Where to Start With Currently Reading

New to Currently Reading? Every episode stands alone, so you can jump in anywhere without feeling lost. But if you'd like a hand-picked entry point, these eight episodes are the best first taste of the show, and one of them comes recommended by The New York Times itself.

Reader Know Thyself is how we pick books, so it's also how we'll pick your first episode. Find the line below that sounds like you.

Start Where The New York Times Says To Start

This episode is for you if... you want the official front door.

When The New York Times named Currently Reading one of the best podcasts for book lovers, they pointed new listeners to "Reader Roulette + Our Assigned Summer Reading" (S8E2). It pairs a round of Reader Roulette with the results of our assigned summer reading, and it shows you exactly how the show works: current reads, honest opinions, and one juicy deep dive.

For the Reader Who Starts at Page One

This episode is for you if... you never skip an introduction, and you weren't about to start a 400-episode podcast in the middle.

"Episode 1: A {Slightly Awkward} Beginning" is where it all started on September 10, 2018: two best friends, one leap of faith, and a whole lot of book talk. The title is honest, the book recommendations still hold up, and you'll get to watch the show find its footing in real time.

For the Reader in a Slump

This episode is for you if... you haven't finished a book in months and you're starting to feel weird about it.

"A Revisit to Episode 8: Getting Through a Reading Slump" (S8E38) returns to one of the show's earliest topics from 2018 with everything we've learned since. Slumps happen to everyone, including two people who talk about books for a living, and there is a way out.

For the Reader Drowning in a TBR

This episode is for you if... your to-be-read pile has quietly become a to-be-read bookcase.

"Reading Sanity + Boss My TBR" (S8E42) features Boss My TBR, the fan-favorite segment where a listener's out-of-control to-be-read list gets sorted out on air, alongside a deep dive on keeping your reading life sane.

For the Audiobook-Curious

This episode is for you if... you love audiobooks, or suspect you might if someone showed you how.

"Exciting Adaptations + How To Audiobook" (S8E32) covers exactly what the title promises: screen adaptations worth getting excited about, and a practical guide to making audiobooks work for your life and your brain.

For the Opinionated Reader

This episode is for you if... you're tired of book content where everything is five stars.

"Consensus or Chaos: Bookish Opinions Edition" (S8E49) puts our honest-but-fair philosophy on full display as we find out where we agree, and where we very much do not. We don't spoil books and we don't trash authors, but we do tell you the truth.

For the Reader Who Wants a Community

This episode is for you if... you miss having a friend who says "drop everything and read this."

"The 2026 Listener Press Episode!" (S8E48) hands the microphone to our listeners, who press their favorite books into our hands (and yours). It's the fastest way to feel what the Currently Reading community is like.

For the Personality-Quiz Lover

This episode is for you if... you've ever chosen anything, even once, based on your Enneagram type.

"Airplane Reading + Books For Every Enneagram" (S8E40) matches book recommendations to every Enneagram number, plus a deep dive on the very specific art of airplane reading. Extremely shareable with the type-obsessed friend in your life.

After Your First Episode

New episodes of Currently Reading arrive every Monday at 5:00 a.m. Central, wherever you get podcasts. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, browse show notes for every book we've ever mentioned, or learn more on our What Is Currently Reading page. And when you're ready for 250+ bonus episodes, the Bookish Friends on Patreon are waiting for you.