Audiobooks and podcasts now have a huge audience. Audible recently released Durjoy Datta’s audiobook, The Revenge Podcast. The audiobook is about two scorned lovers who dive headfirst into a whirlwind of raw emotions and burning questions with their podcast as they unravel the truth behind their cheating partners’ deceit. Datta speaks to The Free Press Journal about his new offering.
Excerpts from the Interview:
How did the idea for The Revenge Podcast come about.
The idea came from observing how we process our emotions in the digital age. I was fascinated by how people turn to podcasts to share their most intimate stories. This format — a story about a podcast, delivered as an audiobook — felt like the perfect way to explore modern heartbreak. There’s something beautifully meta about listeners experiencing a story about podcast hosts connecting with their listeners.
How was the process of writing the audiobook? Was it different from writing a regular book?
Different! When you’re writing for audio, you’re thinking about how words sound, not just how they look on paper. I found myself reading everything aloud, focusing on dialogue and emotional beats more than descriptions. The podcast format also let me play with different 22 voices of the ‘on-air’ personalities of Deb and Avantika versus their real selves.
How would you describe your experience of working with Audible?
Working with Audible has been eye-opening. When your words are performed rather than just read, it adds a whole new layer to the storytelling. I’ve learned to think about pacing differently, how emotions carry through voice, and the intimacy of the audio medium.
The themes of revenge and forgiveness in The Revenge Podcast seem interesting. Why them?
Because they’re two sides of the same coin, aren’t they? When you’re heartbroken, revenge feels like the answer. But often, the path to healing runs through forgiveness — not just of others, but of yourself. I wanted to explore how these impulses battle inside us, especially when we’re performing our healing for an audience.
Describe your experience with listening to podcasts and audiobooks.
I’m a huge consumer of audio content. I find it amazing how stories can accompany you through your day — while cooking, working out, and commuting. It’s like having someone tell you a story personally, which brings a different kind of intimacy to storytelling.
What are your favourite podcasts and why?
There’s one podcast that I can’t stop recommending. It’s the Seen and the Unseen by Amit Varma. If you were to listen to just one podcast ever, this is the one. There are fewer podcasts and more oral history.
What more from your pen in terms of books, audiobooks and podcasts?
Too early to say! I’m working on several things and rejecting even more. But I think a book will be out mid-this year.
