Best Books for Podcasting & Podcasters

As podcast fans, we love long-form content, packed with value. We’re not here for surface-level stuff. We want real conversations and perspective-changing moments. So it’s no surprise that many podcasters also love a good book. Books offer us what great podcasts do: new perspectives to draw us in and storytelling that keeps us hooked. Essentially, it’s a chance to learn from others in a format that respects our attention.

Podcasting, like everything in media and marketing, is always changing. Platforms come and go. Algorithms shift. But some things stay the same. When it comes down to it, podcasting is about connection. It’s about creating an intimate space with your guests and your listeners. No matter your topic—tech, true crime, or self-growth—the ability to tell a great story and have a real conversation will always matter. That’s where the best podcasting books can help you.

Now, “best” is always subjective. There are countless books on podcasting and adjacent skills—from gear setup to monetization—and they all offer something different. The titles we’ve rounded up here are the ones we believe every podcaster should at least flip through once.

So open your Goodreads, and get ready to add some new titles to your list.

The Best Podcasting Books

Sound Reporting: The NPR Guide to Audio Journalism and Production by Jonathan Kern

Jonathan Kern’s Sound Reporting shows the craft and care that go into NPR’s unique style of audio journalism. It lays out the details behind a much-imitated but rarely matched approach to storytelling. It covers everything from reporting and writing to interviewing and editing, all through the lens of NPR’s newsroom.

While it leans heavily into journalism, podcasters can learn a lot here. One of the best compliments we get is “It sounds like NPR-quality!” Well, this book will share how you can bring that to your show.

If your show includes news, interviews, or documentary-style stories, this book offers a strong foundation. It’s full of practical tips, guidance, and real-world examples from some of the best in the business. A great read for podcasters looking to improve their editorial and production skills.

Out On The Wire by Jessica Abel

If you’ve ever wondered how the best narrative podcasts are made, this book is for you. In Out on the Wire, cartoonist and writer Jessica Abel takes you behind the scenes of some of the most beloved shows in audio, like This American Life, Radiolab, and Snap Judgment. Through interviews and great illustrations, she shows how producers shape stories that stick with listeners.

This isn’t really a how-to book on technicalities. It’s about the craft of audio storytelling, exploring what makes it work and why it matters. If you want to learn how to structure a great episode, shape a narrative arc, or capture emotion through sound, Out on the Wire is a must-read. 

The Audience Is Listening: A Little Guide to Building a Big Podcast by Tom Webster

You’ve nailed your podcast’s content and tech… but the audience isn’t growing. That’s where Tom Webster comes in. In The Audience Is Listening, Webster draws on 30 years of research and audio industry experience to guide podcasters through what builds loyal listenership: understanding the real people on the other side of the mic.

This is a strategic, data-informed process for rethinking your show with your audience in mind. You’ll learn how to earn loyal listeners who actually look forward to hitting play.

Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers by Steve Pratt

Our world is packed with content. Getting people’s attention has become a real creative challenge. In Earn It, Steve Pratt—co-founder of Pacific Content, a Lower Street brand,  the first branded podcast agency—shares a bold way of thinking. He offers a fresh take for marketers and creators who want to stand out. Instead of chasing ads or algorithms, Pratt pushes readers to focus on creativity, honesty, and showing up with real value.

This book is written for anyone in content marketing, but it’s a great read for podcasters. It highlights the core ideas that make podcasts great—connection, trust, and storytelling. If you want to think differently about how you show up and create lasting value, Earn It is worth your time.

Profit from Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners Into a Livelihood by Dave Jackson

Dave Jackson—podcasting veteran and founder of the School of Podcasting—brings his decades of experience to Profit from Your Podcast. This is a practical guide to turning your show into a source of income. From sponsorships and crowdfunding to selling merch or services, Jackson covers many ways to earn no matter your topic or audience size.

Now, making money might not be your goal, and that’s totally fine. If you’re launching a brand podcast, your return might come through stronger brand trust, loyal listeners, or thought leadership. But if you are hoping to earn direct income from your show, Profit from Your Podcast is a great book to read.

Reality Radio: Telling True Stories in Sound by John Biewen 

Another book exploring the success of legendary radio shows, this is a great area to explore for podcasters. It gives us a starting point to understand what makes great storytelling. In Reality Radio, editor John Biewen collects essays from some of the best audio producers in the world. You’ll hear from the creators behind This American Life, Radio Diaries, and the BBC. Each chapter offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these producers tell true stories that move people.

This isn’t a step-by-step manual, but more like a series of creative lessons. It explores how audio storytellers make choices—what to include, what to leave out, and how to tell the truth in a way that connects. 

The Art of the Interview by Lawrence Grobel

Interviews aren’t required for every podcast, but they are a popular format, and this book helps you do them better. The Art of the Interview is a thoughtful guide to one of the most important podcasting skills. Lawrence Grobel has spent decades interviewing some of the most well-known names in the world. His experience gives you a front-row seat to what makes a great interview work.

Interviewing is about more than just asking questions. It’s about how to earn trust and listen well to shape real conversations. If you host guests on your show, this is one of the best podcasting books to keep close. It’s a deep look at how to connect with people and bring their stories to life.

The Radio Drama Handbook by Mary Traynor and Richard Hand

If your podcast leans into fiction, sound design, or storytelling through scenes, The Radio Drama Handbook is a great resource. It blends history, theory, and hands-on practice to help you understand what makes an audio drama work. From early radio plays to modern storytelling, the book breaks down how scripts are written and how they connect with listeners.

You’ll find examples, case studies, and creative exercises throughout. Whether you’re scripting your first audio story or fine-tuning your format, this book gives you the tools to shape strong, immersive episodes. A must-have for podcasters exploring the narrative side of sound.

Podcasting Good to Great: How to Grow Your Audience Through Collaboration by Jared Easley

Growing a podcast can feel like a solo grind, but it doesn’t have to be. In Podcasting Good to Great, Jared Easley shares how collaboration helped him build a successful show and grow his audience. The book includes tips, stories, and lessons from Easley’s own experience, plus interviews with major voices like Tim Ferriss and Pat Flynn.

This book focuses on the power of working with others through guest swaps, co-hosting, or building community. It also offers real advice on how to pitch ideas, create content that stands out, and form partnerships that benefit everyone. If you're ready to grow by connecting, not competing, this is a great pick.

Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Podcasting by Michael W. Geoghegan and Dan Klass

If you’re looking for a full overview of podcasting from start to finish, Podcast Solutions is a great place to start. This book covers all the basics—gear, software, setup, recording, editing, publishing, and marketing. It walks you through the full process in a clear, step-by-step way.

What sets this book apart is that the authors aren’t just explaining the how-to—they’re sharing what they’ve learned from doing it themselves. You’ll get technical guidance plus real-world advice from two experienced podcasters. Whether you're brand new or looking to sharpen your setup, this book has something useful on every page.

Every Podcaster's Biggest Hurdles by Daniel Larson

Building a podcast isn’t just about production; it’s also about mindset. In Every Podcaster’s Biggest Hurdles, Daniel Larson focuses on the personal roadblocks that often get in the way. He covers common struggles like procrastination, time management, impostor syndrome, and overthinking.

What makes this book stand out is Larson’s honest, personal approach. He shares his own story and lessons learned, which makes the advice feel real and relatable. If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted yourself, or just needed a push to keep going, this book is a smart and encouraging read.

Wrapping it Up

Whether you're just starting your podcast or looking to sharpen your skills, the right resources can make a big difference. The best podcasting books help you learn new perspectives. And there’s always something new to learn from storytelling and interviews, to mindset and monetization. There’s no single path to success, but with the right guidance and inspiration, you can keep growing and create a show you’re proud of.