

The Penguin Podcast
Penguin Books UK
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 29, 2020 • 33min
Sophie Aldred with Katy Brand
The 13th Doctor meets classic Doctor Who companion Ace, in a novel written by Sophie Aldred (who played Ace alongside Sylvester McCoy in the BBC TV series). Sophie joins Katy in the studio to talk about writing 'Dr Who: A Childhood's End' and brings with her objects that inspired her including the famous bomber jacket that she wore in the TV series. Sophie reveals how she was cast in the role of Ace originally, what it was like filming the episodes and on meeting the current Dr. Who, Jodie Whittaker, in person. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 15, 2020 • 33min
RJ Palacio with Nihal Arthanayake
‘Wonder’ has sold well over 15 million copies and was made into a major feature film starring Julia Roberts. Its author RJ Palacio has written and illustrated a new graphic novel ‘White Bird’ that sees a ‘Wonder’ character explore his family history. RJ brings a list of objects into the studio that have inspired her including a wooden bird and a sketchbook and also talks about the craft behind creating her graphic novel. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 18, 2019 • 33min
Paul McCartney with Nihal Arthanayake
Sir Paul McCartney talks about his new children’s book ‘Hey Grandude’. In a special Christmas edition, the rock superstar tells Nihal about persuading John Lennon to believe in himself, the one famous person that even he feels nervous around and how being a grandad inspires him. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 2019 • 32min
Jonathan Safran Foer with Katy Brand
Jonathan Safran Foer is the American author of bestselling novels ‘Everything is Illuminated’ and ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’. His books have been made into major feature films starring the likes of Tom Hanks, with his latest work 'We are The Weather’ looking at what we can do about the climate crisis on a personal level. Jonathan tells Katy about the objects that inspire his writing, including a collection of framed blank sheets of paper from other famous authors. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 2019 • 35min
Madness frontman Suggs with Nihal Arthanayake
Suggs chats to Nihal about Madness' new book 'Before We Was We', which charts the very funny and moving story of the band's early days. Madness, who've been together for 40 years, have played on top of Buckingham Palace, at the 2012 Olympics and had 17 UK top ten hits. Suggs brings in objects that tell the story of the band including a Prince Buster record, a pub sign and a plaster cast of some teeth #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 5, 2019 • 33min
Philip Pullman LIVE with Sophie Dahl
‘His Dark Materials’ author Philip Pullman, talks to Sophie Dahl live from the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford. Philip has a new novel in The Book of Dust trilogy entitled ‘The Secret Commonwealth’, which continues the story of his protagonist Lyra, now aged 20. Philip brings objects that have inspired him including a ‘real’ alethiometer and he also reads an extract from his new book #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 23, 2019 • 36min
Jacqueline Wilson with Katy Brand
Jacqueline Wilson has a new Tracey Beaker book: ‘We Are the Beaker Girls’. The former children’s laureate, who has sold over 40 million books, talks to Katy Brand about how she gets inspired, bringing objects into the studio that help her create including a pair of swimming goggles and a trains timetable. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 2019 • 36min
Emma Kennedy with Katy Brand
Emma Kennedy, author, actress and TV writer talks to Katy Brand about her new book ‘The Things We Left Unsaid’. Emma’s previous books include ‘The Tent, The Bucket and Me’ which was adapted into The Kennedys for the BBC. She has also written children’s books and worked with the good and the great of British comedy (including Katy - so expect lots of laughter). Emma brought in objects that have inspired her including a tin of buttons and a discarded wedding bouquet #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 25, 2019 • 35min
Rory Sutherland with Katy Brand
Rory Sutherland, the charismatic Vice Chairman of advertising agency Ogilvy, tells Katy how thinking counterintuitively can lead to success. Using examples from his Ted Talks (viewed 6.5 million times), his new book ‘Alchemy’ and the objects he brought in - he explains how ‘psycho-logic’ sells #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 11, 2019 • 32min
Malorie Blackman LIVE with Nihal Arthanayake
In this special LIVE edition from the Lowry in Manchester, Malorie Blackman OBE talks about the long-awaited fifth book in her Noughts and Crosses Series: ‘Crossfire’. Malorie has written over 70 books, is a former Children’s Laureate and has artists such as Stormzy counting themselves as super-fans. Malorie's chosen inspirational objects include ‘The Colour Purple’ by Alice Walker and a CD by Marvin Gaye. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.