Shows
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.22: JULIAN BORGERSummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, Guardian foreign correspondent Julian Borger tells host Elena Lappin about his book I SEEK A KIND PERSON: MY FATHER, SEVEN CHILDREN AND THE ADVERTS THAT HELPED THEM ESCAPE THE HOLOCAUST. He discusses his family's past and the stories of other children who were also refugees, highlighting the importance of understanding and remembering these narratives. The discussion also touches on the complexities of belonging and the legacy of trauma passed down through generations.The episode also features the charity SHELTERBOX, an organisation which provides help...
2026-01-3157 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.21: MOIRA BUFFINI (Part 2)SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in a deep conversation with novelist Moira Buffini about her works, particularly her novels 'Songlight' and 'Torchfire.' Buffini reflects on the themes of trust and division in her fictional town of North Haven, drawing parallels to her own experiences growing up in a divided society influenced by the historical context of Northern Ireland. She discusses the importance of exploring complex relationships, particularly between mothers and daughters, and how these dynamics are often underrepresented in literature. Buffini also addresses the challenges of categorizing...
2026-01-1743 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.20: MOIRA BUFFINI (PART 1)Keywordsdystopian fiction, telepathy, Songlight, Torch Trilogy, character development, creative writing, Moira Buffini, storytelling, female empowerment, world-buildingSummaryIn this wide-ranging conversation, acclaimed novelist, playwright and screenwriter Moira Buffini discusses her dystopian trilogy, the Torch Trilogy, which explores themes of telepathy, connection, and the struggles of young women against oppressive regimes. The dialogue delves into Buffini's creative process, her transition from playwriting to novel writing, and the intricate character development that brings her world to life. The discussion also highlights the moral complexities of her characters, particularly the antagonists, and...
2026-01-1148 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.19: GARY GULMANSummaryIn this conversation with host Elena Lappin, Gary Gulman discusses his memoir 'Misfit', reflecting on his journey as a writer and comedian. He shares insights into the writing process, the importance of storytelling, and the influence of teachers and mentors in his life. The discussion also explores the adaptation of his memoir into a stand-up show, the challenges of writing about personal experiences, and his aspirations for future writing projects.Keywordsmemoir, storytelling, comedy, writing process, adaptation, character voices, teachers, personal growth, future aspirations, Gary Gulman...
2025-12-1345 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.18: ANN MORGANShow Notes/SummaryIn this episode, host Elena Lappin welcomes novelist and international book blogger Ann Morgan to discuss her thought-provoking new book, Relearning to Read: Adventures in Not Knowing. The conversation delves into the transformative power of reading and the importance of humility and openness when encountering unfamiliar narratives. Morgan shares her personal journey of unlearning traditional reading habits shaped by academic expectations and the liberating experience of engaging with literature from diverse cultures. Through anecdotes from her time volunteering with the Samaritans and her encounters with extraordinary individuals, she illustrates the profound connection between r...
2025-11-2658 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.17: BEN MARKOVITSSummaryHost Elena Lappin interviews acclaimed novelist Ben Markovits about his Booker-shortlisted novel THE REST OF OUR LIVES. Tom's wife Amy had an affair many years ago, and now that their youngest daughter is leaving home, Tom is supposedly ready to end his marriage. But will he? Markovits talks about the complexities of navigating middle age, focusing on the narrowing options individuals face as they grow older. It explores the idea of self-experimentation and the potential for personal growth, while also addressing the emotional challenges of leaving behind a previous life. The discussion...
2025-10-3156 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 16: CHARLOTTE MENDELSONKeywordsCharlotte Mendelson, Wife, lesbian marriage, relationships, narcissism, family dynamics, literature, emotional complexity, storytelling, character development, contemporary fictionEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling novelist Charlotte Mendelson discusses her latest novel, WIFE, which intricately explores the dynamics of a lesbian marriage between Zoe and Penny. Through a reading from the book, Mendelson delves into the complexities of their relationship, the themes of desire, control, and the impact of narcissism. The conversation also touches on the inspiration behind the novel, the portrayal of lesbian relationships in...
2025-10-1658 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 15: ARMAND D'ANGOURSummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages with Armand Dungour, a professor of classics, to explore the themes of love as presented in Plato's Symposium. D'Angour discusses the historical context of the text, the various perspectives on love presented by its speakers, and the philosophical implications of Socrates' teachings. The conversation delves into the relevance of these ancient ideas in modern times, emphasizing the importance of understanding love's complexities and the influence of historical figures like Socrates and Diotima. D'Angour also shares insights into his own work...
2025-09-251h 18
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 14: DANIEL KEHLMANNSummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, bestselling German-Austrian author Daniel Kehlmann speaks to host Elena Lappin about his latest novel, The Director, which explores the life and work of Austrian director G.W. Pabst during the Nazi regime. Kehlmann delves into the complexities of being a director, the moral implications of artistic choices under totalitarianism, and the challenges of using real historical figures in fiction. He reflects on his cultural identity, the influence of iconic actresses like Louise Brooks, and the importance of the author's voice in storytelling. The conversation also touches on...
2025-09-071h 10
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.13: COLM TÓIBÍNNotes:SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lappin engages with acclaimed Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, discussing his latest work, Long Island, a sequel to Brooklyn. The conversation explores Tóibín's writing process, the significance of silence in dialogue, the evolution of recurring characters, and the interplay between personal experiences and historical contexts in his narratives. Tóibín reflects on the role of politics in personal stories and the complexities of human relationships, while also addressing the future of Irish literature and his current projects.keyw...
2025-08-2447 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 12: SARAH MOSSKeywordsSarah Moss, Ripeness, identity, memory, immigration, belonging, family, writing, creativity, genetics, love, women’s lives, parents, balletSummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin converses with bestselling author Sarah Moss about her new novel, Ripeness. The discussion delves into themes of identity, memory, and the immigrant experience, as well as the dual perspectives of the protagonist, Edith, who navigates her life as both a teenager in 1960s Italy and an elderly woman in contemporary Ireland. Moss reflects on the complexities of family relationships, the nature of writing, an...
2025-08-1247 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 11: ANDRÉ ACIMANIn the latest episode of Shop Talk with Writers, host Elena Lapin engages in an illuminating conversation with the acclaimed novelist and memoirist André Aciman. Known for his deeply moving narratives and exploration of themes such as belonging, memory, and love, Aciman shares insights into his latest novella, Room on the Sea. (published by Faber). The episode opens with Aciman discussing his journey as a writer, from his early experiences in Egypt to his current life in New York City. He reflects on the complexities of identity and the impact of his multicultural ba...
2025-07-2937 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 10: CAROLINE O'DONOGHUECaroline O’Donoghue is one of the most talented and original writers on the British literary scene. In 2018, I interviewed her for a different podcast, about her excellent debut novel Promising Young Women. I loved that novel’s deep seriousness, along with its provocative humour and cinematic pacing. She was a debut author unafraid to be both open and fragile.Since then, she has written two bestselling adult novels (SCENES OF A GRAPHIC NATURE and THE RACHEL INCIDENT), and the very popular YA fantasy series ALL OUR HIDDEN GIFTS. SKIPSHOCK is the first book in a new seri...
2025-06-3052 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSA little taste of the full podcast with novelist Megan Hunter Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe
2025-05-3000 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSClip from podcast with novelist Megan Hunter.listen here Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe
2025-05-2800 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 9: MEGAN HUNTERWe recorded this podcast with Megan Hunter at Pritchard & Ure, an unusual bookshop/cafe/gallery in Camden, above a garden centre. It’s a place that feels both buzzy and peaceful, and not unlike this author, full of surprises. Before we sat down to talk, Megan enjoyed the books on display, floating among them like a radiant book fairy. She pointed to many of the titles as volumes she loved or knew or had at home (or all of the above). I showed her a few carefully wrapped antiquarian volumes (several first editions of Virginia Woolf’s novels, for exam...
2025-05-281h 01
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 8: FIONA SCARLETT Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSubscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-2948 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERS‘This was a loneliness company couldn’t cure’ Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe
2025-04-1600 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSPhilosophy and fiction: Professor John Callanan reads from THE DROWNED by John Banville Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe
2025-04-0400 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSClip from my podcast with great Irish novelist John Banville. Full episode and feature on my Substack. Enjoy. Includes a gorgeous reading by John Callanan. Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe
2025-04-0100 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.7: JOHN BANVILLEElena Lappin interviews Booker-winning Irish novelist at home in Dublin about his life's work, and his most recent crime novels. THE DROWNED is published by Faber.Includes a reading from THE DROWNED by John Callanan.Read more on elenalappin.substack.comEnjoy and comment! Thank you. Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSubscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See...
2025-03-3056 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSClip from new episode of Shop Talk with Writers podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5R1cGF4Yi9OVhicoyXJtIp?si=cmN45m1nSfuwDjS_3Fa-kg Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribe
2025-03-0100 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.6: DIANE OLIVER, CHERYL OLIVER, ALBA DE CESPEDES, ANN GOLDSTEINElena Lappin interviews Cheryl Oliver about her sister, Diane Oliver (1943-1966), author of NEIGHBORS AND OTHER STORIES; and Ann Goldstein, about her translation of Italian novelist Alba de Cespedes (1911-1997), author of THERE'S NO TURNING BACK from 1938. Literary rediscoveries of important writing from other eras, acutely relevant today. Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSubscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-011h 24
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.5: TOM LAMONT Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSubscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-01-221h 01
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp.4: TESSA HADLEYElena Lappin interviews Tessa HadleyTessa Hadley's novella The Party is published by Jonathan Cape.The Party Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSubscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-12-1342 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 3: Naomi Westerman, Author of 'Happy Death Club'Buy Happy Death Club by Naomi Westerman2-Part Halloween Special with playwright and writer Naomi WestermanInterview by Elena Lappin Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSubscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-10-301h 32
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 1: DENISE DORRANCEPOLAR VORTEX is a funny, moving, deeply personal and original graphic novel by cartoonist and writer Denise Dorrance. She talks to Elena Lappin about how she found a way to create art out of dealing with her mother’s dementia - during an ice storm.POLAR VORTEX is published by New River (UK) and The Experiment Publishing (US). Get full access to PEN & PENCIL at elenalappin.substack.com/subscribeSubscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out more about each episode, and to engage with our conversations with authors...
2024-10-1136 min
SHOP TALK WITH WRITERSEp. 2 CHIGOZIE OBIOMATHE ROAD TO THE COUNTRY is Chigozie Obioma’s third novel, set in the time of Nigerian Civil War. In this podcast, we talk about how writing about a traumatic past can help us understand, and perhaps change, the present.Elena Lappin’s Substack on Chigozie Obioma: elenalappin.substack.comCredits:Host: Elena LappinGuest: Chigozie ObiomaCreative Team:Katherine Stroud, Publicity and Media (prcollective.co.uk)Max Anstruther, Audio Producer (startsmallstudios.com)
2024-10-0927 min
The Chip RaceThe Chip Race - Season 15 Episode 6 - Elena Stover Matt Vaughan Parker Talbot Ike HaxtonThis week, Dara and David are joined by professor turned poker nomad Elena ‘The Groupie’ Stover. They also welcome poker vlogger Matt Vaughan. For strategy, they are joined by twitch streamer Parker ‘TonkaaaaP’ Talbot to discuss a hand he played versus former guest Olivier Busquet on ‘King Of The Hill’. With a little help from Isaac Haxton, the lads discuss poker paradigms. Plus, Ian’s got the news!
2021-08-051h 32
Le podcast de la Villa GilletÉcrire entre plusieurs languesEntretien avec Elena Lappin, Miguel Bonnefoy et Luba Jurgenson, dimanche 27 mai à 18h30 aux Subsistances.
Que se passe-t-il pour un écrivain qui maîtrise plusieurs langues au moment où il prend la plume ? Sa langue maternelle s’impose-t-elle ? Ou bien une langue acquise par la suite lui permet-elle de se glisser plus facilement dans l’écriture ?
2018-05-271h 30
Little Atoms472: Elena Lappin's What Language Do I Dream In?Elena Lappin is a writer and editor. Born in Moscow, she grew up in Prague and Hamburg, and has lived in Israel, Canada, the United States and – longer than anywhere else – in London. She is the author of Foreign Brides and The Nose, and has contributed to numerous publications, including Granta, Prospect, the Guardian and the New York Times Book Review. Elena is the author of a memoir, What Language Do I Dream In? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2017-07-1843 min
The Drew Marshall ShowElena LappinBorn into Russian, transposed into Czech, then German, introduced to Hebrew, and finally adopted by English, Elena Lappin has written a moving memoir on the importance of language to who we are. Taking its title from a question often asked of people who've lived in many countries and gather languages as they go, What Language Do I Dream In? is a stunning memoir about how language runs throughout memory and family history to form identity.
2017-03-1800 min