Rephonic
Artwork for Bookends

Bookends with Mattea Roach

CBC
Philip Roth
Goodbye, Columbus
Portnoy's Complaint
Mothers and Sons
Anita Desai
Colm Toibin
Nemesis
The Plot Against America
Libya
Hisham Matar
Literary Influence
Psychological Damage
Jewish Identity
American Politics
Johann Sebastian Bach
Irish Mother
Emotional Alienation
Divorce
Identity
Literary Legacy

When the book ends, the conversation begins. Mattea Roach speaks with writers who have something to say about their work, the world and our place in it. You’ll always walk away with big questions to ponder and new books to read.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes112Founded19 years ago
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BooksArts

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Artwork for Bookends

Latest Episodes

What’s more romantic than planning an assassination together? You’d have to ask the radical activist Emma Goldman, who did just that with her revolutionary partner and lover, Sasha Berkman. Emma was a real historical figure and one of the best known ... more

John Irving’s books are on many readers’ list of favourites. He’s written novels like The World According to Garp and The Cider House Rules, which you also might recognize from their beloved screen adaptations. John is known for writing generation-sp... more

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that Canisia Lubrin has a way with words. Last year, she took home the Carol Shields Prize for her debut novel, Code Noir. Now she’s back with a long-form poem called The World After Rain. The poem is an epic tr... more

Leila Mottley was only 17 years-old when she wrote her debut novel, Nightcrawling … and she was 20 when she became the youngest author ever to make the Booker Prize longlist. After that incredible start, Leila is now back with her second novel, calle... more

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Recent Guests

Canisia Lubrin
Poet and author of The World After Rain and Code Noir
Episode: This poem took 16 straight hours to write
Leila Mottley
Author of 'The Girls Who Grew Big' and trained doula
Episode: Here’s what you have wrong about teen moms
Aurora Stewart de Peña
Author of the satirical novel Julius Julius and veteran of the advertising world.
Episode: A fictional ad agency — and its very real ghosts
Kiran Desai
Author of The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, former Booker Prize winner for The Inheritance of Loss
Episode: Kiran Desai’s novel is worth the 20-year wait
Torrey Peters
Author of 'Stag Dance' and 'Detransition, Baby'
Episode: What is a stag dance?
Souvankham Thammavongsa
Author of the debut novel "Pick a Colour"
Shortlisted for the Giller Prize for Fiction
Episode: Can your nail tech throw a mean right hook?
Ian McEwan
One of the great novelists of our time, author of 18 novels including Atonement and Amsterdam.
Episode: Ian McEwan has hope for humanity — here’s why
Jinwoo Park
Author of Oxford Soju Club, discusses themes of identity and espionage
Episode: Where do North Korean spies go for dinner?
Ken Follett
Bestselling author known for his historical novels, including The Pillars of the Earth and Circle of Days.
Author
Episode: Think Stonehenge rocks? So does Ken Follett

Host

Mattea Roach
Mattea Roach is a keen host known for her engaging interview style, blending insightful questioning with a warm, approachable demeanor. She brings a youthful perspective to literary discussions, effectively connecting with both authors and listeners to explore complex themes in literature.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.3k ratings
  • Excellent

    I’ve always enjoyed listening to programs like this where the authors are interviewed ..it provides tremendous insight into the kind of writing that they do. I really really like Mattea Roach’s interview style. It’s intelligent. It’s easy to listen to. I think she’s doing a marvellous job ….you can tell she’s a very bright person. Gratifying to hear one of the authors that she’s interviewed compliment her on her questions and her style. I think that’s super.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pametc
    Canadaa month ago
  • Getting better over time

    Initially I couldn’t stand this podcast as the interviewer Mattea Roach kept inserting her own experiences and opinions often seeming to compete with the interviewee. She seems to have improved a lot and today’s interview with Ian McEwan was well done. I’ll continue to listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    WonderPrep
    Canadaa month ago
  • Time to unfollow!

    I’ve given the new podcast over a year and I need to say goodbye. Mattea, please stop inserting your own opinions and narratives into the interviews. We listen to hear from THEM, not from (or about) YOU! I’m sure it’s very hard to follow in the footsteps of the great Eleanor, but she knew enough to get out of the way when you interview someone!

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Geoff Kullman
    Canadaa month ago
  • Bless this podcast

    Roach is a fantastic interviewer, and it’s been so wonderful to hear them settle into the role of host. I’m grateful for the variety of genres Bookends covers and the care Roach brings to each conversation.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    D0r0theaBr00ke
    Canada2 months ago
  • Brilliant

    What a pleasure to listen to a young person who is so educated, well spoken and prepared in every aspect! I could listen to you read a dictionary. Your cadence is beautiful.

    *I listened to the Kate Bush episode 3 times!!! Shares it with all my friends who are more evolved when it comes to music.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AK Ajijic
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the intelligent and thoughtful dialogue that Mattea Roach facilitates, often highlighting her poise and preparation. Many praise her engaging interview style, noting the natural flow of conversation that encourages authors to share profound insights. Comments reveal a strong appreciation for the variety of guests who bring diverse perspectives, although some feel that certain themes, particularly around grief and identity, may receive excessive focus. Overall, the show garners high marks for its ability to make literature relatable and relevant to current societal challenges. There is also acknowledgment of Mattea Roach's commendable skill as a host, with listeners enjoying her insightful questions and personable character. However, some feedback hints at a desire for broader thematic diversity beyond the predominant focus on personal struggles and trauma.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#188
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#4
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#12
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#101
Saudi Arabia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#139
South Africa/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#194
Saudi Arabia/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Chris Hadfield — from astronaut to author
Q: Why did you want to write from the perspective of a female astronaut at this time?
Chris Hadfield included a female character to provide contrast to the male-dominated American program and to capture unique perspectives not represented in the historical narrative.
Chris Hadfield — from astronaut to author
Q: Was it daunting for you at all or more of an exciting challenge to turn your craft to fiction writing with the first Apollo Murders book?
Coming across challenges has always excited Chris Hadfield, who enjoys the idea of tackling something he might barely be able to do and making it worthwhile.
Chris Hadfield — from astronaut to author
Q: When The Apollo Murders came out in 2021, you and your wife Alain spoke with The New York Times and she actually said that becoming an author was always part of the plan for post-astronaut life.
Chris Hadfield always wanted to write as it was his favorite subject in school, and he found the study of language and sharing ideas fascinating.
This poem took 16 straight hours to write
Q: What insights has writing this tribute to your mother given you?
A sense of awe and a realization of the miraculous quality of her life.
This poem took 16 straight hours to write
Q: What feelings did winning the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction stir up in you?
A mix of excitement and terror in facing new conversations about my work.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bookends

What is Bookends about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A unique blend of literature and personal exploration takes center stage, featuring engaging discussions between the host and a diverse array of writers. Conversations often traverse themes of identity, cultural heritage, creativity, and the societal implications of literature. Noteworthy are the insightful reflections on contemporary societal issues—particularly around mental health, trauma, and the nuances of gender and identity, which prompt listeners to think critically about the stories that shape our lives and shared experiences. Additionally, the podcast invites listeners to discover new books while engaging with authors on a personal level, making it ideal for those interested in the intersection of literature and life.

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Which podcasts are similar to Bookends?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Bookends:

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

How many episodes of Bookends are there?

Bookends launched 19 years ago and published 112 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Bookends?

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What guests have appeared on Bookends?

Recent guests on Bookends include:

1. Canisia Lubrin
2. Leila Mottley
3. Aurora Stewart de Peña
4. Kiran Desai
5. Torrey Peters
6. Souvankham Thammavongsa
7. Ian McEwan
8. Jinwoo Park

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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