Today (Thursday 15 October 2026) we launched a brand-new podcast all about the joy of reading and the books and stories which shape our lives.
The Joy of Books is a weekly podcast hosted by Gaby Huddart, celebrity interviewer and former editor of Good Housekeeping, and featuring some of the best-known names from the worlds of acting, broadcasting, cooking, science, retail and fitness.
Guests are invited to share their relationship with reading – from first childhood favourites to the books that offered comfort in difficult times, changed the way guests saw the world, inspired their life choices or simply made them happy.
Guests for the podcast’s first series include Dame Maggie Aderin, Joe Wicks, Paterson Joseph, Larry Lamb, Sophie Raworth, Monica Galetti and Mary Portas OBE.
There will also be a special live recording with sports broadcaster and author Clare Balding from the Wimbledon BookFest, which attendees of the festival can sign up for to attend in-person on Sunday 25 October.
“What an absolute joy it has been to delve into the books, stories and poems that have shaped the lives of some of the nation’s favourite people during this incredibly special year – the National Year of Reading. At a time when fewer people are reading, this podcast is a reminder of just how essential books can be to our lives. It has been fascinating to hear the precious stories behind the books that have had such a profound impact on the lives of people who have helped shape the cultural landscape of the UK.”
Host, Gaby Huddart
Our podcast launches during the National Year of Reading 2026, the biggest campaign in a generation designed to inspire everyone to discover a passion for reading and embed it into everyday life by connecting it to our interests, hobbies and passions.
Through the personal stories of its guests, The Joy of Books explores how reading can shape our lives – opening-up new worlds, inspiring decisions, offering comfort and companionship, and bringing joy at every stage of life.
Listeners can also expect to come away from each episode with plenty of reading recommendations to add to their list.
The very first episode of The Joy of Books is available to enjoy now, whether you listen on your preferred streaming platform or watch along on YouTube. Episode one welcomes Dame Dr Maggie Aderin, space scientist and science communicator, to the podcast as she takes us through her reading journey from childhood struggles with undiagnosed dyslexia to forming a meaningful connection to stories throughout her life and astonishing career.
The Joy of Books is available from Apple, Spotify, YouTube and on all podcast platforms, with new weekly episodes released every Thursday.