The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy
Books & Literature
About
On ‘The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy’, the renowned broadcaster, author and book lover sits down with household names to discover the books that have influenced their lives.Every week, Ryan will turn the pages of their life through the prism of three books: The childhood book, the book that brought them joy, and the book that changed their life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- The Bookshelf Live: To Infinity and Beyond!
In this live episode, Ryan Tubridy discusses a road trip, the Artemis II mission, and celebrity encounters. The episode also features First Dates Ireland, a monthly book club recommendation for Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, and tour dat…
- The Bookshelf Live: A Trip to Downing Street!
This episode features a trip to Downing Street, a live call, and a review of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. It also includes the return of the Book Bot and details regarding the upcoming live tour.
- The Bookshelf Live: On Stage and On the Page
Ryan Tubridy discusses various topics ranging from technology and medical procedures to theatre, film, and the benefits of reading shorter books. The episode also includes information regarding upcoming live tour dates for The Bookshelf.
- The Bookshelf Live: We're Going on the Road!
The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy is going on tour. Live shows are scheduled for Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Dublin in April, May, and June. Tickets are currently available for purchase.
- The Bookshelf Live - Live Show Guest Revealed!
Ryan Tubridy shares book recommendations, discusses linguistic pet peeves, and announces the guest for the upcoming sold-out live show. Featured books include works by Ulrich A. Boschwitz, Ciarán Collins, Alan McMonagle, and Roddy Doyle.
- The Bookshelf Live - 'Bookbot', Nautical Reads, & Live Show Announcement!
Ryan Tubridy shares his top three nautical reads, reviews 'Saipan' and 'Seven Dials', and introduces 'Bookbot'. This episode also includes the announcement for the first 'Bookshelf Live' show at the Pavilion Theatre on March 27th.
- The Bookshelf Live - When Books Become Great Films
In this episode of The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy, Ryan discusses books adapted into films, including Atonement, Trainspotting, and The Remains of the Day. He also shares his book of the week, The Director by Daniel Kehlmann.
- The Bookshelf Live - Books to get you reading again
Ryan Tubridy discusses three book recommendations to help reignite a love of reading, reviews Hamnet and Pluribus, and answers listener questions in this special episode. He also talks about his cake-making skills.
- The Bookshelf Live - Happy New Year!
In this live episode of The Bookshelf, Ryan Tubridy shares book recommendations for 2026 and answers audience questions.
- Laura Dowling
Laura Dowling, creator of The Fabulous Pharmacist, discusses her new book 'Love Your Vulva,' which offers a direct approach to women's health throughout life. The episode covers adult themes and strong language.
- Dr Norah Patten
Dr Norah Patten, an Irish aeronautical engineer and author, discusses her extensive career in space research and education. She is set to become the first Irish person in space with Virgin Galactic.
- Conor Murray
Ryan Tubridy speaks with recently retired international rugby player Conor Murray about his extensive career, which included playing for Munster, Ireland, and the British & Irish Lions, and the release of his new memoir, 'Cloud Nine: My Li…
- Ryan's Favourite Books of 2025
Ryan Tubridy's Favourite Books of 2025 features his top fiction and non-fiction selections from the year. Notable fiction includes works by Catherine Chidgey, Florence Knapp, and Anthony Horowitz, while non-fiction highlights include 'The…
- Anna Haugh
Anna Haugh, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and TV presenter, is the founder of Myrtle Restaurant in London. She has been announced as a new judge on the BBC One show MasterChef.
- Miriam O’Callaghan
Miriam O’Callaghan, a respected Irish broadcaster with over 30 years of experience, joins Ryan Tubridy on The Bookshelf to discuss her career, transitioning from law to media, and her recently released memoir.
- Jeffrey Archer
Jeffrey Archer, an internationally acclaimed storyteller whose works have sold over 300 million copies, discusses his new novel 'End Game,' the conclusion of the William Warwick series. Archer also reflects on his past career in politics a…
- Alice Leahy
Alice Leahy, co-founder of the Alice Leahy Trust, discusses her work supporting homeless individuals. A former nurse, writer, and Human Rights Commissioner, she has been a leading advocate for marginalized people.
- Hugh Bonneville
Ryan Tubridy speaks with actor and author Hugh Bonneville about his new children's novel, Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room. Bonneville is also known for his roles as Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey and Henry Brown in the Paddington…
- Emma Doran
Emma Doran, a comedian, podcaster, writer, and social media star, joins Ryan Tubridy on The Bookshelf. They discuss her memoir 'Mad Isn’t It?' and her current tour, 'Immaculate.'
- Colm Tóibín
Colm Tóibín, a celebrated Irish author known for novels like "Brooklyn" and "The Master," discusses his literary career and his new collection of essays and lectures, "Ship in Full Sail."
- Nicola Tallant
Nicola Tallant, a respected Irish crime journalist known for her work on organized crime and the Crime World podcast, discusses her new book, 'Groomed: Coercion, Control and a Cold Blooded Murder'. The book focuses on coercion, control, an…
- Leo Varadkar
Leo Varadkar, who served as Taoiseach of Ireland from 2017-2020 and 2022-2024, discusses his memoir Speaking My Mind. He was the youngest Taoiseach, the first openly gay person, and the first person of colour to hold the office.
- Season 4 of The Bookshelf Starts Tuesday, 30th September
Season 4 of The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy premieres Tuesday, September 30th. Each week, a guest will discuss three significant books from their life: one from childhood, one that changed their life, and one that brought them joy. New epi…
- Book Club Live: Andrea Mara
Ryan Tubridy hosts Andrea Mara, author of the No.1 bestselling thriller 'It Should Have Been You', for a live Book Club discussion.
- Mary McAleese
Mary McAleese, who served as the president of Ireland from 1997 to 2011, is featured in this episode. She has had a career as a barrister, academic, author, and politician. This is the season finale.
- Amy Huberman
Amy Huberman, actress and author, discusses her work including the comedy series 'Finding Joy' and her novels 'Hello Heartbreak' and 'The Day I Got Trapped in My Brain'.
- Rob Rinder
Ryan Tubridy speaks with Rob Rinder, author of ‘The Protest’, the latest in the Adam Green legal thriller series.
- Dr Sumi Dunne
Dr. Sumi Dunne, a general practitioner and clinical lecturer, discusses her education and her experience as the resident GP on the TV series Operation Transformation from 2019 to 2024.
- Book Club Live: Louise Hegarty
Ryan Tubridy hosts Louise Hegarty on The Bookshelf podcast. They discuss Hegarty's debut novel, 'Fair Play'.
- David Gray
Singer-songwriter David Gray, known for his album ‘White Ladder’, the best-selling album in Ireland of all time, discusses his music and upcoming tour dates.
- Donncha O'Callaghan
Donncha O'Callaghan, a retired international rugby player and author, discusses his children's books, including 'Disaster Dad: Chicken Chaos' and its upcoming sequel, with Ryan Tubridy.
- Roseanna Ruane
Roseanna Ruane, mother of Saoírse Ruane, joins Ryan Tubridy to talk about Saoírse's inspiring story, the Toy Show Appeal she inspired, and her passing in March 2024.
- Eamon Dunphy
Ryan Tubridy speaks with Eamon Dunphy, who has had a career as a journalist, broadcaster, author, sports analyst, and former professional footballer. This episode is brought to you by Eason.
- Dr Katriona O'Sullivan
Dr Katriona O’Sullivan, author of the #1 Irish Non-Fiction bestseller ‘Poor’, discusses her award-winning memoir on The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy. The episode includes a content warning for discussions of sexual violence and childhood ab…
- An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD
Micheál Martin TD discusses his political career, including his terms as Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) from 2020-2022 and since January 2025. He also served as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence.
- Book Club Live: Joseph O'Connor
Ryan Tubridy hosts a live discussion with award-winning author Joseph O'Connor about his new novel, 'The Ghosts of Rome'. This episode is brought to you by Eason.
- Harlan Coben
Ryan Tubridy interviews Harlan Coben, the award-winning author of 37 bestselling mystery and thriller novels like 'Fool Me Once' and 'Tell No One'. Coben's works have sold over 80 million copies worldwide and have been adapted into popular…
- Aimee Connolly
Ryan Tubridy speaks with Aimee Connolly, founder of the award-winning cosmetics brand Sculpted by Aimee. Connolly launched her company in 2016, and it has since become a significant presence in the global beauty industry.
- Gary Lightbody
Gary Lightbody, known for Snow Patrol's hits, discusses his new book 'The Forest is the Path', which delves into the making of the album and his personal life.
- Season 3 begins on Tuesday!
Season 3 of The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy premieres Tuesday, April 1st. Guests will discuss three books: one from their childhood, one that changed their life, and one that brought them joy.
- Book Club Live: 'Nesting' author Roisín O’Donnell
Ryan Tubridy interviews Roisín O’Donnell about her debut novel 'Nesting.' The book, chosen for the Book Club, addresses domestic abuse and the housing crisis in Dublin.
- The Book Club is Born!
Ryan Tubridy announces Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell as the first pick for The Bookshelf Book Club. A 10% discount is available through March 5th using code 'bookshelf' at Eason.
- Instagram Live Special
This Instagram Live special features Ryan Tubridy answering audience questions and sharing news about Season 3 and his life in London. He also announces a new club.
- Joanne O’Riordan
Joanne O’Riordan, a journalist, commentator, and activist known for advocating disability rights globally, discusses her life and advocacy. Born with Tetra-Amelia syndrome, her story was featured in the documentary 'No Limbs, No Limits.'
- Niall Quinn
Niall Quinn, a former professional footballer, manager, businessman, and TV analyst, joins Ryan Tubridy on The Bookshelf. Quinn discusses his prolific striker career, his time playing for major clubs, and his significant achievements repre…
- Pat Kenny
This episode features Irish broadcaster Pat Kenny, known for his intelligence and interviewing style. Kenny's media influence is discussed, along with his work on television and radio. Book selections include The Children's Encyclopedia an…
- Piers Morgan
This episode of The Bookshelf features broadcaster and journalist Piers Morgan. He discusses his selected books, including 'The Art of Cricket' and 'An Evil Cradling'.
- Victoria Smurfit
Actor, writer, and producer Victoria Smurfit joins Ryan Tubridy on The Bookshelf. Smurfit discusses her acting career, including roles in Once Upon a Time and the current show Rivals, and shares her book selections.
- Colm Meaney
Actor Colm Meaney, known for roles in The Barrytown Trilogy and Star Trek, discusses his career and new film The Problem with People with Ryan Tubridy on The Bookshelf. Meaney also shares his book choices, including works by Charles Hamilt…
- Kellie Harrington
Kellie Harrington, a decorated boxer with double Olympic gold medals and World and European championships, discusses her career, including her historic consecutive Olympic wins and recent retirement from amateur boxing.