The Ritual of Reading podcast is an immersive and thoughtful audio experience that brings the essence of reading to life. Inspired by the serene and reflective nature of reading itself, the podcast transforms blog posts and literary reflections into calming soundscapes. Each episode offers a deep dive into books, culture, and inspiration, making it the perfect companion for those who love to reflect on the power of stories.
Whether it’s sharing personal reading experiences, exploring different literary themes, or celebrating cultural traditions, The Ritual of Reading invites listeners to slow down, unwind, and savor the written word in a whole new way. With a soothing voice and a passion for storytelling, Alexandra Poppy creates a space where listeners can connect to literature on a deeper level.
It’s not just a podcast about books; it’s about cultivating a ritual of mindfulness, one story at a time. You can expect to hear everything from literary reflections to cultural explorations, all infused with the same warmth and curiosity that defines The Ritual of Reading brand. Whether you’re on the go or settling in for a quiet moment, this podcast is here to enhance your reading journey and offer a little peace along the way.
Latest Episodes
The Latin Soul: What Italy, Spain and Romania Taught Me About Manners
by Alexandra Poppy on 1 March 2026 at 2h30
I began this series with a question: are good manners still worth defending? After spending a month with nine books on etiquette from across the globe, I’ve realized that I wasn’t looking for rules—I was looking for philosophies.In this final chapter of “The Art of Good Manners,” I am taking you on a sensory journey through the Latin world. We’re moving beyond the “architecture” of Anglo-American traditions to explore the soul of courtesy in Romania, Italy and Spain.I’ll share why my birth country, Romania, taught me that inclusion is an ethical obligation; how the Italian concept of Bella Figura is actually a gift of respect to others; and why a single pronoun change in Spain is sparking a quiet social revolution.Join me as I reflect on how these small gestures—the greeting, the attentiveness, the willingness to switch languages—are not just decorative additions to a life, but its very texture.In this episode, I’ll share:🇷🇴 Romania: Why “The Paris of the East” prioritizes linguistic inclusion.🇮🇹 Italy: The intersection of aesthetics and ethics (and why “ugliness” is the ultimate faux pas).🇪🇸 Spain: How the shift to “tú” is creating a more horizontal, equal society.🖋️ The Manifesto: My final thoughts on why courtesy is the foundation for our shared freedom.Connect with The Ritual of Reading:✨ Read the full essay & see the visual diary: https://theritualofreading.com/latin-etiquette-cultural-values/☕ Support the channel & join the community: https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading📸 Follow the visual journey on Instagram: @TheRitualOfReading#TheRitualOfReading #ModernEtiquette #SlowLiving #BellaFigura #LiteraryLifestyle #AlexandraPoppy #CulturalHistory
French Savoir-Vivre: The Etiquette That Survived the Guillotine
by Alexandra Poppy on 15 February 2026 at 4h00
Why do the French ignore you when you sneeze? In this episode, we cross the Channel to explore the “Savoir-Vivre”—the sophisticated, sometimes baffling world of French manners.From the official Republican protocol of Jacques Gandouin to the modern “self-care” approach of Le Petit Larousse, we’re deconstructing how a country that decapitated its monarchy managed to save its elegance.In this episode:The Sneeze Paradox: Why acknowledging a bodily function is “indelicat.”Tu vs. Vous: Navigating the linguistic minefield of respect.The Flower Faux Pas: Why you should never bring a bouquet to a dinner party.Republican Elegance: How the Revolution democratized courtesy for every citizen.Part III of the “Art of Living Among Others” series. Hosted by Alexandra Poppy at theritualofreading.com
Why Manners Still Matter: From 1920s Rules to Digital Etiquette
by Alexandra Poppy on 8 February 2026 at 16h21
Is etiquette a tool for exclusion, or the secret to social harmony? Join me as we journey through 100 years of American and English manners—from the rigid social blueprints of the 1920s to the digital etiquette of today.In this episode of “The Art of Living Among Others” series, we dive into the fascinating evolution of British and American etiquette. We explore three iconic voices: the “architecture” of Emily Post, the “inner work” of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the witty, modern reclamation of manners by William Hanson. Whether you’re curious about the history of social graces or looking for practical advice on navigating modern life, this deep dive reveals what courtesy actually says about the societies we build.What you’ll learn in this episode:- The surprising “scandalous” history of Emily Post and her vision of “Best Society.”- Why Eleanor Roosevelt believed manners were a form of psychological character building.- How William Hanson (the “clinking glasses” guy) is making etiquette relevant for the Instagram age.- The key cultural differences between UK and US social standards.Connect with the Series: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a comment below! Do you think manners still matter, or are they a relic of the past?Read the full article series here: https://theritualofreading.com/modern-etiquette-and-literature/📚 The Reading List:Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home by Emily PostBuy here : https://tidd.ly/3Mx4ob3 Book of Common Sense Etiquette by Eleanor RooseveltBuy here : https://tidd.ly/4klw0wgJust Good Manners: The Essential Modern Guide by William HansonBuy here : https://tidd.ly/4r58LckMy Policy on Affiliate Links : https://theritualofreading.com/affiliate-policy/CONNECT WITH MEWebsite: https://theritualofreading.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/ Substack: https://theritualofreading.substack.com Pinterest: https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/ SUPPORT MY WORKIf you value this free content, you can support me on Ko-Fi. Every contribution makes it possible to continue sharing these literary reflections.https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading
In Defense of Good Manners: Why Etiquette Is a Form of Modern Freedom
by Alexandra Poppy on 1 February 2026 at 3h00
In this February Literary Mood Board on The Ritual of Reading Podcast, I explore the art of good manners — not as a relic of the past, but as a foundation for modern freedom. Drawing on four books that shaped my thinking — The Downton Abbey Rules for Household Staff, Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day”, Baltasar Gracián’s “The Art of Worldly Wisdom” and Thackeray’s “Vanity Fair” — I reflect on how etiquette elevates character, cultivates dignity and shapes the way we inhabit the world together. From airport queues to quiet acts of consideration, this is a gentle manifesto for living with care, respect and humanity in our fractured age.READ ALONG WITH METhe Downton Abbey Rules for Household Staff : https://tidd.ly/49QcapoKazuo Ishiguro, “The Remains of the Day” : https://tidd.ly/45FyI9SBaltasar Gracián, “The Art of Worldly Wisdom” : https://tidd.ly/4aqHz1SWilliam Makepeace Thackeray, “Vanity Fair” : https://tidd.ly/3Mafu5wMy Policy on Affiliate Links : https://theritualofreading.com/affiliate-policy/CONNECT WITH MEWebsite: https://theritualofreading.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/ Substack: https://theritualofreading.substack.com Pinterest: https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/ SUPPORT MY WORKIf you value this free content, you can support me on Ko-Fi. Every contribution makes it possible to continue sharing these literary reflections.https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading
A Gentle January & The Art of Literary Self-Care
by Alexandra Poppy on 4 January 2026 at 16h38
Welcome to Season 2 of The Ritual of Reading. In this episode, Alexandra explores the “Gentle January” philosophy. We discuss:The serendipity of Marguerite Yourcenar and Emmanuelle Favier.Travel memoirs and Russian mysteries with Lesley Blanch.Winter nourishment through Ayurvedic beetroot soup (get the recipe here)The ritual of the Gratitude Journal.Featured Books: ‘Petit éloge du feu de cheminée’ by Emmanuelle Favier ‘Journey into the Mind’s Eye’ by Lesley Blanch Buy your copy here : https://tidd.ly/45tcrvLMy Policy on Affiliate Links : https://theritualofreading.com/affiliate-policy/Connect with me:Website: https://theritualofreading.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/ Pinterest: https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/ Support me on Ko-Fi : https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading
A Woman Alone in Paris: Lessons from French Writers in Embracing Solitude
by Alexandra Poppy on 16 November 2025 at 2h30
Have you ever hesitated to go somewhere alone? This episode is about reclaiming solitude as something precious rather than something to apologize for. I take you through my favorite Paris destinations for being deliberately, deliciously alone—a hidden museum, an ice cream parlour, and a tennis stadium—while sharing what French writers have taught me about the courage it takes to disappoint expectations and embrace your own company. A love letter to solitude, Paris, and the freedom of being alone.Connect with me:Website: https://theritualofreading.com Substack: https://theritualofreading.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/ Pinterest: https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/ Support me on Ko-Fi : https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading