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The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

CBC
Indigenous Identity
Cassandra Calin
Mental Health
Sonya Lalli
Cultural Expectations
SC. Lalli
Popular Science
Bison
Second Generation Immigrants
Nova Scotia
Identity
Literature
Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit
What's Not Mine
1980s Paris
Alice Munro
I Hope This Finds You Well
Mood Swings
Queers Like Me
The Education Of Aubrey Mckee

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 weeklyEpisodes52Founded18 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsBooks

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Artwork for The Next Chapter

Latest Episodes

The actor Malia Baker was the youngest person ever to compete on Canada Reads. Back then Malia was starring in The Babysitter’s Club on Netflix, and from there joined the Disney universe. She joins the show for a reading check-in. Plus, CBC Books' Ta... more

Chart-topping musician Tegan Quin has joined the table for Canada Reads 2026. She is the second member from the duo Tegan and Sara to participate in Canada Reads, and will defend Loghan Paylor's novel The Cure for Drowning. The team will discuss the ... more

Every month across the country in federal prisons, inmates get together for bookclubs. It may not look like the typical club, but the connection, community and stimulation are all there. It’s a program that’s been running for almost 20 years. Tom Bes... more

The next Canada Reads panellist and author pairing has joined the table. Actor and TV host Josh Dela Cruz will defend Iain Reid’s novel, Foe. It’s a psychological thriller set against a science fiction backdrop, and examines the nature of a domestic ... more

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Recent Guests

Tom Best
Executive Director of Bookclubs for Inmates
Bookclubs for Inmates
Episode: A look inside Canada’s prison book clubs
Josh Dela Cruz
Actor, champion of Foe on Canada Reads 2026
Canada Reads (CBC)
Episode: The quiet terror of Foe: why Actor Josh Dela Cruz is bringing it to Canada Reads
Iain Reid
Author of Foe
Author
Episode: The quiet terror of Foe: why Actor Josh Dela Cruz is bringing it to Canada Reads
Gill Deacon
Writer, musician, and broadcaster discussing her book About Coping with Uncertainty, and Leaning into the Uncertainty of Modern Life
Author of A Love Affair with the Unknown
Episode: This writer's mystery illness defied diagnosis for months - here's what she learned from the uncertainty
Elle-Maija Tailfeathers
Indigenous actor and director, champion for A Minor Chorus
Indigenous arts community
Episode: Why Elle-Maija Tailfeathers says A Minor Chorus is the story Canada needs to hear right now
Billy-Ray Belcourt
Author of A Minor Chorus
Writer, poet, novelist
Episode: Why Elle-Maija Tailfeathers says A Minor Chorus is the story Canada needs to hear right now
Claire Dalton
Forward on the Toronto Sceptres, member of the book club
Toronto Sceptres (PWHL)
Episode: Inside the Toronto Sceptres’ team book club
Raygan Kirk
Goaltender on the Toronto Sceptres, book club member
Toronto Sceptres (PWHL)
Episode: Inside the Toronto Sceptres’ team book club
Tyler Hellard
Author of Searching for Terry Punchout
Author, Searching for Terry Punchout
Episode: Why Steve Dangle says this novel picked him for Canada Reads

Host

Antonio Michael Downing
Host of The Next Chapter, known for engaging conversations about literature and insightful discussions with a diverse range of authors and literary figures.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 223 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
    Canadaa month 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
    Canada3 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
    Canada3 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.

Insightful discussions about books and reading culture that resonate with the audience.
Hosts deliver engaging interviews with authors and literary enthusiasts, making the content relatable and meaningful.
Listeners appreciate the discussions about censorship and inclusivity in literature, indicating a thoughtful approach to contemporary literary issues.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#24
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#73
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#87
Japan/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#179
New Zealand/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#213
Denmark/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

This Amazing Race winner’s latest challenge? Reading 50 books in a year
Q: How did you do with your reading challenge?
I ended up reading in like nine months, 52 books.
This Amazing Race winner’s latest challenge? Reading 50 books in a year
Q: What was your vision for the challenge?
I wanted to show up on 50, on the doorstep of 50, like in a better place mentally.
This Amazing Race winner’s latest challenge? Reading 50 books in a year
Q: What kind of reader were you as a child?
I read a lot as a kid and my dream was always to be an author.
Has hustle culture been lying to you?
Q: How did moving into this phase, that your post-ambition era, how did that affect your relationship with them?
Amil reflects on how her parents, initially unaware of her success, were deeply proud of her work, which led to a newfound understanding of their support.
Has hustle culture been lying to you?
Q: Can you give us a sense of your drive to succeed started at a very young age? Where did that come from?
Amil describes being the eldest daughter of immigrants, where the pressure and expectations from her parents drove her ambition to succeed.

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?

Focused on literature and the reading experience, this show brings together authors, critics, and book enthusiasts to explore a range of themes related to books and reading culture. Frequent discussions cover topics such as censorship, the poignancy of family-owned bookstores, the influence of literary prizes, and the importance of inclusivity within literary dialogues. The content is distinguished by a nurturing tone and an emphasis on community, often drawing on personal stories to connect with broader issues in literature and society. It seeks to engage listeners by celebrating the joy of reading and the insightful conversations that can arise from it, making it an excellent choice for avid readers looking to deepen their appreciation fo... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Next Chapter:

1. Bookends with Mattea Roach
2. Ideas
3. The Sunday Magazine
4. Q with Tom Power
5. The Current

How many episodes of The Next Chapter are there?

The Next Chapter launched 18 years ago and published 52 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. Tom Best
2. Josh Dela Cruz
3. Iain Reid
4. Gill Deacon
5. Elle-Maija Tailfeathers
6. Billy-Ray Belcourt
7. Claire Dalton
8. Raygan Kirk

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