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The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

CBC
Canada Reads
Family Dynamics
Books
Literature
Canadian Literature
Mental Health
Cultural Identity
Identity
Social Media
Indigenous Identity
Romance Novels
Anne Of Green Gables
Heated Rivalry
However Far Away
Memoir
Life After Ambition
Children's Literature
Fashion
Hockey
Hustle Culture

Looking for your next great read? The Next Chapter’s got you covered! Book lovers join host Antonio Michael Downing to dive deep into great books. Big feelings, hot takes, enlightening conversations — you’ve never been in a book club like this before. It’s Canada’s book club, and everyone’s invited. So pull up a chair and join the conversation. New episodes every Saturday and Monday.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes67Founded18 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArts

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Latest Episodes

Clare Mackintosh joined the police force by accident. But taking what she learned over a 12 year career and using it to become a bestselling mystery and crime writer, was no accident. Nine novels later, she's sold millions of copies and has never loo... more

For years Jenny Jackson worked as an editor for some of the biggest authors in the publishing game. Eventually, she took what she had learned as an editor and applied it to writing a book of her own.

The result was a bestselling novel, and a new car... more

Wondering how you’re going to keep your kids reading now that school’s out? Our children’s book panel is here to help. We’ve asked writer, broadcaster and Mom, Bee Quammie, and CBC Books producer and mother of two, Lucy Mann to recommend their recent... more

Here at The Next Chapter, we read Canadian all year long. But to help celebrate Canada Day, we’re asking what makes a book a Canadian classic. To help answer this question, we’ve called upon CBC Books producer Bridget Raymundo and lifelong bookseller... more

Key Facts

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

Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

Jenny Jackson
Editor at Penguin Random House and best-selling author of Pineapple Street
Penguin Random House
Episode: Spilling secrets and small-town adultery in The Shampoo Effect
Yann Martel
Author
Author of Life of Pi; new novel Son of Nobody
Episode: Kid approved books they will actually want to read this Summer
Donna Dingwall
Producer
Ideas (CBC Ideas)
Episode: Kid approved books they will actually want to read this Summer
Angela Misri
Author of the Portia Adams Adventure Series
Self опубликовано; author
Episode: Mystery solved: your summer reading list
Sam Wiebe
Author of the Wakeland Detective Series
Self published; author
Episode: Mystery solved: your summer reading list
Joe Ollmann
Graphic artist and author of The Woodchipper
Self published; author
Episode: Mystery solved: your summer reading list
Kerry Clare
Author of Definitely Thriving
CBC Books
Episode: The hidden connection between basketball and book nerds
Ann Patchett
Author; proprietor of Parnassus Books in Nashville
Parnassus Books
Episode: Why Ann Patchett thinks the secret to success might be lowering people's expectations
Dave Bidini
Writer, musician, editor-in-chief of West End Phoenix; talks about Soccer in Sun and Shadow and Dynamo, Triumph and Tragedy in Nazi-Occupied Kiev
West End Phoenix / Canadian literature
Episode: Get ready for the World Cup with these essential soccer books

Host

Antonio Michael Downing
Host of the show, CBC Books / The Next Chapter contributor, CBC Books and related CBC outlets.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 229 ratings
  • AMD & Friends!

    I love being able to dip into these engaging conversations about books! The chemistry between AMD and his guests is always electric. <3

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ADIDA$&ACID
    Canada5 months ago
  • Shelagh is great!

    I love Shelagh’s interviews. I don’t like the way the producers cut in with ads about other CBC shows. Sometimes they cut in in mid sentence, and they do it at a volume that is much greater than Shelagh’s volume. This would be five stars but for the CBC’s shabby production values.

    Update - I was sad when Shelagh retired, but I am enjoying Antonio Michael Downing very much. He is an excellent host!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Proud Canadian Triathlon Fan
    Canada6 months ago
  • Please find a different new host

    Ryan B. Patrick is not experienced enough to host this show. His radio voice is lacking any kind of enunciation and his volume dips down so low you often can’t hear him. He resorts to juvenile slang to praise authors and seems like an unprepared student trying to bluff his way through every assignment. Please don’t let the amazing legacy of The Next Chapter be ruined by a poor choice of new host. Shelagh Rodgers is truly irreplaceable, but there has to be someone who has more skill available tha... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Scyvghb
    Canada3 years ago
  • The Theory of Crows

    I never miss an episode and often order the books based on your conversation. I just ordered The Theory of Crows. Your avid listener, Verla k

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Treesmendus.com
    Canada4 years ago
  • Random, Canadian, but good.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    chrisabraham
    4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Shows the host's depth in literature and culture, with diverse perspectives.
Positive feedback on accessibility and depth, though some misses long-form panels.
Listeners praise thoughtful guests, though some complain about ads and production pacing.
Engaging book-focused conversations with strong guest variety.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#9
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#29
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#139
Sweden/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#183
Taiwan/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#216
Mexico/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#219
New Zealand/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Spilling secrets and small-town adultery in The Shampoo Effect
Q: What is the title of this book?
The Shampoo Effect, and its companion read is Couples by John Updike.
Kid approved books they will actually want to read this Summer
Q: What is your final recommendation for older readers?
The Cursed Queen's Daughter by Elly Blake, a romantic fantasy with deep emotional arcs and strong female leadership, recommended for older teens who enjoy a blend of romance and fantasy.
Kid approved books they will actually want to read this Summer
Q: What is your picture book choice for today?
Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro, a charming book about a pampered dog that learns through an entertaining narrative how adventures and a sense of self-worth can coexist with the idea that one is not really a prince.
The hidden connection between basketball and book nerds
Q: Can you share how Early Morning Riser complements your story and why it was your second pick?
Katherine Heiny's humor and the way she handles messy, interconnected relationships show how ordinary life can contain extraordinary, surprising twists—something I aimed to reflect in Definitely Thriving through character-driven misadventures.
The hidden connection between basketball and book nerds
Q: What drew you to pair your novel with Excellent Women as a companion read?
I wanted a book that mirrors the social dynamics, humor, and the way women navigate community spaces; Barbara Pym's sharp, observational wit provides a perfect foil to my character's experiences and the book's themes.

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 The Next Chapter

What is The Next Chapter about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on deep conversations with authors, editors, musicians, actors, and literary thinkers who explore books, reading culture, and storytelling in a Canadian context. Episodes blend literary analysis, author backstories, and cross-genre discussions (from romance and mystery to history and sci‑fi), often tying books to broader culture, fashion, media, and current events. A standout trait is collaborations with CBC Books and Canada Reads participants, creating a book-club vibe that invites diverse perspectives and practical takeaways for readers, retailers, and brands exploring authentic literary storytelling.

Noteworthy elements include a strong focus on Canadian authors and publishing, cross-media guests (music, theatre, journa... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Next Chapter?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Next Chapter:

1. Bookends with Mattea Roach
2. The Sunday Magazine
3. Q with Tom Power
4. Ideas
5. White Coat, Black Art

How many episodes of The Next Chapter are there?

The Next Chapter launched 18 years ago and published 67 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 The Next Chapter?

Recent guests on The Next Chapter include:

1. Jenny Jackson
2. Yann Martel
3. Donna Dingwall
4. Angela Misri
5. Sam Wiebe
6. Joe Ollmann
7. Kerry Clare
8. Ann Patchett

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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