The Bookshop Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Tom Muckian & Roe River Books: The shortest river stands against the Amazon tide Apr 21, 2025

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In this episode, I chat with Tom Muckian about Roe River Books, a thriving independent bookshop in Dundalk, Ireland.

The name itself carries a powerful story of resistance. Tom deliberately named his shop after the world's shortest river as a symbolic counterpoint to Amazon, the world's longest. "I want to be the polar opposite of what Amazon represents," he explains. "I want to be about people and community and recommending books, not algorithms."
Most compelling is Tom's perspective on what makes a great bookseller—understanding that it's not about individual expertise but creating a collective team that connects with readers. "Maybe you don't become a great bookseller individually, but as a collective in a bookshop, as a team, you can become a great bookselling team."
Whether you're passionate about books, interested in Irish culture, or curious about the future of independent retail, Tom's story reminds us why physical bookshops remain vital cultural touchstones in our increasingly digital world. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with remarkable booksellers from around the globe.

Roe River Books

Adam LG Nevill

Louise Phillips

Not Your China Doll, Katie Gee Salisbury

Apeirogon: A Novel, Column McCann

Christine Dwyer Hickey

The Bookshop Podcast
Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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Author and Playwright Lucy Caldwell on Identity, Art, and Belonging Apr 07, 2025

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In this episode, I chat with Lucy Caldwell about contemporary Irish literature's vibrant yet complex landscape, her latest novel, These Days, and profound philosophical insights. Growing up in Belfast during the Troubles in a "mixed marriage" family—Protestant father, Catholic mother—Caldwell developed a unique perspective that informs her award-winning writing.

Lucy describes writing during the pandemic and experiencing "a portal between worlds" as she researched the Blitz while living through COVID lockdowns.
Lucy Caldwell was born in Belfast in 1981. She is the author of three previous novels, several stage plays and radio dramas, and three collections of short stories. She won the BBC National Short Story Award in 2021 for “All the People Were Mean and Bad.” Other awards include the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, the George Devine Award, the Dylan Thomas Prize, and a Major Individual Artist Award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2018, and in 2019, she was the editor of Being Various: New Irish Short Stories. In 2022, she was the recipient of the EM Forster Award from the American Academy of Arts & Letters for her body of work to date.

Lucy Caldwell

These Days, Lucy Caldwell

Jan Carson, Author

Glenn Paterson

Wendy Erskine, Author

Kerry Dougherty, Author

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Literary Visionary: Aina Marti of Héloïse Press Mar 31, 2025

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In this episode, I chat with Aina Marti, founder of Heloise Press, who shares her journey from academia to independent publishing and how she's created a home for contemporary female voices from around the world.
• From academic roots studying Spanish and English literature to completing a PhD in comparative literature
• How reading Rachel Cusk's Arlington Park became an epiphany moment that inspired her to start a publishing company
• The clear vision behind Heloise Press: publishing contemporary female voices telling women's stories that other women can relate to
• Working across languages and the importance of building strong relationships between authors and translators
• Why many internationally successful authors prefer working with smaller presses when being translated into English
• The value of continuing to publish multiple books by the same author to help build their presence in new markets
• Creating a cohesive visual identity with distinctive book covers designed by Laura Kloss
• How small and medium presses are taking risks on unique voices that larger publishing houses often overlook
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends and family, subscribe wherever you listen, and leave a review to help others discover the show.

Click Here to receive a 40% discount on Abandonment by Erminia Dell’Oro. The voucher code is bookshop to be applied at checkout.

Héloïse Press

Kairos, Jenny Erpenbeck

Barbara Pym Books

Arlington Park, Rachel Cusk

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Paul Rudnick's Latest Novel, What Is Wrong With You? Is A Laugh-Out-Loud Look At Modern Love Mar 24, 2025

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In this episode, Mandy welcomes Paul Rudnick back to the show to discuss his hilarious new novel What Is Wrong With You?

Synopsis

A tech billionaire and the flight attendant he’s marrying. A TV superhero who used to be married to the flight attendant. A Manhattan book editor and the sensitivity associate who got him fired. A twenty-three-year-old wild child prodigy who’s perhaps the savior of American literature. A vengeful Arkansas sheriff who sells a vitamin-enriched, ten-pounds-off-today demulsifier. A Wall Street bro who raps on TikTok. Two dentists—possibly stalking each other.
What do these people have in common? Invited or not, they’re all headed to the most anticipated destination wedding ever, on the billionaire’s private island, to seek romance, to cause mayhem, and to figure out everyone else’s futures and maybe even their own.
Find out what happens in Paul Rudnick’s heartfelt new novel, which dares to pose the question essential to anyone who’s ever been in love: What Is Wrong with You?
To get your copy of What Is Wrong With You? visit your local independent bookstore. The novel is available on March 25, 2025, from Simon & Schuster.

Paul Rudnick

What Is Wrong With You?, Paul Rudnick

The Dutch House, Ann Patchett

Long Island Compromise, Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Stag Dance, Torrey Peters

Our Evenings, Alan Hollinghurst

Miranda July Books

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From Bookshop to Publishing House: Jean-Paul L. Garnier's Literary Journey Mar 17, 2025

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In this episode, I speak with sci-fi writer, editor, and publisher Jean-Paul L. Garnier, who shares his journey from avid reader to the owner of Space Cowboy Books, a thriving indie bookstore and publishing house in Joshua Tree, California. He reveals how science fiction offers writers complete creative freedom to explore human psychology through fantastical settings.

More than just a desert bookstore, Space Cowboy Books represents a multifaceted literary ecosystem. Starting in 2016 as a modest shed, it quickly expanded into a proper storefront near Joshua Tree National Park – where the stunning landscape and dark skies provide constant inspiration. The store's "free books for kids" program showcases Garnier's commitment to childhood literacy, eventually growing into partnerships with local nonprofits to build school libraries.

Whether you're a science fiction enthusiast, aspiring writer, independent bookshop lover, or simply curious about literary entrepreneurship, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how one passionate reader created a thriving literary hub in the California desert.

To help the show reach more people, please share episodes with friends and family and on social media, and remember to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to this podcast.

Space Cowboy Books

Michael Moorcock Interview With Mandy Jackson-Beverly

Jean-Paul L. Garnier Books

Kurt Vonnegut Books

Frank Herbert Books

Michael Moorcock Books

Gloriana, Or The Unfulfill’d Queen, Michael Moorcock

Brent A. Harris

Mari Collier, Books

New Maps of Hell: A Survey of Science Fiction, Kingsley Amis

Thomas M. Disch Books

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The Layers of Legacy in Nayantara Roy's Debut Novel The Magnificent Ruins Mar 03, 2025

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Discover the intricate layers of family dynamics and cultural identity in The Magnificent Ruins, the debut novel by Nayantara Roy. Set against the vibrant backdrops of Brooklyn and Kolkata, the story centers around Lila, a millennial who inherits her grandfather's crumbling mansion, unleashing a wave of family secrets and legacies that challenge her understanding of self and history.
Nayantara enriches our conversation with her multicultural experiences, navigating the dual identities of a television executive and novelist. Her reflections on the cultural nuances of silence in familial relationships and the complexities of unspoken expectations within traditional Indian contexts resonate deeply, inviting listeners to explore their backgrounds.
As we delve into essential themes, including the process of writing across different mediums, Nayantara shares her unique insights into storytelling, emphasizing the interplay between words and visual narratives. This dialogue addresses sensitive subjects such as inherited trauma and the delicate balance between tradition and personal choice, making it relevant to anyone who has wrestled with their family's legacy.
Join us on this thought-provoking journey as we uncover the inspirations behind The Magnificent Ruins and gain a deeper understanding of how stories shape our identities. Check out the episode for a fascinating look into Nayantara's creative world, and be inspired to explore your own stories. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!

Nyantara Roy

The Magnificent Ruins

The Way You Make Me Feel, Nina Sharma

Events, Mandy Jackson-Beverly

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Kett's Books: A Community's Triumph in Wymondham, UK Feb 17, 2025

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The story of Kett's Books reveals how a community rallied to keep a beloved local bookshop in their town. Through the values of collaboration and empathy, the bookshop has become a thriving center for readers and volunteers alike, bridging the gap between literature and community.
• Discussion of the closure of the original local bookshop
• Formation of a community-led initiative to open Ketz Books
• Tracy's background as a story strategist and its relevance to bookselling
• The significance of the name Ketz Books and its historical roots
• Community involvement in curating the bookshop's offerings
• Overview of a typical day at the bookshop with volunteer engagement
• Insights into Wyndham's historical context and attractions
• Recommendations for local visitors on exploring Wyndham's literary scene

Kett’s Books

The Bookseller, Tim Sullivan

Creation Lake, Rachel Kushner

The Kings of London, William Shaw

The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, Shehan Karunatilaka

Abandonment, Erminia Dell’Oro

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From Journalism to Novels: Marissa Stapley on Writing, Grunge, and Creative Success Feb 03, 2025

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In this episode, I chat with Marissa Stapley about her novel The Lightning Bottles. The story navigates the intertwined paths of love, fame, and addiction through the lens of the 90s music scene. The episode explores themes of identity, media scrutiny, and the struggle for redemption, highlighting the complex dynamics between its characters.
• Discussion on the transition from journalism to fiction writing
• The role of deadlines in fostering creativity
• Key themes of addiction and codependency in relationships
• Exploration of media representations of women in music
• The significance of fan relationships and personal growth
• Insights into the writing and publishing journey
• Sharing of personal anecdotes related to addiction and redemption

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Mandy Jackson-Beverly
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Cathy Slater Owner of Dulwich Books, U.K. Jan 20, 2025

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Join me in conversation with Cathy Slater, owner of Dulwich Books, as she sheds light on the profound connection between independent bookstores and their communities. Through her journey, Cathy illustrates how booksellers can make a significant impact by understanding readers' needs while emphasizing diversity in literature and the importance of small presses.
In this episode:
• Sharing insights from a career in publishing to bookselling
• The lasting history and impact of Dulwich Books in its community
• Exploring the challenges and joys of promoting diverse literature
• The reciprocal relationship between the bookstore and local schools
• Advocating for the roles of small and medium presses in the industry
• Addressing how to engage children in reading amidst digital distractions
• Highlighting the passion-driven bookselling model and reader connection
Dulwich Books
James, Percival Everett

Richard Osman Books

William Boyd Books

Cormac McCarthy Books

Held, Anne Michaels

Sort of Books episode on The Bookshop Podcast

Oonagh Stransky (Héloïse Press) episode on The Bookshop Podcast

La Peste, Albert Camus

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, Judi Dench, Brendan O’Hea

Tom Lake, Ann Patchett

Sally Rooney Books

Dav Pilkey Books

Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell

Time of the Child, Niall Williams

Links to help with L.A. Fire Relief:

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Lost Angeles fire Department Foundation

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Innovative Bookshop Strategies Unveiled With Rosebud Book Barn's GM Matt Lupica Jan 06, 2025

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In this episode, I chat with Matt Lupica, General Manager of Rosebud Book Barn, a family-run independent bookstore in Victoria, Australia. We explore the unique relationship between the bookstore and its community, the importance of customer feedback, and the innovative tools that help independent bookstores thrive in today's digital age.
We also discuss:
• Insights into Matt's unconventional journey into bookselling
• The role of community in shaping the offerings at The Book Barn
• Exploring the integration of art supplies to cater to local artists
• The significance of YourBookstore.io in connecting readers and bookstores
• Using circlepos.com to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience
• Personal reading habits that include customer recommendations
• The evolving landscape of independent bookstores in Australia

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