The Penguin Podcast

By Penguin Books UK

Society & Culture Arts Literature

What's The Penguin Podcast about?

Richard E. Grant invites authors, comedians, musicians, historians, actors, business leaders and philosophers to join him in the Penguin studios with five objects that inspired and shaped the writing of their latest book.
#PenguinPodcast

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Richard Powers with Nihal A...

11.24.2021

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss his thirteenth novel, ‘Bewilderment’. Using objects like Bach’s Goldberg Variation 18, an unsmoked hickory nut, and a petrified piece of redwood, Powers transport us to his home in the ...

The Penguin Podcast episodes:

11.24.2021 Richard Powers with Nihal Arthanayake The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss his thirteenth novel, ‘Bewilderment’. Using objects like Bach’s Goldberg Variation 18, an unsmoked hickory nut, and a petrified piece of redwood, Powers transport us to his home in the ...
11.10.2021 Stanley Tucci Live at The London Palladium with Dolly Alderton In this special live recording at The London Palladium, Dolly Alderton speaks to award-winning actor and writer Stanley Tucci to discuss his new food memoir, Taste: My Life Through Food. Stanley speaks passionately about food, and shares with Dolly the ...
10.27.2021 Elizabeth Strout with Isy Suttie The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout joins Isy Suttie to discuss the third book in her Lucy Barton series, ‘Oh, William!’. Using objects like a ring gifted to her by a great aunt and a postcard of the writer F. ...
10.13.2021 Jade LB with Nihal Arthanayake The writer that penned an early-noughties viral phenomenon aged just 13, Jade LB, speaks to Nihal Arthanayake about ‘Keisha The Sket’. Having lived on the phones and websites of fans for the past two decades, it’s now been formally published ...
09.29.2021 Shon Faye with Nihal Arthanayake The author, podcaster and stand-up comedian Shon Faye joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss her first book, The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice. Using iconic queer artefacts like the film ‘The Wizard of Oz’, starring Judy Garland, alongside Lady Gaga’s ...
09.15.2021 Gyles Brandreth with Nihal Arthanayake Author, broadcaster, entertainer and former politician Gyles Brandreth talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his upcoming memoir, Odd Boy Out. In this episode, Gyles Brandreth considers how delving into his own childhood has challenged his usual aversion to being introspective, and ...
09.01.2021 Derren Brown with Isy Suttie “Time is just the medium through which life unfolds.” This week, mentalist, illusionist, painter and author Derren Brown talks to Isy Suttie about his latest book, ‘A Book of Secrets: Finding Solace in a Stubborn World’. In this episode, Derren ...
08.18.2021 Paula Hawkins with Nihal Arthanayake World-renowned author Paula Hawkins talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest thriller, A Slow Fire Burning. In this episode, Paula Hawkins reflects on the disparity between commercial success and her confidence as a writer, particularly in the face of criticism. ...
08.04.2021 Conn Iggulden with Nihal Arthanayake Bestselling historical fiction author Conn Iggulden talks to Nihal Arthanayake about Protector, the latest book in his Athenian series. In this episode, Conn Iggulden recalls the wondrous stories which ignited his imagination as a child and inspired him to begin ...
07.21.2021 Alexander McCall Smith with Nihal Arthanayake Prolific author Alexander McCall Smith joins Nihal Arthanayake to share tales from behind his impressive body of work. In this episode, the ever-curious Alexander McCall Smith tells of his affection for Botswana, and its important role as the backdrop to ...
07.07.2021 The Penguin Podcast's Best of the Booker Prize To celebrate this year’s upcoming Booker Prize nominations, we've delved back into the archives and cherry-picked highlights from eight very special interviews. Hear about the inspirations, frustrations, and secrets behind the winners of the most prestigious prize in literature. What’s ...
06.23.2021 Avni Doshi with Nihal Arthanayake “There’s a way in which memory can press up against the present”: this week, American author Avni Doshi talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her wildly successful debut novel, ’Burnt Sugar’, which was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize. In this ...
06.09.2021 Ed Miliband with Nihal Arthanayake Labour MP, podcast host and now author Ed Miliband talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his debut book, ‘Go Big: How To Fix Our World’. Using a scene from ’The West Wing’ and a Robert Kennedy speech as jump off points, ...
05.28.2021 Barack Obama and Marcus Rashford in conversation Tune in to an exclusive conversation between President Barack Obama and England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford as they meet for the first time. In this special bonus episode of the #PenguinPodcast, moderated by June Sarpong, Barack Obama and ...
05.26.2021 Taylor Jenkins Reid with Nihal Arthanayake Bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest book, ’Malibu Rising’. Much of Taylor’s fiction focuses on the world of celebrity and fame - she talks to Nihal about why a cultural fascination with celebrities exists, ...
05.12.2021 Emma Dabiri with Nihal Arthanayake Author, social historian and broadcaster Emma Dabiri talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest book, 'What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition’. Emma picks objects, including a bookshelf and an incense holder, which instigate a fascinating conversation ...
04.28.2021 Zadie Smith and Nick Laird with Nihal Arthanayake Literary power couple Zadie Smith and Nick Laird chat to Nihal Arthanayake about their collaborative project, ‘Weirdo’, a children’s book about the quiet power of being different, featuring exquisite illustrations from Magenta Fox. In this episode, Zadie and Nick discuss ...
04.14.2021 Yaa Gyasi with Nihal Arthanayake Ghanaian-American novelist Yaa Gyasi talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her second novel, ’Transcendent Kingdom’. Using objects like a photo of a mouse and a SZA song, the author of the award-winning ‘Homegoing’ chats to Nihal about her Ghanaian heritage, liking ...
03.31.2021 Ashley Audrain with Nihal Arthanayake Author and ex-publicity director Ashley Audrain talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her wildly successful debut novel, ’The Push’. Using objects like a popular Canadian children’s book and a Brandi Carlile song, Ashley chats to Nihal about the contradictions of motherhood, ...
03.17.2021 Kehinde Andrews with Nihal Arthanayake Professor of Black Studies and author Kehinde Andrews talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his latest book, ’The New Age of Empire’. Using objects like his dad’s British passport, a keyring, and an iconic hip-hop album, they chat about embracing Black ...
03.03.2021 Adam Kay with Isy Suttie Coinciding with World Book Day, writer and former junior doctor Adam Kay chats to Isy Suttie about his first children’s book, ‘Kay’s Anatomy’. Using objects like a letter from Alan Bennett and a Victorian bone cutting saw as a springboard, ...
02.16.2021 Neil MacGregor with Nihal Arthanayake British Art Historian and former Director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor chats to Nihal about the new audiobook of ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’. Neil has chosen 4 of those objects plus an entirely new one ...
02.03.2021 Ali Smith with Nihal Arthanayake Author and playwright Ali Smith chats to Nihal about her 2014 multi award-winning novel ‘How to be Both’, which has just been released as an audiobook. In this episode, Ali reveals how she takes herself out of her comfort zone, ...
01.20.2021 Hafsa Zayyan with Nihal Arthanayake Hafsa Zayyan, co-winner of Stormzy’s #Merky Books New Writer’s Prize, chats to Nihal about her debut novel ‘We Are All Birds Of Uganda’. She chats to Nihal about completing the book in six months and why a sense of belonging ...
01.06.2021 Owen Jones with Nihal Arthanayake Owen Jones, Guardian columnist and Labour party activist chats to Nihal about the tumultuous rise and fall of Corbynism via his new book ‘This Land’. Owen explains why he doesn’t like writing and brings objects that help him get past ...
12.30.2020 Best Of 2020 (Part 2) with Nihal Arthanayake In the second part of this special edition Nihal Arthanayake chooses some more clips from a selection of his favourite episodes. This includes why Nigella Lawson has to travel with tea bags, how Jonathan Coe became a warm-up act on ...
12.16.2020 Alex Wheatle with Nihal Arthanayake Author Alex Wheatle MBE, aka the 'Brixton Bard', has just been the subject of one of Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe' films on BBC1. In this episode, he chats to Nihal about his latest YA book ‘Cane Warriors’, based on the ...
12.02.2020 Best Of 2020 (Part 1) with Nihal Arthanayake In this special edition, Nihal Arthanayake chooses some of his favourite bits from previous episodes which include the likes of Sir Paul McCartney on doubting his own talent, a surprising music choice from Elif Shafak and how Howard Jacobson was ...
11.18.2020 Bananarama with Nihal Arthanayake Iconic 80’s pop band Bananarama join Nihal Arthanayake to chat about their memoir ‘Really Saying Something’. They chat about the pressures of the band, how they ended up living in the Sex Pistols' old rehearsal room and discuss some of ...
11.04.2020 Dolly Alderton with Sue Perkins Dolly Alderton, author, journalist and co-host of The High Low podcast chats to Sue Perkins about her first novel, ‘Ghosts’. Both Sue and Dolly open up about relationships and Dolly reveals the objects that have inspired her work, including a ...
10.21.2020 Richard Dawkins with Nihal Arthanayake Richard Dawkins - British evolutionary biologist and populist science writer - chats to Nihal about his latest book ‘Outgrowing God’ He also talks about objects which have inspired him creatively which include a framed photo of Prince Phillip and the ...
10.07.2020 Richard Osman with Nihal Arthanayake TV presenter and co-creator of the TV quiz show ‘Pointless’, Richard Osman chats to Nihal about his debut novel ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ - a story about four friends living in a retirement village who become amateur detectives. He chats ...
09.23.2020 Ben Macintyre with Nihal Arthanayake Author and historian Ben Macintyre talks to Nihal about his new book ‘Agent Sonya’ - the story of the greatest female spy of the 20th Century. Ben chats to Nihal about how ‘Sonya’s’ gender helped her stay under deep cover ...
09.09.2020 Ruth Jones with Nihal Arthanayake ‘Gavin and Stacey’ co-creator and actor Ruth Jones chats to Nihal about her second novel ‘Us Three’ - a story about enduring female friendships. She talks about objects that have inspired her including a pair of pink trainers and Wales ...
08.26.2020 Anthony Horowitz with Nihal Arthanayake Anthony Horowitz, author of the bestselling teen Spy series, Alex Rider, talks to Nihal about his creative process, how he’d like to write a Dickens novel and bonds with Nihal over the rapper Dave. Anthony, who has sold well in ...
08.12.2020 Kevin Kwan with Nihal Arthanayake ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ author Kevin Kwan chats to Nihal about his new book ‘Sex and Vanity’ - the story of a young woman who finds herself torn between two men. Kevin discusses some objects which have inspired him and chats ...
08.05.2020 Nick Hornby with Nihal Arthanayake Nick Hornby joins Nihal to talk about how he gets inspired, bringing along a collection of objects that help him including a jigsaw puzzle and an LP. The ‘About a Boy’ and ‘High Fidelity’ author chats to Nihal about his ...
07.29.2020 Lily Cole with Nihal Arthanayake Lily Cole joins Nihal to talk about her latest book ‘Who Cares Wins’ - where she interviews the likes of Elon Musk, Stella McCartney and the Extinction Rebellion co-founders about issues relating to the climate crisis. Lily, who is an ...
07.22.2020 Pandora Sykes with Nihal Arthanayake Journalist and podcast host Pandora Sykes chats to Nihal about her debut book ‘How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? - a collection of essays which question the perceived wisdom of modern life. Pandora chooses objects which inspire her ...
07.15.2020 Jenni Murray with Nihal Arthanayake Broadcaster and journalist Dame Jenni Murray talks to Nihal about her new book ‘Fat Cow, Fat Chance’ - what it’s like to be labelled fat when society dictates skinny as the norm. Jenni chooses objects that have inspired her, telling ...
07.08.2020 Jackie Morris with Nihal Arthanayake Illustrator and author Jackie Morris, who has collaborated with the likes of Ted Hughes and written over 40 books, talks to Nihal about how she gets creative and the objects that inspire her such as a gold hare with a ...
07.04.2020 BONUS EPISODE – Penguin Perspectives In this special bonus episode of the Penguin Podcast we bring you Penguin Perspectives. Penguin Perspectives is a collection of essays by twenty Penguin authors, written as a direct response to the Covid-19 crisis. These authors have recorded their essays ...
07.01.2020 Caroline Criado Perez with Nihal Arthanayake Activist and author Caroline Criado Perez joins Nihal to talk about her book ‘Invisible Women’ - which exposes the gender data gap found in society. She chats to Nihal about the problems with PPE (one size does not fit all), ...
06.24.2020 Amor Towles with Nihal Arthanayake Author Amor Towles joins Nihal from Manhattan to discuss his 2016 best-selling book ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ - the story of a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life in a luxury hotel. Amor chats to ...
06.17.2020 Malcolm Gladwell with Sue Perkins Malcolm Gladwell (author of bestsellers such as ‘Blink’ and ‘Outliers’; staff writer for the New Yorker and podcaster) joins Sue Perkins to discuss his latest book ‘Talking to Strangers’ - which is bookended by the story of Sandra Bland, who ...
06.10.2020 Stuart Russell with Nihal Arthanayake Stuart Russell - Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control.’ They chat about how Hollywood has clouded our perception of AI, ...
06.03.2020 John Niven with Nihal Arthanayake Scottish author John Niven joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘The F*ck-it List’ - the story of a man who after receiving a terminal diagnosis compiles a list of the people he wants to kill. John chats to Nihal ...
05.27.2020 Noam Chomsky with Nihal Arthanayake Considered the Founder of Modern Linguistics and voted the World’s Top Public Intellectual, Noam joins Nihal to discuss his prescient 2017 book ‘Optimism Over Despair’, which has just been made into an audiobook. It takes the form of a series ...
05.20.2020 Curtis Sittenfeld with Nihal Arthanayake American author Curtis Sittenfeld joins Nihal to discuss her latest book ‘Rodham’ which explores what would have happened if Hillary hadn’t married Bill Clinton. Curtis chats to Nihal (down the line from Minnesota) about how she went viral (it involves ...
05.13.2020 Brian Greene with Nihal Arthanayake World renowned physicist Brian Greene joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘Until The End of Time’ – which provides us with a clearer sense of how we came to be, a picture of where we are now, and a ...

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