The Penguin Podcast

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 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

To celebrate this year’s upcoming Booker Prize nominations, we have 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. #PenguinPodcastOriginal interviews, from the archives:Bernardine Evaristo with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/2VcpL6B Anne Enright with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/2SNVs5c Salman Rushdie with David Olusoga: https://apple.co/3ytvy68 Howard Jacobson with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/3Auas9s  Ian McEwan with Katy Brand: https://apple.co/3hjyJYf Marlon James with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/2SNTZvK Pat Barker with Katy Brand:

“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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Author and playwright Ali Smith chats to Nihal about her 2014 multi award-winning novel ‘How to be Both’ which has been made into a brand new audiobook.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 from 11/02/21 - https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/55652/how-to-be-both/9780241993002.html  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out 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  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.