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The Chapters podcast is returning for its second year, bringing listeners four new conversations with well-known actors, comedians and performers connected to the 2026 Speakies awards.
The new series features actor Richard Armitage, comedian Suzi Ruffell, Heartstopper actress Corinna Brown and award-winning performer Juliet Stevenson. Broadcaster and journalist Hannah MacInnes will host the conversations, exploring the books, stories and experiences that have shaped their lives and careers.
Each episode will be recorded inside an independent bookshop, giving the series a personal setting for discussions about reading, writing, audiobook narration and audio storytelling.
The series begins on Monday, November 2, 2026, with Suzi Ruffell at The Common Press in Dalston. Three further episodes will follow weekly, with the final conversation featuring Juliet Stevenson on November 23.
For audiobook fans, book lovers and followers of the featured guests, the series offers an opportunity to discover how stories influence the people who bring them to life.
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Quick Summary: What to Know About the Chapters Podcast
- Series: Second year of the Chapters podcast.
- Launch date: November 2, 2026.
- Host: Hannah MacInnes.
- Featured guests: Suzi Ruffell, Corinna Brown, Richard Armitage and Juliet Stevenson.
- Main topics: Books, reading, writing, audiobook narration and audio performances.
- Recording locations: Four independent bookshops in London.
- Where to listen: Podcast platforms and YouTube.
- Connection to the awards: All four guests have been shortlisted for Speakies-related work.
What Is the Chapters Podcast About?
The Chapters podcast explores the connection between books, storytelling and the people who bring stories to audiences.
Rather than focusing only on the guests’ latest projects, the series looks at the reading experiences that have influenced their personal and creative lives.
Conversations will cover childhood reading favourites, books that changed the guests’ thinking, and the stories they return to for inspiration.
The guests will also discuss their shortlisted work and share insights into the creative process behind audiobooks and audio productions.
Why Independent Bookshops Are Central to the Series
Each episode is recorded inside an independent bookshop.
These settings provide a natural place to discuss literature, reading habits and the power of storytelling. They also give each conversation a distinct location rather than placing every guest in a traditional studio.
Independent bookshops often serve as community spaces where readers can discover authors, explore new genres and share their interest in books.
By recording the series in these locations, Chapters connects its conversations with the places where many readers develop their love of literature.
Chapters Podcast 2026: Full Episode Schedule
The new series will feature four weekly episodes, beginning on November 2 and ending on November 23, 2026.
| Release date | Guest | Recording location | Main discussion |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2, 2026 | Suzi Ruffell | The Common Press, Dalston | Her winning audiobook, writing influences and upcoming projects |
| November 9, 2026 | Corinna Brown | Bard Books | Childhood reading, her audio drama and listening habits |
| November 16, 2026 | Richard Armitage | Goldsboro Books, Soho | Audiobook narration, his own writing and reading |
| November 23, 2026 | Juliet Stevenson | Nomad Books, Fulham | Audiobook narration, characters and audio storytelling |
Listeners can follow the weekly releases on podcast platforms and YouTube.
Suzi Ruffell Opens the New Series
The first episode features comedian and writer Suzi Ruffell at The Common Press in Dalston on November 2.
Ruffell will discuss her 2025 winning audiobook, Am I Having Fun Now?, alongside the books that influenced her development as a writer.
The conversation will also look at her upcoming projects and the role reading has played in her creative life.
Her episode opens the series with a focus on the relationship between personal experience, writing and audio performance.
For listeners interested in how comedians develop their ideas and turn them into written or spoken work, the conversation offers a chance to hear about Ruffell’s creative influences.
Corinna Brown Discusses Books and Audio Drama
The second episode arrives on November 9, when Hannah MacInnes meets Heartstopper actress Corinna Brown at Bard Books.
Brown has been shortlisted for her performance in the audio drama Wraith.
Her conversation will explore the books she enjoyed during childhood, the writer she would most like to meet and the places where she enjoys listening to audio content.
Why Her Episode May Interest Audio Drama Fans
Audio drama relies on voice, dialogue, sound and performance to bring a story to life without requiring the audience to watch the action.
Brown’s experience as a performer makes her perspective particularly relevant to listeners interested in how actors approach audio productions.
The episode will also explore the personal side of reading, including the books and writers that have influenced her.
Richard Armitage Explores Audiobook Narration
Richard Armitage will appear in the third episode on November 16.
The actor will meet MacInnes at Goldsboro Books in Soho to discuss his shortlisted narration of Alice Feeney’s My Husband’s Wife.
The conversation will examine the relationship between reading and performance, including how Armitage approaches narration and the experience of narrating his own writing.
What Makes Audiobook Narration Different?
Audiobook narration involves more than reading words aloud. A narrator must communicate a story clearly while helping listeners follow its characters, emotions and changing scenes.
Narrators may adjust their pace, tone and delivery to suit the material.
Armitage’s episode will explore his approach to this creative process and how reading has contributed to his wider work as a performer.
For audiobook enthusiasts, the conversation promises insight into the choices involved in turning a written story into an engaging listening experience.
Juliet Stevenson Closes the Series
The final episode will be released on November 23, featuring award-winning performer Juliet Stevenson at Nomad Books in Fulham.
Stevenson has been shortlisted for her narration of Ilona Bannister’s crime and thriller audiobook Five.
Her conversation will explore how she approaches audiobook narration, the characters she enjoys reading and the wider appeal of audio storytelling.
The Art of Bringing Characters to Life
A skilled narrator helps listeners distinguish characters, follow the story and understand its emotional shifts.
Voice, rhythm, timing and tone can all influence how a listener experiences a book.
Stevenson’s discussion will explore her approach to this work and the creative possibilities of audio storytelling.
Her episode will bring the second series of Chapters to a close on the same day as the 2026 Speakies awards ceremony.
Hannah MacInnes Shares Her Excitement About the Series
Host Hannah MacInnes has described the podcast as a dream project.
She highlighted the pleasure of recording conversations in independent bookshops and meeting guests to discuss the stories that have influenced their lives.
The format allows the series to explore literature from several perspectives, including those of actors, writers, comedians and audiobook performers.
By focusing on personal reading experiences as well as professional achievements, the podcast aims to show how books can shape creativity in different ways.
What Are the Speakies Awards?
The Speakies are the British Audio Awards, which celebrate talent across audiobooks, audio dramas and podcasts.
The awards recognise the performers, narrators and creative professionals who help bring audio productions to audiences.
The 2026 awards attracted 423 submissions, compared with 300 the previous year.
That increase represents 123 additional submissions, highlighting a rise in the number of entries received by the awards.
The 2026 ceremony will take place at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on Monday, November 23. Comedian and actress Sally Phillips will return as host.
The ceremony will recognise achievements across the audio industry, bringing together talent from different areas of the sector.
How to Listen to the Chapters Podcast
Listeners interested in the new series can follow these simple steps:
- Choose a podcast platform: Look for Chapters on your preferred podcast service.
- Check the release dates: New episodes are scheduled for November 2, 9, 16 and 23.
- Follow the series: Subscribe or follow the podcast where that option is available.
- Watch on YouTube: The episodes will also be released on YouTube.
- Explore the guests’ work: Listen to their shortlisted audiobooks or audio productions to learn more about the projects discussed.
Check the official podcast or Speakies channels for confirmed episode links and release details.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Chapters Podcast
1. When does the new Chapters podcast series begin?
The second series begins on Monday, November 2, 2026, with comedian Suzi Ruffell at The Common Press in Dalston.
2. Who are the guests on the Chapters podcast?
The four guests are Suzi Ruffell, Corinna Brown, Richard Armitage and Juliet Stevenson. Each will discuss books, reading and their work in audio or performance.
3. Who hosts the Chapters podcast?
Broadcaster and journalist Hannah MacInnes hosts the series, interviewing each guest about the stories that have influenced their lives and careers.
4. Where can listeners watch or hear the Chapters podcast?
The episodes will be released weekly on podcast platforms and YouTube. Listeners should check the official channels for direct links.
5. What are the Speakies awards?
The Speakies are the British Audio Awards. They celebrate talent across audiobooks, audio dramas and podcasts, recognising the people involved in creating and performing audio content.
