Libro.fm Podcast

We chat with critically-acclaimed and award-winning author Silvia Moreno-Garcia about the inspiration behind her latest novel, The Bewitching , including the Salem Witch Trials and fall in New England. Silvia also dives into the process and research behind writing in different time periods and settings, as well as differences in the horror genre across the globe. We also discuss the importance of...

In this episode, Maggie Tokuda-Hall speaks about refusing to write to market expectations. She reflects on her experience with censorship and her picture book Love in the Library—which ultimately led to her being a founding member of Authors Against Book Bans. Maggie also shares what it's like to author graphic novels, including The Worst Ronin and Squad , and to collaborate with artists throughou...

In this episode, Craig and Olivia sit down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan to talk about the power of romance, the craft of building interconnected worlds, and why representation—on and off the page—matters. In the wake of her latest novel’s release, Can’t Get Enough, Kennedy shares how her emotionally rich, socially conscious love stories give voice to characters...

Cory shares the motivation behind keeping his audiobooks off Audible—even if it means sacrificing a paycheck—and explains how DRM laws allow Amazon to exert control over books they didn’t even create. The conversation covers everything from how monopoly power has shaped the digital marketplace, to the rise of “enshittification,” a term Cory coined to describe the lifecycle of once-useful tech plat...

In this episode, Craig and Olivia sit down with legendary travel writer and TV host Rick Steves to celebrate the 50th episode of the Libro.fm Podcast. Rick shares insights from his newest book, On the Hippie Trail, a travel memoir drawn from journals he kept as a 23-year-old backpacking from Istanbul to India in the late 1970s. They discuss the importance of journaling and how travel shaped Rick’s...

In this episode, Craig and Olivia sit down with Eve L. Ewing—author, scholar, poet, comic book writer, and professor—to talk about her newest book, Original Sins: The (Mis)Education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism. Eve shares the inspirations behind the book, the emotional toll of writing it, and the active role imagination plays in justice and systemic transfo...

In this episode of the Libro.fm podcast, Craig and Olivia sit down with Annie B. Jones—author of Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put, owner of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia, and host of the beloved From the Front Porch podcast. Annie shares the inspiration behind her essay collection, how running an indie bookstore shaped her view of third places, and why books aren’t just esc...

This episode of the Libro.fm podcast features an interview with Amanda Jones, a school librarian and anti-censorship advocate whose book "That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America" became a national bestseller. Amanda discusses her decision to write the book, the process of narrating the audiobook version, and the importance of combating book bans and censorship in libraries and sc...

In this episode of the Libro.fm podcast, hosts Craig and Karen interview Aaliyah Bilal, author of the 2023 National Book Award finalist "Temple Folk." Aaliyah discusses her creative process and journey to becoming a writer, why she prefers to write short stories and the inspiration behind her collection, and book recommendations for those interested in exploring Islam in Ghana and Sudan. Read the...

Recorded live at the 2024 Texas Book Festival in Austin, this episode features authors Karla Cornejo Villavicencio (The Undocumented Americans, Catalina) and Amanda Montell (Cultish, The Age of Magical Overthinking). The authors discuss narrating their own audiobooks, touching on everything from incorporating humor and emotion to the challenges of audiobook production. They also offer advice for f...

In this episode, we chat with acclaimed author, poet, and painter Percival Everett to discuss his award-winning novel James— the 2024 National Book Award winner and Libro.fm’s Audiobook of the Year. Percival shares his thoughts on the magic of language, the role of place in storytelling, and the whirlwind experience of his recent book tour. He also reflects on balancing his many creative passions,...

In this episode, we sit down with Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, author of The Undocumented Americans and Catalina, which was longlisted for the 2024 National Book Awards. Cornejo Villavicencio opens up about her experience with meeting readers for the first time and how the unpredictability of the publishing world has shaped her perspective. She also discusses the process of recording Catalina’s au...

In this episode, hosts Karen Farmer and Craig Silva chat with comedian, actor, and debut author Adrian Bliss. Adrian shares his journey from creating online comedy sketches to writing The Greatest Nobodies of History, which explores humorous and mostly factual stories of overlooked historical figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s ferret and Henry VIII’s Groom of the Stool. Adrian reflects on the sh...

In this episode, Philomena Polefrone, PhD discusses her role in advocating for intellectual freedom through the ABA. The conversation touches on book bans, censorship, and the role of bookstores as spaces for activism. The discussion covers the history of book bans, grassroots organizing, and the legal challenges involved in defending diverse literature. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when...

On today’s episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we dive into literacy for young readers with graphic novelist Huda Fahmy and children’s bookshop owner Anna Hersh. We dive into school reading lists, storytime at bookshops, building confidence, the process of turning graphic novels into audiobooks, and even a mischievous cat with a knack for escaping in baby strollers. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SW...

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we chat with Mel Saavedra, the owner of Steamy Lit Bookstore and the driving force behind Steamy Lit Con. Mel discusses her deep passion for romance literature, the genre's growing popularity, and the importance of representation in romance novels. Mel also delves into her subscription service, the Steam Box, and her new podcast, Romance Unleashed. The e...

In today's episode, we interview renowned horror author Stephen Graham Jones. We delve into his latest book, "I Was a Teenage Slasher," and explore his passion for the horror genre. Additionally, we discuss his journey from aspiring farmer to successful writer, and pick his brain for book and movie recommendations! READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membershi...

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we chat with prolific and beloved audiobook narrator Natalie Naudus who shares her journey into the world of audiobooks. We discuss the challenges and rewards of the profession, including the process of bringing characters to life through voice. The episode provides an insider's look at the audiobook industry, and we discuss tips and tricks of the trade,...

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sit down with Christine Bollow, co-owner and events manager for the DC based, community-oriented Loyalty Bookstore. We discuss the importance of book events to communities, Christine’s previous career in audiobooks, how Loyalty raises up young authors and marginalized voices, and our least favorite household chores. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWI...

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we interview Kalima DeSuze, the owner of Cafe con Libros, an intersectional feminist bookstore and coffee shop in Brooklyn, New York. Kalima discusses the challenges of running a bookstore, the importance of community support, and the decision-making process behind stocking books. She also talks about the power of book clubs as spaces for discussion and con...

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we speak with Mairi Oliver, a bookseller and owner at Lighthouse Bookshop, a radical bookshop in Edinburgh, Scotland. We discuss the shop's mission as an unapologetically activist radical bookshop and its commitment to promoting diverse voices and fighting for social justice. We also talk about the shop’s Pay It Forward program and the importance of acce...

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sit down with NYT Bestselling author Claire Lombardo. We discuss her new book, Same As It Ever Was, as well as her previous novel, The Most Fun We Ever Had. We dive into her love for writing about family dynamics and the process of crafting realistic dialogue. She also shares what it’s like to be a bookseller at Prairie Lights Books and offers book re...

In the final episode of our first-ever Libro.fm Podcast Extravaganza, we interview author Steven Rowley. We discuss "The Guncle" and its sequel, themes of grief and humor in his books, his experience narrating his own audiobooks, and more. The episode concludes with the hosts discussing plans for Independent Bookstore Day. Photo credit: Afonso Salcedo READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when si...

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast Extravaganza, Craig and Karen interview Dr. Darcie Little Badger, author of "Elatsoe" and the prequel "Sheine Lende." Dr. Little Badger discusses her background as an oceanographer and her transition to full-time writing, the influence of her family on her work, and indigenous futurism. Photo: Bekah M. Photography READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when...

On today’s episode, we sat down with Pulitzer Prize-winning author of ‘Less,’ Andrew Sean Greer. We discuss how he approached writing the sequel ‘Less is Lost’, book recommendations, his favorite burrito in San Francisco, and what it's like to be a crossword clue and question on Jeopardy. Photo credit: Kaliel Roberts READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm members...