Book Slam Podcast

The 73rd and, by all accounts, final Book Slam Podcast finds sisters doing it for themselves and the rest of us too. It features poetry from the brilliant CHIMENE SULEYMAN, ace music from JAGAARA, and SHAMI CHAKRABARTI introducing us to 'On Liberty' - simply essential. There's our hero SALENA GODDEN reading from her exceptional memoir, 'Springfield Road', and we close with the estimable LAURA BATES issuing a rallying cry from her book, 'Everyday Sexism'. Patrick's waxing melancholic, Elliott's waxing his car.

The 72nd Book Slam Podcast features the poetic talents of SOPHIA THAKUR, the comedic intellect of SIMON RICH, discussing his latest collection of stories, 'Spoiled Brats', and the intellectual comedy of MARK WATSON, reading from his truly brilliant novel, 'Hotel Alpha'. Elliott's not funny, Patrick's not smart.

Book Slam hits new heights with some prime pugilism of the literary variety. BILL HILLMAN (prize-fighter, gang-banger, bull runner) reads from his gripping debut novel, 'The Old Neighborhood', guitarist from The Slits and punk pioneer, VIV ALBERTINE, introduces her memoir, 'Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys' and Mercury Prize nominee and laureate of the lost, KATE TEMPEST, tells it exactly like it is. Cheery? Not quite. Essential? Most definitely. Elliott has the sponge, Patrick's on cuts and Vaseline.

Book Slam, London's favourite live literary juke joint, reaches three score podcasts and ten. It's all downhill from here. Nonetheless, we remain determined to enjoy the spoken word talents of the brilliant JESS GREEN and truly exceptional music from FIONA BEVAN. What's more, there's an interview with bestselling American crime writer, LAURA LIPPMAN, and she reads us a short story that made our hearts skip. Patrick's into 1D, Elliott's 2D at best.

The 69th Book Slam podcast is short, but serious - the perfect accompaniment, for example, for an earnest morning journey from Vauxhall to Old Street by public transport (other journeys and modes of carriage are available). Our old mucker NIKESH SHUKLA reads from his novel 'Meatspace' and discusses 'A God In Every Stone' with its brilliant author, KAMILA SHAMSIE. Music comes from LAURA J MARTIN. Elliott's on it, Patrick's on one.

Book Slam's 68th podcast rushes along like a train in the company of NED BEAUMAN discussing his new novel 'Glow', and EMMA JANE UNSWORTH introducing 'Animals'. There's music from BENIN CITY who put the 'ill' into brillo pads and poetry from ELVIS MCGONAGALL, putting the 'don' into Caledonia. Patrick's got beard envy, Elliott's got every other kind. 

The 67th Book Slam podcast is brought to you directly (and literally) from the studio floor. Guests include our founder, BEN WATT, of Everything But The Girl fame, reading from and discussing his extraordinary memoir, 'Romany And Tom', poetry from the brilliant WILL BURNS, stunning music from ANOUSHKA LUKAS, and a little snippet of our favourite Beard, FRANCESCA BEARD. Patrick is high on Tramadol and Diazepam, Elliott's high on life.

Book Slam's 66th Podcast marks something of a return to form with lots of clever people reading clever stuff in a clever, but nonetheless engaging, fashion, which nods coyly in the direction of postmodernism before sensibly leaving on the arm of narrative. Quite. The clever include SHEILA HETI, reading from and discussing 'How Should A Person Be', GARY SHTEYNGART, reading from and discussing 'Little Failure', and our dear friend NIKESH SHUKLA, an arse so smart that he provokes in most an involuntary tug of the forelock. Have you read his new novel 'Meatspace' yet? You really should. There's also great music from JAKE ISAAC. Patrick and Elliott are not clever. Some people think they just play thick from some misplaced desire to fit into to an increasingly asinine world. These people are wrong.  

The 65th Book Slam Podcast is chock full of fascinating content undermined by some rather low rent banter and lousy production. Sorry. Guests include the brilliant JONATHAN LETHEM, reading from and discussing 'Dissident Gardens', DOMINIC FRISBY describing 'Life After The State' and fabulous music from LAURA GROVES. Elliott's just been for a run, Patrick turns up his nose.

The 64th podcast from Book Slam, London's best night of word and music, is an unusually entertaining one. It features Patrick's hero and satirist for hire, ANDY ZALTZMAN, a song from the excellent, SIVU, and an extract from the phenomenon that is CHUCK PALAHNIUK's story, 'Romance'. Patrick's a little giggly, Elliott's altogether more composed.

The 63rd Book Slam Podcast is noted in society for its hosts' exquisite good taste and pop cultural references from the 1990s (Teddy Riley anyone?). This episode features BERNARDINE EVARISTO reading from 'Mr Loverman', one of our most favouritest novels of recent years, the righteous poetry of DEAN ATTA, and exquisite music from AYANNA WITTER-JOHNSON. Patrick says, 'Am I the man from Del Monte?' Elliott says, 'Not so much.'

The 62nd Book Slam Podcast is fuller than a family bucket and arguably more sustaining. It features DBC Pierre, reading from and discussing the brilliant 'Petit Mal', Michael Smith introducing us to 'Unreal City', music from Thabo and The Real Deal, comedy from Matt Okine,and the ineffable Salena Godden's memoir, 'Springfield Road'. Elliott and Patrick reunite in a London studio for the first time in months to remarkably familiar effect.

Book Slam's 61st podcast is a transcontinental miracle of modern technology, which visits Lausanne, the 1960s and a festival Wilderness all via the magic of Skype. Guests include William Bond Boyd, discussing and reading from 'Solo', and Emylia Hall, introducing us to her new novel, 'A Heart Bent Out Of Shape'. Music comes from Lewis Floyd Henry and there's original poetry from Chris Head. Patrick is somewhat incoherent down the line from Zimbabwe, Elliott is somewhat incoherent.

The 60th Book Slam podcast has a sensibility both African and diasporic, featuring artists from our collaboration with the London African Music Festival. They include Noo Saro-Wiwa, reading from and discussing her brilliant book 'Looking For Transwonderland: Travels In Nigeria', plus poetry from Trinidadian maestro Roger Robinson and gifted Zimbabwean newcomer Belinda Zhawi. Patrick is struggling to stay relevant, Elliott struggling to care.

Book Slam's 59th podcast takes a trip down memory lane in the company of comedian and writer Viv Groskop, with whom Patrick once worked on a 'leading men's lifestyle periodical'. She subsequently went on to better things including her book 'I Laughed, I Cried'. Also featured is the remarkable Simon Rich who was one of the youngest ever writers on Saturday Night Live and looks considerably younger than that. He reads from the excellent 'The Last Girlfriend On Earth'. There is also magical music from Ana Silvera while Patrick waxes lyrical and Elliott simply wanes.

The 58th Book Slam Podcast finds Elliott abandoned and alone. He appears unfazed. He introduces spoken word from the quite brilliant TALIA RANDALL, plus readings from and interviews with MATT RUDD, author of 'The English: A Field Guide', and singer, broadcaster and now author, CERYS MATTHEWS. Check out Cerys's passion for songs and songwriting - she's an impressive lady. Patrick is not there, Elliott is not all there.

Book Slam's 57th Podcast is, frankly, one of our better ones. It features a brilliant reading from his novel 'Coconut Unlimited' by our old friend NIKESH SHUKLA; an excellent interview with WILL SELF, a man who puts the 'brio' into 'lugubriousness'; comedy from the SARA PASCOE; and beautiful music from GEORGE EZRA. Elliott is funny ha ha, Patrick is funny peculiar.

The 56th Book Slam Podcast includes MATT HAIG expressing an alien view of 'The Humans', ROSS SUTHERLAND dedicating a poem to someone very special, simply beautiful music from the extraordinary SOAK, and CAITLIN MORAN on being late for the Prime Minister. Patrick is taking ibuprofen, Elliott notes that the drugs don't work.

Book Slam's 55th Podcast features talk of 'cankles', the oxymoronic nature of self-help, and esoteric idiom. HADLEY FREEMAN reads from 'Be Awesome: Modern Life For Modern Ladies', PATRICK NESS introduces us to his briliant new novel, 'The Crane Wife', and MOHSIN HAMID is 'Filthy Rich In Rising Asia'. There's even truly beautiful music from the remarkable NADINE SHAH. Elliott is the Reverend William Archibald Spooner, Patrick is Mrs Malaprop. 

The 54th Book Slam Podcast is a brief madness, but no less angry for that. NIALL GRIFFITHS reads from his latest novel, 'A Great Big Shining Star', and explains why he's no misanthropist but high on life, SARA PASCOE's not feeling herself (but her boyfriend may be) and OLIVIA CHANEY just plain blew off our pop socks. Elliott's joined in the studio by SALENA GODDEN (pictured): they have more chemistry than copper sulphate.

Book Slam's 53rd podcast sees us put the 'anti' into 'Valantine's day' (sic) as Dan Rhodes launches his excellent collection of short stories, 'Marry Me', Aidan Moffat sings songs about swinging, and Tim Key makes us all feel slightly mad. There's also a snippet of our friend Nikesh Shukla reading his story from 'Too Much Too Young: Book Slam Vol. II' at the very first Book Slam Bristol (hear that country air!). Elliott is Cupid, Patrick is stupid.

The 52nd Book Slam podcast concludes the most overblown spell of coalitionary self-congratulation since Dave and Nick first tickled each other's fancy. In this case, we continue to celebrate the launch of 'Too Much Too Young: Book Slam Vol. II', with contributors David Nicholls and Jackie Kay reading from their brand new short stories; plus Stephen K Amos introducing his brilliant memoir, 'I Used To Say My Mother Was Shirley Bassey', and live music from Kyla La Grange. Elliott is probably Clegg, Patrick is probably Compo.

Book Slam's 51st podcast sees something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue to celebrate the launch of 'Too Much Too Young: Book Slam Vol. 2'. There are snippets of specially-commissioned, spanking new short stories from Jesse Armstrong (pictured) and Diana Evans, Peter Serafinowicz revisits Lolita 60 years later to filthy effect, and Luke Wright celebrates the oldest pillar of the new establishment. Elliott and Patrick remain trapped in a joyless marriage of inconvenience.

Book Slam celebrates a number of birthdays - the podcast is 50, Scarlet Horley is three weeks and Patrick is precisely twice the age he thinks he is. Literary invention is provided by the ever-excellent Simon Armitage, reading from and discussing his new book, 'Walking Home'; Mark Grist provides a charming counterpoint to any of the worst things you ever thought about poets, battle rappers and, indeed, teachers; and Josh Kumra proves that Swindon has more to offer than ... well ... whatever else it has to offer. Patrick is feeling an old man, Elliott suggests he keeps his hands to himself.

Much of the 49th Book Slam podcast may or may not have been recorded in a storm drain. But, never mind the quality, feel the width as we hear Zadie Smith read from and discuss her new novel, 'NW', and her little brother, Doc Brown, tell some stories of his own about growing up on the mean streets of Nort' Weezy. There's music from the brilliant Piers Faccini and poetry from the artistic polyglot that is Keaton Henson. Patrick literally dons his pith helmet while Elliott metaphorically bombards him with conkers.

The 48th Book Slam podcast is not just an attempt to board the Olympic bandwagon. Oh no. It includes comedian, novelist and medallist of charming self-deprecation, Mark Watson, reading from and discussing his new novel, 'The Knot'; official Olympic poet, Caroline Bird; and the jaw-dropping talent that is 14 year-old singer-songwriter, Mahalia (or, as we call her, 'the legacy'). There is also Nicholas Lezard reading from his work in progress, 'The Nolympics', which, for all its good sense, may yet turn out to have judged the public mood about as well as Aidan Burley. Salena is bidding for Olympic glory, Elliott is bidding for a Breville on eBay.

The 47th Book Slam podcast finds Elliott Jack and Salena Godden reading woodenly from what may be loosely described as a 'script'. They soon warm up, however, thanks to top dollar music from Tanya Auclair and Purple Ferdinand, top drawer prose from Chris Cleave and Marina Lewycka and top shelf poetry from Lemn Sissay and Roger Robinson. Elliott is a mild-mannered janitor, Salena is Hong Kong Phooey

The 46th Book Slam podcast is a bijou affair, which finds James Sallis, exponent of classic existential noir, reading from his stunning new novel, 'Driven', and a rare and captivating live performance from that poetic, musical soul Keaton Henson. Patrick is back from his travels, Elliott is less than interested.

The 45th Book Slam podcast has a decidedly Celtic fringe as we reflect on the launch of Irvine Welsh's coruscating prequel to 'Trainspotting', 'Skagboys'. With poetry from the ever-entertaining Elvis McGonagall, Slytherin magic from Barry and Stuart and age-appropriate proto-rave from the exquisitely-named Drums Of Death, this is much more fun than getting high in an Edinburgh squat circa 1983. There's also a triptych from Irvine himself: an interview with Alex Rayner, a reading from the book and a snippet from the great man's contribution to 'One For The Trouble'. Salena returns as Madame Cholet, Elliott is undoubtedly Orinoco.

At 44, the Book Slam podcast finally faces up to the realities of middle-age with poet and one time army major Martin Figura, before celebrating a creative Indian summer with our hero, William Boyd (pictured, badly), and contemplating the sheer beauty of it all with Jono McCleery. Elliott gushes with his usual aplomb (take that as you will) and is heard to remark to co-host Salena Godden, 'To think I spent all that time working with a bald, fat bloke. Life is much improved ...' 

Book Slam's 43rd podcast chops the dead wood, sets it ablaze and then burns an effigy of it, on it, so to speak ... Suffice to say, Elliott Jack and Francesca Beard (pictured, © Nick Cunard) introduce Jon McGregor and his brilliant collection of short stories 'This Sort Of Thing Doesn't Happen To Someone Like You', Rachel Rose Reid waxing Dickensian, Heidi Vogel being highly vocal and an ace new short story from Charles Beckett. Elliott steps out of the shadows, Francesca removes his spectacles and says, 'Miss Jones ...'

The 42nd Book Slam podcast bids farewell to the legend that is Gil Scott-Heron and celebrates the publication of his posthumous memoir, 'The Last Holiday'. We're joined by his longtime collaborator Astro/ Harmonica Music, plus poets Salena Godden, Kate Tempest and Ben Mellor. We also say so long to Patrick for a bit. I don't suppose we'll miss him much. Patrick wells up, Elliott cuts him down to size.

The 41st Book Slam podcast is a shambolic affair brought to you live from the launch of 'One For The Trouble'. Patrick and Elliott are to blame. Fortunately, there remains much to enjoy as David Nicholls reads from and discusses 'One Day' for (possibly?) the last time, Luke Wright delivers an alliterative account of the Essex estuary and there are interviews with Bernardine Evaristo, Richard Milward and Mark Strong about why they got involved in the Book Slam Annual.

The rip-roaring 40th Book Slam podcast is jam-packed with all kinds of good stuff, including music from the remarkable Izzi Dunn, Craig Taylor reading from his brilliant 'Londoners', poetry from Elvis McGonagall, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie reading from her short story 'Quality Street', and an interview with co-creator of The League Of Gentlemen and Ghost Stories, Jeremy Dyson. Plus! Plus! Pluuussss! An exclusive extract from 'One For The Trouble - Book Slam Vol.1' - a snippet of William Boyd's story, 'Tears Of A Clown', read by the wonderful Olivia Colman (pictured), famous for, among many other things, Tyrannosaur. Patrick loses the plot, Elliott loses interest.

The 39th Book Slam podcast features Sapphire, of 'Precious' fame, discussing and reading from her new novel, 'The Kid'; our favourite multi-dimensional writer and performer, Kate  Tempest, and her band, Sound Of Rum; and our old friend BREIS, a brilliant rapper who educates intelligent students (and even an irascible so-and-so). Patrick waxes acronymical, Elliott wanes.

Book Slam's 38th podcast features handsome, talented and successful authors Hari Kunzru (pictured) and Joe Dunthorne discuss their spanking new novels, 'Gods Without Men' and 'Wild Abandon' respectively. There's also live music from the unique and thoroughly brilliant El Crisis. Patrick gushes and Elliott is mildly embarrassed by the whole thing.

The 37th Book Slam podcast sees super-cool journalists, Grace Dent (pictured) and Caitlin Moran, go head to head with their not-self-help-self-help books, 'How To Leave Twitter' and 'How To Be A Woman' respectively. There's also new novelist Peter Salmon reading from his brilliant debut, 'The Coffee Story', and live music from Cornelia. Patrick and Elliott put the 'mate' into 'amateurish'.

The 36th edition of the Book Slam podcast features the heroic Jon Ronson (pictured trying to escape) reading from his new book, 'The Psychopath Test', and fighting the fatigue of a rampaging bandwagon; our old sparring partner Francesca Beard showcasing some of her latest poems; and live music from the delightful Hannah Peel. Patrick waxes lyrical, Elliott waxes his scooter.

Episode 35 of the Book Slam podcast includes Mohsin Hamid (pictured), author of the Booker-shortlisted 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist', discussing the paperback publication of his remarkable novel, 'Moth Smoke'. There's also performance and barber chat from poet, prankster and polymath, Shane Solanki, and ripping live music from the supremely talented Misty Miller. Patrick remains sadly misunderstood, Elliott remains more or less incomprehensible. 

The 34th Book Slam podcast is a bumper edition, with Man Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri discussing 'A Time For New Dreams', Simon Armitage picking up hitchers, and Philip Wells catching alight. There's also our old friend Joe Dunthorne reading from 'Submarine', music from Tanya Auclair and debut novelist Nikesh Shukla discussing 'Coconut Unlimited' and facing up to the robo-charm of Angebot. Patrick is lugubrious, Elliott reaches for the dictionary.

The 33rd Book Slam podcast features 'multi award-winning author' Andrea Levy discussing her exceptional new novel, 'The Long Song', and David Levithan reading definitively from 'The Lover's Dictionary'. We listen to Roger Robinson describe the day the world didn't end, while the extraordinary Eska (pictured) reduces Patrick to tears. There is also a free audiobook for anyone who wants it, courtesy of Audible. Elliott loses his marbles, Patrick loses patience.

The 32nd Book Slam podcast buys into postmodern identity crises in the company of Man Booker Prize-winner, Howard Jacobson, author of the downright fabulous, 'The Finkler Question', and celebrated poet and novelist, Jackie Kay, author of, 'Red Dust Road', the funniest misery memoir this side of Blair's 'Journey'. There's top live music from Kirstenana and a free audiobook for all listeners courtesy of Audible and the most shameless sellout since that meerkat took the corporate buck. Elliott is funny, Patrick takes the money.

The Book Slam podcast bids goodbye to the year that was, with prose from Rupert Thomson (reading from his extraordinary memoir, 'This Party's Got To Stop'), poetry from Luke Wright, and post-folk poignancy from Hailey Beavis. We also meet Jesse Armstrong, half the comedy muscle flexed on the likes of 'The Thick Of It', 'Peep Show' and 'Four Lions', while acclaimed novelist and critic, Geoff Dyer, squares up to Angebot and the Book Slam Big 5. Elliott is laconic, Patrick bionic.

The 30th Book Slam podcast features the inimitable Salena Godden (pictured) doing an excellent impression of herself, DBC Pierre discussing his latest novel, 'Lights Out In Wonderland' and one-man-and-his-pram Lewis Floyd Henry tearing it up like a poster boy for post-Hendrix. Plus acclaimed poet Ruth Padel faces the fear of Angebot and the Book Slam Big 5. Patrick thanks everyone, no thanks to Elliott. 

This month, we thought we'd give you a little bonus for being so good. This is Joe Dunthorne, author of the acclaimed 'Submarine', reading a 'choose your own adventure' story at Book Slam. It's very rude. For that, of course, you must blame the audience.

The 29th Book Slam podcast is a veritable jamboree, featuring some of contemporary literature's biggest names; including Will Self reading from his latest book, 'Walking To Hollywood', Hanif Kureishi discussing a new collection of short stories, poetry from Joe Dunthorne, music from Milly Blue and Jesca Hoop, and Tariq Ali facing up to the challenges of the Book Slam Big 5. Elliott's glass is half full, Patrick's half empty.

The 28th Book Slam podcast includes an interview with Diana Evans talking about her new novel, 'The Wonder', poetry from Ross Sutherland and Kate Tempest (pictured) and music from Paprika Duo. The estimable Philip Pullman faces up to Angebot and the Book Slam Big 5, and Patrick and Elliott trade witty banter worthy of Loose Women.

Book Slam's 27th podcast hums and, indeed, dings to the company of David Eagleman, author of 'Sum' and founder of possibilianism. There's Alan Warner reading from his latest novel, 'The Stars In The Bright Sky', poetry from Kate Tempest and MOBO Award-winner Akala, and brilliant live music from Liam Bailey and Obenewa (pictured).  Elliott finds everything funny, Patrick less so. 

The 26th Book Slam podcast finds Dan Rhodes being very funny as the reads from his latest mini-classic, 'Little Hands Clapping', and Marlon James talking about and reading from his remarkable new novel, 'The Book Of Night Women'. There's poetry from Jacob Sam-La Rose and the brilliant Ange Boxall takes it a little bit country. Elliott's a little bit, Patrick's a little bit more.  

Book Slam's 25th podcast finds Jonathan Safran Foer discussing a dog for dinner, Paul Murray reading from his brilliant novel, 'Skippy Dies', poetry from Malika Booker and music from Plaster Of Paris and Valentina. Patrick's just had a baby, Elliott's just had a Cornetto.