National Literacy Trust Launches The Joy of Books Podcast to Promote Reading

The National Literacy Trust has launched The Joy of Books, a weekly podcast hosted by Gaby Huddart featuring celebrities sharing the books and stories that shaped their lives.
on Oct 16, 2026

National Literacy Trust Unveils Podcast – 'The Joy of Books'

The National Literacy Trust has created a weekly podcast called The Joy of Books, where celebrities talk about the books, stories, and poems which have shaped their lives and influenced them. This venture seeks to bring joy through reading to people's lives.

The podcast was launched on October 15, 2026, as one of the initiatives of the UK's National Year of Reading 2026 which encourages people to read regularly. This series will be presented by Gaby Huddart, celebrity interviewer and former Good Housekeeping editor.

The Celebrities Share Books That Influenced Them

In the first series, the guests come from all different walks of life, including science, broadcasting, entertainment, fitness, and business. The guests include the Dame Maggie Aderin, Joe Wicks, Paterson Joseph, Larry Lamb, Sophie Raworth, Monica Galetti, and Mary Portas.

A special live recording for Wimbledon BookFest will feature Clare Balding, who is the sports broadcaster and the author.

As opposed to concentrating on literary critique and books reviews, the podcast focuses on the personal connection to reading. The topics that are discussed are childhood favorites, books that gave comfort during tough times, books that had an effect on making decisions, and books that changed their perspective on the world around them.

Every episode features book suggestions based on the guests' experience.

First Episode Highlights Scientist Maggie Aderin

In the first episode, Maggie Aderin is featured as a space scientist as well as a science communicator to discuss the importance of reading in her childhood and professional life.

She shares her challenges in reading due to an undiagnosed case of dyslexia in her childhood. Later on, she developed a deep connection through books which is a great example of how reading opens new possibilities.

Other upcoming episodes will focus on the importance of books in forming a person’s perspective and experiences.

Promoting a Reading Culture

The show emerges from attempts to make reading more appealing and accessible to those who do not usually engage in it. The National Literacy Trust attempts to promote the interest of the audience in literature by connecting books with the lives and activities of well-known public personalities.

The project is a part of the overall National Year of Reading project, the goal of which is to incorporate reading into everyday routine and motivate people of various ages and backgrounds to take an interest in books.

Where to Listen to 'The Joy of Books'

The Joy of Books can be streamed through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other popular podcast channels. Each episode is released weekly on Thursdays, allowing people to explore new book suggestions and the influence of reading on people in various professional spheres of activity.

Through personal experiences and recommendations, the series tries to prove that reading can serve as company, inspiration, education, and joy throughout one's life.