Reading & Ranting

Hey besties, Karly and Mia have an exciting announcement for y'all! Reading & Ranting is officially announcing seasons - and this is the official end to Season 1! The girls are taking a brief hiatus to come back bigger and better than ever with more book recs, life updates, tips on how to survive life as a girl in your 20s, and of course, endless SJM and Rebecca Yarros content. With Season 2 on the horizon (coming to all podcast platforms soon!), please keep in touch on TikTok @readingandrantingpod and send through ALL the book recs! Until then, happy reading besties!

In today's episode, Karly and Mia are diving deep into A Great Big Beautiful Life, the brand-new release from their favorite rom-com author, Emily Henry. Honestly, enough said there - full spoilers ahead for this debrief of Henry's latest book (and yet another 5-star hit)!

Your favorite podcast hosts are spiraling over how dating in your 20s seriously feels like a man's world. Why is it that guys can go on three dates and end up in a relationship, while the most beautiful, emotionally intelligent women they know are out here getting ghosted by men whose best Hinge prompt is “What I order for the table: tequila”? Mia & Karly break down the frustrating state of modern dating, the societal pressure to be “chosen,” and how organic meet-cutes have essentially died off. The girls also chat about shifting their mindsets, dating with more intention, and reclaiming their power (even if they still delete and redownload Hinge every other Sunday night).

Mia and Karly are back and swapping book recs like it's their full-time job (they wish it was)! This week, Karly dives into People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry—because who doesn't love a good friends-to-lovers moment? Meanwhile, Mia's bringing the spice with Heavenly Bodies, the latest romantasy sensation trending on BookTok. The girls also catch up on life updates, including Mia's recent induction into the 25 and up club and their mission to upgrade their bar scene—because let's be real, 23 and 25 are not the same, and they're officially done getting hit on by 22-year-olds. Happy reading, besties!

It's Mia's birthday, and she's turning 25 in the most on-brand way possible - by making it about books. In this special solo episode, she reflects on 25 life lessons she's learned through books, from childhood fables to dystopian rebels to 20th century classics and ultimately, faeries.  Whether you're in your mid twenties or just remembering your own quarter-life crisis fondly, this episode is for anyone who's ever turned to a book to figure out life, or at least cry about it. And the lesson of the episode? You're never too old to be shaped by fiction… or to reread Gallagher Girls unapologetically.

Okay besties, time for a heated debate… Mia & Karly are dropping their official Sarah J. Maas book rankings! In this episode, the girls rank all 16 books from Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City, comparing their favorites (and least favorites) and discussing the plot points that made them scream, cry, and throw the books across the room. You might just be surprised by what book ends up on top for both Mia & Karly… Plus, the girls are ranting about how NYC just had its first 80-degree day, Aries season is in full swing, and we are fully defrosted and ready to thrive. Tune in for chaotic book opinions, seasonal rants, and all the usual nonsense.

Karly is finally back from her incredible two week trip to Australia! Now that the besties and co hosts are reunited, they're here to tell all about their latest reads and life updates. Karly has lots to share about her trip down under (inclusive of blackout uber eatsing $80 worth of drunk eats and waking up at 5am on her friend's couch) and Mia has a new frenemies relationship with a dive bar bartender. Happy reading besties! 

Besties, welcome back for part two of Mia's deep dive into Taylor Swift's literary influences! With Karly still off living her best life in Australia, Mia takes the mic solo to continue unpacking the insights from Taylor Swift By The Book: The Literature Behind the Lyrics, From Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets by Rachel Feder and Tiffany Tatreau.  This time, she's covering the emotional rollercoaster of Lover, the poetic heartbreak of Folklore and Evermore, the gothic depths of Midnights, and the raw vulnerability of The Tortured Poets Department. From sentimentalism to postmodernism, Mia explores how Taylor's lyrics include literary allusions and how these albums have shaped her own life. If you've ever screamed “You're On Your Own, Kid” on a solo drive or sobbed to “Champagne Problems” after a breakup, this episode is for you.

It's been a long time coming… Karly may be off living her Wildest Dreams in Australia, but Mia is here with a solo episode topic she's been waiting for: Taylor Swift. Inspired by Taylor Swift By The Book: The Literature Behind the Lyrics, From Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets by Rachel Feder and Tiffany Tatreau, Mia unpacks the literary influences behind Taylor's discography, one era at a time. This book offers a fascinating lens through which to analyze Taylor's evolution as both a songwriter and a storyteller. Mia found herself learning new vocab words from the getgo, from the bildungsroman themes of Debut to the fairy-tale magic of Fearless and Speak Now, the modernist heartbreak of Red, the Gatsby-like grandeur of 1989, all the way to the indulgent, unapologetic decadence of Reputation.  Whether you're a die-hard Swiftie or just someone who likes their lyrics with a little literary flair, this episode will have you enchanted.

Mia & Karly are still deep in their Onyx Storm hangover, so naturally, it's time for a full-blown therapy session psychoanalyzing Xaden Riorson. The girls discuss his mommy and daddy issues, his self-sacrificing streak, and his relationship with Violet. But let's be honest, they're really just here to swoon over yet another shadow daddy book boyfriend. Spoilers for Onyx Storm are included in this episode! Based on a real life conversation held last weekend on Mia's couch, the girls are rehashing the dilemma of where the hell to move next. As single twenty-something women, the world is technically our oyster—but how do you actually decide where to live? Mia & Karly are breaking down the important factors like career opportunities, cost of living, public transport (looking at you, NYC), and whether we need an emotional support friend group nearby. Are we chasing adventure or stability? And more importantly… is the food scene good?

Karly & Mia are here to save you from that post-Onyx Storm book hangover! If you're still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster and just can't seem to recover, don't worry—the girls have got you covered with some romantasy recommendations that'll have you out of your reading slump and back on your feet. There's nothing quite like a hair of the dog (i.e., treating your post romantasy book depression with another post romantasy book depression).  The girls also are giving a real time life update, but don't expect too much. Sometimes life is just… boring. Sometimes you catch up with a long-distance friend and have to tell them absolutely nothing has changed in your life since the last time you spoke three months ago. Ever felt the same? Good, because the girls are feeling their winter uglies and seasonal depression slump too. Winter: 2 Karly & Mia: 0

FULL Spoilers for the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros! Cadets, welcome to Battle Brief! Mia, Karly & book bestie Gill are here to break down Onyx Storm, sharing their raw reactions to the book. But most importantly, it's time to break out the tin foil hats because it's time to theorize. What really happened in the missing 12 hours? Who turned venin? And what the literal f*ck was Papa Sorrengail doing? The girls somehow came out of this book with even more questions than answers (but did get a few new ideas about how to use an armchair.) May all our souls be commended to Malek while we wait for book 4.

2025 is already off to a chaotic start, but at least the Dramione girlies are winning! This year, three iconic fics are getting traditionally published (The Auction → Rose in Chains, DMATMOBIL → Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy, Manacled → Alchemised), and Karly & Mia are gnawing at the bars of their enclosure to get their hands on these bad boys.  Meanwhile, January is being January. TikTok got banned, LA was on fire, Dry January tested our limits (edibles don't count, right?), and the NYC weather gaslit us into thinking 40 degrees is “warm.” To survive, the girls are straight up hibernating and aggressively tracking what time the sun sets via the weather app. The longest month of the year is over, finally, so let's see what the rest of 2025 has in store!

IT'S TIIIIIIIIIME!! Karly & Mia (along with book bestie Gill) are headed back to Basgiath War College to celebrate the upcoming release of Onyx Storm on January 21st! They kick things off with recaps of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, revisiting the unforgettable moments that introduced us to Violet, her dragons Tairn and Andarna, and everyone's favorite dragon riding shadow daddy, Xaden Riorson himself.  Mia, the resident theory master, has been preparing for this book like an AP Navarrian History test. The girls unleash their most elaborate theories about what's coming next in Onyx Storm. Could Violet's second signet be tied to intinnsic abilities or resurrection? Is Brennan hiding something? And of course, what is going to happen to Xaden?? Whether you're a seasoned Empyrean rereader or are in desperate need of a refresher before the next installment, this episode is packed with enough hype to make January 21st feel just a little closer. And besties, with TikTok likely going away, please follow us @readingandrantingpodcast on Instagram and subscribe to Reading & Ranting on YouTube for video content of the podcast!

Hey besties, Karly & Mia are reunited at last (AKA going 3 weeks without seeing each other) and are recapping their current reads. The girls could not be on more different vibes as Mia continues to tackle Romantasy books, and Karly has found herself in a LGBTQ hockey romance wormhole. Sound… interesting? Listen in and get some inspiration for your 2025 TBR!  They're also ranting about their 2025 ins and outs, which include but are not limited to drunk cigs, dry January, and QR code menus. They'll see you guys at the end of the year to recap what stayed in and what made it to out purgatory. Happy reading besties!

In this solo episode, Mia kicks off 2025 by reflecting on her top 10 reads of 2024 and the lessons that shaped her year. She's dropping short and sweet spoiler-free reviews of her standout books, including 6 romantasy reads, 3 rom coms, and even 1 memoir (thank you Drew Afualo!) Oh, and here's your annual reminder to switch from Goodreads to The StoryGraph for all your book tracking needs in 2025! Mia also opens up about the personal growth she experienced in 2024, from learning to live intentionally and embracing financial mindfulness to building new friendships and setting boundaries. Happy new year and happy reading besties!

The holidays are here, and Karly & Mia are bringing you the ultimate cozy-girl movie list for the season. The girls break down their must-watch holiday favorites from Elf (watched a thousand times, and still iconic) to the slightly terrifying Polar Express and the nostalgic chaos of The Grinch.  Karly & Mia are also recapping their first international girls trip together and let's just say it was giving… chaotic 20-somethings on a budget. From arriving to their hostel and spontaneously upgrading to an Airbnb to getting swindled by a bartender, they learned some life lessons the hard way. Edinburgh brought hot waiters and new friends, while Amsterdam delivered rich Italian men and Dutch raves in a literal former prison. Cheers to the group chat making it out of the trip!

Reading & Ranting is making history with its first-ever author guest, Desideria Mesa! Desi, the brilliant mind behind the Bindle Punk Duology (Bindle Punk Bruja and Bindle Punk Jefe), joins Mia & Karly to share her journey as a writer and the inspiration behind her books.  Set in the roaring 1920s, the series follows Luna Alvarado, a Mexican-American Bruja navigating Kansas City's bootlegging scene, blending magic, mobsters, and feminism with themes of identity and empowerment. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about history, culture, and the magic (pun intended) behind the Bindle Punk world. Follow Desi on Instagram @Desi_Mesa and grab your copy of her books today!

Hey besties, we've got another solo episode for you today! Karly is taking the reins on this one, diving deep into her longstanding addiction—Dramione fanfiction! If you love Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger together (or even if you're just curious), you're in for a treat. This episode is part two of her Dramione recs, with everything from angsty novels to fluffy one-shots.  Karly also opens up about the very real struggles of dealing with loneliness, especially as we head into the colder months. While loneliness is something we all grapple with at some point, it can feel especially isolating, and Karly's hoping this rant will help you feel a little less alone in your own feelings. Tune in for an honest conversation about managing loneliness—because you're never truly alone when you've got good books (and friends) by your side.  

Mia & Karly are back from their one-week hiatus to Europe (we missed you besties!) to help you update your Goodreads and build your winter TBR. Between new releases like The Songbird and the Heart of Stone and upcoming ones (*cough* Onyx Storm) the list is truly miles long. They're also dropping hints about some hot ARCs they're reading (don't worry, no spoilers... yet). And in true chaotic R&R fashion, the girls are ranting about their addictive personalities. When they set their mind to something, they fully commit, whether its binging Outlander or heaving one too many spicy margs on a night out.

Waking up as a woman in this country last week was… difficult to say the least. Karly & Mia are here to offer up their thoughts, feelings, and straight up grief following the results of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.  Please note: This episode reflects our personal opinions, thoughts, and feelings. The views expressed are our own, and we're sharing our perspectives in the hopes of fostering an open and safe space for women navigating these challenging times.  We launched this podcast with the goal of finding others who read to cope with life in their twenties, and we're always here for you. Happy reading besties - Karly & Mia

Please note: this episode was planned and recorded before the results of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. While we are still processing the events of this past week, like so many of you, reading offers us an escape. This week, we want to ensure our podcast remains a safe space for our community and those looking to discuss books with a little humor. While this episode's rant section discusses dating and men with funny anecdotes, we will be back next week with more thoughts.  We launched this podcast with the goal of finding others who read to cope with life in their twenties, and we're always here for you. Happy reading besties - Karly & Mia Karly & Mia are back with another round of reading BookTok books so you don't have to. So, which reads are worth your time? The girls share their thoughts on some appropriately hyped reads, including Gild, A Fate Inked in Blood, and When the Moon Hatched. Recently, they've also been on a kick of underhyped gems like Blood and Steel, Spark of the Everflame, and Song of the Marked. Of course, there are always a few overhyped disappointments (did the period blood in Heartless Hunter bother anyone else?) The rant of the week: delusional men in the dating world. The girls recount various ick-inducing encounters including Karly's ex-boyfriend hard launching his new relationship (via a joint Instagram post). If you've ever had a man ask you to split the bill on a third date and then watched him take the leftovers to go, you're safe here. 

Do any of these Sarah J. Maas quotes live in your head rent-free? “He never married. And even when he was an old man, I'd sometimes see him sitting on that front porch. As if he were waiting for someone.” “The next day, the theater was closed by royal decree, and no one saw the musicians or conductor again.   “Who cares what my father does to me?” If so, you've come to the right place. Karly & Mia are diving into the most hurtful SJM subplots aka small moments that had them screaming, crying, and throwing up. From Asterin and the Hunter to the musicians in Throne of Glass and basically everything about the Autumn Court, oh, and did we mention Viktoria is still stuck in a box at the bottom of the ocean? Per usual, Karly & Mia are demanding justice for single girls everywhere in today's rant. As the girls always say, single girls are in the trenches, but does anyone listen to their advice? Nope! 

Did you know fan-made audiobooks of Dramione fanfics exist? Well, Karly does. Recently, your favorite podcast hosts have been dipping their toes into the world of audiobooks. So far, they seem like the perfect solution when you want to read, but also fold laundry, do a craft, or pretend to be productive at the office. We're breaking down why audiobooks are suddenly everywhere and how they've turned us into multitasking queens. Getting back to the roots of this podcast, the girls are ranting about adulting 101. Karly & Mia are here to unpack the struggles no one prepared them for, including health insurance nightmares, credit card debt, and adjusting to a 9-5 schedule.

Today, the girls welcome their best friend Gillian—a fellow book bestie and Karly's childhood best friend! Yes, if you remember Karly talking about her Percabeth fanfiction and Harry Potter obsessed confidante, that is indeed Gill. Together, they dive deep into all four books of Jennifer Armentrout's Flesh and Fire series. While they butcher the pronunciation of every character and location (sorry, we can't get behind Seraphena's name being pronounced SEE-raphena) the girls can't help but rave about the captivating characters and steamy scenes that kept them hooked. However, with the extensive world-building and the series' role as a prequel to the beloved Blood and Ash series, there's a lot to unpack, and the girls barely scratch the surface. Let us know if you would like a book by book deep dive!

Mia & Karly are here to help you go from “I wish I could read more” to “I accidentally read a 700-page romantasy in one day and now I need therapy.” Whether you're looking to become a reading girly or just want to stop doomscrolling before bed, the girls have all the tips and tricks to get you into reading. Inspired by Mia's recent viral TikTok, the girls are ready to rant about how romance books like Sarah J. Maas' are fueling a cultural reset. Call it faerie porn all you want, but millions of women are setting higher standards for themselves and realizing they don't have to settle for a man who can't even text back, let alone wield a sword and respect their boundaries. 

While fantasy fall has officially kicked off, it's time to take a step back and dive into the timeless works of classic literary giants like Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austen for those crisp fall days. Karly & Mia explore how these classics encapsulate the essence of autumn, from moody atmospheres to heartwarming romances. Grab your Nicole Kidman cardigan and a steaming cup of hot tea (or sauv blanc) for an autumnal read when you need a cozy night in.  But it's not only about the fall vibes; for today's rant, the girls will unleash several thoughts about how even men written by nineteenth century women were better than what we're working with today. The charm of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley exists because chivalry was alive and well and gentlemen knew how to treat a lady (sidewalk rule anyone?) - today's “sassy man apocalypse” just doesn't hold a candle to the refined characters of the past. Join the girls as they celebrate classic reads and dissect the differences between yesterday's gents and today's woes.

In this special anniversary episode of Reading & Ranting, Karly & Mia are celebrating their one-year milestone by diving into a spoiler-free discussion of When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker, a beautifully crafted fantasy romance novel that captivated them with its beautiful prose, stabby FMC, and sexy new book boyfriend of the week. And did we mention… dragons? In honor of a year since launching this podcast, the girls are discussing the hard work, dedication, and countless hours that have gone into creating R&R content for you. Between the rewarding moments that have made it all worthwhile and the challenges they've faced along the way (see their Strava miles trying to find working mics on the streets of NYC), the girls have big dreams for the future of Reading & Ranting. Happy reading besties and thanks for listening!

Fantasy romance books… we know them, we love them, and they're great for escapism but sometimes… things just get cringe. Mia & Karly are talking about those moments that break the spellbinding world building and give them the ick—like “lactic acid” existing in Prythian. And let's not forget: does anyone need a character named Thad in romantasy or any book for that matter? Didn't think so. Plus, Karly's got some big news: she's leaving her first "big girl job" for a new opportunity! The girls chat about career moves, why job hopping is the ultimate promotion strategy, and how burnout can push you to make a change. With tips on navigating the corporate world, the hell that is the job market, they're here to say you've got to be your own biggest advocate.   

In today's episode, the girls are diving into one of their favorite author's novels,  Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Between exploring the book's underlying themes of familial relationships and self-discovery, memorable side characters, and romance that develops between the shelves of a bookstore (the dream), Emily Henry yet again does not disappoint. Spoiler warning: the girls discuss the plot points in detail so beware! However, for today's rant, the girls are getting into a topic they've never discussed before: the world of workout routines. Between everyone on TikTok arguing what's the best workout for women (Pilates, lifting, HIIT, running???) there's so much discourse and frankly it's overwhelming. Karly is busy trying to figure out what routine works for her and Mia is just trying to recover from her bicep curl to panic attack pipeline in the middle of guy-dominated Gold's Gym. Happy reading besties! 

Come one come all, Mia & Karly are talking about how to spread the gospel (Maasiverse) to your friends. Spoilers ahead, so listen at your own risk! The girls are spiraling through the stages of grief one experiences while watching friends dive into the Maasiverse for the first time. From pretending Tamlin's likable to surviving the emotional pain of “take it off” and the Thirteen to the full crossover in House of Flame and Shadow, they're breaking down the reactions from friends on their first reads. They're also diving into their excitement (and a little dread on Mia's part) for the upcoming fall season. Between nostalgic fall fashion, cozy days with PSLs, and the endless scroll of FallTok inspo, the crisp autumn air is on the way. Even though Mia's a self-proclaimed fall virgin, Karly's ready to drag her into the season.

Hey besties! Welcome to the first R&R solo episode, where Mia's taking the reins to revisit the books that shaped her childhood and how reconnecting with them has been a healing experience. If you wondered what house you would be sorted into, what cabin you would live in, whether you would survive the Hunger Games, or of course, graduate from a secret academy for spies in training as a Gallagher Girl, this is the episode for you.  Mia's also ranting about a difficult struggle: unlearning people-pleasing tendencies. She gets personal about her journey of setting boundaries, focusing on self-care, and learning to say "no" without guilt. If you've ever felt like you're losing yourself trying to please everyone else, this one's for you.

Inspired by a recent trip to Barnes & Noble and curating their fall romantasy reads, Mia & Karly are back with part two of their ultimate Sarah J. Maas hangover cures! They share their updated book recommendations to help fill the void, with books featuring deadly trials, epic battles, and swoon-worthy love interests (and spice.) The girls are only discussing their 4.5 and 5 star reads to ensure a swift recovery from the Maasiverse. They offer swift, spoiler free reviews of Daughter of No Worlds, Serpent and The Wings of Night, Bridge Kingdom, The Hurricane Wars, Quicksilver, An Heir Comes to Rise, A Shadow in the Ember, and When The Moon Hatched. Plus, they tackle the reality of mid-twenties hangovers and how they (barely) survive them. Grab your iced coffee and breakfast sandwich and join them in rotting on the couch for several hours (or, you can try listening to this podcast.)

In today's episode, join Mia & Karly as they dive into the art of pitching a book to a friend. Mia kicks things off with a pitch for Quicksilver, an addicting romantasy read brimming with enemies-to-lovers drama that has BookTok buzzing with a new book boyfriend. On the other end of the spectrum, Karly introduces Love Theoretically, a heartwarming rom-com with an Emily Henry flair that promises to be your next favorite feel-good read. And of course, any romance reader knows the most important accessory when starting a new book is your vibrator. The girls launch into a candid and educational discussion about their favorite toys that go "bzz" in the night. Class is in session for "Vibrator 101” as they discuss different types, features, and uses. They'll say it once and say it again, but every woman over the age of 18 must have a vibrator (regardless of relationship status).

Okay besties, welcome to Westeros! Mia & Karly are breaking down their thoughts on House of the Dragon Season Two. TL;DR, the plot was definitely a slow burn, and not in a good way. The girls want to shout “Dracarys” at the scripts that kept Daemon at Harrenhal for an entire season and the lack of a follow up on Rhaenyra and Mysaria. But, of course, the season was filled with characters they love (Baela the Brave) and love to hate (looking at you, Crispy Cole) as Team Black and Team Green solidified. Plus, they're ranting about the frustrating struggle of finding birth control that doesn't suck—because apparently, science still hasn't figured out how to make one that doesn't make your body freak out. 

Discover Karly and Mia's book preferences in today's Q&A episode! The two are asking each other questions they've never asked before, ranging from book guilty pleasures to the first book they ever read. The real question is whether Karly prefers fanfiction over published books. Spoiler alert: if it's a Dramione fic, the answer is probably yes. The girls are open books so submit additional questions to their TikTok @readingandrantingpod or email @readingandrantingpod@gmail.com if you have any juicy questions for them. Happy reading besties!

This week, Mia & Karly are breaking down their favorite oddly specific book tropes. From knife-wielding heroines (The Cruel Prince), dramatic "who hurt you?" moments (Heir of Fire always hits different), angsty betrayals (Bridge Kingdom), romance-filled training montages (Fourth Wing), the classic one-bed trope (ACOMAF), dark and broody MMCs who'd burn the world for their love (Shatter Me), comedic best friends who lighten the mood (Six of Crows), assassin love stories (A Shadow in The Ember), and fake make-outs that turn real and steamy.  Plus, they're ranting about affordable ways to enjoy summer when you're too broke for a Euro trip: be a tourist in your own city, host a movie night, plan a food crawl, take a day trip, try DIY crafts or join a class. But most importantly, if you need to find Karly & Mia this summer, all you need to do is look up (they're on a rooftop.)

In Karly & Mia's opinion, one of the worst jumpscares you can receive is a text from your ex. And that begs the question: how do you respond? They share personal stories of shock, anger, and hurt, exploring the disrespect and gaslighting often encountered when dealing with an immature ex. And let's be clear, the girls have RECEIPTS, PROOF, TIMELINES, SCREENSHOTS, as Mia quite literally scoured her iMessages for the out of the blue post break up texts. Hopefully you can find these anecdotes relatable, and maybe some valuable advice on handling the return of an ex with clarity and confidence. Because, as we all know, they ALWAYS come back.

Karly & Mia are completely enamored with Emily Henry's "Happy Place," set against a coastal Maine backdrop which, be warned, sparks an intense craving for buttery lobster rolls. Among the book's several tropes, including fake dating and found family, Happy Place weaves together themes of mature friendships, romance, and personal growth, earning Emily Henry yet another five-star rating from the girls.  If you've been here since last summer, you know the girls' Fourth of July weekend got rowdy and expensive. Karly & Mia are happy to share that absolutely nothing has changed as they spent another Independence Day weekend in the Hamptons among overpriced cocktails and east coast beaches. Between several fake boyfriends, the repercussions of extravagant spending, and yet another Montauk outing, the girls spill all the details of their weekend. Spoiler alert: they verbally sparred with 17-year old boys and are thinking of pursuing full time professions of fighting with men. 

In honor of using fantasy faerie books to escape reality, today's episode takes a special twist on last week's U.S. presidential debate, Maasiverse style. Karly & Mia are breaking down presidential campaigns with a showdown between Aelin and Rhysand. They firmly believe the country would be in better hands if it were led by everyone's favorite fictional characters.   On a different note, for today's rant Mia discusses how she has officially gotten Karly into her gardening era. (This may or may not have been induced by accidentally taking extremely potent edibles to watch Breaking Dawn Part 2.)   Jokes aside, what's NOT funny is the reality of the presidential election this fall so please be sure to enact your civic duty and vote! 

POV: you finally picked up that “FIVE STAR MUST READ” book you've seen all over BookTok, and it left you less than satisfied. Well you're in luck, because today Karly & Mia settle in for a candid conversation separating the overhyped from the underrated. Brace yourselves as they share their unfiltered opinions on which viral reads deserve the hype and which ones might have missed the mark. But they're not just critiquing—make sure you have your TBR handy for a trove of underhyped book recommendations that deserve more love.  As summer swings into full gear, so do the pressures around body image. In today's rant, Karly & Mia are tackling those tough moments when body confidence takes a hit. From the fear of wearing a bikini to bad body image days, they share their personal strategies and insights that help them feel their best in the summer. Just remember, everyone struggles with body image and you are not alone!

Dearest Gentle Listeners, Karly & Mia are back with their thoughts on Bridgerton Season Three Part Two! To be honest, the girls feel like Part One was all foreplay, and Part Two offered no climax. Some of the most unexpected plot lines stuck with them (Michaela Stirling and Benedict's random threesome) more than the main attraction of Polin itself. Eloise was once again the realest Bridgerton for wondering why the only thing girls can talk about is their prospects and impending engagements.  With that being said, today's rant is all about why you need single girlfriends. As Karly so eloquently puts it, we love our girl friends in relationships, but while they may support the cause, they do not understand trench warfare (AKA, life as a single girly). Whether you want to scheme men at the bar, find someone to drop everything for last-minute plans, or just need some good ol' advice, single girl friendships are some of the most special and fun parts of singledom.

Dystopian is so back baby. Karly & Mia's jaws were on the floor when they heard the news that Suzanne Collins is dropping Sunrise on the Reaping, the fifth installment in the Hunger Games series.  The girls can't wait until March 2025, but until then they will have to be content with speculating every fan theory under the sun about the second Quarter Quell, starting with Haymitch's family and backstory, Maysilee Donner, and for the love of god Suzanne please give us Tigris as a stylist in the games Suzanne said the question of "real or not real" seems more pressing every single day, and we couldn't agree more. In a surprise to no one, this past weekend the girls had an interesting encounter at a bar. The question of the hour: can a Harvard-educated man tell the difference between plastic surgery and natural boobs? You're about to find out. 

Happy Pride Month! In the wise words of Chappell Roan, what we really need is a… femininomenon! And Sarah J. Maas consistently delivers. Today, Karly & Mia dive into their not so secret obsessions with the leading ladies, from Aelin's sass to Bryce's body-ody-ody, they break down why these badass ladies have captured their hearts (and fantasies). Sticking to the theme, Karly & Mia break down the importance of exploring your sexuality, and Mia's current status as a baby gay. 

Today Karly & Mia are throwing it back to the 2010s YA Dystopian Fiction era and diving into the worlds of "Shatter Me" by Tahereh Mafi and "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld. In this episode, they provide spoiler-free background insights into both captivating series, exploring the dystopian landscapes and compelling characters that have captured their 10-year old (and now 24-year old) imaginations. Join the girls as they pit these two beloved series against each other to determine which one reigns supreme.   Speaking of the 2010s, remember when we all downloaded instagram for the first time and followed anyone within a 10 mile radius? Karly & Mia recently hit a wall and unleashed an Instagram following purge. The girls are ready to rant about how to feel empowered to hit that unfollow button with no second thoughts. If you need any convincing to clear out your following, Karly seriously envisioned her villain arc movie montage and Mia was quite literally giggling and kicking her feet in the aftermath. But actually though, the endless scroll of perfection and supply of engagement pics is exhausting, and no one has time for that in 2024. Happy reading besties!

What's that song playing in the background? Oh… no… it's actually just the carriage scene with classical Pitbull in the background. Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, as Mia & Karly are swooning over the Polin in the air. The girls were giggling and kicking their feet binge watching Bridgerton Season Three Part One, but fear Netflix must make haste to drop Part Two.  But the true scandal (which we just know Lady Whistledown would have written about) is Bumble's latest campaign, which quite literally feels like it could be a relic from the Regency era. Being called a nun by a dating app was not on the 2024 bingo card, but here we are once again shaming women for their sex lives. Celibate or not, your favorite podcast hosts are just here to say that with our vibrators and our gals around us, we don't see an issue. But thanks for asking Bumble!

Have you ever wondered what makes a book a 5 star read? Although it varies from person to person (see also: “I didn't say it was a GOOD book, I said I ENJOYED it”), the girls have some thoughts.  Karly & Mia weigh the importance of character depth, world-building, romance tropes, pacing, and the rare book (or Dramione fanfic in Karly's case) that is such an emotional rollercoaster we are left staring at the ceiling with a book hangover that lasts for days.  Per usual, your favorite podcast co-hosts aren't afraid to laugh at themselves. The girls share their most infamous flops including hitting on uninterested guys, a limbo competition gone wrong, and one terrible period horror story in Diplo's bathroom (yes, really.) If possible, please take a moment to rate and review our podcast wherever you're listening! Happy reading besties!

Emily Henry has done it again folks! Join the girls as they dissect Funny Story, arguably their first 5-star read of 2024! With forced proximity, friends to lovers, and fake dating tropes all packaged into a small-town whirlwind summer romance with a sexy Nick Miller coded tatted bartender, what's not to like?  While Karly & Mia haven't experienced any of this IRL, Emily Henry's writing is so good they truly felt like they lived in Waning Bay, Michigan. But let's be honest, what they have experienced is struggling with the fear of being unlovable, boyfriend sickness, and rediscovering yourself after a breakup. So sit back, relax, and dig into the world of Daphne and Miles with your favorite podcast cohosts.

While Karly & Mia's relationship status has remained firmly single in the dating world, their relationship status with reading has taken a turn, and it's complicated.    Dare they say they have hit a Romantasy overload. The girls are ready to branch out a little, and you know they already have reads lined up. Plus, a little treat in the spirit of revisiting the 2010s era books… Mia shares an excerpt of her famous Gallagher Girls fanfiction with Karly for the first time ever.    But most importantly, this couldn't come at a better time as the girls are preparing for Hot Girl Summer. This summer we're building rosters while prioritizing the girlies, all while sipping a spritz on a rooftop. So grab your SPF, craft your Nuuly orders, and enter your say yes mentality.

It was all over when Karly & Mia realized Rhys is pronounced Reese, and therefore Rhysand is not, in fact, pronounced Rice-and. In this episode, Karly & Mia unravel the inner world of Rhysand from ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) by Sarah J. Maas. From his initial introduction as a mysterious villain figure to his transformation into a beloved character, the girls put on their detective hats and break out the magnifying glass to explore Rhysand's complexities, decode his every move, and uncover his motivations. As they delve into Rhysand's journey, Karly & Mia also take a moment for a mental health check-in. Winter blues? New therapist struggles? Join the club, girlies. But the good news is, you're not alone! Beware of spoilers for the entirety of the ACOTAR series in our reading section, and extra spoilers for House of Flame and Shadow from 13:46-17:30. Happy reading besties!

Join the girls for round two of swoon-worthy book boyfriends and their personal two cents on the latest BookTok drama. With men questioning why women are "only reading smut," the girls aren't holding back. They're here to defend the female gaze and why these steamy reads hit the spot (the g-spot that is) for the ladies. In a major personal life update, Mia & Karly are FINALLY reunited! Mia has arrived in the Big Apple, and in response the earth literally quaked. Karly shares her take on taking the plunge in your 20s to move to a new city. Spoiler alert: trust your gut and don't let a man dictate your ZIP code!