Best Backlisted Podcasts (2025)

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The Corner That Held Them by Sylvia Townsend Warner 1:16:13

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3d ago1:16:13

1:16:13

Sylvia Townsend Warner's The Corner That Held Them (1948) is the subject of this episode, almost ten years since Backlisted covered the same author's classic debut Lolly Willowes (1926). Joining Andy, Una and Nicky to discuss this magnificent and inimitable historical novel - and to consider what, if anything, we have learnt during the last decade …

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#139 - Summer Reading Guide (backlist & new releases) 24:19

11d ago24:19

24:19

Summer is here and that means you probably have more time to read. But what books should you be reading? I have compiled some recommendations both new and old to get you started. Aardvark Book Club https://aardvarkbookclub.com/ Use code TALKBOOKISH to get your first book for $4 Books mentioned + even more recs: https://bookshop.org/lists/summer-rea…

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Mysteries and Thrillers for Audiobook Month 48:30

1h ago48:30

48:30

Katie McLain Horner and Kendra Winchester recommend some of their favorite mystery and thriller audiobooks. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more mystery/thriller recs and news, sign up for our Unusual Suspects newsletter! Looking to elevate your reading life? Tailored Book Recommendations is here to help! T…

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How a Chemistry Major Wrote a High-Stakes Debut 54:41

6h ago54:41

54:41

Not knowing the publishing rules helped Austin Taylor sell her debut, Notes on Infinity. From lab notes to spreadsheets, learn her data-driven approach. In today's Book Gang episode, debut author Austin Taylor joins me to discuss her dazzling new novel Notes on Infinity. This high-concept campus novel follows Zoe and Jack, two brilliant students wh…

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043 - How to Survive the Editing Process 48:54

11h ago48:54

48:54

It's the Indie Writers Club with Cara & James! This week we talk editing/revising/rewriting, whatever you call it. Some of us love it (me) some hate it (Cara) but we all have to do it! Big thanks to our sponsors prowritingaid.com, who make the entire process SO much easier (use code IWC15 for 15% off annual plans). _________________________________…

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Ep. 199: Best Books of 2025 (So Far) with Susie and Catherine 1:04:31

2d ago1:04:31

1:04:31

In Ep. 199, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits), Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), and Sarah are all back on the mic, ready to catch up on how their reading is shaping up for 2025 — so far! They talk about the current publishing landscape, what books are topping bestseller lists to date, and their personal reading as it stands halfway through the year. Th…

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All the Other Mothers Hate Me Book Club 50:11

2d ago50:11

50:11

We’re excited to dive into our June Book Club Pick: June Book Club Pick - All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman. We had a great time reading this hilarious and Scaredy Cat approved mystery, and can’t wait to hear what you think! Watch the full interview with Sarah Harman Olivia mentioned here. Obsessions Becca - Milk Duds Olivia - Vitality …

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Ep 483: Help me find my new go-to summer author! 1:05:42

3d ago1:05:42

1:05:42

We often discuss auto-buy authors and completist authors around here, and today's guest is a completist on a mission to discover her new favorite summer author. Stephanie Edwards-Gass is a seventh-grade English teacher and an Elin Hilderbrand completist. For years, she's turned to Hilderbrand's novels for summer reading satisfaction. She's read (an…

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Dolen Perkins-Valdez Writes Like Every Book Is Her Last 36:01

7d ago36:01

36:01

Dolen Perkins-Valdez shares the riveting history behind her new book, Happy Land, the research surprises she uncovered, and how urgency drives her storytelling. In today's Book Gang episode, New York Times bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez joins me to discuss Happy Land, a transporting novel inspired by the true story of a lost kingdom built …

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042 - Create the Perfect Writing Environment 50:46

7d ago50:46

50:46

Do you listen to music? Work on a sofa? Write at 5am or midnight? In this episode we discuss the various ways we can create an atmosphere conducive to creativity and productivity. ___________________________________________ Join our Patreon: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support Support the showBy James Blatch & Cara Clare

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2025 Reading Preview Part 2 1:17:40

9d ago1:17:40

1:17:40

It’s time for Part 2 of our 2025 reading preview! We invited some friends of the pod to chat about the books they’re most excited to pick up this year! Lauren Puckett-Pope’s Picks - Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (Out August 26), Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab Kristen L. Berry’s Picks - Greenwich by Kate Broad (Out July 22), It's Dif…

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Ep 482: Diving into evocative ocean reads 47:25

10d ago47:25

47:25

We always love reading on a theme, and today's guest would love to see her real-life love of the ocean mirrored in the pages of her books. Noelle Leong is a science and medicine-focused librarian at a small liberal arts college. She especially loves her work for the opportunities it provides her to join the students on trails and visiting tidepools…

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Rae's Corner - Dark Romance Gray Area 1:08:45

13d ago1:08:45

1:08:45

S2 E6 Rae is in conversation with Ayla Cox and Mia Heintzelman about all things dark romance, their dive into the subgenre and their future plans regarding what they want to bring to life. Ayla Cox writes romance/morally gray/romcom/erotica. She is an award-winning, bold storyteller that crafts emotionally intense, character-driven romances full of…

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Mysteries and Thrillers for Pride Month! 44:59

14d ago44:59

44:59

Katie McLain Horner and Kendra Winchester recommend mysteries and thrillers for Pride Month. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more mystery/thriller recs and news, sign up for our Unusual Suspects newsletter! Stumped on a great gift this Father's Day? Tailored Book Recommendations brings a personalized touch …

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Why Allegra Goodman Hid Her Isola Manuscript 43:40

14d ago43:40

43:40

Allegra Goodman tells the surprising origin story of Isola—from a children's book discovery to immersive museum research—all written in complete secrecy. In today's Book Gang episode, celebrated author Allegra Goodman joins me to discuss her stunning survival novel Isola, the incredible true story that inspired it, and the highly unusual creative p…

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041 - It's time to work less to achieve more... 51:19

14d ago51:19

51:19

It might sound counter intuitive, but in this episode we'll use Cal Newport's guide to productivity to show that working less and working better is the future. It will take a mindset change to shake off the notion that we 'need to be busy' in order to be productive. _______________________________________ Join our Patreon to get closer to the Show:…

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Ep. 198: Best of Thrillers with Anderson McKean of Page & Palette (@PagePalette) 53:53

16d ago53:53

53:53

Ep. 198 is the second episode of our brand-new “Best of…” series. Anderson McKean of Page & Palette Bookstore joined me for the Best of Thrillers, with her all-time TOP TEN favorite thriller novels…and, a couple buzzy thrillers that didn’t work for her.⁠ Also, Anderson talks about how she started reading thrillers, the wide variety available in the…

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2025 Mid-Year Goals Check In 1:24:25

16d ago1:24:25

1:24:25

It’s time to check in on our 2025 Goals! Are we on track with our writing goals? Did Becca reduce her screen time? Did Olivia manage to give up Jarlic? Keep listening to find out! Obsessions Olivia - Bose Ultra Open Headphones Becca - Stick Season (Her Version) by Deeps What we read this week Becca - Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross (out 6/17)…

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Ep 481: A reading life that comes in waves 51:26

17d ago51:26

51:26

Nonfiction books often change the way that readers see the world, and today's guest Evan Carlson is on the hunt for fiction that packs the same punch as the nonfiction works he loves. Evan's joining Anne from Chicago, where he lives and works as an actor and poet. He's found that reading poetry and nonfiction helps him challenge his ways of thinkin…

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Summer books 2025 1:10:31

18d ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Books we think you might enjoy on a plane, by the pool or in the park. Andy, Nicky and our old friend Una McCormack discuss the following fantastic beach reads - Birch reads? - and a novel from Backlisted's own backlist: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (Sceptre); The Anomaly by Hervé Le Tellier, trans. Adriana Hunter (Penguin); Poetry in th…

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Milo Todd is Reclaiming Trans History 1:07:11

21d ago1:07:11

1:07:11

Milo Todd discusses the research process for his debut, The Lilac People. This sweeping historical fiction novel shares a devastating chapter in trans history. Debut novelist Milo Todd joins me to discuss his book, The Lilac People, in honor of Pride Month. This heartbreaking historical fiction novel uncovers a devastating chapter in queer and tran…

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040 - The Amazon Algorithm Change You NEED to Know About 44:02

21d ago44:02

44:02

Episode 040 of The Indie Writers Club! In this episode James & Cara discuss the significant implications for indie authors of Amazons algorithm upgrade from A9 and A10. Support the podcast by becoming a Patreon supporter and joining our lively community of self published authors. https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support Support the show…

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June 2025 Three Things 1:16:58

23d ago1:16:58

1:16:58

It’s time for our June Three Things! But first, vote for our July Book Club Pick in our Facebook Group! Stay tuned for discussions about TJR getting the star treatment in Time magazine, the state of indie podcasting, a book battle mini-game, and more! Becca’s Things Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Time Profile The efficacy of learning languages via Duolingo …

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Ep 480: Branching out with escapist, emotionally resonant novels 58:23

24d ago58:23

58:23

Feeling more confident about finding the right reads is a common bookish goal. In today's conversation, Anne welcomes Tynisha Coleman to the show to talk about her current reading goals. Tynisha is a leadership development coach, university lecturer, and sci-fi and fantasy lover from New Jersey. She doesn't shy away from books that tackle tough plo…

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165. Celebrate Novel Pairings with Chelsey and Sara with a Farewell Q&A 1:06:19

24d ago1:06:19

1:06:19

For our final episode of Novel Pairings, we opened up the mailbag to answer your thoughtful listener questions. From reflections on our favorite classics to behind-the-scenes stories, we’re sharing a lot today! And celebrating the journey we’ve shared with all of you. We’ll also be offering some closing thoughts on what this podcast has meant to us…

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147 - Books About Death and Dying 28:52

25d ago28:52

28:52

This week, I'm joined by Lisa Pahl who talks about an inventive way to talk about death and dying, through use of The Death Deck. We also discuss books that deal with this topic. The Clouds Far Behind Me by Laurie Lo Cicero Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living by Penny Hawkins Smith Things in Na…

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#138 - "It Girl" Reading List 13:02

25d ago13:02

13:02

Books Mentioned + more recs https://bookshop.org/lists/it-girl-reading-list Patreon https://www.patreon.com/talkbookishpodcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/talkbookishpodcast/ Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/talkbookishpodcast/ Interested in being a guest on the podcast? https://forms.gle/KtaEnr2Z8eKi6E1x8…

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Rae's Corner - Kiki'ing Over Rom Coms 1:43:05

27d ago1:43:05

1:43:05

S2 E5 Rae Shawn is in conversation with Olivia Linden, Mia Heintzelman, Ashlyn Harmon, Lindo Forbes and Monique Fisher about romantic comedy, the nuances of the industry, movies, books and so much more. To miss spoilers regarding Robinne Lee’s The Idea of You, skip from 49:06 to 50:24. Monique Fisher is a theatre and comic book geek who always has …

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Summer Reads from Real People 51:37

28d ago51:37

51:37

Katie McLain Horner and Kendra Winchester recommend summer reads! Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. To get even more mystery/thriller recs and news, sign up for our Unusual Suspects newsletter! Ready to level up your reading life? Become a Book Riot All Access member and explore our full library of members-only content, …

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Hit the Road with Annie Hartnett 59:48

28d ago59:48

59:48

Annie Hartnett discusses the inspiration behind her quirky road trip novel The Road to Tender Hearts and why she breaks all the rules in writing her stories. Annie Hartnett joins me to discuss her latest bestselling novel, The Road to Tender Hearts, and the inspiration behind this road trip story. We explore the heartfelt and humorous moments that …

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039 - How Many Authors Now Use AI? 48:15

28d ago48:15

48:15

In this week's episode James & Cara review BookBub's author survey on attitudes to AI. You can read the survey using the link below. We also discuss our current work-in-progress and reflect on last week's Patreon Live Q&A! Links: Patreon: https://www.indiewritersclub.com/support BookBub Author AI Survey: https://insights.bookbub.com/how-authors-are…

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Katie Kitamura on Writing Audition 30:06

29d ago30:06

30:06

We had the pleasure of recording a bonus episode with Katie Kitamura, the author of our May Book Club Pick, Audition! We ask her about the book’s inspiration, the writing process of such an experimental novel, what’s ~actually~ going on in the plot, and the origins of the scenes that have stuck with us the most. This Month’s Book Club Pick - All th…

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Ep. 197: Summer 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) 50:18

1M ago50:18

50:18

Welcome to the Summer 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing from June through mid-August. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show N…

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Audition Book Club 1:15:52

1M ago1:15:52

1:15:52

We’re SO excited to discuss Audition by Katie Kitamura! While this book may be hard to recap (uh, what actually happened??), we can’t wait to dive into theories and themes. We share our feelings about the ambiguous plot and discuss the theme of performance throughout the book. We also explore overlaps with two other past pieces of favorite content.…

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Ep 479: Balancing backlist with shiny new releases 1:12:38

1M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

Every year we get some variation of this question: how can a reader like today’s guest, Elise Brancheau, balance all the shiny new books of summer with the backlist titles that are already patiently waiting on her to-be-read list? Elise is a New Jersey-based professional classical singer who describes herself as a huge reading-planning nerd. We kno…

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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 ¾ by Sue Townsend 1:15:50

1M ago1:15:50

1:15:50

The wonderful Nina Stibbe, award-winning novelist and diarist, joins us for a discussion of Sue Townsend's classic comic creation. When it was first published in 1982, the confidential journal of Leicester's foremost teenage poet and intellectual was an overnight success, eventually going on to become the best-selling British novel of the 1980s. Fo…

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This Raw Debut Shows Addiction's True Cost 55:50

1M ago55:50

55:50

In this Jessica Guerrieri interview, we discuss her debut, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, and how 12 years of sobriety shaped this unforgettable tale. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a raw and emotionally resonant debut that examines the insidious nature of alcohol addiction and how it distorts relationships, parenting, and one…

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038 - GLADIATOR II: What a Mess! 53:37

1M ago53:37

53:37

In this episode we review and dissect Ridley's Scott's sequel to the incredible film Gladiator. Spoiler alert, we did not use the expression 'incredible' to describe it... LINKS: Support us via our Patreon and take part in a live monthly Q&A among other great perks: patreon.com/indiewritersclub Head to prowritingaid.com and use code IWC15 for 15% o…

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Ep. 196: Spring 2025 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) 49:07

1M ago49:07

49:07

In Episode 196, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Spring 2025 Book Preview, now that they’ve read them. They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and hash out which books didn’t work and why. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when …

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Writing Young Adult Fiction with Jessica Goodman 1:08:36

1M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

This week, we're chatting about the ins and outs of writing Young Adult Fiction with Jessica Goodman! We talk with her about getting started in the genre, the challenges of writing YA, how she gets inspiration for her books, and more! Read more from Jessica in The Meadowbrook Murders, The Counselors, The Legacies, They’ll Never Catch Us, and They W…