Ask Penguin

“Time is just the medium through which life unfolds.” This week, mentalist, illusionist, painter and author Derren Brown talks to Isy Suttie about his latest book, ‘A Book of Secrets: Finding Solace in a Stubborn World’.In this episode, Derren and Isy delve into the questions at the heart of the way we live our lives. Using objects like a camera and a paintbrush, Derren shares the small ways in which he is able to make peace with the universe. #PenguinPodcast‘A Book of Secrets: Finding Solace in a Stubborn World’ is available to order on audiobook now: https://apple.co/3jwerMo  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World-renowned author Paula Hawkins talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest thriller, A Slow Fire Burning.In this episode, Paula Hawkins reflects on the disparity between commercial success and her confidence as a writer, particularly in the face of criticism. Is it possible to strike the perfect balance between prosperity and critical acclaim? Using a postcard and a well-worn jumper, she shares her fondness for the keepsakes which remind us of who we are. #PenguinPodcast The audiobook version of A Slow Fire Burning is available to pre-order now: https://apple.co/3m8wKsu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling historical fiction author Conn Iggulden talks to Nihal Arthanayake about Protector, the latest book in his Athenian series.In this episode, Conn Iggulden recalls the wondrous stories which ignited his imagination as a child and inspired him to begin writing. Armed with a Roman sword and a silver pen, he reveals his methods for understanding the reality of physical combat and tells us about his growing sentimentality in adulthood. #PenguinPodcastProtector is available to buy as an audiobook now: apple.co/3yoe638 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prolific author Alexander McCall Smith joins Nihal Arthanayake to share tales from behind his impressive body of work. In this episode, the ever-curious Alexander McCall Smith tells of his affection for Botswana, and its important role as the backdrop to his much-loved series, The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, gives due respect to the surprises of an author’s subconscious mind, and waxes lyrical about the Celtic art that inspired the story behind one of the fascinating objects he’s brought with him. #PenguinPodcastThe No 1 Ladies Detective Agency is available on audiobook here: https://www.audiobooks.co.uk/audiobook/no-1-ladies-detective-agency-bbc-radio-casebook-vol-1-eight-bbc-radio-4-full-cast-dramatisations/324032 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate this year’s upcoming Booker Prize nominations, we've delved back into the archives and cherry-picked highlights from eight very special interviews. Hear about the inspirations, frustrations, and secrets behind the winners of the most prestigious prize in literature.What’s in a name? What is the worst question you can ask an author? Who has a squirrel skull hidden under their bed? All these questions are answered, alongside discussions of African Temporality, the importance of mischief and protest on social media. #PenguinPodcast Original interviews, from the archives: Bernardine Evaristo with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/2VcpL6BAnne Enright with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/2SNVs5cSalman Rushdie with David Olusoga: https://apple.co/3ytvy68Howard Jacobson with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/3Auas9sIan McEwan with Katy Brand: https://apple.co/3hjyJYfMarlon James with Nihal Arthanayake: https://apple.co/2SNTZvKPat Barker with Katy Brand: https://apple.co/3AvTmYMArundhati Roy with Kirsty Lang: https://apple.co/3AwU5Jh   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“There’s a way in which memory can press up against the present”: this week, American author Avni Doshi talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her wildly successful debut novel, ’Burnt Sugar’, which was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize.In this episode, Avni and Nihal discuss the problematic deification of motherhood in South Asian communities, using humour to explore dark subject matter, and using her nomadic experiences to develop her writing style. #PenguinPodcast'Burnt Sugar' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3gyj7jg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour MP, podcast host and now author Ed Miliband talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his debut book, ‘Go Big: How To Fix Our World’. Using a scene from ’The West Wing’ and a Robert Kennedy speech as jump off points, Ed and Nihal meditate on Ed's time as Leader of the Opposition, reconciling a partisan political climate, and being an idealist in a world of pragmatists. #PenguinPodcastRobert Kennedy’s Day of Affirmation speech can be found here - https://bit.ly/2T7Gff9The ‘Let Bartlet be Bartlet’ episode of ’The West Wing’ can be found here - https://bit.ly/3zdUQGi’Go Big: How To Fix Our World’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3w60AQB  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in to an exclusive conversation between President Barack Obama and England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford as they meet for the first time.In this special bonus episode of the #PenguinPodcast, moderated by June Sarpong, Barack Obama and Marcus Rashford discuss the power that young people have to make change, the positive impact that reading can have and the importance of giving back to your local community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest book, ’Malibu Rising’. Much of Taylor’s fiction focuses on the world of celebrity and fame - she talks to Nihal about why a cultural fascination with celebrities exists, the insidious, seductive nature of fame, and how the accessibility of stars today has changed fame forever. They also discuss her writing process (which involves a lot of iced tea!) and the joys of immersing yourself in another time period. #PenguinPodcast  The audiobook version of ‘Malibu Rising’ is available to pre-order now - https://adbl.co/3oO6F19.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author, social historian and broadcaster Emma Dabiri talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her latest book, 'What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition’.Emma picks objects, including a bookshelf and an incense holder, which instigate a fascinating conversation about the changing landscape of online activism, the books she continues to return to for inspiration, and the importance of interrogating our current world order. #PenguinPodcast'What White People Can Do Next: From Allyship to Coalition’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/33yV7Fy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Literary power couple Zadie Smith and Nick Laird chat to Nihal Arthanayake about their collaborative project, ‘Weirdo’, a children’s book about the quiet power of being different, featuring exquisite illustrations from Magenta Fox. In this episode, Zadie and Nick discuss the joy of removing words from their work, the virtues of rawness in writing, and the inspiration they take from the internal life of their aging pug, Maud. #PenguinPodcast  ‘Weirdo’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3eC4wkr  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ghanaian-American novelist Yaa Gyasi talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her second novel, ’Transcendent Kingdom’. Using objects like a photo of a mouse and a SZA song, the author of the award-winning ‘Homegoing’ chats to Nihal about her Ghanaian heritage, liking your own characters, and discussing mental illness in African cultures. #PenguinPodcast’Transcendent Kingdom’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3e0h7Oa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and ex-publicity director Ashley Audrain talks to Nihal Arthanayake about her wildly successful debut novel, ’The Push’. Using objects like a popular Canadian children’s book and a Brandi Carlile song, Ashley chats to Nihal about the contradictions of motherhood, the catharsis of exploring our deepest fears on a page, and how parenting and writing co-exist. #PenguinPodcast’The Push’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2QFIHIv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor of Black Studies and author Kehinde Andrews talks to Nihal Arthanayake about his latest book, ’The New Age of Empire’. Using objects like his dad’s British passport, a keyring, and an iconic hip-hop album, they chat about embracing Black culture as a teenager, reckoning with the concept of ‘Britishness’ and the commercialisation of Black music. #PenguinPodcast’'The New Age of Empire’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3eJ5OvH Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coinciding with World Book Day, writer and former junior doctor Adam Kay chats to Isy Suttie about his first children’s book, ‘Kay’s Anatomy’.Using objects like a letter from Alan Bennett and a Victorian bone cutting saw as a springboard, they discuss writing as a coping mechanism, relearning the piano and his undying love of Pulp. #PenguinPodcast‘Kay’s Anatomy’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3uP4n4q Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Art Historian and former Director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor chats to Nihal about the new audiobook of ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’.Neil has chosen 4 of those objects plus an entirely new one (object 101!) including a Jade Axe and an Akan Drum. He chats to Nihal about how their meaning can change over time #PenguinPodcast‘A History of the World in 100 objects’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3dfSbUb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and playwright Ali Smith chats to Nihal about her 2014 multi award-winning novel ‘How to be Both’, which has just been released as an audiobook.In this episode, Ali reveals how she takes herself out of her comfort zone, why we should give books a chance when reading them and her love of silent film. #PenguinPodcast 'How to be Both' will be available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2Z6TNaz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hafsa Zayyan, co-winner of Stormzy’s #Merky Books New Writer’s Prize, chats to Nihal about her debut novel ‘We Are All Birds Of Uganda’.She chats to Nihal about completing the book in six months and why a sense of belonging and home is so important no matter where you live. Hafsa also brings along some of the objects which inspire her, including letters from her late Nigerian grandfather #PenguinPodcast‘We Are All Birds Of Uganda' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/39MMI3SWIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Owen Jones, Guardian columnist and Labour party activist chats to Nihal about the tumultuous rise and fall of Corbynism via his new book ‘This Land’. Owen explains why he doesn’t like writing and brings objects that help him get past that, including music from The Boxer Rebellion and his cats Kier and Rickman. #PenguinPodcast‘This Land: The Story of a Movement’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/38pSVSy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second part of this special edition Nihal Arthanayake chooses some more clips from a selection of his favourite episodes. This includes why Nigella Lawson has to travel with tea bags, how Jonathan Coe became a warm-up act on a cruise ship, and why Andrew Hunter Murray was inspired by a dog at Slough Railway Station.#PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Alex Wheatle MBE, aka the 'Brixton Bard', has just been the subject of one of Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe' films on BBC1. In this episode, he chats to Nihal about his latest YA book ‘Cane Warriors’, based on the true story of Tacky, a slave who led an uprising on the plantations of Jamaica in the 18th Century.Alex also talks to Nihal about his experiences growing up in a children’s home, how a prison cell-mate encouraged him to write and how reggae music, amongst other things, inspires him. #PenguinPodcast'Cane Warriors' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3miQ8iTWIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition, Nihal Arthanayake chooses some of his favourite bits from previous episodes which include the likes of Sir Paul McCartney on doubting his own talent, a surprising music choice from Elif Shafak and how Howard Jacobson was insulted by Kylie Minogue. #PenguinPodcastWIN a year’s supply of audiobooks! To be in with a chance to win, tap the link and tell us what you think about the Penguin Podcast. https://bit.ly/PodcastSurvey2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iconic 80’s pop band Bananarama join Nihal Arthanayake to chat about their memoir ‘Really Saying Something’.They chat about the pressures of the band, how they ended up living in the Sex Pistols' old rehearsal room and discuss some of the objects that have inspired them creatively, including a Moomins book. #PenguinPodcast‘Really Saying Something’ is available to buy as an audiobook now: https://apple.co/2KcwGHs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dolly Alderton, author, journalist and co-host of The High Low podcast chats to Sue Perkins about her first novel, ‘Ghosts’.Both Sue and Dolly open up about relationships and Dolly reveals the objects that have inspired her work, including a lukewarm glass of white wine and a song by George Michael. #PenguinPodcast ‘Ghosts’ is now available to buy as an audiobook: https://apple.co/325yw2J Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Dawkins - British evolutionary biologist and populist science writer - chats to Nihal about his latest book ‘Outgrowing God’He also talks about objects which have inspired him creatively which include a framed photo of Prince Phillip and the Flounder fish. ‘Outgrowing God’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3obexsT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV presenter and co-creator of the TV quiz show ‘Pointless’, Richard Osman chats to Nihal about his debut novel ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ - a story about four friends living in a retirement village who become amateur detectives.  He chats to Nihal about some objects that have inspired him which include the dating app Tinder and candles. Richard also reveals why he didn’t tell anyone he was writing a novel. #Penguinpodcast  ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3llVb2f  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and historian Ben Macintyre talks to Nihal about his new book ‘Agent Sonya’ - the story of the greatest female spy of the 20th Century. Ben chats to Nihal about how ‘Sonya’s’ gender helped her stay under deep cover for so many years. Ben’s inspirational objects include a jar of chutney given to him from M15 and the jaw-dropping story of his great uncle’s pocketbook (which literally saved his life). #PenguinPodcast‘Agent Sonya’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/32NX94J  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Gavin and Stacey’ co-creator and actor Ruth Jones chats to Nihal about her second novel ‘Us Three’ - a story about enduring female friendships.  She talks about objects that have inspired her including a pair of pink trainers and Wales (the country). Plus why she never ever wants to return to Glastonbury #PenguinPodcast  ‘Us Three’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3i9x6u9    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Horowitz, author of the bestselling teen Spy series, Alex Rider, talks to Nihal about his creative process, how he’d like to write a Dickens novel and bonds with Nihal over the rapper Dave.Anthony, who has sold well in excess of 20 million books and has written two James Bond and two Sherlock Holmes novels, chats about his latest novel ‘Moonflower Murders’ and chooses objects that inspire his work including magic tricks and an unusual sculpture. #Penguinpodcast'Moonflower Murders' is available to buy as an audiobook now -https://apple.co/3j7zLoj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ author Kevin Kwan chats to Nihal about his new book ‘Sex and Vanity’ - the story of a young woman who finds herself torn between two men.Kevin discusses some objects which have inspired him and chats to Nihal about why the island of Capri is so important to him, and how he used to make best dressed lists #PenguinPodcast‘Sex and Vanity’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/33UuhbY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Hornby joins Nihal to talk about how he gets inspired, bringing along a collection of objects that help him including a jigsaw puzzle and an LP.The ‘About a Boy’ and ‘High Fidelity’ author chats to Nihal about his new novel ‘Just Like You’, why he is still full of doubt, and how the characters he creates have a personal effect on his life. #PenguinPodcast'Just Like You' is available to buy as an audiobook on 17/09/2020 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lily Cole joins Nihal to talk about her latest book ‘Who Cares Wins’ - where she interviews the likes of Elon Musk, Stella McCartney and the Extinction Rebellion co-founders about issues relating to the climate crisis.Lily, who is an actress, model and businesswoman chose a selection of objects which have inspired her work and why optimism is so important when it comes to activism. #PenguinPodcast‘Who Cares Wins’ is available to buy as an audiobook on 30/07 - https://apple.co/2EqWL2C   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and podcast host Pandora Sykes chats to Nihal about her debut book ‘How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? - a collection of essays which question the perceived wisdom of modern life.  Pandora chooses objects which inspire her and talks to Nihal about her life-long love of books, why it is so important to shop less and she reads out some of her favourite quotes from when she was a teenager. #PenguinPodcast  ‘How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right?’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2E1LmGg  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadcaster and journalist Dame Jenni Murray talks to Nihal about her new book ‘Fat Cow, Fat Chance’ - what it’s like to be labelled fat when society dictates skinny as the norm.  Jenni chooses objects that have inspired her, telling Nihal how liberated she felt by her favourite leather skirt, when she first realised she was a feminist, and why we need to look at the science behind obesity. #PenguinPodcast  ‘Fat Cow, Fat Chance’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3h446D9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Illustrator and author Jackie Morris, who has collaborated with the likes of Ted Hughes and written over 40 books, talks to Nihal about how she gets creative and the objects that inspire her such as a gold hare with a fascinating backstory. They also chat about her award-winning book 'The Lost Words' (written by Robert Macfarlane), which won The Most Beautiful Book award and in audiobook form has been narrated by Benjamin Zephaniah, Guy Garvey, Cerys Matthews and Edith Bowman with nature sounds by Chris Watson (who has worked with David Attenborough). 'The Lost Words' audiobook is available to download here: https://apple.co/3gFbnt3 #PenguinPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of the Penguin Podcast we bring you Penguin Perspectives.Penguin Perspectives is a collection of essays by twenty Penguin authors, written as a direct response to the Covid-19 crisis. These authors have recorded their essays from their homes during lockdown, and these recordings are collected together here. #PenguinPodcast  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Activist and author Caroline Criado Perez joins Nihal to talk about her book ‘Invisible Women’ - which exposes the gender data gap found in society.   She chats to Nihal about the problems with PPE (one size does not fit all), how to deal with trolls, and why women need more pockets. #PenguinPodcast  ‘Invisible Women’ is available to buy as an audiobook now -  https://apple.co/3iinhdI /  https://adbl.co/3f0D66A    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Amor Towles joins Nihal from Manhattan to discuss his 2016 best-selling book ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ - the story of a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life in a luxury hotel.Amor chats to Nihal about and why he starts everyday with the New York Times crossword puzzle and finishes the day with a cocktail.#Penguinpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malcolm Gladwell (author of bestsellers such as ‘Blink’ and ‘Outliers’; staff writer for the New Yorker and podcaster) joins Sue Perkins to discuss his latest book ‘Talking to Strangers’ - which is bookended by the story of Sandra Bland, who tragically died in police custody and is one of many names in the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Malcolm explains that Sandra’s story is part of wider problem in how we all misjudge the wants and needs of people we don’t know. Malcolm’s inspirational objects include the Janelle Monáe song ‘Hell You Talmbout’ and the ‘Friends’ theme-tune. #PenguinPodcast'Talking to Strangers' is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/3e5iqdC / https://adbl.co/2UkIVUk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stuart Russell - Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control.’ They chat about how Hollywood has clouded our perception of AI, why we don’t need robots in human form and how the best jobs in the future will be ones that involve empathy. #Penguinpodcast  ‘Human Compatible’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2UpZPkK / https://adbl.co/2W2muEY  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scottish author John Niven joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘The F*ck-it List’ - the story of a man who after receiving a terminal diagnosis compiles a list of the people he wants to kill.John chats to Nihal about why he hates reading his first draft back, how Donald Trump blocked him on twitter and how a motivational quote keeps him going. #PenguinPodcast‘The F*ck-it List’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2yVWUbW / https://adbl.co/2Wns5Vj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Considered the Founder of Modern Linguistics and voted the World’s Top Public Intellectual, Noam joins Nihal to discuss his prescient 2017 book ‘Optimism Over Despair’, which has just been made into an audiobook. It takes the form of a series of interviews, addressing many issues still relevant today. Noam imparts his wisdom to Nihal (down the line from Arizona) about topics ranging from US politics to the climate crisis and also reveals one of the things he realises that he got wrong in his past #PenguinPodcast   ‘Optimism Over Despair’ is available to buy here - https://apple.co/2zamyKd And will be available as an audiobook from June 4th - https://adbl.co/3fidtyW  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

American author Curtis Sittenfeld joins Nihal to discuss her latest book ‘Rodham’ which explores what would have happened if Hillary hadn’t married Bill Clinton.  Curtis chats to Nihal (down the line from Minnesota) about how she went viral (it involves wearing a wedding dress in lockdown) and objects that inspire her including a special birthday card and a Margaret Atwood wooden badge. #PenguinPodcast  ‘Rodham’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2ZgucgE / https://adbl.co/3c3BLe3  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World renowned physicist Brian Greene joins Nihal to discuss his latest book ‘Until The End of Time’ – which provides us with a clearer sense of how we came to be, a picture of where we are now, and a firmer understanding of where we are headed. Brian speaks to Nihal from his cabin in the Catskills (upstate New York) on why a piano piece by his father, and a First Edition of the ‘Myth of Sisyphus’ by Albert Camus inspire his work. #Penguin Podcast  ‘Until The End of Time – Mind, Matter and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2WTdL70/ https://adbl.co/2xwhxdV  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor David Harewood joins Nihal to discuss narrating the Penguin classic ‘The War Of The Worlds’ by H.G. Wells.   David has played major roles such as the CIA’s David Estes in Homeland and Captain Poison in Blood Diamond.   David tells Nihal about the challenges (and fun) he had narrating ‘The War Of The Worlds’ and discusses the objects which have inspired his work, including YouTube (for accents) and a ties (for auditions). #Penguin Podcast   ‘The War of the Worlds’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2V7yOSw / https://adbl.co/3deksal   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor, comedian, and author Mark Gatiss joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss narrating the brand new audiobook of Bram Stokers’ ‘Dracula’ and the BBC Radio dramatisation of M.R. James’ ‘Ghost Stories’. Mark has written and acted in the likes of Dr. Who, Sherlock and Dracula and is part of the team who created The League of Gentlemen. His chosen inspirational objects include fossils and an easel #PenguinPodcast‘The M. R. James BBC Radio Collection’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/34hyJ2O Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you missing the outdoors? Rewild your inner life with George Monbiot as he discusses Feral – the now-classic book that launched the rewilding movement. A respected environmental campaigner, investigative journalist and self-confessed professional troublemaker, George has won the UN Global 500 award for outstanding environmental achievement, collaborated with Extinction Rebellion and Greta Thunberg, and been celebrated for his “dazzling command of science and relentless faith in people” (Naomi Klein). He chats to Nihal about why he actually dislikes objects - and how he’s stirred into action by items he finds problematic such as flamethrowers and fences. #PenguinPodcast‘Feral’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2yKKp2B Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denise Mina’s latest novel ‘Conviction’ was selected by Reese Witherspoon’s book club and won the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2019. She chats to Katy about her sources of inspiration, why she adores podcasts and what it’s like to be part of a group labelled ‘Tartan Noir’. Her inspirational objects include her writing desk and a very special pencil #PenguinPodcast ‘Conviction’ is available to buy as an audiobook now - https://apple.co/2JClWhK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernardine won the Booker prize last year with her novel ‘Girl, Woman, Other’, one of Barack Obama’s top books of 2019 and hailed 'book of the decade' by The Sunday Times and The Guardian. Bernardine brings objects into the studio that have inspired her creatively, including a song from Hamilton the musical and a photo of her paternal grandmother (who she dedicates every single book to) #PenguinPodcast To buy the audiobook:https://apple.co/2UBqkmv Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Booker prize winner, Anne Enright chats to Nihal about her new novel ‘Actress’ - the story of a legendary theatre star seen through the eyes of her daughter. Anne, who was the first Laureate for Irish fiction, tells Nihal how she sometimes spends hours and hours choosing the right word for her novels (and other times it just flows). Anne's objects of inspiration include a photo of Carrie Fisher and a magazine piece where Joan Crawford describes her best dinner party (everything has vodka added). #PenguinPodcast                              For the audiobook of ‘Actress’ by Anne Enright: http://bit.ly/PPAnne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.