Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett Launch New Podcast The Book Club on Goalhanger
Dominic Sandbrook and Tabitha Syrett, best known for their work on the hugely popular history podcast The Rest Is History, are officially launching a brand-new weekly literary podcast titled The Book Club.
The show, produced under the fast-growing podcast powerhouse Goalhanger, will take listeners deep into some of the world’s most influential novels—ranging from classic literature to modern fiction—through rich discussion, historical analysis, and lively debate.
The podcast will premiere on Tuesday, 17 February, and will be released weekly across YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
A Fresh Weekly Literary Podcast with a Modern Twist
Unlike traditional book discussion shows that lean heavily into academic critique, The Book Club aims to blend entertainment with insight, offering storytelling-driven literary exploration designed for both dedicated readers and casual listeners.
Each episode will focus on one major novel, unpacking:
The book’s key themes
The author’s life and inspirations
The historical and cultural setting behind the story
How the novel was received at the time of publication
Why it still matters in today’s world
The show is also structured to be accessible to listeners who may not have read the book yet, making it an ideal entry point for those wanting to explore classic works without feeling overwhelmed.
The Podcast Format: One Book Per Episode, Then a Ranking
One of the standout features of The Book Club is its fun and competitive ending: each episode will conclude with a ranking of the featured book.
This segment is designed to encourage discussion, spark debate among listeners, and inspire audiences to either revisit old favourites or finally read the books they’ve long meant to pick up.
This ranking format is also expected to help the show stand out in the crowded literary podcast space by turning each episode into a shareable cultural conversation.
Dominic Sandbrook: “I’ve Loved Books for as Long as I Can Remember”
Dominic Sandbrook, one of Britain’s most prominent historians, authors, and broadcasters, said he is thrilled to finally unveil the project.
In a statement announcing the launch, Sandbrook described the podcast as a natural extension of conversations he and Syrett have been having for years.
“I’m so thrilled to be unveiling this new show. I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and Tabitha and I have spent many happy hours debating our favourites while working on The Rest Is History,” Sandbrook said.
He added that the show offers a chance to bring listeners into the worlds created by great novelists while exploring the deeper real-life stories that shaped them.
“I’m really looking forward to taking listeners into these fictional worlds and exploring the real stories behind them. It’s been enormous fun talking books with a colleague as enthusiastic, sparky and funny as Tabitha.”
Tabitha Syrett: “Books Should Feel Accessible, Engaging and Alive”
Tabitha Syrett, who has produced The Rest Is History since 2023 and played a major role in its rapid growth and award-winning success, said she hopes the podcast captures the joy and excitement she has carried from reading since childhood.
Syrett explained that her goal is to create a show that avoids the intimidating tone sometimes associated with literary discussion.
“I’ve always loved reading, and I hope the show captures the enthusiasm for literature I’ve carried from childhood into adulthood,” she said.
She also emphasised that the podcast is designed to go beyond traditional criticism, focusing instead on the human stories behind novels.
“From the outset, I wanted The Book Club to move beyond traditional literary criticism, making books feel accessible, engaging and rooted in the historical worlds that shaped them and their authors.”
After spending years working behind the scenes, Syrett said stepping in front of the microphone feels like a major career milestone.
“After three years producing The Rest Is History, it’s incredibly exciting to step in front of the mic.”
Launch Episode Spotlights Wuthering Heights and Its Enduring Legacy
The debut episode of The Book Club will explore Emily Brontë’s iconic novel Wuthering Heights—a literary classic that continues to inspire fascination, controversy, and reinterpretation nearly two centuries after its release.
First published in 1847, the novel initially shocked readers with its intensity, moral ambiguity, and raw emotional brutality.
The episode will examine:
Emily Brontë’s life and background
The novel’s early reception and critical backlash
Themes of cruelty, obsession, morality, revenge, and class
Why the book still provokes strong reactions today
Hollywood Spotlight: Comparison to Emerald Fennell’s New Adaptation
Adding a timely modern angle, the presenters will also compare Brontë’s novel with Emerald Fennell’s new Hollywood adaptation, which was released on Valentine’s Day.
The comparison is expected to spark strong discussion among fans of the book, particularly as modern film adaptations often divide audiences between literary purists and contemporary viewers.
This pop-culture crossover element may help broaden the podcast’s reach, appealing not just to readers but also to film and entertainment audiences.
Upcoming Episodes to Feature Bestselling Modern and Classic Novels
Goalhanger confirmed that future episodes will explore a wide range of major titles, spanning genres and eras.
Books already confirmed for upcoming discussions include:
Upcoming The Book Club Titles
Never Let Me Go
The Great Gatsby
Frankenstein
Hamnet
1984
East of Eden
Normal People
Northern Lights
The variety signals that the podcast will not be limited to one style of literature, but instead will build a wide-ranging library of discussions that appeal to both traditional literary readers and modern fiction fans.
From Bonus Content to Standalone Podcast Series
Interestingly, The Book Club originally began as exclusive content linked to The Rest Is History before evolving into a full standalone project.
That transition reflects the growing demand for deeper and more diverse podcast content from audiences who enjoy Sandbrook’s storytelling style and Syrett’s production-led creative approach.
The move also signals Goalhanger’s strategy of turning successful podcast brands into broader media ecosystems.
Goalhanger’s Rapid Growth Continues
The launch of The Book Club comes as Goalhanger continues expanding at remarkable speed, having become one of the UK’s most influential podcast networks in recent years.
The company has recently crossed an enormous streaming milestone, reporting more than 750 million full episode streams last year.
This growth positions Goalhanger as a major player not just in British podcasting but in the global audio entertainment market.
With The Rest Is History already one of the most successful history podcasts in the world, the addition of The Book Club could further strengthen the network’s dominance in educational yet entertainment-driven content.
Dominic Sandbrook’s Media Profile and Literary Credibility
Sandbrook is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most recognisable historians and broadcasters, known for combining academic depth with mass-market appeal.
Over the years, he has built a strong reputation through:
Bestselling history books
Regular broadcasting and media appearances
Multiple BBC documentary credits
A loyal podcast audience drawn to his accessible storytelling style
His involvement in The Book Club is likely to attract not only literary listeners but also fans of history, politics, and cultural analysis.
Tabitha Syrett’s Role in Shaping The Rest Is History Success
Syrett’s name has increasingly become recognised in podcast circles due to her role in producing The Rest Is History, particularly during its rapid rise.
Since joining in 2023, she has overseen:
Major live show productions
Expansion into high-profile award-winning content
A series that was named Apple Podcasts Global Show of the Year last year
Her move into an on-mic role suggests Goalhanger is positioning her as a more public-facing talent, likely to become a key figure in its growing lineup.
Why The Book Club Could Become a Must-Listen Podcast in 2026
With book-to-screen adaptations booming, classic literature being rediscovered by younger audiences, and reading communities thriving on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, the timing of The Book Club appears ideal.
Key Reasons the Podcast May Succeed
Strong built-in fanbase from The Rest Is History
A mix of classic and contemporary novels
Shorter, digestible episode format focusing on one book
A ranking system that encourages audience debate
Pop-culture crossover appeal through film and adaptation discussions
Weekly release schedule for consistent engagement
The show is likely to tap into the growing trend of “casual intellectual entertainment”—content that feels smart without being elitist.
Where to Listen to The Book Club Podcast
Goalhanger confirmed that The Book Club will be available:
On YouTube
On Spotify
On Apple Podcasts
On Amazon Music
And all major podcast streaming platforms
Release Schedule
📅 Every Tuesday 🎙️ Starting 17 February
This weekly schedule will allow the show to build consistent momentum, while giving listeners time to read or revisit the featured books.
Podcasting Meets Literature: A New Era for Book Discussions
The rise of podcasts has already reshaped how people consume history, politics, and culture. Now, with The Book Club, Goalhanger is aiming to bring that same energy to the world of novels.
By blending deep analysis with entertainment, the podcast could become a major bridge between:
Literature fans
History enthusiasts
Film adaptation audiences
Casual readers
Students and academics seeking engaging commentary
If executed well, The Book Club may help revive interest in classic fiction while also shining a spotlight on modern masterpieces.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Addition to Goalhanger’s Growing Line-Up
With Dominic Sandbrook’s established authority and Tabitha Syrett’s proven creative instincts, The Book Club arrives with strong expectations and serious potential.
The mix of historical context, author biography, cultural commentary, and a fun ranking format could make the podcast one of 2026’s most talked-about literary launches.
For anyone who loves books—or wants to love them again—this may be the perfect weekly listen.
