Episode 13: On writing

Sometimes listening to podcasts is like reading a really great article — one that you want to share with all your friends.

This week we play podcasts that read between the lines on those great articles and books by talking to writers about their craft.

Longform

​"We seem to think that because they're terrorists and they do the worst thing possible — which is killing civilians — that therefore they must also be liars." — Rukmini Callimachi

Longform is a website that curates long articles of 2,000 words or more. They also produce a podcast, where they interview the authors whose work they feature.

This interview is with Rukmini Callimachi who covers ISIS for the New York Times. It's a really difficult job, and she talks about its challenges in this podcast. This conversation offers a fascinating perspective on the situation in the Middle East.

Lit Up

"[My aunt Ruby's] revenge in some ways was to get three master's degrees, so I like to think it was one for each brother." — Margo Jefferson

Lit Up is different from other literary podcasts in how candid it is. Sometimes it get really personal — with conversations about sex, difficult childhoods, abuse. 

They say no topic is out of bounds — In this interview with Pulitzer-winning cultural critic Margo Jefferson you hear interviewer Angela Ledgerwood say she isn't sure if she's "qualified" to tackle the subject matter.

The Dead Authors Podcast

"Who doesn't like a good chill? We humans have a very odd addiction to suspense." — Jessica Chaffin as Agatha Christie

Who better to talk about writing than literary greats like Agatha Christie and H.G. Wells?

There is just one barrier to securing an interview with either of those people, but it hasn't been a problem for The Dead Authors Podcast.

It enlists actors and comedians play the part of authors who are no longer with us — and makes up the interviews you would want to hear from them.

It's hosted by actor and comedian Paul F. Tomkins, who plays the role of a time travelling H.G. Wells.

This podcast is where literature meets comedy, with conversations that often veer towards the ridiculous.

This episode has actress Jessica Chaffin playing Agatha Christie. She's clearly put a lot of research into the role, but still hams it up and has a good time.

The Arcade

"I no longer bother to try to remember a great deal of stuff because it's instantly available on my phone." — William Gibson

The Arcade is produced in Toronto as an audio accompaniment to Hazlitt, a literary magazine put out by Penguin Random House.

It primarily features interviews with authors from that publishing house, but has expanded to interview other authors, comedians and musicians.

Unlike other literary podcasts, it's extremely sound rich.

​In this episode, producer Anshuman Iddamsetty uses an H.G. Wells quote to introduce author William Gibson, weaving together a soundscape that sounds like the past's idea of the future.

What are your favourite podcasts? Send us an e-mail, tweet us @PodcastPlaylist, or find us on Facebook.

For more great podcasts, check out CBC's podcast portal — we have more than 99 home grown podcasts available for subscription or download!