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Artwork for Marlon and Jake Read Dead People

Marlon and Jake Read Dead People

Penguin Random House
Dystopia
Sexuality In Literature
Ridley Walker
Parable Of the Sower

Marlon and Jake Read Dead People is a podcast hosted by the Booker Prize-winning and internationally bestselling author Marlon James and his editor, Jake Morrissey, Executive Editor at Riverhead Books. In each episode, Marlon and Jake talk about authors—specifically dead authors. Authors they like. Authors they hate. Great books, terrible books, and books they love that you’d never expect them to.... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes43Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArtsSociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Marlon and Jake Read Dead People

Latest Episodes

Marlon and Jake take on violence in fiction: what makes it effective, what makes it gratuitous, and whether “gratuitous violence” is even a useful distinction. Tune in as they discuss the difference between violence on the page and on screen and why ... more

Marlon and Jake explore the power of setting in novels—and why the best stories feel like they couldn’t have happened anywhere else. They discuss settings that become characters in their own right, fictional worlds they’d love (or absolutely hate) to... more

Marlon and Jake explore the books that have helped define who they are, choosing four that capture different parts of their personalities and lives. They unpack how reading can shape our understanding of identity, community, and growing up—and change... more

Marlon and Jake dive into one of literature's trickiest subjects: sex. Why do some writers capture intimacy with honesty while others veer into the unintentionally hilarious? Along the way, they discuss why writing about sex is really writing about p... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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Number of Listeners
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Hosts

Marlon James
Host of the show, Booker Prize-winning author. Primarily engaged in literary analysis and debate about authors, with a focus on dead writers.
Jake Morrissey
Co-host and editor; Executive Editor at Riverhead Books, brings publishing and editing perspective to discussions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.3k ratings
  • Please come back

    I really need more of your podcast! Please, could you return? Make a few more? Soon?

    2026 Update: they are still reading dead people and this podcast is still THE BEST

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    U.Grumpy
    United Statesa month ago
  • Finally, they are back!!!!!!

    I have been waiting for three years for them to return (never gave up the hope as well!). It’s an immens privilege to listen to Marlon, one of the greatest novelists of our time and Jake, the editor de classe, bantering about books. I’ve been an avid fan since it came out in 2020, as no one talks about books like they do. So insightful, super funny and heartfelt at times, they transmit their love of reading and literature to the listener every single episode. I’ve picked up my favourite books ba... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Srera
    Germanya month ago
  • The Return of Literary Banter

    My life is complete to have the podcast back. Congrats on The Disappearers listed for the Booker Prize 2026! I look forward to reading a living author.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    The Book Eclectic
    United Statesa month ago
  • Happy to Hear Your Voices

    So happy you two are back!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jessicavaugh.realestate
    United Statesa month ago
  • So much fun!!!

    Love these guys, so happy they are back! (Again)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lucy_Lulu_Lucia
    United Statesa month 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 entertaining, sharp discussions about literature.
Audiences value the candid, uncensored takes and deep knowledge of books and publishing.
Many fans miss the show when it's not releasing new episodes and describe it as a comforting, expert-toned deep dive into literature.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#112
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#107
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#180
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#152
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#13
Philippines/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#22
Philippines/Arts

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per EpisodeGender SkewLocation
InterestsProfessionsAge Range
Household IncomeSocial Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Marlon and Jake Read Dead People

What is Marlon and Jake Read Dead People about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two hosts, Marlon James and Jake Morrissey, bring incisive, unabashed literary chatter focused on dead authors. They rate, celebrate, and critique writers across eras with humor and candor, exploring what makes great literature, problematic legacies, and the publishing ecosystem engaging for book lovers and industry insiders alike. Episodes mix sharp critique, lively banter, and personal reading habits, offering recommendations and provocative takes on character, morality, representation, and the cultural machinery around books. A notable strength is the duo's chemistry and willingness to disagree forcefully in service of uncovering why certain authors endure or fade, which can be both entertaining and enlightening for listeners who crave t... more

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How many listeners does Marlon and Jake Read Dead People get?

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How many subscribers and views does Marlon and Jake Read Dead People have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Marlon and Jake Read Dead People?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Marlon and Jake Read Dead People:

1. The Book Review
2. Critics at Large | The New Yorker
3. Poured Over
4. Backlisted
5. Zero to Well-Read

How many episodes of Marlon and Jake Read Dead People are there?

Marlon and Jake Read Dead People launched 7 years ago and published 43 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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