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Artwork for Zero to Well-Read

Zero to Well-Read

Book Riot
William Shakespeare
Revenge
Vineland
Thomas Pynchon
Twilight
The Great Gatsby
Hamlet
One Hundred Years Of Solitude
Wuthering Heights
Postmodernism
Family Dynamics
Performances
Cultural Identity
Hamnet
A Christmas Carol
Little Women
Magical Realism
Gabriel García Márquez
Emily Brontë
Mortality

Part book club, part English class, Zero to Well-Read is a fun and informative guide to the books people talk about like everyone has read them. Each week, hosts Jeff O'Neal and Rebecca Schinsky take on a new title—from classics you should have read in high school to prize winners, cult favorites to modern hits—and tell you everything you need to know: the plot, what it feels like to read, why it ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes48Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsBooksSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Zero to Well-Read

Latest Episodes

Jeff and Rebecca answer listener questions about how to get more out of your reading, find the ideal reading position, and maintain reading as a part of your identity during major life changes. They also share how they track their own reading, the pr... more

Hot Greek Summer has arrived! Jeff and Rebecca set sail on the wine-dark sea to discover how and why The Odyssey became one of the most enduring stories of all time. They discuss the oral traditions that made the epic poem famous, compare the most po... more

In honor of America's 250th birthday, Jeff and Rebecca sit down with historical content creator and political commentator Amanda Nelson for a deep dive into the U.S. Constitution. They talk about what the framers were reacting to when they outlined t... more

Anthony Bourdain wasn't trying to change restaurant culture when he wrote the viral essay that would become the basis for his bestselling debut memoir Kitchen Confidential, but change it he did. This week, on the occasion of what would have been Bour... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Amanda Nelson
Historical content creator, political commentator, founder of Y'all Vote
Y'all Vote
Episode: The United States Constitution, with Amanda Nelson
Emily Wilson
Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania; translator of The Odyssey and The Iliad
University of Pennsylvania; Translator
Episode: How to Tackle Intimidating Books, with Emily Wilson
Namwali Serpell
Fiction writer, literary critic, and professor of English at Harvard University
Harvard University
Episode: How to Read Toni Morrison and Where to Start, with Namwali Serpell
Dr. Laura McGrath
English professor, literary historian, and data scientist
Book Riot (regular contributor)
Episode: Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
Stephanie Foo
Author of 'What My Bones Know', a memoir about complex PTSD
Episode: Introducing Origin Stories
Vanessa Diaz
Managing editor at Book Riot
Book Riot
Episode: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Kelly Jensen
Senior editor at Book Riot
Book Riot
Episode: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Hosts

Jeff O'Neal
Host of Zero to Well-Read; one of the co-hosts driving book-discussion format.
Rebecca Schinsky
Co-host offering thoughtful book-club discussions and critical perspectives.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 977 ratings
  • Disappointed in their critique

    I was enjoying listening to this until I listened to the one about My Brilliant Friend. It’s the first one that I listened to where they both didn’t like the book and it just felt like they were insecure about the fact that they didn’t like it or get the hype. I don’t think it was very helpful in understanding the story, and their criticisms didn’t feel like they were explained. This has put me off listening anymore. You can criticise a book without sounding petty about the hype that it got.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Dutchie2026
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • It’s about time!

    I just discovered this podcast! My first episode was Salman Rushdie‘s Midnights Children - because I put it down last year 2/3 of the way through. I consider myself a reader, but I felt bad about myself for not being able to comprehend one of the “greatest books of all time.” I love/hated that book. After listening to your podcast, I realize that’s the whole point! I think I’m gonna give it another go now that I’m mentally prepared.🤪🤪 I can’t wait to dig into other episodes!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    badreed79
    United Statesa month ago
  • Never thought I'd hear Jeff say "yassified" on this podcast

    but here we are

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mrndatj
    United States2 months ago
  • Cool idea, amateur execution

    Please get proper microphone recording equipment, would seriously improve podcast quality.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Condorspore
    United States2 months ago
  • Helpful and Enjoyable

    I love going to episodes of this show about books I’ve read (recently or long enough ago to have forgotten many details) and fill out some of the background about the story I missed or about the author that I didn’t know. It’s like a really good lit class without the homework. Also great for books I am unlikely to ever read but where I still want to understand their importance.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Maestoso
    Canada2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Guests note a good balance of depth and approachability in literary analysis.
Some listeners appreciate the mix of classics and contemporary titles and the emphasis on reading culture.
Listeners praise its thoughtful, accessible discussions and strong host chemistry.
Some reviews criticize heavy political commentary from the hosts and desire more concise formats.
Fans highlight the podcast as essential for book recommendations and reading motivation.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#12
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#42
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#14
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#14
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#37
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#48
Canada/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How to Tackle Intimidating Books, with Emily Wilson
Q: What should a first-time reader focus on to avoid being overwhelmed by the text?
Recognize that poetry and performance matter; start with a translation that reads smoothly, consider listening to Claire Danes' narration, and use the introduction as a flexible aid rather than a strict guide.
How to Tackle Intimidating Books, with Emily Wilson
Q: What makes the Odyssey feel contemporary despite its age?
Its narrative energy, exploration of home, hospitality, gender, and social relationships, and the way it plays with non-linear storytelling keep it relevant and engaging.
How to Tackle Intimidating Books, with Emily Wilson
Q: How do you introduce someone to these foreign language texts without overwhelming them with historical context?
Offer orientation in history and oral tradition if you want it, but you can also plunge in and ask your own questions; the introduction can be read later as a guide, and you can switch translations if needed.
How to Read Toni Morrison and Where to Start, with Namwali Serpell
Q: Which book should someone start with if they want to begin Toni Morrison?
Namwali Serpell suggests starting with Sula rather than The Bluest Eye, as Sula provides a tighter, more immediately graspable introduction to Morrison's approach before moving on to her more expansive and complex works.
Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
Q: Why is Go Tell It on the Mountain considered important in American literature?
It is frequently regarded as a quintessential work that prominently features the complexities of African American identity, religion, and the struggles of the individual against societal constraints.

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 Zero to Well-Read

What is Zero to Well-Read about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two hosts guide a conversational, text-focused book club with an English-class rigor. Episodes span classics to contemporary award-winners, unpackting themes, historical context, and what makes each work endure. The show stands out for its thoughtful banter, clear takeaways, and a mix of accessible entry points for new readers with deeper dives for seasoned listeners. It likely appeals to readers who want both companionship and critical reflection, with sponsor-friendly segments that weave in book recommendations and related culture discussions.

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Which podcasts are similar to Zero to Well-Read?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Zero to Well-Read:

1. Book Riot - The Podcast
2. NPR's Book of the Day
3. What Should I Read Next?
4. All the Books!
5. Well-Read

How many episodes of Zero to Well-Read are there?

Zero to Well-Read launched a year ago and published 48 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 Zero to Well-Read?

Recent guests on Zero to Well-Read include:

1. Amanda Nelson
2. Emily Wilson
3. Namwali Serpell
4. Dr. Laura McGrath
5. Stephanie Foo
6. Vanessa Diaz
7. Kelly Jensen

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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