"It Was A Book First" is a weekly pop-culture podcast that sits at the intersection of literature, film, and television, hosted by culture journalists Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg. Each episode dissects a buzzy book-to-screen adaptation—from blockbuster epics like Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" to streaming hits and awards-season contenders—comparing the source material to its cinematic or televised counterpart. The hosts blend sharp critical analysis with accessible, conversational banter, often bringing in expert guests such as academics, screenwriters, and entertainment journalists to add scholarly depth or industry insight. Beyond reviewing individual adaptations, the show tracks broader trends shaping the adaptation boom, including BookTok's influence on publishing, Emmy nominations, and the business decisions behind what gets greenlit. Ideal for avid readers, film and TV enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the creative and commercial process of transforming books into screen entertainment, the podcast offers a mix of spoiler-filled deep dives, industry commentary, and recommendations for what to read and watch next.
"It Was A Book First" is a weekly pop-culture podcast that sits at the intersection of literature, film, and television, hosted by culture journalists Sophie Vershbow and Rudi Greenberg. Each episode dissects a buzzy book-to-screen adaptation—from blockbuster epics like Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" to streaming hits and awards-season contenders—comparing the source material to its cinematic or televised counterpart. The hosts blend sharp critical analysis with accessible, conversational banter, often bringing in expert guests such as academics, screenwriters, and entertainment journalists to add scholarly depth or industry insight. Beyond reviewing individual adaptations, the show tracks broader trends shaping the adaptation boom, including BookTok's influence on publishing, Emmy nominations, and the business decisions behind what gets greenlit. Ideal for avid readers, film and TV enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the creative and commercial process of transforming books into screen entertainment, the podcast offers a mix of spoiler-filled deep dives, industry commentary, and recommendations for what to read and watch next.
