S&S UK launch monthly podcast series

Simon & Schuster UK has launched a new podcast offering interviews, insights, discussions and ideas as well as exclusive essays from authors, on the world of books, culture and society.

Each monthly episode of "The Words" will present a different theme with an exchange of ideas from leading fiction and non-fiction authors from across the publisher’s list. Every podcast will include a panel discussion on a headline topic, an in-depth author interview on a new release as well as a specially-commissioned essay or short story related to the issue.

Presented by arts journalist Rosie Goldsmith, the podcast launched on Monday (29th January) with "The Words On Sexism" where three writers whose recent books explore the pervasive culture of sexism in society join in a panel discussion.

In this month's episode, Laura Bates of Everyday Sexism and Girl Up join Anne Helen Petersen, writer of Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud and Anatomy of a Scandal author Sarah Vaughan to discuss the challenges of sexism in society, politics, education and entertainment. Vaughan explores issues from her recently published political thriller in the episode, which showcases clips from the audiobook to frame the discussion. Bates also reads an exclusive essay from her forthcoming collection, Misogynation.

Guests for forthcoming episodes include Philippa Gregory, Benjamin Zephaniah, Chris Carter, Louise Candlish, Lisa Cutts, Andrew Wilson, Ben Holden, Santa Montefiore, tackling issues such as leadership, mental health, rebellion and creativity. The podcasts are developed with consultancy and production house West End Media.

“In an era where savvy listeners can choose from a plethora of literary programmes, offering theme-led discussions and exclusive content is key," said Davy Nougarede, producer at West End Media. "Every month, The Words podcast will bring authors together to debate openly over topics, which are engaging, sometimes controversial, but always relevant.”

Dawn Burnett, marketing director at S&S UK, said: "Creating original content by such captivating voices and bringing them together in this quality production is an enormously exciting new project for Simon & Schuster.”

She added: “We hope the topical themes in this series will have wide appeal to all sorts of listeners across the globe looking for something a bit different from other publisher podcasts."

Goldsmiths revealed that “the combination of great books, top authors and lively topical debate with quality audio and production is a magical formula and for me personally and professionally this is a dream come true".

For more information, visit the podcast's website.