Best Indie Bookstores Podcasts (2025)

1
Women In A Golden State: 175 Voices from California 39:26

1d ago39:26

39:26

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Chryss Yost, the co-editor of Gunpowder Press and a Santa Barbara Poet Laureate, and Diana Raab, MFA, PhD, memoirist, poet, workshop leader, and award-winning author of 14 books and editor of three anthologies. Chryss and Diana are coeditors of Women In A Golden State, a collection featuring poems and mic…

1
Indiana’s first Miss Basketball on Caitlin Clark and 50 years of progress 54:29

1d ago54:29

54:29

We’ve hit a head-spinning milestone in the history and development of women’s basketball in Indiana. This week, Indianapolis is hosting the WNBA All-Star Game and all of its related festivities, coming amid an unprecedented surge in popularity for women’s basketball. The top vote-getter for the game is Caitin Clark of the Indiana Fever—a team that …

1
Sleight of Hand 58:08

5d ago58:08

58:08

Meg Wolitzer presents stories that take the idea of “the magic of fiction” literally—or literarily. The British writer Penelope Lively offers up a tricky combination of love and real estate in “The Third Wife,” performed by real-life husband and wife Patricia Kalember and Daniel Gerroll. The only “trick” in our next story, “Tempo,” by R.O. Kwon, is…

1
Knives & Knifemaking w/ Jamison Chopp of Acre Forge 1:14:22

6d ago1:14:22

1:14:22

Jonathan talks knives and knife making with Jamison Chopp, a bladesmith who works with a group of individual knife makers at Acre Forge, in Portland, Oregon. We talk about what’s changed and what hasn’t about the way knives are made today; we dive into the details of blade shape, blade materials, and handles; we talk about what separates a great kn…

1
Word on the Water: Three Friends, A Dutch Barge, And A Whole Lot of Books 37:21

8d ago37:21

37:21

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Paddy Screech, a co-owner of Word on the Water. Paddy shares the story of London's famous floating bookshop, housed in a 1920s Dutch barge moored along Regent's Canal in King's Cross, London. Paddy takes us from his early days as a literature-loving boy in an agricultural school to his unlikely friendship…

1
“Am I crazy for doing this?” asks attorney turned bookstore owner 1:00:31

9d ago1:00:31

1:00:31

Independent bookstores have been on the retail death watch for a few decades now. But, as one American author might put it, reports of their impending demise have been greatly exaggerated. For many, the recipe for success is local ownership, strict attention to local needs and concerns and calendars packed with special events to help create a sense…

1
Episode 17: Secret Shores & Scenic Swims: Exploring New England’s Cool Waters 31:52

9d ago31:52

31:52

Beat the heat this summer with a refreshing dip at some of New England’s most beautiful swimming spots. In this episode of Notable New England, I take you on a sun-soaked journey to the region’s best beaches, waterfalls, ponds, and swimming holes—from Vermont’s Buttermilk Falls and Maine’s Ogunquit Beach to Rhode Island’s Goosewing Preserve and Con…

1
Laughing in the Face of Danger 58:36

12d ago58:36

58:36

Meg Wolitzer presents four works that consider various forms of risk, and risk taking. In “Clicking on Heaven’s Door,” by Anand Giridharadas, performed by Negin Farsad, the pearly gates require an online account, a password, a security question…you get the idea. “The Stand-In,” by Gerald Jones and Jean Marple, imagines a unique job. It’s read by To…

1
Fermentation, the Key to Most of the Things You Love (w/ Nile Zacherle, Eli Brown, & Jonathan Ellsworth) 1:13:15

13d ago1:13:15

1:13:15

Many of us love (and love talking about) coffee, wine, or beer, but few of us go around professing our love of fermentation. But after this conversation, you’ll see why maybe we should. Because fermentation isn’t merely a chemical process, it’s the key to many of those things we love. And for Nile Zacherle, the founder of Mad Fritz, it’s the common…

1
IBPA Raises the Bar for Indie Author & Publishers | Tools, Standards, and Support 37:01

15d ago37:01

37:01

Welcome back to Published. Today we’re joined by Christopher Locke, Director of Membership & Member Services at the Independent Book Publishers Association. The indie publishing landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and IBPA’s resources have helped educate authors and hold publishers to clear standards of professionalism. In this epis…

1
Queer Haven Books: How Two Women Built a Queer Literary Sanctuary 32:30

15d ago32:30

32:30

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Baker Rogers and Mattilyn Kortney, co-owners of Queer Have Books in Colombia, South Carolina. Nestled in Columbia's historic Arcade Mall, this cozy 680-square-foot sanctuary defines queer not just as gender and sexual identity but as active resistance against all forms of discrimination. The shelves hold …

1
Pete the Planner’s advice for Gen X’s retirement dilemmas 51:16

16d ago51:16

51:16

Coming after the baby boomers, Generation X is often referred to as “the forgotten generation,” the self-reliant generation and perhaps the last free-range generation. Today, you certainly could argue that it's becoming the financial-panic generation. The first Gen Xers hit the workforce right around the time pensions gave way to 401(k) accounts wi…

1
Margaret Atwood: Future Imperfect 57:24

19d ago57:24

57:24

Meg Wolitzer presents stories by the incomparable Margaret Atwood, drawn from SELECTED SHORTS’ archives and a live performance evening hosted by the author. “There Was Once” is a brief satire about the art of writing and the importance of free speech. It’s performed by René Auberjonois, Zach Grenier, and Jane Kaczmarek. “Widows,” performed by Ellen…

1
Bonus: A.M. Homes interviews Margaret Atwood 17:54

19d ago17:54

17:54

As part of our live event with Margaret Atwood, host A.M. Homes interviewed her from the stage at Symphony Space. Here is that interview.By Symphony Space

1
Craft N/A Cocktails & Why They Matter More Than You Think 57:20

20d ago57:20

57:20

Craft N/A Cocktails are on the rise, but there is still much that needs to change in this space — fundamental things like what we should and shouldn’t be calling this whole category, and why that matters. Today, Jonathan Ellsworth discusses these things with our CRAFTED co-host and professional mixologist Eli Brown, who sees the real-world importan…

1
Episode 44: The Reading Goals We Forgot About 39:53

21d ago39:53

39:53

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 44 - can you believe it? Erin and Jillian are so happy you’re here. Jillian and Erin have six new book recommendations to share with you today, plus all the cozy, nerdy, bookish vibes you know and love. So grab a drink, get comfy, and it’s time to dive in! In This Episode: It’s time to sta…

1
Peniel E. Joseph, Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution 53:49

22d ago53:49

53:49

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with historian Peniel E. Joseph about his latest book, Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution. Joseph's storytelling prowess brings James Baldwin, Martin Luther King Jn., President Kennedy, and Bobbie Kennedy to vibrant life, not as static icons but as complex humans navigating …

1
Episode 16: Your State-by-State Guide to Summer Fun in New England (2025 Edition) 30:32

23d ago30:32

30:32

Summer is finally here, and it's time to take advantage of the sunshine and longer days! In this episode of Notable New England, we’re exploring incredible summer events happening across all six New England states—from coastal festivals in Maine to classical music in Vermont, seafood feasts in Rhode Island, historic reenactments in New Hampshire, r…

1
Purdue's plans for downtown Indy extension and city's move to fix West Street 41:50

23d ago41:50

41:50

Nearly one year ago—July 1, 2024—the urban university in downtown Indianapolis known as IUPUI—or Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis—officially split into two separate campuses. This created Indiana University Indianapolis, a standalone campus in the IU system, and Purdue University in Indianapolis, which is considered an extension…

1
The New You 58:57

26d ago58:57

58:57

Host Meg Wolitzer presents two stories about personal transformation.In Kenneth Calhoun’s “Mindless in America,” a SELECTED SHORTS commission, a couple trapped by their own technology resolves to lead a simpler life. The reader is Justin Kirk. In “D Day,” by Rachel Khong, God has a Plan B for the human race. Spoiler alert—how do you think you’d loo…

1
The Madness of Nile Zacherle, Mad Fritz Brewing 1:23:05

27d ago1:23:05

1:23:05

Madness. That’s what you call it when a former sponsored skateboarder gets a Ph.D. in fermentation, then starts brewing super-premium beer in Napa Valley. In this conversation, Eli Brown talks with Nile Zacherle, the founder & master brewer of Mad Fritz. RELATED LINKS: Blister Craft Collective Become a BLISTER+ Member Mad Fritz Brewing Mad Fritz Me…

1
The Art of Seasonal Cooking with Pascale Beale 41:44

29d ago41:44

41:44

Send us a text This episode is sponsored by Saturn Press! Hey indie bookshops! Did you know that greeting cards are a fantastic way for bookshops to boost sales? Saturn Press creates beautiful, handcrafted letterpress cards that customers love to purchase alongside books, helping bookshops grow and thrive. As a thank you for tuning in to The Booksh…

1
CEO of fast-growing Indy housing developer on urban and suburban markets, being ‘a joiner’ 48:18

30d ago48:18

48:18

Indianapolis-based housing developer Onyx + East recently scored a three-peat on IBJ’s annual list of fast-growing companies—all of which were on the watch of CEO Kelli Lawrence. She took the top job in 2019, when its annual revenue was about $19 million. By 2024, its annual revenue had climbed to $90 million—a nearly 375% increase over five years.…

1
Romance of the Summer 1:00:06

1M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Host Meg Wolitzer presents three works that reflect on the allure—or not—of summer. In Massimo Bontempelli’s “The Miraculous Beach or, Prize for Modesty,” translated by Jenny McPhee, a hot summer in Rome produces a magical moment. The reader is Hugh Dancy. Essayist and humorist Samantha Irby could do without summer, thank you, and makes “A Case for…

1
Steve Matthiasson on Wine, Punk Rock, Bikes, & Fireworks 1:13:40

1M ago1:13:40

1:13:40

Steve Matthiasson is one of the most respected winemakers in Napa Valley, and together with his wife Jill, they make wines under the label of Matthiasson Wines that buck some of the most fashionable trends in Napa wine. Steve is also a passionate mountain biker and snowboarder, a teacher, and a wine consultant; today, we dive into all of these aspe…

1
Episode 43: Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile 40:10

1M ago40:10

40:10

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 43, “Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile.” Summer is just around the corner, and that means it's time to talk about the books that’ll keep you company on park benches, road trips, backyard loungers—or wherever your sunny days might take you. Whether you’re deep in your T…

1
Megan Beatie: A Publicist's Journey 50:56

1M ago50:56

50:56

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with book publicist Megan Beatie about book publicity in a revealing conversation about the art and science of literary promotion. Drawing on over 25 years of experience working with authors ranging from Linda Ronstadt to Tess Gerritsen, Megan shares how the publishing landscape has undergone a dramatic transf…

1
Doug Boles on his ‘physically and emotionally draining’ May in dual role for Speedway, IndyCar 48:35

1M ago48:35

48:35

Doug Boles already had his dream job as president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 2013. Then Roger Penske, owner of both IMS and the IndyCar Series, asked him to be president of IndyCar following the departure of Jay Frye in February. The pitch: Boles would retain his first job while also taking on the second. “It wasn’t something that I expec…

1
Episode 15: Savoring Summer: New England’s Best Farmers’ Markets & Local Produce 42:51

1M ago42:51

42:51

On this fresh and flavorful episode of Notable New England, we'll uncover some of the best farmers’ markets across New England. Whether you’re a lover of heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, or just enjoy wandering through open-air stalls of homemade breads, fresh flowers, local meats, and artisan crafts, this episode is your perfect summer guide. We’ll …

1
Pride Inside 58:15

1M ago58:15

58:15

It’s June, time to celebrate Pride privately and publicly. Host Meg Wolitzer presents four works that celebrate the complexities of love family and belonging. Ivan E. Coyote’s “No Bikini,” read by Becca Blackwell, offers one child’s act of quiet rebellion. Lovers drift together, and apart, in Michael Cunningham’s “Sleepless,” read by Mike Doyle. A …

1
America’s Founding Spirit & the Most Important Distillery You’ve Never Heard Of 1:03:09

1M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Brandy doesn’t get the love that it deserves, especially given that it was America’s founding spirit, and no category has a bigger folk hero tied to it (Johnny Appleseed, anyone?). At its core, it’s distilled fruit—wine’s fiery cousin—born from orchards and alchemy, and few do it better than Clear Creek Distillery. In this episode, we dig into what…

1
Too Hot For Radio: Rachel B. Glaser "Ira and the Whale" 35:22

1M ago35:22

35:22

Rachel B. Glaser has been recognized as one of Granta Magazine's Best Young American Novelists, and her work has been showcased in prestigious publications such as The Paris Review and McSweeney's. "Ira & the Whale" was honored with an O. Henry Prize in 2023. Jeff Hiller is an actor who has been a charming anchor of the HBO series Somebody Somewher…

1
The Literary Heartbeat of Santa Barbara: Jen Lemberger at Chaucer's Books 38:59

1M ago38:59

38:59

Send us a text In this episode, I chat with Jen Lemberger, co-owner of Chaucer's Books. Nestled in Santa Barbara's Loreto Plaza sits a literary institution fifty-one years in the making. Chaucer's Books, now under the stewardship of Jen Lemberger and Greg Feitt, stands as a testament to the enduring power of independent bookstores in our communitie…

1
How Irsay’s daughters carved out big roles with Colts and could handle succession 43:34

1M ago43:34

43:34

With an estimated value of $4.8 billion, the Indianapolis Colts franchise is arguably the best-known family-owned business in Indiana. While we reflect on the passing of team owner Jim Irsay, who had significant influence on building the physical plant and identity of modern Indianapolis, we have the luxury of knowing that three more Irsays are in …

1
Celebrating the O. Henry Prize, with Amor Towles 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

Host Meg Wolitzer is presents two stories from a live SELECTED SHORTS evening celebrating the O. Henry Prize, with guest editor Amor Towles, bestselling author of volumes including A Gentleman from Moscow.On today’s show, Allegra Hyde imagines the very near future as a never-ending road trip, in “Mobilization,” read by Jane Kaczmarek. And a family …

1
Amateur Hour: Blister reviewer, Zack Henderson, on Paella 50:07

2M ago50:07

50:07

Today on CRAFTED, Eli is joined by fellow Blister contributor Zack Henderson to talk all things paella. What started as a casual interest has turned into a full-blown culinary rabbit hole — and we dig into everything from technique to tradition, with some very unconventional twists. We also dive into the mysteries of the socarrat; explore a Pacific…

1
Episode 42: Thaw your Reading List and Get Ready For Summer 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 42, “Thaw your Reading List and Get Ready For Summer.” Whether you're building your summer TBR, looking for something to dive into on a sunny afternoon, or just hoping to discover a story that sticks with you, Erin and Jillian got something that might just become your next favorite. So se…

1
New to Publishing? Start Here! | What Publishers Wish Authors Knew 37:31

2M ago37:31

37:31

Today we’re joined by Justin Branch, Director of Publishing Strategy at Greenleaf Book Group. Justin plays a pivotal role in guiding authors through the early stages of publishing by customizing proposal tailored to their books' unique needs. In this episode, he tackles the most common questions and misconceptions he encounters from authors in the …

1
Episode 14: Off-the-Beaten-Path Boston: A Local’s Guide to Hidden Gems 31:43

2M ago31:43

31:43

In this episode of Notable New England, we dive into Boston’s lesser-known corners—the ones locals whisper about and visitors often miss. From kayaking the Charles River to sipping tea at the Boston Public Library, I’ll share some of my favorite off-the-beaten path spots to explore. Discover the stunning stained-glass globe at the Mapparium, stroll…

1
Explaining the Indy 500 tumult, Team Penske scandal and firings, and what’s important 48:17

2M ago48:17

48:17

The week between qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 and the actual race is usually pretty quiet from a news perspective. But there’s nothing usual about the last week in this year’s Month of May. Major penalties assessed to two cars owned by Team Penske—including the car driven by two-time defending champion Josef Newgarden—inflamed long-running c…

1
With A Little Help 59:26

2M ago59:26

59:26

Host Meg Wolitzer presents four stories in which characters give, and get, a little assistance, from friends, strangers and family. A daughter copes with a cantankerous parent in “How to Take Dad to the Doctor” by Jenny Allen, performed by Jennifer Mudge. A woman moves to a new town and makes a strange new friend in Laura van den Berg’s “Friends,” …

1
Reading Culture: Books, Reading, & Indie Bookstores Today w/ Arvin Ram, Owner of Townie Books 1:06:40

2M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Today Jonathan talks about books, book recommendations, the state of independent bookstores, the art of reading, and the craft of writing — and our guest is the perfect person to talk about it all. Arvin Ram is a writer, an avid reader, and the co-owner (along with his wife Danica) of the independent bookstore, Townie Books. Arvin is also the direc…

1
Publishing's Invisible DNA: A Deep Dive with John W. Warren 37:56

2M ago37:56

37:56

Send us a text What happens behind the scenes before a book reaches your hands? John Warren pulls back the curtain on modern publishing in this fascinating conversation that travels from his unexpected entry into the industry to where books are headed in our AI-driven future. Warren's publishing journey began in 1992 when a Mexican publisher hired …

1
Whatever happened to downtown’s elevated People Mover? 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

You may have become so used to them that you no longer notice, but snaking through downtown Indianapolis’ northwest quadrant are the remains of a revolutionary public transit system that transported riders on elevated tracks 30-feet high. It was called the People Mover, developed for $44 million by Clarian Health Partners, the hospital system now k…

1
Episode 41: A Real Dud of a Thriller... plus What is a Novella And Do we Like Them 39:40

2M ago39:40

39:40

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 41, “A Real Dud of a Thriller... plus What is a Novella And Do we Like Them?” Erin and Jillian are so happy to be back with you this week—and of course, they've got more great books to share that they think you'll love! Whether you're looking for your next cozy read, something to make you…

1
Pete the Planner on student loan collections, recessions, stagflation (and holding our breath) 35:05

2M ago35:05

35:05

These are uncertain times for the U.S. economy. We’re in a grace period for many of the Trump administration’s promised tariffs on dozens of trading partners. U.S. consumer confidence plunged again in April, hitting its lowest level since October 2011. First-quarter gross domestic product for the U.S. hit negative territory for the first time since…

1
Episode 13: “Love Cycle” with Zoë Knight: A Journey from Isolation to Connection 1:08:57

2M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

I kick off the podcast with Wicked Lite Bites—lighthearted, community stories and happenings from each New England state. Then, I sit down with Zoë Knight, Boston-based singer, songwriter, pianist, and music educator to talk about her latest project with her band Mythical Beasts: Love Cycle. This five-part, 19-minute psychedelic art rock journey ex…

1
Best Sellers & Indie Bookstore Day Recap 25:09

2M ago25:09

25:09

Happy Indie Bookstore Day! Spring is here, which can only mean one thing - Independent Bookstore Day happened! Over 1,600 bookstores around the country (including Lake City Books!) celebrated on April 26th with a record number of readers taking part in the festivities in the Madison area. Molly and Jamie sit down to take a breath after the crazines…

1
Amateur Hour: Tequila, with Simon Stewart, Eli Brown, & Troy Rarick 1:11:39

2M ago1:11:39

1:11:39

CRAFTED co-hosts Simon Stewart and Eli Brown talk with Troy Rarick, the founder of Over the Edge bike shops and the person who first got Simon into tequila, about why tequila might be the quintessential craft spirit; they discuss a fun history of tequila; the different variations of it; and Troy reminisces about filming a Tequila Talk Show. They sh…

1
Vinny Browne and the Magic of Charlie Byrne's Bookshop 38:30

2M ago38:30

38:30

Send us a text In this episode, I’m chatting with Vinny Browne from Charlie Byrne's Bookshop in the heart of Galway City, Ireland. At Charlie Byrne’s, you can explore their labyrinthine maze of over 100,000 books: new, second-hand, bargain, and antiquarian. Vinny takes us behind the scenes of this beloved institution, revealing how its organic grow…

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