
The Penguin Podcast
The Penguin Podcast is back with a brand new series called Ask Penguin. In each episode, we will take you inside Penguin Books to meet some of the incredible authors we publish as well as the people who work here, to get answers to all of your book-related questions. Do you need to find your next page-turning read? Are you curious to find out what a day in the life of an editor is like, or simply why a small, aquatic, flightless bird became the iconic emblem that adorns Penguin books worldwide? Look no further than Ask Penguin, The Penguin Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Apr 24, 2025 • 39min
S2 E2: Love and Romance with Emily Henry
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 Beautiful Life, novels full of spice, and which fictional character makes the best book boyfriend. And as ever we solve your book dilemmas with a wide range of romantic fiction recommendations.Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 2: Love and RomanceAnd you can download the audiobook here: Great Big Beautiful Life AudiobookSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 2025 • 36min
S2 E1: Children's Books with Greg James and Chris Smith
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 Kid Who Fell Through Time. Plus we explore why there is a reading for pleasure crisis and the ways we can encourage kids to read, and we provide plenty of recommendations for children, whatever their age.Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Season 2, Episode 1: Children's BooksSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 2025 • 59sec
Ask Penguin Series 2 Trailer
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 authors we publish, as well as the people who work here, to get answers to all of your book-related questions.The new series launches on Thursday 10th April with a children’s books special and across the series we’ll be covering themes such as Romance, Book Club Books and must-reads for your summer holidays, with episodes featuring your favourite authors.If you’re looking for a book recommendation, follow us on Instagram @penguinukbooks or send us your questions for a chance to be featured by emailing: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Don't forget to follow the show, so you never miss an episode!Find out more: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 24, 2025 • 7min
Jodi Picoult on the theory behind Shakespeare’s plays
In our final bonus episode from The Penguin Podcast, bestselling author Jodi Picoult shares her theory on the true author behind Shakespeare's plays that inspired her new novel, By Any Other Name.Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting Bonus Episode 5Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 2025 • 9min
A day in the life of a Publicist with Alison Barrow
In this bonus episode we speak with Alison Barrow, Publicity Director at Penguin Books, to explore the fascinating world of book publicity. Alison shares insights into her role, offering a glimpse into her daily life as she works with authors and connects their books with readers.Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 4Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 22, 2025 • 8min
The human experience and AI with Jeanette Winterson
In this engaging discussion, Jeanette Winterson, an acclaimed author with a 40-year career focused on ghost stories and technology's mysteries, reflects on our connection with AI and the evolution of human consciousness. She explores how AI influences human relationships, evoking emotions despite its non-sentient nature. Winterson also dives into the complexities of virtual connections, addressing a woman's journey to revive her late husband's persona, provoking thought on love, loss, and humanity's quest to transcend mortality in a tech-driven world.

Jan 21, 2025 • 8min
A day in the life of a Books Editor with Simon Prosser
Ever wondered what the role of an Editor at Penguin Books involves? In our second bonus episode, Rhianna speaks with Publishing Director, Simon Prosser about what a typical day of an editor is like and when they ever get time to read! Simon is the editor of many award-winning authors such as Bernardine Evaristo, Zadie Smith, and Micheal Magee.Explore the full list of the books discussed in this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 2Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 2025 • 8min
How to tackle reading the big Classics with Henry Eliot
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 tackling some of Classics' biggest tomes. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this bonus episode and read the transcript by visiting: Bonus Episode 1Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 19, 2024 • 12min
Episode 12: Best books of the year
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 excited for you to read in 2025. Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 12: Best books of the year.Thank you for listening to The Penguin Podcast and our new show Ask Penguin. We would love to hear your feedback and if you have any questions for us. To get in contact with the team, send us a message via the email address below. We return in the Spring with a new series. Until then, Happy Reading! Send us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 12, 2024 • 35min
Episode 11: Winter Reads with Jeanette Winterson
Joining us this week is award-winning author Jeanette Winterson, as we explore her captivating new collection of ghost stories, Night Side of the River, and provide listeners with reading recommendations based on their winter-themed questions. Plus, we’ll stroll through the office to gather the perfect list of festive reads from our Penguin colleagues for you to enjoy this Christmas.Explore the full list of the books discussed on this episode and the transcript by visiting: Episode 11: Winter ReadsSend us a question: penguinpodcast@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.Website: www.penguin.co.uk/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.