Libro.fm Podcast

By Libro.fmSociety & Culture Arts Books

Libro.fm Podcast episodes

December 17, 2024Percival Everett on ‘James’, Writing, Art, and the Magic of Language
In this episode, we chat with acclaimed author, poet, and painter Percival Everett to discuss his award-winning novel James— the 2024 National Book Award winner and Libro.fm’s Audiobook of the Year. Percival shares his thoughts on the magic of language, the role of place in storytelling, and the whirlwind experience of his recent book tour. He also reflects on balancing his many creative passions, his journey as a writer, and the profound power of literature.
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
About Percival:
Percival Everett is a celebrated American writer and a Distinguished Professor of English at USC whose 2024 novel James won the National Book Award. His work has earned numerous honors, including the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award, the NBCC Ivan Sandrof Life Achievement Award, and the Windham-Campbell Prize. In 2023, his novel Erasure was adapted into the feature film American Fiction.
Get Percival’s books:
James
The Trees
Erasure
Books discussed on today’s episode:
The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler
Dvorak's Prophecy by Joseph Horowitz
Last Room On The Left by Leah Konen
The Snow Killer by Ross Greenwood
We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin
32 min
November 26, 2024Karla Cornejo Villavicencio on Identity, Belonging, and the Power of Stories
In this episode, we sit down with Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, author of The Undocumented Americans and Catalina, which was longlisted for the 2024 National Book Awards. Cornejo Villavicencio opens up about her experience with meeting readers for the first time and how the unpredictability of the publishing world has shaped her perspective. She also discusses the process of recording Catalina’s audiobook and how it led to her connecting with the novel in a deeper, more personal way.
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
About Karla:
Karla Cornejo Villavicencio is an Ecuadorian-American writer and the author of The Undocumented Americans and Catalina. Catalina was longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction. Her work, which focuses on race, culture, and immigration, has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, Elle, Interview, and on NPR.
Get Karla's books:
Catalina
The Undocumented Americans
Books discussed on today’s episode:
Model Home by Rivers Solomon
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
The Drowned and the Saved by Primo Levi
35 min
October 29, 2024Adrian Bliss on TikTok, Humor, and Writing His First Book
In this episode, hosts Karen Farmer and Craig Silva chat with comedian, actor, and debut author Adrian Bliss. Adrian shares his journey from creating online comedy sketches to writing The Greatest Nobodies of History, which explores humorous and mostly factual stories of overlooked historical figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s ferret and Henry VIII’s Groom of the Stool. Adrian reflects on the shift from immediate online feedback to the publishing process and discusses creating an audiobook, collaborating with voice actors, and transitioning from short-form content to long-form storytelling. Plus, he shares his love for history, photography, and his favorite historical tidbits.
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
About Adrian:
Adrian Bliss is a British comedian, writer, and filmmaker known for his quirky and imaginative humor, often shared through viral sketches on social media. He gained popularity with his humorous historical and literary videos, blending absurdity with a touch of educational satire.
Get Adrian's new book: The Greatest Nobodies of History
Books discussed on today’s episode:
William by Mason Coile
Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard
31 min
September 26, 2024Banned Books Week: Philomena Polefrone and the ABA's fight to Protect Free Expression
In this episode, Philomena Polefrone, PhD discusses her role in advocating for intellectual freedom through the ABA. The conversation touches on book bans, censorship, and the role of bookstores as spaces for activism. The discussion covers the history of book bans, grassroots organizing, and the legal challenges involved in defending diverse literature.
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
About Philomena:
Philomena Polefrone is the Advocacy Associate Manager at the American Booksellers Association, where she champions intellectual freedom and free expression. With a background in bookselling and a decade in academia, Philomena brings a unique perspective to her work, blending literature and activism. She leads initiatives like the Set Books Free Project, aimed at combating book bans and promoting access to diverse, often censored literature. Her passion for defending the right to read makes her a key advocate in the fight against censorship.
Books discussed on today’s episode:
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
The 1619 Project by Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman & Jake Silverstein
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal
Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
38 min
September 24, 2024Huda Fahmy (Yes I’m Hot in This) & Anna Hersh (Wild Rumpus) on Community, Creativity, and Youth Lit.
On today’s episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we dive into literacy for young readers with graphic novelist Huda Fahmy and children’s bookshop owner Anna Hersh. We dive into school reading lists, storytime at bookshops, building confidence, the process of turning graphic novels into audiobooks, and even a mischievous cat with a knack for escaping in baby strollers.
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
About Huda Fahmy:
Huda Fahmy grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, and has loved comics since she was a child. She taught English to middle and high schoolers for eight years before she started writing about her experiences as a visibly Muslim woman in America and was encouraged by her older sister to turn these stories into comics. Huda was a finalist for the National Book Award for her YA graphic novel, Huda F Cares?.
About Anna Hersh:
Anna is the co-owner and animal care coordinator at Wild Rumpus Bookstore in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before Wild Rumpus she worked with exotic animals in sanctuaries.
Books discussed on today’s episode:
Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy
Huda F Cares by Huda Fahmy
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu
Run by Blake Crouch
Endgame by Frank Brady
1 hr 3 min
August 27, 2024Mel Saavedra (Steamy Lit) on Romance, Representation, and Resilience
On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we chat with Mel Saavedra, the owner of Steamy Lit Bookstore and the driving force behind Steamy Lit Con. Mel discusses her deep passion for romance literature, the genre's growing popularity, and the importance of representation in romance novels. Mel also delves into her subscription service, the Steam Box, and her new podcast, Romance Unleashed. The episode concludes with a lightning round, Instagram story time, and, as always, some great book recommendations.
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
About Mel:
Mel Saavedra, founder of Steamy Lit, is a proud Latina, Navy Veteran, and dog mom. A passionate reader of steamy romance, her love for the genre deepened in 2020. Noticing the lack of representation for authors of color in romance, she created Steamy Lit to empower discussions around sexuality and self-love, and to provide a platform for underrepresented authors.
Books discussed on today’s episode:
Brittainy Cherry's 'Elemental series'
The Design of Us by Sajni Patel
I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee
Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan
47 min
July 23, 2024Stephen Graham Jones (The Only Good Indians) on Writing Horror, Slashers, and Finding His Voice
In today's episode, we interview renowned horror author Stephen Graham Jones. We delve into his latest book, "I Was a Teenage Slasher," and explore his passion for the horror genre. Additionally, we discuss his journey from aspiring farmer to successful writer, and pick his brain for book and movie recommendations!
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
About Stephen Graham Jones:
Stephen Graham Jones is a prolific American horror author known for his unique blend of contemporary horror and Native American themes. Born in West Texas and a member of the Blackfeet Nation, Jones has written numerous acclaimed novels and short stories, including "The Only Good Indians" and "Mongrels." His work often explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the supernatural.
Read Stephen Graham Jones’s books:
I Was A Teenage Slasher
My Heart Is a Chainsaw
The Only Good Indians
Mongrels
Books discussed on today's episode:
Please Stop Trying to Leave Me by Alana Saab
Mean Spirited by Nick Roberts
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
36 min
July 09, 2024Interview with Natalie Naudus (Audiobook narrator / Author of 'Gay the Pray Away')
On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we chat with prolific and beloved audiobook narrator Natalie Naudus who shares her journey into the world of audiobooks. We discuss the challenges and rewards of the profession, including the process of bringing characters to life through voice. The episode provides an insider's look at the audiobook industry, and we discuss tips and tricks of the trade, how AI narration is disrupting the industry, her debut novel, and much more.
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: PRIMETIME when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
About Natalie Naudus:
Natalie Naudus is one of the most beloved audiobook narrators working today. She has won an Audie award and nine Earphones awards, and maintains a robust social media following. She lives with her family on a mountain in Virginia. Gay the Pray Away is her debut novel which was released in June 2024.
Read Natalie's book:
Gay the Pray Away
Books discussed on today's episode:
Interesting Facts about Space by Emily Austin
Sucker by Daniel Hornsby
Grey Dog by Elliott Gish
Ring by Koji Suzuki
36 min
June 27, 2024 Interview with Christine Bollow (Co-Owner of Loyalty Bookstore in D.C.)
On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sit down with Christine Bollow, co-owner and events manager for the DC based, community-oriented Loyalty Bookstore. We discuss the importance of book events to communities, Christine’s previous career in audiobooks, how Loyalty raises up young authors and marginalized voices, and our least favorite household chores.
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
Books discussed on today’s episode:
Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781250824479-light-from-uncommon-stars
Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781549113482
29 min
June 26, 2024Interview with Kalima DeSuze (Owner of Cafe con Libros Bookstore in Brooklyn, NY)
In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we interview Kalima DeSuze, the owner of Cafe con Libros, an intersectional feminist bookstore and coffee shop in Brooklyn, New York. Kalima discusses the challenges of running a bookstore, the importance of community support, and the decision-making process behind stocking books. She also talks about the power of book clubs as spaces for discussion and connection, and the role of audiobooks in making reading more accessible.
READ TRANSCRIPT
Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start.
Books discussed on today’s episode:
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
21 min