Penelope Lively on MR James' Oh, Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad – books podcast

Ease into the weekend with our brand new podcast, showcasing some of the best Guardian and Observer writing from the week, read by talented narrators. In this episode, Marina Hyde looks at the new additions to Downing Street (2m00s), Hadley Freeman interviews Hollywood actor Will Arnett (9m56s), Sirin Kale tries her hand at quiz show Mastermind (26m32s), and David Robson examines why we’re so stressed about stress (41m08s). If you like what you hear, subscribe to Weekend on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

Ease into the weekend with our brand new podcast, showcasing some of the best Guardian and Observer writing from the week, read by talented narrators. In our first episode, Marina Hyde reflects on another less than stellar week for Boris Johnson (1m38s), Edward Helmore charts the rise of Joe Rogan (9m46s), Laura Snapes goes deep with singer George Ezra (18m30s), and Alex Moshakis asks, “Are you a jerk at work?” (34m40s). If you like what you hear, subscribe to Weekend on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

Have you ever wondered what famous people actually eat? In our new podcast, Guardian restaurant critic Grace Dent does just that, asking well-known guests to lift the lid on the food they turn to when they’re at home alone – and what comfort foods have seen them through their lives. In the first episode, screenwriter Russell T Davies tells Grace about his childhood in Swansea, the delights of Woolworth’s pork and egg pies, and how his husband’s death informed his latest TV series, It’s a Sin. Future guests will include Nish Kumar, Rafe Spall and Aisling Bea. Episodes willl be released every Tuesday – search for it wherever you get your podcasts. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

On our final episode, the diplomat who spearheaded the Paris Agreement discusses why we should feel optimisitic about our ability to tackle the climate crisis. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

We speak to Horrible Histories consultant and podcaster Greg Jenner about the history of celebrity and share what listeners are reading. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

Mathematician Adam Kucharski talks about how the concept of ‘contagion’ is rooted in our social lives and we share your reading tips for lockdown. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

On this week’s show we talk to Toby Ferris about his pursuit of the Dutch master and look at how the literary world is dealing with the pandemic. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

On this week’s show we talk to the Northern Irish writer about his new novel and discuss how headlines can impact our appetite for certain books. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

On this week’s podcast, we talk to Tsiolkas about his novel on the life of St Paul and the historian Holland explains what we know about the man. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod

On this week’s show, the bestselling fantasy author talks about how he came to invent a magical branch of the Met, and we discuss Hilary Mantel’s new novel The Mirror & The Light. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/bookspod