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Artwork for Book Riot

Book Riot - The Podcast

Book Riot
Books
Hot 50 List
Colson Whitehead
Cultural Perception Of Romance
Poker Face
The Bear
Trends
Word Of Mouth
Texas Reader Act
The Intuitionist
LA Public Library
Barnes & Noble
Reservation Dogs
Slow Horses
Book Riot
Winter 2024 New Releases
Publishing Seasons
Covenant Of Water
Barack Obama
January 2024

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 weeklyEpisodes889Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
TV & FilmBooksArts

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Artwork for Book Riot

Latest Episodes

Vanessa Diaz is back to walk Jeff and Rebecca through the turbulent, wild, and saucy times of one George Gordon, Lord Byron. They don't make them like this anymore.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast ... more

Jeff and Rebecca talk about a transitional moment in book sales, National Book Critics Circle Winners, National Black Bookstore Day, recent reading, and much more.

Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast P... more

Jeff and Rebecca really get themselves tied up trying to pick the It Book of April.

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

Subscribe to The Book Riot News... more

Managing Editor Vanessa Diaz is joined by Associate Editor Erica Ezeifedi to discuss the Lambda Literary Award finalists, the latest A.I. publishing freakout, messy internet discourse, and more.

Moms, Dads, Grads season is coming up! Send your recom... 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

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
Erica Ezefedi
Director of Content at Book Riot, has a passion for historical fiction.
Book Riot
Episode: UPDATED - Our Favorite Books of 2025
Dhonielle Clayton
Chair of We Need Diverse Books
We Need Diverse Books
Episode: Checking in with We Need Diverse Books
Caroline Richmond
Executive Editor of We Need Diverse Books
We Need Diverse Books
Episode: Checking in with We Need Diverse Books
Laura McGrath
Assistant Professor at Temple University and Data Correspondent
Temple University
Episode: How Much Does Genre Matter to Readers?

Hosts

Jeff O'Neal
Co-host and creator known for his engaging discussions around literature and the publishing industry.
Rebecca Schinsky
Co-host with a focus on diverse literature and insightful discussions about book culture.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Advertising Generative AI Narration?!?!?!

    I love this podcast but recently I was so disappointed to hear an advertisement for a generative AI narrator program. You have spent a long time talking about how prompters creating books with generative AI aren’t authors, just prompters, but you don’t extend that thought process to another art form?!

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    reluctant_runner
    United States25 days ago
  • Favourite hosts!

    My favourite podcast hosts!!! Great interaction

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jmooreb
    Canadaa month ago
  • Love the discussions between Jeff and Rebecca!

    The banter between Jeff and Rebecca is the highlight of the entire podcast. My only complaint is that the past few episodes this year haven’t included any of the links to books that were discussed in the show. I understand that the IT book list is for Patreon only, but I wish they included other books, especially those in Frontlist Foyer since I usually enjoy the recommendations from Jeff.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    John-Economist
    Canada2 months ago
  • Audio control

    Omg! Jeff moving in and out from the microphone is so distracting. I couldn’t concentrate on what you were saying listening to your voice sounding close and far away.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    jmzbelle
    United States2 months ago
  • What a great podcast!

    I’m a podcast addict and this is the first one I remember reviewing. So happy that I found you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Wnz7
    United Kingdom3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Audience feedback mentions issues with interruptions during discussions, particularly by one host, which can detract from the overall listening experience.
Listeners appreciate the casual and friendly chemistry between the hosts, making them feel as if they are part of a conversation among friends.
The podcast provides valuable insights into the current literary landscape, including emerging trends and noteworthy new releases.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#43
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#136
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#94
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#112
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#200
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#84
Australia/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
How Much Are You Like The Characters You Read About?
Q: So, do you tend to read books with characters whose lives or identities resemble your own?
Intentionally, no. I love engaging with other modes of experience.
How Much Are You Like The Characters You Read About?
Q: What was the last book you read?
I just read Kin by Tyari Jones.
The 2025 Holiday Recommendation Show, Part 2
Q: What's something that you learned in history class that you feel like wasn't the whole truth?
The podcast touches upon constructions of historical narratives, especially concerning less-discussed historical fiction themes.
Checking in with We Need Diverse Books
Q: Does your program react differently in this changing environment?
Yes, we launched the 'Book Save Lives' initiative to advocate for educators and help them keep their libraries inclusive despite administrative challenges.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Book Riot

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

Conversations center around the latest events, trends, and news in the literary world, encompassing a wide array of topics such as diverse publishing practices, adaptations of popular books, and recommendations for avid readers. The hosts engage in discussions that resonate with not just the literary community but also broader societal issues, emphasizing stories that reflect diversity, representation, and reader identity. Unique aspects include the natural chemistry between the hosts, which fosters a friendly, informal atmosphere that feels like a casual chat among friends rather than a formal podcast presentation. This engaging format, alongside insightful commentary, makes it appealing to listeners who appreciate literature and the intri... more

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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. Book Talk, etc.
4. Sarah's Bookshelves Live
5. Zero to Well-Read

How many episodes of Book Riot are there?

Book Riot launched 13 years ago and published 889 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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What guests have appeared on Book Riot?

Recent guests on Book Riot include:

1. Louise Erdrich
2. Markus Zusak
3. Kim Snyder
4. Martha Hickson
5. Carolyn Foote
6. Erica Ezefedi
7. Dhonielle Clayton
8. Caroline Richmond

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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