Rephonic
Artwork for Kobo in Conversation
The River Is Waiting
AI In Publishing
The Other Valley
Wild Dark Shore
Rakuten Kobo
Toronto Raptors
Cherry Baby
Great Black Hope
Mental Health
Ethiopia
Foreign Correspondent
Time Travel
Climate Change
We Love You, Bunny
Bunny
We Survived the Night
Good Guys
Métis
Creativity
Natalie Zina Walschots

From Rakuten Kobo, the digital bookseller and maker of eReaders beloved by readers around the world, Kobo in Conversation brings you in-depth conversations with authors about how and why they write, the books and authors they admire, and so much more. Plus, occasional takes on what's going on in the business of books. And year-end roundups of reading recommendations from the Kobo staff.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes180Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
LeisureBooksArts

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Artwork for Kobo in Conversation

Latest Episodes

In the spirit of "Christmas in July," we're presenting a special live episode of Kobo in Conversation from the Toronto International Festival of Authors' inaugural Ever After, the romance book festival. This was recorded back in November 2025, and th... more

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Michael Tamblyn spoke with Patrick Radden Keefe, who has been writing for the New Yorker since 2006 and is the author of nonfiction bestsellers including Empire of Pain and Say Nothing. His latest book is London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilde... more

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Nathan Maharaj spoke with the novelist and journalist Jowita Bydlowska about her new book Unshaming: A Memoir of Recovery, Relapse, and What Comes After. It's a frank, unflinching recounting of the years following the publication of her first book, t... more

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For this special bonus episode of Kobo in Conversation, producer and co-host Nathan Maharaj was joined by one of Kobo's booksellers (and frequent Staff Picks contributor), Deandra Lalonde. They sort through the buzziest books to take along to the bea... more

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Recent Guests

Jowita Bydlowska
Novelist and journalist
Author of Unshaming, Drunk Mom
Episode: Jowita Bydlowska speaks about her accidental expertise in shame
Deandra Lalonde
Content Sales Manager of North America at Kobo, book seller
Kobo
Episode: Summer Reading 2026
Sharon Bala
Author of The Boat People and Good Guys
Author
Episode: Sharon Bala on the absurdity of so-called Good Guys
Natalie Zina Walschots
Poet, game writer, and author of Hench and Hedge
Author
Episode: Natalie Zina Walschots on good bosses and bad guys [encore]
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
Physicist and author of The Edge of Space-Time and The Disordered Cosmos
Physicist and author
Episode: Why Chanda Prescod-Weinstein sees hope in cosmic curiosity
Heather Marshall
Author of Liberty Street
Author, Liberty Street
Episode: How Heather Marshall brings readers into places of the past
Rainbow Rowell
Author of Cherry Baby, Eleanor & Park, Fangirl, Slow Dance
Author
Episode: Why Rainbow Rowell's Cherry Baby had to be her sexiest book yet
Tara Gereaux
Author of Wild People Quiet and Saltus
Author
Episode: Tara Gereaux on finding the words for an unspoken identity
Eliana Ramage
Author of To the Moon and Back
Author, To the Moon and Back
Episode: How Eliana Ramage set her sights on the stars for her debut novel

Hosts

Nathan Maharaj
Host of Kobo in Conversation; Producer, editor, and co-host on Kobo in Conversation
Michael Tamblyn
Host of Kobo in Conversation; CEO/co-host

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 34 ratings
  • Bailey and Jones!

    What a great duo. Poignant questions, impressive answers and a totally fabulous interview.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Yesthesefeminists
    Canada6 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Well-edited and well-paced discussions
Thoughtful and insightful author conversations
Strong industry context with useful publishing insights
Occasional episodes skew toward literary discussions rather than pure entertainment
High-quality guest selection and interview depth

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#42
Hong Kong/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#67
Hong Kong/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Timothy Caulfield and The Certainty Illusion - Live at KoboCon 2025!
Q: How does emotional content influence our acceptance of health information, and what can we do about it?
Emotions, especially fear and anger, drive quick judgments and echo chambers, often strengthening beliefs regardless of evidence. To mitigate this, people should acknowledge their emotional reactions, intentionally seek diverse perspectives, and engage in open conversations that connect on shared values rather than targeting differences.
Timothy Caulfield and The Certainty Illusion - Live at KoboCon 2025!
Q: What are some practical ways individuals can guard against misinformation in everyday life?
Don't rely on a single source; seek corroboration from multiple reputable outlets, evaluate the type of evidence, and when an argument feels emotionally charged, pause and use accuracy nudges to slow down before sharing or forming a belief.
Timothy Caulfield and The Certainty Illusion - Live at KoboCon 2025!
Q: Could you explain what you mean by scienceploitation and how we can detect when it's happening?
Scienceploitation is using real scientific terms to sell bunk or push agendas, often leveraging terms like microbiome or stem cells to imply legitimacy even when the underlying science is weak or misrepresented. Detecting it involves looking for claims that sound too good to be true, checking the quality of the supporting evidence, and being wary of studies published in predatory journals or lacking robust corroboration.
Summer Reading 2026
Q: Which new release should a reader consider if they want a fresh title this season?
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson is recommended for those seeking a breezy Beach Read with a strong cover cue and Massachusetts coastal vibe, representing a fresh sophomore effort that blends lightness with beach-read appeal.
Summer Reading 2026
Q: What about Whistler by Ann Patchett?
Whistler is described as fiction-driven and highly character-focused, with the guest sharing that Patchett's voice and storytelling create a profound experience, making it a standout pick for readers who enjoy deeply developed relationships and family dynamics.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kobo in Conversation

What is Kobo in Conversation about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A long-form interview series featuring authors, writers, and industry voices, with a steady emphasis on literary craft, storytelling, and the book business. Conversations explore writing processes, thematic ambitions, and personal journeys, often tying titles to broader cultural conversations, publishing trends, and reader-facing perspectives from Kobo staff. Guests span novelists, poets, essayists, and industry observers, offering practical insights for aspiring writers, readers, and publishers alike. A distinguishing trait is the blend of deep authorial craft with candid industry context—frequently touching on translation, adaptation, and the evolving role of booksellers and platforms in shaping reading culture.

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How many listeners does Kobo in Conversation get?

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How many subscribers and views does Kobo in Conversation have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Kobo in Conversation?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Kobo in Conversation:

1. Book Riot - The Podcast
2. The Book Review
3. Good Hang with Amy Poehler

How many episodes of Kobo in Conversation are there?

Kobo in Conversation launched 8 years ago and published 180 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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What guests have appeared on Kobo in Conversation?

Recent guests on Kobo in Conversation include:

1. Jowita Bydlowska
2. Deandra Lalonde
3. Sharon Bala
4. Natalie Zina Walschots
5. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein
6. Heather Marshall
7. Rainbow Rowell
8. Tara Gereaux

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