The Literary Lounge with Dawn Bates

Conversations for readers, writers, thinkers, and the endlessly curious.

For nearly 30 years, I have had the privilege of joining conversations on radio, television, podcasts, and stages around the world. Now, every Friday morning from 9am–11am, I have a place to host those conversations myself.

The Literary Lounge is a weekly radio show on Radio Cardiff for readers, writers, thinkers, and the endlessly curious.

Each episode explores the books, ideas, and stories that shape how we live. Together with authors, business leaders, academics, advocates, artists, and cultural commentators, we venture beyond book reviews and publishing trends to explore the questions that matter most.

What can literature teach us about courage, belonging, identity, leadership, resilience, and social change?

How do stories influence the way we see ourselves, one another, and the world around us?

And why, in an age of endless scrolling, do books continue to offer something so profoundly human?

Alongside thought-provoking conversations, I share some of my favourite music, introduce remarkable guests, and champion writers whose work deserves to be discovered by a wider audience.

Whether you’re a lifelong book lover, an aspiring author, or simply someone who enjoys intelligent conversation, you’re warmly invited to pull up a chair and join us.

Because literature is not just about books.

It’s about people.

Listen live every Friday from 9am–11am on Radio Cardiff, 98.7fm or catch up anytime through your favourite podcast platform and on YouTube.