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The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing

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

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 weeklyEpisodes57Founded18 years ago
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Latest Episodes

If there ever was a bookstore that lived up to its name, it’s Joie de Livres in Montréal. From its shelves of romance and fantasy, to its cocktails, coffee and nacho selection, it’s a store dedicated to the joy of reading and of life. Program directo... more

Before he ever joined the cast of Dragons’ Den, David Chilton wrote the incredibly successful financial book The Wealthy Barber. His advice shaped the way millions of people used and invested their money. 37 years later, he's back with an updated ver... more

Nadine Bhabha wears many hats. Poet, comedy writer, actor and avid reader. She’s been in hit shows like Heated Rivalry and Letterkenny, worked as writer on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and was recently selected as a juror for the CBC Poetry Prize. Nadine... more

Andrew Phung is a comedian, writer and an actor. He’s probably best known for the five years he played Kimchee on Kim’s Convenience, and from there he starred in Run the Burbs, which he co-created. Over his career he’s won five Canadian Screen Awards... more

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Recent Guests

Nadine Bhabha
Actor and writer; juror for CBC Poetry Prize; appeared in Heated Rivalry
CBC/Heated Rivalry
Episode: Heated Rivalry’s Nadine Bhabha’s It Girl book club
Wayne Johnston
Author of The Novice of Holloway Hall (guest on My Life in Books segment)
Author
Episode: How being a 'sickly child' made Wayne Johnston a better writer
Jeanette Winterson
Author of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit; answered The Next Chapter's Proust Questionnaire
Author
Episode: How being a 'sickly child' made Wayne Johnston a better writer
Bridget Raymundo
Lit girl and eagle-eyed trendspotter on CBC Books
CBC Books
Episode: How reading became the hottest fashion trend of 2026
Meagan De Lima
R&B soul artist from Toronto
Independent artist
Episode: How reading became the hottest fashion trend of 2026
Iona Whishaw
Author of A False and Fatal Claim, Lane Winslow Mystery
Self/Publisher: Touchwood Editions
Episode: Her uncles for worked for MI6, now she writes spy novels
Ainara Alleyne
Teen book influencer and forests of Reading host
Personal brand Ainara's Bookshelf
Episode: Her uncles for worked for MI6, now she writes spy novels
Elsie Silver
Romance novelist focusing on Western-themed romance
Self-employed author
Episode: How Elise Silver became one of the biggest names in romance
Jennifer Chevalier
Senior producer of The House on CBC Radio; debut author of The Winter Witch
CBC/ CBC Books
Episode: Exploring the fear that turned women into “witches”

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 228 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
    Canada3 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
    Canada5 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
#14
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#43
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#45
Chile/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#76
Chile/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#192
Denmark/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#228
New Zealand/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How being a 'sickly child' made Wayne Johnston a better writer
Q: Tell me about your favourite character in fiction.
I favor Tom Jones for his resilience and the way the character embodies hope for someone adopted and starting from little, which resonated with me as someone who was adopted and grew up in a challenging environment.
Her uncles for worked for MI6, now she writes spy novels
Q: What message do you hope young readers take from your conversations with Ainara?
The host and Ainara discuss how seeing diverse characters succeed can empower young readers to see themselves in literature and pursue reading with enthusiasm and pride.
Her uncles for worked for MI6, now she writes spy novels
Q: What role does Toronto's history play in your books?
The author highlights how Toronto's 1920s setting and locations like the Dominion Hotel provide a rich historical context that aligns with the themes of wealth, crime, and social change in her stories.
Her uncles for worked for MI6, now she writes spy novels
Q: How did your publishing journey unfold?
She describes starting with self‑publishing the first book in her 60s, receiving positive reception, and eventually signing with Touchwood Editions, illustrating that persistence and timing can lead to traditional publishing success later in life.
Her uncles for worked for MI6, now she writes spy novels
Q: What inspired the wartime elements in your Lane Winslow series?
Whishaw explains that her mother did intelligence work during the war, and her uncles worked for MI6, which she then wove into the protagonist's past to create a believable wartime backdrop for the mysteries.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Age Range
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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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1. Bookends with Mattea Roach
2. Ideas
3. The Sunday Magazine
4. Q with Tom Power
5. Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

How many episodes of The Next Chapter are there?

The Next Chapter launched 18 years ago and published 57 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. Nadine Bhabha
2. Wayne Johnston
3. Jeanette Winterson
4. Bridget Raymundo
5. Meagan De Lima
6. Iona Whishaw
7. Ainara Alleyne
8. Elsie Silver

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