Podcasts about Goodreads

Why can't leaders win anymore? No matter what you say, someone's upset. In this conversation with Carey Nieuwhof, host of one of today's most influential leadership podcasts, we unpack why 49 hours a week on our phones has created 100 different experiences in a room of 100 people. From the woman who won't use plastic cutlery to why your weird uncle believes conspiracy theories, we explore how discipleship by algorithm is fragmenting society. We also talk about the false immediacy of social media, why high performers have the strongest inner critics, the Mount Rushmore of books we recommend, and what it takes to build relationships with people you admire without jumping levels of intimacy. Plus, Carey shares why the work is the reward, how he retaught himself to read books, and why he's pursuing mastery in his 60s. If you're a leader trying to navigate this fragmented world, this conversation is for you.The Art Of Leadership AcademyIn This Episode:Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card DeckMake sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!You can grab a copy of my book All It Takes Is a Goal from your favorite bookstore or at my website!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!

We walk through a weekly tarot spread that blends practical care, focused ambition, and playful growth. The Knights push action in love and money while the Page invites curiosity, resilience, and creative risks without losing ground.• Knight of Pentacles in love as steady acts of service and reliability• Seeking reciprocal effort and practical support from partners and friends• Knight of Swords in money as strategy, learning, and fast execution• Refreshing plans, pricing, outreach, and measurable goals• Page of Pentacles as grounded curiosity and beginner mindset• Facing fear, releasing attachment, and building resilience• Keeping hope, having fun, and making small, smart experiments• GROWN IS HOTYou can book 1:1 readings with Jez at jezminavonthiele.com, and book readings and holistic healing sessions with Paulina at romaniholistic.com.Thank you for listening to Romanistan podcast.You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky, and Facebook @romanistanpodcast, and on Twitter @romanistanpod. To support us, Join our Patreon for extra content or donate to Ko-fi.com/romanistan, and please rate, review, and subscribe. It helps us so much. Follow Jez on Instagram @jezmina.vonthiele & Paulina @romaniholistic. You can get our book Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, online or wherever books are sold. If you love it, please give us 5 stars on Amazon & Goodreads. Visit https://romanistanpodcast.com for events, educational resources, merch, and more. Email us at romanistanpodcast@gmail.com for inquiries. Romanistan is hosted by Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina StevensConceived of by Paulina StevensEdited by Viktor Pachas, Bianca, Dia LunaMusic by Viktor PachasArtwork by Elijah VardoSupport the show

Outlouders, welcome to the third and final instalment of our Summer Book Club where we’re going out strong.

When your past comes back and shakes up your present, what are you supposed to do? Listen in as Stacy Ladyman and I chat about her novel, Shep and the King of Hearts. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. We talked about the origin of this story and how parts of her life inspired her to attend that gambling addiction talk and then how it helped her define this story. I loved that she got to talk to those men and had pastors praying for her and the story.  It's a beautiful picture of how we're all broken and estranged and need to get back to a right relationship with each other and God. Shep and the King of Hearts by Stacy J. Ladyman Some wounds run deep. Love digs deeper. As a hospital administrator, Chris Warren thrives on order, control, and clean emotional boundaries. But when the father who abandoned her decades ago stumbles back into her life—disheveled, addicted, and clinging to what little dignity he has left—everything she's built begins to unravel. Desperate for answers—and closure—Chris finds herself reluctantly leaning on Shep, the hospital's unorthodox, chaplain whose faith is as bold as his sense of humor. What begins as a reluctant partnership becomes something far more personal as Chris and Shep navigate her father's self-destruction, each other's guarded hearts, and the jagged path toward grace. Inspired by true events, Shep and the King of Hearts is a raw and redemptive contemporary romance about love that doesn't flinch in the face of failure. This story invites you into a journey of second chances, spiritual reckoning, and the unexpected ways love breaks through—when we finally stop running. For readers who crave romance wrapped in redemption and a love story that heals more than just the heart. Faith. Forgiveness. Falling in love. Begin the journey now. Learn more about Stacy on her WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Christine Riccio & Natasha Polis talk all things nerdy in the book, tv, movie, pop culture, fandoms, and how they integrate into their adult lives. Today they're ringing in the start of 2026 by discussing the 2016 trend, and all the content that dropped over the holiday break! They're chatting People We Meet on Vacation, the golden globes, Ponies, Emily in Paris, Heated Rivalry, Traitors, Stranger Things, the Taylor Swift doc, and more!Today in Fangirl Tea Time: Join Christine and Natasha for more stories about their recent life escapades. Support the pod by joining the Forking Fangirls Patreon community: http://patreon.com/thoseforkingfangirls TEAM EDWARD: new bonus AMA is up now, and the first Heated Rivalry episode commentary will be up shortly if it's not already!MAIN DISCUSSION STARTS AT: 1:35:57Follow the visual show on our Youtube: http://youtube.com/@thoseforkingfangirls  Get Christine's new book THIRTY, FLIRTY, & FOREVER ALONE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1662532156We'll be at LOVE LIT CON in San Diego! https://lovelit.com/Our TFF Panel with Christina Lauren will be at 2:15 pm on Friday!!

What makes a great ensemble cast in science fiction, fantasy, and horror TV?It's not just one breakout character. It's chemistry. It's balance. It's a cast where everyone matters—and where removing just one person would collapse the whole story.In this episode, Jim counts down his Top 10 Ensemble Casts in SFFH Television, spanning decades and genres. Rankings are based on a blend of critical reception, fan love, cultural impact, and—let's be honest—Jim's personal opinion. Mileage will vary, and that's part of the fun.We also give some love to a couple of honorable mentions that didn't quite crack the Top 10 but still delivered outstanding ensemble performances.⚔️ Expect praise, snark, hot takes, and probably at least one ranking that makes you say, “Okay Jim… but hear me out.”

What happens when an average guy suddenly inherits a global villain empire?Not metaphorically.Not “my boss is evil.”Actual secret lairs, corporate espionage, assassination attempts… and sentient cats who absolutely know more than they're telling.Today, I'm giving a spoiler-lite review of Starter Villain, a fast, hilarious, and surprisingly sharp novel from John Scalzi that blends spy-craft, corporate satire, and absurdist humor into one wildly entertaining package.In this episode, I cover:• Why the premise works far better than it has any right to• How Scalzi turns villainy into a workplace comedy• Why the cats are a genuine highlight (and mildly terrifying)• What kind of reader will love this book—and who might not• Why this was the perfect read right before the new Dresden Files novel droppedI was laughing out loud again and again, and this one instantly pushed more Scalzi books higher up my TBR.Have you read Starter Villain yet?Are you team “Never Trust the Cats”?Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Every fantasy fan knows the moment.“Well… in the book…”Adaptations always change things. Sometimes those changes elevate the story. Sometimes they make it more accessible. And sometimes they completely miss the point of what made the book special in the first place.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach dive into fantasy adaptations that significantly changed their source material—and whether those changes worked for better or for worse.This isn't a “the book is always better” rant.It's a thoughtful conversation about translation, intent, character, tone, and why some changes succeed while others fail.

What if the most ordinary creatures in your home… weren't ordinary at all?In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim dives into the graphic novel retelling of The Cats of Ulthar, written by Bruce Brown—an atmospheric, beautifully crafted adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's classic short story.Lovecraft was famous for twisting everyday reality into something cosmically unsettling, and The Cats of Ulthar may be one of his most quietly disturbing tales. This graphic novel breathes new life into that century-old story, pairing eerie moral justice with striking artwork and a tone that feels both timeless and fresh.We'll talk about:• How this adaptation honors Lovecraft while making the story accessible• Why the artwork, lettering, and overall production quality stand out• The unsettling idea that cats may be more aware—and more powerful—than we give them credit for• Who this graphic novel is perfect for… and who might want to pass⚠️ Spoiler-lite discussion only ⚠️If you enjoy horror-tinged fantasy, Lovecraftian vibes, and graphic novels that linger in your mind after you've closed the cover, this one's worth your time.

Join us for a thrilling kickoff to 2026 on The Whitfield Report Special as host Sam Whitfield sits down with acclaimed thriller author Eric P. Bishop (@EPBAuthor on X) to celebrate the launch of his latest novel, DREXEL!In this exclusive interview, Eric dives deep into the high-octane world of The Omega Group Series. As the third installment (and a gripping origin story for fan-favorite character Captain Troy Evans), DREXEL delivers pulse-pounding action, intricate intrigue, and the signature twists that have made Eric's books must-reads. Hear about his creative process, the challenges of indie publishing, and why this book is a game-changer for the series—perfect for fans of The Body Man and Supreme Justice.Eric shares insights on character development, his "NEVER QUIT" mantra, and tips for aspiring writers. Plus, get the inside scoop on what's next for The Omega Group and his popular 2 Scribes Podcast.Whether you're a longtime reader or new to Eric's edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this episode is packed with excitement. DREXEL is now available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover—grab your copy today and leave a review!Buy DREXEL on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G27LGNS8Follow Eric P. Bishop on X: https://x.com/EPBAuthorEric's Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eric%20Bishop/author/B098FFJPLXEric on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21953258.Eric_P_BishopStream the full episode on YouTube or catch the replay on X. Don't miss this adrenaline-fueled conversation!#TheWhitfieldReport #DREXEL #EricPBishop #ThrillerBooks #OmegaGroupSeriesPlease Support The Show:Sam's Substack: https://samwhitfield.substack.com/Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/TheWhitfieldReport2nd YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WhitfieldReportReloadedKick Channel: https://kick.com/whitfieldreportSam's Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sam-Whitfield/author/B00M1DNU88?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4DIcoDO0BIDyuH7SWIsAB8?si=8c06106f817d4eebAmerican Instinct Pulp Adventures: https://americaninstinct.substack.comFollow Sam on X and Instagram @SamW_NGCFollow Right To Offend Media on X @RTOMediaBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitfieldreport

Come ride bareback with The Girls! This week Vanessa is presenting “Saving The Rain” by Elliott Rose! It's from the Crimson Ridge series, previously shared by Vanessa in episode 79 and by Emily in episode 105! In book four, Kayce Wilder gets injured in a bull riding competition, and his only cure is the forbidden love of his rival bull rider…who happens to be his step brother?! Zeke Rainer, whom we have to call him Raine, comes to the ranch to cover Kayce's duties, but he ends up covering way more than that! With Raine's help, Kayce has a chance to heal and to come into his own (jeans). Take a bath, slip and slide across the bench seat of a truck, and tune in!New Episodes out every Tuesday! Join our Patreon to receive early, ad- free (and bonus!) episodes and more! Patreon.com/ClutchMyPearlsPod We have *NEW* MERCH go to ClutchMyPearlsPod.com to check it out!Watch the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Follow @ClutchMyPearlsPod on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and GoodReads! We have *NEW* MERCH go to ClutchMyPearlsPod.com to check it out!Do you have a smut recommendation for the girls? Send an email to: ClutchMyPearlsPod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to live courageously? Author, minister, and Lions Unchained podcast host Carl Joseph explores what it truly means to live courageously. In this inspiring conversation, Carl Joseph opens up about his own journey from feeling unfulfilled—even while achieving success—to finding a bold faith in Christ that transformed every aspect of his life. Together, they dive deep into the importance of knowing your true identity, overcoming complacency and comparison, and how courage is fostered not by our own strength but through an active, daily relationship with God. Whether you're facing challenges at work, struggling with forgiveness, or simply longing to step into your purpose, this episode will leave you equipped with practical wisdom and renewed inspiration to unleash the warrior within. Don't miss this powerful dialogue on courage, faith, and living boldly as you were meant to! Inside This Episode: Carl Joseph shares how true courage isn't something we muster up, but a gift that flows from our relationship with Christ. Discover why knowing your identity in Christ is the foundation for unshakeable boldness. Learn practical tips on overcoming discouragement, complacency, and the comparison trap—so YOU can rise and stand firm. Insightful discussion on how the healing power of God flows when we deal with bitterness and unforgiveness. Tina Yeager and Carl Joseph unpack the difference between "busyness" and true purpose, and why the boldest life starts with a simple act: setting your focus on God each day. Listener Takeaways: Regularly take inventory of your heart—ask God to reveal any hidden hurts or blocks. Don't let pride or the urge to "do it all yourself" rob you of the Father's strength. Humility opens the door for God's power. Bold faith isn't slanderous; it's about walking in truth, love, and the authority God gives—reflecting Jesus through both compassion and conviction. When you feel overwhelmed or aimless, remember: God's vision for you is revealed step by step as you listen and walk with Him. Want More? Dive deeper by checking out Carl Joseph's latest book, Lionheart: Unleash the Warrior Within, available on all major booksellers. You can also explore hundreds of free podcast episodes, insightful articles, and videos at carljosephministries.com. Stay Connected! If today's episode fueled your courage, share it with a friend and let us know what bold step you're taking next.  We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant. To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/ Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Use the code TINA10 at checkout. To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link  https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase! If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses Connect with Tina at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager  Stock Media provided by Talekeeper_Music / Pond5 https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/87553658-inspirational-cinematic-trailer-p5

Goodreads -https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18242565.C_K_MillerFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/Roanfire/Instagram - https://instagram.com/ckmillerbooksTiktok - @c.k.millerwebsite - www.ckmillerbooks.comGrowing up as a cultural chameleon—seven years in Germany followed by American high school at fourteen—I quickly learned that feeling like you don't quite fit anywhere is pretty universal. Turns out, navigating high school without knowing all fifty states while thinking in German makes for interesting conversations and even better story material.Writing became my happy place, starting with shared notebooks and collaborative stories that helped me master English while building friendships. Of course, life had other plans, throwing chronic migraines and health challenges into the mix for over twenty-five years. But hey, when life gives you mysterious symptoms, you become a natural health research ninja! I've tried everything from extreme nutrition plans to tailored exercise routines, and I've learned more about wellness than I ever expected.My debut YA fantasy The Phoenix Host actually started with a tiny blue agate necklace from my rock-loving dad. That little stone sparked an entire world where my main character deals with magically-induced headaches. Because, apparently I write what I know, even in fantasy! After twelve rejection letters and an… interesting publishing experience, I found my publishing groove and have now released all four books in the Roanfire Saga, with over 4,000 copies sold.I write for teens who are figuring out where they belong in this crazy world, probably because I'm still figuring that out myself. These days, having finally cracked the code on my health puzzle, I'm fascinated by how stories can be both our escape hatch when we need a break, and our compass when we're ready to face whatever comes next. Currently diving into the mental and brain side of health because, well, because there's always another chapter.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zennurgy-podcast/exclusive-content

What was it like to encounter Jesus in everyday life when he walked on this earth? Heidi Chiavaroli's new book Draw Close to Jesus is a devotional style biblical fiction that invites you to do exactly that! In this episode, we talk about how this book became a devotional, what the season of Lent is, and how imagination can draw us closer to the heart of Jesus. Grab ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Draw Close to Jesus here⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Heidi Chiavaroli: Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://heidichiavaroli.com/⁠Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/heidichiavaroliConnect with Meagan:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/faithandfables/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://facebook.com/faithandfablespodcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodreads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8953622-meagan⁠

What happens when you set a goal for 20,000 followers in six months and hit half a million instead? Caitlin Campbell built a seven-figure coffee business in the public eye, navigating viral videos, negative comments, and sudden fame along the way. In this episode, Caitlin shares how she went from youth pastor to coffee entrepreneur, why video 2000 was the one that changed everything, and the mindset shift that helped her turn trolls into traction. We dive into the reality of building a business on social media, why she's deliberately not opening a brick-and-mortar shop yet, and what it's like when strangers hug you in coffee shops. If you've ever thought about turning your passion into a business or wondered how to stay consistent when the middle feels like a slog, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom. Plus, you'll discover why the algorithm doesn't care if people love you or hate you—it just wants engagement.Order Caitlin's Coffee: streetbrew.caIn This Episode:Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card DeckMake sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!You can grab a copy of my book All It Takes Is a Goal from your favorite bookstore or at my website!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!

Don't know about you, but I don't think there's enough Christian dystopian novels out, but thanks to Katelyn E. Pfeiffer, we have another series. Listen in as we chat about the first book of the Provenance Chronicles, City of End.  note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. City of End by Katelyn E. Pfeiffer  The year is 4085. Aoire, a young woman with a hidden past, is living in secret in the underground cavern City of End. A great evil has been growing, waging war on the human race since the day a nuclear genocide eradicated the surface of the Earth in 3080. Now on End's most important day of the year, Aoire must reveal herself not only to all of End, but to the dark forces as well. Can she find a way to save her city, while also navigating the destiny forced upon her and her desire to finally have a life to call her own? Learn more about Katelyn on her WEBSITE and follow on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

What if the end of the world didn't come from zombies, nukes, or aliens—but from nanotechnology doing exactly what it was designed to do?In this episode, Jim reviews the Plague Year Trilogy by Jeff Carlson, an underrated dystopian science-fiction series that imagines a frighteningly plausible nanotech apocalypse. We dig into what works, what doesn't, and who this fast-paced, bleak trilogy is really for.

From the Ruffed Grouse Society:“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Glen Robert Blackwood, a beloved friend, colleague and devoted conservationist, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, at age 62. Glen's passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him and in the broader conservation community he served so passionately.” (continue reading at ruffedgrousesociety.org) Obituary: https://www.grcremation.com/obituaries/glen-blackwood Episode Highlights (from the original recording): Barn parties and popping for bass Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society update Upland anthologies Books for various upland species Glen's recommendations for some good reads Listen back to this conversation with Glen Blackwood of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Timestamps: [00:00] – Introduction to the episode. [01:27] – Tribute to Glenn Blackwood. [06:26] – Glen's conservation work with RGS and AWS. [07:24] – Glen's background and journey into upland hunting. [11:35] – Early bird hunting memories with family. [17:06] – A teenage fishing story with a lesson from his father. [25:08] – Conservation projects and habitat work in Michigan. [28:15] – Favorite books and key sporting literature titles. [41:20] – Reflections on rereading and gaining perspective. [49:49] – Dogless grouse hunting and lesser-known authors. [56:09] – Glen's top bird hunting book picks by species. [59:02] – Signs of a strong bird season and closing thoughts. Become a Patreon Support | patreon.com/birdshot Follow us | @birdshot.podcast Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% with onX Hunt The Birdshot Podcast is presented by onX Hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We read the Seven of Swords for love, the Queen of Cups for money, and the Tower for guidance, drawing a straight line from gut truth to financial flow to necessary change. We share practical steps to spot red flags, invite abundance, and stay calm when life shakes.• Seven of Swords as love: honesty, red flags, self-betrayal checks• How to bring concerns up with clarity and boundaries• Queen of Cups money energy: treat money as living flow• Simple money magic plus practical steps for momentum• New moon in Capricorn as a boost for grounded action• Tower guidance: release attachments and rebuild with integrity• Somatic tips for staying soft through sudden changeYou can book 1:1 readings with Jez at jezminavonthiele.com, and book readings and holistic healing sessions with Paulina at romaniholistic.com.Thank you for listening to Romanistan podcast.You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky, and Facebook @romanistanpodcast, and on Twitter @romanistanpod. To support us, Join our Patreon for extra content or donate to Ko-fi.com/romanistan, and please rate, review, and subscribe. It helps us so much. Follow Jez on Instagram @jezmina.vonthiele & Paulina @romaniholistic. You can get our book Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, online or wherever books are sold. If you love it, please give us 5 stars on Amazon & Goodreads. Visit https://romanistanpodcast.com for events, educational resources, merch, and more. Email us at romanistanpodcast@gmail.com for inquiries. Romanistan is hosted by Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina StevensConceived of by Paulina StevensEdited by Viktor Pachas, Bianca, Dia LunaMusic by Viktor PachasArtwork by Elijah VardoSupport the show

Some books are incredible experiences.They challenge us.They wreck us emotionally.They leave a permanent mark.And then… once is enough.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach talk about fantasy, science fiction, and horror books they're genuinely glad they read, but have absolutely no desire to ever revisit. Not because they're bad. Not because they failed. But because they succeeded too well.We discuss:• Emotionally devastating reads• Intellectually exhausting masterpieces• Surprise heavyweights that hit harder than expected• Horror novels that did their job too well• Why rereadability is NOT the same thing as qualityThis is a reflective, conversation-driven episode about how we read, why we read, and how our relationship with books changes over time.

If you love a gripping story with solid faith content and a bit of time travel (who doesn't love time travel, right?), look no further than Sarah Hanks' Time Sailors series. Listen in as we discuss the second book in her series, Braving Fiery Waters. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. I loved the first book in this series, so I'm confident this second one will be even better! Braving Fiery Waters by Sarah Hanks Her husband died in a fire. Now she's heading straight into one. Marina Stone planned an ideal family vacation, perfect for reconnecting with her two teenagers after their father's death. But those plans go drastically away when she time sails to the White Cloud in the year 1859. Now she must face her greatest fears and complete a mystery mission before she can return to her life and children. But what if they no longer truly need her or want her? A family vacation to South Haven, Michigan, was the last thing Aiden wanted for his summer. Having just been dumped by his girlfriend and ticket to his future, he'd rather numb his mind with adventure. But when he connects with Nevaeh, a girl whose beauty is only matched by her faith, he might find there's no place he'd rather be. When his sister runs away, he must work with Nevaeh to help guide her home. In this second book in the Time Sailors series, new friends join the old in a faith-filled time travel novel you won't soon forget. Learn more about Sarah on her WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Description:Today, we're stepping into the candlelit, corseted world of Victorian England with New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin—a master of emotionally rich, meticulously researched historical fiction. Madeline's novels (The Last Bookshop in London, The Librarian Spy, The Keeper of Hidden Books) have introduced millions of readers to hidden corners of history where ordinary people wield books as lifelines, rebellion, and hope. Her latest work and our December JHBC pick, The Secret Book Society, is no exception. Set in an era when women were warned that reading could “inflame the imagination,” The Secret Book Society follows Lady Duxbury—a thrice-widowed countess trailed by scandalous whispers—who covertly gathers a small circle of women for tea…and contraband literature. What begins as shared curiosity blooms into a daring underground society where women read the stories they've been forbidden, claim a power they've been denied, and build the kind of sisterhood that can spark a quiet revolution. In this conversation, we pull back the velvet curtain on: how real Victorian restrictions inspired her fictional rebellion the archival rabbit holes that uncovered surprising truths about women, reading, and resistance the power of “found family” in times of surveillance, judgment, and constraint why stories become sanctuaries when the world demands silence Thought-provoking Quotes: “Reading can really provide such lightness in dark times.” – Madeline Martin “Every book that I've written, I have been to the location where it is set. And I've been able to get that really wonderful firsthand experience of being there. I feel like it takes this black and white world and colors it in this really vivid, wonderful way that lets me accurately convey it onto the book for hopefully what makes for a very evocative read for the reader.” –  Madeline Martin “If you read a book and it's so good you can't put it down, you read it over the course of a weekend, and you can viscerally recall every part of that story, from what the character drank and ate, to what they wore, to that snarky little one-liner that they gave the antagonist. But if you took six months to read that book, you might have a different experience. So for me, when I get to write that book in one month, it's like I'm living in their skin, and I'm living in their heads.” – Madeline Martin Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - https://amzn.to/4iv5e3C The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II by Madeline Martin - https://amzn.to/4pKU0uq For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards by Jen Hatmaker – https://amzn.to/48AqikP A Time of Witches: A Novel by Madeline Martin – https://amzn.to/3MBpnJl The Forgotten Pages by Madeline Martin – coming 2027 Goodreads 2025 Reading Challenge – https://www.goodreads.com/readingchallenges?ref=rc_summerreading_25 The Hope Keeper: A Novel by Heather Webb –https://amzn.to/48uJkc2 The Lotus Shoes: A Novel by Jane Yang – https://amzn.to/447ANuy Guest's Links: Website - https://madelinemartin.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madelinemmartin/ Twitter - https://x.com/MadelineMMartin Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor Pinterest - https://www.instagram.com/madelinemmartin/ Substack - https://authormadelinemartin.substack.com/subscribe Connect with Jen!Jen's Website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmakerJen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmakerJen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every day on Fantasy for the Ages, we throw a poll out to you. Today, it's time to see just how well Zach actually understands our audience.

Happy new year from Sibling Library! In this chapter we look back at our year of reading in 2025 thanks to Goodreads. We also remember Sophie Kinsella after the announcement of her passing and give our thoughts on the movie adaptation of the The Housemaid by Freida McFadden.

Authentically Us is a support community for later-in-life LGBTQ women at all stages of the coming out and beyond process. Coming out later in life is often accompanied by suffering. Whether you're looking to deconstruct messages from a conservative faith tradition, experience divorce-related guilt, or struggle with feelings of shame around your coming out or sexual identity, Authentically Us has the right kind of support for you. Monthly subscription to Authentically Us on Mighty Networks is $35/month, but you can try your first week for free. Find Authentically Us at https://bit.ly/Authentically-Us Becka Eppley is an author, storyteller, communications director and later-in-life lesbian who works with authors, coaches and community builders to help share their truth. In this episode, Becka shares her (fairly recent) experience of stepping into her authentic sexuality – a journey that entailed deconstruction from a conservative faith tradition, divorce, challenging notions of personal value, womanhood, and landing on the letter of the LGBTQIA acronym that felt right for her. This is a wonderful episode for anyone who is early in their coming out journey, as it addresses many of the challenges and concerns that women who come out later in life routinely face.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:✨Lots of discussion around faith deconstruction and sexual identity.✨Practical talk about boundary setting with family.✨An exploration of societal norms and how they impact the coming out process.✨The joys that new lesbians experience when they step outside of heteronormativity and the male gaze.You can read Becka's recently published essay, "Permission to Be," in the anthology "Avoided No More: On Writing Through Struggle, Shame, and Self-Doubt," which has a majority 5 star rating on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243627560-avoided-no-moreBecka Eppley's LinkTree: Becka Eppley (she/her) | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | LinktreeBecka's coming out/divorce music was Kelly Clarkson's album, Chemistry: https://youtu.be/NNcT6ycswHQ?si=WYmQ1LW0P1HVbsio

Did we really need another Jurassic Park sequel in 2025?That's the question I walked into Jurassic World: Rebirth asking… and honestly? I got exactly the movie I expected.This isn't a film that's trying to shock you, move you, or redefine blockbuster cinema. It's here to put massive dinosaurs on the screen, create some loud, chaotic set pieces, and give you a couple hours of popcorn entertainment — and for better or worse, that's what it delivers.In this spoiler-lite review, I talk about:• Whether franchise fatigue has finally caught up with Jurassic World• Scarlett Johansson's role and whether she adds anything new• Why I missed Chris Pratt• The visuals, the spectacle, and the very familiar storytelling• Who this movie is actually for — and who should probably skip itIf you're looking for the next great cinematic event, this probably isn't it. But if you've enjoyed previous Jurassic movies and just want another somewhat silly adventure with enormous dinosaurs causing chaos? This might be a perfectly fine way to spend an evening.Let me know in the comments:

This week, Mike, Paloma, and Paul discuss some of their latest bargain bin picks in an episode commissioned by one of the show's listeners, Avocado Kenobi, aka Shane. Links:https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/92bfe182-4dc9-47ae-ad55-0ecf18ccdba2https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/25314-ircb-s-2026-reading-challengehttps://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/profile/eckospider/lists/145084/i-read-comic-books-podcast-2026-reading-challengeTimestamps:00:00:00 - Start/Last Week in Comics00:03:39 - What If #37 The Beast and The Thing Continued to Mutate?00:11:47 - Eddie Brock: Carnage #100:19:06 - 1963 #1-600:28:44 - Marvel Team Up #96 Spider-Man and Howard the Duck00:36:44 - Am I Actually The Strongest? Vol 100:49:06 - Discord Picks00:49:36 - DROME00:50:40 - Orange: The Complete Collection 100:53:44 - Tokyo Alien Bros VOL 0300:58:10 - WrapProducer: Mike Rapin & Kait LamphereProoflistener: Nick WhiteEditor: Zander Riggs Music provided by Infinity Shred. Find them on Bandcamp.IRCB Avatars by @ICELEVELIRCB Logo by Kyle RoseSupport us on Patreon to get access to our Patreon-only series: IRCB Movie Club, Saga of Saga, Giant Days of Our Lives, A Better Batmobile, and more! patreon.com/ircbpodcastBuy a copy of our anniversary zine Totally Not A Cult: https://ircbpodcast.com/shop/p/totally-not-a-cult-zine-1Email: ircbpodcast@gmail.comTwitter: @ircbpodcastInstagram: @ircbpodcastDiscord: discordapp.com/invite/E8JUB9sReddit: ireadcomicbooks.reddit.comIRCB GoodreadsMerch: ircbpodcast.com/shop

Come hunt vampires with The Girls! This week Barbara is presenting “Cursebound” by Sadie Kincaid and LJ Morrow! Book one in the Curse of Blood series introduces us to the vampire hunter Rosa Capelli! Rosa isn't like the other vampire hunters, she is a Seer that takes out all the bad vampires, just like Tom Cruise in Minority Report! Rosa didn't *see* Luca Da Firenze, the super hot and super old (400!) vampire mafia capo, coming into her life, but he's here and she can't escape him, not that she would want to! Their bond might be that of soulmates (hello silver eye rings!), but it comes at a cost. Get your grinch fingers, squirt your water bottle, and serve your beef hot because you're in danger girl! Twilight-run your way to tuning in! New Episodes out every Tuesday! Join our Patreon to receive early, ad- free (and bonus!) episodes and more! Patreon.com/ClutchMyPearlsPod Watch the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Follow @ClutchMyPearlsPod on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and GoodReads! Do you have a smut recommendation for the girls? Send an email to: ClutchMyPearlsPod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we create lifechanging habits? Prayer warrior, entrepreneur, and ambassador of encouragement Bobbi Cox shares how we can create life-changing habits—at any age. Bobbi Cox reveals the story behind her Branch to Hope app, a daily discipleship tool built around scripture, prayer, and practical prompts like color-coded bracelets representing the fruits of the spirit. Together, Tina Yeager and Bobbi Cox discuss why intentionality and mindfulness matter for habit building, how small tweaks can transform both personal lives and relationships, and why it's never too late to make meaningful changes. Tune in to discover simple, faith-filled strategies for cultivating habits that help you flourish in God's perfect design! Cultivating Habits That Last Bobbi shared how her daily "pause and pray" practice, sparked by a moment of divine inspiration from 2 Corinthians 1:11, grew from simple texts to a nationwide movement. She created the Branch to Hope app, which sends out daily reminders to pause, pray, and meditate on scripture—helping people intentionally shift their thoughts and reactions through small, consistent steps. The Color of the Day Challenge A unique feature Bobbi brought to life is the Color of the Day Challenge, rooted in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). By wearing colored bracelets, each representing a Christ-like characteristic (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, etc.), users are prompted throughout their day to embody these qualities. It's a simple, fun, and powerful way to infuse mindfulness and kindness into even the busiest schedules. Transforming Lives Across Generations Stories from listeners—ranging from college students to retirees—show the wide-reaching impact of Bobbi's approach. With easy-to-implement prompts and visual cues, entire families, individuals, and communities are experiencing more kindness, peace, and purposeful living. From Habits to Healing As Bobbi explains, these habits aren't just about emotions—they're actionable steps. By intentionally pausing before we react, focusing on scripture, and choosing to live out Christ's character, we can govern our emotions and steadily transform our lives and relationships. Resources Just for You Ready to start cultivating life-changing habits? Download the Branch to Hope app (available on the App Store and Google Play) Grab Bobbi Cox's interactive devotional book (with daily QR codes and prayers) Explore bracelets and other resources to keep you prompted and encouraged all day Visit Branch to Hope's website, or find their products on Amazon and other booksellers. Connect with their community on Instagram @branchtohope111 and check out the Pause and Pray movement! If this episode inspired you, share how you're weaving the fruits of the spirit into your day—we love hearing from you! We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant. To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/ Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Use the code TINA10 at checkout. To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link  https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase! If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses Connect with Tina at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager

Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman is exactly why! On this week's episode, we'll dive into Salome's story--mother of James and John--and explore the history of the biblical accounts, creativity of storytelling, and the depth of emotion as we look to the Firm Foundation that we have in Jesus. Grab your tissues and be sure to preorder this book below! It's out 01/20!Grab ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠On Living Stone here⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Heather Kaufman: Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hmkstories.com/⁠Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/hmkstories/⁠Connect with Meagan:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/faithandfables/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://facebook.com/faithandfablespodcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodreads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8953622-meagan⁠

You've read The Lord of the Rings.You loved Middle-earth.And then someone told you, “Now you should read The Silmarillion.”But do you actually need to?In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim gives a straightforward, no-gatekeeping answer to one of the most common — and most intimidating — Tolkien questions out there: Is The Silmarillion required reading?This isn't a lore flex.This is an honest conversation.We'll talk about:• The short answer (up front)• What The Silmarillion actually is — and what it isn't• What it adds to Middle-earth (if you read it)• What it absolutely does not do• Who will probably love it• Who can safely skip it (and why that's completely okay)• A better question to ask than “Do I need this book?”This episode is perfect if:• You've felt pressure to read The Silmarillion• You bounced off it once and wondered if that meant something• You love Tolkien but prefer story over dense mythology• You want permission to enjoy Middle-earth your own way

What if everything you thought about optimism was wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael Gervais, high-performance psychologist who's worked with the Seattle Seahawks, Felix Baumgartner, and world-class performers across every field. We dive deep into why optimism isn't naive positivity but the ground zero of mental toughness, how Felix overcame crippling claustrophobia to jump from 130,000 feet, and why every world's best performer Michael has worked with is fundamentally optimistic. You'll discover the difference between grounded optimism and naive optimism, why your brain's survival bias is working against you, how to extinguish fear using systematic desensitization, and why mastery requires looseness, not control. Plus, Michael breaks down the power of "yes, and" conversations, becoming a researcher of amazing, and why emotions are running the whole show. If you've ever thought optimism was soft or unrealistic, this conversation will change your mind.Dr. Michael Gervais' Website: https://findingmastery.com/In This Episode:Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card DeckMake sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!You can grab a copy of my book All It Takes Is a Goal from your favorite bookstore or at my website!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!

A fiery, creative week invites bold love and shared projects, while money asks for caution and health asks for care. We weigh choices, trim what drains, and protect the energy that keeps everything moving.• Queen of Wands as a cue for action and creative love• equal energy exchange as a health check for relationships• honoring animal companions as true family• Two of Swords signaling a money crossroads and pause• using tools, strategy, and subtraction to steady finances• Five of Pentacles reframed as purposeful budgeting• health as a core resource to protect• trusting tradeoffs while making room for better fitsJoin the MAKE IT HAPPEN ritual on 1/18/2026 at 8 pm est with replay hosted by IMMATERIAL WORLD, Jez's other podcastThank you for listening to Romanistan podcast.You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky, and Facebook @romanistanpodcast, and on Twitter @romanistanpod. To support us, Join our Patreon for extra content or donate to Ko-fi.com/romanistan, and please rate, review, and subscribe. It helps us so much. Follow Jez on Instagram @jezmina.vonthiele & Paulina @romaniholistic. You can get our book Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, online or wherever books are sold. If you love it, please give us 5 stars on Amazon & Goodreads. Visit https://romanistanpodcast.com for events, educational resources, merch, and more. Email us at romanistanpodcast@gmail.com for inquiries. Romanistan is hosted by Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina StevensConceived of by Paulina StevensEdited by Viktor Pachas, Bianca, Dia LunaMusic by Viktor PachasArtwork by Elijah VardoSupport the show

The charming Amish district of Stoney Ridge has new residents.  Listen in as Suzanne Woods Fisher and I chat about this latest book, A Hidden Hope, and the fun she had writing it. note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.  Chats with Suzanne Woods Fisher are always lovely.  We talked about this book and about her love of writing about outsiders and how they find their place in the world. A Hidden Hope by Suzanne Woods Fisher With the arrival of three unexpected newcomers to Stoney Ridge comes an array of secrets and emotions brewing just beneath the surface. Supervising two newly minted medical residents might be the toughest challenge Ruth "Dok" Stoltzfus has ever faced. Wren Baker, sharp and ambitious, graduated at the top of medical school with a hidden agenda in tow. Charlie King, at the bottom of the class, is determined to succeed--though Dok isn't convinced he's got what it takes. Then there's traveling nurse Evie Miller, whose quiet love for Charlie doesn't go unnoticed, especially by Wren. Boarding at Windmill Farm, the trio struggles to balance modern medicine with Plain living. Between medical emergencies, cultural misunderstandings, and brewing romantic tensions, Dok finds herself juggling far more than she bargained for. Soon the stage is set in the small Amish community of Stoney Ridge for plenty of professional and personal complications. PRAISE FOR A HEALING TOUCH "The author perceptively sketches her characters' emotional arcs as life's challenges yield unexpected gifts, speaking to the power of second chances, faith, and love."--Publishers Weekly You can learn more about Suzanne from her WEBSITE.  Also, follow her on BookBub and GoodReads. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

Heard Tolkien fans casually drop phrases like First Age, Second Age, or War of the Ring and thought… I have no idea what any of that means?You're not alone.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim breaks down the Middle-earth timeline in a way that actually makes sense — no charts, no textbooks, no lore overload. Just the big-picture flow of history you need to enjoy Tolkien without stress.We'll cover:• How Tolkien organizes history into Ages (and why that matters)• What happened before The Hobbit (quickly, I promise)• The rise and fall of power in the First and Second Ages• Where The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings fit in the timeline• Why the War of the Ring is the end of an era, not just a battleThis episode is perfect if:• You're new to Tolkien and feel lost when people talk timelines• You've read the books but want the history to finally “click”• You've only seen the movies and want context for the larger world• You want understanding without memorization

Michael, Ethan, and special guest Jacob discuss the short story “The Devil and Tom Walker,” by Washington Irving, while drinking Suntory Toki Japanese whisky.In this episode:Is Michael the devil?What gives Benet the right?Pedestrian deals with the devilFaust scoreboard so far: 2 damned, 2 saved, 1 (?????)Honesty and deeper honestyGod terms, devil terms, and Deadpool termsRules, rules, we want more rulesHey hey we talk about the Monkees! (Also The Devil's Advocate, The Simpsons, and, inevitably, Star Trek)“Little brothers should always let their older brothers go first.” - Book of Hezekiah 14:12The Devil and Daniel Webster — 1941 filmNext time Michael and Ethan will discuss The Memory of Whiteness, by Kim Stanley Robinson! Join the discussion! Go to the Contact page and put "Scotch Talk" in the Subject line. We'd love to hear from you! And submit your homework at the Michael & Ethan in a Room with Scotch page. Join us on GoodReads!Get on our Substack!Donate to our Patreon! MUSIC & SFX: "Kessy Swings Endless - (ID 349)" by Lobo Loco. Used by permission. "The Grim Reaper - II Presto" by Aitua. Used under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. "Thinking It Over" by Lee Rosevere. Used under an Attribution License.(Links to books & products are affiliate links.)

Middle-earth is one of the most beloved fantasy worlds ever created — but let's be honest, it can also feel intimidating.Maps. Songs. Names. Ages. Lore.If you've ever wanted to read Tolkien but worried you were “missing something,” this episode is for you.In this episode, Jim provides a true beginner's guide to Middle-earth — what it is, how it works, who matters, and what you can safely not worry about — so you can actually enjoy The Lord of the Rings without pressure, homework, or lore anxiety.We'll talk about:• What Middle-earth actually is (and what it isn't)• The basic peoples and cultures you'll encounter• Why the world feels ancient and melancholic• Good vs. evil in Tolkien (and why it's not simple)• The One Ring and why it's dangerous• What you don't need to know to have a great reading experienceThis episode is perfect if:• You've never read Tolkien and want a friendly starting point• You bounced off the books before and want to try again• You've only seen the movies and are curious about the novels• You want to enjoy Tolkien without drowning in lore

 For those who loved Becca Wierwille's Road Trip series, she's back with chapter books for young readers--mysteries, no less! Listen in to see why I'm eager to read the Scout and Barnaby series myself.  note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. Don't forget that book one, Book 1 The Case of the Four-Legged Friend just came out. You can get it on Kindle, paperback, or audiobook!!!  The next book releases February 4th and the third on March 4th! Scout & Barnaby Mysteries by Becca Wierwille The Scout & Barnaby Mysteries are funny, heartwarming Christian chapter books for kids ages 6-10 by award-winning children's author Becca Wierwille. These lightly illustrated mysteries star a girl and her unusually perceptive dog who team up to solve mysteries at a Christian wilderness camp using her love of big words and his super sniffer. Written as a bridge between chapter books and longer middle-grade works, these books combine fun whodunit mystery elements with faith and humor. Books feature larger font for emerging readers and stay short at approximately 15,000 words. Learn more about Becca on her  WEBSITE and follow her on GoodReads and BookBub. And listen to her PODCAST HERE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple Castbox Google Play Libsyn RSS Spotify Amazon and more!

You've made it to the end.The Return of the King brings together every storyline, every character arc, and every hard choice that's been building since The Fellowship of the Ring. Kings rise, wars are fought, sacrifices are made — and suddenly everyone matters.If you've ever thought, “Wait… who is this again, and why are they important?” — this episode is here to help.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim delivers a clear, spoiler-lite Who's Who of The Return of the King, focusing on the characters who define the end of the age — who they are, what role they play, and why Tolkien's Lord of the Rings ending hits as hard as it does.We'll cover:• Aragorn stepping fully into destiny• The leaders of Gondor and Rohan• Frodo and Sam at the limits of endurance• The growth of Merry and Pippin• Tragic figures, unlikely heroes, and the true cost of victoryThis episode is perfect if:• You're reading Tolkien for the first time and want clarity• You're revisiting the books and want a refresher• You've seen the movies but are tackling the novels• You want understanding without appendices or lore overload

You made it through The Fellowship of the Ring — and now The Two Towers splits the story in two, introduces new kingdoms, and drops a whole new set of names into the mix.If you've ever thought, “Wait… who is that again?” — this episode is for you.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim breaks down a clean, spoiler-lite Who's Who of The Two Towers, explaining the characters who matter, where they fit in the story, and why this middle chapter is where Middle-earth gets serious.This episode is perfect if:• You're reading Tolkien for the first time• You've read the books before but want a refresher• You've only seen the movies and want to try the novels• You want clarity without drowning in lore

Brea and Mallory discuss how they're tracking books in the new year! Plus, they go over their CAWPILEs from 2025, and test out a bookish candle. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreThe Reading Glasses Book!Sponsors -Apron Notebookswww.apronnotebooks.comCODE: GLASSESZocDocwww.zocdoc.com/GLASSESLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupWish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinCAWPILE EpisodeCAWPILE by Book RoastBook BuddyBookish Candle Books Mentioned -Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek ThompsonA Physical Education by Casey Johnston

Starting The Fellowship of the Ring and feeling overwhelmed by names, races, and places you're “supposed” to know already?You're not alone.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim breaks down a clean, beginner-friendly Who's Who of The Fellowship of the Ring — the characters who actually matter, what their roles are, and why you should care, without drowning in Tolkien lore, appendices, or homework.We'll cover:• Every member of the Fellowship• Key Elves, Hobbits, and Men you'll meet along the way• The ancient beings and quiet side characters that add emotional weight• The shadowy forces that set the stakes for the entire journeyWhether this is your first time reading Tolkien, a reread after years away, or you've only ever watched the movies and want to try the books, this episode is designed to make Middle-earth feel approachable, not intimidating.

It's our first episode of 2026 and we're talking about what our favorite books were in 2025! We love doing our yearly wrap up, it's fun to look back at all the books we read and loved throughout the year. While this past year was a weird reading year for all of us, we still came up with our top 10 (or 6) reads and also shared our Goodreads stats for the year!   If you didn't hear, we're trying something new with our book club and trying a Thriller this month. We're reading The Last One Left by Riley Sager and there's still time to join us!!   Currently Reading: The Everlasting by Alix E Harrow We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer When in Rome by Sarah Adams The Will of the Many by James Islington  

Come cut the cheese with The Girls! This week Vanessa is presenting “Why Cheese?” by Ellen Mint! After many tags and requests for this book to be presented, Vanessa delivered! We follow Violette as she inherits her great uncle's cheese shop, but the real story is hidden in the basement: a magical chest containing four different cheeses. These cheeses aren't like the cheeses, these turn into sexy men at night! Cheddy, Roq, Cam, and Brie take an immediate liking to Violette, so they decide to go into business together to save the cheese shop. They also do a lot of other things, sometimes all together, sometimes just a few of them, and sometimes in public! Choo Choo! All aboard the Cheddy train! This episode had the girls kicking their little feet, flipping the camera all around the studio, and learning all about Barbara's cheese aversion! And The Girls tie Vanessa down to satisfy those that have been requesting “Heated Rivalry” - Vanessa will be presenting it on our Patreon for the bonus episode available on the last Thursday of the month!New Episodes out every Tuesday! Join our Patreon to receive early, ad- free (and bonus!) episodes and more! Patreon.com/ClutchMyPearlsPod Watch the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! Follow @ClutchMyPearlsPod on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and GoodReads! We have *NEW* MERCH go to ClutchMyPearlsPod.com to check it out!Do you have a smut recommendation for the girls? Send an email to: ClutchMyPearlsPod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did you think of this episode?Writing styles and genres have guidelines; some are non-negotiable. Today's guest offers tips on writing devotions and short pieces.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I'm so glad you're listening in. During this episode, you'll learn about … the process of Writing Devotions and other "short" pieces.My industry expert, Ava Pennington, is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher with a Bible Studies Certificate from Moody Bible Institute and an MBA from St. John's University. She is a freelance editor and certified coach for Christian writers and speakers, and a mentor with Word Weavers Int'l. Alright, let's head into our content for today… Writing Devotions and other "short" pieces (such as submitting to anthologies)Honing writing skills for all genres by learning the value of writing tight.Non-negotiables of devotional writing.LINKSAva Pennington's Newest book - Flourish: Grace-centered Practices to Protect and grow a Frutful Life in ChristReflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fullywww.AvaPennington.comConnect with Ava Pennington on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBubVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024". Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast

We're here to celebrate the release of Dr. Matache's new book, The Permanence of Anti-Roma Racism (Un)uttered Sentences.Dr. Margareta (Magda) Matache is a Lecturer on Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the co-founder and Director of the Roma Program at the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University. She is also a member of the Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination and Global Health.Dr. Matache's research focuses on the manifestations and impacts of racism and other systems of oppression in different geographical and political contexts. Her research examines structural and social determinants of health, and their nexus with the historical past and contemporary public policies, with a particular focus on anti-Roma racism.You can find more information here: https://fxb.harvard.edu/blog/directory/margareta-matache/Romani crushes are:Angela Kocze Sebi FejzulaCayetano Fernandez Dezso MateIoanida CostacheAlba Hernández Sánchez Carmen GheorgheMaria DumitruAldessa LincanPapuszaKatarina TaikonMateo MaximoffÁgnes DarócziNicolae GheorgheAndrzej MirgaNicoleta BituRoma Armee Lindy Larsen Giuviplen Theater Mihaela Dragan Zita Moldovan You can book 1:1 readings with Jez at jezminavonthiele.com, and book readings and holistic healing sessions with Paulina at romaniholistic.com.Thank you for listening to Romanistan podcast.You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky, and Facebook @romanistanpodcast, and on Twitter @romanistanpod. To support us, Join our Patreon for extra content or donate to Ko-fi.com/romanistan, and please rate, review, and subscribe. It helps us so much. Follow Jez on Instagram @jezmina.vonthiele & Paulina @romaniholistic. You can get our book Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, online or wherever books are sold. If you love it, please give us 5 stars on Amazon & Goodreads. Visit https://romanistanpodcast.com for events, educational resources, merch, and more. Email us at romanistanpodcast@gmail.com for inquiries. Romanistan is hosted by Jezmina Von Thiele and Paulina StevensConceived of by Paulina StevensEdited by Viktor Pachas, Bianca, Dia LunaMusic by Viktor PachasArtwork by Elijah VardoSupport the show

How can some small kitchen changes create a big impact?  In this episode, host Tina Yeager sits down with Mark Semmelbeck, CEO and founder of A Better Meal, an innovative AI-powered meal planning app created to make healthy home cooking more accessible and stress-free for busy families. Together, they dive into how just a few small changes in the kitchen can create a big impact on your health, budget, and daily routine. You'll hear Mark Semmelbeck share the inspiration behind his app—rooted in his own family's challenges with meal planning and food allergies—and learn how technology can help solve the everyday hurdles of meal prep, food waste, and sticking to dietary restrictions. From saving money and time to boosting your kitchen confidence with simple cooking skills, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you and your family flourish, one meal at a time. If you're ready to make nourishing choices more achievable, stay tuned! Here's What You'll Discover in This Episode: Small Changes, Big Impact: How little tweaks—like planning meals or learning a new cooking skill—make a noticeable difference for your family's health. Waste Less, Save More: The app's smart recommendations help you stop overspending and only buy what you need (no more four bottles of ketchup hiding in your pantry!). Personalized for YOU: Whether you're gluten-free, keto, diabetic, or wrestling with kids' allergies, A Better Meal's app tailors recipes to your dietary needs. Time-Saving Skills: Short, easy-to-follow kitchen skills videos boost your confidence and cut down on dinner prep—even if you weren't taught how to cook growing up. Affordable Access: At just $4.99/month, you can bring joy and simplicity back to your meals without breaking the bank. Ready to stress less and flourish in your kitchen? Check out abettermeal.com or grab the A Better Meal app on your favorite app store. We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant. To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/ Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Use the code TINA10 at checkout. To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link  https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase! If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses Connect with Tina at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager

Dr. James Hewitt spent years teaching Fortune 500 companies and Formula One teams how to optimize performance—while ignoring his own advice. Then he found a lump in the shower. In this fascinating conversation, James shares how a late-30s cancer diagnosis forced him to confront a hard truth: he wasn't superhuman. We dive deep into the science of human performance, from why heart rate variability matters more than sleep tracking to how your mindset about stress can fundamentally alter your physiology. You'll discover why the "monk mode" mentality is flawed, how self-compassion beats perfectionism, why vacation research says 3-4 days works better than two weeks, and the 3P model that explains why high performers struggle to celebrate wins. Plus: why James speaks out loud in hotel rooms, his $15,000 watch collection paired with socks full of holes, and the Mount Rushmore of performance books you need to read.Dr. Hewitt's Website: https://drjameshewitt.comYou can pre-order my NEWEST book, Procrastination Proof, right now!In This Episode:Grab your very own Soundtracks: The Conversations Card DeckMake sure to follow me on Instagram and share with your friends!Keep up with my book list on GoodReads!Sign up for my newsletter, Try This!Book me to speak at your event or to your team!You can grab a copy of my book All It Takes Is a Goal from your favorite bookstore or at my website!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!Sign up for the Remarkable You Community today!