Rephonic
Artwork for Bookends

Bookends with Mattea Roach

CBC
Philip Roth
Portnoy's Complaint
Goodbye, Columbus
Mothers and Sons
Anita Desai
Colm Toibin
Nemesis
The Plot Against America
Hisham Matar
Libya
Psychological Damage
Literary Influence
American Politics
Jewish Identity
Johann Sebastian Bach
Divorce
Emotional Alienation
Irish Mother
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 weeklyEpisodes104Founded19 years ago
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ArtsBooks

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Artwork for Bookends

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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

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
Laura MacGregor
Writer and winner of the CBC Nonfiction Prize
CBC Books
Episode: What is extreme caretaking?
R.F. Kuang
Author of the novel Katabasis
Independent
Episode: R.F. Kuang raises a little hell
Eliana Ramage
Author of 'To the Moon and Back', citizen of the Cherokee Nation
Episode: What would it take to become the first Cherokee astronaut?
Maria Reva
Author of Endling, a debut novel on the Booker Prize long list.
Episode: ​What happens to fiction in times of war?
Jeff Lemire
Canadian comic book artist and writer known for his works like Essex County and Sweet Tooth.
Episode: Why this comics legend is just getting started
Christine Estima
Author of Letters to Kafka, journalist and speaker
Episode: Who was the woman Kafka loved?
Holly Brickley
Author of Deep Cuts, exploring music and culture of the 2000s
Episode: Reliving the soundtrack of the 2000s

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 1.2k ratings
  • 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 States3 months ago
  • Intelligentsia here!

    I just listened to Mattea’s interview on my CBC Listen App, and I just love how she interviews. She is engaging, intelligent and really listens to her interviewee. I just had to find her podcast to download. Thank you Mattea!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Forever Canadian Love
    United States3 months ago
  • I love the voices chosen for this podcast. Mattea is a really great interviewer and each interview is so insightful.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    trollmila
    3 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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AK Ajijic
    United States4 months ago
  • Always an interesting listen!

    Mattea Roach is always a breath of fresh air. She’s so informed, well read and easy to listen to. She has a wonderful way of putting authors at ease and the conversation seems so natural. I look forward to new episodes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kitaban no Suzan
    Canada5 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
#217
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#3
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#11
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#79
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#203
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#153
Germany/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Where do North Korean spies go for dinner?
Q: What does Hio mean and how does it relate to your characters' familial relationships?
Park describes Hio as filial loyalty, exploring how it affects the identity and choices of immigrant children caught between cultural expectations and their personal desires.
Where do North Korean spies go for dinner?
Q: Why did you choose to explore the theme of immigration through a spy novel?
Park explains that the spy metaphor allowed him to address complex issues surrounding identity, cultural expectations, and the immigrant experience, particularly the model minority stereotype.
Where do North Korean spies go for dinner?
Q: What is your interest in North Korea and why did you focus on this spy perspective in your book?
Jinwoo Park discusses his South Korean background and the historical context that sparked his interest in North Korea, highlighting significant events and shifting dynamics that fed his fascination.
Why Mona Awad gave the Bunnies a say
Q: How do you as an instructor sort of manage this potentially really emotionally and fraud environment with your students?
I ask each student to determine how they want their feedback given; they can just ask questions or say what they want to focus on.
Why Mona Awad gave the Bunnies a say
Q: What makes this workshop environment so emotionally fraught for some artists?
It's fraught for almost everyone; you're in a room with a bunch of young people who want the same thing, so you're forced to become very intimate very quickly.

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 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. The Current
4. The Book Review
5. The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker

How many episodes of Bookends are there?

Bookends launched 19 years ago and published 104 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. Jinwoo Park
2. Ken Follett
3. Laura MacGregor
4. R.F. Kuang
5. Eliana Ramage
6. Maria Reva
7. Jeff Lemire
8. Christine Estima

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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