music and sound effects.'There is in the short story at its most characteristic something we do not often find in a novel an intense awareness of human loneliness' (Frank O'Connor, The Lonely Voice, 1962). more

Books Up Close is a show for writers, readers, and anyone who wants to know how texts get made. Listen as writer and academic Chris Lloyd performs a 'close reading' of some writing with the author themselves. more

Welcome to Lit Illuminated. Join me as I pull a book off the shelf of my library and share my study of patterns and insights with you. Whether you're a bibliophile, a casual reader, or someone who simply loves a good story, this podcast takes you on an enlightening journey through the pages of classics and contemporary gems.We will delve deep into fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, offering comprehensive literary analysis. Each episode will bring thoughtful discussion and critical insights as we unravel the layers of narrative, themes, and characters that make literature captivating. more

Great Stories Well Told is a storytelling podcast featuring beautifully written works of fiction read aloud by Barbara Kline. From timeless classics to lesser-known literary treasures, each episode offers the pleasure of a carefully crafted story, thoughtfully told. more

Literature & Geopolitics focuses on long-form conversations with important writers from around the world, with a particular emphasis on authors who deserve a wider audience in North America and more broadly, among English-language readers. Hosted by Robert Fay, this podcast is an extension of the Literature & Geopolitics newsletter on Substack. https://literaturegeopolitics.substack.com/ more