The Waterstones Podcast

On Boxing Day 2022, whilst in Rome, Hanif Kureishi fell after feeling faint. When he awoke, he realised he couldn't move his limbs, and life changed profoundly for him and those around him. What hadn't changed was his desire to write, and Shattered brings together the blogs that he began just a few days after that accident. We joined him at home to speak about that desire to write, the impact of becoming disabled, and what this change has taught him about human nature.

After the completion of her seasonal quartet, readers will have been wondering where Ali Smith might take us next and it shouldn't be a surprise that a writer who had so successfully captured our present moment should seek to extend her gaze just a little further into an all too imaginable near future. Gliff forms the first part of a two book sequence, followed next year by its sister novel, Glyph. We sat down with her to discuss the process of storytelling, the nature of dystopia, and why she still has hope for our future.

From his mega-selling debut, to viral superstardom and a career-renaissance that continues to this day, Rick Astley’s life has always been filed with music. We sat down to speak with him about first singles, making tea for Pete Waterman and why, despite the hardships, gratitude is so important.

Sometimes you want a second helping, and so it is with Stanley Tucci. After speaking with him about his memoir Taste, we were delighted to chat again about his new book, What I Ate In One Year (and related thoughts). Not just a chance to share some of his favorite food, but also the importance of friends, family, and making the most of every moment. Pull up a chair and join us.