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Jonathan welcomes author Antonio Michael Downing to talk about his latest novel ⁠Black Cherokee⁠ and about how his writing career evolved from a love of music.

Downing is an acclaimed author, broadcaster, and musician. His memoir Saga Boy was praised by Kiese Laymon as “singularly dazzling” and received critical acclaim from publications like Essence Magazine. His novel Black Cherokee has been called “a triumph” by Giller Prize winner Ian Williams. He has also won praise for his novella Molasses and children’s book Stars in My Crown. His works have been nominated for several awards, including the Speaker’s Book Prize and the Toronto Book Awards.

As a broadcaster, he hosts Canada’s internationally recognized book show The Next Chapter on CBC Radio, where he engages with celebrated authors, literary critics, and cultural figures about must-read books while elevating diverse voices in publishing. As a performer, he has released four albums as his alter ego John Orpheus. As a speaker, he is known for his breadth of literary knowledge, engaging storytelling, and entertaining approach to conversations about identity, creativity, and belonging.

CREDITS
Opening song is “We Got the Poison” by Electric Candles
Podcast production by Dan Vadeboncoeur