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Book Riot - The Podcast

Book Riot
Publishing Industry
Book Riot
Literary Fiction
Books
Book Recommendations
Literature
Book Riot Podcast
Fourth Wing
Neil Gaiman
Book Banning
Diversity In Literature
Diversity In Publishing
Censorship
Audiobooks
Pulitzer Prize
George Saunders
Vigil
Colleen Hoover
Book Bans
Patreon

News in the world of books and reading, including hot industry releases, adaptations, publishing industry events, and more with Book Riot’s Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky. Book Riot is the largest independent editorial book site in North America and home to a host of media, from podcasts to newsletters to original content, all designed around diverse readers and across all genres.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes924Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsTV & Film

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Latest Episodes

Jeff and Rebecca check in the last gasp of Emily Wilson's The Odyssey discourse, The New York Times' list of the Best Thrillers of the Century so Far, on-going developments in AI accusations in publishing, recent reading, and much more.

Follow the p... more

Jeff and Rebecca try to identify the It Book of August 2026. And are pretty sure they didn't succeed.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast Patreon for bonus content and ad-free listening.

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Jeff and Rebecca talk about Emily Wilson's pan of Nolan's The Odyssey, before checking in on the Booker longlist, Obama's summer reading picks, and the most troubling AI/publishing story yet.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. ... more

Rebecca sits down with Portland State University researchers Kathi Inman Berens and Rachel Noorda to discuss the findings in their new book, How Gen Z Discover and Consume Books.

You can download How Gen Z Discover and Consume Books free from Cambri... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Rachel Noorda
Professor of Media Studies, Portland State University
Portland State University
Episode: UPDATED The Latest Research on Gen Z's Reading Habits
Kathi Inman Berens
Literature Professor, Portland State University
Portland State University
Episode: UPDATED The Latest Research on Gen Z's Reading Habits
Dr. Maria McCauley
New president of the American Library Association
American Library Association
Episode: Best Books of the Year So Far Lists Have Begun. PLUS: Dr. Maria McCauley of the ALA
Cathy Galliano
Executive Vice President of Merchandising, Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million
Episode: MCD Shutters, Audible's Story House, and More of the Week's Book News.
Louise Erdrich
Author of Python's Kiss, longtime author and writer
Author
Episode: Wait, How Many Books Were Published in 2025? PLUS: Louise Erdrich!
Markus Zusak
Australian author, author of The Book Thief
Author
Episode: Markus Zusak on THE BOOK THIEF at 20
Kim Snyder
Director of the documentary 'The Librarians', Peabody award-winning filmmaker
Episode: Librarians on the Front Lines
Martha Hickson
Participant in 'The Librarians', recipient of the 2022 Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity
Episode: Librarians on the Front Lines
Carolyn Foote
Retired Texas school librarian, co-founder of the Texas Freedom Fighters
Episode: Librarians on the Front Lines

Hosts

Jeff O'Neal
Host shaping Book Riot content with a focus on publishing news, trends, and book recommendations; co-host of the show.
Rebecca Schinsky
Co-host and voice driving book discussions, industry analysis, and recommendations; frequently leads conversations.
Vanessa Diaz
Co-host providing commentary and book insights; participates in discussions and book-curation episodes.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 1.5k ratings
  • Ad problem

    I like this podcast but the eleven reader ads along with the AI odyssey are so off putting, esp that you don’t say that it’s AI (but it’s quite obvious from how it sounds).

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    BeckyReader123
    United Statesa month ago
  • Love the Chemistry but sometimes out of touch.

    Love the chemistry between Jeff and Rebecca. Whenever there is an episode where one of them switches out (usually for vacation to some amazing location) I skip it. But when they are on together I love it. A little out of touch at times regarding politics or how ‘regular’ people think. And sometimes they miss obvious book news. But their chemistry keeps me coming back.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Vester+70
    United States2 months ago
  • Correction pu Pulitzer episode parentheses the correspondent

    Rebecca mentioned that the correspondent has received no awards or recognition. That is not correct. It is a finalist for the women’s prize for fiction. It won the pin Hemmingway debut novel of the year. There’s no comparison between the correspondent and Theo of Golden. I agree Theo is right contrite. With weak writing, but that is certainly not the case with the correspondent she is a serious talented writer. It would certainly be worth your time to read it.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Hikingreader
    United States3 months ago
  • My bookish friends

    I’m more into books than most of the people I know- and I work in a library, so I know a lot of bookish people. I’m so into books that recently, after a gummy when I randomly opened Goodreads, I let the FEELINGS of so many books I’ve loved wash over me for awhile. I’m so into books that I’m still angry that my favorite book reviewer, Ron Charles, was fired by The Washington Post, and I signed up for his Substack about a minute after I found out about his firing. I discover a book by a favorite a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dianabolical
    United States3 months ago
  • Ep March 39 — professional malpractice and waste of time

    Why on earth would you discuss books you haven’t read (the Don DeLillo discussion). Why have on a host who hasn’t read the book(s)? Just comes across as disrespectful of both subject and audience. Ugh.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Tsundokuchan
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise the hosts' chemistry and conversational banter, making episodes feel like a chat with fellow book-loving friends.
Many appreciate deep dives into publishing trends and awards with practical takeaways for readers and industry folks.
Ads and occasional topic tangents are noted, with some listeners wanting more note-worthy show notes and fewer interruptions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#22
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#69
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#26
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#63
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#65
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#155
United Kingdom/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Best Books of the Year So Far Lists Have Begun. PLUS: Dr. Maria McCauley of the ALA
Q: How does the ALA view the current landscape of censorship and book challenges, and what strategies are in place to counter it?
Censorship is on the rise; the ALA tracks challenges and supports coordinated advocacy, including Unite Against Book Bands and cross-sector coalitions to defend intellectual freedom and fund libraries.
Best Books of the Year So Far Lists Have Begun. PLUS: Dr. Maria McCauley of the ALA
Q: Could you give us a brief overview of what the mission of the ALA is?
The ALA exists to empower library workers to serve their communities, promote the right to read, and advocate for libraries through funding and policy work.
Why Literary Agents Matter with Laura McGrath
Q: What is the core function of a literary agent beyond securing a book deal?
Agents serve as matchmaking conduits who understand editors, imprints, and market taste, ensuring a project is positioned for the right audience and long-term career growth rather than just a one-off sale.
MCD Shutters, Audible's Story House, and More of the Week's Book News.
Q: What is Books-A-Million doing to bring communities into stores and keep them engaged?
Cathy Galliano explains the 'third space' concept, noting large in-store and offsite events in historic theaters, which foster community and turn bookstores into social hubs.
Wait, How Many Books Were Published in 2025? PLUS: Louise Erdrich!
Q: What ending in the story made you cry?
Erdrich says almost every ending in Python's Kiss brought her to tears, highlighting how emotional closure and character resolution can be deeply affecting, with particular attention to how the stories unfold and land emotionally for the reader.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Book Riot

What is Book Riot about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A conversation-driven show centered on books, publishing, and reading culture, blending news, industry analysis, and wide-ranging recommendations. Hosts discuss new releases, prize politics, adaptations, and book club dynamics, interspersed with sponsor reads and listener questions. The tone balances insider industry chatter with accessible, reader-focused discussions, often featuring lively banter and strong personal picks. Noteworthy elements include frequent sponsor integrations, a collaborative atmosphere with educational insights from the publishing world, and a approachable, conversational style that appeals to voracious readers and book industry enthusiasts alike.

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How many subscribers and views does Book Riot have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Book Riot?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Book Riot:

1. All the Books!
2. Well-Read
3. Zero to Well-Read
4. Book Talk, etc.
5. Sarah's Bookshelves Live

How many episodes of Book Riot are there?

Book Riot launched 13 years ago and published 924 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Book Riot?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Book Riot?

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What guests have appeared on Book Riot?

Recent guests on Book Riot include:

1. Rachel Noorda
2. Kathi Inman Berens
3. Dr. Maria McCauley
4. Cathy Galliano
5. Louise Erdrich
6. Markus Zusak
7. Kim Snyder
8. Martha Hickson

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.

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