Libro.fm Podcast

In this episode, Maggie Tokuda-Hall speaks about refusing to write to market expectations. She reflects on her experience with censorship and her picture book Love in the Library—which ultimately led to her being a founding member of Authors Against Book Bans. Maggie also shares what it's like to author graphic novels, including The Worst Ronin and Squad, and to collaborate with artists throughout the process. She also highlights information on how listeners can fight book bans, as well as the most important action they can all take right now. On the topic, Olivia shares an opportunity for individuals to join a Banned Books Week Read-In this October to protest ongoing censorship. Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Maggie Tokuda-Hall: Maggie Tokuda-Hall has an MFA in creative writing from USF, and BA in art from Scripps College. She’s the author of numerous award winning, best-selling children’s and young adult books including Love in the Library, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea duology, Squad, and The Worst Ronin. She has been called “... one of the most unflinching voices in contemporary genre literature.” Maggie is a founding member and national leader of Authors Against Book Bans. She is the co-host of the Failure to Adapt podcast. She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, children, and objectively perfect dog. Get Maggie’s Books: Love in the Library The Siren, the Song, and the Spy The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea Books discussed on today’s episode: Cantoras by Caro De Robertis Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti Banned Books Week resources: Banned Books Week Read-In near you Ways to learn more about and fight bans

Cory shares the motivation behind keeping his audiobooks off Audible—even if it means sacrificing a paycheck—and explains how DRM laws allow Amazon to exert control over books they didn’t even create. The conversation covers everything from how monopoly power has shaped the digital marketplace, to the rise of “enshittification,” a term Cory coined to describe the lifecycle of once-useful tech platforms. They also discuss the importance of decentralized social media, the future of authorship in a platform-dominated world, and why it’s time to stop trying to shop your way out of broken systems and start organizing for real change. Read the full transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bC4FqH1ZzxPlbtH-Vs1-u-oJFnu4WRKHVHszr4VAbtI/edit?tab=t.0 Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Cory Doctotow: Cory Doctorow is a bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction, a longtime advocate for digital rights, and co-editor of the blog Boing Boing. His recent works include The Bezzle, Picks and Shovels, and the upcoming nonfiction book Enshittification. He also runs the daily newsletter Pluralistic.net. Get Cory’s Books: Picks and Shovels Enshittification Books discussed on today’s episode: Little Bosses Everywhere by Bridget Read Careless People by Lucy Osborne Original Sin by Alex Thompson and Jake Tapper I’ll Tell You When I’m Home by Hala Alyan Disappoint Me by Nikole Dinan

In this episode, Craig and Olivia sit down with Eve L. Ewing—author, scholar, poet, comic book writer, and professor—to talk about her newest book, Original Sins: The (Mis)Education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism. Eve shares the inspirations behind the book, the emotional toll of writing it, and the active role imagination plays in justice and systemic transformation. Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Eve L. Ewing: Eve L. Ewing is a writer, scholar, and cultural organizer from Chicago. She is the award-winning author of four books: Electric Arches, 1919, Ghosts in the Schoolyard, and Maya and the Robot. She is the co-author (with Nate Marshall) of the play No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks and has written several projects for Marvel Comics. Photo credit: Jaclyn Rivas Get Eve’s Book: Original Sins 1919 Maya and the Robot Ghosts in the Schoolyard Books discussed on today’s episode: The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins Codename: Pale Horse by Scott Payne

This episode of the Libro.fm podcast features an interview with Amanda Jones, a school librarian and anti-censorship advocate whose book "That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America" became a national bestseller. Amanda discusses her decision to write the book, the process of narrating the audiobook version, and the importance of combating book bans and censorship in libraries and schools. She provides advice for starting grassroots organizations to fight book bans and shares insights on navigating the complex issues around representation and censorship in literary collections. Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. Get Amanda’s Book: That Librarian Books discussed on today's episode: Banned Together (Our Fight for Readers' Rights) by Ashley Hope Pérez Creep by Emma van Straaten All Friends Are Necessary by Tomas Moniz Big Familia by Tomas Moniz The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander

Recorded live at the 2024 Texas Book Festival in Austin, this episode features authors Karla Cornejo Villavicencio (The Undocumented Americans, Catalina) and Amanda Montell (Cultish, The Age of Magical Overthinking). The authors discuss narrating their own audiobooks, touching on everything from incorporating humor and emotion to the challenges of audiobook production. They also offer advice for first-time narrators, discuss the nuances of audiobooks compared to print, and reflect on how their distinct styles shape the listening experience. Watch the live video recording here Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Karla: Karla Cornejo Villavicencio is an Ecuadorian-American writer and the author of The Undocumented Americans and Catalina. Her work, which focuses on race, culture, and immigration, has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, Elle, Interview, and on NPR. About Amanda: Amanda Montell is an American writer and the author of Wordslut and Cultish. Her work, which focuses on language, linguistics, and pop culture, has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Wired, and on NPR. Get Karla's books: Catalina The Undocumented Americans Get Amanda’s books: Cultish Wordslut The Age of Magical Overthinking

In this episode, we sit down with Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, author of The Undocumented Americans and Catalina, which was longlisted for the 2024 National Book Awards. Cornejo Villavicencio opens up about her experience with meeting readers for the first time and how the unpredictability of the publishing world has shaped her perspective. She also discusses the process of recording Catalina’s audiobook and how it led to her connecting with the novel in a deeper, more personal way. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Karla: Karla Cornejo Villavicencio is an Ecuadorian-American writer and the author of The Undocumented Americans and Catalina. Catalina was longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award for Fiction. Her work, which focuses on race, culture, and immigration, has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vogue, Elle, Interview, and on NPR. Get Karla's books: Catalina The Undocumented Americans Books discussed on today’s episode: Model Home by Rivers Solomon Fingersmith by Sarah Waters The Drowned and the Saved by Primo Levi

In this episode, Philomena Polefrone, PhD discusses her role in advocating for intellectual freedom through the ABA. The conversation touches on book bans, censorship, and the role of bookstores as spaces for activism. The discussion covers the history of book bans, grassroots organizing, and the legal challenges involved in defending diverse literature. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Philomena: Philomena Polefrone is the Advocacy Associate Manager at the American Booksellers Association, where she champions intellectual freedom and free expression. With a background in bookselling and a decade in academia, Philomena brings a unique perspective to her work, blending literature and activism. She leads initiatives like the Set Books Free Project, aimed at combating book bans and promoting access to diverse, often censored literature. Her passion for defending the right to read makes her a key advocate in the fight against censorship. Books discussed on today’s episode: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell The 1619 Project by Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman & Jake Silverstein Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we chat with Mel Saavedra, the owner of Steamy Lit Bookstore and the driving force behind Steamy Lit Con. Mel discusses her deep passion for romance literature, the genre's growing popularity, and the importance of representation in romance novels. Mel also delves into her subscription service, the Steam Box, and her new podcast, Romance Unleashed. The episode concludes with a lightning round, Instagram story time, and, as always, some great book recommendations. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Mel: Mel Saavedra, founder of Steamy Lit, is a proud Latina, Navy Veteran, and dog mom. A passionate reader of steamy romance, her love for the genre deepened in 2020. Noticing the lack of representation for authors of color in romance, she created Steamy Lit to empower discussions around sexuality and self-love, and to provide a platform for underrepresented authors. Books discussed on today’s episode: Brittainy Cherry's 'Elemental series' The Design of Us by Sajni Patel I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we chat with prolific and beloved audiobook narrator Natalie Naudus who shares her journey into the world of audiobooks. We discuss the challenges and rewards of the profession, including the process of bringing characters to life through voice. The episode provides an insider's look at the audiobook industry, and we discuss tips and tricks of the trade, how AI narration is disrupting the industry, her debut novel, and much more. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: PRIMETIME when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Natalie Naudus: Natalie Naudus is one of the most beloved audiobook narrators working today. She has won an Audie award and nine Earphones awards, and maintains a robust social media following. She lives with her family on a mountain in Virginia. Gay the Pray Away is her debut novel which was released in June 2024. Read Natalie's book: Gay the Pray Away Books discussed on today's episode: Interesting Facts about Space by Emily Austin Sucker by Daniel Hornsby Grey Dog by Elliott Gish Ring by Koji Suzuki

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we interview Kalima DeSuze, the owner of Cafe con Libros, an intersectional feminist bookstore and coffee shop in Brooklyn, New York. Kalima discusses the challenges of running a bookstore, the importance of community support, and the decision-making process behind stocking books. She also talks about the power of book clubs as spaces for discussion and connection, and the role of audiobooks in making reading more accessible. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. Books discussed on today’s episode: The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker

On today's episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sit down with NYT Bestselling author Claire Lombardo. We discuss her new book, Same As It Ever Was, as well as her previous novel, The Most Fun We Ever Had. We dive into her love for writing about family dynamics and the process of crafting realistic dialogue. She also shares what it’s like to be a bookseller at Prairie Lights Books and offers book recommendations. READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you’ll have three from the start. About Claire Lombardo: Claire Lombardo's debut novel, The Most Fun We Ever Had, was an instant New York Times bestseller and has been translated or is forthcoming in over a dozen languages. Her second novel, Same As It Ever Was, releases in June 2024. Her short fiction has appeared in, among others, Playboy, Barrelhouse Magazine, Little Fiction, and Longform. Read Claire’s books: Same As It Ever Was The Most Fun We Ever Had Books discussed on today's episode: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley The Sentence by Louise Erdrich Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark American Mermaid by Julia Langbein The Shining by Stephen King Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke And Other Misfortunes Hardcover by Eric LaRocca

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast Extravaganza, Craig and Karen interview Dr. Darcie Little Badger, author of "Elatsoe" and the prequel "Sheine Lende." Dr. Little Badger discusses her background as an oceanographer and her transition to full-time writing, the influence of her family on her work, and indigenous futurism. Photo: Bekah M. Photography READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get 2 extra free credits to use on any audiobooks. About Dr. Darcie Little Badger: Darcie Little Badger is a Lipan Apache writer with a PhD in oceanography. Her critically acclaimed debut novel, Elatsoe, was featured in Time Magazine as one of the best 100 fantasy books of all time. Elatsoe also won the Locus award for Best First Novel and is a Nebula, Ignyte, and Lodestar finalist. Her second fantasy novel, A Snake Falls to Earth, received a Nebula Award, an Ignyte Award, and a Newbery Honor and is on the National Book Awards longlist. Her third book, Sheine Lende, is the prequel to Elatsoe and will be published in 2024. Read Darcie’s books: Elatsoe Sheine Lende A Snake Falls to Earth Books discussed on today's episode: Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward The Grip of It by Jac Jemc James by Percival Everett