Always Take Notes

I really enjoy Always Take Notes. It has the most incredible guests. My favourites so far are Harlen Coben and Lee Child. But it’s great when they move away into screenwriting and other platforms (James Graham and David Nicholls are also fab interviewees.) Simon and Rachel are intelligent and articulate interviewers. The most heartening thing to hear is how successful writers have struggled, either creatively, financially or emotionally with their work - but have found a way through. Also a useful and inspirational listen for non-writers: for people interested more widely in literature or creativity.

As a graduate of an MA in Magazine Journalism, I recently discovered a podcast that perfectly complements and extends what I learned during my course. Even after graduation, I continue to learn something new from each episode. The best part is that most of the guest speakers are working journalists, making it feel like attending hundreds of journalism seminars without actually having to go. I highly recommend it!

Simon and Rachel are a brilliant interview duo and always ask the interesting and sometimes tough questions. It means you get to hear a different side to some really famous authors. Full of advice you can use in your own writing practice.

I enjoy this podcast because the guests are very interesting and give a good insight into their working world. The style is a little awkward and stilted: the interviewers appear to pre-plan all their questions precisely so they barely respond to what the guest says. I think if I was the guest I would find it a bit rude. They should work on their active listening.