Full Breakdown
Barack Obama’s “A Great Book” Podcast Set to Launch on Audible
8/10/2026, 9:09:43 PM
Core Event
The series will debut on September 24 on Audible and is produced in partnership with the Obamas’ media company Higher Ground.
Background & Context
Obama’s reputation as an avid reader has been reinforced by annual summer reading lists and public round-ups. The new series follows a series of Audible-Higher Ground collaborations, including *Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast* and *Fela Kuti: Fear No Man*. The partnership stems from a multi-year, exclusive first-look deal the Obamas signed with Audible in 2022, under which this podcast marks the sixth original Audible project.
Data & Statistics
- Episodes: 6, each dedicated to one book.
- Books featured:
1. *The Fire Next Time* by James Baldwin
2. *Song of Solomon* by Toni Morrison
3. *All the Pretty Horses* by Cormac McCarthy
4. *Gilead* by Marilynne Robinson (Pulitzer-winning 2004 novel)
5. *All the King’s Men* by Robert Penn Warren
6. *Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy* by John le Carré
- Production: Audible (an Amazon-owned company) and Higher Ground.
- Deal context: Sixth Audible release under the exclusive first-look agreement.
Official Statements & Responses
In a press release, Obama explained that “great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe,” adding that the selected titles have He said the series invites friends to discuss why the books resonate and how they can shape understanding of self and society. Audible and Higher Ground describe the podcast as an “intimate” conversation series that examines identity, power, memory and culture through literature.
Why It Matters
The project underscores the Obamas’ ongoing effort to leverage audio storytelling for cultural conversation. By pairing a former president with prominent “luminaries” to discuss canonical works, the series aims to inspire listeners to revisit influential literature and consider its relevance to contemporary social issues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Great books have always helped me figure out who I am and what I believe,” — Barack Obama, president
- “President Obama has a remarkable ability to connect books to the questions of who we are and how we see the world,” — Rachel Ghiazza, Audible’s chief content officer
- “In ‘A Great Book,’ he invites us into deeply personal conversations about books that have shaped not only a president, but also a person and citizen. This series represents everything we strive for at Audible: connecting listeners with transformative storytelling through the intimacy of audio.” — Dan Fierman, head of audio at Higher Ground
- “President Obama has always been a champion of reading, and this series captures his genuine passion for literature in a way that is personal and accessible. These authentic conversations explore how books can challenge us, comfort us, and change us. The chemistry between President Obama and each guest creates truly special moments that remind us why storytelling matters.” — Dan Fierman, head of audio at Higher Ground
These statements capture Obama’s personal connection to the books and the perspectives of Audible’s chief content officer and Higher Ground’s head of audio on the series’ purpose and expected impact.
