Audiobook Café

What happens when an ad pulls you into a 2,000-episode audiobook? Aamer Khan shares how he stumbled onto Pocket FM—and why the platform might be brilliant, broken, or both. We break down the app's creative format, its viral success in India, and the accessibility quirks that’s holding it back. Plus, Aamer gives us his review of Amanda Quick’s latest suspense novel, The Girl Who Knew Too Much.

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s the contest that turned bad writing into comical, witty, creative art. We explore the spectacularly awful and oddly brilliant world of the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, where contestants imagine and submit the opening line of the worst book to be written. Join Jacob Shymanski and Ramya Amuthan as we say goodbye, by giving you our favourite submissions of 2024, and read through the 40-year archives.

Plus, Ramya offers her reflection on It Must Be Beautiful to Be Finished by Kate Gies—a poetic memoir that speaks to the trauma of childhood surgeries, the ache of medical betrayal, and the quiet power of sitting with your story.

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Long audiobooks are a commitment, and we’re here to defend why that commitment is worth our while. Red Széll makes the case for expansive storytelling that sits beyond the 15-hour listen, Jacob offers his favourite epic listens, and together they explore how the right pacing, character development, and hypnotic rhythm can turn long reads into unforgettably immersive experiences.

Books discussed in this episode are:

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
• The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
• Ulysses by James Joyce
• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
• Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s politics on paper. With the Canadian federal election just around the corner, Karoline Bordeau and Jacob Shymanski explore two popular books that shine a light on the two main political players. Jacob reviews Ripper: The Making of Pierre Poilievre by Mark Bourrie—a compelling biography of a driven and divisive politician. Karoline dives into Values by Mark Carney, a thick, heady exploration of economics, ethics, and leadership from the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor.

Plus, Karoline offers a review of Love, Loss, and What We Ate by Padma Lakshmi—a memoir that’s as much about identity as it is about indulgence.

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What makes beautiful writing beautiful? CELA’s Karen McKay and Theresa Power join us to unpack the essence of great prose. Flow, rhythm, emotion, clarity; why are some sentences unforgettable? We go around the table and share our favourite examples of prose that stirs the soul.

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Danielle McLaughlin leads us through a poetic journey through memory and meaning. We reflect on the poems we carry from childhood to adulthood, from Dennis Lee to Robert Frost. Discover the history of poet laureates, hear a few stirring recitations, and enjoy listening to our own experimental poetry.

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Impressive worlds like Westeros or the USS Enterprise didn’t just spring from a map—they were shaped by values, power structures, and human history. Author and voice actor J.M. Frey explains why great worldbuilding goes far beyond geography. Frey dives into how she builds worlds readers instinctually believe, and all it takes sometimes is a subtle shift in reality. Plus, she previews her new audiobook Time and Tide, coming out May 2025.

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ardra Shephard, creator of the Tripping on Air blog and host of Fashion Dis, reflects on her freshly released memoir, Fallosophy. She reveals the truths behind writing about her experiences living with MS–the pressure, beauty, support, humours and vulnerable sides to her story. A self-advocacy expert, Ardra shares love to her editors, flips scary tones into funny, and brings us her unashamed realities of living with chronic illness.

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the biting irony of Swift’s A Modest Proposal to the bureaucratic absurdity of Heller’s Catch-22, satire has long been a tool for exposing society’s flaws—one dark laugh at a time. Red Széll explains the wit of satire, and shares his top satirical picks. We explore classics and contemporary gems, including Terry Pratchett’s wildly entertaining Going Postal and Paul Beatty’s provocative The Sellout.

Books discussed in this episode are:

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett

The Sellout by Paul Beatty

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Buckle up! Karen Magee is back for another Rapid-Fire Review, where she races against the clock to give us the gist of her five most recent reads, which range from mysteries, memoir, and cerebral descriptions from space.

The books discussed in this episode are:

• Don't you Cry by Mary Kubica
• How to Save a Life by Lynette Rice
• Every Last List by Mary Kubica
• Orbital by Samantha Harvey
• The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne

Audiobook Café broadcasts on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two back-to-back podcast episodes every Friday at 5 p.m. ET.

Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe

We want your feedback!

Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up!

Our email address is: [email protected]

About AMI

AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+

Learn more at AMI.ca

Connect with Accessible Media Inc. online:

• Instagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audio
• Facebook at @AccessibleMediaInc
• TikTok @AccessibleMediaInc

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.