About Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club
Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club is the ultimate book club for audiobook lovers. Hosted by Kal Penn, each episode invites you into the club, where iHeartPodcast hosts, celebrated authors, and very special guests get together to nerd out about the Audible titles they can’t stop listening to. From thrillers and comedy to reimagined classics and exclusive Audible Originals — you’ve heard the books, now hear the Earsay!
Author David Sedaris discusses manners, aging, and humor with host [Host Name] in this interview about his new collection, "The Land and Its People."
6 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
“Kids Make Me Angry” with Elliot Connie
Host Kal interviews psychotherapist Elliott Connie about Kevin Hart's memoir, exploring breaking cycles and healthy masculinity through insightful questions.
23 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT
"Country People" with Daniel Mason
Novelist Daniel Mason discusses his latest novel "Country People," exploring rural Vermont and the inspiration behind its unique characters in this interview.
16 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT
BONUS: How to Combat Brain Rot with Manoush Zomorodi
Journalist and TED Radio Hour host Manoush Zomorodi interviews Kal Penn about combating brain rot through movement and boredom.
9 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT
“Heads Will Roll: Heir Apparent” with Emily Lynne
Comedian Emily Lynne discusses co-creating the Audible Original "Heads Will Roll: Heir Apparent" and shares behind-the-scenes stories about its dark humor and characters in this interview.
11 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
“Dungeon Crawler Carl” with Matt Dinniman and Jeff Hays
Host Kal interviews author Matt Dinniman and narrator Jeff Hays about the global phenomenon "Dungeon Crawler Carl," exploring its origins, character depth, and the magic of its audiobook performance.
28 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
“Seek the Traitor’s Son” with Veronica Roth
Host Veronica Roth discusses her new epic "Seek the Traitor's Son," exploring her writing journey and the creation of a uniquely empathetic male lead.
27 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
Earsay & Dungeon Crawler Carl - LIVE in NYC on 5/29!
Host Kal Penn interviews author Matt Dinniman and narrator Jeff Hays about the Dungeon Crawler Carl series during a live recording.
14 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
“Just Kiss Already” with Lily Chu
Author Lily Chu discusses her novel's dual-narrator structure and the satisfaction of exploring a love story from two perspectives in this interview.
30 Apr 2026
"The Body" with Wil Wheaton
Actor Wil Wheaton discusses the Stephen King novella "The Body" and its film adaptation with host Kal, sharing insights from narrating the audiobook.
16 Apr 2026
“Project Hail Mary” with Ray Porter
Host Kal Penn interviews audiobook narrator Ray Porter about bringing Andy Weir's "Project Hail Mary" to life and the challenges of emotional performance.
9 Apr 2026
Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club Returns for Season 2
Host Kal Penn interviews guests about popular audiobooks, exploring compelling stories and standout performances in this interview episode.
19 Dec 2025
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Full Cast Edition)" with Rhianna Dhillon
Host Ed Helms and film critic Rhianna Dhillon explore the magic of Audible's full-cast "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" audiobook, discussing its immersive sound and enduring appeal.
4 Dec 2025
“Remain: A Supernatural Love Story” with Dana Schwartz
Host Kal interviews author Dana Schwartz about M. Night Shyamalan and Nicholas Sparks' "Remain," exploring its atmospheric supernatural romance and the authors' surprising collaboration.
20 Nov 2025
"A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap" with Rob Reiner and Michael McKean
Host Ed Helms interviews director Rob Reiner and actor Michael McKean about the enduring legacy and improvisational genius behind the mockumentary "This Is Spinal Tap."
6 Nov 2025
"Night People: How to Be a DJ in '90s New York City" with Questlove
This week on Earsay, we’re exploring Mark Ronson's memoir Night People: How to Be a DJ in Nineties New York City. Kal sits down with legendary drummer, producer, and director Questlove to discuss Ronson's coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of New York's vibrant hip-hop scene.
Together, they unpack what it means to be a "night person," share stories of growing up immersed in music from childhood, and explore the intoxicating sense of control that comes from commanding a DJ booth. Questlove reflects on his own journey — from cutting gels in nightclubs as a child to an ego-crushing moment DJing at the Obama White House — and how those experiences shaped his creative path.
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23 Oct 2025
“The Prophecy” (Season 2) with Randy McKinnon
This week on Earsay, Audible's second season of the thrilling original series The Prophecy, where biblical stories collide with a present-day apocalyptic thriller.
Kal sits down with show creator Randy McKinnon to discuss how he reimagined scripture for a contemporary audience, blending Old and New Testament figures into a high-stakes chase across a crumbling world. McKinnon reveals how the pandemic shaped his writing, explains his deeply personal relationship with biblical storytelling, and shares insights into the show's powerhouse cast including Kerry Washington, Lawrence Fishburne, and Giancarlo Esposito.
Together, they explore the challenges of writing for audio, the redemptive themes woven throughout the series, and why faith-driven narratives resonate in times of chaos.
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9 Oct 2025
"Pride and Prejudice" with Jennie Garth
Earsay kicks off with a deep dive into Audible’s immersive, full-cast adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Host Ed Helms is joined by Jennie Garth (90210, I Choose Me podcast) to explore the audiobook’s lush sound design and standout performances from Marisa Abela, Harris Dickinson, Bill Nighy, and Glenn Close. Together, they unpack the enduring appeal of Austen’s classic romance, draw surprising connections between Elizabeth Bennet’s fierce independence and Garth’s iconic “I choose me” moment from 90210 and so much more.
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1 Oct 2025
Welcome to Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club!
Join Ed Helms and Kal Penn as they dive into the world’s biggest audiobooks. Each episode features conversations with authors, celebrities, and special guests from the iHeartPodcast Network as they explore everything from reimagined classics to supernatural thrillers. Whether you're an audiobook aficionado or just getting started, this is the book club your ears have been waiting for.
Listen to Earsay: The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club starting Thursday, October 9th. New episodes drop every other week!
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Inside a recent episode
“The Land and Its People” with David Sedaris
Published 20 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] Like, I didn't want to get a job when I was 16, and my parents made me get a job. When you look back on it, like that first job that you have, really... puts you in touch with people who aren't like you. Like with people of other races and people who have to get a job when they're 16. They don't have a choice. And it really kind of alters your perspective. I mean, there are any number of reasons that it's good to have a summer job or an after-school job. But... You know, I didn't want one either, and if my parents had said, wait, oh, you don't want one? Okay, then. Why don't you just sit at home and watch TV all summer? […]
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