Podcasts have exploded in popularity in the last two years, with a 56% increase in claimed podcast listening from 2016 to 2017 in Australia, according to the ABC. There is an intimacy inherent to the format that lends itself particularly well to interviews and to readings of poetry and short stories. We are fortunate to have a plethora of literary podcasts focusing on Australian literature and writers, and with Meanjin relaunching theirs after a three-year hiatus, what better time than now to round up some of our favourites?
The ABR Podcast is released irregularly, and episode styles vary between interviews, recordings of public events, prize presentations and author readings of stories and essays.
ABR’s Poem of the Week has not been updated for twelve months but the archives are still available, and there are some absolute gems in there.
ABR’s States of Poetry is essentially an audio anthology of poetry and highlights six poets from each Australian state.
The Bookshelf is ABC Radio National’s new book review program. Kate Evans, Cassie McCullagh and their guests read and discuss a broad range of (usually) new-release titles.
Conversations with Writers is exactly as described, and features a broad range of Australian writers of both fiction and non-fiction in intimate interviews.
The Garret discusses the writing process with some of the best writers in Australia, and as an added bonus also publishes transcripts and detailed show notes.
The Hub on Books is part of the new-look ABC Radio National arts coverage program The Hub, launched following the cancellation of Books and Arts Daily last year and focused on interviews and industry news.
Kill Your Darlings Podcast releases a new episode every month (or so), featuring recommendations, readings, and events from their First Book Club.
The Meanjin Podcast relaunched last week with a stellar episode featuring readings, a panel discussion and an author interview with author of The Lebs and SWEATSHOP director Michael Mohammed Ahmad. Topical
Sisteria is a podcast with a focus on women and their experiences producing art.
The Stella Podcast is produced by the Stella Prize organisation and shares conversations about literature and gender.
Sydney Writers’ Festival Podcast releases recordings throughout the year of discussions, panels and other events held as part of the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
Unladylike talks writing, illustrating and academia with women and non-binary people and covers a range of genres across its episodes.
The Wheeler Centre Podcast features the best of the many talks held at Melbourne’s centre of books, writing and ideas.