Between working on the computer, communicating over the phone, and watching TV, we are always glued to our screens. While unplugging and turning in with a nice book is always a pleasure, it’s not always possible. It’s a bit hard to read while we’re cooking, exercising, or on our morning commute. Sure, if you could always listen to music or an audiobook—but podcasts are a growing media that is not to be ignored.

If you’re a book junkie and are interested in learning more, there are hundreds of podcasts you can listen to. Some of these feature author interviews to reveal more about the process and the story behind the book. Others are almost like a book club you can join, where a group discusses what they’re reading and how it affected them. Some are more informational, giving insight to the backend of the publishing industry. And some simply give recommendations of what to read. We’ve picked out a few of our favorites. Happy listening!

For the voracious reader looking for the inside scoop on authors:

BEAKS & GEEKS
On this podcast, the hosts have conversations with some of the biggest authors around. From Gayle Forman to Celeste Ng to Nick Harkaway, the goal is to get to know the people behind the books we love.

BETWEEN THE COVERS
David Naimon interviews a variety of authors, from Pulitzer Prize winners to emerging novelists. He and his guests attack complex issues about literature in today’s world. Past guests include Roxane Gay and Anthony Doerr.

BOOKCLUB
In the informal setting created by James Naughtie, a group of readers get the chance to talk to acclaimed authors about their best-known novels. Past guests include Sarah Perry and Douglas Adams.

LATE NIGHT LIBRARY
Late Night Library is actually comprised of two podcasts. Late Night Conversation picks the brains of authors and publishing professionals, while Late Night Debut is dedicates to debut and features author co-hosts.

For a book club-like experience:

3BOOKGIRLS
These three booklovers unite every week to talk about what they’ve been reading. With silliness, snark, and some inappropriate comments thrown in for good measure, it’s “the best book club you never knew you were missing!”

BANGING BOOK CLUB
These three friends and self-proclaimed “bad bitches” get together every month to a book on gender and sex. Sometimes, they provide spoiler-free reviews… and other times they get off on a tangent about intersectional feminism.

For the bookworm looking for the next big read:

JUST THE RIGHT BOOK
Hosted by Roxanne Coady, owner of R.J. Julia Booksellers, this entertaining and enlightening podcast strives to help you discover new books in all genres. She also brings the listener up to date with what’s happening in the literary world.

BOOKS ON THE NIGHTSTAND
While this podcast, hosted by Michael Kindness and Ann Kingman (two Random House employees), talks about many bookish things, their fan-favorite segment is “Two Books We Can’t Wait for You to Read.” Most of their suggestions are newly published or about to be published.

For the curious mind, looking to learn more about the industry:

Minorities in Publishing
Now more than ever, diversity is a hot-button issue in the publishing world. Publishing professional Jenn Baker hosts this podcast in which she discusses diversity issues with other publishing professionals, authors, and others in the literary scene.

Mark Dawson’s Self Publishing Formula
Mike Dawson’s first books were published traditionally. They did not perform in the marketplace. So he took his career into his own hands and learned to publish and market his books himself. Now he’s an award-nominated, USA Today bestselling author. In this podcast, he’s teaching James Blatch—and the listener—how.

For a little bit of everything:

THANKBookFOR
Despite the title, this podcast goes beyond just talking about books. The team, comprised of a librarian, two former librarians, and a storytelling business owner, recognizes that great stories come in a variety of forms.

LITERARY FRICTION
On this podcast, every show has a theme—like breakfast or coastlines or corpses. Within that theme, the hosts discuss books and ideas, interview both up-and-coming and established authors, and give recommendations.

FULLY BOOKED
Brought to you by Kirkus Reviews, you know that the hosts of this podcast are going to be brutally honest. This is the ultimate insider scoop: which bestsellers are worth the read, behind-the-scenes insights, and introductions to books you’d never find otherwise. An added bonus? All of the great info is complimented by interviews with your favorite authors.

DRUNK BOOKSELLERS
This podcast is exactly what it sounds like. Booksellers drink, talk about what they’re reading, what titles they’re excited about, and other industry-related topics, like networking, book reviews as an art form, and who not to ask to blurb your book.

GUARDIAN BOOKS
Touted as “the perfect book worm’s companion,” this weekly podcast is a look into books, poetry, and great writing. It includes interviews with authors and discussions of thematic trends in contemporary literature.

For authors:

THE SECRET LIBRARY PODCAST
This podcast, hosted by blogger Caroline Donahue, seeks to get an insider’s (read: published author’s) perspective on book publishing and to dispel the myth of overnight success.

Grammar Girl
This podcast is a go-to for writers looking to improve their writing. Since 2006, it has been nominated for over 30 awards, most recently winning Best Education Podcast at the 2017 Podcast awards. Mignon Fogarty’s quick and dirty tips strives to be a fun way to learn complex grammar rules.

Did we miss your favorite literary podcast? Let us know below!