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 liter…

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 …

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 …

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: S…

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 indu…

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 hou…

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 po…

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we speak with Mairi Oliver, a bookseller and owner at Lighthouse Bookshop, a radical bookshop in Edinburgh, Scotland. We discuss the shop's mission as an unapologetically activist radical bookshop and its commitment to promoting diverse voices and fighting for social justice. We also talk about the shop’s…

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sit down with NYT Bestselling author Claire Lombardo. We discuss her new book, Same As It Ever Was, as well as her previous novel, The Most Fun We Ever Had. We dive into her love for writing about family dynamics and the process of crafting realistic dialogue. She also shares what it’s like to be a boo…

In the final episode of our first-ever Libro.fm Podcast Extravaganza, we interview author Steven Rowley. We discuss "The Guncle" and its sequel, themes of grief and humor in his books, his experience narrating his own audiobooks, and more. The episode concludes with the hosts discussing plans for Independent Bookstore Day. Photo credit: Afonso Salc…

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast Extravaganza, Craig and Karen interview Dr. Darcie Little Badger, author of "Elatsoe" and the prequel "Sheine Lende." Dr. Little Badger discusses her background as an oceanographer and her transition to full-time writing, the influence of her family on her work, and indigenous futurism. Photo: Bekah M. Photog…

On today’s episode, we sat down with Pulitzer Prize-winning author of ‘Less,’ Andrew Sean Greer. We discuss how he approached writing the sequel ‘Less is Lost’, book recommendations, his favorite burrito in San Francisco, and what it's like to be a crossword clue and question on Jeopardy. Photo credit: Kaliel Roberts READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code:…

In this episode, we interview author Hanif Abdurraqib about his new book, "There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension," his writing process, and the themes of aging and mortality in his book. We also discuss his upcoming tour and the importance of place and community in his work, as well as his favorite style of french fry. Photo: Kate S…

Join Craig and Karen for the first ever Libro.fm Podcast Extravaganza, a week-long celebration of authors, narrators, booksellers, and more leading up to Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday April 27th, 2024! Stay tuned for conversations with authors Hanif Abdurraqib, Andrew Sean Greer, Darcie Little Badger, and Steven Rowley. Libro.fm also has a …

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sat down with S.A. Cosby, bestselling author of All the Sinners Bleed and Razorblade Tears. We discussed his background and inspiration for becoming a writer, as well as his experiences with growing up in the South and writing a middle-grade book with Questlove. Photo credit: From the author @leoking8473 …

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sat down in person with Casey McQuiston, bestselling author of Red, White, and Royal Blue, One Last Stop, and I Kissed Shara Wheeler. We discussed audiobooks, their writing process, their upcoming novel ‘The Pairing,’ and what it was like to work at Cold Stone Creamery and sing whenever they got tipped. P…

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sat down in person with bestselling author and physician, Dr. Abraham Verghese. His most recent novel ‘The Covenant of Water’ was an instant New York Times Bestseller, an Oprah Book Club Pick, and one of Barack Obama’s top books of 2023. We discuss his research process, how he auditioned to narrate his ow…

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we speak with writer, small business owner, politician, and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams. We cover her newest novel, her work in politics, book banning, her romance writer alter-ego, and more. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via CC BY-SA 3. license. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCA…

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we were lucky enough to interview award-winning author Kacen Callender about their new book, "Stars in Your Eyes." We also discuss the importance of finding community and connection in their work, their experience in publishing, book banning, and more! READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAS…

We sat down with author Kelsey Norris, whose debut collection of short stories, 'House Gone Quiet,' released on October 17th, 2023. We discussed the themes of her stories—the search for home and a sense of community and belonging—, her journey to becoming a full-time writer, multi-narrator audiobooks, the publishing industry, and more. READ FULL EP…

On this episode of the podcast, we chat with Kelly Jensen of Book Riot and Leah Johnson, author and owner of independent bookstore Loudmouth Books, to discuss combatting censorship, the importance of libraries, and much more. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free cre…

On today's episode, we sit down with Danny Caine, part owner of The Raven Book Store, poet, and author. We discuss his book How to Resist Amazon and Why and his forthcoming book How to Protect Bookstores and Why, what running a bookstore is like, the need for strong local communities, and why he considers himself a really good grocery shopper. READ…

On today's episode, we sit down with James McBride, a novelist, musician, and educator. We discuss his newest novel 'The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store', the writing process, the state of public education, the power of positive thinking, and much more. Author photo credit: Chia Messina READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when si…

On today's episode, we chat with Nadia Odunayo, Founder and CEO of The StoryGraph, an indie alternative to Amazon-owned Goodreads. We discuss how The StoryGraph was founded, how it grew, and where it's going next, as well as the importance of indie companies in an ever-monopolized industry. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST …

On today’s episode, we speak with author V.E. Schwab about The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue coming to paperback, the forthcoming addition to the Shades of Magic series, fan art, book tours, and more! Author photo credit: Jenna Maurice READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extr…

In this episode, we speak with Ling Ling Huang, author of Natural Beauty and Grammy Award winning artist, about her debut novel, her journey to becoming an author, and how her music career and writing are intertwined. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to u…

On today's episode we sat down with author TJ Klune. We discuss his writing in depth, his new book "In the Lives of Puppets", robots, queer representation in literature and media, book banning, and more! READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audi…

On today's episode we sit down with author Sara Nović. We talk not only about her writing, but also the importance of ASL representation—including in audiobooks. Sara is the author of the instant NYT Bestseller True Biz, as well as the books Girl at War and America is Immigrants. For this episode we also released the full video of the interview whi…

On today's episode we sat down with author Grady Hendrix. Grady is the author of "The Final Girl Support Group", "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires", and most recently "How to Sell a Haunted House". READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT About Grady:Grady Hendrix is an American author, journalist, public speaker, and screenwriter. He has wri…

On today's episode, we sit down with the owner of Harriett's Bookshop in Philadelphia, PA, Jeannine Cook, and her mother and former librarian, Celia Cook. Harriett’s is an Indie bookshop celebrating women authors, women artists, and women activists under the guiding light of Harriet Tubman. We discussed opening the bookstore as COVID started, expan…

On today's episode we sat down with author and screenwriter Neel Patel. Neel is the author of the novel 'Tell Me How to Be' and a collection of short stories titled 'If You See Me, Don't Say Hi'. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT About Neel:Neel Patel is a screenwriter and author who grew up in Champaign, Illinois. His writing has appeared in Elle India…

On today's episode we chatted with the Libro.fm staff and got their picks for audiobooks that make great gifts for the holiday season! Audiobooks make great last minute gifts and with Libro.fm you can gift a specific audiobook or a bundle of credits so your friends and family can choose books they want! READ TRANSCRIPTION BUY A GIFT BUNDLE: https:/…

I chat with Tavi Taylor Black about her book Where Are We Tomorrow, about life as a tour manager, and about the anti-domestic violence organisation The Dove. Find Tavi and her podcast The Personal Element here: https://www.taviblack.com/ * Books recommended by Tavi: A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune * Follo…

On today's episode we travelled to Nashville, TN and sat down in-person for a conversation with author and owner of Parnassus Books, Ann Patchett, to discuss bookstores, audiobooks, licorice, and more. READ TRANSCRIPTION About Ann:ANN PATCHETT is the author of seven novels and was the editor of Best American Short Stories, 2006, and has written thr…

On today's episode we have a conversation with novelist Olivie Blake. She is the author of The Atlas Six, The Atlas Paradox, and many more! We discuss how she pivoted careers, how her book went viral on TikTok, and whats coming up next! READ TRANSCRIPTION. About OlivieOlivie Blake is the pseudonym of Alexene Farol Follmuth, a writer based out of Lo…

On today's episode we have a conversation about banned books, censorship, and more with Traci Thomas (Host of The Stacks Podcast), Martha Hickson (A high school librarian from New Jersey), Kiese Laymon (author of 'Heavy' and Professor of Creative Writing and English at Rice University), and Nicole Lintemuth (owner of Bettie's Pages bookstore in Low…

On today's episode we have a conversation with novelist Emma Straub. She is the author of This Time Tomorrow, Modern Lovers, All Adults Here, and many more! She owns and runs an amazing bookstore, Books Are Magic, based in Brooklyn, New York. TRANSCRIPTION: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kiNJchlDrRmGuUZFm4UNkQxB_7FW1dNOGa3rD5ZQ4T0/edit?usp=sha…

I chat with Aurora Dominguez about her career as a journalist and as a teacher, about mental health, about book bans, and about the importance of reading for youth. Find Aurora here: auroradominguez.com * Books recommended by Aurora: The Weight Of Blood by Tiffany Jackson Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn * Follow all podcast updates on my…

I chat with Nick Johnson about the genesis, present, and future of Libro.fm. Find Libro.fm here: https://libro.fm/ * Books recommended by Nick: Blacktop Wasteland by S. A Cosby Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard Where The Deer And The Antelope Play by Nick Offerman * Follow all podcast updates on my Instagram account @astoryofsorts. All soc…

On today's episode we chat with Clint Smith a staff writer at The Atlantic. He is the author of the narrative nonfiction book, How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America, and the poetry collection Counting Descent. Episode Transcription About this month's guest:Clint has received fellowships from the Andrew W. Me…

On today's episode we chat with author and narrator Julia Whelan. She is an Audie award winning narrator who has narrated over 500 books and also authored multiple books of her own. We discuss a wide range of topics including her new book Thank You For Listening (on sale 8/2/22), the audiobook industry, how narration works, what AI means to the ind…

I chat with Jabari Asim about his writing career, his experience as a teacher, and his most recent novel, Yonder. Find Jabari here: jabariasim.org * Books recommended by Jabari: The Souls Of Black Folk by W. E. B. Dubois Insurrections by Rion Amilcar Scott * Follow all podcast updates on my Instagram account @astoryofsorts. All social media account…

On this month's episode we chat with Kendra Winchester of Book Riot and Read Appalachia. We talk about audiobooks and why they DO count as reading, Disability Pride Month, Appalachian writing and literature, podcasting, and more. About this month's guest:Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and …

Reviews and considerations about the books I've read in May. * Follow all podcast updates on my Instagram account @astoryofsorts. All social media accounts on linktr.ee/carinapereira Specific podcast links on linktr.ee/astoryofsorts. Music by @Jorri_Photo on Instagram. * Support A Story Of Sorts: patreon.com/astoryofsorts ko-fi.com/astoryofsorts bu…

I chat with Diana Pinguicha about her sapphic novel, A Curse Of Roses, about Portuguese legends and mythology, and about the reading market. Find Diana here: pinguicha.wordpress.com * Book recommended by Diana: A Hundred Years Of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath The Last Confession Of Autumn Casterly by Meredith T…

On this week's episode, Karen and Craig chat with the Libro.fm staff about the things we do while we listen to our audiobooks. From long car drives to weight lifting and everything in between. Get more ideas for listening activites on the Libro.fm blog: 18 Things to Do While You Listen to an Audiobook 8 Top Audiobook Listening Activities Who we cha…

Reviews and considerations about the books I've read in April. * Follow all podcast updates on my Instagram account @astoryofsorts. All social media accounts on linktr.ee/carinapereira Specific podcast links on linktr.ee/astoryofsorts. Music by @Jorri_Photo on Instagram. * Support A Story Of Sorts: patreon.com/astoryofsorts ko-fi.com/astoryofsorts …

I chat with Carolyn Korsmeyer about her novel, Charlotte's Story - a Pride And Prejudice retelling - and about her experience writing both fiction and nonfiction. Find Carolyn here: carolynkorsmeyer.com * Book recommended by Carolyn: Middlemarch by George Elliot Moby Dick by Herman Melville The Cromwell Trilogy by Hilary Mantel H Is For Hawk by Hel…

Welcome to the first ever episode of the Libro.fm podcast! On today's episode we interview the founders of Libro.fm, Mark, Nick, and Carl about how the business got started, how it grew to where it is today, and where it's headed in the future! Use the promocode LIBROPODCAST for a free audiobook when you sign up for a new membership. Learn more at:…

Reviews and considerations about the books I've read in March. * Follow all podcast updates on my Instagram account @astoryofsorts. All social media accounts on linktr.ee/carinapereira Specific podcast links on linktr.ee/astoryofsorts. Music by @Jorri_Photo on Instagram. * Support A Story Of Sorts: patreon.com/astoryofsorts ko-fi.com/astoryofsorts …