Episode
Antonio Michael Downing
- Published
- Feb 2, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1611
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Summary
My guest on this episode is Antonio Michael Downing. Antonio is the author of the memoir Saga Boy and the children’s book Stars in My Crown , and is the current host of CBC Radio’s book program The Next Chapter . He also writes and performs music as John Orpheus. His most recent book is the novel Black Cherokee , published in 2025 by Simon & Schuster Canada. Author Zalika Reid-Benta said that “Downing’s prose is both lyrical and controlled and weaves together a story that is, at once expansive and intimate, expertly blending the personal with the sweeping nature of the historical.” Antonio and I talk about bringing his own perspective as an author to his work on The Next Chapter , about why he handwrites the drafts of his books, and about unexpectedly discovering a kindred creative spirit in Anne of Green Gables . This podcast is produced and hosted by Nathan Whitlock , in partnership with The Walrus . Music: "simple-hearted thing" by Alex Lukashevsky . Used with permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.