This year offered no shortage of excellent listening – from staggering sci-fi and far-out fantasy to memoirs and non-fiction that dominated the headlines. But such triumphs of storytelling don't begin or end with the narrative resounding through your headphones. Our team had the great honour of sitting down with the creators behind our favourite listens to discuss everything from their inspirations to what's coming next. At turns revelatory and light-hearted, these are the conversations that stuck with us the most. We hope you enjoy revisiting them as much as we loved recording them.
1. Playwright David Hare shared thoughts on theatre and surviving COVID-19.
Audible founder Don Katz chatted with renowned playwright David Hare about his new Audible Original, the power of great monologue and what you can learn when you nearly lose your life.
2. Carley Fortune considered how her background in journalism shapes her fiction.
The bestselling author talked about how she chooses her sumptuous settings, why she loves second-chance romances, and that Harry and Meghan adaptation.
3. The one and only Dan Aykroyd offered a playlist for music-curious listeners.
In his audio doc The Arc of Gratitude, Aykroyd lovingly reflects on the music, memories and madcap moments that brought Jake and Elwood Blues to life.
4. Kristin Hannah explained where and how she draws the line between history and fiction.
The author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds shared why now was the time to tell the story that’s been simmering in her imagination for decades.
5. Chuck Tingle opened up about the jump to mainstream publishing.
The cult-favorite author on queer representation, being an autistic buckaroo and why horror is like a form of exercise.
6. Journalist Oliver Burkeman helped us find our zen.
The bestselling author offered philosophical yet practical, bite-size advice for making meaningful change happen.
7. Lily Chu spilled on her all-time favourite romance tropes.
Drawing from a love of obituaries, mysteries and cats, Chu's latest takes listeners on a roller-coaster journey through intrigue, humour and unexpected romance.
8. Yuval Noah Harari detailed how artificial intelligence is an innovation not unlike the atom bomb.
The historian and bestselling author talked about how intelligence differs from consciousness, why we need more boring politicians, and his post-Sapiens fame.
9. Lev Grossman revealed what his knightly moniker would be.
The bestselling author of The Magicians on the legend of King Arthur and the surprising diversity of the Round Table.
10. Matt Haig talked about the chaotic side of creation.
The bestselling author of The Midnight Library's new book is an ode to recovery told through the epistolary tale of a retired teacher finding a new life in Ibiza.
The best editorial features of 2024
An assortment of collections, essays, and more, here are 10 of our favorite posts from this year.
