The Penguin Podcast

‘Exit West’ was chosen by Barack Obama as one of his favourite books of last year. The author Mohsin Hamid, joins Paul Smith in the Penguin studio, and has chosen five objects that have inspired his book. They include a book by C.S. Lewis, a photograph of a bomb blast in Lahore taken by his sister and a CD by Gilberto Gil and Jorge Ben. Mohsin is a two time Booker prize nominee and his novel ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ was made into a major motion picture starring Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jojo Moyes, author of the hugely successful novel ‘Me Before You’, joins us in the Penguin studio to talk about the final book in her Lou Clarke trilogy ‘Still Me’. Jojo’s books have sold more than 30 million copies and she’s one of the few authors to have had three novels on the New York Times bestseller list at the same time. ‘Me Before You’ was also adapted into a major feature film starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Clafin. Jojo introduces five objects that have been an inspiration - including a bumblebee necklace and a photo of Big Dog. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Chalk Man is one of this years most anticipated thrillers. Its author, C.J. Tudor, joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about writing her debut novel and how it became part of a furious bidding war. C.J. brings in five objects that have inspired her writing, including a Stephen King book and a glass dolphin. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio to talk about his latest in the series: The Getaway. Jeff’s books have sold more than 194 million copies, they’ve inspired four feature films and he’s been named as one of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People in the World. Jeff brings in some objects to the studio that have inspired his writing including: An Uncle Scrooge Comic, a boom box and an airplane sickness bag. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author of the hugely successful Inspector Rebus novels, Ian Rankin, joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about his short story made for radio, The Deathwatch Journal. Ian is regarded at one of the most popular authors of the last 100 years, has won four Crime Writer’s Association Dagger Awards and has received an OBE for services to literature. A map of Edinburgh, Hawkwind single and Captain Scarlet toy car are among the objects Ian brings to the studio. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author of 'Love, Nina’ (adapted for TV starring Helena Bonham Carter) and the critically acclaimed novels, 'Man at the Helm' and 'Paradise Lodge', Nina Stibbe joins Konnie Huq in the Penguin studio. Nina talks about her new book 'An Almost Perfect Christmas' and kicks off the festive season by bringing in objects including an unusual Christmas tree, a turkey on the loo and her mum. #PenguinPodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fact researchers, presenters of the hugely successful No Such Thing as a Fish podcast, TV show hosts and authors the QI Elves join Paul Smith in the Penguin studio to talk about The Book of the Year. Dan Schreiber, Anna Ptaszynski, Andrew Hunter Murray and James Harkin bring in an object each which has inspired their book on the fascinating and funny facts of the year including an Oscar statuette, The Loch Ness Monster's dandruff and a pint of champagne. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, actor, broadcaster and writer Stephen Fry joins David Baddiel in the Penguin studio to talk about his new book Mythos, which retells the Greek Myths. Stephen brings in words (instead of objects) that have inspired him and he and David discuss typewriters, AI teachers and of course the Greek gods. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The author of five New York Times bestsellers and one of the world's most successful non-fiction writers, Malcolm Gladwell speaks to Paul Smith down the line from LA. Malcolm talks about the themes behind Blink, Outliers, David & Goliath and on writing his new book. Plus he selects five objects that have inspired his chart-topping podcast Revisionist History. #PenguinPodcast (Photo: Bill Wadman) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award winning author Rachel Botsman is a world-renowned trust expert and her Ted Talks views are in the millions. She joins Konnie Huq in the studio to reveal how we are on the cusp of one of the biggest social transformations in human history. Rachel has brought with her some objects that have inspired her latest book Who Can You Trust, including her engagement ring and an Alexa bot. #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.