Audiobook Café
Episodes
The Heroes’ Journey
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The monomyth, otherwise known as the “hero’s journey” is a story structure popularized by Joseph Campbell in his book “The Hero With A Thousan...
The Winter Witch: In Conversation with Jennifer Chevalier
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Chevalier’s fiction novel “The Winter Witch” captures the story of two sisters fleeing a curse aboard a bride ship from Normandy to 17t...
Fireflies in Winter: In Conversation with Eleanor Shearer
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
“Fireflies in Winter” is the latest novel by Eleanor Shearer. The book explores themes of survival, love and freedom and follows a Jamaican Maroon...
No Place Like Home: In Conversation with Jessica Barrett
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica Barrett’s new book “No Place Like Home” provides an honest glimpse into Canada’s housing crisis. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Je...
The Practicalities of Audiobooks
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There’s an interesting cultural difference between print books and audiobooks. Print books have been around for centuries and have been deeply engra...
To Leave a Warrior Behind: Remembering Charles R. Saunders
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
“To Leave a Warrior Behind” is a new biography about Charles R. Saunders, the “Father of Sword and Soul,” a sub-genre in fantasy writing based...
The Cure for Everything: In Conversation with Michelle A. Williams & Linda Marsa
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
“The Cure for Everything” is a new book that takes a deep dive into the struggle for public health, its history of fighting infectious diseases an...
Moonlight Murder: In Conversation with Uzma Jalaluddin
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Uzma Jalaluddin returns to the show to talk about “Moonlight Murder,” the brand-new sequel to her novel “Detective Aunty.” Host Jacob Shyma...
Tips for Finding Your Next Read
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Book publishing continues to rise year after year. But with all the noise in book marketing and recommendations from algorithms, how do you decipher w...
Behind-the-scenes: A Glimpse in the Public Library System
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Calgary Public Library achieved a record-breaking year in 2025! They reached their highest circulation in history with 17.5 million items borrowed...
Certified Beauties: In Conversation with James Duthie
04 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
“Certified Beauties: More of Hockey's Greatest Untold Stories” is the latest book by Canadian sportscaster James Duthie. The book shares a collect...
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – An Instant Sci-Fi Classic
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the movie adaptation of Andy Weir’s 2021 novel, Project Hail Mary, is making a splash at the box office, loads of people are returning to the boo...
The Casino Shift: In Conversation with Dr. Brian Goldman
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Brian Goldman’s “The Casino Shift” gives you a glimpse into the real-life pressures of Canadian emergency departments in the healthcare syst...
AI Writing in Romance Novels
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A recent article in the New York Times shares the story of Coral Hart, a romance writer who has been using AI to mass produce over 200 books under 21 ...
The Golden Boy: In Conversation with Patricia Finn
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Patricia Finn’s debut novel “The Golden Boy” shares a story about family life, love, betrayal, mercy, and second chances. Host Jacob Shymansk...
A Gift Before Dying: In Conversation with Malcolm Kempt
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Malcolm Kempt’s debut mystery novel follows a disgraced police investigator in the heart of the Arctic Circle, whose path to redemption is paved wit...
I Identify as Blind: In Conversation with Lachi
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Recording artist and musician Lachi dropped a new book earlier this year entitled “I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, ...
Must-reads for Travel & Adventure
28 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Host Jacob Shymanski and friend of the show Red Széll dive into their favourite titles for travel and adventure! Books mentioned in this episode i...
Series Review: Audible’s Audio Editions of Harry Potter
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Audible’s full-cast audio editions of Harry Potter have been capturing audiences with a whole new sound. The fourth installment “The Goblet of ...
Inside Audiobook Production with Producer Kathleen Jones
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What kind of work goes into producing an audiobook? Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Kathleen Jones about her role as an audiobook producer at Pengu...
Authors with Fascinating Backstories
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There are many authors who have life stories that are just as interesting as their body of works. Who are you most intrigued by? Host Jacob Shymansk...
Libro.fm: Supporting Indie Bookstores One Audiobook at a Time
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The audiobook platform Libro.fm continues to grow worldwide as an ethical alternative to its competitor Audible. Host Jacob Shymanski catches up wit...
AI Companionship: In Conversation with Author Caia Hagel
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Could AI redefine our notions of love and relationships? In this episode of Audiobook Café, host Jacob Shymanski chats with digital anthropologist ...
Black Boys Like Me: In Conversation with by Matthew R. Morris
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
“Black Boys Like Me” is a collection of personal essays by Matthew R. Morris that explore his upbringing as a biracial, Black-Canadian man in Scar...
Defining Quality Non-fiction
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll from the “My Life in Books” podcast break down the differences between bad and quality non-fiction. They...
Cursed Daughters: In Conversation with Oyinkan Braithwaite
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From the author of the smash hit thriller “My Sister, the Serial Killer” comes “Cursed Daughters,” a fictional drama about a young woman tryin...
Quality Prose in Fiction
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Host Jacob Shymanski and guest Red Széll define quality prose in fiction novels. Together, they explore what it feels like to read well-written books...
Good Guys: In Conversation with Sharon Bala
24 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sharon Bala’s new novel “Good Guys” challenges ideas of philanthropy and charity by telling the story of a fictional NGO that operates in Centra...
Detective Aunty: In Conversation with Uzma Jalaluddin
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel “Detective Aunty” was a Globe and Mail top 100 book of the year in 2025. Host Jacob Shymanski chats wit...
Finding the Puck: In Conversation with Craig Fitzpatrick
17 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Blind ice hockey player Craig Fitzpatrick dropped his brand-new audiobook this week, “Finding the Puck: Leadership Lessons from My Journey Through B...
Book Recommendations: Jacob & Red’s Holiday Reads
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What did you read over the holiday season? Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll, from the “My Life in Books” podcast, reflect on some of the audi...
Audiobrary & Human Narration: In Conversation with Julia Whelan
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Highly acclaimed narrator and author Julia Whelan is bridging the gap in audiobook royalties for narrators. She tells you all about Audiobrary, an in...
Podcast Update: We’ll Be Back on Jan. 10!
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thank you for listening this year! New episodes of Audiobook Café will resume on January 10, 2026. In the meantime, enjoy our extensive archive of ep...
Audiobook Café’s Best of 2025
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this year-end special, host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll reflect on the best interviews of the show from the past year! Past episodes mentioned...
Year-end Special: Favourite Books of 2025!
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this year-end special, Jacob Shymanski hosts a roundtable discussion with three friends of the program: Ramya Amuthan, Aamer Khar and Sara Hillis. ...
Local Heavens: In Conversation with K.M. Fajardo
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Local Heavens” is K.M. Fajardo’s reimagining of the classic novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The book was a readers’ favo...
Proposed Changes to the 'Literature for the Blind' Program
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was recorded on December 10, 2025, and is published early to address a recently proposed change in Bill C-15 which would repeal the free ...
Fiction vs. Non-fiction: The Literary Divide Part 2
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll, host of the My Life in Books podcast, continue their discussion on the dividing issues between fiction and nonfic...
Julie Chan is Dead: In Conversation with Liann Zhang
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Liann Zhang’s debut novel “Julie Chan is Dead” was an instant international bestseller. The diabolical thriller follows a young woman who step...
Swimming Up Niagara Falls: In Conversation with David Lepofksy
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In recognition of the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we dive into a new memoir by lawyer and disability rights advocate Davi...
Being Heumann: In Conversation with Kristen Joiner
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In recognition of the upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we look back on an incredible memoir of the late Judith Heumann titled ...
Fiction vs. Non-fiction: The Literary Divide
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How are non-fiction and fictional books perceived and valued in literature? Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll, host of the My Life in Books podcas...
Wayback Playback: “Wicked” by Gregory Maguire
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Wicked: For Good” is out in theatres! The film is loosely based on the classic 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of th...
AI Narration for Indie Audiobooks
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Indie author Evan Tomos recently released a full-cast audiobook version of his young adult book “Rupert Blacklock and the Prophecy of Whimsy Fickle....
Hockey Romance: In Conversation with Author Rachel Reid
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This month, Crave is launching “Heated Rivalry,” a new hockey romance show based on the best-selling book series “Game Changers” by Rachel Rei...
Wayback Playback: “The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Netflix’s recent adaptation of “The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware has inspired host Jacob Shymanski to review the original book with audiobook...
Adaptations: Books vs. Movies
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” has host Jacob Shymanski thinking about book adaptations.He chats with Red Sz...
Flesh: In Conversation with David Szalay
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David Szalay’s novel “Flesh” is shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize! Host Jacob Shymanski chats with David about the intricacies of the nove...
We Survived the Night: In Conversation with Julian Brave NoiseCat
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat debuted his very first book this month, a memoir entitled “We Survived the Night.” Host Jacob Sh...
Books That Make You Think
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are some books that introduce thought-provoking concepts and ideas that make you ponder? Jacob Shymanski explores this question with Red Széll...
Self Help Me: In Conversation with Dena Jackson
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian and professional speaker Dena Jackson chats with host Jacob Shymanski about her new book “Self Help Me.” She reflects on the holistic w...
Conspiracy Theories: Paul Daniel’s Top 5 Recommendations
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to dive into some conspiracy theories? Avid book reader Paul Daniel describes his top five recommended titles for the genre, everything ...
A Two-Spirit Journey: In Conversation with Ma-nee Chacaby
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author Ma-nee Chacaby is the 2025 winner of the Canada Reads competition for her 2016 book “A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Oji...
The Power of Character Development
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How important is character development in a story? Host Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll explore the importance of having characters who evolve in a b...
Banned Books Week: Issues of Literary Censorship
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In recognition of Banned Books Week, host Jacob Shymanski discusses issues of censorship and discrimination with Canadian author Robin Stevenson. Ro...
AI in Storytelling: In Conversation with Tim Boucher
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Boucher has been defending his use of generative AI to write books. Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Tim about his “AI Lore Books” collection a...
Remembering John Candy: In Conversation with Author Paul Myers
04 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paul Myer’s highly anticipated biography about the late comedian John Candy comes out this month! Host Jacob Shymanski chats with Paul about the mak...
Wayback Playback: In Conversation with Author Waubgeshig Rice
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Waubgeshig Rice’s 2018 post-apocalyptic novel “Moon of the Crusted Snow” is still going strong. It is one of the bestselling Canadian titles of ...
Unseen: In Conversation with Author Molly Burke
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Molly Burke’s highly anticipated memoir “Unseen: How I Lost My Vision but Found My Voice” is set to hit bookstore shelves this October 14!Host J...
Review of “Bury Your Gays” & Valerie D. Maidment’s Memoir
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The USA Today bestseller “Bury Your Gays” by Chuck Tingle explores what it takes to succeed in a world that wants you dead. Jacob Shymanski and Aa...
Rosy Retrospection: The Cultural Impact of Literature
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a book a classic? Does a bestselling book mean that it will stand the test of time? Are bestselling books as good as we remember them to be...
Eerie Page Turners: Horror Settings in Books
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does the setting of a book add to your perception of the story? Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll chat about the importance of story settings in horr...
The Art of Narration: In Conversation with Simon Mattacks
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can you tell the difference between real voices and AI narration? What differentiates a bad narrator from a good one? Jacob Shymanski explores these q...
Rejecting Perfectionism in Parenting: In Conversation with Jessica Slice
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jacob Shymanski chats with author Jessica Slice about her 2025 non-fiction book “Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World.”...
Fair Pay, Fair Play: Royalty Issues at Audible
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author advocate Robin Sullivan and YouTuber Daniel Greene discuss the issues surrounding Audible’s new royalty model for authors, as well as the pet...
Show Trailer - New Name!
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We have some news! "AMI Audiobook Review" is changing its name to "Audiobook Café."Starting this month, you can stay up to date with the latest audio...
Best of AMI Audiobook Review
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jacob Shymanski shares an exciting announcement for the show and takes a trip down memory lane. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada ...
The Audiobook Debate: Is Listening the Same as Reading?
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is your reaction when people are dismissive of audiobooks as a medium for reading? Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan pose this question to the bo...
Book Review: “Not Quite Dead Yet” by Holly Jackson
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Holly Jackson, a New York Times bestselling author, is back with a twisty thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder. While this is J...
Disability Portrayal in Literature Part Two: In Conversation with Red Széll
23 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jacob Shymanski and Red Széll continue their conversation on authentic portrayals of disability in fictional literature. They explore issues of stere...
From Baseball to Politics: Rapid Fire Review with Jeff Rainey
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this rapid-fire review, Jacob Shymanski and Jeff Rainey explore five titles that have an eclectic blend from baseball to politics and biographies. ...
Classic Book Review: "A Song of Ice and Fire"
16 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this classic throwback, Jacob Shymanski and Aamer Khan review George R. R. Martin’s 1996 fantasy novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire” which ...
A Tale of Biological Marvels: Review of “The Ocean's Menagerie” by Drew Harvell
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"The Ocean's Menagerie” is a science and nature book by marine ecologist Dr. Drew Harvell. The book explores the science of the world’s most remar...
Disability Portrayal in Literature: In Conversation with Red Széll
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you encountered a character with a disability in a book? Were they accurately portrayed? Jacob Shymanski chats with Red Szél...
Self-control: A Review of “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You can’t control others, but you can control how you respond. This is the concept behind Mel Robbins’ New York Times bestseller “The Let Them T...
Suburban Thriller: A Review of Megan Abbott’s “El Dorado Drive”
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Megan Abbott’s “El Dorado Drive” follows three once-wealthy sisters in suburban Detroit who become entangled in “The Wheel,” a secretive wom...
The 7 A’s of Vision Loss: Victoria Nolan Discusses Her New Book “Refocus”
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Refocus is an essential guide designed to empower people experiencing vision loss to live happy and successful lives through the seven A’s.Co-author...
Memorable Characters: The Best & Worst with Red Szell
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does plot propel characters or do characters propel the plot? Jacob Shymanski and Red Szell discuss the most memorable characters in books and describ...
Far-fetched: A Review of “The Retirement Plan” by Sue Hincenbergs
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sue Hincenbergs’s number one bestselling novel “The Retirement Plan” has garnered generally positive reviews. But Jacob Shymanski and Danielle M...
Plot Twists: The Best & Worst Examples with Red Szell
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Plot twists, with all their glory and goodness, can be a mixed bag. Jacob Shymanski and Red Szell share their picks for the best and worst plot twists...
Narrator Kimberly Farr is a Golden Voice + The High Standard of Modern Audiobook Narration
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every June, during audiobook month, Audiophile magazine releases it’s latest inductees into their golden voice list: the hall-of-fame for audiobook ...
This One’s For the Stephen King Fanatics
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There’s nothing like sitting down for a Stephen King chat with his Number One fan, AMI’s Greg David. He talks favourites, flops, adaptations, and ...
Another Canadian Romance Hit: Reviewing One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Carley Fortune’s One Golden Summer is topping charts, filling drugstore shelves, and giving Canadian romance a sun-kissed moment. Karoline Bordeau a...
Who Are You When You're Away: Far-from-home Stories with Red Széll
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
True change begins when characters leave everything familiar behind and move away to new places. Red Széll and Jacob Shymanski explore how group dyna...
2025 Golden Voices & The Soul of Story with Robin Whitten of AudioFile Magazine
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Robin Whitten, Founder of AudioFile Magazine, returns for Audiobook month to celebrate their 2025 Golden Voice honours. Vikas Adam, Kimberly Farr, and...
Justice, Jane Eyre, and The Count: Rapid Fire Review with Julia Bonnett
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Old friend of the show Julia Bonnett races through five reviews under the 15-second clock, from secret plots and slow burns to revenge epics and stoic...
Rapid Fire Review with Marcia Yale
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Marcia Yale reviews five books under the 15-second timer, on another edition of Rapid Fire Review. From romcoms to rock memoirs and a whole lot of Haw...
Grammar is Magic: Reviewing The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar is a novella that’s turning heads for its lyrical prose and spellbinding narration, blurring the line between ...
Salt Water & Storylines: Naval Literature with Red Széll
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some of our favourite literature makes beauty and sense of the sea, so let’s explore it. Red Széll unpack the storytelling power of ships. From the...
Triple the Solo Reviews: Books that unpack inner belief, outer space, and inner circles
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan unpack Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey, The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers, and Too Much and ...
Kiss My Foot: The Humor and Heart of Eudora Welty
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Danielle McLaughlin brings us into the witty, richly drawn world of U.S. writer Eudora Welty. With her unmistakable Southern voice and razor-sharp cha...
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Binding: Unexpected Page Turners
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever changed your mind about a book’s title, synopsis, or other first impression? Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan dive into books that surprised t...
Audible Adds AI Voices: Our Reactions
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Audible makes its AI narration tools available to traditional publishers, Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan break down the impact on authors, narra...
Trust No One: Our Top Unreliable-Narrator Reads
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bold authors have been lying to their readers for years and somehow, we love every moment of it.The unreliable narrator is a tricky narrative device f...
Our 8 favorite teachings from The Prophet by Kahlil Jibran
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet has been quoted at weddings, funerals, and spiritual retreats for over a century, but how does it hold up for today’s ...
Inside the Vatican’s Walls: A Review of Conclave by Robert Harris
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
118 cardinals, one locked room, one global secret. Karoline Bordeau helps us review Conclave by Robert Harris, a suspenseful insider imagining of a mo...
Resilience and Purpose: Anne Moc’s Memoir on Perseverance
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When vision loss and all its realities disrupted her life, Anne Moc turned to social media, storytelling, and eventually writing her experiences down ...
Writing Coach Becca Syme on Finding Success as an Author
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Becca Syme has coached thousands of writers, hosts the QuitCast channel, and believes the best advice is personalized, not packaged. She has an idea o...
Still Hooked: More of What We Want From Authors
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From footnote gags and dramatic time jumps to unreliable narrators and human writing, Ramya Amuthan and Jacob Shymanski dive deeper into what readers ...
I’m Hooked: What Readers Want More From Authors
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We asked the book club: What do you love when authors do? From time-jumping stories to snarky all-knowing narrators, moving settings, and psycho-analy...