Audiobooks by Emma Barnett

Maternity Service: A Love Letter to Mothers from the Front Line of Maternity Leave

Brought to you by Penguin. The essential companion for every mother embarking on maternity leave 'In one important sense maternity leave is a misnomer, as it involves no actual leave. You are constantly on, even when your offspring is having a nap. There is nothing restful about it. In another sense maternity leave is aptly named, because it’s a period of leave from all you know: taking leave of one’s mind, body, job, and relationships' When Emma Barnett began her second maternity leave, she realised that despite having been there before, as soon as her first leave had finished, the rose-tinted lenses descended and she had immediately forgotten what the experience was actually like when you’re in it. This collective forgetting, which leads to well-meaning comments such as: ‘enjoy every minute’ and ‘treasure this special time’, is doing a disservice to women, leaving them unprepared for the more complicated reality. In Maternity Service she sets out to capture this reality, in real time. Emma isn’t offering advice on sleep-training or weaning or helping your baby reach milestones. Instead, her book is a celebration and acknowledgement of the work of being on maternity leave, with its soaring highs and challenging lows and its impact on how women feel about themselves and their purpose. © Emma Barnett 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Emma Barnett (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Examined Mind: A BBC radio collection exploring the history, philosophy and science of self-help

This collection brings together history, science, philosophy and comedy to explore our age-old search for meaning. We live in an age of self-improvement and self-examination - lifehacking, wellbeing, self-care, mindfulness retreats - but this seemingly very modern phenomenon is a pursuit that dates back for millennia. Join comedian Robin Ince to explore how the ancient Greeks aimed to get happier, healthier and richer. Will Self asks some of Britain's key scientists, philosophers and faith leaders to share their conclusions on the meaning of our existence. Historian Kate Williams investigates the Grandfather of Self-Help, Samuel Smiles' 1859 book Self Help, and its lasting influence. In 'Hell is Other People', performer Byron Vincent attempts to overcome his paralysing fear of social situations. Emma Barnett traces the multi-billion dollar mindfulness industry to its Buddhist roots to discover whether it's just another health fad. Comedian Felicity Ward tries to solve her mental health issues, one app at a time. Sian Williams presents a practical guide to boosting brain power through exercise, relaxation, stimulation, sleep and diet. From the ancient Greeks to the present day and even into the future, The Examined Mind provides an unique insight into our constant quest to be better people.

Byron Vincent, Emma Barnett, Felicity Ward, Kate Williams, Robin Ince, Will Self (Author), Bryon Vincent, Emma Barnett, Felicity Ward, Kate Williams, Robin Ince, Sian Williams, Will Self (Narrator)

Audiobook

Period

'I wish this book had been written before I stopped having them. I might have enjoyed them more! It's brilliant, informative and funny. Period.' Jennifer Saunders 'I want to hear what Emma Barnett says about everything, and this terrific and timely book proves to be no exception.' Elizabeth Day 'A brilliant, myth-busting, funny and poignant book.' Helen Pankhurst 'Why has it taken so long for this powerful, fearless book to be written?' Emma Freud 'Uniquely funny and forthright.' Pandora Sykes 'Passionate, informed and thought-provoking.' Jane Garvey 'A must read for everyone. Period.' Kirsty Wark 'Clever, useful and wise. Read it. Pass it on to your daughters. And then to your sons.' Fi Glover 'Emma cuts right through all the myths and embarrassment with searing facts, honesty and, perhaps more importantly, humour. A bleeding good read.' Yomi Adegoke 'Terrific. Unique. Never read anything like it.' Richard Madeley 'Completely un-grim, informative, and entertaining.' Rachel Johnson 'A brilliant, brave rallying shout out to anyone who's suffered in silence and wondered why they had to.' Emily Maitlis 'An open, honest and achingly funny celebration of menstruation.' Amika George 'Smart, funny, enjoyable and tackling a subject head on that so many others would choose to avoid. I bloody loved it!' Becky Vardy 'Don't be revolted, lead the revolt - preferably with a grin on your face and a tampon tucked proudly behind your ear.' Emma loathes her period. Really, she does. But there's something she loathes even more: not being able to talk about it. Freely, funnily and honestly. Without men and women wrinkling their noses as if she's pulled her tampon out and offered it as an hors d'oeuvre. But somehow, despite women having had periods since the dawn of time, we've totally clammed up on anything to do with menstruation. Why, oh why, would we rather say 'Auntie Flo' than 'period'? Why, in the 21st century, are periods still seen as icky? Why are we still so ignorant about such a fundamental bodily process? Now, in Period., Emma draws on female experiences that will make you laugh, weep (and, most probably, squirm), in a fierce and funny rallying cry to smash this ridiculous taboo once and for all. Because it's about bloody time. Period.

Emma Barnett (Author), Emma Barnett (Narrator)

Audiobook