Best Reader Recommendations For Fantasy Podcasts (2026)

1
E655 - David Boop - Speculative fiction author of sci-fi noir, historical, dark fantasy & the Weird Westerns 47:04

1h ago47:04

47:04

EPISODE 655 - David Boop - Speculative fiction author of sci-fi noir, historical, dark fantasy & the Weird Westerns David Boop is a Denver-based speculative fiction author & editor. He’s also an award-winning essayist, and screenwriter. Before turning to fiction, David worked as a DJ, film critic, journalist, and actor. David’s novels run the gambi…

1
E237 - Stewart Lee - Me and My Addiction - one man’s battle to break free from a life heavily impacted by alcoholism 55:54

1d ago55:54

55:54

EPISODE 237 - Stewart Lee - Me and My Addiction - one man’s battle to break free from a life heavily impacted by alcoholism About our Guest - I grew up in Exeter, Devon and lived with my parents and 2 older sisters. I didn't really have a troubled life but from a young age I discovered alcohol and my journey into addiction began. Drugs and alcohol …

1
E42 - Dr. Jenelle Kim - Myung Sung - The Korean Art of Living Meditation 34:13

1d ago34:13

34:13

EPISODE 42 - Dr. Jenelle Kim - Myung Sung - The Korean Art of Living Meditation Myung Sung introduces the Korean art of living meditation as the way to achieve a life of balance and happiness. Using eight simple keys, listeners can enjoy all the calming, positive benefits of meditation in every minute of every day. You can experience calm mindfulne…

1
E10 - Author and Retired NYPD Detective - Vic Ferrari 44:12

1d ago44:12

44:12

EPISODE 10 In this episode of Living the Next Chapter we speak with Author and retired NYPD, Vic Ferrari about his multiple books giving readers a behind the badge view of life as an NYPD Officer and Detective. Author Vic Ferrari is a retired New York City Police Department detective with the hamstrings of a twenty-year-old. A survivor of an Irish …

1
E654 - Linda Ambrus Broenniman - The astonishing story of eight generations of her Jewish ancestors 46:19

1d ago46:19

46:19

EPISODE 654 - Linda Ambrus Broenniman - The astonishing story of eight generations of her Jewish ancestors Linda grew up in Buffalo, New York. She is the middle child of seven born to Hungarian physicians who survived World War II and started their new life in the U.S. in 1949. Linda graduated from Swarthmore College with a BA in psychology and wen…

1
E653 - Alan Mueller - Improv Comedy and the Art of Leadership - Reading The Room and Active Listening 48:23

3d ago48:23

48:23

Episode 653 - Alan Mueller - Improv Comedy and the Art of Leadership - Reading The Room and Active Listening A sought-after keynote speaker and leadership trainer, Dr. Mueller blends deep expertise with engaging storytelling to spark real change in organizations. As Senior Consultant at Adaptive Challenge Consulting, he draws on decades of experien…

1
E652 - Randee Dawn - Journalist, Author, Storyteller - Short Stories, Non-Fiction and Standalones 46:32

7d ago46:32

46:32

EPISODE 652 - Randee Dawn - Journalist, Author, Storyteller - Short Stories, Non-Fiction and Standalones I’m a Brooklyn-based author and journalist focusing on speculative fiction across the categories (science-fiction, fantasy and horror) at night, while writing entertainment and lifestyle stories during the day for publications including Today.co…

1
E651 - Mark J Wilson - Full of Beans - A dead professor. A missing student, And a time-traveling detective. 47:36

3d ago47:36

47:36

EPISODE 651 - Mark J Wilson - Full of Beans - A dead professor. A missing student, And a time-traveling detective. Mark is a scientist who works in gene therapy and very foolishly decided he had to write a novel about a time-traveling detective in his spare time. I live in Washington, DC with my wife, Carrie, but I was born and brought up in Readin…

1
E393 - Adam Nimoy - The Most Human, Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy 45:33

5d ago45:33

45:33

Episode 393 - Adam Nimoy - The Most Human, Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy Adam was born during the Eisenhower administration to Leonard and Sandra Zoberblatt Nimoy. He attended the University Elementary School, a “lab school” run by UCLA, where he was subjected to numerous psychological experiments. The experimentation continued at UC Be…

1
E368 - Milton Sithole - Dominate Your Potential - Break Free from Self-Defeating Thinking 35:15

5d ago35:15

35:15

EPISODE 368 - Milton Sithole - Dominate Your Potential - Break Free from Self-Defeating Thinking "Dominate Your Potential: Break Free from Self-Defeating Thinking." Unpacking how we communicate, empathize, and behave unveiling biases, assumptions, and vulnerabilities. This self-awareness elevates communication and empathy, crucial for establishing …

1
E650 - Jeff and Andy Crocker - Mister and Mischief - Infinite Right Answers, Improv Lessons for Everyday 50:26

6d ago50:26

50:26

EPISODE 650 - Jeff and Andy Crocker - Mister and Mischief - Mister and Mischief - Infinite Right Answers When you’re asking big questions, chasing connection, and reminded why you started making things in the first place We're pretty fun and we think you are too. Mister & Mischief (a.k.a. Jeff and Andy Crocker) create fun-forward interactive experi…

1
E649 - Roger Chiocchi - From Advertising Executive to Author, The Brushy Ridge Militia - Parents Take Gun Control Into Their Own Hands 44:05

8d ago44:05

44:05

E649 - Roger Chiocchi - From Advertising Executive to Author, The Brushy Ridge Militia - Parents Take Gun Control Into Their Own Hands About the author Eclectic is a word that aptly defines Roger Chiocchi. Constantly questioning, How does it work?, Chiocchi graduated from Ithaca College and then the Wharton School (MBA) with distinction. He then ro…

1
Ep 507: Our team recaps our 2025 reading year 1:01:35

16d ago1:01:35

1:01:35

As we wrap up our ninth year together, Anne invites our What Should I Read Next? team members to join her and share insight into what the past twelve months have meant in each of their reading lives. This episode borrows from a long-time tradition on Modern Mrs Darcy, the blog where every year Anne asks herself what worked and what didn't. Our team…

1
E648 - Chester L Richards - From The Potato to Star Trek and Beyond, Smithsonian Institution, Being A Monster 52:38

10d ago52:38

52:38

EPISODE 648 - Chester L Richards - From The Potato to Star Trek and Beyond, Smithsonian Institution, Being A Monster Chester L. Richards Aerospace Engineer (Ret.), Inventor, Adventurer, Author, Storyteller, Romantic The philosophy developed by Chester L. Richards, aerospace engineer, adventurer and inventor (19 patents), has indeed caused him to vi…

1
E489 - Author Darlene Campos Shares the Amazing Story of Holocaust Survivor Pete Philipps 48:12

13d ago48:12

48:12

EPISODE 489 - Author Darlene Campos Shares the Amazing Story of Holocaust Survivor Pete Philipps Hello! Hola! I'm Darlene P. Campos, an Ecuadorian-American author who is also a proud Houstonian. I earned my BA in English-Creative Writing with a Medicine and Society Studies minor from the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) and my MFA in Creative Writ…

1
E647 - Christine Devane - Elephant Beach - A Children's Book That Talks About Being Shy and Being Open to Others 33:40

17d ago33:40

33:40

EPISODE 647 - Christine Devane - Elephant Beach - A Children's Book That Talks About Being Shy and Being Open to Others About the author Christine grew up in North Andover, MA with her parents Tony and Joyce and brothers Anthony and Eddie. She was very shy when she was young and spent a lot of time reading. Throughout her childhood Christine loved …

1
E536 - Julie Riga - Stay on Course The Life and Legacy of Ennio Riga, Chef to the Stars 38:55

13d ago38:55

38:55

Episode 536 - Julie Riga - Stay on Course The Life and Legacy of Ennio Riga, Chef to the Stars When Ennio Riga passed away in February 2016, he left behind an incredible legacy. To his many admirers who enjoyed his delicious culinary creations, he was a world-renowned chef. To Julie Riga, he was a loving father who taught her the importance of lead…

1
BONUS - Surrender, An Audiobook by Bono of U2 - Dave's Audible Recommendation 12:24

13d ago12:24

12:24

BONUS - Surrender, An Audiobook by Bono of U2 - Dave's Audible Recommendation Surrender, An Audiobook by Bono of U2 - Dave's Audible Recommendation Bono—artist, activist, and the lead singer of Irish rock band U2—has written a memoir: honest and irreverent, intimate and profound, Surrender is the story of the remarkable life he’s lived, the challen…

1
E646 - Chef Franck Desplechin - Relentless Growth - Cultivating a Chef’s Mindset for Professional Fulfillment 46:29

15d ago46:29

46:29

EPISODE 646 - Chef Franck Desplechin - Relentless Growth - Cultivating a Chef’s Mindset for Professional Fulfillment Most people simply know me as or simply call me Chef Franck; and that is exactly how I like it. Over time, "Chef Franck" has become more than just a name; it is a reflection of the way I show up in everything I do, with heart, passio…

1
Ep 506: A new way to think about your reading in the coming year 59:53

23d ago59:53

59:53

Today's guest has been participating in reading challenges for nearly a decade, and she's putting a unique spin on this tradition in 2026 that you'll hear about today. Callie Dean lives in Shreveport, Louisiana, where in addition to reading she enjoys playing the violin in the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, writing children's books, and running and…

1
E645 - Anthony Dyer - Moon Child - Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions 44:16

17d ago44:16

44:16

EPISODE 645 - Anthony Dyer - Moon Child - Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions ANTHONY DYER grew up in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, where adventure and resilience were woven into his very being. That same spirit of fearlessness carried him into a life of service, leading to an extraordinary career in Special Operations Aviat…

1
E644 - Marshall Fine - Journalist, Critic, Historian, Filmmaker, and Author of Hemlock Lane 38:23

20d ago38:23

38:23

EPISODE 644 - Marshall Fine - Journalist, Critic, Historian, Filmmaker, and Author of Hemlock Lane About the author After a fifty-year career as an award-winning journalist, critic, and filmmaker, Minneapolis native Marshall Fine made the transition to writing fiction in 2024 with the Kindle best-selling novel, "The Autumn of Ruth Winters." Fine ha…

1
E643 - Mitchell Levy - Executive Abundance Through Clarity & Credibility, LinkedIn Basics for Authors and Creatives 45:50

25d ago45:50

45:50

EPISODE 643 - Mitchell Levy - Executive Abundance Through Clarity & Credibility, LinkedIn Basics for Authors and Creatives Global Credibility Expert Mitchell Levy is a 2x TEDx speaker (including the 28th most popular in 2021), an international bestselling author of over 60 books, a Certified Stakeholder Centered Coach, and an executive coach at Mar…

1
The War on Normal People - Andrew Yang 38:52

29d ago38:52

38:52

The episode asserts that the rapid acceleration of technological automation, driven by artificial intelligence and robotics, has confirmed earlier predictions of massive job displacement, transforming a hypothetical future into a present crisis. The author details how entire middle-class occupations, including truck driving, retail, and many white-…

1
Ep 505: Recs for a reader in search of "best in class" books 56:50

1M ago56:50

56:50

We love unique reading projects around here, and today's guest has maintained hers since 2021. We're going to hear all about it and explore how she's adding a new twist for 2026. Kate Mosesso is a reader and improv comedian who lives and works in Chicago. She's a lifelong reader, and while she loves the stories on the page, she's an even bigger fan…

1
E642 - Ryan Null - The Flare Chronicles - Into the Blaze and Into the Shadows, Marketing Your Book, Giving Back and Pizza 43:28

24d ago43:28

43:28

EPISODE 642 - Ryan Null - The Flare Chronicles - Into the Blaze and Into the Shadows, Marketing Your Book, Giving Back and Pizza About the author Ryan Null, an American author, is a great father to his children and a loving husband to his wife. He began his writing journey in 8th grade, inspired by his love for reading and a teacher’s challenge. Ba…

1
Stephen King’s IT - The Terror That Floats 31:15

1M ago31:15

31:15

This episode examines Stephen King’s 1986 horror novel, IT, detailing the ambitious scope and "mythic status" of the 1,138-page epic that combines small-town drama with cosmic terror. The article reveals that King wrote much of the novel while struggling with severe addiction, structuring the narrative using a dual-timeline that contrasts the raw i…

1
E641 - E K Wise - The Debilis Rising - Keepers of the Rock Book 1, magical realism and earthbound fantasy and M.A.S.H. 54:06

25d ago54:06

54:06

EPISODE 641 - E K Wise - The Debilis Rising - Keepers of the Rock Book 1, magical realism and earthbound fantasy and M.A.S.H. E.K. Wise’s endless curiosity about cultural history and geology developed in her youth after living abroad and traveling internationally. She is enticed by multicultural cuisine and will sample almost any food once. When no…

1
James Patterson Claims Marilyn Monroe Was Murdered in Explosive New Book Theory 27:18

1M ago27:18

27:18

The episode examines the explosive new true crime book by James Patterson, which disputes the long-held official ruling that Marilyn Monroe died by suicide in 1962. Patterson's central thesis asserts that the iconic actress was a victim of deliberate murder, silenced because she knew critical secrets stemming from her alleged affairs with President…

1
E640 - R D Moreno - Zada 5 - Path of the One - A prophecy waits for Connor if he can survive long enough 38:32

26d ago38:32

38:32

EPISODE 640 - R D Moreno - Zada 5 - Path of the One - A prophecy waits for Connor if he can survive long enough Retired communication executive after 41 years. Married for the second time to my loving wife of 30 years, with five grown kids between us, and fourteen grandchildren. Our family pets include two small dogs and a large macaw. We are now l…

1
E639 - Deepa Anappara - Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line, Letters to a Writer of Colour and The Last of Earth 50:22

27d ago50:22

50:22

EPISODE 639 - Deepa Anappara - Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line, Letters to a Writer of Colour and The Last of Earth Deepa Anappara’s debut novel Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line was named as one of the best books of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Time and NPR. It won the Edgar Award for Best Novel, was longlisted for the Women’…

1
E638 - Janet Skeslien Charles - Author of The Paris Library and Miss Morgan's Book Brigade comes a charming and cinematic multi-cast audiobook, The Parisian Chapter 42:54

1M ago42:54

42:54

EPISODE 638 - Janet Skeslien Charles - Author of The Paris Library and Miss Morgan's Book Brigade comes a charming and cinematic multi-cast audiobook, The Parisian Chapter Janet Skeslien Charles is the New York Times, USA Today, and #1 international bestselling author of The Paris Library, Moonlight in Odessa, Miss Morgan's Book Brigade (called The…

1
E637 - Jann Alexander - Unspoken - Historic Texas during the Dirty Thirties and beyond 48:17

29d ago48:17

48:17

EPISODE 637 - Jann Alexander - Unspoken - Historic Texas during the Dirty Thirties and beyond About Jann Alexander I'm an author, photographer, and artist. My characters face down their fears, in novels that are as close-to-true as fiction can get. I specialize in time travel. Read Unspoken, my best-selling novel and the first in my Dust series tha…

1
Ep 504: Niche and nerdy narrative nonfiction 48:10

1M ago48:10

48:10

Historical fiction is a popular genre among many, but today's guest learned a lot about her reading life when she realized this genre wasn't for her! Today Anne is talking with Laura Howard, an Atlanta-area faculty developer and part-time university professor. She’s always seen reading as both a personal joy and a form of connection, whether with t…

1
E636 - Gil Merrick - Haunted Victory, Come September, Olympics and Horses 1:03:27

1M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

EPISODE 636 - Gil Merrick - Haunted Victory, Come September, Olympics and Horses Born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Gil Merrick attended Hiram College, earning a BA in International Finance and German. Upon completing his MBA at Cleveland State University, he began a forty-year career managing companies throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. An avid hor…

1
Wicked for Good Ending Explained: All The Changes, Easter Eggs, & Hidden Secrets You Missed! 17:31

1M ago17:31

17:31

The Wicked for Good ending changes EVERYTHING from the Broadway musical. So I'm doing a Wicked for Good ending explained, revealing seven essential details you need to know and discussing the significant changes from the Broadway musical to the screen adaptation. I'll also explore character motivations, talk about new songs, highlight Easter eggs y…

1
E635 - Deb Coviello - The CEO’s Compass - Your Guide to Get Back on Track 39:31

1M ago39:31

39:31

EPISODE 635 - Deb Coviello - The CEO’s Compass - Your Guide to Get Back on Track This episode features Deb Coviello, author of The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track, who shares her inspiring journey of rediscovering her creative voice and becoming a published author and sought-after speaker. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Deb reflects on o…

1
E634 - Kelly Farley - He Lost His Baby Too, Survival Guide for the Grieving Dad and Grieving Dads 40:10

1M ago40:10

40:10

EPISODE 634 - Kelly Farley - He Lost His Baby Too, Survival Guide for the Grieving Dad and Grieving Dads If you have ever loved a child, then you understand what it’s like to love someone more than you love life itself. If you have ever lost a child, then you understand more about hell than anyone could possibly be expected to know. This isn’t some…

1
E633 - Chris Kruger - Walking Away from the Ledge - A Soldier's Memoir, the raw truth of war, survival, and self-destruction 52:24

1M ago52:24

52:24

EPISODE 633 - Chris Kruger - Walking Away from the Ledge - A Soldier's Memoir, the raw truth of war, survival, and self-destruction Walking Away from the Ledge: A Soldier's Memoir Walking Away from the Ledge is a hard-hitting, no-BS military memoir that goes beyond the battlefield to expose the raw truth of war, survival, and self-destruction. With…

1
E632 - Shelley Grandy - Devious Web - A bingeworthy mystery thriller through business and politics 37:56

1M ago37:56

37:56

E632 - Shelley Grandy - Devious Web - A bingeworthy mystery thriller through business and politics Shelley Grandy, Canadian author of the tech‑thriller Devious Web, joins the show to talk about her path from journalism and corporate communications into fiction, and how her real‑world experience in high‑tech and politics shaped the novel. Born in Ti…

1
E631 - Tia Lashay - Question of Affection, A heartfelt journey of vulnerability, courage and love 46:44

1M ago46:44

46:44

EPISODE 631 - Tia Lashay - Question of Affection, A heartfelt journey of vulnerability, courage and love Book: Question of Affection - Ian is a self-reliant pharmacist in her late 30s, navigating the labyrinth of love and loss. With a past marred by heartbreak, Ian has been searching for the missing piece to complete her life. Her journey turns une…

1
E630 - Sheral DeVaughn - The “Word Whisperer.” She is a 3-time #1-rated radio morning show host, podcast host, keynote speaker and professional emce 51:01

1M ago51:01

51:01

Episode 630 - Sheral DeVaughn - The “Word Whisperer.” She is a 3-time #1-rated radio morning show host, podcast host, keynote speaker and professional emce Sheral DeVaughn is a 3-time, #1-rated radio morning show host and podcast host. She is a sought after speaker impacting global audiences and is the voice on commercials and marketing promotions …

1
Ep 503: Which cozy mysteries are right for me? 52:21

1M ago52:21

52:21

Breaking into a new genre can feel intimidating. Today Anne is talking with a reader who is keen to explore cozy mysteries, but isn't sure where to begin. Amber Richcreek lives in Bellingham, Washington with her family, where she’s a pre-k teacher and enjoys baking and photography in her spare time. She’s also a lifelong reader and a fan of emotion…

1
E629 - Allison Cundiff - Hey, Pickpocket - Is it possible to leave behind one life and find a new one 48:09

1M ago48:09

48:09

EPISODE 629 - Allison Cundiff - Hey, Pickpocket - Is it possible to leave behind one life and find a new one Allison Cundiff’s publications include the novel Hey Pickpocket (2025, JackLeg Press), two books of poetry: Otherings (2016, Golden Antelope Press), and In Short, A Memory of the Other on a Good Day, co-authored with Steven Schreiner, (2014,…

1
E628 - Nicholas Casbarro - Vitalerium, A novel was written at 36,000 feet - the narrative of Roman Matthews 48:32

1M ago48:32

48:32

EPISODE 628 - Nicholas Casbarro - Vitalerium, A novel was written at 36,000 feet - the narrative of Roman Matthews Welcome to the Vitalerium Universe A Sci-Fi Series By Nicholas Keating Casbarro A dark, thrilling odyssey that will challenge everything you think you know about humanity’s future. Seven centuries from now, the stars are both a refuge …

1
E627 - Cameron Reuben Hudson - Actor, Writer and Author - the novel series, Preter-Human Chronicles 45:55

1M ago45:55

45:55

EPISODE 627 - Cameron Reuben Hudson - Actor, Writer and Author - the novel series, Preter-Human Chronicles Cameron Reuben Hudson the founder of Hudson Media Collective™, is a uniquely multifaceted artist who is always creating new works and telling stories for future generations to remember. Whether he's writing a new book for his upcoming novel se…

1
E626 - Suzanne Parry - The Soviet Experience Through Historical Fiction, Pentagon Tour, Iron Maiden of Stockholm 47:14

1M ago47:14

47:14

EPISODE 626 - Suzanne Parry - The Soviet Experience Through Historical Fiction, Pentagon Tour, Iron Maiden of Stockholm Raised in a quiet rural corner of western New York State, I didn’t always want to be a writer. I was, however, always surrounded by books. Bookcases in every room. Entire walls of them. My mother was an avid reader and regular tri…

1
EP 20 | All the Stats, hrcyed 2.0 update, 2025 reading goals/stats, plans for remainder of 2025 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

Hey everyone! Welcome back or welcome to Chapter One and Beyond! Excited to talk all about my reading stats and reading goals and all the things where my leading has lead me to currently since starting this podcast and comparing to last year! So lets get cozy and lets chat! Appreciate each of you that support my podcast, it would help a great deal …

1
2025 Goodreads Choice Awards Predictions and Hot Takes | New Releases, Reads & More! 56:12

2M ago56:12

56:12

Join Francesca and I as we get into the 2025 Goodreads Choice Awards, sharing not only our personal votes but also our predictions for the eventual winners. We cover every category, from fiction to romance, and even surprise categories! Plus, discover this week's hot new book releases, our current reads, and what we've been watching. It's jam-packe…

1
E625 - Urmi Hossain - Discovering Your Identity, A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle 47:36

1M ago47:36

47:36

EPISODE 625 - Urmi Hossain - Discovering Your Identity, A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle About the author Introducing Urmi Hossain, a published author of "Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth From Interracial Struggle". With an extensive finance background, she works full-time in the financial services industry and firmly believes in the adage "…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Reader Recommendations For Fantasy Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide