Ask Penguin
Episodes
What were the best books of 2025?
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What were our favourite books of the year and what are we most excited to read in 2026? Join the team behind the Ask Penguin podcast to look back at s...
What makes a setting feel so vivid it becomes a character? With Paula Hawkins
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which novels are truly unputdownable and what should you read on a dark winter's night? We’re joined by best-selling author, Paula Hawkins, who disc...
What is the best translated fiction to read? With Karl Ove Knausgaard
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are the best new books in Korean fiction? What is the process of translating a book into English? And how do you evoke a sense of place you haven...
Why are generations at war with each other? With Zadie Smith
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Which multi-generational novels inspired White Teeth? Where does Zadie Smith turn for her next great read? And our Penguin team is back to solve your ...
Is never growing up the secret to great storytelling? With Philip Pullman
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What was the inspiration behind Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights series? How does he want readers to feel on Lyra’s final adventure in The Rose Fi...
Is Jane Austen's legacy more than just romantic love? With Andrew Hunter Murray and Gill Hornby
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we still love Jane Austen’s novels 250 years later? What makes her stories continue to inspire readers and creators today? And if Jane were a...
Why do we still laugh when times are hard? With Ocean Vuong
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I'm looking for a novel that reads like poetry - where should I start? Can you recommend a queer love story with a happy conclusion? What are the best...
Which Penguin books shocked society and became cultural icons? With Jack Edwards and Penguin Editor, Simon Prosser
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Outrageous, iconic and unforgettable - these are some of the books Penguin have been publishing over its 90-year history. As part of a special co...
Youth culture, love and music with Irvine Welsh and Derek Owusu
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded live at Latitude Festival, Irvine Welsh sits down with host Rhianna Dhillon to delve into his new novel Men in Love, the eagerly awaited...
How Penguin Books turned the UK into a nation of readers
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From the paperback revolution to the obscenity trial that made Lady Chatterley’s Lover famous, we explore how Penguin turned the UK into a...
S2 E6: Summer Reads with Anthony Horowitz
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the final episode of this series of the Penguin Podcast, Marble Hall Murders author Anthony Horowitz tells us how, when a famous actress asks you t...
S2 E5: Queer Literature with Charlie Porter
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast we talk to writer, critic and curator Charlie Porter about his novel Nova Scotia House, discuss queer books and the i...
S2 E4: Book Club Books with Yrsa Daley-Ward
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you are in a book club or fancy starting your own, we have the book recommendations and conversation starters to make it a success! Plus we ta...
S2 E3: Debut Books with Catherine Airey, William Rayfet Hunter and Fiza Saeed McLynn
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is it like to write and publish your first ever novel? We find out by asking the authors William Rayfet Hunter (Sunstruck), Catherine Airey (Conf...
S2 E2: Love and Romance with Emily Henry
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author, and Queen of the Romantic comedy novel, Emily Henry joins us on this week's episode to discuss her brand new book, Great Big Beaut...
S2 E1: Children's Books with Greg James and Chris Smith
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast we jump into the exciting world of children's books and chat to Greg James and Chris Smith about their new book The K...
Ask Penguin Series 2 Trailer
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Penguin Podcast is back for another series of Ask Penguin. In each episode, we will take you inside Penguin Books to meet some of the incredible a...
Jodi Picoult on the theory behind Shakespeare’s plays
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our final bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakes...
A day in the life of a Publicist with Alison Barrow
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode we speak with Alison Barrow, Publicity Director at Penguin Books, to explore the fascinating world of book publicity. Alison sha...
The human experience and AI with Jeanette Winterson
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, Episode 11 - Winter Reads, Jeanette Winterson shares her fascinating perspective on our relationship w...
A day in the life of a Books Editor with Simon Prosser
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what the role of an Editor at Penguin Books involves? In our second bonus episode, Rhianna speaks with Publishing Director, Simon Prosse...
How to tackle reading the big Classics with Henry Eliot
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 tackli...
Episode 12: Best books of the year
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 excit...
Episode 11: Winter Reads with Jeanette Winterson
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joining us this week is award-winning author Jeanette Winterson, as we explore her captivating new collection of ghost stories, Night Side of the...
Episode 10: History Special with Al Murray, James Holland and Terry Deary
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ma...
Episode 9: How to Get Published with Jennie Godfrey
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 p...
Episode 8: Christmas gifting with William Hanson
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the Christmas season approaches, we’ve assembled an expert panel to help you navigate your gifting dilemmas and find the ideal presents for every...
Episode 7: Historical Fiction with Jodi Picoult
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we time-travel through our bookshelves as we recommend must-read historical fiction in answer to your reading requests. Plus, bestselling a...
Episode 6: Books to Screen with Robert Harris
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 5: Crime and Mystery with Kate Atkinson
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pu...
Episode 4: Spooky reads with Daisy Johnson
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Episode 3: The Classics with Henry Eliot and Gill Hornby
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 2: Black History Month with Zeinab Badawi
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joining us in our book-filled studio is broadcaster and author Zeinab Badawi, who shares her journey chronicling Africa's spectacular history through ...
Episode 1: Prize-winning books with Sara Collins
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 publi...
Ask Penguin Trailer
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
The Best Of the Penguin Podcast 2023
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Fal...
Sebastian Faulks with Nihal Arthanayake
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by national treasure and bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks.Together they they discuss...
C Pam Zhang with Nihal Arthanayake
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Peter Singer with Nihal Arthanayake
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by one of our time's most important moral philosophers and animal rights activists, Pete...
Yanis Varoufakis with Nihal Arthanayake
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by the former Finance Minister of Greece and co-founder of the international grassroots ...
Alain de Botton with Isy Suttie
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
David Mitchell with Isy Suttie
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 explo...
Megan Nolan with Isy Suttie
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Rob Rinder with Isy Suttie
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by Barister, TV host and Novelist, Rob Rinder. Rob joins Isy for a joyful conversation abo...
Michael Magee with Nihal Arthanayake
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by debut novelist Michael Magee.Michael joins us to discuss his critically acclaimed nov...
Shaparak Khorsandi with Isy Suttie live from Latitude Festival
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, we bring you a special episode: Shaparak Khorsandi in conversation with Isy Suttie live from Lattitude Festival. Sha...
Brandon Taylor with Isy Suttie
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 La...
Isabella Hammad with Isy Suttie
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Tom Crewe with Nihal Arthanayake
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 poli...
Maxine Mei-Fung Chung with Isy Suttie
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie talks to author and psychoanalytic psychotherapist, Maxine Mei-Fung Chung. Maxine joins us to discuss her...
Sophie Mackintosh with Isy Suttie
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Chris van Tulleken with Isy Suttie
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by medical doctor, academic and science populariser and presenter, Chris van Tulleken.Chris joi...
Jyoti Patel with Nihal Arthanayake
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Observe...
Jonathan Kennedy with Isy Suttie
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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-f...
Diana Evans with Isy Suttie
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ali...
Sarah Bakewell with Isy Suttie
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Carlo Rovelli with Nihal Arthanayake
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Eng...
Julian Barnes with Nihal Arthanayake
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by English writer and national treasure, Julian Barnes.He joins us to discuss the paperb...
Paul Harding with Nihal Arthanayake
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Nadiya Hussein with Isy Suttie
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie talks to author, TV presenter, Sunday Times bestseller and beloved chef, Nadiya Hussian. They discuss her...
Jane Fallon with with Nihal Arthanayake
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Year in Review 2022 (Part 2) with Nihal Arthanayake
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Year in Review 2022 (Part 1) with Nihal Arthanayake
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ha...
Malorie Blackman with Nihal Arthanayake
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal is joined by Malorie Blackman, author of the critically acclaimed and internationally renowned Noughts and Cro...
Ian McEwan with Nihal Arthanayake
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Live Event - Greta Thunberg in Conversation with Samira Ahmed
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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&...
Special episode - Demystifying Publishing
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ma...
Salley Vickers with Isy Suttie
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Isy Suttie talks to best-selling author, Salley Vickers. Salley joins us to talk about her latest novel, ...
Yomi Sode with Derek Owusu
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Derek Owusu talks to playwright and poet, Yomi Sode. Yomi joins us to discuss his debut poetry collection...
Gabrielle Zevin with Athena Kugblenu
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, our new host Athena Kugblenu talks to bestselling author and screenwriter, Gabrielle Zevin. Gabrielle joi...
Robert Harris with Nihal Arthanayake
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake talks to former journalist and best-selling novelist, Robert Harris. Robert joins us to...
Lisa Jewell with Isy Suttie
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the penguin podcast, Isy Suttie is joined by bestselling author, Lisa Jewell. Lisa joins the Penguin Podcast to discuss her latest n...
Nadifa Mohamed with Derek Owusu
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the penguin podcast, Derek Owusu is joined by Booker and Costa shortlisted novelist, Nadifa Mohamed. Nadifa joins us to discuss her...
Darren McGarvey with Nihal Arthanayake
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we bring you the live-streamed episode of the Penguin Podcast, featuring Nihal Arthanayake talking to writer, rapper and campaigner, Darren...
Jarvis Cocker with Isy Suttie
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Sinead Moriarty with Isy Suttie
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Damon Galgut with Nihal Arthanayake
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by Booker Prize-winning novelist and playwright, Damon Galgut.Recording from the legenda...
Alison Hammond with Derek Owusu
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Derek Owusu is joined by presenter, TV personality, actress and children's author, Alison Hammond. Alison speaks to ...
Benjamin Zephaniah with Derek Owusu
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, new host Derek Owusu is joined by Poet, activist, musician, actor, presenter and children's author, Benjamin Zephani...
Asma Khan with Isy Suttie
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 cookbo...
Hanif Abdurraqib with Nihal Arthanayake
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Penguin Podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by award-winning writer and poet, Hanif AbdurraqibHanif speaks to Nihal about his most r...
Bonnie Garmus with Isy Suttie
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Michael Rosen with Isy Suttie
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Michio Kaku with Nihal Arthanayake
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the penguin podcast, Nihal Arthanayake is joined by theoretical physicist, futurist, and popularizer of science, Michio Kaku. Together th...
Pankaj Mishra with Nihal Arthanayake
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Claire Fuller with Nihal Arthanayake
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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. T...
New Non-Fiction Writers to Look Out For in 2022 with Nihal Arthanayake
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Debut Novelists to Look Out For in 2022 with Isy Suttie
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Year in Review (Part 2) with Nihal Arthanayake
22 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 r...
The Year in Review (Part 1) with Nihal Arthanayake
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 abo...
Richard Powers with Nihal Arthanayake
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss his thirteenth novel, ‘Bewilderment’.Using objects like Bach’...
Stanley Tucci Live at The London Palladium with Dolly Alderton
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Elizabeth Strout with Isy Suttie
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout joins Isy Suttie to discuss the third book in her Lucy Barton series, ‘Oh, William!’.Using obje...
Jade LB with Nihal Arthanayake
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The writer that penned an early-noughties viral phenomenon aged just 13, Jade LB, speaks to Nihal Arthanayake about ‘Keisha The Sket’. Havin...
Shon Faye with Nihal Arthanayake
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The author, podcaster and stand-up comedian Shon Faye joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss her first book, The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justic...
Gyles Brandreth with Nihal Arthanayake
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Author, broadcaster, entertainer and former politician Gyles Brandreth talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his upcoming memoir, Odd Boy Out.In this episo...
Derren Brown with Isy Suttie
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Time is just the medium through which life unfolds.” This week, mentalist, illusionist, painter and author Derren Brown talks to Isy Suttie about...
Paula Hawkins with Nihal Arthanayake
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
World-renowned author Paula Hawkins talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest thriller, A Slow Fire Burning.In this episode, Paula Hawkins reflects ...
Conn Iggulden with Nihal Arthanayake
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling historical fiction author Conn Iggulden talks to Nihal Arthanayake about Protector, the latest book in his Athenian series.In this episode...
Alexander McCall Smith with Nihal Arthanayake
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Prolific author Alexander McCall Smith joins Nihal Arthanayake to share tales from behind his impressive body of work. In this episode, the ever-...