Obama teams up with Audible for new literary podcast

Barack Obama is launching a new podcast focused on books that have shaped his life.

The 65-year-old former president will host a six-episode series called A Great Book with Barack Obama, where he and six guests will discuss the meaning behind a selection of important books.

The podcast is a joint project between Audible and Higher Ground, the media company owned by Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

The books chosen for the series are ones that have had a major impact on Obama's outlook on life and society. The list includes titles from well-known authors such as James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Cormac McCarthy, Marilynne Robinson, Robert Penn Warren, and John le Carré.

“Great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe,” Obama said in a statement. “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.”

He explained that he invited friends to join the podcast to talk about why these books matter and how literature can help people understand themselves and others.

He continued, “I hope listeners will be inspired to discover or rediscover books that change the way they see themselves and the world.”

Guests for the podcast have not yet been announced.

This announcement comes shortly after Obama shared his annual summer reading list, a tradition where he highlights books from a variety of authors and voices. This year's list includes several new titles across different genres.

The new podcast, A Great Book with Barack Obama, will premiere on Audible on September 24.