This week on the Penguin Podcast we're recapping the year with a selection of the brilliant guests we've welcomed onto the show. We hear from Jane Fallon, Chris van Tulleken, Julian Barnes, David Mitchell and more. We thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you in 2024. Happy holidays.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by national treasure and bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks.Together they they discuss the tweet that helped inspire his latest book, The Seventh Son, his thoughts on imposter Syndrome and humility, the influence of George Orwell on his political outlook, and a magical riverbank he discovered in France. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by Booker Longlisted author, C Pam Zhang.Together they discuss Zhang's latest novel, The Land of Milk and Honey, as well as the effects of extreme wealth on the human psyche, the place of pleasure and joy in human existence, the many expectations still placed upon women, and the literary benefits of being a marginalised writer.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by one of our time's most important moral philosophers and animal rights activists, Peter Singer.In this episode, they discuss Singer's experience of animal rights in the 70s compared to now, what inspired him to begin campaigning for the rights of animals, the importance of suffering in determining rights, and his views on the rise of veganism.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by the former Finance Minister of Greece and co-founder of the international grassroots movement DM25 as well as a Professor of economics at the University of Athens, Yanis Varoufakis. His latest book, Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism, explores how the owners of big tech have become the world's feudal overlords. In this episode, Nihal and Yanis discuss the impact living through the digital age has on our lives, how commodities have more freedom of movement than people, and the objects that inspired the theories explored in his book. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by bestselling author, public speaker, and founder of The School of Life, Alain de Botton. His latest book, A Therapeutic Journey, deals with mental ill-health and recuperation and has been described as both a source of companionship in our loneliest moments and a practical guide to finding reasons for hope. In this episode, Isy and Alain discuss the theory behind why, as adults, we cry at happy things, the importance of listening to children, and the value of pursuing a 'good enough' life that prioritises emotional wellbeing. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by comedian, writer and actor David Mitchell for a chat about Unruly, a thoughtful, funny exploration of the founding fathers and mothers of England and, subsequently, Britain. They discuss the historical artefacts that inspired the book, why people in the Middle Ages had more confidence, and how a bout of food poisoning changed the course of English history forever. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and don't forget to leave us a review – it really helps! To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by journalist and award-winning writer, Megan Nolan.Megan joins Isy for a chat about her latest novel, Ordinary Human Failings. They also discuss the amorality of tabloid journalism, familiar narratives of where trauma can lead you, personal pain and the limitations of empathy, and the significance of owning an armchair you’ll rarely use. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by Barristister, TV host and Novelist, Rob Rinder. Rob joins Isy for a joyful conversation about his number one Sunday Times best-selling novel, The Trial.Also on the podcast, we hear Rob's perspective on imposter syndrome and its benefits, how fear and justice intersect in court, that he believes your writing style is influenced by where you sit, and why a worn-out hait brish is so precious to him. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by debut novelist Michael Magee.Michael joins us to discuss his critically acclaimed novel, Close to Home, which has already been shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize.The two also discuss how Michael's novel started off as a letter-writing exercise, approaching masculinity on his own terms, working alter egos into fiction, and how bleakness in working-class fiction works best when there is added levity.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, we bring you a special episode: Shaparak Khorsandi in conversation with Isy Suttie live from Lattitude Festival. Shaparak joined us to discuss her latest book, Scatter Brain: How I finally got off the ADHD rollercoaster and became the owner of a very tidy sock drawer.The two also discuss the subtle distinctions between shame and embarrassment, memories of climbing a pear tree, the life-changing power of an ADHD diagnosis, and how being on I’m A Celebrity gave her a spiritual experience.  Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by Booker shortlisted writer, Brandon Taylor. Brandon joins us to discuss his new novel, The Late Americans.The two also discuss the importance of material signifiers when writing characters, how reading contemporary fiction can influence the writing process, how learning expression through photography helped feed creativity, and what is the value of not writing during the act of writing. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by another of Granta's Best of Young British novelists, award-winning novelist, Isabella Hammad. Isabella Joins us to discuss her new novel, Enter Ghost.Also in the episode the two discuss how observing the real world helps form fictional characters, how stories can evolve and eventually become part of a communal identity, the significance of a roof in Isabella’s childhood and the importance of the sea in her new novel. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal is joined by one of Granta's Best of Young British novelists and recent recipient of the Orwell Prize for political fiction, novelists Tom Crewe.Tom Joins us to discuss his incredible new novel, The New Life.The two also discuss why the novel took over 10 years to write, what Tom admired most about a particular Victorian age, the candour and insights gained from the collected testimonies in the ground-breaking and inspirational book, Sexual Inversion, and also how his novel unconsciously reflects the times he has lived through. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie talks to author and psychoanalytic psychotherapist, Maxine Mei-Fung Chung. Maxine joins us to discuss her latest book, What Women Want, an intimate examination of female desire. The two also discuss the importance of making time for yourself, the impulse to keep busy for fear we may break down, why many of our coping mechanisms are developed in childhood, and why eye contact is essential when sharing intimate information.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by Booker and Woman's Prize longlisted author and one of Granta's Best Young British Novelists, Sophie Mackintosh.Sophie joins us to discuss her latest novel, Cursed Bread. Also discussed is how Welsh and its poetry have influenced Sophie's writing, where she found the inspiration for her third novel, the importance of the sea in her life and work, and why she never deletes what she cuts from her works in progress. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by medical doctor, academic and science populariser and presenter, Chris van Tulleken.Chris joins us to discuss his latest book, Ultra Processed People: Why Do We All Eat Stuff That Isn't Food… and Why Can't We Stop?This thoughtful conversation also includes insightful details about the addictive nature of ultra-processed foods, the human desire to consume what we know is bad for us, what the food companies are really up to, and why we believe exercise helps burn extra calories.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by the second winner of Stormzy's Merky Books Prize, and she was also one of the Observer's best new novelists, it's Jyoti Patel.Jyoti joins us to discuss her debut novel, The Things That We Lost, a story of family, loss and how far we go to protect those we love.Also discussed on the podcast is the experience of mixing British and Gujarati cultures, the privilege of studying the arts, the importance of being your authentic self, the idea of the perfect sentence, and where it is that Jyoti feels the writer's life most intensely. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by professor and writer, Jonathan Kennedy. Jonathan joins us to discuss his debut work of non-fiction, Pathogenesis, a look at the latest science of infectious diseases and bacteria, and how it has shaped human evolution. Isy and Jonathan also discuss the Stone Henge, his love for cycling scenery, how some bacteria have given us abilities we wouldn't otherwise have, and the importance of South Africa and Pata Pata by Miriam Makeba.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by award-winning author, Diana EvansDiana joins us to discuss her latest novel, A House for Alice, the follow-up to the best-selling and critically acclaimed, Ordinary People. Isy and Diana also discuss home and belonging, the idea of letting go, taking risks in writing and reading, and the importance of music and a treasured guitar. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by award-winning author and professor, Sarah Bakewell.Sarah joins us to discuss her latest work of nonfiction, Humanly Possible: seven hundred years of humanist freethinking, inquiry, and hope Isy and Sarah also discuss Humanism and religion, finding beauty in the complexity of the world, a brief history of human dissection, and the writing of Michel de Montaigne.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal is joined by writer, science populariser and theoretical, Carlo Rovelli. He joins us to talk about the new English translation of his first book, Anaximander.They all also discuss the singular genius of the philosophers of the past, the importance of questioning our reality, the significance of a typewriter in his writing career, and his admiration for the theoretical physicist John Wheeler. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by English writer and national treasure, Julian Barnes.He joins us to discuss the paperback publication of his most recent novel, Elizabeth Finch. Nihal and Julian also discuss his 'controlled' friendship with novelist Anita Brookner, how his worldview has been shaped by his french perspective, why Olympic women rowers move him to tears, and why the British need to honestly address their imperial history. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, Paul Harding.Paul joins us to discuss his brand new novel, This Other Eden.We also hear how the pressure of winning a prize affects the writing process, why Paul prefers to keep his personal politics side-lined in his fiction, what success means to him, and why he sometimes sits to read the Oxford English DictionaryDon't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie talks to author, TV presenter, Sunday Times bestseller and beloved chef, Nadiya Hussian. They discuss her new cookbook, Nadiya's Everyday Baking. They also delve into the effectiveness of cooking to deal with grief, how food connects us with our memories, how Nadiya picked up her cooking skills, and the relevance of a set of false teeth in her family. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year! Our first episode of the year features best-selling author, Jane Fallon, talking to Nihal Arthanayake about her brand-new novel, Just Got Real.Two also discuss the joys of editing a first draft, the pressure of achieving a best seller, Jane's fascination with the theme of revenge, and the importance of 'believability' in her novels. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we approach the new year, we're revisiting some of our favourite moments on the Penguin Podcast with part two of our Best of the Penguin Podcast.We're joined by Jarvis Cocker, Asma Khan, Lisa Jewell, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Ian McEwan.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we approach the end of 2022, we're revisiting some of our favourite moments on the Penguin Podcast this year.In part one, we're joined by Alison Hammond, Claire Fuller, Michael Rosen, Sinead Moriarty, and Damon Galgut live from this year's Hay Festival. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal is joined by Malorie Blackman, author of the critically acclaimed and internationally renowned Noughts and Crosses series.She joins us to talk about her new memoir, Just Sayin': My Life In Words.Malorie also discusses her approach to, and the challenges of writing a memoir, having a positive attitude toward failure, how institutional racism affects health care, her experience of being asked for a ticket at her own event, and the importance of writing your truth. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal is joined by author, screenwriter, booker winner and one of Britain's best-loved writers, Ian McEwan.He joins us to talk about his brand new novel, Lessons.Ian also discusses the delight of discovery when writing, the experience of total emersion while creating, the challenge and bliss of writing a long novel like Lessons, why a larval rock is important to him, and the special relevance of a mountain goat. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, from the Southbank Centre we bring you the live launch event of Greta Thunberg's The Climate Book.'The Climate Book brings together an unprecedented collective of over 100 experts, activists and witnesses to tell the biggest story in the world: how and why our planet is changing.'Copyright © Southbank Centre Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, we break down the publishing process.Host Leena Norms is joined by Penguin author, Derek Owusu, his agent Crystal Mahey-Morgan and editor Tom Avery.With Derek's debut novel as the anchor, they break down the process of finding an agent, acquiring a book, editing, and everything in between.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie talks to best-selling author, Salley Vickers. Salley joins us to talk about her latest novel, The Gardener. Isy and Salley also discuss psychoanalysis and its benefits, her affection towards children and their curiosity towards the mysteries of life, the power and different layers of silence, and how gardening during lockdown helped with the writing of her latest book. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 This week on the Penguin Podcast, Derek Owusu talks to playwright and poet, Yomi Sode. Yomi joins us to discuss his debut poetry collection, Manorism. Derek and Yomi also discuss the influence of Caravaggio and the double standards of celebrating the art and the artist, the power of stillness to create reflection, how pop culture influences poetry, and cultural appropriation and the ways in which we perpetuate and endorse it.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 This week on the Penguin Podcast, our new host Athena Kugblenu talks to bestselling author and screenwriter, Gabrielle Zevin. Gabrielle joins us to discuss her latest novel, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. They also discuss literature and gaming, why we need to merge our online selves with our real-life selves, the importance of love in friendships, how our identities shift depending on where we are and who we're talking to, and the importance of failure when it comes to creativity. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake talks to former journalist and best-selling novelist, Robert Harris. Robert joins us to discuss his latest work of epic historical fiction, Act of Oblivion, out now in hardback. He also discusses his observations on the static nature of history and humanity, how journalism informs his ability to write fiction, the potential of a simple idea to inform an entire novel, the irrationality of politics, and the UK’s shifting perspectives on the monarchy.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the penguin podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by bestselling author, Lisa Jewell. Lisa joins the Penguin Podcast to discuss her latest novel, The Family Remains, the long-awaited sequel to her New York Times best-seller, The Family Upstairs. They also discuss Lisa’s development from writing relationship novels to psychological thrillers, why a nameplate from outside her childhood bedroom is so important, her experiences in an abusive relationship, and how liberation helped her decide to be a writer.  Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the penguin podcast, Derek Owusu is joined by Booker and Costa shortlisted novelist, Nadifa Mohamed.  Nadifa joins us to discuss her latest novel, The Fortune Men, a fictional account of the life of Mahmood Hussein Mattan, who was wrongly convicted and executed in 1952.  They also discuss Nadifa's love for travelling, her interest in cars and which model she gifted herself, how fact informs her fiction and the importance of including flaws in characters.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we bring you the live-streamed episode of the Penguin Podcast, featuring Nihal Arthanayake talking to writer, rapper and campaigner, Darren McGarvey about his most recent work, The Socal Distance Between Us.  Clear and insightful, together they discuss the roles of anger and optimism in positive social change, the power of emotional range in persuasiveness, how beneficial real life conversation is for cooperative dialogue, the class and equality issues in the U.K, and the distance that tone and inflections of speech can create. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by author, radio presenter and pop legend, Jarvis Cocker. Jarvis talks to Issy about his first memoir, 'Good Pop, Bad Pop'. He also discusses why outer space and The Beetles were so influential to him, why he thinks everyone is creative, what he needs for his creativity, and what he wanted for Pulp as a revolutionary force. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie joined by Irish book award winner and best-selling author, Sinead Moriarty.Sinead talks to Issy about her latest novel, Your, Mind, Ours, a novel about what it takes to create a 'blended' family.They also discuss why families are the primary focus within her novels, the importance of the first draft, the special note she has pinned above her work desk, and her inability to throw away her fluffy socks. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by Booker Prize-winning novelist and playwright, Damon Galgut.Recording from the legendary literary festival at Hay, Nihal talks to Damon about his latest novel, The Promise, which was awarded the 2021 Booker Prize.As well as the intricacies of his novel, they also discuss how the rhythms of Jazz connect with Damon's internal and writing rhythm, his veneration of Bob Dylan, the legacy of South African apartheid, how a beach in Goa fuels his creativity, and the importance of a parker pen given to him at drama school.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Derek Owusu is joined by presenter, TV personality, actress and children's author, Alison Hammond. Alison speaks to Derek about her brand new children's book, Black in Time: The Most Awesome Black Britons from Yesterday to Today.As well as Black British history, Alison and Derek also discuss Alison's profound love for bandanas, her recreating the atmosphere of Jamaica for wellbeing, the transporting power of Terry's Chocolate Orange, and the importance of inherited style. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, new host Derek Owusu is joined by Poet, activist, musician, actor, presenter and children's author, Benjamin Zephaniah!Benjamin speaks to Derek about his journey into poetry and spoken word, the excitement at receiving a letter from Bob Marley, the life of his mother when she first came to England, existential fear and human mortality, and the importance of meditation and controlled breathing. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by restaurateur and author, Asma Khan.Asma speaks to Isy about her most recent work, her cookbook/memoir, Ammu. They also discuss food and its connection to memory, how revelatory the writing process was for her, how a pair of blue jeans changed her life, and the gentle expressions of love through cooking. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by award-winning writer and poet, Hanif AbdurraqibHanif speaks to Nihal about his most recent work of nonfiction, A little Devil in America, which won the 2021 Gorden Burn Prize. They also discuss how Hanif manages to write 25000 words a month, how important Soul Train was to Black American culture, his reasons for disliking the Academy Award-winning film, Green Book, and also what he feels went wrong with The Chapelle Show.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by debut novelist Bonnie Garmus.She speaks to Isy about her debut novel, Lessons in Chemistry, and also discusses her reluctance to change any keyboard she's grown used to, often still using it when the key have come loose, her passion for swimming, what she learnt as a copywriter, the usefulness of lies in society, and how she wrote her first short story when she was five years old.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by national treasure, poet and children’s author, Michael Rosen. He speaks to Isy about his experiences before and after contracting Covid, how to create more impactful life writing, what he now knows about death, and his yearning to understand the meanings of naughty words in Yiddish.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the penguin podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by theoretical physicist, futurist, and popularizer of science, Michio Kaku. Together they discuss string theory, the unifying threads of different religious beliefs, human curiosity and the barriers to scientific thinking.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by renowned essayist and novelist, Pankaj Mishra, to discuss his new novel, Run and Hide. Together they discuss the meaning of art and the novel, the Tibetan landscape and the Himalayas, nostalgia, and wood-panelled train compartments. Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire Fuller, who recently won the Costa Novel of the Year for her latest book, Unsettled Ground, joins Nihal Arthanayake on the podcast this week. Together they discuss the importance of music in her creative process, what she doesn't like about being a novelist and how a book by Miranda July might just have kickstarted her writing career.Don't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last time we brought you some of the most exciting debut novelists to look out for in 2022, so this week we're introducing you to some of the best new non-fiction writers to add to your reading list this year. It's a veritable treasure chest of books, from a comic memoir to ornithology, mental health, family and cultural history, and an exploration of how the Earth, as we know it, came to be.In this episode, we hear from: CJ Hauser, author of The Crane Wife, Mya-Rose Craig, author of Birdgirl, Teresa Lim, author of The Interpreter's Daughter, Thomas Halliday, author of OtherlandsDon't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review as it really does help. To find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts.html. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new year = new books, and there are plenty of brilliant new stories to look out for this year. To get your 2022 reading list started, we've brought together five of this year's most exciting debut novelists. Speaking to Isy Suttie, they introduce us to themselves and their books, and give us some insight into their inspirations and aspirations. From a darkly comic dystopia to sumptuous historical fiction to a subversive take on modern womanhood and more – there's something for everyone amongst our pick of 2022's must-read debuts.In this episode, we hear from:Jessamine Chan, author of The School for Good Mothers, Nikki May, author of Wahala, Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora, Claire Alexander, author of Meredith, Alone, Ayanna Lloyd Banwo, author of When We Were BirdsDon't forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review as it really does help. Finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we approach the end of 2021, we're revisiting some of the most memorable moments on the Penguin Podcast this year.Conn Iggulden takes his writing research extremely (and we mean, *extremely*) seriously, Emma Dabiri gives us a tour of her bookshelves, Owen Jones tells us exactly which Keir he named his feline friend after, Hafsa Zayyan's shares why her grandfather sends her letters back to her, Gyles Brandreth reveals his enduring fondness for teddy bears and Ali Smith treasures advice from a favourite writer.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we approach the end of 2021, we're revisiting some of our favourite moments on the Penguin Podcast this year.Zadie Smith and Nick Laird tell us about the unexpectedly colourful spectrum of noise that helps them work, Adam Kay reveals the best way to avoid being distracted by social media while trying to write a book, Ashley Audrain discusses the song that had a huge influence on her debut novel, former director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor shows us what a rhino doesn't actually look like, Shon Faye explains how a shared culture can bring us together, and Barack Obama tells Marcus Rashford about rummaging through a bin for books at a jumble sale.Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please do leave us a review – it really does help us. And finally, to find out more about the #PenguinPodcast, visit https://www.penguin.co.uk/podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss his thirteenth novel, ‘Bewilderment’.Using objects like Bach’s Goldberg Variation 18, an unsmoked hickory nut, and a petrified piece of redwood, Powers transport us to his home in the Great Smoky Mountains, musing on the importance of sense as an entranceway to curiosity, writing as a resistance of habituation, and the centrifugal feeling that connects the work of the artist and the scientist; that of bewilderment. ‘Bewilderment’ is available to order on audiobook now: https://apple.co/3cFCDYf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special live recording at The London Palladium, Dolly Alderton speaks to award-winning actor and writer Stanley Tucci to discuss his new food memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food.Stanley speaks passionately about food, and shares with Dolly the ways in which it’s been inextricably intertwined with his life. He recalls early memories of TV chefs, tells us some favourite recipes, and explains how surviving throat cancer has renewed his appreciation for the simple joy of taste. #PenguinPodcastThe audiobook version of Taste: My Life through Food is available here: https://apple.co/3oeQfzeThe paperback of Dolly Alderton’s latest novel, Ghosts, is out now: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316664/ghosts/9780241988688.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout joins Isy Suttie to discuss the third book in her Lucy Barton series, ‘Oh, William!’.Using objects like a ring gifted to her by a great aunt and a postcard of the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald as a starting point, Strout muses on the almost mystical process that allows her to inhabit the characters she creates, her preoccupation with class and the shame that so often sits alongside it, and the epiphany that came to her on the comedy stage. #PenguinPodcast‘Oh, William!’ is available to order on audiobook now: https://apple.co/3EbDgV6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The writer that penned an early-noughties viral phenomenon aged just 13, Jade LB, speaks to Nihal Arthanayake about ‘Keisha The Sket’.  Having lived on the phones and websites of fans for the past two decades, it’s now been formally published for the first time with additional content from the author and essays from esteemed contemporary writers like Candice Carty-Williams and Caleb Femi.Using the notion of Black-British girlhood and an old diary, Jade dissects her own life growing up in a world where material wealth and sex are equated to power. She reflects on the need for a community or tribe, and how a lack of intersectionality too often leaves Black, working class women behind. #PenguinPodcast'Keisha The Sket' is available to pre-order now: https://bit.ly/3v333LU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The author, podcaster and stand-up comedian Shon Faye joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss her first book, The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice.Using iconic queer artefacts like the film ‘The Wizard of Oz’, starring Judy Garland, alongside Lady Gaga’s ‘Chromatica’ album as a gateway, Shon shares with Nihal the experiences that lead to her writing The Transgender Issue: the internalised homophobia, street harassment, and urgency to set the terms of the conversation around Trans liberation right. #PenguinPodcastThe Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice is available to order on audiobook now: https://apple.co/3F1D6Rq Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author, broadcaster, entertainer and former politician Gyles Brandreth talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his upcoming memoir, Odd Boy Out.In this episode, Gyles Brandreth considers how delving into his own childhood has challenged his usual aversion to being introspective, and how breaking the mirror of self-indulgence can truly enrich your life. Using a teddy bear, a green carnation and some words of wisdom from a war commander, he shows us that the sunshine of his childhood still shines bright.The audiobook of Odd Boy Out is available to pre-order now: https://apple.co/3nsz4vb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Time is just the medium through which life unfolds.” This week, mentalist, illusionist, painter and author Derren Brown talks to Isy Suttie about his latest book, ‘A Book of Secrets: Finding Solace in a Stubborn World’.In this episode, Derren and Isy delve into the questions at the heart of the way we live our lives. Using objects like a camera and a paintbrush, Derren shares the small ways in which he is able to make peace with the universe. #PenguinPodcast‘A Book of Secrets: Finding Solace in a Stubborn World’ is available to order on audiobook now: https://apple.co/3jwerMo  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World-renowned author Paula Hawkins talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest thriller, A Slow Fire Burning.In this episode, Paula Hawkins reflects on the disparity between commercial success and her confidence as a writer, particularly in the face of criticism. Is it possible to strike the perfect balance between prosperity and critical acclaim? Using a postcard and a well-worn jumper, she shares her fondness for the keepsakes which remind us of who we are. #PenguinPodcast The audiobook version of A Slow Fire Burning is available to pre-order now: https://apple.co/3m8wKsu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling historical fiction author Conn Iggulden talks to Nihal Arthanayake about Protector, the latest book in his Athenian series.In this episode, Conn Iggulden recalls the wondrous stories which ignited his imagination as a child and inspired him to begin writing. Armed with a Roman sword and a silver pen, he reveals his methods for understanding the reality of physical combat and tells us about his growing sentimentality in adulthood. #PenguinPodcastProtector is available to buy as an audiobook now: apple.co/3yoe638 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prolific author Alexander McCall Smith joins Nihal Arthanayake to share tales from behind his impressive body of work. In this episode, the ever-curious Alexander McCall Smith tells of his affection for Botswana, and its important role as the backdrop to his much-loved series, The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, gives due respect to the surprises of an author’s subconscious mind, and waxes lyrical about the Celtic art that inspired the story behind one of the fascinating objects he’s brought with him. #PenguinPodcastThe No 1 Ladies Detective Agency is available on audiobook here: https://www.audiobooks.co.uk/audiobook/no-1-ladies-detective-agency-bbc-radio-casebook-vol-1-eight-bbc-radio-4-full-cast-dramatisations/324032 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate this year’s upcoming Booker Prize nominations, we've delved back into the archives and cherry-picked highlights from eight very special interviews. Hear about the inspirations, frustrations, and secrets behind the winners of the most prestigious prize in literature.What’s in a name? What is the worst question you can ask an author? Who has a squirrel skull hidden under their bed? All these questions are answered, alongside discussions of African Temporality, the importance of mischief and protest on social media. #PenguinPodcast Original interviews, from the archives: Bernardine Evaristo with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/2VcpL6BAnne Enright with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/2SNVs5cSalman Rushdie with David Olusoga: https://apple.co/3ytvy68Howard Jacobson with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/3Auas9sIan McEwan with Katy Brand: https://apple.co/3hjyJYfMarlon James with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/2SNTZvKPat Barker with Katy Brand: https://apple.co/3AvTmYMArundhati Roy with Kirsty Lang: https://apple.co/3AwU5Jh   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“There’s a way in which memory can press up against the present”: this week, American author Avni Doshi talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her wildly successful debut novel, ’Burnt Sugar’, which was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize.In this episode, Avni and Nihal discuss the problematic deification of motherhood in South Asian communities, using humour to explore dark subject matter, and using her nomadic experiences to develop her writing style. #PenguinPodcast'Burnt Sugar' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3gyj7jg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour MP, podcast host and now author Ed Miliband talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his debut book, ‘Go Big: How To Fix Our World’. Using a scene from ’The West Wing’ and a Robert Kennedy speech as jump off points, Ed and Nihal meditate on Ed's time as Leader of the Opposition, reconciling a partisan political climate, and being an idealist in a world of pragmatists. #PenguinPodcastRobert Kennedy’s Day of Affirmation speech can be found here - https://bit.ly/2T7Gff9The ‘Let Bartlet be Bartlet’ episode of ’The West Wing’ can be found here - https://bit.ly/3zdUQGi’Go Big: How To Fix Our World’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3w60AQB  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in to an exclusive conversation between President Barack Obama and England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford as they meet for the first time.In this special bonus episode of the #PenguinPodcast, moderated by June Sarpong, Barack Obama and Marcus Rashford discuss the power that young people have to make change, the positive impact that reading can have and the importance of giving back to your local community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest book, ’Malibu Rising’. Much of Taylor’s fiction focuses on the world of celebrity and fame - she talks to Nihal about why a cultural fascination with celebrities exists, the insidious, seductive nature of fame, and how the accessibility of stars today has changed fame forever. They also discuss her writing process (which involves a lot of iced tea!) and the joys of immersing yourself in another time period. #PenguinPodcast  The audiobook version of ‘Malibu Rising’ is available to pre-order now - https://adbl.co/3oO6F19.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author, social historian and broadcaster Emma Dabiri talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest book, 'What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition’.Emma picks objects, including a bookshelf and an incense holder, which instigate a fascinating conversation about the changing landscape of online activism, the books she continues to return to for inspiration, and the importance of interrogating our current world order. #PenguinPodcast'What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/33yV7Fy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Literary power couple Zadie Smith and Nick Laird chat to Nihal Arthanayake about their collaborative project, ‘Weirdo’, a children’s book about the quiet power of being different, featuring exquisite illustrations from Magenta Fox. In this episode, Zadie and Nick discuss the joy of removing words from their work, the virtues of rawness in writing, and the inspiration they take from the internal life of their aging pug, Maud. #PenguinPodcast  ‘Weirdo’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3eC4wkr  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ghanaian-American novelist Yaa Gyasi talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her second novel, ’Transcendent Kingdom’. Using objects like a photo of a mouse and a SZA song, the author of the award-winning ‘Homegoing’ chats to Nihal about her Ghanaian heritage, liking your own characters, and discussing mental illness in African cultures. #PenguinPodcast’Transcendent Kingdom’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3e0h7Oa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and ex-publicity director Ashley Audrain talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her wildly successful debut novel, ’The Push’. Using objects like a popular Canadian children’s book and a Brandi Carlile song, Ashley chats to Nihal about the contradictions of motherhood, the catharsis of exploring our deepest fears on a page, and how parenting and writing co-exist. #PenguinPodcast’The Push’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2QFIHIv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor of Black Studies and author Kehinde Andrews talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his latest book, ’The New Age of Empire’. Using objects like his dad’s British passport, a keyring, and an iconic hip-hop album, they chat about embracing Black culture as a teenager, reckoning with the concept of ‘Britishness’ and the commercialisation of Black music. #PenguinPodcast’'The New Age of Empire’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3eJ5OvH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coinciding with World Book Day, writer and former junior doctor Adam Kay chats to Isy Suttie about his first children’s book, ‘Kay’s Anatomy’.Using objects like a letter from Alan Bennett and a Victorian bone cutting saw as a springboard, they discuss writing as a coping mechanism, relearning the piano and his undying love of Pulp. #PenguinPodcast‘Kay’s Anatomy’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3uP4n4q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Art Historian and former Director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor chats to Nihal about the new audiobook of ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’.Neil has chosen 4 of those objects plus an entirely new one (object 101!) including a Jade Axe and an Akan Drum. He chats to Nihal about how their meaning can change over time #PenguinPodcast‘A History of the World in 100 objects’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3dfSbUb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and playwright Ali Smith chats to Nihal about her 2014 multi award-winning novel ‘How to be Both’, which has just been released as an audiobook.In this episode, Ali reveals how she takes herself out of her comfort zone, why we should give books a chance when reading them and her love of silent film. #PenguinPodcast 'How to be Both' will be available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2Z6TNaz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hafsa Zayyan, co-winner of Stormzy’s #Merky Books New Writer’s Prize, chats to Nihal about her debut novel ‘We Are All Birds Of Uganda’.She chats to Nihal about completing the book in six months and why a sense of belonging and home is so important no matter where you live. Hafsa also brings along some of the objects which inspire her, including letters from her late Nigerian grandfather #PenguinPodcast‘We Are All Birds Of Uganda' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/39MMI3SWIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Owen Jones, Guardian columnist and Labour party activist chats to Nihal about the tumultuous rise and fall of Corbynism via his new book ‘This Land’. Owen explains why he doesn’t like writing and brings objects that help him get past that, including music from The Boxer Rebellion and his cats Kier and Rickman. #PenguinPodcast‘This Land: The Story of a Movement’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/38pSVSy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second part of this special edition Nihal Arthanayake chooses some more clips from a selection of his favourite episodes. This includes why Nigella Lawson has to travel with tea bags, how Jonathan Coe became a warm-up act on a cruise ship, and why Andrew Hunter Murray was inspired by a dog at Slough Railway Station.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Alex Wheatle MBE, aka the 'Brixton Bard', has just been the subject of one of Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe' films on BBC1. In this episode, he chats to Nihal about his latest YA book ‘Cane Warriors’, based on the true story of Tacky, a slave who led an uprising on the plantations of Jamaica in the 18th Century.Alex also talks to Nihal about his experiences growing up in a children’s home, how a prison cell-mate encouraged him to write and how reggae music, amongst other things, inspires him. #PenguinPodcast'Cane Warriors' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3miQ8iTWIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition, Nihal Arthanayake chooses some of his favourite bits from previous episodes which include the likes of Sir Paul McCartney on doubting his own talent, a surprising music choice from Elif Shafak and how Howard Jacobson was insulted by Kylie Minogue. #PenguinPodcastWIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iconic 80’s pop band Bananarama join Nihal Arthanayake to chat about their memoir ‘Really Saying Something’.They chat about the pressures of the band, how they ended up living in the Sex Pistols' old rehearsal room and discuss some of the objects that have inspired them creatively, including a Moomins book. #PenguinPodcast‘Really Saying Something’ is available to buy as an audiobook now: https://apple.co/2KcwGHs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dolly Alderton, author, journalist and co-host of The High Low podcast chats to Sue Perkins about her first novel, ‘Ghosts’.Both Sue and Dolly open up about relationships and Dolly reveals the objects that have inspired her work, including a lukewarm glass of white wine and a song by George Michael. #PenguinPodcast ‘Ghosts’ is now available to buy as an audiobook: https://apple.co/325yw2J Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Dawkins - British evolutionary biologist and populist science writer - chats to Nihal about his latest book ‘Outgrowing God’He also talks about objects which have inspired him creatively which include a framed photo of Prince Phillip and the Flounder fish. ‘Outgrowing God’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3obexsT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV presenter and co-creator of the TV quiz show ‘Pointless’, Richard Osman chats to Nihal about his debut novel ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ - a story about four friends living in a retirement village who become amateur detectives.  He chats to Nihal about some objects that have inspired him which include the dating app Tinder and candles. Richard also reveals why he didn’t tell anyone he was writing a novel. #Penguinpodcast  ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3llVb2f  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and historian Ben Macintyre talks to Nihal about his new book ‘Agent Sonya’ - the story of the greatest female spy of the 20th Century. Ben chats to Nihal about how ‘Sonya’s’ gender helped her stay under deep cover for so many years. Ben’s inspirational objects include a jar of chutney given to him from M15 and the jaw-dropping story of his great uncle’s pocketbook (which literally saved his life). #PenguinPodcast‘Agent Sonya’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/32NX94J  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Gavin and Stacey’ co-creator and actor Ruth Jones chats to Nihal about her second novel ‘Us Three’ - a story about enduring female friendships.  She talks about objects that have inspired her including a pair of pink trainers and Wales (the country). Plus why she never ever wants to return to Glastonbury #PenguinPodcast  ‘Us Three’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3i9x6u9    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Horowitz, author of the bestselling teen Spy series, Alex Rider, talks to Nihal about his creative process, how he’d like to write a Dickens novel and bonds with Nihal over the rapper Dave.Anthony, who has sold well in excess of 20 million books and has written two James Bond and two Sherlock Holmes novels, chats about his latest novel ‘Moonflower Murders’ and chooses objects that inspire his work including magic tricks and an unusual sculpture. #Penguinpodcast'Moonflower Murders' is available to buy as an audiobook now -https://apple.co/3j7zLoj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ author Kevin Kwan chats to Nihal about his new book ‘Sex and Vanity’ - the story of a young woman who finds herself torn between two men.Kevin discusses some objects which have inspired him and chats to Nihal about why the island of Capri is so important to him, and how he used to make best dressed lists #PenguinPodcast‘Sex and Vanity’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/33UuhbY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Hornby joins Nihal to talk about how he gets inspired, bringing along a collection of objects that help him including a jigsaw puzzle and an LP.The ‘About a Boy’ and ‘High Fidelity’ author chats to Nihal about his new novel ‘Just Like You’, why he is still full of doubt, and how the characters he creates have a personal effect on his life. #PenguinPodcast'Just Like You' is available to buy as an audiobook on 17/09/2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lily Cole joins Nihal to talk about her latest book ‘Who Cares Wins’ - where she interviews the likes of Elon Musk, Stella McCartney and the Extinction Rebellion co-founders about issues relating to the climate crisis.Lily, who is an actress, model and businesswoman chose a selection of objects which have inspired her work and why optimism is so important when it comes to activism. #PenguinPodcast‘Who Cares Wins’ is available to buy as an audiobook on 30/07 - https://apple.co/2EqWL2C   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and podcast host Pandora Sykes chats to Nihal about her debut book ‘How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? - a collection of essays which question the perceived wisdom of modern life.  Pandora chooses objects which inspire her and talks to Nihal about her life-long love of books, why it is so important to shop less and she reads out some of her favourite quotes from when she was a teenager. #PenguinPodcast  ‘How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right?’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2E1LmGg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcaster and journalist Dame Jenni Murray talks to Nihal about her new book ‘Fat Cow, Fat Chance’ - what it’s like to be labelled fat when society dictates skinny as the norm.  Jenni chooses objects that have inspired her, telling Nihal how liberated she felt by her favourite leather skirt, when she first realised she was a feminist, and why we need to look at the science behind obesity. #PenguinPodcast  ‘Fat Cow, Fat Chance’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3h446D9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Illustrator and author Jackie Morris, who has collaborated with the likes of Ted Hughes and written over 40 books, talks to Nihal about how she gets creative and the objects that inspire her such as a gold hare with a fascinating backstory. They also chat about her award-winning book 'The Lost Words' (written by Robert Macfarlane), which won The Most Beautiful Book award and in audiobook form has been narrated by Benjamin Zephaniah, Guy Garvey, Cerys Matthews and Edith Bowman with nature sounds by Chris Watson (who has worked with David Attenborough). 'The Lost Words' audiobook is available to download here: https://apple.co/3gFbnt3 #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of the Penguin Podcast we bring you Penguin Perspectives.Penguin Perspectives is a collection of essays by twenty Penguin authors, written as a direct response to the Covid-19 crisis. These authors have recorded their essays from their homes during lockdown, and these recordings are collected together here. #PenguinPodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Activist and author Caroline Criado Perez joins Nihal to talk about her book ‘Invisible Women’ - which exposes the gender data gap found in society.   She chats to Nihal about the problems with PPE (one size does not fit all), how to deal with trolls, and why women need more pockets. #PenguinPodcast  ‘Invisible Women’ is available to buy as an audiobook now -  https://apple.co/3iinhdI /  https://adbl.co/3f0D66A    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Amor Towles joins Nihal from Manhattan to discuss his 2016 best-selling book ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ - the story of a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life in a luxury hotel.Amor chats to Nihal about and why he starts everyday with the New York Times crossword puzzle and finishes the day with a cocktail.#Penguinpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malcolm Gladwell (author of bestsellers such as ‘Blink’ and ‘Outliers’; staff writer for the New Yorker and podcaster) joins Sue Perkins to discuss his latest book ‘Talking to Strangers’ - which is bookended by the story of Sandra Bland, who tragically died in police custody and is one of many names in the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Malcolm explains that Sandra’s story is part of wider problem in how we all misjudge the wants and needs of people we don’t know. Malcolm’s inspirational objects include the Janelle Monáe song ‘Hell You Talmbout’ and the ‘Friends’ theme-tune. #PenguinPodcast'Talking to Strangers' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3e5iqdC / https://adbl.co/2UkIVUk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stuart Russell - Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control.’ They chat about how Hollywood has clouded our perception of AI, why we don’t need robots in human form and how the best jobs in the future will be ones that involve empathy. #Penguinpodcast  ‘Human Compatible’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2UpZPkK / https://adbl.co/2W2muEY  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scottish author John Niven joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘The F*ck-it List’ - the story of a man who after receiving a terminal diagnosis compiles a list of the people he wants to kill.John chats to Nihal about why he hates reading his first draft back, how Donald Trump blocked him on twitter and how a motivational quote keeps him going. #PenguinPodcast‘The F*ck-it List’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2yVWUbW / https://adbl.co/2Wns5Vj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Considered the Founder of Modern Linguistics and voted the World’s Top Public Intellectual, Noam joins Nihal to discuss his prescient 2017 book ‘Optimism Over Despair’, which has just been made into an audiobook. It takes the form of a series of interviews, addressing many issues still relevant today. Noam imparts his wisdom to Nihal (down the line from Arizona) about topics ranging from US politics to the climate crisis and also reveals one of the things he realises that he got wrong in his past #PenguinPodcast   ‘Optimism Over Despair’ is available to buy here - https://apple.co/2zamyKd And will be available as an audiobook from June 4th - https://adbl.co/3fidtyW  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American author Curtis Sittenfeld joins Nihal to discuss her latest book ‘Rodham’ which explores what would have happened if Hillary hadn’t married Bill Clinton.  Curtis chats to Nihal (down the line from Minnesota) about how she went viral (it involves wearing a wedding dress in lockdown) and objects that inspire her including a special birthday card and a Margaret Atwood wooden badge. #PenguinPodcast  ‘Rodham’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2ZgucgE / https://adbl.co/3c3BLe3  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World renowned physicist Brian Greene joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘Until The End of Time’ – which provides us with a clearer sense of how we came to be, a picture of where we are now, and a firmer understanding of where we are headed. Brian speaks to Nihal from his cabin in the Catskills (upstate New York) on why a piano piece by his father, and a First Edition of the ‘Myth of Sisyphus’ by Albert Camus inspire his work. #Penguin Podcast  ‘Until The End of Time – Mind, Matter and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2WTdL70/ https://adbl.co/2xwhxdV  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor David Harewood joins Nihal to discuss narrating the Penguin classic ‘The War Of The Worlds’ by H.G. Wells.   David has played major roles such as the CIA’s David Estes in Homeland and Captain Poison in Blood Diamond.   David tells Nihal about the challenges (and fun) he had narrating ‘The War Of The Worlds’ and discusses the objects which have inspired his work, including YouTube (for accents) and a ties (for auditions). #Penguin Podcast   ‘The War of the Worlds’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2V7yOSw / https://adbl.co/3deksal   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor, comedian, and author Mark Gatiss joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss narrating the brand new audiobook of Bram Stokers’ ‘Dracula’ and the BBC Radio dramatisation of M.R. James’ ‘Ghost Stories’. Mark has written and acted in the likes of Dr. Who, Sherlock and Dracula and is part of the team who created The League of Gentlemen. His chosen inspirational objects include fossils and an easel #PenguinPodcast‘The M. R. James BBC Radio Collection’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/34hyJ2O Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you missing the outdoors? Rewild your inner life with George Monbiot as he discusses Feral – the now-classic book that launched the rewilding movement. A respected environmental campaigner, investigative journalist and self-confessed professional troublemaker, George has won the UN Global 500 award for outstanding environmental achievement, collaborated with Extinction Rebellion and Greta Thunberg, and been celebrated for his “dazzling command of science and relentless faith in people” (Naomi Klein). He chats to Nihal about why he actually dislikes objects - and how he’s stirred into action by items he finds problematic such as flamethrowers and fences. #PenguinPodcast‘Feral’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2yKKp2B Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denise Mina’s latest novel ‘Conviction’ was selected by Reese Witherspoon’s book club and won the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019. She chats to Katy about her sources of inspiration, why she adores podcasts and what it’s like to be part of a group labelled ‘Tartan Noir’. Her inspirational objects include her writing desk and a very special pencil #PenguinPodcast ‘Conviction’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2JClWhK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernardine won the Booker prize last year with her novel ‘Girl, Woman, Other’, one of Barack Obama’s top books of 2019 and hailed 'book of the decade' by The Sunday Times and The Guardian. Bernardine brings objects into the studio that have inspired her creatively, including a song from Hamilton the musical and a photo of her paternal grandmother (who she dedicates every single book to) #PenguinPodcast To buy the audiobook:https://apple.co/2UBqkmv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Booker prize winner, Anne Enright chats to Nihal about her new novel ‘Actress’ - the story of a legendary theatre star seen through the eyes of her daughter. Anne, who was the first Laureate for Irish fiction, tells Nihal how she sometimes spends hours and hours choosing the right word for her novels (and other times it just flows). Anne's objects of inspiration include a photo of Carrie Fisher and a magazine piece where Joan Crawford describes her best dinner party (everything has vodka added). #PenguinPodcast                              For the audiobook of ‘Actress’ by Anne Enright: http://bit.ly/PPAnne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Gibson, author of the seminal speculative fiction novel 'Neuromancer', chats to Nihal about why his work has never predicted the future, why punk was the last pre-digital counterculture and on spending the afternoon with Mick Jagger (who is a huge fan of his work). His chosen inspiring objects include a pair of AI glasses which are a character is his new novel 'Agency'. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Hunter Murray, writer for the BBC’s QI programme and co-host of the hugely successful ‘No Such Thing as a Fish’ podcast, chats to Katy Brand about his new thriller set in 2059.Used to researching unusual facts and writing comedy, Andrew explains what it was like writing fiction set in the near future. He brings objects to the studio that have inspired him including an iceberg (not the real thing) and a stuffed dog (which currently resides at Slough station). #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 13th Doctor meets classic Doctor Who companion Ace, in a novel written by Sophie Aldred (who played Ace alongside Sylvester McCoy in the BBC TV series). Sophie joins Katy in the studio to talk about writing 'Dr Who: A Childhood's End' and brings with her objects that inspired her including the famous bomber jacket that she wore in the TV series. Sophie reveals how she was cast in the role of Ace originally, what it was like filming the episodes and on meeting the current Dr. Who, Jodie Whittaker, in person. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Wonder’ has sold well over 15 million copies and was made into a major feature film starring Julia Roberts. Its author RJ Palacio has written and illustrated a new graphic novel ‘White Bird’ that sees a ‘Wonder’ character explore his family history. RJ brings a list of objects into the studio that have inspired her including a wooden bird and a sketchbook and also talks about the craft behind creating her graphic novel. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Paul McCartney talks about his new children’s book ‘Hey Grandude’. In a special Christmas edition, the rock superstar tells Nihal about persuading John Lennon to believe in himself, the one famous person that even he feels nervous around and how being a grandad inspires him. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Safran Foer is the American author of bestselling novels ‘Everything is Illuminated’ and ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’. His books have been made into major feature films starring the likes of Tom Hanks, with his latest work 'We are The Weather’ looking at what we can do about the climate crisis on a personal level. Jonathan tells Katy about the objects that inspire his writing, including a collection of framed blank sheets of paper from other famous authors. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suggs chats to Nihal about Madness' new book 'Before We Was We', which charts the very funny and moving story of the band's early days. Madness, who've been together for 40 years, have played on top of Buckingham Palace, at the 2012 Olympics and had 17 UK top ten hits. Suggs brings in objects that tell the story of the band including a Prince Buster record, a pub sign and a plaster cast of some teeth #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘His Dark Materials’ author Philip Pullman, talks to Sophie Dahl live from the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford. Philip has a new novel in The Book of Dust trilogy entitled ‘The Secret Commonwealth’, which continues the story of his protagonist Lyra, now aged 20. Philip brings objects that have inspired him including a ‘real’ alethiometer and he also reads an extract from his new book #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacqueline Wilson has a new Tracey Beaker book: ‘We Are the Beaker Girls’. The former children’s laureate, who has sold over 40 million books, talks to Katy Brand about how she gets inspired, bringing objects into the studio that help her create including a pair of swimming goggles and a trains timetable. #PenguinPodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Kennedy, author, actress and TV writer talks to Katy Brand about her new book ‘The Things We Left Unsaid’. Emma’s previous books include ‘The Tent, The Bucket and Me’ which was adapted into The Kennedys for the BBC. She has also written children’s books and worked with the good and the great of British comedy (including Katy - so expect lots of laughter). Emma brought in objects that have inspired her including a tin of buttons and a discarded wedding bouquet #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory Sutherland, the charismatic Vice Chairman of advertising agency Ogilvy, tells Katy how thinking counterintuitively can lead to success. Using examples from his Ted Talks (viewed 6.5 million times), his new book ‘Alchemy’ and the objects he brought in - he explains how ‘psycho-logic’ sells #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special LIVE edition from the Lowry in Manchester, Malorie Blackman OBE talks about the long-awaited fifth book in her Noughts and Crosses Series: ‘Crossfire’. Malorie has written over 70 books, is a former Children’s Laureate and has artists such as Stormzy counting themselves as super-fans. Malorie's chosen inspirational objects include ‘The Colour Purple’ by Alice Walker and a CD by Marvin Gaye. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Coe, author of political satires ‘What a Carve Up!’ and ‘The Rotters’ Club’ chats to Nihal about his new novel ‘Middle England’. Jonathan brings with him objects that have inspired his work and reveals what it’s like to be an Elvis impersonator warm-up act. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Diana Evans (‘26a’, ‘The Wonder’) is the perfect guest for this podcast. She tells Katy how objects are an integral part of her writing process and brings some along including a mini London telephone box and her trusty sketchbook. Diana also chats about her new award-winning novel ‘Ordinary People’ which was one of the New Yorker’s books of the year. #PenguinPodcast #InspirationalObjects Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kit De Waal, author of the critically acclaimed bestseller ‘My Name is Leon’ joins Katy in the studio. Kit talks about her latest book ‘The Trick to Time’ and brings objects that have inspired her including a track by Scott Matthews and a photo of Forlorn Point in Ireland.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Howard Jacobson joins Nihal in the studio to chat about his new book ‘Live a Little’. Howard, who has written sixteen novels including Booker prize-winning ‘The Finkler Question’, brings objects that have inspired him including a playbill and a painting. He also tells the story of the time Kylie Minogue called him ‘a b**tard’ (in a good way). #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Haddon tells Katy Brand how art inspires him – choosing objects including an oil painting and a David Hockney print to explain. The award-winning ‘Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ author also talks about his new book ‘The Porpoise’ based partly on the legend of Antiochus, it also features tales of time travel, pirates and semi-naked wrestling. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigella talks about her first cookbook ‘How To Eat’, which is 20 years old and has now been made into an audiobook. She tells Katy why she thought this would the only book about food she would write, why some of her ideas have changed since writing and what her rider is when working abroad. Nigella beings in some objects that inspire her including a tea caddy and a photograph of her kitchen table. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling Turkish-British author Elif Shafak, chats to Nihal about the brilliant idea behind her new novel ’10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World’ (10:38 is the period of time a brain can still be active after death). Elif, who has also received standing ovations at Ted Talks and is an academic and journalist, explains how she finds it impossible to write without noise and brings with her objects that inspire her work including a pair of headphones and a wooden statue of Don Quixote.     #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read’ by Philippa Perry recently topped the Sunday Times Bestseller List and has been called ‘a parenting book for people who don’t normally buy them’. Philippa, a psychotherapist and broadcaster, talks about not judging parents, how there is no 'good and bad' and what to do about screen time. Philippa’s objects that inspire her writing, include a tiny pair of walking boots and a TV remote control. We also hear an extract from the audiobook. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Boyne, bestselling author of ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ chats to Nihal Arthanayake about harnessing ideas around his new YA book ‘My Brother’s Name is Jessica’. John brings objects into the studio that have inspired him including a football, a locked black box and reveals the reason behind his Kate Bush tattoo. #PenguinPodcast #KateBush #JohnIrving #JohnBoyne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Booker prize-winning author Ian McEwan visits the Penguin studio to talk about his new novel ‘Machines Like Me’ - set in an alternatives 1980’s in which synthetic humans are on sale. Ian and Katy talk about the ethics of AI, why drinking wine on the top of a mountain is good for your health and how being an A list Hollywood screenwriter can be ‘the ruin of many an English novelist’. Ian’s objects of inspiration include steel drinking cups and a drawing of a squirrel’s skull. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happened when engineers fixed an aeroplane window with bolts ever so slightly too short (spoiler: the pilot did not stay seated). Mathematician and stand-up comedian (yes, he does both), Matt Parker, explains to Katy Brand how maths mistakes in everyday life can have BIG consequences. He brings with him the rogue aeroplane bolts to the studio as well as objects that have helped him write his latest book ‘Humble Pi: A Comedy of Maths Errors’. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition, Katy Brand selects highlights from past episodes featuring Stephen Fry, Salman Rushdie, Ruby Wax, Zadie Smith, Caitlin Moran, Romesh Ranganathan, Reggie Yates, Ian Rankin, Michael Palin, Pat Barker, Arundhati Roy, Michael Morpurgo and many more. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man Booker prize winner Marlon James tells Nihal why his new novel ‘Black Leopard, Red Wolf’ is a sort of African ‘Game of Thrones’. The Jamaican author of ‘A Brief History of Seven Killings’ talks about objects that inspire his creativity including comic books, superheroes and how he loves to draw maps. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Amstell - comedian, presenter, director and writer talks to Katy Brand about his new book ‘Help’, a memoir interspersed with sections of his stand-up gigs. Simon brings with him objects that have helped him to write and create (including post-it notes and a voice recorder) and explains why people told him to stop being funny, and how taking Ayahuasca in the Amazon rainforest helped cure his depression. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock’ was nominated for the Women’s Prize for Fiction and was The Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year. Imogen Hermes Gowar talks to Katy Brand about the highs and lows of huge success as a first time author and brought in objects to the Penguin studio that inspire her creativity, including an old bottle of red ink and a packet of Jaffa Cakes. #PenguinPodcast  ‘The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock' is available as an audiobook to download now.   https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/the-mermaid-and-mrs-hancock-unabridged/id1335672004 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition, Katy Brand selects some of the best bits from past episodes featuring Johnny Marr, Romesh Ranganathan, Ruby Wax, Tim Peake, Zadie Smith, Sebastian Faulkes, William Boyd, Jeff Kinney, Michael Palin, Pat Barker and Caitlin Moran. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan tells Nihal why he thinks Richard Pryor is the greatest stand-up of all time and how he practices his set in front of an imaginary audience in his garage. Romesh’s chosen inspirational objects include a Public Enemy CD, a microphone stand and a Trading Places poster. Expect lots and lots of laughter. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Morpurgo has written a new version of ‘The Snowman’ inspired by the original story by Raymond Briggs which is now 40 years old. The author of 130 books including War Horse, Michael tells Katy why Christmas is so special. If you’re not feeling festive this will definitely get you in the mood with Michael’s special objects including a family Santa Claus decoration with an amazing history. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Markus Zusak, author of ‘The Book Thief’ (which spent over 500 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list) joins Katy Brand. He talks about his much anticipated new book ‘Bridge of Clay’ and why it took him over 13 years to write. Markus also explains why special objects are a big feature in his latest book and help unlock his creative process. He brings a surfboard fin, a pebble shaped like a Zippo lighter, postcards and a famous Australian racehorse into the studio! #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Barker, bestselling author of the Regeneration trilogy and Booker Prize winner talks to Katy Brand about her latest book ‘Silence of the Girls’ based on the Trojan wars. Pat also brings in objects to the Penguin studio that have inspired her including a copy of Homer’s Iliad, a bronze age loom weight and a pile of dad rats (luckily just a photo). #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special live edition of the Penguin Podcast with comedian, actor, and writer Michael Palin is hosted by David Baddiel. Having been in Monty Python’s Flying Circus and made award-winning travel documentaries around the world, Palin talks about his latest book, ‘Erebus; The Story of a Ship’. He brings objects that have inspired him included an African stool, a piece of fuselage from Ernest Hemingway’s plane and a postcard written by Spike Milligan.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could you make the grade as an astronaut? Katy Brand talks to Tim Peake about his new ‘Astronaut Selection Test Book’. Tim reveals what is was like hanging onto the outside of the International Space Station with one hand (whilst looking at the rest of The Universe over his right shoulder)…. and what is was like watching ‘Star Wars’ in space. Tim’s chosen inspirational objects include a flag from the back of his spacesuit. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawyer, broadcaster and author Helena Kennedy talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest novel, ‘Eve Was Shamed’. The book comes 25 years after her first book ‘Eve Was Framed’ which led to a number of key reforms for women. Her latest work sees how the British Justice system is still failing women. Helena brought along objects that inspire her including her father’s rosary and beach pebbles that help her come up with new ideas. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author William Boyd tells Nihal Arthanayake about his writing methodology; years of research before he even sits down to write. Known for writing novels which span continents and timescales, commissioned by the Fleming Estate to write a James Bond novel and working with David Bowie, Boyd is something of a phenomenon. He’s in the studio to talk about his latest novel, Love Is Blind, and brings with him objects that have inspired him, including a piano tuning hammer and a pistol. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Colm Tóibín tells Katy Brand why he returns to the theme of home again and again in his work and what it’s like writing about violence for the first time. Colm wrote ‘Brooklyn’, which was made into a feature film starring Saoirse Ronan, and has been nominated for the Booker three times. He brings objects into the Penguin studio that have inspired his new novel ‘House of Names’ including a Greek play and an opera CD. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Sebastian Faulks tells Nihal Arthanayake how he creates characters, harnesses history to build stories and how he came up with ideas for his new novel ‘Paris Echo’. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Sebastian’s novel ‘Birdsong’ which has sold millions of copies and is taught as part of the National Curriculum. Sebastian also shares some objects that have inspired his writing including an original letter penned by Wordsworth.    #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and novelist Viv Groskop joins Katy Brand in the Penguin studio to talk about herBook ‘The Anna Karenina Fix’, a very funny memoir and self-help book which explains how Russian literature has some valuable life lessons. As a young child Viv believed her surname was Russian, which led her to studying, living there and becoming editor at large for Russian Vogue. She later found out she’s not the slightest bit Russian, but recounts what she learnt along the way from the country and its literature. Viv brings in a hedgehog, a make-up compact and an album by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers which inspired her writing. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Biographer Claire Tomalin joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to chat about the art of writing about other people’s lives. She has written bestselling biographies including Mary Wollstonecraft, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen and has been called ‘one of the greatest biographers of our age’. Claire has now written about her own fascinating and surprising life and brings objects into the studio that inspired her including a plaster foot and a Samuel Pepys medal. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Jane Fallon joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about her new book ‘Faking Friends’. Jane is an award-winning TV producer behind shows such as This Life and EastEnders and has written eight books – selling over a million copies. She talks to David about some of the objects that have been part of her creative process including a Christmas tree covered in very unusual ornaments and the cover of her first book ‘Getting Rid of Matthew’. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caitlin Moran joins David Baddiel in the Penguin Studio. The critically acclaimed journalist and author penned her first book aged 13, has been writing for The Times since she was 18 and has had bestselling novels including ‘How to be a Woman’ and ‘How to Build a Girl’. She’s in to talk about her new book, ‘How to Be Famous’, and bringsobjects that have inspired her including: headphones; a Wolverhampton library ticket; a letter from Clive Anderson and a swimming costume (which she carries everywhere with her). #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oscar nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe joins Katy Brand in the Penguin studio to talk about her hilarious and moving memoir ‘This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare’. Gabourey’s breakthrough role was as Precious in the feature film and she’s since starred in TV shows American Horror Story, The Big C and Empire. Gabourey talks about what her sources of inspiration including a collection of NSYNC dolls and her beloved cat Aaron. She also reveals her constant fear of dinosaurs! #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arundhati Roy joins Kirsty Lang for a special live edition of the Penguin Podcast. Arundhati burst onto the international literary scene 20 years ago with her novel ‘The God of Small Things’. Since then she has written non-fiction books and essays on contemporary politics, culture, human rights and environmental issues. She returns to the fiction scene to talk about her second novel ‘The Ministry of Utmost Happiness’. With her she brings objects which have inspired her including a newspaper article of an abandoned baby, a shroud and a photograph of an Indian shrine. #PenguinPodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Salman Rushdie joins David Olusoga in the Penguin Studio. Salman’s 13 novels have won countless awards worldwide and his second novel ‘Midnight’s children’ won the Best of the Booker over its 40 year history. Salman talks about his latest novel, ’The Golden House’ bringing with him objects that inspired it, including a copy of The Satyricon by Petronius, and a photo of The Joker from Batman. #PenguinPodcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radio broadcaster and author Simon Mayo joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about his first adult novel 'Mad Blood Stirring'. Simon hosts Radio 2’s Drivetime show, the BBC’s flagship film review show Kermode and Mayo and has previously written 4 young adult books. He brings with him objects that have inspired his writing including a map, the periodic table and a Stephen King book. #PenguinPodcast   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before she was a critically acclaimed author, Christie Watson was a nurse for 20 years, she joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about ‘The Language of Kindness’. It’s an extraordinary account of a profession that witnesses everything from birth to death and a lot in between. Christie brings objects which inspired her work into the studio, including a statue of Florence Nightingale, a fob watch, a mini book on nursing and a photo of a fishing boat. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Much-loved author Tracy Chevalier has written nine novels, including ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ which sold 5 million copies worldwide and was made into a film starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. Tracy joins Paul Smith (Maximo Park) in the Penguin studio to talk about her latest work, ‘New Boy’, a retelling of Othello set in an American school in the 1970s. Tracy brings objects which inspired her work including a tiny music box, her notebook and a school photo. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author of the award winning 'Artemis Fowl’, Eoin Colfer, joins Maxïmo Park frontman, Paul Smith, in the Penguin studio. Eoin talks about his book ‘And Another Thing’, the sixth instalment of the 'Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ (commissioned by the Douglas Adams Estate), which has recently been made into a drama for BBC Radio 4 starring the original cast - 40 years after the first comedy series aired. Eoin chooses objects that inspired his writing include a shabby red-checked dressing gown and some David Bowie and Kate Bush cassette tapes. #PenguinPodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guardian Columnist and author Afua Hirsch joins historian and broadcaster David Olusoga in the Penguin studio. Afua talks about her bestselling book ‘BRIT (ish)’ which tackles questions of race, identity and belonging in the UK. She brings along objects that inspired her work including a hot water bottle, poetry she wrote when she was a child and an Alan Paton book. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Playwright, novelist, poet and author Deborah Levy joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about her critically acclaimed novel ‘Hot Milk’, which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2016. Deborah has written 6 novels including ‘Swimming Home’ (another Man Booker finalist), has written extensively for the BBC and her work has been staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company. She tells David about her upcoming autobiography ‘The Cost of Living’ and brings along objects that have inspired her work, including a sketch given to her by the artist Rose Blake and a skein of bright blue thread. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radio 1 DJ, actor and television presenter Reggie Yates joins David Baddiel in the studio to talk about his new book. ‘Unseen’ explores how he made the transition from TV personality to documentary storyteller, covering difficult subjects such as far right groups in Russia to gun crime in Chicago. Reggie brings with him objects that inspired his writing, including DJ decks, a moleskin notebook and humbug mints. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Exit West’ was chosen by Barack Obama as one of his favourite books of last year. The author Mohsin Hamid, joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio, and has chosen five objects that have inspired his book. They include a book by C.S. Lewis, a photograph of a bomb blast in Lahore taken by his sister and a CD by Gilberto Gil and Jorge Ben. Mohsin is a two time Booker prize nominee and his novel ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ was made into a major motion picture starring Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jojo Moyes, author of the hugely successful novel ‘Me Before You’, joins us in the Penguin studio to talk about the final book in her Lou Clarke trilogy ‘Still Me’. Jojo’s books have sold more than 30 million copies and she’s one of the few authors to have had three novels on the New York Times bestseller list at the same time. ‘Me Before You’ was also adapted into a major feature film starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Clafin. Jojo introduces five objects that have been an inspiration - including a bumblebee necklace and a photo of Big Dog. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chalk Man is one of this years most anticipated thrillers. Its author, C.J. Tudor, joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about writing her debut novel and how it became part of a furious bidding war. C.J. brings in five objects that have inspired her writing, including a Stephen King book and a glass dolphin. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about his latest in the series: The Getaway. Jeff’s books have sold more than 194 million copies, they’ve inspired four feature films and he’s been named as one of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People in the World. Jeff brings in some objects to the studio that have inspired his writing including: An Uncle Scrooge Comic, a boom box and an airplane sickness bag. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author of the hugely successful Inspector Rebus novels, Ian Rankin, joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about his short story made for radio, The Deathwatch Journal. Ian is regarded at one of the most popular authors of the last 100 years, has won four Crime Writer’s Association Dagger Awards and has received an OBE for services to literature. A map of Edinburgh, Hawkwind single and Captain Scarlet toy car are among the objects Ian brings to the studio. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author of 'Love, Nina’ (adapted for TV starring Helena Bonham Carter) and the critically acclaimed novels, 'Man at the Helm' and 'Paradise Lodge', Nina Stibbe joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio. Nina talks about her new book 'An Almost Perfect Christmas' and kicks off the festive season by bringing in objects including an unusual Christmas tree, a turkey on the loo and her mum. #PenguinPodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fact researchers, presenters of the hugely successful No Such Thing as a Fish podcast, TV show hosts and authors the QI Elves join Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about The Book of the Year. Dan Schreiber, Anna Ptaszynski, Andrew Hunter Murray and James Harkin bring in an object each which has inspired their book on the fascinating and funny facts of the year including an Oscar statuette, The Loch Ness Monster's dandruff and a pint of champagne. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, actor, broadcaster and writer Stephen Fry joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about his new book Mythos, which retells the Greek Myths. Stephen brings in words (instead of objects) that have inspired him and he and David discuss typewriters, AI teachers and of course the Greek gods. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The author of five New York Times bestsellers and one of the world's most successful non-fiction writers, Malcolm Gladwell speaks to Paul Smith down the line from LA. Malcolm talks about the themes behind Blink, Outliers, David & Goliath and on writing his new book. Plus he selects five objects that have inspired his chart-topping podcast Revisionist History. #PenguinPodcast (Photo: Bill Wadman) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award winning author Rachel Botsman is a world-renowned trust expert and her Ted Talks views are in the millions. She joins Konnie Huq in the studio to reveal how we are on the cusp of one of the biggest social transformations in human history. Rachel has brought with her some objects that have inspired her latest book Who Can You Trust, including her engagement ring and an Alexa bot. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Harlan Coben has over 70 million books in print across the world and his last 10 novels all debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list. He joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about his latest book Don't Let Go and he's brought in some objects that have inspired him as a writer, including a basketball and a signed script from the TV series Modern Family. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author of the Alex Rider teen series Anthony Horowitz, joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about his latest book. The Word is Murder is the first in his new series of crime novels. Anthony brings some objects that inspire his writing, including a human skull and a fountain pen with a real diamond in the lid. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and motivational speaker Simon SInek joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about his book Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't. Simon brings some objects that have inspired him, including a rare military coin and a photo of Victoria and Dennis Hopper. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Tim Weaver joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about the latest instalment in his David Raker series, I Am Missing. Tim bring along objects including a missing persons poster, his favourite Batman comic and a picture of Hallsands in Devon as he talks about why he wanted to do something different with this novel, and how he first fell in love with writing when his parents bought him a typewriter. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning journalist and author Naomi Klein joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about her new book No Is Not Enough. Naomi brings along objects including a stitch unpicker and a model of a woman blowing a shell as she talks about sounding the alarm on climate change, trashing the Trump megabrand and how to win the world we need. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Historian and novelist Simon Sebag Montefiore joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about the final instalment in his Moscow trilogy, Red Sky At Noon. He chooses objects including a machete and a Russian doll as he talks about researching the role of the Russian cavalry in the Second World War, reveals why he loves writing about love, and explains why Donald Trump has a schoolboy crush on Vladimir Putin. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen Fielding joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about her latest book Bridget Jones’s Baby. Helen chooses objects including her own diary and her favourite writing chair as she talks about how she first dreamt up the character of Bridget Jones, and why Bridget’s struggles as a thirty-something ‘singleton’ are even more relevant today. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Physicist and bestselling author Carlo Rovelli joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about his book Reality Is Not What It Seems: The Journey to Quantum Gravity. Carlo brings along objects including a photograph of himself as a student with his pet goat, and his trusty notebook as he talks about first falling in love with physics, and explains why all scientists are rebels. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Jane Corry joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about her new thriller, Blood Sisters. Jane brings along objects including a photograph of her grandmother and her wedding ring as she explains how teaching creative writing in prisons helped to inspire her books, and why she loves living, and writing, by the sea. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thriller writer Jo Nesbo joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about his new novel The Thirst, the latest instalment in his bestselling Harry Hole series. Jo brings along objects including a photograph of his favourite coffee shop and rock climbing ropes as he tells Konnie about bringing Harry Hole out of retirement to track down a vampirist, and explains how he combines his writing career with singing in a chart-topping band. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian and audiobook narrator Jon Culshaw joins Meera Syal in the Penguin studio in a special Doctor Who edition of the podcast. Jon brings along objects including his junior telescope and a cassette recorder as he talks about his lifelong love of astronomy, and about bringing the Doctor Who stories to life in audiobooks. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and bestselling author Brad Stone joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about his new book, The Upstarts: How Uber, Airbnb and the Killer Companies of the New Silicon Valley are Changing the World. Brad brings along objects including a copy of Hokusai’s The Great Wave and a photograph of Airbnb founder Brian Chesky in a bodybuilding competition as he explains how companies like Uber and Airbnb have rewritten the traditional rules of business, and changed the way we live our lives. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Screenwriter Elan Mastai joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about his debut novel All Our Wrong Todays. Elan brings along objects including a bad avocado and his grandfather’s copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle as he talks about his lifelong love of science fiction, and explains why his dog is his writing assistant. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Hepworth joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about his latest book 1971: Never A Dull Moment. David brings along objects including his copy of David Bowie’s Hunky Dory and a picture of himself aged twenty-one as he explains why 1971 was the golden year for rock music, and reminisces about collecting Ringo Starr’s bins. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author John Boyne joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about his latest novel The Heart’s Invisible Furies. John brings along objects including models of Tintin and Pinocchio, a picture of his home and a selection of his favourite books as he talks about setting his novel in his native country, attitudes towards same-sex marriage in Ireland, his lifelong stationery fetish and why you have to be a reader before you can be a writer. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harriet Harman joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about her book A Woman’s Work. Harriet brings along objects including her Labour rosette, her favourite apple crumble recipe and her lucky jacket (complete with very large shoulder pads). She talks about being pregnant when she joined the 97% male House of Commons in 1982, the rights that she has fought for over the course of her career, and the changes that she would like to see in the future. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruby Wax joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about her book A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled. Ruby brings along objects including her graduation gown, a pair of red knickers and a plastic pig as she explains why she is fascinated by how the brain works, and how mindfulness has changed her life. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Land joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about her debut novel Good Me Bad Me. Ali brings along a selection of objects, including a scrapbook she made whilst working as a mental health nurse and a pair of sandals from Bondi Beach, as she explains why she is fascinated by the human psyche, and how travelling the world helped her to write her novel. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter turned children’s author Tom Fletcher joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about his first novel The Christmasaurus. Tom discusses his lifelong obsession with Christmas and dinosaurs, and brings along a selection of objects including his miniature Christmas tree, which sits on his bedside table throughout the year, and his trusty red coffee mug. He reveals what Christmas was like in the McFly band house, and explains why writing books is a dream come true for him. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Oswald joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about the latest book in his Detective Inspector Tony McLean mystery series, The Damage Done. James brings along a number of objects that helped shape the series, including his walking boots, his notebook and a picture of his tractor as he explains how he combines writing with running a farm, and why you shouldn’t get on the wrong side of a crime writer. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zadie Smith joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about her latest novel, Swing Time. Zadie brings along objects including a carved wooden head, a sequinned glove and a book on Fred Astaire as she talks dancing, motherhood and the importance of knowing your roots. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Musician, songwriter and singer Johnny Marr joins David Baddiel in the Penguin Studio to talk about his autobiography Set The Boy Free (and jam with David on the guitar). Johnny talks about first falling in love with the sound of the guitar listening to the Everly Brothers, reveals how he developed a passion for reading whilst bunking off school and explains how he handled huge fame as a teenager. He brings along a selection of treasured objects including The Complete Essays of Aldous Huxley, a Marc Bolan EP, and, of course, his signature model Fender Jaguar. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vogue editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin Studio to talk about her book Inside Vogue: A Diary of My 100th Year, which documents the style bible’s centenary celebrations. Alexandra talks about her own twenty four years at the helm of British Vogue, reveals how she managed to pull off a royal cover coup featuring the Duchess of Cambridge, and considers the impact of Brexit on the fashion industry. She brings along a number of objects that influenced Inside Vogue, including her watch, a (very large) suitcase, and her coffee maker as she calculates how many cups of coffee it takes to power one issue of the magazine. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The foursome behind the UK’s biggest independent sports podcast, The Football Ramble, take over the Penguin studio to talk about their debut book, also called The Football Ramble. Marcus, Luke, Pete and Jim discuss football’s early beginnings; dissect the ‘media machine’ behind the modern game; marvel at the gargantuan amounts of money at stake and conclude that grassroots football is perhaps ultimately more enjoyable than the professional game. They also bring in various mementos including a pair of old boots, a Soviet hat and a ticket stub (complete with pie stain). #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clare Balding joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin Studio to talk about her first children’s book The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop. Clare brings along a number of objects that inspired her book, including her family jockey silks and her Olympic torch from the 2012 Games, as she explains why children love stories about ponies and why she was determined to write a book with a girl-power message. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Robert Harris joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about his latest novel, Conclave. Robert explains why the election of a new Pope is the perfect setting for a thriller and talks about being given an exclusive tour of the Vatican as part of his research. He brings along his first typewriter, which he bought for £10 when he was twelve years old, and explains why having a bust of Cicero sitting on his desk helps to focus his mind. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The second of two special editions of the Penguin podcast, looking back at some of the standout moments from the past year courtesy of guests including Shami Chakrabarti, Louis de Bernieres and Paula Hawkins. With a rallying call to all would-be writers from Neil Gaiman, procrastination tips from John Finnemore and advice from Irvine Welsh on finding your voice, this podcast documents the highs and lows of an author’s career. It also reflects on some of the curious objects that guests have brought along to the Penguin studio, and which have influenced their writing, including hawk bells and a pebble. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first of two special editions of the Penguin podcast looking at some of the highlights from the past year. Featuring guests including Bill Bryson, Chris Packham and Pat Barker, a wide array of topics are covered, ranging from libraries all the way to labiaplasty. Various objects that have played an important part in shaping our guests' careers will also be discussed, including a cow, a gas mask and a fart in a jar. Yes, really. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Shappi Khorsandi joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about her debut novel, Nina is Not OK. Quite dark and very funny, it focuses on the teenage struggles of Nina, who absolutely does NOT have a drink problem. Shappi brings with her a number of objects that have shaped her career, ranging from Morph to Charlie Chaplin, and tells Richard how the pain of leaving her beloved homeland of Iran still brings her to tears. And Shappi makes it quite clear that she is not Nina - OK! #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and actress Emma Kennedy joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about her bestselling memoir The Tent, The Bucket and Me, which charts her disastrous family holidays. She brings along a number of objects that inspired her book, including a pink bucket, a Land Rover called Bessie and some questionable seafood. Emma reminisces about many memorable incidents, concluding that camping in the 1970s was essentially National Service for children. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian John Finnemore joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about his award-winning shows Cabin Pressure, Double Acts and John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme. Renowned for his wordplay, John admits that writing doesn’t always come easily and confesses that he has a “heart-breaking” ability to procrastinate (often with tinfoil). John brings along a number of objects that have influenced his career, including his father’s airline hat and his bicycle, and observes how Benedict Cumberbatch single-handedly changed the demographic of Radio 4. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh joins Richard E. Grant down the line from Chicago to talk about bringing back the incendiary Francis Begbie in his latest novel The Blade Artist. Irvine talks about a number of objects that shaped and inspired the novel, including a copy of The Big Issue and a pair of white gym socks. Irvine muses on how art can transform lives, talks about writing ultra-violence and explains the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath (sociopaths go into banking or politics). #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and wildlife presenter Chris Packham joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about his memoir, Fingers In The Sparkle Jar. Chris brings along a number of objects that shaped his book, including a fox skull, a set of hawk bells and his first Clash ticket stub, as he explains why he has more honest relationships with animals than he does with people. Chris reminisces about badger watching in a pair of bondage trousers, talks about how children don’t explore the outdoors enough, and explains why it’s important to suck up every last drop of life. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer and philosopher Alain de Botton joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about his latest novel, The Course of Love. Alain brings along a number of objects that shaped his book, including his copy of Virginia Woolf’s essay The Docks of London and a recording of Bach’s Mass in B Minor, as he explains why he decided to turn his attention to what happens after happily ever after. Crushes and sulks come under Alain’s philosophical microscope as he explains why love is more dangerous than a nuclear power station and advocates schools for relationships. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning comedian Francesca Martinez joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about her memoir What the **** is Normal?! Francesca brings along a number of objects that shaped her book, including a photo of her beloved grandparents and a poem to her first boyfriend, as she talks about discarding the label of cerebral palsy. She reveals her careers advisor’s reaction to her acting ambitions, explains why stand-up comedy changed her life and discusses her dreams for a world where people aren’t defined by what they can’t do, but by what they can. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shami Chakrabarti joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about her book On Liberty. Shami brings along a number of objects that shaped the book, including a goldfish bowl and her mother’s pearls, as she tells the story behind her human rights journey. She reveals a dark secret from her childhood, talks about her second day at Liberty, on the 11th September 2001, and explains why our civil liberties matter more than ever. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colm Tóibín joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about the novel behind the Oscar-nominated film Brooklyn. Colm brings along a number of objects that inspired the novel as he muses on the Irish immigrant experience, homesickness and life in 1950s New York. He reveals that the story of Brooklyn’s Eilis Lacey was inspired by a conversation that he overheard as a child, and explains how crucial it was for him that the big screen adaptation of Brooklyn was filmed in his hometown of Enniscorthy. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Howard Jacobson joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin studio to talk about his new novel Shylock Is My Name, a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. A self-proclaimed reverer of Shakespeare, Howard explains how he rose to the challenge of adapting one of the bard’s more controversial plays, and questions how much has really changed for Jews since Shakespeare first created the part of Shylock. Howard’s objects include a table tennis bat and a photograph of his grandmother, and he talks about his inspirational primary school teacher. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin joins Richard E. Grant in the Penguin Studio to talk about his major new novel, The Dust That Falls From Dreams. Louis brings his great grandmother’s diaries and a handmade ‘guitar-lute’ into the Penguin studio and tells Richard how, for him, music wards off insanity.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phil Redmond, the creator of Brookside, Hollyoaks and Grange Hill, turns his hand from TV scripts to his first novel, Highbridge. Phil brings with him an assortment of objects that inspired the book, including an Army ration pack and a 'pay and throw’ phone and he discusses a variety of topics including how writing a novel differs from script writing, the impact of technology on society and the war on drugs.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Acton Smith, founder of Mind Candy who created Moshi Monsters demystifies mindfulness and talks to Richard about how it can be used to rewire our brains, change the way we see the world and help us unlock our true potential. Michael reveals what lead him to write ‘Calm’ and how mindfulness changed his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil Gaiman discusses his friendship with the late Terry Pratchett and how they worked together to create Good Omens, a story of the impending apocalypse. Neil reveals how they relied on an answerphone to write the book and how Terry helped him with writers block.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elvis Costello brings his first guitar, musical mementoes from his Dad and a referee’s whistle to the Penguin Studio as he talks about his memoir ‘Unfaithful Music and Disappearing Ink’. Some of the topics of conversation include his many and varied musical collaborations; the importance of being able to perform live; the art of the lyricist and how his mother had an argument about a record player with Orson Welles. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bill Bryson discusses The Road to Little Dribbling, his follow up to Notes From A Small Island. To tell the story of his journey Bill brings along his passport, a walking stick, a cow, Stonehenge and an ordnance survey map. Recorded with Richard E. Grant in front of a live audience at the Cambridge Corn Exchange.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paula Hawkins brings a photo of her father, an Edward Hopper picture and a DVD of Rear Window to the Penguin Studio to talk about her bestselling book 'The Girl On The Train' with host Richard E Grant. Their discussion includes unreliable narrators, growing up in South Africa and the transition from business journalist to best selling author. Throughout the episode Richard plays excerpts from the audiobook, a multi cast production which is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meera Syal brings her copy of The Handmaid’s Tale, her Mother’s Indian passport and precious gold bangles given to her at her wedding to the Penguin Studio to talk about her latest book ’The House of Hidden Mothers’ with host Richard E Grant. Their discussion includes surrogacy, India’s fascination with babies and dowry payments as well as playing excerpts from the audiobook which is read by Meera and is available now.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat Barker brings a child’s gas mask, a jar of water from a wishing well and a notebook to the Penguin Studio to talk about her latest book Noonday. Host Richard E. Grant and Pat discuss witchcraft, the impact of WW2 as well as her personal journey to becoming an award winning novelist. Noonday is available as an audiobook featuring Juliet Stevenson and Anne Reid, out now on iTunes.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Bridget Christie brings a yoghurt, a ‘votes for women' sash given to her by Emmeline Pankhurst’s great-granddaughter and a piece of gammon to the Penguin Studio to talk about her latest book ‘A Book For Her’. Host Richard E. Grant and Bridget discuss a wide range of topics including FGM, labiaplasty, how a yoghurt advert perpetuates rape myths and how a unsavoury incident in a book shop inspired the book. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Atkinson brings an antique silver hare, a Halifax Bomber and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony to the Penguin Studio to talk about her latest book ‘A God In Ruins’ with host Richard E Grant. The topics of conversation include the long-term effects of war on veterans, The Queen, how we age and the power of classical music to evoke an emotional response in us all. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.