Barack Obama to Host New Podcast About Books That 'Profoundly Shaped His Worldview & Our Society' for Audible | Just Jared - Celebrity News and Gossip

August 10, 2026 August 10, 2026

MoviesHub

Barack Obama to host new podcast — Credit: Getty

Barack Obama has a new job!

On Monday (August 10), the 65-year-old former President announced that he will be hosting a new podcast, called A Great Book with Barack Obama, for Audible about books that have “profoundly shaped his worldview and our society.”

In each of the six episodes, Obama will discuss one of his chosen titles with a guest. The books he has chosen are Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy by John le Carré, The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin, All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, and All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren.

“Great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe,” Obama shared in a statement, per The Guardian. “The six books featured in this series have stayed with me throughout my life, and each one has something to teach us about the human experience.”

“For this podcast, I invited some friends to explore why they resonate, how they can shape our understanding of ourselves and each other, and why literature matters now more than ever,” he continued. “I hope listeners will be inspired to discover or rediscover books that change the way they see themselves and the world.”

For years, Obama has shared his favorite books, posting summer reads and end-of-the-year roundups. This summer’s list included Kin by Tayari Jones, Vigil by George Saunders, The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout, Transcription by Ben Lerner, and Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead.