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.
46episodes
Episodes
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The hidden connection between basketball and book nerds
Jun 1500:26:56Tap 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
Jun 1300:26:56Tap 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
Jun 800:27:43Tap 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?
Jun 600:25:42Tap 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
Transcribe →How being a 'sickly child' made Wayne Johnston a better writer
May 1800:27:41Tap to summarizeWayne Johnston is a master storyteller. He’s been writing books for forty years, with the history, politics and people of Newfoundland figuring large in his works. His new novel is The Novice of Holloway Hall. He joins the show to talk about the books that have shaped him and his career. Plus, acclaimed English author Jeanette Winterson answers the Proust Questionnaire. Books discussed on this week's show include:Don Quixote by Miguel de CervantesSalome by Oscar WildeCollected Poems of Emily DickinsonAs You Like It by William ShakespeareOne Aladdin Two Lamps by Jeanette WintersonCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
Transcribe →How reading became the hottest fashion trend of 2026
May 1600:25:06Tap to summarizeGen Z has found a new favourite way to improve their outfit while simultaneously looking more intellectual. Add a book. Books have become one of the hottest trends in the fashion world, serving as accessories, objects and status signifiers. Fashion houses have signed on in a big way, creating everything from book bags to readable charms. CBC Books' very own “lit girl” and eagle eyed trend spotter Bridget Raymundo joins the show to talk about what happens when fashion cozies up to the book world. Plus, Toronto musician Meagan De Lima recommends a book to reignite your childlike creativity. Books discussed on this week's show include:The Creative Act by Rick RubinCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks
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