6 Podcasts Aspiring Writers Should Subscribe To Right Now
As a writer, I’m often looking for inspiration in a myriad of places. From writing guides and writing memoirs to The Paris Review interview series, I spend a decent portion of my life procuring segments of knowledge from some of the most renowned writers of all time. One of my favorite mediums for learning the tools of the trade is through the modern-day revelation that is the literary podcast. In the mornings while I practice yoga and prepare breakfast, I listen to a different episode from one of several much-loved podcasts. I use Spotify to tune into these profoundly informative and engaging episodes, though most of them are available on other streaming platforms as well. Since discovering podcasts a few months ago—I was a late bloomer, as I am with most things in life—I have learned some crucial writing knowledge that I would have surely missed otherwise.
Even the sheer act of listening to one of my favorite authors speak is a transcendent experience, as each answered question reminds me of why I fell in love with writing in the first place. If you’re an aspiring writer who is struggling to stay motivated, tuning into these select podcasts will help you pick up your pen and start tackling that project you’ve had on the back burner for weeks.
Otherppl with Brad Listi
This podcast changed my life, and I mean that as earnestly as humanly possible. Otherppl with author Brad Listi is one of the best podcasts you can listen to when you’re starting off in your writing career. Brad has interviewed hundreds of the most prominent writers of our generation, including notable mentions such as Celeste Ng, Bret Easton Ellis, Sloane Crosley, Edwidge Danticat, and Hanya Yanagihara. He asks an array of questions that help listeners learn more about the writer as an individual and about the craft of writing itself. From learning what inspires these authors to how they formulate their writing schedule, Otherppl is a digital wealth of information for those seeking to learn more about writing.
Each podcast episode is roughly an hour-long, which makes it the perfect thing to play in the background while completing chores or taking the bus to work in the morning. I often like to keep a notebook and pen nearby when listening to Otherppl, because I like to write down helpful tips as they crop up throughout the interview. On more than one occasion, I’ve paused an episode and migrated to my computer where I started to flush out story ideas that had lain dormant in my mind for some time. This podcast is the perfect blend of inspiration, information, and a really charming sense of humor. If you start anywhere, start here.
Literary Friction with Carrie Plitt and Octavia Bright
Another beloved podcast, Literary Friction combines author interviews, book recommendations, and informative discussions within each new episode. Lead by Carrie Plitt, a literary agent, and Octavia Bright, a writer and academic, this podcast has taught me a great deal about what it means to really understand literature. Both Octavia and Carrie ask nuanced questions of visiting authors, and they do a wonderful job of flushing out the ways in which each writer works, thinks, and produces their stories. The women are incredibly intelligent, and the discussions they hold at the end of each episode provide insight into the themes held within their earlier interviews.
As Stephen King once said, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” As an avid reader, I frequently devour books without ever giving them a second thought. After listening to a handful of Literary Friction episodes, I started to care more about the lessons I was taking away from the stories I was reading. I could never hope to improve my writing skills if I didn’t first improve my reading skills and my ability to learn from those who have come before me. I like listening to Literary Friction when I have a free afternoon and a clear mind to devote to the practice of literary analysis.
Library Talks from the New York Public Library
In case you hadn’t picked up on it yet, I love listening to interviews with my favorite authors. Not only does it make me feel like I can accomplish anything, but it helps me build writing habits in a more informed way. Library Talks is one of the best podcasts for author interviews, as the general premise of the show is to broadcast live events held by the New York Public Library. One of my favorite authors, Joan Didion, was interviewed by Sloane Crosley for the series in 2015, and I have probably listened to this episode no fewer than ten times. Hearing about Joan’s personal experience as a writer brought a perspective on the craft that was truly life-changing to hear.
In addition to the engaging author interviews, Library Talks features episodes geared around the analysis of common literary genres and themes. This podcast takes a deep dive into the world of literature and provides a refreshing take on ideas you may have already heard in high school and college. If you’re like me and you have spent a lot of time in the library, you’ll feel right at home when you listen to this podcast.
Unpublished
Writer Amie McNee is on a mission to inspire. As a creative mentor, writing coach and self-proclaimed book doula (love this term), she has dedicated her Instagram profile to encouraging creativity. Her podcast, Unpublished, a continuation of the beautiful work she does on social media, delves into the trails, tribulations, and magic of being a writer while seeking to get published. She talks to screenwriters, memoir writers, poets, and novelists, along with her husband, James, who is also an unpublished writer. With subjects like self-publishing, the power of journaling, the necessity of writing your story and the difficulties of sharing your art, Unpublished is a must for writers who seek to connect with those navigating their way through the writing and publishing world for the first time.
The Guardian Books podcast
If you’re a book lover dabbling in writing, The Guardian Books podcast was made for you. Each episode features a discussion covering different books, poetry, and other major forms of writing. Often, the podcast has author interviews and provides an in-depth analysis of thematic literary trends. I particularly like this podcast because it features interviews with non-fiction writers, historians, comedians, and novelists. By interviewing an array of people, the podcast helps listeners develop a deeper understanding of the literary worlds and the themes that exist inside of it.
Additional podcast episodes cover literary events around the world, such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival, as well as discussing notable literary prizes, such as the Man Booker Prize. If you feel like you have a lot to learn about what it takes to be an author, and what’s on the line for those who write incredibly well, take a deep dive into The Guardian Books podcast and absorb as much information as possible.
Literary Speaking
While I love every podcast on this list, especially since I’m partial to learning directly from famous authors, Literary Speaking is probably the best podcast for aspiring writers. The premise of the show is to connect writers with the publishing industry by providing insider information that is difficult to come by when performing a basic Google search. Episodes of Literary Speaking feature interviews with literary agents, publishers, and authors, which provides a complete overview of what it takes to become published in the modern era of writing.
As someone who knew very little about publishing, I was constantly looking for ways to learn about how I could find an agent, contact publishing companies, and establish my platform as a writer. Literary Speaking has provided invaluable information, including numerous tips that have helped me improve my writing skills in addition to teaching me more about becoming a published writer. I would advise you to take notes while listening to Literary Speaking to ensure you’re setting yourself up for success in the future.
Bonus
More literary podcasts for your playlist:
The Maris Review
The Writer’s Voice: Fiction from the New Yorker
Sounds About Write
Reading Women
First Draft
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About Sam Cohen
Sam Cohen is a writer and editor based in New England. She lives with her wonderful partner Caleb, and enjoys learning new languages, drinking lattes, and spending time with her loved ones. Sam is an avid reader who practices yoga and tries to laugh as often as possible. She hopes to be a published author one day. She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.