Book Shambles

Writer and sometime stand up Nat Luurtsema joins Robin and Josie this week to talk about her own catalogue of work, the nature of stand up and living in Watford. Nat also brought along a big bag of books to chat about including works by Stephen King, Paul Sangster and a bundle of filmmaking textbooks.

The day before the US election, Robin and Josie sat down with writer, comedian and activist Alexei Sayle. There's talk of Alexei's new paperback and his entire back catalogue of work, plus that of Sinclair Lewis, Graham Greene, Saki and what the hell is going on with the world these days.

Actor, humorist and author Nick Offerman sits down with Josie and Robin this week to talk about his new woodworking book ‘Good Clean Fun’. But they also find time to get into the joys of fish and chips in Margate, the work of George Saunders, Daniel Clowse and Jon Ronson and why some people are disappointed to find out Nick’s and Ron Swanson’s politics aren’t exactly similar. And don't forget, we're on tour across Aus and NZ soon, with a whole heap of special guests. Details at cosmicshambleslive.com

Physicist, writer and broadcaster Dr Helen Czerski joins Josie and Robin this week to talk about the science of every day things, which just happens to be what her new book, ’Storm in a Teacup’ is all about. There’s also love for the work of Richard Fortey, Grayson Perry, Bruce Chatwin and more. And there’s also a special announcement this week. Robin and Josie are off on tour with Cosmic Shambles LIVE, a science, comedy, literary, musical variety night. There’ll be plenty of guests along for the ride, including Helen, and the show is going around Australia and New Zealand in early 2017. Tickets and details at cosmicshambleslive.com

Writer of both science fact and science fiction, Simon Ings joins Josie and Robin this week to talk about his new book 'Stalin and the Scientists'. They also dive into everyone's favourite science fiction authors including Phillip K Dick, JG Ballard, Frank Herbert and a whole lot more.

Join Sarah Bakewell, author of 'At the Existentialist Café' and a Montaigne biographer, as she explores the relevance of existentialism today. The conversation dives into the philosophical depths of writers like Sartre and Camus, highlighting their views on hope and meaning. Bakewell reminisces about childhood literary favorites and how rereading changes with time. She also shares insights on Colin Wilson's influence and recommends compelling works like 'Secondhand Time' by Svetlana Alexievich. It's a rich tapestry of ideas that encourages a fresh look at beloved classics.

This week Josie and Robin are joined by writer, performer and comedian Noel Fielding. There's talk of Richard Braughtigan, Flann O'Brien and everyone's favourite pop-up books. Also lots of stuff we had to bleep out so we didn't get sued...

We're back and kicking off Season 4 with one of the greatest writers in history. Alan Moore joins Josie and Robin to talk about the release of his new opus, Jerusalem as well as some of his epic back catalogue plus the work of HP Lovecraft, David Foster Wallace, Chuck D and more... Patreon supporters will also get an exclusive bonus hour with Alan talking about the process of creating Jerusalem.

This week sees the World Premiere of No’s Knife at The Old Vic in London. A selection of Samuel Beckett’s ‘Texts for Nothing’, it’s conceived and performed by one of our former Shambles guests, Lisa Dwan. So two days before the first preview Robin sat down backstage with Lisa for a fascinating in depth chat about all things Beckett. From being true to the text to the musical rhythm of his language. From performing Beckett’s works as a woman to dealing with bad reviews. No’s Knife opens on September 29th and runs for a limited season of two weeks.

As a prelude to Season 4 of Book Shambles, here is the final free podcast we recorded at the Latitude Festival this summer. Robin and Josie go second hand book shopping on the Book Bus with 'The Dylan Thomas Guy', Jeff Towns. And Robin sits down to chat books with poet Joshua Idehen, comedian and author Mark Watson and the team from the Guilty Feminist podcast, Sofie Hagen and Deborah Frances-White.