The former president will explore six books that shaped his worldview, including works by James Baldwin and Toni Morrison.
Barack Obama is turning one of his favorite pastimes into his next podcast.
The 44th President of the United States is set to host A Great Book with Barack Obama, a new Audible series launching September 24 through his production company, Higher Ground.
The six-episode series will see Obama sit down with “six luminaries” to discuss books that have profoundly influenced his worldview and society.
Among the selections are two essential works from Black literary giants: James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time and Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon.
The full lineup also includes Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses, Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead, Robert Penn Warren’s All the King’s Men and John le Carré’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.
Obama says the books featured in the series have remained with him throughout his life and helped shape how he understands himself and the world around him.
“Great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe,” Obama said. “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 the podcast, Obama has invited friends to join him in exploring why the books continue to resonate, how literature can shape our understanding of ourselves and others, and why reading still matters.
“I hope listeners will be inspired to discover or rediscover books that change the way they see themselves and the world,” he added.
A Great Book with Barack Obama marks Higher Ground’s sixth podcast for Audible since the company entered into a first-look deal with the audio platform in 2022. Higher Ground previously had a podcast deal with Spotify.
The company’s Audible slate has also included Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast, Your Mama’s Kitchen: Conversations from the Heart of the Home, The Wonder of Stevie, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man and Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise.
The announcement arrives shortly after Obama released his annual summer reading list, continuing the former president’s well-known tradition of sharing books with the public.
A Great Book with Barack Obama premieres September 24 on Audible.