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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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” […]
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 […]
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 […]
