We're big fans of nonfiction here at the Alberta Podcast Network — almost all of our shows are about real things happening in the world. So we're excited to spread the word about LitFest, Canada's original nonfiction festival, which runs from Oct. 11 to 21 in Edmonton.

Among the highlights are of this year's festival are:

Vivek Shraya: I'm Afraid of Men on Oct. 13, featuring the celebrated artist and author discussing her new book, with performer Sean Giroux and host Alexis Hillyard;
On Empathy and Emergencies: In Conversation with Dr. Brian Goldman on Oct. 14, featuring the CBC Radio personality and author of The Power of Kindness, with host Peter Brown;
Gender Messages: In Conversation with Elizabeth Renzetti and Rachel Giese on Oct. 15, featuring the authors of Shrewed: A Wry and Closely Observed Look at the Lives of Women and Girls and Boys: What it Means to Become a Man, with moderator Omar Mouallem.

As a bit of a preview, LitFest is also bringing in Tanya Tagaq — musician, artist and author of Split Tooth — on Oct. 4.

That's just a tiny sample of the dozens of events planned for the week, featuring writers from across Canada and beyond, as well as a number of local authors, all sharing true stories and big ideas about culture, food, science, politics, and more.

Tickets are on sale now. Early-bird passes are on sale for $99 until Sept. 10 ($129 after that), and four-packs and individual tickets are available as well. And there are free events at CBC Centre Stage throughout the festival.

For a sample of what you'll hear, check out these Modern Manhood episodes featuring LitFest speakers:

"Boys to Men" with Rachel Giese (She speaks Oct. 13 and Oct. 15.)

Michael Hingston: Should Fathers Kiss Their Sons? (He appears on Oct. 11.)

LitFest joins our founding sponsor, ATB Financial, and our other sponsors — the Edmonton Community Foundation and Back to School Again, presented by NorQuest College — in making it possible for us to bring Alberta-made podcasts to your ears.

Subscribe to the Alberta Podcast Network newsletter for a promo code to take $5 off your first LitFest purchase.