The Penguin Podcast

The Penguin Podcast

Penguin Books UK
The Penguin Podcast is returning with a brand new series called Ask Penguin. In each episode, we will take you inside Penguin Books to meet some of the incredible authors we publish as well as the people who work here, to get answers to all of your book-related questions. Do you need to find your next page-turning read? Are you curious to find out what a day in the life of an editor is like, or simply why a small, aquatic, flightless bird became the iconic emblem that adorns Penguin books worldwide?

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Episodes

Jodi Picoult on the theory behind Shakespeare’s plays

Jodi Picoult on the theory behind Shakespeare’s plays

2025-01-24

In our final bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name.


Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting Bonus Episode 5


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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06:36
A day in the life of a Publicist with Alison Barrow

A day in the life of a Publicist with Alison Barrow

2025-01-23

In this bonus episode we speak with Alison Barrow, Publicity Director at Penguin Books, to explore the fascinating world of book publicity. Alison shares insights into her role, offering a glimpse into her daily life as she works with authors and connects their books with readers.


Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 4


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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08:49
The human experience and AI with Jeanette Winterson

The human experience and AI with Jeanette Winterson

2025-01-22

In this bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, Episode 11 - Winter Reads, Jeanette Winterson shares her fascinating perspective on our relationship with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the evolution of human consciousness.


Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 3


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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08:16
A day in the life of a Books Editor with Simon Prosser

A day in the life of a Books Editor with Simon Prosser

2025-01-21

Ever wondered what the role of an Editor at Penguin Books involves? In our second bonus episode, Rhianna speaks with Publishing Director, Simon Prosser about what a typical day of an editor is like and when they ever get time to read! Simon is the editor of many award-winning authors such as Bernardine Evaristo, Zadie Smith, and Micheal Magee.


Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 2


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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08:26
How to tackle reading the big Classics with Henry Eliot

How to tackle reading the big Classics with Henry Eliot

2025-01-20

In a special bonus episode taken from Episode 3: The Classics with Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby we share author and editor Henry Eliot's tips on tackling some of Classics' biggest tomes. 


Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 1


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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07:30
Episode 12:  Best books of the year

Episode 12: Best books of the year

2024-12-19

We round-up a year of reading with recommendations from Penguin colleagues of their favourite books of the year and a look at what they are most excited for you to read in 2025. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 12: Best books of the year.


Thank you for listening to The Penguin Podcast and our new show Ask Penguin. We would love to hear your feedback and if you have any questions for us. To get in contact with the team, send us a message via the email address below. We return in the Spring with a new series. Until then, Happy Reading!


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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12:00
Episode 11: Winter Reads with Jeanette Winterson

Episode 11: Winter Reads with Jeanette Winterson

2024-12-12

Joining us this week is award-winning author Jeanette Winterson, as we explore her captivating new collection of ghost stories, Night Side of the River, and provide listeners with reading recommendations based on their winter-themed questions. Plus, we’ll stroll through the office to gather the perfect list of festive reads from our Penguin colleagues for you to enjoy this Christmas.


Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 11: Winter Reads


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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35:16
Episode 10: History Special with Al Murray, James Holland and Terry Deary

Episode 10: History Special with Al Murray, James Holland and Terry Deary

2024-12-05

Joining us in the studio to provide reading inspiration from the Roman Empire to the Second World War are author and podcast duo of We Have Ways of Making You Talk, James Holland and Al Murray, plus creator of Horrible Histories, Terry Deary


For the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 6: History Special


Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

Arnhem Black Tuesday by Al Murray

Casino ’44 by James Holland

A History of Britain in Ten Enemies by Terry Deary

The Cauldron by Zeno

Scoop by Evelyn Waugh

Mary Queen of Scots by Alison Weir

The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley

Swords of Honour by Evelyn Waugh


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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48:46
Episode 9: How to Get Published with Jennie Godfrey

Episode 9: How to Get Published with Jennie Godfrey

2024-11-28

This week we unpick the publishing process, answering all of your questions from how to find an agent to what it's like working with your editor and publicity team. Joining Rhianna in the studio is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things, Jennie Godfrey, alongside Commissioning Editor Kaiya Shang and Director of Publicity and Media Relations, Charlotte Bush. Plus, we share details of the programmes offered by Penguin Books to help aspiring writers.


Books and authors mentioned in this episode

The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey

Sonny Boy by Al Pacino

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner


For more information on how to get published visit: Getting Published

For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 9 - How to get published

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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40:49
Episode 8: Christmas gifting with William Hanson

Episode 8: Christmas gifting with William Hanson

2024-11-21

As the Christmas season approaches, we’ve assembled an expert panel to help you navigate your gifting dilemmas and find the ideal presents for everyone on your list. Plus, how do you politely decline a festive party? And is bending the spine of a book the approved way to read it? We find out with etiquette expert, and Help I've S*xted my Boss podcaster, William Hanson as we discuss his new book Just Good Manners. 


For the complete list of books mentioned in this episode and the transcript visit: Episode 8: Christmas gifting


Enjoy 20% off your order at Penguin Shop using the discount code PENGUINPODCAST. T&Cs apply


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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47:28
Episode 7: Historical Fiction with Jodi Picoult

Episode 7: Historical Fiction with Jodi Picoult

2024-11-14

Join us as we time-travel through our bookshelves as we recommend must-read historical fiction in answer to your reading requests. Plus, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name. 


Sign up to our Booksmarks panel

Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

By Any Other Name by Jodie Picoult

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Catherine Arden

The Glass Woman by Caroline Lee

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Firebrand by Elizabeth Freemantle

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

Maurice by E.M. Forster

My Policeman by Bethan Roberts


For the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 7: Historical Fiction

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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42:35
Episode 6: Books to Screen with Robert Harris

Episode 6: Books to Screen with Robert Harris

2024-11-07

What do you usually prefer: the book or the film? Or do you enjoy both? In this episode, we delve into books that have successfully transitioned from page to screen. We'll also be chatting with best-selling author Robert Harris about his gripping thriller, Conclave, which has been adapted for the silver screen this November, starring Ralph Fiennes, Isabella Rossellini, and Stanley Tucci. So grab your books and your popcorn, and get ready for another book-filled episode.


Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

Conclave by Robert Harris

Precipice by Robert Harris

Miss Austen by Gill Hornby

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Atonement by Ian McEwan

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott


For the full list of books and the transcript visit: Episode 6: Books to Screen

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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26:37
Episode 5: Crime and Mystery with Kate Atkinson

Episode 5: Crime and Mystery with Kate Atkinson

2024-10-31

Join us as we dive into the world of crime, thrillers, and mysteries! We answer your listener questions with award-winning author Kate Atkinson and publicist Alison Barrow. Plus, Kate discusses her brand-new Jackson Brodie novel, Death at the Sign of the Rook. Get ready for some killer reads!

Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Cloisters by Katie Hayes

Gone, Baby, Gone by Dennis Lehane

The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman

The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

Charles Paris series by Simon Brett

Yellow Face by Rebecca F.Kuang

Helen Fields

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett

For the full list of books and transcript visit: Episode 5: Crime and Mysteries


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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24:40
Episode 4: Spooky reads with Daisy Johnson

Episode 4: Spooky reads with Daisy Johnson

2024-10-24

Looking for a book that will keep you up at night? If you enjoy that tingling sensation down your spine while reading something on the spookier side then you're in the right place. In this episode, we explore the best horror and ghost stories perfect for Halloween. Alongside filling your book pile with terrifying but page-turning recommendations, we sit down with Booker-shortlisted author, Daisy Johnson to talk about her new collection of ghost stories, The Hotel.


Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

The Hotel by Daisy Johnson

Heads Will Roll by Josh Winning

The Night House by Jo Nesbo

The Terror by Dan Simmons

For the full list of books plus transcript visit: Episode 4: Scary reads


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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30:22
Episode 3: The Classics with Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby

Episode 3: The Classics with Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby

2024-10-16

What makes a book a classic? Who decided which books make it into the canon? And how long would it take to read the entire list? Join our exploration through our Classic bookshelves with author Henry Eliot who answers listener questions with reading recommendations from all eras. Plus, we delve into the world of Jane Austen with Gill Hornby, whose novel Miss Austen is being adapted into a four-part drama by the BBC.


Books and authors mentioned in this episode:

The Penguin Classics Book by Henry Eliot

The Penguin Modern Classics Book by Henry Eliot

Miss Austen by Gill Hornby

For the full list of recommended reads visit: Episode 3: Classics


Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


Follow Henry's substack by clicking here


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43:48
Episode 2: Black History Month with  Zeinab Badawi

Episode 2: Black History Month with Zeinab Badawi

2024-10-10

Joining us in our book-filled studio is broadcaster and author Zeinab Badawi, who shares her journey chronicling Africa's spectacular history through the voices of African historians, archaeologists, and local storytellers. Plus, we put your reading requests to award-winning author Derek Owusu to top up your reading pile with books by Black authors to celebrate Black History Month. 

Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

Explore all the books discussed and a transcript by visiting: Episode 2: Black History Month

Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

Books mentioned in this episode:

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

That Reminds Me by Derek Owusu

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

An African History of Africa by Zainab Badawi

The Confessions of Franny Langton by Sara Collins

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon

Ghana Must Go by Teiye Selassie

The Terrible by Yrsa Daley-Ward


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29:29
Episode 1: Prize-winning books with Sara Collins

Episode 1: Prize-winning books with Sara Collins

2024-10-08

What is it like to judge the world's most prestigious book prize? How do judges manage to read 150 submissions in a matter of months? And how do publishers update the winning book jacket so swiftly? 


In the first episode of our new series Ask Penguin, join our new host, Rhianna Dhillon as we delve into the world of literary prizes with this year's Booker Prize judge and award-winning author, Sara Collins. We also answer your Ask Penguin questions with plenty of book recommendations to inspire your next read.


If you would like to send us a message or a question, email penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.


Visit our website for more information about The Penguin Podcast: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast

For more information about this episode including a full list of books discussed visit: Episode 1: Prize-winners


Books mentioned in this episode:

The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins

The Safe Keep by Yael Van Der Wouden

Orbital by Samantha Harvey

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo

The Emperor's Babe by Bernadine Evaristo

Gliff by Ali Smith


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37:27
Ask Penguin Trailer

Ask Penguin Trailer

2024-09-26

The Penguin Podcast is returning with a brand-new series called Ask Penguin. In each episode, we will take you inside Penguin Books to meet some of the incredible authors we publish as well as the people who work here, to get answers to all of your book-related questions.


Need help finding your next page-turning read? Are you curious to know what a day in the life of an editor is like? Or perhaps why a small, aquatic, flightless bird became the iconic emblem that adorns Penguin books worldwide?

 

The new series launches on Thursday 3rd October, where we'll be discussing prize-winning novels with award-winning author, and this year's Booker Prize judge, Sara Collins, and provide you with plenty of book recommendations with Publishing Director Simon Prosser.

 

Send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.

 

Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode!


Find out more: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast


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00:53
The Best Of the Penguin Podcast 2023

The Best Of the Penguin Podcast 2023

2023-12-27

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


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36:09
Sebastian Faulks with Nihal Arthanayake

Sebastian Faulks with Nihal Arthanayake

2023-12-20

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


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42:34

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