The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy

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1. Neil Jordan

   27 Oct 2026 · 42 min · S5 E5 · Explicit

   Neil Jordan is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and novelist. His films include Michael Collins, Interview with the Vampire, and The Crying Game, for which he won Best Original Screenplay in 1993. His…

2. Ryan Recommends: The Castle

   24 Oct 2026 · 1:22

   Ryan recommends The Castle by Jon Ronson, a fascinating exploration of the men who find themselves drawn to particular corners of YouTube and the internet. Looking at communities across America affected by economic…

3. Elizabeth Day

   19 Oct 2026 · 42 min · S5 E4 · Explicit

   Elizabeth Day is a Sunday Times bestselling author, journalist, and broadcaster. She is the creator and host of the hugely popular, award-winning podcast How to Fail. Her books include the number one bestseller…

4. Ryan Recommends: Where Are the Kings

   17 Oct 2026 · 2:16

   Ryan recommends Where Are the Kings by Donal Ryan, a collection of stories about love, loss, family and the ties that bind people together. Beautifully observed and full of humanity, it’s a reminder of why Donal Ryan…

5. Marco Pierre White

   12 Oct 2026 · 39 min · S5 E3 · Explicit

   Marco Pierre White is a chef, restaurateur and author who became the youngest chef to be awarded three Michelin stars at the age of 33. One of the most influential figures in modern British cooking, he has trained and…

6. Ryan Recommends: The Correspondent

   10 Oct 2026 · 2:03

   Ryan recommends The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, a beautiful novel told through the letters, emails, texts and cards exchanged over one woman’s life. If you haven’t read a book in a while and want to get back into…

7. Hector Ó hEochagáin

   5 Oct 2026 · 42 min · S5 E2 · Explicit

   Hector Ó hEochagáin is a television and radio presenter, podcaster and author. He has spent more than 25 years travelling the world for his television programmes and is one of Ireland’s best-known champions of the…

8. Ryan Recommends: London Falling

   3 Oct 2026 · 3:47 · Bonus

   Ryan recommends London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe, the gripping true story of the mysterious death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler. A compelling real-life mystery told with all the intrigue of a spy thriller. Follow…

9. Lorraine Kelly

   28 Sep 2026 · 42 min · S5 E1 · Explicit

   Lorraine Kelly is a journalist, television presenter and Sunday Times bestselling author. One of the most familiar faces on British television, she has built a career spanning broadcasting, documentaries and writing.…

10. New Season Alert!

    25 Sep 2026 · 1:11 · Trailer

    Ryan returns with a brand-new season filled with more brilliant guests. Starts Tuesday, 29th September! New episodes every Tuesday. Follow the show: Instagram: @bookshelfpodcast TikTok: @bookshelfpodcast Follow…

11. The Bookshelf Live: Christmas Chaos & Gogglebox Carnage

    17 Sep 2026 · 30 min · Explicit

    Ryan has big Bookshelf Live news, including why the Christmas matinée could be the most chaotic show yet. He also champions John Boyne’s brilliant new book, reveals what the Gogglebox crew did to his house, shares the…

12. The Bookshelf Live: Ryan’s Doing Celebrity Gogglebox

    1 Sep 2026 · 34 min

    Ryan reveals why he’s finally said yes to Celebrity Gogglebox Ireland, who’ll be joining him on the sofa, and why he’s already cleaning the house like a lunatic. Plus, a rummage through his personal archive turns up…

13. The Bookshelf Live: The Ryan of Tralee

    13 Aug 2026 · 32 min · Explicit

    Ryan squints back on eclipse night in Dublin, gives his verdict on the new Spider-Man, and prepares for his first-ever Parkrun. Plus a return to the Rose of Tralee after more than 20 years, why Donal Ryan is one of his…

14. The Bookshelf Live: The Singer Who Left Me Speechless

    6 Aug 2026 · 41 min · Explicit

    Ryan shares his joy at discovering the remarkable singer-songwriter Dave Lofts, thanks to a recommendation from his friend Russell Crowe. Plus, backstage encounters with Julianne Moore and Richard Armitage, a…

15. The Bookshelf Live: Remembering Glen Hansard

    29 Jul 2026 · 44 min

    The unexpected news of Glen Hansard's death changed the direction of this week's Bookshelf Live. Ryan reflects on Glen's remarkable life, his generosity, his music and the legacy he leaves behind. Sharing personal…

16. The Bookshelf Live: An Odyssey of Oddness

    23 Jul 2026 · 34 min

    Ryan’s rave review of The Odyssey, the case against cinema intervals, Bono’s neglected Vespa, adult nappies at concerts (yes, really), Korean food discoveries, Paul Howard’s latest political satire, and the…

17. The Bookshelf Live: The Ape With the Rizz!

    14 Jul 2026 · 41 min

    Ryan’s glowing review of Toy Story 5, why he’s counting down the hours until The Odyssey, and the Andy Serkis interview that led to an unexpected debate about why Caesar from Planet of the Apes has so many female…

18. The Bookshelf Live: Joanna Lumley Made Me Blush

    30 Jun 2026 · 44 min

    Ryan returns with stories from the Bookshelf Live tour, an unforgettable encounter with Joanna Lumley, and why Foyle’s War has become his latest obsession. Plus, his verdict on the summer’s biggest films, book…

19. The Bookshelf Live: To Infinity and Beyond!

    7 Apr 2026 · 33 min

    The doomed Cork and Limerick road trip, Artemis II, celeb spotting at 30,000 feet, First Dates Ireland, Ryan’s book club recommendation of the month, Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, and no one wants to see your…

20. The Bookshelf Live: A Trip to Downing Street!

    20 Mar 2026 · 35 min · Explicit

    A trip to Downing Street, an unexpected live call, a review of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the return of the now malevolent Book Bot, and more! The Bookshelf Live tour: Cork Opera House - Thursday 30 April…

21. The Bookshelf Live: On Stage and On the Page

    25 Feb 2026 · 43 min

    Ryan returns to riff on: a printer for stupid people, laser eye surgery, three-hour theatre epics, BAFTA wins, Star Wars losing its way, and why short books might save your reading life. The Bookshelf Live tour: Cork…

22. The Bookshelf Live: We're Going on the Road!

    11 Feb 2026 · 36 min · Explicit

    The debut live show sold out, so we’re taking The Bookshelf Live on tour. Join us: Cork Opera House - Thursday 30 April corkoperahouse.ie Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick - Thursday 7 May limetreebelltable.ie Town…

23. The Bookshelf Live - Live Show Guest Revealed!

    3 Feb 2026 · 38 min

    More great book recommendations, more linguistic pet peeves, bad pints in Oxford, celeb spotting in The Devonshire, and find out who will be our special guest at the sold out live show in March. This weeks recommended…

24. The Bookshelf Live - 'Bookbot', Nautical Reads, & Live Show Announcement!

    27 Jan 2026 · 47 min

    On the menu this week: Ryan's top 3 nautical reads: The Wager by David Grann, Madhouse at the End of the Earth by Julian Sancton, and The Stolen Village by Des Ekin. Also, Saipan and Seven Dials reviewed, 'Bookbot' is…

25. The Bookshelf Live - When Books Become Great Films

    20 Jan 2026 · 52 min

    Another Lunchtime live and lots more recommendations, including Ryan's book of the week The Director by Daniel Kehlmann, books that became exceptional films, including Atonement, Trainspotting, and The Remains of the…

26. The Bookshelf Live - Books to get you reading again

    13 Jan 2026 · 48 min

    In this week's Lunchtime live special, Ryan gives his three books guaranteed to reignite your reading pleasure, reviews Hamnet and Pluribus, flexes on his cake making skills, and answers all your questions. Ryan's top…

27. The Bookshelf Live - Happy New Year!

    6 Jan 2026 · 48 min

    Ryan recommends books to look forward to in 2026, and answers all your questions in this live special. Follow the show: Instagram: @bookshelfpodcast TikTok: @bookshelfpodcast Follow Ryan: Instagram: @instatubridy…

28. Laura Dowling

    16 Dec 2025 · 40 min · S4 E12 · Explicit

    Laura Dowling is a pharmacist, women’s health advocate, entrepreneur, and the creator of the hugely popular platform The Fabulous Pharmacist. Her new book, Love Your Vulva, is a straight-talking guide to women’s health…

29. Dr Norah Patten

    9 Dec 2025 · 43 min · S4 E11

    Dr Norah Patten is an aeronautical engineer, STEM advocate, author, and future astronaut with Virgin Galactic. Set to become the first Irish person in space, she has spent over a decade working in commercial space…

30. Conor Murray

    2 Dec 2025 · 45 min · S4 E10

    Conor Murray is a recently retired international rugby player. For more than a decade, he wore the No.9 jersey for Munster, Ireland, and the British & Irish Lions. His career includes 5 Six Nations titles, 2 Grand…

31. Ryan's Favourite Books of 2025

    29 Nov 2025 · 1 h 02 min · Explicit

    In this live special, Ryan shares his favourite fiction and non-fiction books and authors of 2025. Fiction: The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey The names by Florence Knapp Fair Play by Louise Hegarty Nesting by…

32. Anna Haugh

    25 Nov 2025 · 45 min · S4 E9

    Anna Haugh is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and television presenter. She’s the founder of Myrtle Restaurant in London, which celebrates modern Irish cuisine with a contemporary twist. In September 2025,…

33. Miriam O’Callaghan

    18 Nov 2025 · 47 min · S4 E8

    Miriam O’Callaghan has been a leading voice in Irish broadcasting for over three decades, renowned for her sharp journalism, warmth, and integrity. A qualified solicitor before turning to the media, she has covered…

34. Jeffrey Archer

    11 Nov 2025 · 40 min · S4 E7

    Jeffrey Archer is one of the most widely read and enduring storytellers in the world. His novels and short stories have sold over 300 million copies, being published in 119 countries and translated into 47 languages. A…

35. Alice Leahy

    4 Nov 2025 · 42 min · S4 E6

    Alice Leahy is co-founder and Director of Services at the Alice Leahy Trust, supporting people who are homeless. A former nurse, writer, and Human Rights Commissioner, she helped establish Ireland’s first intensive…

36. Hugh Bonneville

    28 Oct 2025 · 43 min · S4 E5

    Hugh Bonneville is an actor and author, best known to millions worldwide as Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey and Henry Brown in the beloved Paddington films. His new children’s novel, Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the…

37. Emma Doran

    20 Oct 2025 · 40 min · S4 E4 · Explicit

    Emma Doran is a comedian, podcaster, writer, and social media sensation. She’s the author of the critically acclaimed memoir Mad Isn’t It? and she's currently touring Ireland and the UK with her biggest show to date,…

38. Colm Tóibín

    13 Oct 2025 · 43 min · S4 E3

    Colm Tóibín is one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers. He’s the author of eleven novels, including Brooklyn, The Master, and The Magician. Known for his quiet emotion and vivid storytelling, Tóibín is also a…

39. Nicola Tallant

    6 Oct 2025 · 42 min · S4 E2

    Nicola Tallant is one of Ireland’s most respected crime journalists. Best known for her fearless investigations into organised crime and her hugely successful Crime World podcast. Her latest book, ‘Groomed: Coercion,…

40. Leo Varadkar

    29 Sep 2025 · 43 min · S4 E1

    Leo Varadkar served as Taoiseach of Ireland (prime minister) from 2017 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2024. He was Ireland’s youngest ever Taoiseach in 2017, and the first openly gay person and first person of colour…

41. Season 4 of The Bookshelf Starts Tuesday, 30th September

    27 Sep 2025 · 1:21 · Trailer

    Ryan Tubridy returns with a brand-new season of The Bookshelf. Each week, a brilliant guest shares their story through three meaningful books: • the book from their childhood • the book that changed their life • and…

42. Book Club Live: Andrea Mara

    3 Aug 2025 · 35 min

    Ryan chats live with Andrea Mara, author of 'It Should Have Been You' - the unputdownable No.1 bestselling thriller. Brought to you by Eason – Ireland’s favourite bookseller. All episodes available to watch on…

43. Mary McAleese

    23 Jun 2025 · 1 h 04 min · S3 E13

    Mary McAleese is a barrister, academic, author, and former politician who served as the president of Ireland from 1997 to 2011. Season finale. Brought to you by Eason – Ireland’s favourite bookseller. Follow the…

44. Amy Huberman

    16 Jun 2025 · 44 min · S3 E12

    Amy Huberman is an acclaimed actress, bestselling author, and entrepreneur. She created and starred in the hit comedy series ‘Finding Joy’, and is the author of the beloved novel ‘Hello Heartbreak’ and the children’s…

45. Rob Rinder

    9 Jun 2025 · 44 min · S3 E11 · Explicit

    Rob Rinder is a barrister, broadcaster, and Sunday Times #1 bestselling author. His new novel ‘The Protest’, the third installment in his Adam Green legal thriller series, will be released on June 19th. Brought to you…

46. Dr Sumi Dunne

    2 Jun 2025 · 47 min · S3 E10 · Explicit

    Dr Sumi Dunne is a general practitioner and clinical lecturer. Born in London, she graduated from the University of Southampton and later completed her training at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. From 2019…

47. Book Club Live: Louise Hegarty

    30 May 2025 · 28 min

    Ryan chats live with Louise Hegarty, a major new voice in Irish fiction, about her debut novel 'Fair Play'. Brought to you by Eason – Ireland’s favourite bookseller. All episodes available to watch on YouTube:…

48. David Gray

    26 May 2025 · 46 min · S3 E9

    David Gray is a singer-songwriter and musician. His album ‘White Ladder’ is the best-selling album in Ireland of all time. David will be performing at the INEC Arena in Killarney on August 28th, as part of his ‘Past &…

49. Donncha O'Callaghan

    19 May 2025 · 44 min · S3 E8 · Explicit

    Donncha O’Callaghan is a retired international rugby player, broadcaster, author, and UNICEF ambassador. His debut children’s book ‘Disaster Dad: Chicken Chaos’ is available now, and in Paperback from 29th May. The…

50. Roseanna Ruane

    12 May 2025 · 58 min · S3 E7

    This week’s guest is Roseanna Ruane, mother of Saoírse Ruane, who captured the hearts of Ireland when she appeared with Ryan on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020. Saoírse’s story inspired the launch of the Toy Show…