The Joy of Books podcast
Explore the books that make us who we are
Add a bookmark to your week and discover The Joy of Books – the new podcast series from the National Literacy Trust launched during the National Year of Reading.
For book lovers, poetry lovers and anyone who loves a great recommendation, this podcast explores the books, stories and poems that make us who we are.
Join Gaby Huddart, celebrity interviewer and former Good Housekeeping Editorial Director, as she invites some of Britain’s best-known names, including Dame Dr Maggie Aderin, Joe Wicks, Paterson Joseph, Clare Balding, Larry Lamb, Sophie Raworth, Monica Galetti and Mary Portas OBE, to revisit their earliest reading memories, the books that got them through tough times, the ones that changed their lives or changed the way they saw the world, and those guaranteed to lift their spirits.
Where can I listen to the podcast?
New episodes released every Thursday from 15 October 2026 – you won't want to miss an episode.
Listen over ten episodes and explore the extraordinary relationship we can have with reading. Expect childhood favourites, personal stories, treasured poems, unexpected discoveries and plenty of recommendations to add to your reading list and book club TBR pile.
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Listen wherever you get your podcasts
Search for The Joy of Books on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream your audio.
LISTEN to the podcast (if you're accessing this link from your mobile device)
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Watch all episodes on YouTube
Released weekly from Thursday 15 October 2026.
Episode three: Joe Wicks
Episode three's guest is fitness coach, presenter and author Joe Wicks aka The Body Coach. Joe sits down with host Gaby to discuss the books that helped him through a difficult childhood and the ones that have shaped the dad he is today.
Everyone should experience the joy of books
Donate today and help more children and young people discover a transformative love of books
Donate today
We know there is joy in books.
But at the heart of this podcast and our shared love of books, is the resounding realisation that literacy changes everything. It brings communities together to talk about their favourite books and shared experiences of reading.
Literacy also opens doors to knowledge, confidence and opportunity.
It means wider understanding of the world around us, better results at school, and better jobs. But for too many people across the UK, they do not have these vital literacy skills, which makes life much harder.
The National Literacy Trust is changing that by helping people overcome these challenges and developing reading, writing, speaking and listening skills from a child’s very first words through to school, work and beyond.
But we rely on the generosity of supporters to continue this transformative work.
Will you donate and change a child's life story?
Just £25 could give a child access to inspiring programmes that will spark a love of reading or nurture vital writing skills so that every child and young person can feel more confident to share their own story.
Donate today
Other ways you can support our work
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Giving in memory will help us to give a new generation the gift of reading.Learn more
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Leaving a legacy to the National Literacy Trust in your will is a really valuable way to contribute to our vital work supporting the literacy skills of children growing up...Learn more
How we are changing life stories through the joy of books
The National Literacy Trust is committed to standing side by side with communities across the UK to tackle literacy inequality. We provide access to books and the accompanying imaginative activities and supportive guidance for children, families and young people that will help them discover a lifelong love of reading.
