This year offered no shortage of excellent listening – from staggering sci-fi and far-out fantasy to memoirs and non-fiction that dominated the headlines. But such triumphs of storytelling don't begin or end with the book resounding through your headphones. Our team had the great honour of sitting down with the creators behind our favourite listens to discuss everything from their inspirations to what's coming next. At turns revelatory and light-hearted, these are the conversations that stuck with us the most. We hope you enjoy revisiting them as much as we loved recording them.
1. Playwright David Hare shared thoughts on theatre and surviving COVID-19.
Audible founder Don Katz chatted with renowned playwright David Hare about his new Audible Original, the power of great monologue and what you can learn when you nearly lose your life.
2. Journalist Oliver Burkeman helped us find our zen.
The bestselling author offers philosophical yet practical, bite-size advice for making meaningful change happen.
3. Lily Chu dished on her all-time favourite romance tropes.
Drawing from a love of obituaries, mysteries and cats, Chu's latest takes listeners on a roller-coaster journey through intrigue, humour and unexpected romance.
4. Yuval Noah Harari detailed how artificial intelligence is an innovation not unlike the atom bomb.
The historian and bestselling author talked about how intelligence differs from consciousness, why we need more boring politicians, and his post-Sapiens fame.
5. Lev Grossman revealed what his knightly moniker would be.
The bestselling author of The Magicians on reimagining the legend of King Arthur and the surprising diversity of the Round Table.
6. Liane Moriarty got real about whether or not she believes in psychics.
The beloved author delivers a fast-paced, richly layered tale that explores fate versus free will in Here One Moment.
7. Joe White discussed 1984's star-studded casting and surprisingly steamy moments.
The playwright spills behind-the-scenes secrets of his hit audio dramatisation, from the thrill (and trepidation) of adapting Orwell to that viral torture scene.
8. Frances White talked TikTok's impact on the reach of her debut.
Voyage of the Damned is a delightful genre-bender brimming with humour, fantasy and a delicious whodunit plot.
9. Charles Duhigg emphasised the importance of conversation.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist’s latest work explores the skills we need to connect with others and deeply enrich our own lives in the process.
10. Tana French opened up about what it's like to see her work adapted for the screen.
The celebrated literary crime fiction writer on stretching the boundaries of genre, the power of outsiders and whether we can expect a Cal Hooper trilogy.
The best editorial features of 2024
An assortment of collections, essays, and more, here are 10 of our favorite posts from this year.
