PODCAST · arts
The Lit Pickers
by Maed in India
The Lit Pickers is a podcast that celebrates books and bold opinions. Hosted by writers Supriya Nair and Deepanjana Pal, each episode explores literature, authors and reading. The show champions the written word, as well as the biggest ideas, tiniest thoughts, silliest questions, and confounding conundrums. Nair and Pal invite you to their Sunday breakfast table banter, that makes for truly lively commentary for readers and thinkers, and awaken the bookworm in you. So, pop the kettle on, grab a biscuit and listen, as your reading list gets longer and longer.
Episodes
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The Way We Read
Welcome to the reunion! After a wildly-delayed studio recording, Supriya and Deepanjana catch up to discuss their reading highlights from 2025. It was an unusually brilliant year for Indian fiction in English, diving into powerful examinations of deep familial ties and modern loneliness. The Lit...
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A Lightning Round
We are back with a very special episode where a reviewer is being reviewed! Supriya interviews her co-host and friend, Deepanjana Pal, about her newly-published novel, “Lightning in a Shot Glass”. Originally written to blow off steam during the pandemic, Deepanjana pulled this story out of her...
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Inquiring Noses and Curious Questions
It’s that time of the year again where we answer all your pressing questions and give our hot (and sometimes curmudgeonly) takes. Mae takes the reins as she poses an array of audience questions to Deepanjana and Supriya, about the world of books, sometimes food, other times film, and everything…
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In Pursuit Of Page Turners
This week Deepanjana and Supriya are in the studio trying to unpack solutions of how to find a good book to read. From childhood rituals to serendipitous discoveries, they explore the various ways in which readers can stumble upon their next literary adventure. They also talk about the discipline...
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Shogun, 3 Body Problem, and Adaptation
This week, Deepanjana and Supriya explore the world of adaptation and intellectual property. From discussing the portrayal of Japan in Western literature to analyzing the adaptation of "Shogun," they delve into the complexities of representation and storytelling. They also examine the creative...
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Geeking Out On A Dune
Geek out on this episode of The Lit Pickers as we dive into the world of Dune, exploring both the beloved book and the recent film adaptations. From dissecting the intricate universe created by Frank Herbert to sharing their thoughts on Denis Villeneuve's cinematic interpretation, we leave no…
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The Archival of @worldofgirishkarnad ft. Raghu Karnad
Tune in to The Lit Pickers as Supriya and Deepanjana engage in a delightful conversation with journalist and writer, Raghu Karnad. Join us as Raghu shares his journey of curating an Instagram archive for his father, the late and great Girish Karnad, who was an actor, film director, writer,...
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Democracy and its Fictions
In this episode of The Lit Pickers, Deepanjana and Supriya explore the nuanced world of words and governance. They dissect the political landscapes of South Asian fiction and reflect on the power of literature to address serious issues and challenge social norms. From fiction written by political...
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Byronic Heroes
Tune in to this episode of The Lit Pickers where Deepanjana and Supriya set out to explore the allure of the literary bad boy, a.k.a Byronic heroes. From Bronte's brooding Heathcliff to the hero of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ Love in the Time of Cholera, they navigate the treacherous terrain of men...
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Women Translating Women ft. Daisy Rockwell
Join us on a special episode of The Lit Pickers as Supriya interviews Daisy Rockwell, a translator who focuses exclusively on women's writing from South Asia. They delve into the gendered nature of Hindi, discuss the shared experiences of women during Partition, and look back at the time when the...
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Bookstores We Love ft. Trilogy
Deepanjana sits down with Ahalya and Meethil, the founders and owners of Trilogy, an indie bookstore and library in the heart of Mumbai where your cellphone gets no network and the shelves are full of treasures. They talk about the magic that goes into making an indie bookstore, reading for work...
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Guest Edition: Srinath Rao + Meow Meow
Get ready to paws everything you're doing. We’ve got an interview that's going to make you sit up and meow. Supriya chats with journalist and writer Srinath Rao, author of “Meow Meow: The Incredible Story of Baby Patankar,” an exploration of the world of meow meow, the party drug also known as...
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Swoonworthy Characters
Love is in the air on The Lit Pickers. In the Valentine mood, Deepanjana and Supriya make a list of their literary crushes over the years. Beginning with Karna in Mahabharata to Zumurrud in the Arabian Nights, they delve into the characters who have captured their hearts at different ages and...
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Confessions of a Reader
Get ready for a juicy, tell-all episode, and the tea is piping hot! Deepanjana and Supriya are dishing out all the bookish secrets they've kept locked away. From books that left them yawning to the novels they've pretended to read, no page will be left unturned. But it's not all shade! They're…
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20-Minute Hate
Admittedly, this got a bit longer than 20 minutes. Sorry. Get ready for some venting as we unleash our inner literary haters. Serving up a platter of literary pet peeves, we’re adding the vinegar to our customary Turkish eggs. Join the discussion as we dissect what really grinds our bibliophilic...
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Guest Edition: Bijal Vachharajani + Children’s Books
We’re baaaack! Let’s go on a whimsical storytime adventure with The Lit Pickers as Deepanjana sits down to chat about kid lit, reading as grown-ups, and the power of the fantastical imagination with award-winning author and editor Bijal Vachharajani. From giggles and comfort reads, to the…
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Comfort Reads
Snuggle up under your cosiest blanket because in this episode, we're diving under the covers of books that feel like a warm literary hug. Are comfort reads guilty pleasures, or is there something else about them? Are these books that offer clear answers, or do they complicate the picture for us?...
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Guest Edition: BTS of BTS ft. Sharanya Subramaniyan
Retrieve your cuppa. We are spilling the tea on the good, the bad, and the ugly of “Beyond the Story,” a book that promises the behind-the-scenes story of the K-pop group and global phenomenon, BTS. We’re in conversation with Sharanya, our former podcast producer and a member of BTS Army. From…
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The Big Shorts
Despite the thick books that win awards and hearts, bigger isn’t always better. In this episode, Supriya and Deepanjana discuss the significance of slim volumes, books that look like bite-sized snacks but have all the complexity of a tasting menu. From literary experiments to rallying calls to...
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Dilli Dallying with Books
This week on The Lit Pickers, we’re exploring a capital idea. Let us take you on a time-slipping tour of Delhi, home to scholars and poets, Sufis and crazy rich Indians. It’s a place where seven cities are constantly re-learning and re-membering how to create a space for both those in the centre...
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Near History
We turn to books written in recent or ‘Near History’ that offer a glimpse into the political landscape of India in 2023. Tune in as Supriya and Deepanjana dissect three books that slice through our nation's present and future, offering insights into the concerns and anxieties that riddle the...
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Guest Edition: Anand Krishnamoorthi + Ponniyin Selvan
In this special episode, we journey through history with Kalki’s legendary 'Ponniyin Selvan' novels. We uncover how the reputation of the books has evolved with generations of Tamil readers, what challenges the film adaptation posed, and how this series inspired travelers to embark on their own...
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Books And Blessings
Have you ever wished there was a gifting registry just for books? The Lit Pickers are here with precisely that. In this heartwarming episode, they tell stories about books that were given to them as gifts, and books they’ve gifted to others. From receiving a beloved classic or discovering a book...
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Ghosties
Gather 'round, listeners, for a Halloween treat that's more than just a bag of candy. On this spine-tingling literary journey, we delve into the world of spooky books. But 'spooky' isn't just about scares—it also involves the unexplained, the inexplicable, and the eerie. From tales that blur the...
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Read Like a Girl Part Deux
We're back with a third season, and our first episode is Read Like a Girl redux! Dive into books about gender, feminism, sexuality and love in this relay race of recommendations. From a modern retelling of Beowulf to a Marathi memoir, and a discussion about what differentiated Andal’s poetry from...
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Your Burning Questions Answered
For April Fools, The Lit Pickers - Supriya & Deepanjana, are taking on YOUR burning questions. No jokes! They’re answering questions like, Which genre needs to retire? Which writer would we commission to write our biographies? How can authors publicise their books? How do I pick a good audio…
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Slim Pickings: Are there books you won’t go back to?
Welcome to a ‘slim pickings’ edition of Lit Pickers. In these short editions we answer some burning questions that have been asked by you, the reader, and joining us is the lovely Mae Thomas. Admit it — there are some books that you absolutely do not want to revisit. It might be because you can’t...
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Neighbourhood Watch
If there's one thing lockdowns have made us appreciate, it's our neighbourhood. In this episode, we look at some of our favourite books set in Mumbai's western neighbourhoods, from Mahim to Santacruz (with a couple of detours here and there). There are no tourists in these areas, only stories…
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Slim Pickings: Annotations: Evil or acceptable?
Welcome to a ‘slim pickings’ edition of Lit Pickers. In these short editions we answer some burning questions that have been asked by you, the reader, and joining us is the lovely Mae Thomas. This week the three discuss whether making notes on the books you read is a mark of a keen reader or...
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If Wishes Were Books
Turning our backs to our TBR pile, we draw up a wish list of the fiction we wish would come out of the Indian literary scene. A novel about friendship in today's India? What about ditching the fixation with mother-daughter relationships, and instead writing about aunties? And isn't it about time…
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Slim Pickings: Can I skip the forewords in books?
Welcome to a ‘slim pickings’ edition of Lit Pickers. In these short editions we answer some burning questions that have been asked by you, the reader, and joining us is the lovely Mae Thomas. In this episode the trio discuss the importance of forewords. Are forewords too academic? Will Supriya…
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They Came, They Wrote, They Scandalized
There's something about famous women writers that ruffles feathers and raises hackles. In this episode, we raise a toast to some writers, across the ages, who've upset the establishment in different ways. From Andal to Shobhaa Dé and Arundhati Roy, we put the 'scan' in scandalous women. You can...
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Slim Pickings: Where can I get a decent diary or journal?
Welcome to a ‘slim pickings’ edition of Lit Pickers. In these short editions we answer some burning questions that have been asked by you, the reader, and joining us is the lovely Mae Thomas. In this episode the trio discuss some easy and resourceful ways you can keep a journal, the pros and cons...
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What's Up with Enid Blyton?
She’s everyone and their aunt’s favourite children’s author, but Enid Blyton’s books are a cultural minefield. We talk about “goblins”, Moonface, the naughtiest girls and more as we look back at Blyton’s writing to see what’s aged well and how her work has been tailored in recent years to be...
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Slim Pickings: What makes a good bookmark?
Welcome to a ‘slim pickings’ edition of Lit Pickers. In these short editions we answer some burning questions that have been asked by you, the reader, and joining us is the lovely Mae Thomas. This week the trio discuss what makes a decent bookmark. Things take a bit of a dark turn when they start...
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K-Lit marks the Spot
K-drama and K-pop have put South Korea on the cultural map, and there’s more to explore in Korean culture. In this episode, we give you a quick look at the literature that the Koreas — both South and North — have inspired. Grab your ramyeon and listen up as we talk about books with strong women...
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Slim Pickings: What are the nicest libraries you have visited?
Welcome to a ‘slim pickings’ edition of Lit Pickers. In these short editions we answer some burning questions that have been asked by you, the reader, and joining us is the lovely Mae Thomas. In this episode, the trio discuss some of their favourite libraries and bookish nooks around the city and...
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In the Name of Love
Are romance novels your guilty pleasure? In this episode, we talk about why your lust for romance fiction is nothing to be ashamed of and why romance deserves a lot more respect than it gets. From progressive politics to racy Mills & Boons paperbacks, there’s much to love about…
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Need to gift a food book. Help!
Welcome to a ‘slim pickings’ edition of Lit Pickers. In these short editions we answer some burning questions that have been asked by you, the reader, and joining us is the lovely Mae Thomas. In this episode, we bring you a tasting menu of books, ranging from recipe collections, memoirs, novels...
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The (Literary) Bro Code
In this episode, we discuss the literary man’s best friend — a male author. Join us as we examine the kinds of masculinity that authors past and present have idealised in novels. Grab a drink, because it’s frustrating just how flawed and difficult the manly heroes of literature are. You can find...
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Slim Pickings: What's a Good Bedtime Read For an 8 Year Old?
Welcome to Slim Pickings, a quickie session in which Lit Pickers Supriya Nair and Deepanjana Pal sit down with one of their favourite podcasters Mae Thomas to answer your burning questions about all things bookish. This time, the conversation covers some of their favourite kiddie fiction and the...
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Escape Routes
Ah, escapism! Everyone craves it, but what exactly constitutes a good 'escapist' novel? Dragons? Wuxia warriors? The bygone eras of historic cities? Join us as we explore in this episode. You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana on Instagram. This is a Maed In…
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The Lit Pickers: AMA
Deepanjana and Supriya sign off on the Lit Pickers with an ‘Ask Me Anything’ episode, taking questions from listeners on how, what and why to read (and write). If you want to know how to read during an existential global crisis, how to think about empathy through literature or just want some fun...
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Literary Prizes: Would You Or Wouldn’t You?
The books are good, but can we talk for a minute or thirty about these prizes, please. Does a culture of book prizes keep modern literature youthful and well-funded? Is patronage culture good at separating great books from trendy ones? You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal…
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Harry Potter: Crucio or AK?
It’s time to talk about growing out and getting up, up and away from the most influential novels of (probably) our lifetimes. We talk about going from knowing everything about the Harry Potter universe to knowing everything that went wrong with us because of that. JK Rowling, thanks for…
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Mughals: Akbar or #Aurangbabe?
We’re in a golden age of popular history writing about the Mughals. Think of the last two years, with books about everyone from Aurangzeb to his great-great auntie coming our way. Join us as we discuss The Most Extra Family, father-son relationships and the women behind the throne. You can find...
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Read Like A Girl
Welcome to an episode of feminist book recommendations. We pass the mic back and forth in a relay race of books we love that we think everyone should read. You can find Supriya Nair at @supriyanair and Deepanjana Pal at @dpanjana. This is a Maed In India Production; check us out at...
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Jane Austen: Genius Or The Greatest Genius?
Why is everyone wrong about Jane Austen all the time? We talk about how she changed the world, how she became Asian, and modern responses to her work, including works by Laaleen Sukhera and Mahesh Rao. Join us as we talk about women in love with property, girls not dying after sex, and men who…
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The Ramayana: Is A Monkey Army Cool Or Uncool?
This episode is about Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! Kidding. It’s about the Ramayana and its many lives in modern India, including novels by Amitabha Bagchi and Volga; AK Ramanujan (‘sup *__*), a Bengali woman’s Ramayana, and Valmiki’s other Ramayana. We discuss the epic as a very personal experience —…
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Tolkien: Cheekbones Or Hairlines?
Just a deeply uncool, unfashionable, unapologetic, almost sad episode of fannish love for JRR Tolkien. Listen, if you dare, to us revisit the fascinating history of the composition of the Lord of the Rings and its place in World War I literature. Also featured: maps, languages, Viggo Mortensen’s...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Lit Pickers is a podcast that celebrates books and bold opinions. Hosted by writers Supriya Nair and Deepanjana Pal, each episode explores literature, authors and reading. The show champions the written word, as well as the biggest ideas, tiniest thoughts, silliest questions, and confounding conundrums. Nair and Pal invite you to their Sunday breakfast table banter, that makes for truly lively commentary for readers and thinkers, and awaken the bookworm in you. So, pop the kettle on, grab a biscuit and listen, as your reading list gets longer and longer.
HOSTED BY
Maed in India
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Lit Pickers have?
The Lit Pickers currently has 55 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Lit Pickers about?
The Lit Pickers is a podcast that celebrates books and bold opinions. Hosted by writers Supriya Nair and Deepanjana Pal, each episode explores literature, authors and reading. The show champions the written word, as well as the biggest ideas, tiniest thoughts, silliest questions, and confounding...
How often does The Lit Pickers release new episodes?
The Lit Pickers has 55 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Lit Pickers?
You can listen to The Lit Pickers on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Lit Pickers?
The Lit Pickers is created and hosted by Maed in India.
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