The Stacks

1,599
Arts #206Books #77

The Stacks is your one stop shop to talk books and reading. Guests will join the host, Traci Thomas for lively discussions about books and the ways they have shaped their lives, and they way we all understand culture, race, politics, and more. The last Wednesday of each month Traci and guest will break down a book in detail as part of The Stacks Book Club. 


Make sure to check the website www.thestackspodcast.com for more details, including upcoming The Stacks Book Club picks.


Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • Camcam374
    Welcoming and Accessible
    Wednesdays are my favorite days because I get to be welcomed into a wonderful conversation about books on The Stacks. I have learned so much from this podcast on various topics. I have a processing learning disability, and sometimes it’s hard for me to follow more thought provoking podcasts, therefore making me feel dumb. Traci, however, and her guests are SO SO SO SO accessible - she has a gift of phrasing things that make sense, sound intelligent, and I’m able to follow everything she’s talking about. It’s an incredible feeling. I’m currently backtracking on her Book Club episodes and loving them. I’m so grateful for this podcast and everything Traci has given to the bookworm community!
  • KRoseC05
    I Adore This Podcast
    It never fails. I’ll see the title of an episode, or the book of the week, and think “Meh. I’ll get to it when I get to it.” But then I listen to said episode and the conversation is engaging, the questions are thoughtful, and by the end of the episode I’m bummed that Traci and her guest can’t carry on their conversation longer, and I immediately try to get my hands on the book on question (for better or worse, my stack is tall). What I really love about this podcast is how authentic Traci is. She will say what she honestly thinks about various topics or books, she asks guests questions that she’s interested in knowing the answers to, and the fact that she openly mentions hating things makes me giggle. I enjoy this Podcast so much, I subscribe to Traci’s Patreon and Substack. Best wishes to The Stacks for many years of success!
  • NatNNM
    Best pod!!
    Traci is a fantastic interviewer and her taste in books is top-notch. She manages to ask engaging, and sometimes tough questions, to guests that I am skeptical I would be interested in and changes my mind by the end of the episode. My reading life is so much richer because of her work! This podcast is a good time!!
  • Essuss
    I am smarter for listening to this podcast
    I look forward to this podcast every Wednesday, and my library collection grows each week with every discussion. Thank you Traci for bringing such poignant and articulate authors and for having brave conversations. I am so impressed with the convo you had most recently with Nathan Thrall. I’ve been looking for the people and podcasts I admire most to have these really tough discussions publicly and you really asked what a lot of us were grappling with. Thank you for all the hard work you put forth in order to expand our minds and our hearts.
  • Ms. Meltingpot
    I love this podcast!
    I love this podcast because I always learn something new from Traci Thomas and her amazing guests. The best part is Traci, herself because her enthusiasm for books and reading is infectious. She actually got me excited to reconsider Shakespeare!
  • Jessi Jamz
    Top culture, Traci is a gem
    I look forward to this podcast so much! Traci asks such juicy questions, ranging from silly to deep, taking the interviewee and listener on such a rich dive of books, culture, process, artistry, introspection and experience. I love how there are both standalone episodes and book club episodes. Love love love.
  • Blanket_Duck
    Beto is Right!
    I’ve been listening for a while (came to you from Glamorous Trash!) and have really appreciated your honest questions and conversations and very insightful questions about writing and reading. Love it! And over time I’ve started reading books with you and can’t wait for those discussions. But I wrote this review because Beto is right. You’re amazing and you asked him questions we all wanted to know but also made me very uncomfortable that you straight up asked and thank you!!
  • readerincolorado
    The best book podcast
    I listen to a lot of book podcasts. This one is the best and it has had a big impact on what I choose to read. The latest interview with Jesmyn Ward was especially excellent. Support Traci and join the Stacks Pack!
  • crae_88
    Fresh, engaging and one of a kind
    After following on Instagram for a while, I started listening to the stacks’ podcast and was not disappointed. Traci’s energy, wide range of book choices, and amazing roster of guests keeps the content on the pod and the Instagram account fresh and engaging. While I don’t always agree with Traci’s takes, I appreciate that she is very grounded + honest in her opinions of the works she reviews, and encourages thought provoking dialogue and myriad perspectives. It’s also been super helpful as someone who leans heavily towards fiction to get some exposure to the world of narrative nonfiction, and has expanded my TBR (and my worldview!) in the best way. As a lifelong bookworm, I can’t recommend The Stacks enough!
  • S Anne V
    Great source for book lovers
    I just discovered The Stacks when I learned Traci hosts a podcast and decided to check it out. Despite being neither a basketball fan nor a follower of fashion, I thoroughly enjoyed Traci’s interview with Michael S. Jackson, and up a list of 7 books to checkout for my own, or book club’s reading pleasure. Thanks Traci —- I look forward to listening to more episodes!
  • jillglavan
    Level up your reading life
    This podcast changed my reading life in the best way! Traci has introduced me to so many great authors and a fantastic selection of books. Highly recommend both listening and joining the Patreon for a great book community!
  • Amazingly amazing mannn
    The budget is busted…..every month
    I am so glad I found this podcast while I was falling back in love with reading. As a former 5th grade teacher who only read read books written for 5th graders, I have finally figured out what I like to read. Unfortunately it’s just about everything. The Stacks has introduced me to so many authors and I even enjoy nonfiction!!! Yep, it’s true. I look forward to listening to a new episode every week while I drink tea out of my Big Book Energy mug.
  • Hmombomb
    My favorite podcast
    I’ve been a regular listener since I first discovered the Stacks in 2018. This is my one and only regular listen and my go to for my TBR list, book reviews and thoughtful conversation
  • ShanWest8
    My fave
    I look forward to this podcast every week. Traci is so insightful and ask the best interview questions. My TBR has grown exponentially, and for the better, because of this podcast.
  • Playsinthesun
    Love the Stacks 💕
    This is my favorite podcast! Traci is so charismatic and I add so many books to my endless TBR!
  • jsw483
    Love The Stacks!
    This podcast is so so smart and thought provoking, and usually very funny as well! Traci has such a cool range of guests, and I'm equally excited when it's one of my fave authors and when it's someone I've never heard of before--because they often become my new faves!
  • averya06
    The best!
    My sister loves your podcast! Traci is amazing!
  • Makelimonada
    Love this podcast!
    I found this podcast after following The Stacks on Instagram. Traci’s book recommendations are always spot on. The podcast is so great because Traci has amazing guests, asks insightful questions, and features books and authors that I am so interested to learn more about. This is a gem for book lovers and for people who are just interested in learning about interesting people and what they’re reading or writing!
  • clmiller3
    Come for the books, stay for everything else
    This is one of my very favorite podcasts. Traci is an excellent interviewer and pushes herself and her guests to move beyond the sound bites and dig in to conversations. Every podcast I am entertained and also learn something. Join the Stacks Pack on Patreon for book club discussions and bonuses. Traci is truly the best classy and shady book talker out there. You will not be disappointed.
  • MtotheA.com
    Life Changing podcast for book lovers
    The Stacks has changed my life. I look forward to this podcast every Wednesday! Literature talk imbued with relatable conversations. The monthly book club is the cherry on top! Could not recommend more!
  • ElGoldess
    Always a Gem
    As a literary lover, I fell in love with this podcast years ago. I took a break from it for no particular reason but remained subscribed. Then, I listened to an episode today and was reminded of my love for The Stacks. It also makes me add a million books to my online cart which isn’t so good financially - however, Traci created a gem of a podcast.
  • chelle4282
    My new favorite podcast
    The only thing I’m sad about is that I did not find Traci’s content sooner. I love love love the fascinating, intelligent, important conversations she has on this podcast. It will be hard for me to take my headphones out while I catch up on the hundreds of episodes available!
  • Generic Reader
    Variety and spice
    Interesting text selections great guests and fun interviews. Good voice to listen to.
  • Dr.ENS
    Mid.
    Good people are interviewed but Traci’s takes are often terrible (when she called Gone With the Wind a “Black Book” my soul left my body) and she’s not the best interviewer but I appreciate the perspectives of the people she has on the show.
  • Katie973344
    Great interviewer, great books, a wide range of genres!!
    I love how Traci’s personality comes through each and every interview! She is so thoughtful and caring with each interview. I really appreciate how she is a different voice from BookTok (she loves narrative nonfiction)! I love many different genres of books, fiction and nonfiction, and her guests give me so many titles to add to my TBR. Her voice is also soothing and lovely, which is not necessary but a nice bonus!
  • Heyheysrk
    Good conversation and fun
    Love the great conversation and learning about great books
  • MiloTWiggins
    My favorite source on new books
    I first learned about Traci’s podcast when she suggested a couple of books for Andrew Ti. I read them, loved them, found her podcast and subscribed, and never looked back. Traci’s tastes in what to read are right up my alley, and hos she reads is pretty different from my way, and that’s a powerfully useful and interesting combination. I also enjoy the regularity with which she asks writers what they snack on while working. :D
  • futuredefenderv
    One of my favs
    If you love books, this is the podcast you should be listening to! Traci does such a great job interviewing authors - they are super engaging and she picks such a great selection of guests. I also really appreciate that Traci is so progressive and has an abolitionist politic.
  • Gameluvar
    Always interesting!
    A great selection of diverse books primarily by Black authors, with wonderful interviews by Traci Thomas. Entertaining, educational, sometimes funny, sometimes moving, always smart.
  • 44Kippy44
    Top 3
    I was taught to always have a library card by my grandmother because with one, you’re never alone and always have a place you are welcome and belong (or ideally should if the library indeed being carried out as a public place for all). The podcast is like a modern extension of this sentiment. I appreciate the balance of warmth, authenticity, deep discussion, and silliness.
  • amandalah72
    Fabulous! Join in!
    This podcast is one of my favorites! TT has helped me revive my reading life! Her recommendations are spot on- her guests are incredible! She is relevant, fun and always gets you thinking!
  • Mother Buckets
    Improved my reading life
    The Stacks is my favorite podcast. I have expanded my reading so much since I started listening. I love the conversations Traci has with writers and other readers.
  • Books and Bananas
    Love it!!
    Traci curates such an incredible range of guests, book club reads, and topics for discussion. The show is both entertaining and informative, and I never walk away from an episode not having both laughed and learned something. I’m grateful that through the show I have been exposed to more authors and books than I otherwise would have read. I’m a huge fan.
  • Ahan0986
    Love it!
    This is my absolute favorite podcast. I listen every single week, I read the book club books, I’m a part of the Patreon. So many of the guests have mentioned that Traci asks questions they haven’t gotten before, and that is definitely a remarkable feat with all the interviews some of these authors need to do. And it’s not just authors! It’s so good, highly recommend!
  • Pagina 
    So good!
    Traci's voice is so great to listen to. A woman who isn't afraid to hate a book, but also brings in excellent guests/writers. Love listening to this, the Paterson community associated, and all the book recs I get!
  • mags11
    Best Book Podcast!
    Love Traci and this podcast! This podcast is essential part of my Wednesdays. She always has excellent guest, and asks such great questions. Plus every week it seems like I’m adding new books to my TBR pile.
  • kellymmarble
    New and loving it!
    Traci is one of my go to sources for book recommendations! I never skip an episode and love to listen while I get ready for work in the morning!
  • llama9342
    A podcast that goes above and beyond
    There are podcasts that I listen to simply to pass the time and/or distract myself. The Stacks is emphatically NOT that kind of show. I’ve learned from it, laughed, and expanded my reading horizons. All of the individual elements I appreciate about the show add up to something much more profound than just a sum of the parts. I’m inspired to keep deepening my reading practice because of The Stacks.
  • cherylanneo
    Fantastic!
    Love this show! Conversations are interesting, insightful, and Traci is delightful!
  • Jennifer Moorman Bolanos
    I love this show😍😍
    I’ve learned so much.
  • Breadfan758
    Great refresher before book club meeting
    I read a lot of books and sometimes a book club read will slip from my memory before the next meeting. If I can find the book on this podcast it does a wonderful job of refreshing my mind and also allows me to hear some thoughts I may not have had during my reading.
  • KleinerA
    My favorite weekly podcast - by far!
    I listen to the Stacks every week, and for real for real, it gets better and better as time goes on. Ms. Traci is the realest, asking ALL the questions I *think* but know I would be too scared to ask aloud. She is brave, funny, human AF…by far the best book podcast out there. And if I am stuck and looking for a new book, I always find my next great read on this podcast. I wish I could give Ms. Traci and The Stacks 100 stars. Love love love this show!
  • Haydenyellowlab
    Thoughtful
    I love this podcast. It’s the books we should be reading. Not the ones everyone else is reading. I love the content the presentation and the fact I leave each episode wanting more and learning more. This is the advice we need to hear. As a white cis woman of privilege I don’t usually hear constructive and thoughtful feedback of the how and why things we do are problematic. Often times this would be hard to hear and even harder to give. Traci makes her podcast a safe space for education and awareness. I am appreciative of the exposure and the opportunity to learn and grow. I won’t always get it right and I know on the past I have made errors and this tells me why and what to do going forward. Thank you!
  • *dk**
    Love!!
    So so incredible!! The discussions are so interesting and make me want more and more! :-) I love the books and discussions!
  • bookishjen
    Fantastic podcast for book lovers
    This podcast is so smart, yet not pretentious. It encourages critical thinking about books. The books discussed the run the gamut of genres which keeps my TBR pile interesting. Some of the best books I’ve read in the year since I’ve started listening have been Traci’s recommendations. Love the show! Adding Traci is such an amazing interviewer, she asks thoughtful questions and you can hear how genuinely her guest enjoy the conversations. Really one of the best podcasts out there.
  • girlwiththebraids79
    My library card is tired
    The books discussed and the authors interviewed are compelling and the interviewing style is GOLD. My reading list just keeps getting better.
  • fgfhfhdhfhfgh
    Best book and author conversations!
    Track is a natural interviewer and guest conversations flow between serious and light covering all things books and author related. I also love the in-depth book club episodes! Many of my top books landed on my TBR because of this podcast.
  • ColChaCol
    A book-lover’s dream.
    I look forward to hearing the conversations Traci has every week. I hope it goes on for 20 more years at least.
  • dryanmcc
    Can’t Put it Down
    I came to The Stacks recently but am already an avid listener. Traci’s selections are smart and intentional; her interviews are funny and insightful; I cannot get enough. The only downside is that my bookshop.org cart is out of control.
  • kirstenwis
    For anyone who has ever liked a book
    Every episode manages to be super thought provoking and fun! It is a great listen for anyone who has talked to a pal about a book. I always end up adding to o my “to read” list after I listen!
Similar Podcasts
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.