If you’re looking for a podcast that talks about books in a funny and down-to-earth way, Book Fight is a great choice.

Hosted by Mike Ingram and Tom McAllister, two writers and editors, this podcast is all about real conversations about books, writing, and the world of literature.

Whether you love reading or are just curious about how books are made, this podcast will keep you entertained and informed.

What Makes Book Fight Special?

The best part of Book Fight is the way the hosts talk to each other. Mike and Tom are not afraid to share their honest opinions about books.

They don’t sugarcoat things: they’ll tell you what they really think, whether a book is amazing or just okay.

They also make the conversations fun, often joking around while still diving into interesting topics.

What You’ll Hear in the Podcast

• Book Discussions: Each episode focuses on a book or a theme, like classic novels or modern writing trends.

• Guest Speakers: Sometimes, they bring in authors, editors, or other experts to share their experiences.

• Seasonal Themes: Some seasons focus on specific genres, like mystery or romance, which makes it easy to find episodes you’ll enjoy.

Who Should Listen?

If you like books and enjoy honest, funny conversations, this podcast is for you.

It’s also great if you’re a writer or thinking about writing, as the hosts share tips and talk about what it’s really like to be in the world of books.

Episodes You’ll Love

Here are 5 episodes that we enjoyed listening to:

1. In a Lonely Place by Dorothy Hughes”

The hosts talk about what makes this classic mystery novel special, from its characters to its style.

This is a classic mystery novel written in 1947. It’s about a man named Dix Steele, a former World War II pilot who moves to Los Angeles.

At first, he seems like just another guy struggling to find his place after the war. But as the story unfolds, you start to realize there’s something darker going on.

The book is famous for its suspense and the way it gets into Dix’s mind. It also shows a lot about life in post-war America.

Many people love it because it feels more complex than a typical mystery, and the writing style is beautiful yet chilling.

• Episode Title: "In a Lonely Place by Dorothy Hughes"

• Date: October 9, 2024; find it on the podcast’s archives

• Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes

2.“Writing for Video Games with Salvatore Pane”

A cool episode where they chat about how writing for video games is different from writing books.

This episode isn’t about a book, but it’s a great conversation with Salvatore Pane, a writer who works on video games.

He talks about how creating stories for games is different from writing a book. In video games, the story needs to fit with the player’s choices, so it has to be flexible and interactive.

Pane explains how you still need strong characters and a good plot, but you also have to think about how players will explore the game.

It’s an eye-opening discussion for anyone interested in how storytelling works in different formats.

• Episode Title: "In a Lonely Place by Dorothy Hughes"

• Date: January 16, 2024; find it on the podcast’s archives

• Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes

  

3.“Twilight: A Defense”

Love it or hate it, the hosts dig into why Twilight became such a big deal and what we can learn from it.

The episode looks at Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, a hugely popular young adult romance about a teenage girl, Bella, who falls in love with a vampire named Edward.

The hosts talk about why the book became such a cultural phenomenon, even though it’s often criticized for its writing style and plot.

They point out that Twilight hit on themes that resonate with many readers, like forbidden love and feeling out of place.

The book’s impact on pop culture and the rise of paranormal romance is undeniable, and the hosts explore why it still has so many fans today.

• Episode Title: "Twilight: A Defense"

• Date: September 17, 2018; find it on the podcast’s archives

• Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes

4."Dave Housley on Bridget Jones's Diary"

In an episode featuring guest Dave Housley, the hosts look into Bridget Jones's Diary, a novel that updated the 19th-century marriage plot for the 1990s.

The discussion explores how the book portrays the life of a single woman navigating her 30s, dealing with career challenges, romantic relationships, and societal expectations. The hosts examine the novel's humor and its impact on contemporary literature.

Episode Details:

• Title: "Dave Housley on Bridget Jones's Diary"

• Date: June 24, 2024; find it on the podcast’s archives

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes

5."Romance Novels with Dave Thomas"

In this episode, the hosts, along with guest Dave Thomas, discuss the romance genre, focusing on Julia Quinn's Regency-era novels. They highlight Quinn's use of humor and her creation of strong, complex female characters, offering insights into what distinguishes a good romance novel.

Episode Details:

• Title: "Ep 245: Romance Novels with Dave Thomas"

• Date: September 17, 2018; find it on the podcast’s archives

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes

  

Are you more of a reader than a listener?

No problem, find the Book Fight website here!

Anything to Keep in Mind?

The podcast can sometimes feel a bit long, as episodes are usually over an hour.

Also, the jokes and casual style might not be for everyone if you prefer more serious discussions.

If You Loved This Podcast, You May Also Like These Ones:

Here are three other podcasts that might interest you if you enjoyed Book Fight:

1. The Worst Bestsellers

This podcast takes a humorous look at popular books that aren’t always critically acclaimed. Hosts Renata and Kait read these “worst bestsellers” and discuss what works, what doesn’t, and why they became so popular. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy witty, critical takes on mainstream literature.

Why You’ll Love It: The humor and honesty make it a light and fun listen, even when dissecting the flaws of beloved books.

Find it on PodcastAi Chart!

2. Overdue

Overdue is a podcast about the books you’ve been meaning to read but never got around to. Hosts Andrew and Craig read one of these books each week and discuss it in an approachable, relatable way. They cover a mix of classics, forgotten gems, and pop culture hits.

Why You’ll Love It: The hosts’ casual, conversational style makes literature feel accessible and enjoyable.

Find it on PodcastAi Chart!

3. Fantasy Fangirls

Fantasy Fangirls is a podcast dedicated to all things fantasy, from epic novels and series to movies and TV shows. Hosts Emily and Jess dive into the most beloved (and sometimes underrated) fantasy worlds, discussing plot twists, characters, and fan theories with unfiltered enthusiasm and humor. Each week, they focus on a specific book, show, or franchise, making their episodes perfect for seasoned fans and newcomers alike.

Why You’ll Love It: Emily and Jess bring contagious energy and deep passion to the table, making you feel like you're geeking out about your favorite fantasy stories with your best friends.

Find it on PodcastAi Chart!

Other podcasts that talk about books? We got you covered! PodcastAI Chart will keep you updated on all your favorite book podcasts and all the new entries you’ll want to discover.

Final Thoughts

They don’t hold back on their opinions, but they also don’t take themselves too seriously.

Whether you want to laugh, learn, or find your next favorite book, this podcast is worth checking out.

Other podcasts besides those that talk about books? We’ve got those too! Click here to discover them all!

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