Podcast
The Next Chapter with Antonio Michael Downing
Hosted by CBC · EN
Looking for your next great read? The Next Chapter’s got you covered! Book lovers join host Antonio Michael Downing to dive deep into great books. Big feelings, hot takes, enlightening conversations — you’ve never been in a book club like this before. It’s Canada’s book club, and everyone’s invited. So pull up a chair and join the conversation. New episodes every Saturday and Monday.
38episodes
Episodes
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Mystery solved: your summer reading list
1w ago00:27:42Tap to summarizeThe Next Chapter’s mystery panel is back with their summer round-up. Two mystery writers, Angela Misri and Sam Wiebe have hand selected their favourite titles to add some tension to your summer, strictly on the page of course. Plus, Joe Ollmann isn’t your average cartoonist. He discusses the intersection between socialism and graphic novels, and how he uses his platform to highlight the working class in his stories. He’ll discuss his latest book, and share his go-to recommendations from the shelves of Epic Books in Hamilton.Books discussed on this week's show include:Strangers in the Villa by Robyn HardingA Gift Before Dying by Malcolm KemptGood Guys by Sharon BalaThe Keeper by Tana FrenchGreenwood by Michael ChristieIt’s a Good Life, if you Don’t Weaken by SethThe Woodchipper by Joe OllmannCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →The book that inspired Carley Fortune's writing career
2w ago00:24:26Tap to summarizeCarley Fortune is one of the biggest names in contemporary romance. This year, two of her hit novels are being adapted into TV series, and has shown no signs of slowing down. Her most recent book, Our Perfect Storm, is a romance set on the breathtaking shores of Tofino. Before becoming an author, she worked as a journalist, and before that she was an avid reader with a love for storytelling. She'll talk about some of the most influential books in her life, and what drove her to start telling her own stories. Plus, Youth Recipient of a 2026 Indspire award, musician Tia Wood recommends an Indigenous book that she considers a modern classic.Books discussed on this week's show include:Flowers in the Attic by VC AndrewsTomorrow, When the War Began by John MarsdenAnne of Green Gables by LM MontgomerySeven Days in June by Tia Williams Our Perfect Storm by Carley FortuneFive Little Indians by Michelle GoodCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →The hidden connection between basketball and book nerds
2w ago00:26:56Tap to summarizeThe Toronto Tempo recently became Canada's first WNBA team. If you, like many others, are considering checking out the action, our in-house women's basketball expert Talia Kliot recommends the one book everyone should read to learn more about the rich history of women's basketball. Plus, author Kerry Clare talks about her most recent novel Definitely Thriving, and explains the book's deep connection to Bridget Jones Diary.Books discussed on this week's show include:Excellent Women by Barbara PymEarly Morning Riser by Katherine HeinyDefinitely Thriving by Kerry ClareCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →Why Ann Patchett thinks the secret to success might be lowering people's expectations
3w ago00:26:56Tap to summarizeAnn Patchett has written many celebrated books: Bel Canto, The Dutch House, State of Wonder. Her new book, Whistler, is another in her line-up of lovely stories that honour memory and the moments that make a life. Besides her work as a writer, Ann owns a bookstore called Parnassus in Nashville, and she’s a tireless advocate for independent booksellers. In the midst of a busy book tour for Whistler, she stops by to chat and recommend some titles from the Parnassus shelves. Plus, author Monique Gray Smith talks about true happiness while answering The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust Questionnaire.Books discussed on this week's show include:Whistler by Ann PatchettKin by Tayari JonesJohn of John by Douglas StuartThe Left and the Lucky by Willy VlautinMusic Against the Night by Yiyun LeeSharing the Light: Stories and Reflections by Monique Gray SmithCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →Get ready for the World Cup with these essential soccer books
3w ago00:27:43Tap to summarizeAs Canada prepares for its upcoming World Cup games, writer, musician and sports enthusiast Dave Bidini joins the show to help get you in the soccer spirit. He’ll recommend two classic football books that capture why we call it the beautiful game. Plus, author Genevieve Graham talks about getting lost in the work while answering The Next Chapter’s version of the Proust Questionnaire. Books discussed on this week's show include:Soccer in Sun and Shadow by Eduardo GaleanoDynamo: Triumph and Tragedy in Nazi-Occupied Kiev by Andy DouganThe Chambermaid's Key by Genevieve GrahamCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →After Heated Rivalry, what’s next for romance readers?
4w ago00:25:42Tap to summarizeReaders are still in love with romance. The genre has become the engine behind the publishing industry, and Heated Rivalry shifted things into a new gear. If you, like millions of other readers, are wondering what romance to dive into next, The Next Chapter has you covered. Daphne Santos-Vieira and Alicia Cox-Thompson recommend their new favorite titles. Plus, musician Kaeley Jade recommends an iconic Indigenous story, and talks about how reading sparks her songwriting. Books discussed on this week's show include:Evening the Score by Lexi Lafleur BrownThe Book Tour by Emily OhanjaniansBedside Manner by C.G. MacingtonPhoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose it Brooke AverickBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →The Montréal bookstore doing it like no other: Meet Joie de Livres
Jun 100:27:42Tap to summarizeIf there ever was a bookstore that lived up to its name, it’s Joie de Livres in Montréal. From its shelves of romance and fantasy, to its cocktails, coffee and nacho selection, it’s a store dedicated to the joy of reading and of life. Program director Mathieu Lauzon-Dicso talks about what to expect when you walk through its doors. Plus, writer and translator Jinwoo Park recommends two book picks for Asian Heritage Month.Books discussed on this week's show include:Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. PolkRestaurant Kid by Rachel PhanCelestina’s House by Clarissa Trinidad GonzalezCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →The books that made David Chilton The Wealthy Barber
May 3000:24:35Tap to summarizeBefore he ever joined the cast of Dragons’ Den, David Chilton wrote the incredibly successful financial book The Wealthy Barber. His advice shaped the way millions of people used and invested their money. 37 years later, he's back with an updated version of his classic book, with the future of the younger generation in mind. He joins the show to discuss how books came into his life, and how they inspired him to write his own. Plus, Ewan Currie from The Sheepdogs talks about a favourite recent read.Books discussed on this week's show include:The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew TobiasScientific Advertising by Claude HopkinsOgilvy on Advertising by David OgilvyLooneyspoons by Janet and Greta PodleskiWhite River Crossing by Ian McGuireCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →Heated Rivalry’s Nadine Bhabha’s It Girl book club
May 2500:27:42Tap to summarizeNadine Bhabha wears many hats. Poet, comedy writer, actor and avid reader. She’s been in hit shows like Heated Rivalry and Letterkenny, worked as writer on This Hour Has 22 Minutes and was recently selected as a juror for the CBC Poetry Prize. Nadine joins the show to talk about her life as a working actor, and where books fit into it. Plus, remembering the late Canadian author Alan Bradley who answered The Next Chapter’s Proust Questionnaire in 2024.Books discussed on this week's show include:Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up At Night by Morgan ParkerFamesick by Lena DunhamGood Material by Dolly AldertonNumb Were the Beadsman's Fingers - A Flavia de Luce Novel by Alan BradleyCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →The books that made Andrew Phung fall in love with storytelling
May 2300:26:43Tap to summarizeAndrew Phung is a comedian, writer and an actor. He’s probably best known for the five years he played Kimchee on Kim’s Convenience, and from there he starred in Run the Burbs, which he co-created. Over his career he’s won five Canadian Screen Awards, and this year he will host the award show. He'll discuss his journey through comedy, fatherhood and books, specifically books that have helped shape his life and career.Books discussed on this week's show include:Star Trek: The Next Generation - Descent by Diane CareyThe Outsiders by S.E. HintonSunshine Nails by Mai NguyenMigrant Rain Falls in Reverse by Vinh NguyenCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
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