Shows
Kobo in ConversationMORE of the best books we read in 2024Following our last episode all about the best books we read in 2024, host and producer Nathan Maharaj connected over Zoom with even more Kobo staffers (including one that'll be very familiar Kobo in Conversation listeners) to talk about the books that have stuck with them over the past 12 months. So welcome back once more, to our year in books. The best books we read in 2024 We'll be back in your feed soon with more amazing author interviews.2025-01-011h 17
Kobo in ConversationThe best books we read in 2024Listen in as Kobo staffers share the best books they read in 2024. It's all here, from the buzziest new releases to bucket list classics. The best books we read in 2024 2024-12-251h 12
Kobo Writing Life PodcastThe Importance of Indie Publishing with Rakuten Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn In this episode, we are joined by Kobo’s own CEO, Michael Tamblyn! MT has been in the book business for much of his career, and he was directly involved with the founding of Kobo and its launch in 2010. MT is our “content guy” and is passionate about books and bookselling – including indie publishing. In this illuminating interview, we get to hear all about MT’s career, his thoughts on reading and publishing, insights into bookselling, and so much more. We talked to MT about his start in the book business, his part in the cre...2024-12-2452 min
Kobo in ConversationJamaluddin Aram on leaving space for the reader to workHost Nathan Maharaj spoke with writer and filmmaker Jamaluddin Aram, winner of the 2024 Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for Literary fiction for his novel Nothing Good Happens in Wazirabad on Wednesday. It’s a tapestry of stories about different people—shopkeepers, tradespeople, doctors, children, and their parents—while in the background, often very deep in the background, a war is being fought. Novelist Jamaluddin Aram on leaving space for the reader to work2024-09-1844 min
Kobo in ConversationKeziah Weir's literary influences are no mystery to herMichael Tamblyn spoke with Keziah Weir, winner of the 2024 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize in the category of Mystery for her novel, The Mythmakers. It’s the story of Sal, a writer who’s hit a very rough patch in every aspect of her life. But then she discovers a short story written by an author she met some time ago—about her and her and that moment of meeting. She learns that the story is a part of a larger book and that the author is deceased. This sets her on a path of investigation into the author, his widow, and u...2024-08-2132 min
Kobo Writing Life PodcastWriting Award-winning Fiction with Nora Decter In this episode, we are joined by Nora Decter, writing instructor and author of How Far We Go and How Fast, her debut YA novel that won the Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize in 2019. Nora’s latest book, What’s Not Mine, is described as an "absorbing, darkly funny story of family, addiction, and survival." We spoke to Nora about her writing career, writing YA before transitioning to writing adult fiction, what it was like winning the Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize, what books and authors inspired her, reading and writing "voice-y" novels, bala...2024-07-0944 min
Kobo in ConversationKobo in Conversation - BooktalkingWe're sweeping up the glitter after awarding the 10th annual Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize to a trio of brilliant authors just a few days ago (more on that to come). We'll be back in your feed with more author interviews soon. In the meantime... When Kobo in Conversation hosts Michael Tamblyn and Nathan Maharaj aren't reading books and interviewing authors for this show, they're working in the business of selling eBooks, audiobooks, and eReaders. In this episode, Nathan sat Michael down to get his takes on a bunch of book biz news making headlines n...2024-06-2659 min
Street Pricing with Marcos RiveraMastering Consistency for Scalable Success | Karan Sood (Rakuten Kobo, Inc)Imagine navigating the complex terrain of pricing strategies with none other than Karan Sood of Rakuten Kobo, a virtuoso of sales operations. We peel back the layers of traditional cost-based models and reveal the intricate dance of value-driven pricing. As Karan recounts tales from his time in the automotive trenches, where static pricing was a missed opportunity, we're reminded that the price tag hanging off products isn't just a number—it's a story of market life cycles and competitive choreography.
With case studies in hand and compensation models flipped on their heads, Karan breaks down the...2024-04-0235 min
Kobo in ConversationMore of the best books we read in 2023You can't possibly need more reading recommendations after our last episode featuring the best books read by the staff of Kobo in 2023 but we've never let the height of anybody's TBR pile stop us from singing the praises of our favourite books. Here are a few more, including one you absolutely must read ASAP—plus co-hosts Michael and Nathan talk about what made 2023 a different kind of year in books and why they're optimistic about what's coming next. The best books we read in 20232024-01-1045 min
Kobo in ConversationThe best books we read in 2023We connected with the staff of Kobo over Zoom and in our brand new studio in our new office to ask them about the best books they read in 2023. We learned what made Rebecca Ross a must-read author this year, how one staff member found the right book for remembering his rockstar friend, and what well-known series of thrillers one of our best-read colleagues wishes they'd gotten around to years ago. The best books we read in 20232023-12-2753 min
Kobo in ConversationWaubgeshig Rice on finding renewal at the end of the worldNathan welcomed Waubgeshig Rice to the Kobo studio to talk about the sequel to his 2018 novel Moon of the Crusted Snow, the story of an Anishinaabe community slowly realizing that what at first appeared to be a power outage might be the end of the world as we know it. In Moon of the Turning Leaves the community realizes their time in this place may be at an end, so they send out a band of walkers to find them a new home. Waubgeshig Rice on finding renewal at the end of the world2023-11-0142 min
Kobo in ConversationMichael Crummey confronts The AdversaryMichael welcomed poet and novelist Michael Crummey to the Kobo office studio to talk about his new novel, The Adversary. Set in a fictional Newfoundland village called Mockbeggar, it's the story of a lifelong rivalry between two entrepreneurs that escalates into violence and revenge. Michael Crummey confronts The Adversary2023-10-0451 min
Kobo in ConversationZalika Reid-Benta on becoming the "weird writer" she's always wanted to beNathan spoke with novelist Zalika Reid-Benta, 2020 winner of the Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for her debut book Frying Plantain, and author of the new novel River Mumma. It’s the story of a young woman named Alicia, who we meet at a time in her life when things are no longer going as well as they used to. Then Alicia meets a water deity named River Mumma who tasks her with recovering a precious object—and she’s got just 24 hours to do it. Zalika Reid-Benta on becoming the "weird writer" she's always wanted to be2023-09-2043 min
MM RADIOMINI LUNCH SHOW du 21 juillet 2023 avec Julien Danigo (Rakuten Kobo)Nouvel épisode du MINI LUNCH SHOW, le programme estival de 4 éditions hebdomadaires de MM RADIO, avec Julien Danigo de l’entreprise canadienne Rakuten Kobo, que nous retrouvons à distance avec la collaboration de MSI France.
Après Konyks avec son président - Olivier Medam, X-Socks par X-Bionic avec son responsable produits en France – Maxime Moynat, Angela Peauty discute lecture avec le responsable marketing Europe du Sud de Rakuten Kobo, ainsi que du développement du marché des tablettes e-ink, dans cette troisième émission de la saison.
"Kobo est arrivé en France il y a une dizaine d’années enviro...2023-07-2138 min
Kobo in ConversationTom Rachman on inhabiting the roles of others in The ImpostersIn this episode recorded in-person in Kobo’s new office in downtown Toronto, Nathan spoke with novelist Tom Rachman, author of books including The Imperfectionists and The Italian Teacher. It’s our first in-person episode of Kobo in Conversation since 2020—and that’s why it sounds a little different from the episodes we’ve been making over Zoom over the past few years. The Imposters is a novel about a novelist, but a novelist unlike most you'll meet in fiction. Dora Frenhofer was once successful and well-known, but that was some time ago; we meet her in old age, as she fee...2023-07-1237 min
Kobo in ConversationJackie Lau on the Kobo Writing Life podcastWe're bringing you a conversation from the Kobo Writing Life Podcast, where writers talk about how they're navigating the many publishing options available to authors today. Check out Jackie Lau on the Kobo Writing Life Podcast, with links to Jackie's books and the books discussed in this episode: KWL – 310 – Writing Romance, Working with Kobo Originals, and More with Jackie Lau And here's our Q&A with Jackie on the Kobo blog: Jackie Lau on writing romance, fake dating, and Asian representation2023-02-1037 min
Kobo in ConversationMore of the best books we read in 2022Because you can never hear about too many great books, here's another batch of the best books Kobo staff read in 2022. There's memoir, investigative journalism, fun facts, romance, and more (also moors)! The best books we read in 20222023-01-0140 min
Kobo in ConversationThe best books we read in 2022We asked the staff of Kobo about the best eBooks and audiobooks they read in 2022, and we heard about memoirs, literary masterpieces, page-turning non-fiction, family sagas, mind-opening nature writing, sci-fi love stories across time, and so much more. The best books we read in 20222022-12-251h 08
Kobo in ConversationDeon Meyer on The Dark FloodDeon Meyer is the author of The Dark Flood, the newest installment in his Benny Griessel series of detective novels set in South Africa. We spoke with Deon as part of the Toronto International Festival of Authors' Mystery & Crime Festival: MOTIVE. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2022-08-1940 min
Kobo in ConversationBen Mezrich's wild ride Enjoy this conversation with non-fiction thriller author Ben Mezrich, author of The Accidental Billionaires and Bringing Down the House about his new historical fiction novel The Midnight Ride, which started out as a wildly ambitious project taken up in the early days of the pandemic. We spoke with Ben as part of the Toronto International Festival of Authors' Mystery & Crime Festival: MOTIVE. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2022-08-0538 min
Kobo in ConversationCory Silverberg on the right way to teach kids about sexWe spoke with Cory Silverberg, educator, entrepreneur, researcher, and author of the books What Makes a Baby, Sex is a Funny Word, and the new book, You Know, Sex. These books are approachable and factual guides to sex and bodies, but also grown-up feelings, experiences, and all kinds of stuff that can be really hard for anyone to talk about. Supported by Fiona Smyth’s vivid and playful illustrations, Cory Silverberg’s writing always finds a humane and plain-spoken way to explain everything from the functioning of reproductive organs to the nuances of consent and everything else anybody could want to k...2022-07-2250 min
Kobo in ConversationElamin Abdelmahmoud wants to know everyone's elsewhere storySome listeners may recognize the voice of our guest Elamin Abdelmahmoud from the CBC podcasts Party Lines and Pop Chat. He joined us to talk about his new book, Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces in which he writes movingly of his relationship to his personal elsewhere, the Sudanese city of Khartoum from which he came to Kingston, Ontario as a child. He also writes beautifully about his passion for country music and affinity for the American South, and mounts a convincing defense of the much-maligned musical genre known as Nu Metal. In the course of our convers...2022-07-0841 min
Kobo in ConversationRiley Black on the end of the world and new beginningsWe were joined by science writer Riley Black, author of several bestsellers on paleontology including My Beloved Brontosaurus, Written in Stone, and Skeleton Keys. And if you've read literally anything anywhere about dinosaurs in the last decade, you’ve probably happened upon pieces by her in National Geographic, WIRED, Smithsonian Magazine, and Scientific American. Her new book is The Last Days of the Dinosaurs: An Asteroid, Extinction, and the Beginning of Our World. It’s a richly narrated story that starts with the end of the world, and also depicts the beginnings of the world where our mammal forebe...2022-06-2457 min
Kobo in ConversationSheila Heti on getting reacquainted with her imaginationSheila Heti is a novelist, playwright, and former interviews editor for the literary magazine The Believer. We spoke with her (and her dog Feldman) about her new novel Pure Colour and how her novels come into being. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2022-06-1041 min
Kobo in ConversationBritt Wray on bringing emotions to bear on climate science We spoke with Britt Wray, broadcaster, science writer, and researcher at the intersection of mental health and climate change. Her new book is Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Crisis which is a deeply felt and thoroughly-researched study of what it means to wake up every day and live our lives on this warming planet of ours—without succumbing to despair about it all. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2022-05-2743 min
Tell Me What To ReadBook Discussion - Son Of Sin, The Cane, Address Book (feat. Nick - Rakuten Kobo)This is Tell Me What To Read, the podcast of Booktopia, Australia's Local Bookstore. Today, Nick sits down with Ben, Scott and special guest Nick Coveney from Rakuten Kobo to discuss the books they are reading and enjoying! *Producer's Note: Due to our team being in social isolation, the sound quality is more variable. WARNING: this podcast contains adult themes and sexual references. Valentine's Day Deals with Rakuten Kobo: https://bit.ly/3ATSmhD Kobo Bundles with Booktopia: https://bit.ly/3Hr3OE6 Scott's review of The Cane by Maryrose Cuskelly on T...2022-05-2345 min
Kobo in ConversationStephanie Foo on writing and healing from trauma Podcast aficionados may recognize our guest Stephanie Foo from her work on This American Life, Snap Judgment, and 99% Invisible, to name just a few of her credits. And now she has written a book called What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma that's both a memoir of growing up in an abusive and neglectful environment and also an explainer on complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), a condition that’s not as well-known as it should be—though its effects could be extremely broad. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2022-04-2242 min
Kobo in ConversationNoViolet Bulawayo on her glorious new novelNoViolet Bulawayo is the Booker Prize shortlisted author of We Need New Names and the new novel Glory, a fable-like retelling of the two years between the overthrow of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe and his death. It's moving, provocative, and surprisingly funny. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2022-04-0131 min
Kobo in ConversationJulia Quinn (encore)We spoke with Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton series of Regency romance novels. She told us about what it was like to see her characters come to life on-screen, and we asked her whether we'll eventually see a cinematic interpretation of a Smythe-Smith musicale. (Originally released February 12, 2021) We'll be back soon with new episodes of Kobo in Conversation.2022-03-2558 min
Kobo in ConversationKathryn Schulz on love and loss Kathryn Schulz is a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine, and author of the 2010 nonfiction bestseller, Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error. Her new book is a memoir, Lost & Found, which chronicles the grief of losing her father as well as the joy of finding love--with some surprising and fascinating lessons about typography, meteorites, and the philosophy of finding along the way. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2022-02-1843 min
Kobo in ConversationThe joyful endurance of Hanif AbdurraqibHanif Abdurraqib is a poet, essayist, and 2021 McArthur "Genius" Fellowship recipient. We spoke with him about his newest book, A Little Devil in America: Notes on Black Performance, and we learned about this book's evolution, how he's handling his recent run of successes, and which books he's been re-reading since childhood. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2022-02-0453 min
Kobo in ConversationMore of the best books we read in 2021 What happens when you ask around a global digital bookselling company about the best books its staff read in the past year? You get more books than you can fit into one episode. Enjoy more of the best books we read in 2021! Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2022-01-0144 min
Kobo in ConversationThe best books we read in 2021 We asked the staff of Kobo about the best eBooks and audiobooks they read in 2021. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2021-12-251h 17
Kobo in ConversationKobo Writing Life with Chloe LieseOur friends at the Kobo Writing Life podcast spoke with romance writer Chloe Liese, author of The Mistletoe Motive. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-12-1055 min
Kobo in ConversationJames S. A. CoreyWriting duo Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham are better known to fans as James S. A. Corey, author of The Expanse, the epic science fiction series that has just concluded with Leviathan Falls. We spoke with them about the surprising seed of the 9-volume series and what they learned from working on The Expanse TV show, which is also drawing to a close. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-12-0352 min
Kobo in ConversationChanda Prescod-WeinsteinDr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is a theoretical physicist and the author of The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred. In that book she not only explains in layperson's terms the phenomena she observes as a scientist, but also how she observes science as a social and fundamentally human activity, with all the messiness that entails. We spoke with her about many things, including her East LA upbringing, and how she sees herself and people like her among the generations of humans watching the stars. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2021-11-1949 min
Kobo in ConversationJanelle ShaneJanelle Shane writes the blog AI Weirdness, where she delights readers with broken outcomes of the latest developments in artificial intelligence, ranging from computer-generated recipes like horseradish brownies, to pickup lines like, "You look like a thing, and I love you." She's also the author of the book, You Look Like a Thing and I Love You: How Artificial Intelligence Works and Why It's Making the World a Weirder Place. We spoke with her about the uses and abuses of artificial intelligence, and we learned why it's unlikely anybody's going to read a wholly AI-written novel anytime soon. H...2021-11-1249 min
Kobo in ConversationEdward RutherfurdEdward Rutherfurd is the author of epic works of historical fiction including London, Russka, The Dublin Saga, and the new novel, China. We spoke with him about how he finds the right scale for his enormous books and when one of the many projects he has simmering is ready to be fleshed out into a manuscript of many hundreds of pages. And he shared with us his perspective on how he confronts the challenge of getting inside the minds of characters who would have lived centuries ago and half a world away. Hear more from Kobo in Conversa...2021-11-0553 min
Kobo in ConversationShari LapenaIn this special episode of Kobo In Conversation Michael spoke with Shari Lapena, the Canadian queen of domestic suspense, as part of the Toronto International Festival of Authors with an audience watching online and asking questions. Listen to hear about Lapena's award-nominated false start as a novelist, where she got the idea for her new book Not A Happy Family, and why--unlike other mystery writers--she doesn't work with a "murder wall." Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-10-2757 min
Kobo in ConversationIan RankinWe're back with a new season of Kobo in Conversation! This week, Ian Rankin, author of the Inspector Rebus series of Scottish crime novels, joins us to talk about his new novel The Dark Remains, which he wrote with assistance from, and in tribute to his literary hero, the late William McIlvanney. He spoke about how life under covid lockdown unlocked a wave of writing productivity, and which books helped him get his reading mojo back. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-10-2646 min
Kobo in ConversationP. Djèlí ClarkPhenderson Djèlí Clark's books take readers into places in history that feel familiar, but have spun off of the timeline we exist on. In Ring Shout we meet a militia fighting in Georgia against the Ku Klux Klan, which has invited actual demons into its hooded ranks with the help of the magical cinema of D. W. Griffith. But he's also written about a steampunk version of early 20th century Cairo in the Dead Djinn Universe and an alternate history of New Orleans during the US Civil War in The Black God's Drums. We spoke with him about writing...2021-10-2644 min
棒球猿聲帶EP.41：台通來啦！謝謝乾爹Kobo幫圓夢 feat. 台灣通勤第一品牌感謝乾爹Rakuten Kobo電子閱讀器幫忙圓夢！
台灣通勤第一品牌來啦！！！
身為小粉絲的Howard和Joseph整集錄完樂開懷
台通逞誠、家倫、何欸初次來到全猿主場
要來學習如何當個稱職的10號隊友！
大家一定要來聽棒球猿聲帶史上最大突破啦！！2021-10-1856 min
Kobo in ConversationKatie MackAs we draw Season 4 of Kobo in Conversation to a close, we bring you a conversation with theoretical cosmologist Katie Mack on a wholly different kind of ending. Listeners may recall host Michael Tamblyn's praise for The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) in our year-end Staff Picks episode, where he found that during 2020, it helped to have a sense of time and space and the forces acting on every particle throughout the universe. Michael spoke with Katie about the 5 theoretical ways the universe will end, and we learned why for her the study of astrophysics is preferably a "social" scien...2021-06-1153 minKobo in ConversationTorrey PetersTorrey Peters' debut novel Detransition, Baby wasn't supposed to be a novel. She'd self-published a pair of novellas and was planning on doing the same for this book -- until it outgrew her plans for it. She spoke with us about her writing career, how she navigates expectations of representation, and why Detransition, Baby is perfectly suited to a mainstream publisher who doesn't specialize in reaching transgender readers. Plus, she told us about the surprising direction she's going in with her next novel. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-06-0446 minKobo in ConversationSteve BrusattePaleontologist Steve Brusatte joined us to talk about his new book for young readers, The Age of Dinosaurs as well as his 2018 book for adults, The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs. We learned about his passion for giving readers a sense of dinosaurs as living, breathing animals, and what his hopes are for the future of paleontology. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-05-281h 08Kobo in ConversationHelen OyeyemiHelen Oyeyemi, author of Gingerbread and the playful new novel Peaces, spoke with us about the importance to her writing process of taking long book-free breaks, and how serving on juries for literary prizes has made her certain that she'll never win a major award. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-05-2143 minKobo in ConversationSuzanne SimardDr. Suzanne Simard, author of Finding the Mother Tree, spoke with us about the astonishing science of how trees communicate with one another. And she gave us a view into the hard work, dirty hands, and heartbreak of a life spent living in and studying forests. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-05-1450 minKobo in ConversationNatalie Zina WalschotsNatalie Zina Walschots spoke with us about her novel Hench, the day-to-day work of supervillainy, and why fanfic is her marker of success as a writer. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-05-0757 minKobo in ConversationMalcolm GladwellWith the publication of his first book in 2000, Malcolm Gladwell pioneered and proceeded to dominate a whole genre of non-fiction where concepts explored in academic research were made presentable to a mass audience. But to write his latest book The Bomber Mafia, he approached his craft in a new way. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-04-3051 minKobo in ConversationJulia QuinnIn this final episode of Season 3 of Kobo in Conversation, we spoke with Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton series of Regency romance novels. She told us about what it was like to see her characters come to life on-screen, and we asked her whether we'll eventually see a cinematic interpretation of a Smythe-Smith musicale. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-02-1257 minKobo in ConversationJael RichardsonIn Gutter Child Jael Richardson creates a dystopian world where disadvantage for some is written into law. In this wide-ranging conversation we spoke with her about this new novel, as well as the past and future of her writing career, and we learned how she conceives of her roles as a broadcaster and literary festival director who can bring a lot of attention to books and authors. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-02-0541 minKobo in ConversationEmily SchultzIn her novel Little Threats, Emily Schultz transports readers to the summer of 1993, when a terrible crime was committed -- and possibly a miscarriage of justice. We spoke with Emily about her inspiration for this story of crime and punishment, how she sees the style of this book in connection to her other books, and why she set out not to write just another crime novel about a dead girl. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-01-2939 minKobo in ConversationJoanne VannicolaWe spoke with actor Joanne Vannicola about their memoir, All We Knew But Couldn't Say and learned how they turned painful memories of their upbringing into a story of growth and self-discovery. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2021-01-2238 minKobo in ConversationLinden MacIntyreJournalist and novelist Linden MacIntyre joined us to talk about his new audiobook, The Wake: The Deadly Legacy of a Newfoundland Tsunami. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2021-01-1547 minKobo in ConversationBilly-Ray BelcourtWe spoke with poet and scholar Billy-Ray Belcourt about his new book, A History of My Brief Body, a poetic, intellectual work of theory, essay, and memoir. He explained how he builds on the work of others in his own writing and what drives his mission to locate joy at the centre of Indigenous stories. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2021-01-0837 minKobo in ConversationThe best books we read in 2020In 2020, even the most avid readers struggled to find the time and focus amid new routines to immerse themselves in the comfort of books. Fortunately, some of us at Kobo found a way through and got to spend time reading great things -- and we’re happy to share them with you here. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2020-12-251h 11Kobo in ConversationKobo Writing Life with Talia HibbertOur friends at the Kobo Writing Life podcast spoke with romance writer Talia Hibbert, author of Wrapped Up in You. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. Read Wrapped Up in You on Kobo.2020-12-1834 minKobo in ConversationMarian KeyesMarian Keyes joined us to talk about Grown-Ups, her new book about money, family, love, and the pressure to meet the expectations of others, even the ones we love. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2020-12-1152 minKobo in ConversationVicki Laveau-HarvieWe spoke with Vicki Laveau-Harvie, author of The Erratics, about why she doesn't see her book as a misery memoir, the proper place for catharsis, and why we're unlikely to ever find her on Twitter. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2020-12-0445 minKobo in ConversationEternity MartisToronto journalist Eternity Martis spoke with us about her memoir, They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2020-11-2732 minKobo in ConversationTobly McSmithIn Tobly McSmith's debut Stay Gold, a young adult novel about a transgender boy named Pony, he tells the story of a character who embraces the truth of his gender identity in his teens, much earlier than the author did himself. In our conversation we learn that he was creating a world that might have been and offering comfort to the next trans guy growing up in central Texas. Learn more about and contribute to Tobly's foundation for gender-affirming healthcare at staygoldfund.org Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2020-11-2027 minKobo in ConversationJared DiamondJared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs, and Steel, joined us to talk about his new book, Upheaval: Turning Points for Nations in Crisis. In this wide-ranging discussion Jared speaks about the COVID-19 crisis, as well as authoritarianism, and the need for nations to have the humility to see their errors -- and hopefully learn from them. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2020-11-1351 minKobo in ConversationEden RobinsonWe're back, safely ensconced with microphones and broadband internet, bringing you a new season of conversations with authors about books! To kick things off, we spoke with Eden Robinson, author of the Trickster trilogy. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2020-11-061h 00
Fine Tune with Corby FineEP7 - Taking Rakuten Kobo Global with Michael Tamblyn, CEO Rakuten KoboIt was 1999 and I was early in my career, VERY early in my career. I had started as a product manager at a "stealthy startup" and found myself working for a really smart and charismatic individual, Michael Tamblyn. Michael was in charge of product and I was there to learn.Flash forward a decade or two, and I now sit at my computer with a microphone and headphones, and in my screen is a slightly more mature Michael Tamblyn in a much different role. This time, as the CEO of Rakuten Kobo, Michael and I sit down...2020-05-0434 minKobo in ConversationStaff Picks - I'm Just a Person by Tig NotaroListen to Kerri's pick, I'm Just a Person by Tig Notaro.2020-05-0307 minKobo in ConversationTimothy CaulfieldTo end our second season, we spoke with Timothy Caulfield, public health expert and the author of The Science of Celebrity... Or, is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation and subscribe to be sure to hear all that we've got coming in Season 3.2020-04-1547 minKobo in ConversationStaff Picks - Gardens of the Moon by Steven EriksonRead Deepika's pick, Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson.2020-04-1205 minKobo in ConversationStaff Picks - Untamed by Glennon DoyleListen to Deandra's pick, Untamed by Glennon Doyle.2020-04-1106 minKobo in ConversationDaniel LevitinWe spoke with neuroscientist, musician, and author Daniel Levitin about his latest book, Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2020-04-0839 minKobo in ConversationStaff Picks - Water for Elephants by Sara GruenListen to Nastaran's pick, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.2020-04-0505 minKobo in ConversationStaff Picks - My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa MoshfeghRead Courtney's pick, My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh.2020-04-0403 minKobo in ConversationLinwood BarclayWe spoke with thriller writer (and former newspaper columnist and humourist) Linwood Barclay about the myth of writer's block and the discipline required to rein in his comic gifts. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2020-04-0129 minKobo in ConversationStaff Picks - Dominicana by Angie CruzListen to Delina's pick, Dominicana by Angie Cruz.2020-03-2903 minKobo in ConversationStaff Picks - Dhalgren by Samuel R. DelaneyHello, fellow reader. We thought that right now, when we're all getting less human contact than ever, it would be a good time to get as personal as we can with you, our listeners. So for the next little while, we'll be popping bonus episodes into this feed where you'll hear from our staff of readers and booksellers, and they're going to tell you all about a book they recommend. Read Simon's pick, Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany Read Michael's note on why and how Kobo transitioned to being 100% work-from-home for the next wh...2020-03-2809 minKobo in ConversationLori LansensScreenwriter and novelist Lori Lansens sat down with us to talk about her latest book This Little Light and how hard it was to write a dystopian novel in 2019 -- and how to play "spiritual double-dutch". Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2020-03-2534 min
E Kitap TicaretiRakuten Kobo'da Kitap Yayınlama Hakkında Bilmeniz GerekenlerRakuten Kobo'da Kitap Yayınlama Hakkında Bilmeniz Gerekenler by Tolgahan Koyuncu2020-03-2400 minKobo in ConversationLauren McKeonLauren McKeon, author of No More Nice Girls and Kobo Emerging Writer Prize nominee for her 2018 book F-Bomb spoke with us about where feminism is now, the meaning of success in a rigged game, and what to do with the energy of anger. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2020-03-1853 minKobo in ConversationJesse ThistleWe spoke with Jesse Thistle, Métis-Cree scholar and author, about his moving, poetic memoir, From the Ashes. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation2020-03-1137 minKobo in ConversationRobyn DoolittleInvestigative journalist Robyn Doolittle on fairness, ethics, and the law in the realm of sexual consent and how attitudes have shifted since #MeToo. Content warning: this episode discusses sexual assault. Though there's nothing explicitly violent mentioned, this episode may not be suitable for all listeners. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.2020-03-0448 minKobo in ConversationAnn CleevesBritish crime novelist Ann Cleeves discusses her new book The Long Call, why she's drawn to small places yet itches to change scenery, why reading literature in translation helps predict the future, and how libraries prop up whole sectors of the economy. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.2020-02-2626 min
Maker's DustMy Book Is Already In Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Rakuten Kobo, Odilo, Bookmate!My Book Is Already In Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Rakuten Kobo, Odilo, Bookmate! by Menelaos Gkikas2020-02-2400 minKobo in ConversationJulie Evelyn JoyceJulie Evelyn Joyce tells us about the inspiration behind her debut novel, Steeped In Love, and what it was like to win the 2019 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for Romance. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.2020-02-1938 minKobo in ConversationSaeed JonesIn this special live episode, poet Saeed Jones joins host maxine bailey on stage to talk about his memoir, How We Fight For Our Lives. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.2020-02-1256 minKobo in ConversationZiya TongKobo CEO, Michael Tamblyn, speaks with the Canadian broadcast personality and writer Ziya Tong about her debut nonfiction book, The Reality Bubble. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.2020-02-0531 minKobo in ConversationJonathan Safran FoerWe chatted with novelist and essayist Jonathan Safran Foer about his newest book, We Are The Weather. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.2020-01-2945 min
Kobo in ConversationKobo's 2019 Holiday PicksIn this special episode of Kobo in Conversation, Kobo staff share their top book recommendations for the holiday season. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.2019-12-231h 21Kobo in ConversationAndrew SolomonIn this episode, Michael is joined by Andrew Solomon, as they discuss his latest book, Far and Away: Reporting from the Brink of Change, as well as his 2012 best-seller, Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen.2019-06-2535 min
Kobo in ConversationZalika Reid-BentaIn this episode, Michael is joined by Zalika Reid-Benta, as they discuss her debut novel, eye-opening books, and navigating different backgrounds. Zalika also treats us by reading an excerpt from her book.2019-05-1025 min
Kobo in ConversationAndreas SouvaliotisAndreas Souvaliotis, founder of Carrot Rewards, joins Michael to discuss his life, lessons, and the books that shaped both him and his recent memoir Misfit. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation2019-04-2527 min
Kobo in ConversationKaren M. McManusIn this episode, Michael is joined by Karen McManus (and another special guest). The three discuss her latest novel Two Can Keep a Secret, her love of The Hunger Games and other favourite reads. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation2019-04-1115 min
Kobo in ConversationJulia ShawIn this episode, Michael is joined by Dr. Julia Shaw and they discuss her latest book Evil: The Science Behind Humanity's Dark Side as well as some of her favourite reads. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2019-03-2838 min
Kobo Writing Life PodcastBonus Episode: Preview of Kobo in ConversationPlease enjoy this preview of Kobo's new podcast Kobo in Conversation! Join our chief booklover, Rakuten Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn, as he welcomes famous authors and other notable guests from around the literary world and learn about the inspirations and influences behind your favourite books. In this episode, Michael speaks with the author of Forgiveness: A Gift from My Grandparents, winner of CBC Canada Reads 2018, about empathy, loss, and how his family let light shine in after one of the darkest chapters in Canadian history.2019-03-2229 min
Kobo in ConversationMarc LevyIn 2015, when French readers were asked to name their favourite author, Marc Levy tied with Victor Hugo. Today he talks with Michael about his most recent work, the value of dreaming, and the importance of curiosity. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2019-03-1423 min
Kobo in ConversationSheena KamalThe winner of the 2018 Kobo Emerging Writers Prize for Mystery and Crime Fiction for her debut novel The Lost Ones talks with Michael about her lifelong love of books, her creative drive, and how trying to break into the world of screenwriting led to her writing her first book. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2019-02-2814 min
Kobo in ConversationEpisode 5: Craig DavidsonCraig Davidson is a literary shapeshifter, with several novels in multiple genres. He speaks with Michael about writing for children, his family's reaction to his horror writing, and his first work of nonfiction, the CBC Canada Reads 2018 nominated Precious Cargo: My Year of Driving the Kids on School Bus 3077. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2019-02-1421 min
Kobo in ConversationEpisode 4: Maria QamarMaria Qamar, winner of the 2018 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for Nonfiction for her book Trust no Aunty, and the creative brain behind Instagram's @hatecopy, spoke with Michael about the power of aunties in our lives, her love of superheroes, and how hating copywriting led to becoming an artist in the age of the internet. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation. 2019-01-3117 min
Controlled Chaos07: Product Design & Innovation with VP Product Devices at Rakuten KoboIn our latest episode of Controlled Chaos, Gajan sits down with the VP of Product Devices at Rakuten Kobo, Ramesh Mantha. We talk about the early days in the engineering field, building 3G technology before it was a “thing”, early days at Blackberry when the iPhone was on the market, and his transition to his current role. We also dive deep into the philosophy around designing a product for consumers, how to foster creativity, and dealing with feedback. This is a jam-packed episode that you don't want to miss. Also, check out http://www.theriskyfox.com for more great content. Enjo2019-01-2400 min
Kobo in ConversationEpisode 3: Omar El AkkadOur guest is an award-winning journalist and the author of American War, winner of the 2018 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize for Literary Fiction and a CBC Canada Reads 2018 nominee. Learn how Omar's experiences in the field informed his debut novel about a second US Civil War. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2019-01-1719 min
Kobo in ConversationEpisode 2: Mark SakamotoMichael speaks with the author of Forgiveness: A Gift from My Grandparents, winner of CBC Canada Reads 2018, about empathy, loss, and how his family let light shine in after one of the darkest chapters in Canadian history. Hear more from Kobo in Conversation.2019-01-0327 min
Kobo in ConversationEpisode 1: Kobo's Holiday PicksIn this special episode of Kobo in Conversation, Kobo staff share their top book recommendations for the holiday season.2018-12-0655 min