
Always Take Notes is a fortnightly podcast from London for and about writers and writing. Hosts Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd speak to a diverse range of people in the industry on a variety of topics, from the mysteries of slush piles and per-word rates, to how data are changing the ways newspapers do business and how to pitch a book. patreon.com/alwaystakenotes
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 265 | Founded | 9 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Arts | |||

Rachel and Simon speak with the novelist and short-story writer Lauren Groff. Lauren is the bestselling author of the novels "The Monsters of Templeton", "Arcadia", "Fates and Furies", "Matrix" and "The Vaster Wilds", and the short-story collections ... more
Simon and Rachel speak to Jason Burke, the international security correspondent for the Guardian. Jason has been a foreign correspondent for almost 30 years, reporting from the Middle East, South Asia, Europe and Africa. He writes regularly on terror... more
Rachel and Simon speak to the art historian and author Katy Hessel. While working at a London art gallery, Katy set up @thegreatwomenartists, an Instagram account dedicated to celebrating female artists, as well as "The Great Women Artists Podcast". ... more
Simon and Rachel speak with Doug Naylor, who co-created the hit 1990s science-fiction comedy "Red Dwarf". After abandoning his university studies in psychology in Manchester, Doug spent the better part of a year visiting Manchester Central Library, r... more
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I look forward to hearing these interviews.
I really enjoy Always Take Notes. It has the most incredible guests. My favourites so far are Harlen Coben and Lee Child. But it’s great when they move away into screenwriting and other platforms (James Graham and David Nicholls are also fab interviewees.)
Simon and Rachel are intelligent and articulate interviewers.
The most heartening thing to hear is how successful writers have struggled, either creatively, financially or emotionally with their work - but have found a way through.
Also a us... more
Philippe Sands episode absolutely fascinating. The best episode. Highly recommend!
As a graduate of an MA in Magazine Journalism, I recently discovered a podcast that perfectly complements and extends what I learned during my course. Even after graduation, I continue to learn something new from each episode. The best part is that most of the guest speakers are working journalists, making it feel like attending hundreds of journalism seminars without actually having to go. I highly recommend it!
I enjoy the Always Take Notes Podcast. I don’t listen regularly but I do listen from time to time, I enjoy the hosts and being exposed to writers with which I’m otherwise unfamiliar. I took a point off just because I wouldn’t rate it a perfect 5, however I took another point off for the Naomi Klein interview. The approach Klein took to write her book Doppelgänger doesn’t sit well. It seems attacking, unaccepting and condemning of the work of Naomi Wolfe in a way that’s almost underhanded. Kle... more
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Apple Podcasts | #218 | |
Apple Podcasts | #75 | |
Apple Podcasts | #203 |
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A lively interview show centered on writing, publishing, and the literary world. Listeners gain practical tips on pitching, editing, and building a career, along with candid discussions about money, publishing dynamics, and storytelling craft. The format consistently features accomplished writers, editors, and publishers, giving behind-the-scenes access to how books get made, marketed, and consumed. A notable strength is the breadth of guests—from prize-winning authors to industry insiders—paired with thoughtful, in-depth questions that reveal process, challenges, and practical guidance for aspiring writers and publishing professionals.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Always Take Notes:
1. Bookclub
2. London Review Bookshop Podcast
3. Writer's Routine
4. The Waterstones Podcast
5. Backlisted
Always Take Notes launched 9 years ago and published 265 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Always Take Notes include:
1. Lauren Groff
2. Jason Burke
3. Katy Hessel
4. Doug Naylor
5. Mary Beard
6. Jacques Testard
7. Nicole Vanderbilt
8. Frank Close
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.