Podcasts about reading challenges

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them. The States and Redistricting (First) | Marriage in Context (Starts at 31:00) | All of It Summer Reading Challenge (Starts at 57:15) If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here. Photo: Oliver Larkin, Democratic candidate for Congress in Florida's 23rd district, speaks during an emergency town hall that he held to address Florida Republicans' newly approved congressional redistricting map (seen on wall) on May 04, 2026 in Coral Springs, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Check It Out is back! In our relaunch premiere, James, Jackie, and Eva introduce the new video version of St. Tammany Parish Library's long-running podcast and share what listeners and viewers can expect from future episodes, including community guests, authors, musicians, staff conversations, and our new podcast book club. This episode kicks things off with a look at the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story. We're joined by library staff members Jenny, Jillian, and Frank to talk about Summer Reading programs for kids, teens, and adults, kickoff parties at the Madisonville and Slidell branches, dinosaur-themed prizes, teen events, adult programs, America 250 events, and the new Makerspace at the Madisonville Branch. Plus, we test out some Summer Reading prizes, discuss favorite dinosaurs, and preview our upcoming Book Club episode on The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker. Learn more about the library and Summer Reading: https://www.sttammanylibrary.org/summerreading Adult programs and resources: https://www.sttammanylibrary.org/adults Read along with us for our next Book Club episode, and send us your thoughts, questions, and comments about The Art of Hearing Heartbeats. https://www.sttammanylibrary.org/podcast

Send us a text and chime in!Chandler's largest reading initiative begins in just a few days! The Summer Reading Challenge offers exciting ways to earn prizes and discover new stories, starting June 1. Chandler Public Library (CPL) joins 63 libraries across Maricopa County to work toward a community goal of 110 million minutes read during the challenge. “The Summer Reading Challenge helps school-aged students stay on top of their reading goals during the summer,” said Chandler Library Program Manager Jean Reynolds. “Many students fall into the ‘summer slide' where their reading skills slip during the break. This challenge helps motivate them to stay sharp until the...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/chandler-summer-reading-challenge-kicks-off/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Jordan Lauf, producer for All Of It and its book club, Get Lit with All Of It, introduces this summer reading contest from All Of It and Get Lit, six books across six categories. Photo by Luke Green/WNYC Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This summer, from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, we are challenging YOU, our listeners, to complete our third Summer Reading Challenge. The deadline to register as a participant is July 4th! Click here to register, and for more info and recommendations. Listen to this segment for more information and for book recommendations from producer Jordan Lauf.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker, Programming Manager at FCPL, about this year's Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story.  The Summer Reading Challenge will run from May 22nd to August 5th and will feature a variety of awesome programs and grand prizes.  Make sure to check out all the activities going on across the branches on our website or in the printed Summer Reading Guide available at all branches. A full transcript of this podcast episode is available on our Bookmarked Blog. 

This week on The Book Drop, we're joined by Megan Simonich, library specialist, to discuss our latest reading challenge theme to read a book about writers or writing.All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast. Happening at the Library: Our Musical Stories | Saturday, April 4, 1 to 2 p.m. at Downtown Branch Book Bedazzling | Tuesday, April 7, 6 to 7 p.m. at Bess Johnson Elkhorn BranchPollinator Planting | Thursday, April 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Saddlebrook BranchExplore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.Join the conversation for the next episode! Give us your favorite library memory or moment! Share your answers by email at thebookdrop@omahalibrary.org or DM on social media!

February who?! Don't worry about it. Happy Spring! We're talking about bugs and mud and all kinds of springy nature books, in addition to what we've read since January. Books Mentioned During This EpisodeGibson's Merch on our Bonfire Shop!2026 Reading Challenge on Storygraph!OTHER LINKSGibson's Bookstore Website Donate to the Bookstore! Check out our Events Calendar! Buy Gibson's Merch Gibson's InstagramThe Laydown InstagramFacebookTikTokLibro.fm  Use the code LAYDOWN for 2 audiobooks for the price of 1! Jack of All Graves Book ClubEmail us at thelaydownpodcast@gmail.com

Join me as I share what I've read in Quarter 1 of 2026. Oath by Chuck Black Merchant by Chuck Black Reclamation by Chuck Black A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle Isola by Allegra Goodman Metabolism Repair for Women by Dr. Lara Briden Theo of Golden by Allen Levi We Shall All Be Changed by Whitney K. Pipkin As For Me and My House by Stacie Loughrin Creed by Chuck Black The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means Letters to Pastor's Wives by Catherine J. Stewart The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku Daily Sourdough by Lisa Bass Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder Homegrown by Amber O'Neal Johnson Well Lived by Sally Clarkson Resources Referenced: Find these books on the NHC Blog https://nohighercalling.org/2026-reading-challenge-quarter-1/ Find these books on my Amazon Storefront https://amzn.to/4jn6oP2  World Watch News https://app.worldwatch.news/?referral_code=DBgHDaDHgeBeiD   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org 

This week on The Book Drop, we're joined by Angela Fernandez, Collection Development Librarian and co-host of Libroteca and New Title Drop, to discuss our latest Reading Challenge: Read a book about an immigrant's experience.All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast. Happening at the Library: Stories & Scrapbooks | Friday, March 20, 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Charles B. Washington BranchDescendants Meet and Greet with Circle Theatre | Saturday, March 21, 2 to 3 p.m. at W. Clarke Swanson BranchPollinator Planting | Monday, March 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Downtown BranchExplore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.Join the conversation for the next episode! Tell us what you're planting in your garden this year? Share your answers by email at thebookdrop@omahalibrary.org or DM on social media!

Idaho Public Television is challenging kids to read 20 minutes a day in March — 600 minutes total — to earn an adventure pass to local attractions like museums and the Discovery Center of Idaho.

Listen Up Irish Reading ChallengeA Conversation with Listen Up Irish Founders Patricia Nic Eoin & Joe Ó FáthartaSeason 2 – Episode #1In the first episode of Season 2 of The Language Question, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) speaks with Patricia Nic Eoin and Joe Ó Fátharta, founders of the Listen Up Irish Reading Challenge.Together they explore how reading in Irish (Gaeilge) can open powerful new pathways into the language while deepening our connection to place, identity and cultural heritage.Patricia and Joe share the story behind Listen Up Irish, an initiative that brings together Irish language learners and fluent speakers through literature. Their work encourages adults learning Irish to rediscover the language through storytelling, books and shared reading experiences.Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the emotional resonance of Irish words tied to landscapes, family history and local traditions, reminding us that Irish is not simply a school subject but a living language connected to culture and belonging.This episode explores:The power of storytelling in the Irish languageHow reading can accelerate language learningThe role of community in sustaining and revitalising GaeilgeIf you are learning Irish as an adult or reconnecting with the language later in life, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight.Podcast NotesRediscovering Irish Through ReadingPatricia Nic Eoin and Joe Ó Fátharta discuss the origins of the Listen Up Irish Reading Challenge, created to give learners a welcoming space to experience Irish language literature in an accessible way.Their approach encourages readers to explore modern Irish writing, moving beyond classroom learning into real, living language.Language, Landscape and BelongingPatricia describes the joy she feels when rediscovering Irish words associated with the fields and landscapes where she grew up.Collecting old place-names, expressions and family vocabulary creates a powerful sense of continuity with previous generations. For many learners, Irish becomes a way of reconnecting with heritage and place.Passing on the Joy of GaeilgePatricia speaks about the excitement — even “giddiness” — that comes from uncovering forgotten Irish words.Through her teaching and her work with Listen Up Irish, she hopes to pass that same sense of discovery to learners who may not have grown up speaking the language but feel drawn to it.Community and Shared LearningJoe Ó Fátharta reflects on the importance of community in Irish language learning.Initiatives like Listen Up Irish allow learners to read, discuss and enjoy Irish texts together, transforming the language into something lived and shared rather than simply studied.Opening the Door to Irish LiteratureThe episode highlights the richness of contemporary Irish-language writing. While many associate Irish literature with historical texts, there is today a vibrant and growing community of modern writers and readers working in Gaeilge.Reading Irish literature strengthens language skills while also deepening understanding of Ireland's cultural and literary traditions.Master Irish — One Story at a TimeA Three-Week Immersive Irish ChallengeThe Listen Up Irish team are launching a three-week immersive challenge for adult learners, designed to help participants build confidence reading, listening and thinking in Irish through story.Maybe you've started learning Irish before —read a few chapters or downloaded an app —and then lost momentum.This challenge is designed to help you keep going and finish.The Story: Ó Am go hAmDuring the challenge, participants will read Ó Am go hAm (From Time to Time) — a historical story set during a Viking raid on an Irish monastery in the 8th century.Through the story, you'll explore the world of monks, manuscripts and Viking invasions, while experiencing Irish used naturally in context.Originally written for younger readers, the book works beautifully for adult learners, offering accessible but authentic Irish.Participants receive:Guided audio recordingsKey vocabulary supportA clear structure to stay motivatedThis approach allows learners to experience real storytelling — living Irish on the page, not textbook Irish.Early Bird Pricing available until March 12Register here:Early Bird PriceFree Irish Learning ResourcesIf you enjoyed this episode and want to continue your Irish language journey, you can access free Irish learning resources, receive updates on upcoming episodes, and get exclusive content.Sign up here: ResourcesYou can also follow my writing on Substack:SubstackMore on Patricia Nic Eoin & Joe Ó FáthartaPatricia Nic EoinPatricia Nic Eoin is an Irish language teacher, author and advocate for adult Irish learners.She is the founder of All About Irish, an online platform that teaches people to speak Irish (Gaeilge) through live online classes, with programmes for learners from complete beginners to advanced speakers.Patricia is also the co-founder of Listen Up Irish, a reading challenge created with Joe Ó Fátharta to bring learners and fluent speakers together through Irish literature.Learn more: WebsiteInstagram: InstagramJoe Ó FáthartaJoe Ó Fátharta is a journalist, writer, Irish language advocate and lecturer from Connemara.He teaches Irish at Dublin City University (DCU) and has long been involved in promoting Irish language culture through journalism, media and education. Deeply connected to the Gaeltacht tradition, he works to encourage new generations to engage with Gaeilge.Together with Patricia Nic Eoin, Joe co-founded Listen Up Irish, bringing readers and learners together through Irish literature.Slán tamall, Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language QuestionEpisode Timestamps0:00 – Welcome to Season 2 of The Language Question1:10 – Introducing Patricia Nic Eoin & Joe Ó Fátharta2:45 – The story behind the Listen Up Irish Reading Challenge6:30 – Why reading is powerful for learning Irish10:15 – Rediscovering Irish words connected to place and memory14:05 – Gathering the names of fields and local words18:20 – The emotional connection to landscape and belonging22:40 – The joy (and “giddiness”) of discovering Irish27:10 – Helping learners reconnect with Gaeilge through reading32:00 – Irish identity and cultural heritage36:45 – Advice for adults learning Irish today41:20 – The future of Irish language communities45:10 – How the Listen Up Irish challenge works49:30 – Final reflections on language, belonging and culture52:10 – How to access free Irish learning resources53:00 – Closing remarks This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

Joe flies solo this week as Lauri recovers from food poisoning, but the show must go on. In Episode 10, the queens sharpen their claws for the annual Reading Challenge before diving into a design challenge where they must create runway looks using materials packed by eliminated queens. With no one going home and the judges leaning positive across the board, the episode delivers an unexpectedly joyful energy—and Joe has thoughts about why that matters. EPISODE BREAKDOWN Reading Is FundamentalThe queens take part in the traditional Drag Race Reading Challenge. While not the most brutal reading session in the show's history, the jokes land more as playful banter among friends than vicious shade—hinting at how well the remaining queens actually get along. Maxi Challenge: Drag in a BagEach queen receives a suitcase filled with materials left behind by eliminated contestants and must transform the contents into a runway party look. The challenge highlights sewing skills, creativity, and the ability to work with whatever scraps remain. Runway ResultsNo one lands in the bottom this week. Instead, the judges select two queens to lip sync for the win. Top TwoJane Don'tKenya Pleaser Jane Don't ultimately collects her third win of the season, continuing a remarkable streak of top placements and further solidifying herself as one of the strongest competitors in the competition. Kenya Pleaser earns a much-needed high placement after surprising the judges with a polished design. JOE'S BIG TAKEAWAY A Surprisingly Joyful Episode In contrast to the cynicism Joe discussed on last week's Patreon-exclusive RulaskaThoughts, this episode felt genuinely upbeat. The queens appear to truly enjoy each other's company, and that camaraderie carries through the reading challenge, the workroom interactions, and the runway critiques. While the episode lacks the high drama typical of Drag Race, Joe argues that not every episode needs to operate at maximum conflict. Sometimes the show benefits from a lighter installment where the cast simply has fun together—and the audience gets to enjoy that energy. The result is an episode that might not be the most explosive of the season, but one that feels refreshing in its warmth and sense of community. LISTENER CALL-IN MOMENT Discord regular Supernova Ghoul briefly joins Joe to discuss the episode. She agrees that Jane Don't and Kenya Pleaser were the correct top two and praises Jane's ability to construct a winning garment from almost nothing. The conversation also touches on a broader point about modern Drag Race: while the queens remain talented, some longtime viewers feel the show's formula has become familiar over time. FINAL THOUGHTS With no eliminations and universally positive critiques, Episode 10 serves as a breather in the middle of the competition. It's a reminder that sometimes Drag Race works best not when the queens are fighting—but when they're simply enjoying each other's company. SUPPORT THE SHOW Follow Drag Race Recap wherever you listen to podcasts.Leave a 5-star rating and review to help new listeners find the show. For bonus episodes, early releases, and exclusive content:patreon.com/AfterthoughtMedia If you want, I can also show you a slightly improved version of the standard template that keeps the same structure you use but performs better in Megaphone, Patreon, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify simultaneously (avoids formatting bugs you mentioned earlier). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A joyful dive into comics all over the genre spectrum! Kait, Danny and Nick talk dystopian soldier science fiction, classic movie monsters, slice-of life, Fish-out-of-water stories, Predator in a Mortal Kombat style fight club, and the pure joy of a book filled with cheese puns!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Start/Last Week in Comics 00:00:39 - Universal Monsters: The Phantom of the Opera #1 00:10:30 - Nicks “Manly” Barbershop Trauma 00:14:28 - Essential Rogue Trooper: Genetic Infantryman 00:31:11 - The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich 00:40:43 - Spirit of the Shadows #2 00:51:22 - This Beautiful, Ridiculous City 00:55:12 - Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell 01:01:31 - Wrap Producer: Kait Lamphere & Danny MartinezProoflistener: Zach McCraryEditor: 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

Paul, Kait, and Danny discuss some of their favorite “feel good” comics for the Reading Challenge Theme of the Month. They touch on newspaper classics, a film comic, and a newer release!Timestamps:00:00:00 - Start/Last Week in Comics00:01:51 - Youth Group00:09:52 - My Neighbor Totoro00:20:09 - Nancy00:33:17 - Carnet de Voyage00:37:20 - Universal Monsters: The Phantom of the Opera #100:41:55 - Discord Picks00:42:30 - A Drifting Life00:44:21 - WrapProducer: Kait Lamphere & Danny MartinezProoflistener: 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

In this episode Lunchbox and Ray talk about about the jokes that are going on non stop at Lunchbox's house with his kids. Also Lunchbox recaps his time at the Vanderbilt Basketball thanks to Mr.C's Reading Challenge and how much this "free" basketball game ended up costing the Box Family! Plus Lunchbox had a nice dinner with his wife but the waiter was driving him nuts with his over the top description of everything. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Valentine's Day. In this episode of The Book Drop, Amy and Maggie are joined by Grace Trembath, recently selected as Assistant Branch Manager for the Central Library team, for a conversation on love stories!This episode is your companion for the Reading Challenge theme to read a love story. OPL's Reading Challenge is an annual program designed to push outside of your reading comfort zone. All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast.What's Happening at OPL:Reading Challenge Book Club | Saturday, Feb. 14, 2 to 3 p.m. at W. Clarke Swanson BranchSeed Starting Indoors | Thursday, Feb. 19, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch | Registration required Writers Workshop: Love Poetry | Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to noon at A.V. Sorensen Branch | Registration required Explore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.Join the conversation for the next episode! Tell us your favorite local content creators and influencers! Share your answers by email at thebookdrop@omahalibrary.org or DM on social media!

The King on a Cross - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 30 (John 19) by Shawn Ozbun

Jesus Before Pilate - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 29 (John 18:28-40) by Shawn Ozbun

Jesus Gives Himself Up Freely - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 28 (John 18:1-27) by Shawn Ozbun

Jesus Prays for His Disciples - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 27 (John 17) by Shawn Ozbun

Jesus Presented in the Temple - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 26 (Luke 2:22-40) by Shawn Ozbun

I have overcome the world - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 25 (John 16:16-33) by Shawn Ozbun

The Holy Spirit, Our Guide to All Truth - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 24 (John 16:1-15) by Shawn Ozbun

The World's Hatred For Christians - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 23 (John 15:18-27) by Shawn Ozbun

It's 2026 and January has been a real year of a month. Take a break with us while we talk about what we've read so far, our favorite faves of last year, and this year's reading challenge! Books Mentioned During This Episode Ryan's Favorites of 2025Cait's Favorites of 2025Ashley's Favorites of 2025Gibson's Merch on our Bonfire Shop!2026 Reading Challenge on Storygraph!OTHER LINKSGibson's Bookstore Website Purchase Gift Certificates!  Browse our Website by Category! Donate to the Bookstore! Check out our Events Calendar! Buy Gibson's Merch Gibson's InstagramThe Laydown InstagramFacebookBlueSkyTikTokLibro.fm  Use the code LAYDOWN for 2 audiobooks for the price of 1!  Jack of All Graves Book ClubEmail us at thelaydownpodcast@gmail.com

How Do We Abide In Christ? - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 22 (John 15:1-17) by Shawn Ozbun

If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 21 (John 14:15-31) by Shawn Ozbun

Mike, Nick, and Kait discuss Dr. Werthless by Harold Schechter and Eric Powell. They discuss some content warnings, the creative choices of the book, and how Fredric Wertham's complicated legacy may have impacted his crusade against comics. This was the pick by the finishers of the 2025 Reading Challenge! Timestamps:00:00:00 - Start00:58:45 - WrapProducer: Kait LamphereProoflistener: Paul JaissleEditor: 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

Whatever You Ask In My name, I Will Do - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 20 (John 14:1-14) by Shawn Ozbun

Jesus Predicts His Betrayal - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 19 (John 13) by Shawn Ozbun

He Who Loves His Life Will Lose It - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 18 (John 12:20-50) by Shawn Ozbun

The Triumphal Entry - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 17 (John 12:1-19) by Shawn Ozbun

The Plot to Kill Jesus - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 16 (John 11:45-57) by Shawn Ozbun

Lazarus Raised from the Dead - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 15 (John 11:1-44) by Shawn Ozbun

I said, “You are gods” '? - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 14 (John 10:22-42) by Shawn Ozbun

Jesus the Good Shepherd - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 13 (John 10:1-21) by Shawn Ozbun

I Was Blind, Now I See- 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 12 (John 9) by Shawn Ozbun

Behold, the Lamb of God! - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 11 (John 1:29-42) by Shawn Ozbun

Freedom From The Bondage of Sin - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 10 (John 8:31-59) by Shawn Ozbun

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

A Woman Caught in Adultery - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 9 (John 7:53-8:30) by Shawn Ozbun

Jesus and the Religious Leaders - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 8 (John 7:25-52) by Shawn Ozbun

Jesus at the Festival of Booths - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 7 (John 7:1-24) by Shawn Ozbun

Send us a textIn Episode 234 of Book Talk Etc., Tina & Hannah chat about the Book Talk Etc., reading challenge for 2026 and bring books that meet the challenge prompts.If you enjoy our commercial-free podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership will give you access to our exclusive bonus episodes, including Niche Novels, Books We DNFed, and What's in the Mailbag! Plus, you'll receive invites to monthly events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, Live Creativity Sprints and Bookstore Browse, and a private Facebook group and Discord server where you can interact with other fans of the show... all for just $5 a month!Loving LatelyOGX Coconut Oil (T)Antiquitarian Sticker Book (H)Latest ReadEndling | Maria Reva (T)Half His Age | Jenette McCurdy (H)BTE Reading Challenge ReadsStiff | Mary Roach (T)Lady Killers | Tori Telfer (H)October Sky | Homer Hickam (T)Emergency Contact | Lauren Layne, Anthony Ledonne (H)Other LinksBTE Storygraph ChallengeBooks and Lala Buzzword ChallengeRead Harder Book RiotShelf Addition:The Hostess | Courtney Psak (T)This Is Not About Us | Allegra Goodman (H)If you prefer other shopping options, you can find today's books on Bookshop.org or Blackwell's. Purchasing through these links supports us with a small commission, at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet's Connect... Email us at booktalketc@gmailBTE on YoutubeTina's TikTok , IG @tbretc YT @tbretcHannah's TikTok , IG @hanpickedbooksJonathan IG @infiltrate_jayPodcast IG @booktalketcRenee's Substack Newsletter , IG@Itsbooktalk

Just a Symbol? Or HOLY Sacrament - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 6 (John 6:41-71) by Shawn Ozbun

Christ Is The True Bread of Life - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 5 (John 6:22-40) by Shawn Ozbun

When God Tests Our Faith - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 4 (John 6:1-21) by Shawn Ozbun

The Dead Shall Hear His Voice - 30-Day Gospel Reading Challenge - Day 3 (John 5:25-47) by Shawn Ozbun

This week on The Literary Life podcast, we are dipping back into the archives to bring you a delightful conversation from 2019 in which our Literary Life podcast hosts chatted all about their past year in books, as well as what they hoped to read in the coming year. Cindy, Angelina and Thomas began by sharing some commonplace quotes from books they read in 2019. They discussed their strategies for planning their reading goals and how they curate their "to be read" lists. Each of our hosts also shared some highlights from their year in books. Angelina then introduced The Literary Life Podcast 20 for 2020 Reading Challenge. She talked about how to approach this reading challenge. Then our hosts talked a little about each category in the challenge and gave some of their possible book picks for the challenge. Cindy mentioned a list of Shakespeare's plays in chronological order. She also has a list of "Books for Cultivating Honorable Boys." Happening now–the House of Humane Letters Christmas sale! Head over to the website to peruse the discounted webinars and mini-classes on sale, already discounted, no coupon code needed. Don't forget to check out this coming year's annual Literary Life Online Conference, happening January 23-30, 2026, "The Letter Killeth, but the Spirit Quickeneth: Reading Like a Human". Our speakers will be Dr. Jason Baxter, Jenn Rogers, Dr. Anne Phillips, and, of course, Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks. For the full show notes for this episode, including book links, quotes, and today's poem, please visit our website at https://theliterary.life/307.