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Send us Fan MailIn Episode 267 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah took a week to do some mood reading, and for book talk, we answered questions from our listeners in an ask us anything style discussion.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyThe Obama Foundation & Museum (T)Sterling Point - Prime Video (H)Latest ReadThe Unknown | Riley Sager (T+H)Mood ReadsWonderland | Jennifer Hillier (T)The Dog Stars | Peter Heller (H)Mind of a Murderer | Michael Wood (T)Let's Kiss & Tell | Joss Richard (H)Current ReadThe Only Plane in the Sky (T)A Plagued Sea | Kim Bo-Young (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

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 266 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah share some of the September 2026 Book Releases that top our TBR!If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving Lately1% Better - @Slow_GoingMaybelline Lifter Glaze Oil BalmLatest ReadPlant Lady | Kang Minyoung (T)Swordheart | T. Kingfisher (H)Books on the RadarThe Witches of Cambridge | Alice Hoffman (T)The Eye of Goliath | Diego Muzzio (H)Strange Case of Jane O | Karen WalkerQueenie is Working on It | Candace Carty-WilliamsPictures of You | Josh Malerman (H)Bird Box | Josh MalermanFallow | Sarah AndersonLords of Serendipity | Randy Boyagoda (H)Hollywood Ending | John Green (T)Ripeness | Sarah Moss (H)Call off the Dark | Hallie Shepherd (T)Trust Fall | Lynn Painter (H)Current ReadThe Secret Dinner | Raphael Montez (T)Helpless | Jessica Knoll (H)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

This week, we're joined by romance author Lucy Wilson-Tagoe, who longtime readers may also know by her pen name Dylan Allen, to talk writing, reinvention, and her newest release, To Catch a Sinner.And because this is What the Smut, we obviously do not stay on one topic for very long. Andddddd we may have forgot to hit the record button...Lucy takes us behind the scenes of her writing process, from plotting complicated stories in spreadsheets to leaving just enough room for the feral chaos to take over. We also talk about the characters who completely hijacked her life, the tiny character details she obsesses over, and why apparently knowing exactly how someone laughs is essential information.Then we dive into To Catch a Sinner, the first book in Lucy's new romantic suspense duet. Mary also shares why she immediately thought this story needed to become a miniseries, while Cortney patiently waits for the audiobook (its out NOW) because we all know she is our resident audio girlie. If you love romance books, romantic suspense, indie romance authors, audiobook romance, friends-to-lovers, morally gray characters, bookish podcasts, author interviews, or behind-the-scenes conversations about writing, this episode is for you.Grab your favorite snacky snack, your beverage of choice, and come hang out while we talk books, writing, side quests, gummy bears, laundry services, and all the chaos in between.And as always, slide into our DMs and tell us what you're reading, watching, or what completely unhinged thought has been living rent-free in your head this week.Lucy's IGLucy's WebsiteLucy's Books..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastMarySend us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 265 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah discuss books that feel like Lughnasadh, a Celtish holiday that celebrates the start of the harvest season and falls halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Niche Novels, and Book Talk After Dark. You'll get to join monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month!Loving Lately@readandwright Notes App System (T)Lifelines - Dot by Letter (H)Lifelines WebsiteLatest ReadFruit Fly | Josh Silver (T)Return to Sender | Stephanie Parente (H)Book Talk and Reading for LughnasadhTom Lake | Ann PatchettThe Wild Beneath | Kelly Anderson (T)Habits of the Sea | Shea Ernshaw (H)Where I End | Sophie White (T)Jane Eyre | Charlotte Bronte (H)Shelf AdditionTokyo Express | Seicho Matsumoto (T)A Quiet Place | Seicho Matsumoto (T)Suspicion | Seicho Matsumoto (T)Too Much of Life | Clarice Lispector (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

This week, we're bringing back one of our OG bookish chats featuring Samantha Brinn (before she was a published romance author) and doing a full deep dive into Kiss and Don't Tell by Tessa Meghan Quinn.But first, Cortney and Mary are checking in with a little summer chaos. We're talking current romance reads, the books living rent-free in our heads, reading slumps, and our ever-growing TBRs.Then we jump back into our original conversation with Sam to talk all things Vancouver Agitators.Whether Kiss and Don't Tell  is one of your favorite Meghan Quinn books or it has been sitting untouched on your TBR, come hang out with us while we revisit the romance and Meghan just released that these babies are coming to stores because they were picked up by Bloom and will be re-releasing soon with new covers!!!..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastMarySend us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 264 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah tackle the TBR shelf and read books from their personal home libraries in an effort to kick those books off their TBRs. Every month, Tina and Hannah spin the wheel, and randomly select a patron selected prompt. This month, we read books from our TBR shelf that we found intimidating!If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyJuley.app (T)The Commons | Rebecca IhimWelly Bandages (H)Latest ReadThe Elementals | Michael McDowell (T)Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow | Jessica Townsend (H)Intimidating BooksThe Lion Women of Tehran | Marjan Kamali (T)The Stationery Shop | Marjan KamaliThe Calamity Club | Kathryn Stockett (H)East of Eden | John Steinbeck (T)East of Eden - Penguin Orange Classic EditionGirl on Girl | Sophie Gilbert (H)Shelf AdditionThe Silent Appeal | Janice Hallett (T)Hive Mind | Allison Gunn (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

We're throwing it back to 2024 for the perfect summer rerelease, Book Nerds!This week, we're bringing back one of our OG bookish chats featuring Zoey from ZozosBookshelf and doing a full deep dive into It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey.But first, Cortney and Mary are checking in with a little summer chaos. We're talking current romance reads, the books living rent-free in our heads, reading slumps, our ever-growing TBRs, reality TV, and somehow the fact that our kids don't understand what life was like when you actually had to put a DVD into a player.Then we jump back into our original conversation with Zoey to talk all things Piper and Brendan.If you love grumpy/sunshine romance, small-town romance, enemies-to-lovers vibes, he falls first, obsessed heroes, spicy romance books, and a FMC who has some serious character growth, this one is for you.Whether It Happened One Summer is one of your favorite Tessa Bailey books or it has been sitting untouched on your TBR, come hang out with us while we revisit the romance, the spice, the fishermen, and all the chaos.Spoiler Warning: We deep dive into the entire book, so if you haven't read It Happened One Summer yet and don't want spoilers, you will want to stop the episode when we give the spoiler warning and the come back afterwards!Grab your favorite snacky snack, your beverage of choice, and come see what the smut we're talking about this week.And as always, slide into our DMs and tell us: Who would YOU have cast as Piper, Brendan, Hannah, and Fox?..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastMarySend us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

An unvarnished (and slightly snarky) look at post-earthquake biological surges, why performative 'self', spiritual 'gurus', and 'fake' regulated leaders drive me crazy, and what authentic, self-led empowered composure actually involves and requires (hint: nervous system regulation capacity and the motivation of self-sovereignty).

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 263 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah share tips on how they remember the books they read, as well as share some thoughts on new book releases that they've read recently!If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyMellow Comforter (T)Paper Meadow Mail Club (H)Opal Bones Mail Club (H)Jimothy Collection (H)Latest ReadDie for Me | Shirlene Obuobi (T)Sookie Stackhouse BooksSeatmate | Cara Bastone (H)New ReleasesThe Lowe Job | Grace Alexander (T)Magnolia Parks | Jessa Hastings Teddy Bears Never Die | Yeeun Cho (H)The Open Era | Edward Schmit (T)The Children | Melissa Albert (H)Shelf AdditionIn Cold Blood | Truman Capote (T)Something Followed Us Home | Cynthia Pelayo (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

What's up, Book Nerds!We finally got to record an episode together in the same room (yes... from a hotel room

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Sean Cain, PhD, a Harvard Medical School-trained expert in the impact of light on the human circadian system, a Matthew Flinders Professor at Flinders University, and Co-Founder and CEO of Circadian Health Innovations. Today, he discusses how people differ more than fiftyfold in how sensitive their circadian systems are to evening light, that nearly half of modern homes are bright enough at night to suppress melatonin by fifty percent, and that most of us have no conscious awareness of any of it. We discuss the large observational studies he and his team have published linking bright days and dark nights to depression, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality, as well as his research on impaired light sensitivity in depression and why the amplitude of your circadian rhythm may matter more than its timing. We also discuss MiEye, the wearable light sensor his team developed, and practical changes to home and daytime lighting that anyone can make tonight.CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SHOWNOTESThis includes all other resourcesSponsor: Brighter Lamphttps://getbrighter.com/?sjram=P2jrTbowzJOdCode: JONATHANJ   Subscribe to the newsletter: https://jonathanjarecki.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chipsTimestamps 00:00 Intro03:54 Dr. Sean Cain04:42 Dr. Cain's Love for Science and Research10:25 Understanding Circadian Rhythms: Anatomy and Function10:56 Setting the stage: Circadian Biology, Rhythms, SCN, ipRGCs16:20 Light, Circadian Entrainment, Mechanisms19:57 High Sensitivity and Interindividual Variability in the Response of the Circadian of the Human Circa22:02 Individual Sensitivity to Light and Circadian Disruption27:22 Home Lighting, Sunset, LEDs, Fluorescents, Incandescents27:37 Home Lighting and Its Effects on Circadian Health33:46 Tools: circadian friendly home lighting39:24 Population health outcomes; UK BioBank39:29 Psychiatric Disorders47:52 SPONSOR: Brighter Lamp49:34 The Link Between Light Exposure and Mental Health01:04:18 Light Exposure and Longevity: Key Findings01:09:45 The Importance of Daylight for Health01:17:41 Understanding Circadian Rhythms and Light Exposure01:17:52 The Impact of Light on Mood and Self-Perception01:23:39 Innovations in Circadian Health: My Eye Device01:34:15 Jet Lag Management and the Jet Lag App01:39:09 Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Social Media, Substack Newsletter

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 262 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah share some August book releases that they are excited about! If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyTony's Chocolate (T)Pipsticks (H)Latest ReadThe Shampoo Effect | Jenny Jackson (T+H)BOTM BooksFruit Fly | Josh Silver (T)Sunlight Finds You | Laura Moriarty (H)These Walls Remember | They Say a Girl Died Here | Sarah PinboroughThe Unheld | Luke Larkin (T)Deadly AnimalsThe Hill in the Dark Grove | Liam Higginson (H)Portrait of a Witch Undone | KS Shay (T)Crocodilopolis | John Manuel Arias (H)Current ReadsDie for Me | Shirlene Obuobi (T)The Children | Melissa Albert (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

On this weeks episode of What the Smut are You Talking About Podcast we had USA Today bestselling romance author Lauren Rowe joining us for an episode full of romance books, behind-the-scenes writing stories, found family, football romance, golden retriever heroes, and absolute chaos.Lauren's newest release, Chasing the Rush, is out TODAY and if you love a good Football Romance, you don't want to miss this one!Lauren's IGLauren's WebsiteLauren's Books..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastMarySend us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

Owning your power sounds empowering until you realize it also means releasing what was never yours to carry. Amy and Ashley continue with a deeply honest conversation about permission, power, and the difference between responsibility and over-responsibility. Together, they explore what happens when high-achieving, people-first leaders build lives around control, survival, and fixing everything, then realize the real work is learning what is actually theirs to own. From childhood patterns and medical burnout to journaling, asking better questions, and receiving help, Amy and Ashlee unpack how power becomes clearer when we stop trying to prove our goodness and start trusting our relationship with ourselves. This episode is a grounding reminder that owning your power is not about carrying the whole world. It is about choosing your next honest step.   Additional Resources: Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn Subscribe to Ashley's Substack Newsletter! Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Owning power means releasing what is not yours. Over-responsibility can disguise itself as leadership. Power begins with awareness, choice, and small steps. Asking for help is a powerful act. Self-trust reveals where your true power lives.  

Are you someone who at times has great productivity and hyperfocus, but at other times can barely focus and get things done?Do you have problems focusing and getting things done unless you're under pressure? Do you tend to procrastinate?Do you, after periods of high-intensity work — whether that's physical or mental — crash and burn out afterward?Do you feel that you dive deeply into an interest, but then lose interest and don't know what just happened? Do you have serial interests, or even serial relationships?Do you feel you have great abilities — you're a quick learner, you go deep when you're pursuing something you're interested in, perhaps you're even gifted — but then feel unable to harness those abilities and gifts, and feel like you're on a roller coaster between hyperproductivity and an inability to focus and have motivation?These are common patterns that I see in my practice, and they relate to arousal. I'm not referring to sexual arousal or emotional arousal, but arousal as far as our neurophysiology being in a place where we can ideally act — where we have focus, motivation, and energy — and not low arousal, where you can't focus, and have low motivation, and low energy, nor hyper arousal, where we're excessively focused in a physiologic stressed state. Many people find themselves fluctuating between both ends and having problems finding that sweet spot in the middle that allows them to sustain their interests, sustain the goals they've set for themselves, and harness their greatest gifts. Many of these individuals are extremely gifted — deep divers, can even be obsessive about their interests. But it can take that depth for people to function at a high level.This newsletter and podcast are for educational purposes and aren't a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please talk with your own doctor about any medical or psychiatric concerns.What You'll Learn* (0:00) Recognizing the pattern of hyperfocus and burnout* (3:43) What arousal actually means, physiologically* (4:26) The RCCX connection* (7:03) The crash, and why it happens* (10:11) Finding our sweet spot — practical tools that helpRecognizing the PatternThere's a sweet spot of arousal where we have focus, motivation, and energy. On one side of it is low arousal — brain fog, low motivation, low energy, something that can look a lot like ADD in both children and adults. On the other side is hyper-arousal — when we have excessive focus and drive, often accompanied by physiological stress.Many of the people I see fluctuate between both ends and struggle to find that middle place. They tend to have deep interests. They can dive deeply into something, even obsessive about it, and can have difficulty disengaging. When there is not enough stimulation, they tend to get bored. They often don't enjoy small talk.What Arousal Means PhysiologicallyWhen we talk about what can be happening here — when we are stressed, and again, when I'm talking about arousal, that's a degree of stress, and we're aiming for an optimal level of stress where we get things done and can enjoy what we're doing. What impacts arousal? One is cortisol. If we have adequate levels of cortisol, that gives us adequate energy. Along with cortisol, catecholamines fluctuate — things like norepinephrine, which gives us motivation, and dopamine, which helps us focus. Think of these three as moving up and down together for the most part. There are other things that can impact them separately, but generally they're increasing together, and they can be decreased or low at the same time as well.The RCCX ConnectionThe best explanation I've found for why some of us find ourselves at either end of the arousal spectrum and not easily in the middle sweet spot, is RCCX theory, developed by Dr. Sharon Meglathery. This is a theory I've described in previous newsletters and podcasts — it makes the connection between a gene for hypermobility, a gene for 21-hydroxylase (an enzyme in the hormone pathway that produces cortisol), and another gene that relates to autoimmunity. People don't have to have all of these genes affected, but I'd say the most important one, from a psychiatric and brain-symptom perspective, is 21-hydroxylase, needed for the production of cortisol.If we have a weakness on this gene — and it appears that likely 20% of people do — that could give us a baseline low cortisol level. It's not as if we can pin this down to a single variant; there are likely a number of places on that gene that could be affected, and it's not something that can currently be measured through genetic testing except in research settings. But if we have that weakness, we could still make adequate cortisol under stress — until we push it too far. Say, on one of these hyperproductive days, we push too far, and then we overwhelm that enzyme, and we don't have enough cortisol.So why would people who struggle with this already tend to be deep divers? It appears that a vulnerability in that enzyme, 21-hydroxylase, could have affected brain development in utero and in early life — causing higher androgens and spiking cortisol that can affect particular parts of the brain, including the amygdala, which senses threat and can contribute to this high-intensity difficulty putting on the brakes once we're under stress. So these individuals, when they're working on something, may have difficulty stopping — and then when they're not able to keep producing the cortisol to meet the demands they're placing on their physiology, they hit a wall.The Crash — and Why It HappensWhen the enzyme can no longer keep up with the demand, cortisol and those neurotransmitters drop — that's the crash: low energy, poor focus, no motivation. For some people, hitting that wall can also trigger mast cell activation, through another mechanism I've talked about in a previous episode. There's a hormone in the brain, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), that tells the adrenal glands we need more cortisol. When that happens, CRH can bind to mast cells — inflammatory cells in the body — which release histamine and inflammatory mediators that can cause physical symptoms, and worsen fatigue and brain fog. Not everyone has this happen; most people with mast cell activation have something else going on too, like a biotoxin exposure.This isn't only about a single hard day. Zoom out, and I've seen people who were high-functioning — even hyper-functioning — for years, doing remarkable things across work, family, and adventure, before hitting a wall they never fully recovered from. Often there's something else quietly using up their stress capacity underneath it all: mold or biotoxin exposure, mitochondrial dysfunction, a chronically stressful relationship, early attachment disruption, or even codependent relationship patterns that keep someone chronically stressed.Once someone hits that wall, it's common to unconsciously reach for something to bump cortisol and those neurotransmitters back up — compulsive eating, carbs, seeking stimulation online, risk-taking, or calling the one person who reliably stirs up drama. Beyond the physical crash, there's a bigger cost: most people aren't recognizing this as their neurophysiology. They're experiencing it as being inconsistent, self-defeating, self-sabotaging, or a self-esteem problem, rather than recognizing it as a very common physiologic pattern involving our stress hormone pathways and neurotransmitters — and the bigger loss is all the abilities and gifts people aren't able to harness because they're on this roller coaster.Finding the Sweet SpotThe first thing is to notice. Notice when you feel in that hypo-arousal state, when you're having difficulty getting things done, and then recognize what you're reaching for — is it carbs, is it eating, is it substances, is it the internet, is it risk-taking, is it the dramatic friend who stirs up trouble? NoticeAlso notice when you're in a state of hyperarousal — doing an activity, powering through without being able to stop, unable to take breaks. If you're observant enough, you'll notice your muscles tightening around your neck and shoulders, and simply not being able to relax. When we notice which state of arousal we're in, we know what tools we have access to, to help modulate it.For High ArousalWhen you're in a state of hyperproductivity, the last thing you want to do is take a break. But to sustain a degree of productivity, it can require putting that intensity aside and taking a break, so the wall isn't hit. Another approach is to alternate high-intensity work with low-intensity work — step away and move if the work is on a computer. It can help to chunk activities: set goals, and after reaching them, stop and take a break, rather than letting a project sprawl deeper and deeper. It's also important to assess your stressors — stressors aren't all negative, but if we're not pacing, if we're not setting aside time to calm our nervous system, we can still hit that wall. It's really important to set an intention before starting — how it's going to be broken up, setting a timer for how long before a break — to really be intentional.For Low ArousalJust recognizing that low baseline arousal can already have us thinking creatively about how to increase it. Do we need to change the setting where we're working? Do we need to find a way to make what we're doing more interesting — what is the why? Make it more creative. When we have that low arousal, instead of reaching for food or surfing the internet, we could instead have a creative outlet that's stimulating and raises our arousal without being harmful to us. Movement is a way to raise arousal — getting up and moving around can help. It can also help to chunk activities and put a timer on; sometimes the challenge of getting something done in a certain amount of time will raise arousal on its own.Everyone's approach to this, and what works for them, will be different. But I do feel like this understanding can help us all recognize how we function best, recognize when we're in that under-arousal or hyper-arousal state, and modulate — all with the intention of not being on that roller coaster, and instead finding that place in the middle where we can be in a state of flow, enjoying what we're doing, finding meaning and purpose in it.I'd love to hear your thoughts and experience. Have you found things that help you find your own sweet spot? Until next time, take care.CourtneyCourtney Snyder MD is a Holistic and Functional Child and Adult Psychiatrist who offers non-patient consultations to individuals and practitioners nationally and internationally in addition to her treatment practice serving FL, IN, KY, OH. Her educational content, shared through her website, Substack Newsletter, the Holistic Psychiatry Podcast and her YouTube Channel reaches readers and listeners in over 160 countries.Resources* RCCX Theory & Psychiatry. Dr. Sharon Meglathery* RCCX Theory: Hypermobility, RCCX Theory, Mental Health & Complex Chronic Illness* Recent newsletter on Hypersensitivity: High Sensitivity Through 3 Lenses (HSP, Pyrrole Disorder & RCCX Theory) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 261 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah celebrate the power of short books–from  short stories and novellas to essay collections and anthologies! Join us as we explore why these bite-sized reads can leave just as lasting an impact as a full-length novel.In this episode, we also spin the wheel to randomly select our next topic for our August episode of Tackling the TBR Shelf! These TBR tackle prompts are chosen by our patrons as a way for them to take part in our reading lives.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelySummer Reading Campaign - Melanated Reader (T)Soola Bag (H)Soola Pouch (H)Latest ReadKeep Them Close | David Ellis (T)Look Closer | David EllisThe Best Lies | David EllisEverything to the Sea | Alicia Upano (H)Novellas and Short StoriesAt Home With the Horrors | Sammy ScottHuman Sacrifices | María Fernanda AmpueroI Know A Place | Nat Cassidy (T)Metamorphosis | Franz Kafka (H)Obstetrix | Naomi Kritzer (T)Automatic Noodle | Annalee Newitz (H)Shelf AdditionSeekers of Deer Creek | Thao Thai (T)People in Love | Claire Daverley (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

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 260 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyThe Cluci Wristlet (T)Yoto Player (H)Latest ReadWhere the Wildflowers Grow | Terah Shelton Harris (T)The Missed Connection | Tia Wliliams (T)SuperlativesThe One Day You Were My Husband | Rosie WalshAll the Blood We Share | Camilla BruceStrangers Behind Closed Doors | Catherine Adel WestVigil | George SaundersInto the Blue | Emma BrodieCleopatra | Saara El-ArifiYesteryear | Caro Claire BurkeTop 5 So Far!The Reformatory | Tanarive DueThe Caretaker | Marcus KliewerNightwatching | Tracy SierraKeeper of Lost Children | Sadeqa JohnsonNesting | Roisin O'DonnellJohn of John | Douglas StuartLost Lambs | Madeline CashLady Tremaine | Rachel HochhauserEverything to the Sea | Alicia UpanoIf 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

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 259 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah tackle the TBR shelf by reading through Book of the Month titles that have been on their shelves for more than 2 years.New for July- join our Patreon for access to our Summer Read-a-Thon! Participants read from a set of curated prompts, submit the titles they finish for points, and follow along on a game board as they go patreon.com/booktalketcIf you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelySummer Bucket List (T)Water Table (T)The Crash (H)Maternal Instinct (H)Latest ReadThe Truth About Ruby Cooper | Liz Nugent (T)Sacculina | Phillip Fracassi (H)BOTM BooksBOTM Historical Data BaseNot That I Could Tell | Jessica Strawser (T)You're Invited | Amanda Jayatissa (H)The Joy Luck Club | Amy Tan (T)Once There Were Wolves | Charlotte McConaghy (H)Shelf AdditionDie for Me | Shirlene Obuobi (T)The Missed Connection | Tia Williams (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

I recently joined Annika Taylor on The Wellness Rebel Podcast to talk about mold toxicity, and how it can cause not only physical symptoms, but also brain symptoms such as anxiety, depression, OCD, brain fog, mood swings, and in more severe cases, psychosis.Watch the full conversation above. Below is a recap of our conversation, along with the resources we discussed along the way.Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Mold and Mental Health1:47 Understanding Mold Exposure and Illness5:13 Personal Journey with Mold Illness8:40 Sources of Mold Exposure12:12 Physical Symptoms of Mold Toxicity18:54 Mental Health Impacts of Mold Exposure25:32 Identifying Mold in the Environment32:28 Treatment Options for Mold ToxicityI. What Is Mold-Related Illness?Mold-related illness can be broken down into three distinct categories that often get lumped together: mold allergy, mold toxicity, and mold colonization. Mold allergy, which most people are familiar with, is a reaction to outdoor or indoor mold spores. Mold toxicity is different: it happens when mycotoxins actually accumulate in the body, something that appears to affect roughly 25% of people who can't effectively remove the toxins on their own. This explains why one family member in a home with mold can get seriously ill while another in the same house is fine. Third is the lesser-known mold colonization, where mold spores take hold directly in the sinuses or even the GI tract. That means a person can be out of a moldy environment for years and still have an internal source of toxicity.II. My Own Mold StoryMy interest in mold began around 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with mold toxicity. For years prior, I had been dealing with chronic fatigue, symptoms of fibromyalgia, and vague neurological symptoms that neither my doctors nor I could explain. My daughter was also having complex chronic health issues that initially looked like developmental regression. Understanding the microbiome and dietary changes were helpful to both of us, as were the Walsh Research Institute's nutrient-based interventions, but the real turning point came when the topic of mold toxicity came across my radar in 2016.Mycotoxin testing and testing of our home and my office confirmed that we had significant exposure and toxicity, which we were treated for and benefited significantly from.III. When a Partner Isn't on Board: How Mold Treatment Affects the Whole FamilyOne thing that doesn't get talked about enough is how difficult it can be for someone to get out of or address an exposure if their spouse or partner is not on board. In my own case, I was fortunate — my then-husband was agreeable, especially when he realized how much clarity, decisiveness, and even sense of urgency I had. We'd dealt with significant health issues for a long time, and I didn't want something irreversible to emerge that would leave me in regret for not acting sooner. We acted on that instinct.We were very lucky to find that we were eligible for insurance coverage, which covered an extended-stay hotel while we had our home remediated. For a lot of families, that's not the reality. If a partner isn't on the same page, it can become one of the biggest reasons someone doesn't end up leaving a house with mold — whether that obstacle gets talked about openly or not. There are those who don't believe mold toxicity is real, and those who don't want to believe it's real (consciously or unconsciously). Education, input from those with expertise, or even seeking couples therapy can be necessary.It is important to remember that part of the treatment, namely addressing mold in the home, impacts the whole family.IV. Where Mold Hides: Common Sources of ExposureFor most people who test positive for mold toxicity, the primary exposure is likely environmental, as opposed to mold in food. Leaks under sinks, problems around windows, roof leaks, chimney flashing, damp basements, and high ambient humidity are all common culprits. High humidity left unaddressed can be a big problem. Estimates of the percentage of homes that mold have crept up over the years, from 50% to 75% to, as some consultants now say, essentially every building to some degree. I've seen a couple of children with developmental issues who had mold in their mattresses from bedwetting.V. The Physical Symptoms of Mold ToxicityMold toxicity often shows up as sinus issues (especially with colonization), asthma, and — notably in young children — recurring croup (spasmodic croup) and ear infections.Many people with mold toxicity also develop mast cell activation, which triggers an exaggerated immune response affecting the skin, respiratory tract, GI tract, and/or bladder. Racing heart, air hunger, and stomach pain can occur. Neurological complaints can include electric "jolt" sensations, numbness and tingling, headaches, light sensitivity, and temperature dysregulation.Many of these symptoms overlap with Lyme disease, EMF sensitivity, and other chronic conditions. The immune dysregulation caused by mold toxicity can contribute to a vulnerability to Lyme and its coinfections, Candida, SIBO, PANS, PANDAS, and more.VI. The Brain and Mental Health Symptoms of MoldBrain Fog, Fatigue, Anxiety, OCD, Psychosis, Mood Swings, Developmental Delays & Cognitive DeclineI don't know what psychiatric symptom mold toxicity can't cause. Brain fog and fatigue are especially common, as is anxiety. For some, mold toxicity can contribute to psychosis and/or dramatic mood swings. In children, mold toxicity can look like ADHD, anxiety, or developmental delays.I see mold toxicity as something that aligns with — and amplifies — someone's existing genetic vulnerabilities rather than acting alone. Most of the patients I see with severe conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe OCD have mold toxicity as a contributing factor, though, again, rarely the only factor.The Neurotransmitter ConnectionMold toxicity can drive up pyrrole levels, which in turn depletes zinc and B6 — two nutrients essential for neurotransmitter functioning. It can also worsen copper-zinc imbalances through oxidative stress and interfere with methylation, both of which also impact neurotransmitter functioning.A Client's Story: OCD and a Hidden LeakAnnika recalls when she became interested in helping those with mold toxicity. She shares the story of a friend whose severe, debilitating OCD — along with episodes of derealization and out-of-body sensations — turned out to trace back to black mold discovered behind a washing machine, the result of an old water leak. Once they addressed the mold, the connection became clear in hindsight.VII. Mold Toxins Can Create a Threat Response in the Body & BrainWhile we can have threats on the outside, mold toxicity is a threat we can have on the inside. When we are under threat, three systems tend to get activated: the immune system (as discussed with mast cell activation), the limbic system, and the autonomic nervous system. The limbic system puts the body into a vigilant, threat-scanning state — and for some people, that vigilance surfaces as OCD (an unconscious attempt to "make things right" when the body senses something is wrong), health anxiety, or a diffuse sense that something isn't okay.The autonomic nervous system, meanwhile, can get stuck in fight-or-flight or shutdown mode instead of rest-and-digest. Annika is careful to frame this not something to fear, but something to understand — the goal isn't panic, it's empowerment.VIII. Testing for Mold: Home and BodyTesting Your EnvironmentIf there's visible water damage or visible mold, extensive testing usually isn't necessary. Generally, where there is water damage or water retained in a space, there will be mold growth. The priority becomes proper containment, and remediation. If there is no known issue and someone has mold toxicity (which could be from an old exposure), I recommend the ERMI-style dust test (I use Mycometrics), which measures water-damage-associated spore counts against outdoor spore counts from a simple cloth dust sample.I caution against relying solely on air sampling from a home inspector, which I and many of my patients have found unreliable by itself — surface or dust testing gives a clearer picture. Petri-dish testing (I use Immunolytics) can help pinpoint which room is affected, though it misses a couple of important mold species.Testing Your BodyFor testing mycotoxins in the body, I use RealTime Labs, an at-home urine test that screens for five toxin families. Annika discusses her experience with another company, which showed false negatives — a patient with a "no mold" result went untreated for years while ongoing exposure continued.To improve the accuracy of the test, I sometimes have patients do a sauna session or take glutathione in the days leading up to testing, to help mobilize toxins — though this isn't appropriate for everyone, particularly more sensitive patients.IX. Treatment: Binders, Antifungals, and DietEnvironment:Once someone has a positive test and a known or suspected source, I recommend having a consultant (separate from the remediation company, to avoid conflicts of interest) create a remediation plan — ideally with proper containment so the remediation process itself doesn't spread spores further. After remediation, a retest should be done to confirm the space is actually clean, ideally at the remediation company's expense if it isn't.Binders:On the body side, treatment typically starts with binders — chosen based on which toxins showed up on testing — such as bentonite clay, activated charcoal, chlorella, or cholestyramine (a prescription option that binds ochratoxin particularly well). I start sensitive patients low and slow, since mobilizing toxins can temporarily worsen symptoms.Antifungals When Appropriate:Depending on the response and whether colonization is present, treatment may progress to nasal or systemic antifungals.Diet:Because colonization is so common, minimizing sugar and refined carbs is very important, since these feed Candida and mold colonization directly. Foods with higher trace mold content — corn, peanuts, dried fruit, aged meats and cheeses, coffee, and non-shelled nuts — are also worth limiting, along with high-histamine foods for those who are histamine-reactive.X. Where to Learn MoreAs Annika emphasizes: this isn't about fearing every corner of your home — it's about being empowered with the right information.And as always, I welcome your thoughts, experience and questions.Until next time,CourtneyCourtney Snyder MD is a Holistic and Functional Child and Adult Psychiatrist who offers non-patient consultations to individuals and practitioners nationally and internationally in addition to her treatment practice serving FL, IN, KY, OH. Her educational content, shared through her website, Substack Newsletter, the Holistic Psychiatry Podcast and her YouTube Channel reaches readers and listeners in over 160 countries.Resources* Dr. Courtney Snyder's blog: How Mold Toxicity Impacts the Brain* Home mold test (dust sample / ERMI-style)* RealTime Labs mycotoxin urine testing* Mold Symptom Questionnaire (Dr. Jill Crista)* Mold Clean-Up Guide (Dr. Jill Carnahan)* Finding mold consultants & remediation professionals (ISEAI)* Annika Taylor's website: Nourished by NatureMedical Disclaimer:This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 258 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah chat about Land by Maggie O'Farrell, which was the Book Talk Etc. Community Read for the month of June. In this episode we also share 10 July book releases to get excited about!Join our Patreon for access to our Summer Read-a-Thon! Participants read from a set of curated prompts, submit the titles they finish for points, and follow along on a game board as they go patreon.com/booktalketcIf you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving Latelyyesstyle.com (T)Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen (T)Lip Oil (T)Skin 1004 Cream (T)Alaffia Body Wash (H)Latest ReadLand | Maggie O'Farrell (T+H)July Books on the RadarCountry People | Daniel Mason (T)Every Version of You | Natalie Messier (H)Not with A Bang | Temi Oh (T)The Mortons | Justine Larbalestier (T)The Man | Laura SimsLooker | Laura SimsHow Can I Help You? | Laura Sims (H)The New People | Andrea Uptmor (T)The Parisian Heist | Jo Piazza (T)Make Nice | Ryan Effgan (H)Shelf AdditionNot That I Can Tell | Jessica Strawser (T)Sacculina | Philip Fracassi (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

We officially made it to the end of Season One of What the Smut Are You Talking About Podcast and we honestly can't believe it.This week we're looking back at everything that made this season unforgettable. From our favorite romance books and hilarious author interviews to the behind-the-scenes chaos that listeners never got to see. We talk about the moments that made us laugh until we cried, the interviews that hit us right in the feels, and the incredible growth this little bookish podcast has experienced since relaunching earlier this year.We also spill some behind-the-scenes confessions, share our biggest recording mishaps (looking at you, Parker

As a holistic and functional psychiatrist, I see many people who are highly sensitive. Most are deep divers into information and able to connect a lot of dots. Many are gifted. Many struggle with overwhelm and low stress tolerance. Some struggled with anxiety, inner tension, or feeling “too much” for as long as they can remember. Some feel different - that they don't fit in.As a holistic and functional psychiatrist with over twenty years in practice, I've worked with thousands of highly sensitive adults and children. Most are deep divers into information, able to connect a lot of dots — many are gifted. And yet many struggle with overwhelm, low stress tolerance, anxiety, or inner tension that has been there for as long as they can remember. Many feel different, like they don't quite fit in. What I've found is that sensitivity itself is rarely the problem — it's the seeming vulnerability to brain-related or physical conditions. Over the years I've found three different models to be especially useful in explaining some of the vulnerabilities and the strengths of those of us who are highly sensitive: Dr. Elaine Aron's work on the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), the nutritional medicine concept of Pyrrole Disorder, and Dr. Sharon Meglathery's RCCX Theory. Each looks at a similar group of traits through a different lens — psychological, biochemical, and genetic, respectively.Before I start, I want to emphasize that sensitivity is not a pathology or a diagnosis. It is actually a trait that has existed across human history for a reason. My goal is not to pathologize it, but to understand it — and to offer tools to those who have these traits but who are struggling with a condition more prevalent in those with these traits. As I go through these three frameworks, the overlap will be obvious and I'll highlight what each of these has to offer that the others don't.What You'll Learn* The HSP model provides validation and a language for sensitive individuals.* Pyrrole Disorder involves an overproduction of pyrroles, leading to nutrient depletion of nutrients critical for neurotransmitter functioning.* Pyrrole Disorder is common in brain-related conditions.* RCCX Theory connects genetic vulnerabilities to sensitivity and chronic illness.* Stress amplifies the experiences of highly sensitive individuals.* Understanding these models can lead to effective treatment options.* There are meaningful paths forward for those who are highly sensitive.Chapters* 00:00 Understanding High Sensitivity* 02:26 The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Model* 10:23 Exploring Pyrrole Disorder* 18:18 RCCX Theory Explained* 30:11 Intersecting Models: HSP, Pyrrole Disorder & RCCX Theory* 34:40 Conclusion and Path ForwardI. THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSONIn the early 1990s, psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron identified a personality trait she called Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) — and the people who score high in it she called Highly Sensitive Persons, or HSPs.This is not a diagnosis. It is a trait, present in roughly 15–20% of the population. It has been found across more than 100 species — from fruit flies to primates. This tells us it is evolutionarily conserved — it confers survival advantages. In any social group, having members who are wired to notice subtle cues, process information deeply, and detect threats before others do is extremely valuable. Fitting with this, many of these individuals, who also struggle with complex chronic health issues are considered the “canaries in the coal mine” since their bodies react to environmental triggers (environmental toxins, chemicals, or stressors) long before the rest of the population.Dr. Aron captured the core features of this trait in an acronym she called DOES:D — Depth of processing: HSPs think deeply, reflect before acting, and notice subtleties that others miss.O — Overstimulation: Because they process so thoroughly, HSPs reach their threshold more quickly in high-stimulation environments.E — Emotional reactivity and Empathy: HSPs feel emotions intensely and are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them.S — Sensitivity to subtle stimuli: They pick up on things — in their environment, in social dynamics, in the body — that others simply don't register.As you can see, traits that are super powers, can become liabilities. The deep diver who loses sight of the big picture. The empath who absorbs everyone else's energy as their own energy becomes depleted. The person who withdraws from the world because the stimulation has simply become too much.HSP ResearchBeyond the clinical observations, there is now a growing body of neuroscience and genetic research supporting this trait. There is evidence that the brains of sensitive people are doing more, processing more and feeling more.fMRI studies (Acevedo, Aron et al., 2014) have shown that when HSPs view emotional images — particularly photos of loved ones expressing happiness or sadness — their brains show significantly greater activation in regions associated with awareness, empathy, and sensory integration.Twin studies show that Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) as defined by Dr. Aron is approximately 47% heritable. Small studies as opposed to large genome wide studies have focused on genetic variants involving dopamine and serotonin systems, such as a serotonin transport gene, a dopamine receptor gene, and COMT, which codes for the enzyme that metabolizes dopamine and norepinephrine.While this hints at a biochemical dimension, the HSP framework doesn't address this as directly as the other two models I'll discuss, nor does it explain the higher prevalence of physical health conditions in those who are highly sensitive.Research published in 2026 (Matsuzawa et al.) found that individuals high in SPS had substantially higher rates of depression (13.8%), anxiety disorder (10.5%), and developmental disorders, such as ADHD and ASD, compared to the general population.Despite this overlap with developmental disorders: unlike, ADHD, HSPs typically have excellent concentration in quiet environments. And unlike the social deficits described in ASD, HSPs tend to have heightened social attunement. They often feel too much of what's happening in social situations, not too little, even if they respond awkwardly at times.Research shows that high sensory processing sensitivity is associated with more frequent physical symptoms — back pain, fatigue, digestive issues, frequent illness.What This Framework OffersThe HSP model has given millions of people validation and a language for these traits that has allowed them to shift from “what is wrong with me” to “this is how I am wired.”It also offers an evolutionary reframe. High sensitivity is not a mistake and is not pathologic. It is a feature of the human population that has served us.What it doesn't offer is a biological explanation for why some sensitive people suffer so acutely — or a path toward biochemical intervention. II. PYRROLE DISORDERPyrrole disorder is a biochemical imbalance that has been recognized for decades, though it remains largely unknown in mainstream psychiatry. It involves an overproduction of pyrroles — metabolic byproducts that, on their own, are not a problem. When they are high, however, they can result in a depletion of zinc, B6 and a few other nutrients.First identified in the 1950s and first treated with zinc and B6 in the 1980s, pyrrole disorder is one of the most common nutrient imbalances found in brain-related conditions — and one of the most treatable. Yet most people who have it have never heard of it. I learned about pyrroles in 2014 when I first trained with the Walsh Research Institute.The Importance of Zinc, B6 & MagnesiumVitamin B6 is required to synthesize dopamine, serotonin, and GABA — three of the most critical neurotransmitters for mood regulation, anxiety, and stress response. Zinc plays a profound role in the central nervous system, the immune system, gastrointestinal tract (which we now know has its own significant influence on brain health) and connective tissue (joints and skin).Pyrrole Disorder Traits & SymptomsThe most consistent feature is low stress tolerance. People with elevated pyrroles are often described as those for whom life seems harder than it should be, every transition can be destabilizing and every large group or new environment feels like too much.The overlap with the HSP profile is striking, but here, we start to see not only traits, but symptoms.- Socially anxious, shy, or fearful since childhood, with severe inner tension- Sensitive to bright light, loud noises, textures, and odors- Avoids crowds, strangers, and new situations- History of reading difficulty- Poor short-term memory- Underachievement- Irritability, mood swings, bouts of depression- Tends to stay up late; little or no dream recall; morning nausea- White spots on fingernails; very dry skin; stretch marks; poor wound healing- Joint pain- Frequent infections or autoimmune tendenciesMost people with pyrrole disorder don't have all of these symptoms — but the inner tension, the high sensitivity, and low stress intolerance are very common.What the Data ShowsThe Walsh Research Institute has collected data on over 30,000 patients. Elevated pyrroles were found in:* 18% of those with ADHD* 24% of those with depression* 28% of those with behavioral disorders* 35% of those with autism* 35% of those with bipolar disorder* 30% of those with schizophrenia* 12% of those with PTSDAnd in only 8% of healthy controls — meaning those with no psychiatric diagnosis.What Causes Pyrrole Disorder?For many, there appears to be a genetic component, but for others, pyrroles appear to have increased due to high physiologic or emotional stress. Examples include candida overgrowth or other forms of gut microbial imbalances, mold toxicity, heavy metals, chemical exposures, illness, emotional trauma, major life transitions or even growth spurts in children.What This Framework Brings UsRelative to the HSP framework, an understanding of pyrroles gives a specific, treatable biological mechanism. When zinc, B6, Magnesium and other nutrients are depleted, we know how the brain's neurotransmitter functioning is affected — and we know what to do about it.Treatment from a Walsh Research Institute trained practitioner typically involves a nutrient protocol of zinc (based on zinc and copper testing), B6 or its active form P5P, and other nutrients for pyrrole disorder and other nutrient imbalances identified. For many patients, a lifetime of chronic inner tension and fearfulness begins to shift within days to a couple of weeks of starting the nutrients.Treatment doesn't change one's personality, but it can improve social discomfort, overwhelm, the anxiety, the depression that has been layered on top of that sensitivity.Where zinc deficiency can impact a lot of the physical conditions that appear to be more common in those who are hypersensitive, it doesn't fully explain the significant hormonal, inflammatory, connective tissue symptoms and autoimmunity we see in many who are hypersensitive.III. RCCX THEORYRCCX theory has been proposed by Dr. Sharon Meglathery, MD — a psychiatrist and internist whose own complex health history (which is very similar to my own) led her to one of the most compelling explanations I've encountered for why hypersensitivity, neurodivergence, psychiatric conditions, MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and/or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and autoimmunity tend to cluster together in certain individuals and families.RCCX refers to a module of four genes on chromosome 6. Three of them appear to be particularly important to our health, and two of those have very high rates of mutation.The Three Key Genes(1) TNXB codes for a protein involved in connective tissue. Variants range from subtle joint hypermobility to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. But connective tissue isn't just about joints — it's also about the permeability of the gut-blood barrier, the blood-brain barrier, and vulnerability to upper cervical (neck) instability, which can put tension on the vagus nerve and affect the entire autonomic nervous system.(2) CYP21A2 is the most important gene in the module when it comes to psychiatric conditions. It codes for 21-hydroxylase, an enzyme needed to convert 17-hydroxyprogesterone into cortisol. When there is a mutation — and there can be many, of varying degrees — the body may struggle to meet the demand for cortisol under stress. A weakness on this gene could have two primary effects:First — The theory holds that many people with CYP21A2 mutations, even without hypermobility, may develop what Dr. Meglathery calls a “brain wired for danger” — essentially, a nervous system calibrated toward threat detection from early in life, with minimal trauma required. A mutation on CYP21A2 may essentially result in relatively higher androgens impacting the amygdala — the brain's fear and emotional center. Studies have found that hypermobile individuals (who often carry TNXB mutations) have a larger-than-normal amygdala.Second — because of this mutation, the body may not be able to keep up with the body's need for cortisol (especially when under stress). This deficit causes the brain to release corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to signal the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. CRH binds to mast cells and activates the immune system — leading to secondary brain inflammation. This is the inflammatory pathway that can result in a number of secondary health issues including MCAS, CIRS, POTS, CFS and more.(3) C4 is involved in immune response and autoimmunity, and has been linked to schizophrenia. This gene variant is not as common as the first two referenced, though I do see a number of families who also have autoimmunity impacting multiple family members.The CAPS Psychological ProfileDr. Meglathery uses the term CAPS — CYP21A2 Mutation Associated Neuropsychiatric Spectrum — to describe the psychological profile she has observed in people with this genetic vulnerability. These traits can exist long before any formal psychiatric diagnosis, and they are not inherently pathological. - Anxiety and over-arousal during times of stress — high adrenaline, insomnia, sometimes manic-like characteristics- Under-arousal during low-stress periods — leading to ADD presentations, compulsive behaviors, or thrill-seeking to raise arousal- High emotionality, sensitivity, and reactivity to environmental stimuli- Sensory processing difficulties — typically over-stimulation in loud or chaotic environments- A strong ability to read emotions in others, paired with social awkwardness in response- Easily affected by events others would consider minor — an offhand comment, a disturbing movie- A tendency toward nonconformity- Special abilities: gifted musicians, scientists, creatives, systems thinkers- Hyper-focus and obsession with areas of deep interest, often leading to remarkable accomplishments- High tenacity and determination, when not derailed by overstimulation or past trauma- Strong emotions — positive or negative — that can manifest as obsessional worrying, harm avoidance, OCD tendencies, or very high standards for self and othersDr. Meglathery also notes — and I have observed this clinically — that people with this profile tend to find each other through friendships, partnerships and marriage. They are drawn together by shared sensitivities, emotional depth, and intellectual gifts. This means children are likely to receive a tendency towards CAPS from both sides.Women who are appear to have CYP21A2 mutations often have a male-pattern finger length ratio — the ring finger longer than the index finger — a possible marker of androgen exposure during development.What RCCX OffersRCCX theory offers the broadest biological framework we have for understanding why sensitivity, psychiatric vulnerability, and complex chronic illness so often travel together in the same people and families. It connects the nervous system, the immune system, the hormonal system, and connective tissue under one genetic umbrella.It also points toward specific interventions: nervous system regulation (limbic retraining, vagal work), mast cell management, and addressing the downstream biochemical consequences of cortisol dysregulation.The limitation is that genetic testing for variants on the gene for 21-hydroxylase is not yet widely available, which is why this isn't a gene that you'll see referenced when it comes to HSP, though I would argue it is likely the most prevalent. RCCX remains a clinical theory — but one that explains the constellation of traits and symptoms of most of the people that I in my practiceIV. WHERE THESE MODELS INTERSECTWhere Might Pyrrole Disorder and RCCX Theory Meet?The symptom overlap is almost complete: poor stress tolerance, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, inner tension, connective tissue symptoms, frequent infections, autoimmune tendencies. Relatively low zinc would impact most of these shared symptoms, but there may be a potentially deeper connection.21-hydroxylase contains a pyrrole-like structure — heme — within it. Could a mutation resulting in abnormal 21-hydroxylase lead to a buildup of abnormal heme-like compounds, contributing directly to pyrrole disorder? This is not proven, but in an exchange about this with Dr. Meglathery, she indicated that she also believes there is a strong association, and the biochemical logic is compelling.This matters, because we know what helps pyrrole disorder. We have a treatment — treatment that can complement what RCCX theory makes evident — that the stress response has to be addressed.Stress (again from any cause - physiologic or emotional) is the great amplifier across all three models. Stress worsens the HSP experience, and tips the CYP21A2 mutation from manageable to destabilizing (through the hormonal consequences and the inflammatory cascade) and yes, it even causes pyrroles to increase.BRINGING IT TOGETHERFor someone who is highly sensitive, and struggling with brain related or physical symptoms or conditions, pyrrole disorder and even RCCX theory are worth considering because they offer tools and start to answer, “What Can We Do About It?”The three frameworks work together:The HSP model offers validation and language. It shifts the frame from deficit to difference. It reminds us that sensitivity is not pathology — it is a trait with evolutionary value, and it comes with great strengths.The Pyrrole model offers a treatable nutrient imbalance. It explains, at the neurotransmitter level, why stress hits harder for these individuals. Treatment doesn't take away the sensitivity; it lifts the weight that has accumulated on top of it.The RCCX model offers the broadest systems view. It connects the dots between what the body is doing — the immune activation, the hormonal dysregulation, the connective tissue involvement — and the psychiatric and psychological profile that tends to accompany it. It also provides additional tools: nervous system regulation, mast cell support, hormonal awareness.If any of this resonates — the sensitivity, the inner tension, the feeling of always being at the edge of overwhelm — please know that there are roots to explore and meaningful paths forward.If you are looking for someone trained by the Walsh Research Institute knowledgeable in assessing for and treating pyrrole disorder (and other common nutrient imbalances impacting brain health), or learning more about Dr. Aron's work on HSP and Dr. Meglathery's RCCX theory, I am providing those links below.And as always, I welcome your thoughts, experience and questions.Until next time,CourtneyAbout the AuthorDr. Courtney Snyder MD is a Holistic and Functional Child and Adult Psychiatrist who offers non-patient consultations to individuals and practitioners nationally and internationally in addition to her treatment practice serving FL, IN, KY, OH. Her educational content, shared through her website, Substack Newsletter, the Holistic Psychiatry Podcast and YouTube Channel reaches readers and listeners in over 160 countries.ResourcesWalsh Research Institute: walshinstitute.orgRCCX Theory — Dr. Sharon Meglathery: rccxandillness.comDr. Elaine Aron — The Highly Sensitive Person: hsperson.comOther Sources: Acevedo et al. 2014, “The Highly Sensitive Brain,” Brain & Behavior | Matsuzawa et al. 2026, Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences ReportsMedical Disclaimer:This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Glen Jeffery, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology and a leading expert on how light interacts with mitochondria to shape health and aging. Today, he discusses how red and near-infrared light penetrate deep into the body and improve mitochondrial function and overall health. We also discuss how detrimental modern indoor life has become and why expensive red light panels are likely unnecessary and possibly harmful.By the end, you'll understand sunlight as a biological input your body evolved to depend on and the low-cost, practical steps you can take to get more of it.FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://l1nk.dev/bjuu235 Sponsor: Shadowmap  https://app.shadowmap.org/?ref=jonathan&discount=JONATHANJ Code: JONATHANJ   Sponsor: Ra Opticshttps://www.raoptics.com/JONATHANJ Code: JONATHANJ About this guest:Academic Profile: https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/7465 Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=UYlObKkAAAAJ&hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-jeffery-441a2b1b/ Timestamps:00:16 Intro02:46 Dr. Glen Jeffery03:14 Love for Science, Undergraduate04:24 Tiina Karu, Photobiomodulation Origins, Mechanisms 06:14 Mechanisms, Cytochrome C Oxydase, Nanowater, Electron Flow10:56 Cytochrome C Oxydase, Extra-Pineal Melatonin, Oxidative Stress12:45 Gerald Pollack, Exclusion Zone (EZ) Water13:45 Red/IR Light Passes Through the Human Body; Optics18:09 Red Light On Fruit Flies; Lifespan, ATP Production21:15 Human Epidemiology; Sunlight, Lifespan, All-Cause Mortality22:35 Sponsor: Shadowmap23:30 Features and Benefits of Shadow Map25:02 Incandescents, lifespan, and more25:02 Incandescent Light Produces the Oldest Flies; Broad Band IR on Lifespan25:48 Incandescent Light Bulbs, Vision 28:19 Evolutionarily Conserved Mitochondria29:03 Long-Wavelength Light & Blood Glucose; Mitochondria32:50 Unpublished CGM Data; Long-Wavelength Light & Blood Glucose36:57 Are Red Light Panels Harmful?; Light Intensities, Precautions, Mitigations43:56 Why Do We See Beneficial Effects From Long-Wavelength Therapy? 46:43 Short-Wavelength Blue Light, Mitochondria, Mechanism49:08 The Built Environment, Actionable Steps 52:24 Sponsor: Ra Optics54:24 Flicker55:24 Retinal Health, Blue Light, Red/IR Light59:09 Clinical Trial for Mitochondrial Disease; Ptosis, Red Light01:02:31 Biophotons, Mitochondrial Communication, Red/NIR on Biophotons 01:13:54 Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Social Media, Substack Newsletter

Click here to subscribe to the Substack Newsletter that runs alongside this podcast to get all Lisa's recommendations on what to wear. Super Styling with Lisa Gillbe Are you looking to refine your personal style but unsure where to start? In this episode, Lisa Gillbe shares actionable strategies to understand and articulate your unique style, especially suited for summer wardrobes. Key Topics: The importance of questioning why you do or don't wear certain pieces, especially seasonal wardrobe items Decluttering your wardrobe to reveal your current style and preferences Creating a Pinterest board that represents your holistic self, beyond just fashion Using the three-word method to distill and describe your personal style with adjectives Tapping into your gut instincts to identify what makes you feel great or uncomfortable in clothing Recognizing recurring themes in your style journey and how to adapt them over time The significance of personality traits and personal preferences in shaping your wardrobe choices Timestamps: 00:00 - Why questioning your wardrobe choices clarifies your personal style 00:28 - Decluttering as a tool for revealing your current style 00:56 - Using Pinterest to explore your aesthetic beyond fashion 01:22 - Incorporating home decor and lifestyle elements into style insights 01:49 - The three-word method for defining your personal style with adjectives 02:17 - How your personality influences your clothing choices 02:47 - Narrowing down choices by understanding what works for you 03:14 - The power of descriptive adjectives in setting style guardrails 03:43 - How personal style reflects who you are and your personality 04:10 - Tapping into your instincts to identify what you love or dislike in clothing 04:39 - The importance of buying pieces you love and understanding why they resonate 05:07 - Recognizing recurring themes and evolving your style over time 05:35 - Encouragement to subscribe for more insights and personal style guidance Resources & Links: Substack: Style Power with Lisa Gillbe — Join for ongoing style tips and community Connect with Lisa Gilby: Instagram Website Feel empowered to question, reflect, and craft a personal style that truly speaks to who you are!. Want to ask a question for Lisa to answer on this podcast? Email Lisa@lisagillbestyle.com

You don't have to become more powerful. You may just need to remember the power that was already yours. Amy and Ashley explore the deeply human meaning of power. Not the loud, domineering kind, but the quiet inner knowing that helps us stop outsourcing our worth. Together, they unpack what happens when success, expectations, imposter syndrome, and old stories pull us away from ourselves. Ashley shares how she is reclaiming her own power through vulnerability, creativity, nature, breath, and writing, while Amy offers grounding insight into the daily practices that help us return to ourselves. This episode is a reminder for every people-first leader: you are not a problem to fix. You are a person invited to remember.   Additional Resources: Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn Subscribe to Ashley's Substack Newsletter! Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Power is remembered, not earned. Vulnerability becomes easier when power stays internal. Imposter syndrome signals forgotten self-trust. Daily practices protect your inner knowing. You are not a problem to fix.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 257 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah talk through some of their favorite book to screen adaptations, share some books they'd love to see adapted into film, as well as discuss their thoughts on books they read that have been turned into movies or television series.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyLibib (T)Arc Library App (T)Bobbie Goods Coloring Books (H)Latest ReadJohn of John | Douglas Stuart (T)Recitatif | Toni Morrison (H)Book Talk + Book to Screen AdaptationsStrangers Behind Closed Doors | Catherine Adel West (T)The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes | Suzanne Collins (H)Shutter Island | Dennis LeHane (T)The Bookshop | Penelope Fitzgerald (H)Shelf AdditionNine Lives | Catherine Steadman (T)Games: A Love Story | Anna Maria Volkova (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

This week on What the Smut Are You Talking About Podcast, we're joined by romance author Ambar Cordova for a conversation filled with books, chaos, cowboy romance, writing confessions, and some of the most unhinged research we've heard all season.Ambar writes real, raw, and romantic multicultural love stories that tackle life's messier moments while still delivering the happily ever after romance readers crave. We chat about her journey from reader to author, how a Notes App idea turned into a publishing career, and why she believes writing chose her.We also dive into her upcoming release, Leave Me Again (releases 6/26/26), the first book in the brand-new Riverbank Ranch shared world series, co-created with romance authors Holly Luckie and Lo Everett...Follow Ambar Cordova on InstagramAmbar Cordova BooksAmbar's Website..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastCortneyMarySend us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 256 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah talk about the types of thriller and horror novels that are perfect to read in summer months! We chat all things thrills & chills and chat a bit about summerween traditions.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyJoJo Gemstone Choker Necklace (T)Byoma Phyto-Mucin Glow Serum (H)Latest ReadThe One Day You Were My Husband | Rosie Walsh (T)One True Loves | Taylor Jenkins ReidLaura DaveThis Story Might Save Your Life | Tiffany CrumThe Wishing Spell | Chris Colfer (H)Book Talk + Books We Missed Out OnJanelle BrownJulie ClarkThe God of the Woods | Liz MooreGabby's YouTube ChannelThe Troop | Nick CutterThe Compound | Aisling RawleMarion | Leah Rowan (T)Sundial | Catriona Ward (H)Why Catriona Ward Decided To Explore TheAbhorrent World of Animal Testing - Article on Crime readsThe Other | Annie Neugebauer (T)The Last Time I Lied | Riley SagerSurvive the Night | Riley SagerLock Every Door | Riley Sager Final Girls | Riley SagerShelf AdditionThe Calamities | Chuck Wendig (T)The Odyssey | Homer (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

This week on What the Smut Are You Talking About Podcast, we are joined by New York Times bestselling romance author, Sara Cate for an author interview full of romance books, writing chaos, messy men, kink clubs, and unhinged thoughts.Sara is known for her kink-positive, queer-friendly romance books with emotional plots, toe-curling heat, and book boyfriends who are absolute walking chaos. We talk all about her writing process, what it's like to plot a book only for the characters to go completely off the rails, and why the messiest fictional men are sometimes the most fun to write.Whether you're a longtime Sara Cate reader, obsessed with the Salacious Players Club, loving the Salacious Legacy series, or just looking for your next spicy romance book recommendation, this episode is for you.Grab your beverage of choice, settle in, and come hang out and see What the Smut we are Talking About this week. ..Follow Sara Cate on InstagramSara Cate BooksSara's Website..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastCortneyMarySend us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 255 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah share some analog friendly loving latelies to continue to help you stay off your phone this summer and cure your brain rot! We also share some thoughts on new books that have released recently, as well as some thoughts on tropes we love, book tropes we hate, book tropes we anticipate being popular as well as the ones that are already buzzing around in the publishing world.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving Lately@Tabletopfamily (T)These Books Will Heal Your Brain Rot (H)Latest ReadOpen Wide | Jessica Gross (T)The Night Tiger | Yangsze Choo (H)Book Talk + Books We Missed Out OnBuffalo Hunter HunterCoffin MoonTrad Wife | Saratoga Schaefer (T)Nothing Tastes as Good | Luke DumasTropesick  | Lauren Okie (H)Dissection of a Murder | Jo Murray (T) The Fountain | Casey Scieszka (H)Shelf AdditionBack Stabbers | Eliza Jabore (T)They All Fall in Love at the End | Haili Blassingame (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

This week on What the Smut Are You Talking About, we're welcoming back romance author Victoria Wilder for a chaotic, bookish catch-up that is packed with romance books, writing talk, unhinged thoughts, and all things romantic suspense.Victoria joins us to chat about her writing journey, her fan-favorite Bourbon Boys series, and her upcoming release, Rumors & Whiskey, the first book in her brand-new Whiskey Women series. We dive into everything from feral gremlin writing habits and deadline panic to hidden identities, found family, witness protection, true crime podcasts, and the art of writing grumpy-not-cowboy book boyfriends that readers can't stop obsessing over.Whether you're a longtime Victoria Wilder fan, a lover of romantic suspense, or you're looking for your next romance book obsession, this episode is for you.Follow Victoria Wilder on InstagramVictoria Wilder BooksVictoria's Website..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastCortneyMarySend us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

Dr. Max Gulhane (MD) is a practising family medicine physician and health-optimising physician with a passion for root-cause analysis of human chronic disease and longevity. We discuss the full solar spectrum and how ultraviolet, visible, blue, red and near-infrared light each affect human physiology, including the POMC pathway, nitric oxide and blood pressure, and the evidence on sunlight, skin cancer and the vitamin D paradox. We discuss how artificial light at night suppresses melatonin and disrupts the circadian control of DNA repair, cardiovascular health, and metabolism. For those interested in light and circadian health, Dr. Gulhane offers a grounded, mechanism-focused framework for aligning daily light exposure with human biology.Full Show Notes here. Thank you to our sponsorDaylight Computer: daylightcomputer.com (code JONATHANJ for $25 off)Dr. Max GulhaneWebsite: https://www.drmaxgulhane.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxgulhanemd/X: https://x.com/MaxGulhaneMDYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maxgulhanemd/Recommended lectures:Sunlight & Cancer: Beyond Skin Deep — https://youtu.be/SJGvr6dGOgQArtificial Light & Diabetes: No Food Required — https://youtu.be/vgrFpPusSKUWhat Your Cardiologist Doesn't Know About Sunlight & Heart Health — https://youtu.be/NaeqPHEM-d0Jonathan JareckiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanjarecki/X: https://x.com/jonathanjareckiNewsletter: https://jonathanjarecki.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips00:00 Intro03:25 Dr. Max Gulhane04:02 Dr. Gulhane's Love for Science and Medicine09:01 What is Light?12:52 Sunlight Broken Down as a Nutrient14:02 Ultraviolet Light: Sunlight Is More Than Vitamin D15:56 POMC21:38 UVA/UVB on Cardiometabolic Health24:40 Big Picture of UV Light28:41 Sunlight, Skin Cancer, Dermatology Messaging, The Vitamin D Paradox35:10 Blue Light, Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), Mechanisms38:50 Sponsor: Daylight Computer40:34 ALAN, Epidemiology, Cancer, Heart Disease45:04 DNA Repair Mechanisms, Circadian Control47:27 Melanopsin (OPN4), Blue Light, UV Susceptibility53:25 Red, Infrared, Photobiomodulation, Metabolism01:00:08 Blue Light, Metabolism, and the Built Environment01:05:19 Photobiology of Atherosclerosis01:10:11 Blue Light on Cardiovascular Function01:12:25 Three M's of Circadian Health01:18:43 Sunlight, Testosterone, and Reproductive Behavior01:24:14 Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Social Media, Substack Newsletter#science #sunlight #circadianrhythm

Are you on a government watchlist just for criticizing AI? SUPPORT MY WORK: Buy a paid subscription to my newsletter at usermag.co    Support my work on Patreon for bonus episodes, monthly Q&A livestreams, and more: http://patreon.com/taylorlorenz   A shocking new investigation from The Intercept reveals that police are tracking seemingly anyone who expresses skepticism or anger about the tech industry online. In this episode of Free Speech Friday, journalist Sam Biddle joins me to dive deep into a terrifying new report from The Intercept exposing how Philadelphia police officers admitted to monitoring legitimate First Amendment activity. Law enforcement documents show that specialized "Fusion Centers" are scanning social media, message boards, and Facebook to flag users posting anti-AI and anti-data center sentiments. Sam and I discuss the post-9/11 surveillance apparatus, how local police use tools like Data Miner to monitor online discussions, and why the Trump administration is aligning with tech billionaires and crypto lobbyists to turn AI into a national security priority. Is your private Signal group chat safe from police infiltration? Why are corporate platforms like Meta incentivized to censor anti-tech activism? We break down the chilling effect of mass surveillance and the elite effort to frame community civics and political advocacy as domestic extremism.SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM:This channel has ZERO sponsors and relies 100% on viewer support! Keep my reporting alive by subscribing:

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 254 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah share their thoughts on Japanese Gothic, their community read for May. They also share thoughts on books from the past they feel they missed out on, as well as chat through what they think about when they consider what it means to "miss out" on books.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyMonthly Meal Planning (T)Monitor Clip on Fan (H)Latest ReadJapanese Gothic | Kylie Lee Baker (T+H)Book Talk + Books We Missed Out OnBuckeyeAtmosphereDemon Copperhead | Barbara KingsolverLessons in Chemistry | Bonnie GarmusJane Eyre | Charlotte Bronte1984 | George OrwellThe Last Party | AR Torre (T)Buffalo Hunter Hunter | Stephen Graham Jones (H)Still Life | Louise Penny (T)The Deal | Elle Kennedy (H)Shelf AdditionNerve Damage | Annakeara Stinson (T)Liars Dice | Juliet Faithfull (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

Is you life chaotic? Same. So naturally, we're talking about the romance books we run back to when the world feels like one giant dumpster fire. In this episode, we're sharing our ultimate comfort reads that we consider our Roman Empire. The books, series, and fictional men that live rent-free in our heads forever.Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastCortneyMarySend us a DM, because we would love to hear from YOU!Send us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

The rules you're living by might not be real, but they might be running your life. Amy and Ashley have a powerful conversation about permission, identity, and the invisible rulebooks that keep high achievers, people pleasers, and perfectionists stuck. Together, they unpack how self-imposed rules show up in careers, relationships, entrepreneurship, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are allowed to become. From leaving behind old definitions of success to recognizing when busyness, people-pleasing, or perfectionism are actually protection mechanisms, Amy and Ashley challenge listeners to pause, question the rules, and start choosing action over overthinking. This episode is a call to stop living by scripts that no longer serve you and begin rewriting your life with more courage, clarity, and power.   Additional Resources: Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn Subscribe to Ashley's Substack Newsletter! Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: The rules you follow may be self-created. Awareness can feel painful before it liberates. Overthinking often protects you from action. Your identity can keep you stuck. Action helps rewrite old internal scripts.  

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 253 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah are joined by Phoebe Wright from @readandwright on bookstagram, and bookseller at Alice, Ever After in Buffalo, New York. We talk all things romance, pop culture, and of course, books! We hope you enjoy our lively, casual conversation and that your TBR stack grows taller for your summer reading.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyNeck Cream (T)Susan Lee Skin Care Recs (Phoebe)Real Housewives of Rhode IslandJamie Attenberg 1000 words of summerLatest Read & Books MentionedThe Echo Wife | Sarah Gailey (T)Tropesick | Lauren Okie (H)Nesting | Roisin O'Donnell (H)Other Books Mentioned - (Please make sure you're supporting Alice Ever After on Bookshop.org if you decide to purchase any of the following books!)Devney Perry BooksThis Story Might Save Your Life | Tiffany CrumThe Magic Treehouse BooksOur Guncle | Stephen RowleyDory Fantasmagory | Abby Hanlon (2nd-4th Grade)Dogman & Captain UnderpantsDragon Master Series | Tracy WestThe Princess in Black | Shannon HaleMail Duck | Erica SirotichBuffalo Fluffalo | Bess KalbSandwich and Wreck | Catherine NewmanNobody Tells You This But Me | Bess Kalb The Correspondent | Virginia EvansYesteryear | Caro Claire BurkeProject Hail Mary | Andy WierLegendborn | Tracy DionGood Girls Guide to Murder | Holly JacksonThe Guncle | Stephen RowleySamantha, the Next Chapter | Fiona DavisIf Not You | Ellen O'CloverSunflower Season | Danica NavaWhistler | Ann PatchetHollywood Ending | John GreenShelf AdditionsMarion: A Novel | Leah Rowen (T)If Not You | Ellen O'Clover (P)Flashlight | Susan Choi (H)@Aliceeverafterbooks on socialAliceeverafter.com@readandwright on socialThank you for listening and supporting the show!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

This week on What the Smut Are You Talking About Podcast, we are joined by indie romance author Lasairiona McMaster for an absolutely chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional conversation about romance books, fake dating, writing feral characters, and why queso should honestly be considered a personality trait.From MM hockey romance and mafia books to rugby romance, emotional damage, and perimenopause-fueled unhinged thoughts, this episode truly has everything.Lasairiona spills all the tea about:Writing emotionally wrecking romance booksFake dating, one night stands, brother's best friend romance, and found familyHer Cedar Rapids Raccoons hockey romance seriesHer rugby romance seriesHer upcoming MM hockey romance Splitting the DWhy tacos, queso, margaritas, and pie deserve their own supporting character creditsIf you love:Romance booksBookish podcastsIndie romance authorsHockey romanceRugby romanceFake datingEnemies to loversFound familyBrother's best friendOne night standsSpicy romance booksEmotional romance with humorUnhinged bookish conversations…then this episode is absolutely for you.Follow Lasairiona on InstagramLasairiona McMaster BooksLasairiona's Website..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastCortneyMarySend us a DM, because we would love to hear from YOU!Send us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

Surprise, you're getting a VPR Takeover bonus episode this week and this one is packed with romance books, chaotic energy, Disney tangents, hockey romance, and alien otter research.This week we're hanging out with romance author Jenn Chipman, she writes heroes who fall first, fall hard, and fully spiral over their women, aka exactly what we live for around here.If you love: Romance books  Romance author interviews  Bookish podcasts  Hockey romance  Workplace romance  Enemies to lovers  Friends with benefits  Heroes who fall first  Interconnected standalone series  Chaos-filled book discussions  Unhinged reader conversations …then welcome home, bestie. Follow Jenn Chipman on InstagramBuy Jenn Chipman BooksJenn Chipman Website..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastCortneyMarySend us a DM, because we would love to hear from YOU!Send us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 252 of Book Talk, Etc. Tina and Hannah share their 20 most anticipated summer releases. They also share what they've been loving lately, their latest reads, and chat about how they built their summer reading lists.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyCountertop Ice Maker - Govee (T)Murdle Mystery Puzzle Activity Book (H)Latest ReadFive | Ilona Bannister (T)One Star Romance | Laura Hankin (H)SUMMER BONANZAPlant Lady | Minyoung KangHelpness | Jessica KnollLittle Wonder | Sophie Chen KellerTake What You Can | Naima CosterThe Spin | Faith GardnerEverything to the SeaThe Open Era | Edward SchmidtThe Great Wherever | Shannon SandersFamous Men | Julie BuntinKeep Them Close | David EllisNothing to My Name | Kangkang Li KovacsHeart of Glass | Jennifer HillierTropesick | Lauren OkieThe Secret Dinner | Raphael MontezWhistler | Ann PatchettThe Windsor Affair | Melanie BenjaminThe Children | Melissa AlbertThe Lowe Job | Grace AlexanderLand | Maggie O'FarrellStrangers Behind Closed Doors | Catherine Adel WestCurrent ReadsTrad Wife | Saratoga Schaefer (T)Nesting | Roisin O'Donnell (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

Welcome back, Book Nerds! This week we're bringing the chaos straight to Nashville because we're talking all things Smutmas in the Smokies 2026 — the romance author signing event happening July 17-18 in Nashville, TN… and yes, What the Smut will officially be there as a vendor!We're joined by our Booksta bestie Jess from @thebookishclaus, the mastermind behind Smutmas in the Smokies, and y'all… this episode is packed with romance books, author event chaos, unhinged thoughts, and all the bookish shenanigans you expect from us.We dive into: The lineup of romance authors, narrators, and vendors coming to Smutmas Sports romance, forced proximity, fake dating, and favorite romance tropes Why Hallmark movies are elite comfort viewing Parenting feral children while surviving on caffeine and delusion Why people driving slow in the left lane should absolutely move over immediatelyJess also shares behind-the-scenes details about building a first-year romance book signing event, supporting indie romance authors, and creating a space where readers can discover new-to-them authors, narrators, and vendors.If you love: Romance books Bookish podcasts Indie romance authors Sports romance Forced proximity & one bed tropes Bookstagram chaos Christmas in July vibes…then this episode was made for you.Smutmas in the Smokies Details:

When you've done everything "right," the title, the success, the status, but still feel off course, what comes next? In this raw and revealing kickoff to the Not Sorry series on Conscious Conversations, Amy welcomes her new thought partner, Dr. Ashley Butler, for a soul-deep conversation about identity, permission, and shedding the expectations that no longer serve us. Ashley shares her courageous journey from the operating room to entrepreneurship, to a necessary pause and radical reinvention. She opens up about walking away from a high-powered medical career, shutting down a mission-driven business, and facing the uncomfortable silence of not knowing what's next. What emerges is a powerful message about reclaiming agency over your life, not out of apology, but from radical honesty. With her signature mix of vulnerability and clarity, Ashley unpacks the three pillars that now guide her path: Permission, Power, and Purpose. This episode isn't about quitting, it's about choosing again, and doing it for the right reasons. If you've ever asked yourself, "Whose life am I really living?" this one's for you. And it's only the beginning.   Additional Resources: Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn Subscribe to Ashley's Substack Newsletter! Subscribe to Conscious Habit on YouTube! Join the "Conscious Conversations" Community! Connect with Amy on LinkedIn Learn more about Conscious Habit Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: True healing starts by pausing, not pushing forward. Titles don't define worth or future direction. Living for others leads to quiet self-abandonment. Purpose evolves, let it grow with you. Permission is the first step to realignment.  

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 251 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah chat about some new book releases, as well as discuss the woes of starting a new book, and how they set themselves up for success when it comes to cracking open a new read.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyHobonichi Cousin A5 (T)Pilot Fixon Erasable PensJet PensAnalog Basket (H)Siece Campbell TikTokLatest ReadForget You Saw Her | Noelle Ihli (T)Ask for AndreaInto the Blue  | Emma Brodie (H)Book Talk and EDNRStarting a book wellA Good Person | Kirsten King (T)Homebound | Portia Elan (H)Nothing Tastes as Good | Luke Dumas (T) Ruins | Lily Brooks Dalton (H)Shelf Addition:Hollow Bones | Jodi Picoult (T)Love Felt Like This | Julie Olivia (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

Welcome back book besties to What the Smut Are You Talking About Podcast, your weekly dose of romance books, bookish chaos, and completely unhinged conversations about fictional men we absolutely should not trust but definitely do.Today we sit down with debut indie romance author Laiken Rhodes for her first-ever podcast interview. And yes, we did everything in our power to make it memorable.Laiken dives into her dark, twisty romance world filled with unreliable characters, secret societies, morally gray chaos, and enough plot twists to make your Kindle smoke. We talk about everything from her chaotic writing process (plotter? feral gremlin? answer: yes) to her obsession with tiny details readers will absolutely miss.We get into: Writing dark romance with unreliable narrators and morally questionable decisions Building a secret society full of lies, betrayal, and emotional damage  The very questionable things she had to Google for research (yes, FBI watchlists were discussed)  Hidden details in Deceiving Their Minds that only Laiken is currently obsessed with  Cliffhangers, rapid releases, and why Book 2 is going to emotionally ruin you Of course, Cort and Mary also bring their usual chaos: Diet Coke vs. water vs. “is coffee still acceptable at noon?”  Unhinged thoughts about laundry, gender double standards, and fictional immortality  Book recs, current reads, and why Kindle chargers are a myth created to torment us all If you love:  romance book podcasts  indie romance authors  dark romance, mafia romance vibes, and secret society chaos  unfiltered bookish conversations  morally gray men who should be arrested immediately…then this episode is your new personality.Grab your snacky snack, your beverage of choice (hydration optional), and come hang out with us as we officially ask the very important question:What the smut are we talking about this week?Follow Laiken Rhodes on InstagramLaiken Rhodes BooksLaiken Rhodes Website..Apply to be a Guest on our showSign up for our Substack Newsletter..Support Our Show (May Include Affiliate Links)Amazon Product Links (Books, Shows, Products mentioned)Sponsorship or Ad Affiliate InquiriesWell Read Candle Company - WhatTheSmut10 saves you $$Audible Free TrialKindle Unlimited Free Trial..Where to Find UsWe are the most active on InstagramWhatTheSmutPodcastCortneyMarySend us a DM, because we would love to hear from YOU!Send us a voice noteWell Read Candle Co10% Off WHATTHESMUT10 Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 250 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah are joined by the Book Talk Etc.'s first co-host, Renee from @itsbooktalk! We're so excited to have Renee on today to celebrate the podcast's 5 year anniversary. We hope you enjoy the reunion!If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyLove Trapped - Podcast (T)Mr. B's Emporium of Reading Delights (R)Two Hot Takes - YouTube Podcast (H)Latest ReadOn A Quiet Street | Seraphina Nova Glass (T)Such A Good WifeThe Vanishing HourNever Far AwayPsychobabble | Joe Nucci (H)Kingfisher | Rozie Kelly (R)Mood Reads:Renee's SubstackSmile, or You're Doing it Wrong: A Journey from Rock Bottom to Redemption | Andy GlazeA Long Petal of the Sea | Isabel AllendeThe Caretaker | Marcus Kliewer (T)The Extra | Annie Neugebauer (H)Everything to the Sea | Alicia Upano (R ) Shelf Addition:Piranesi | Susanna Clarke (T)Automatic Noodle | Annalee Newitz (H)Somebody Worth Killing | Jessica Payne (R)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

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 249 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah share 10 upcoming May book releases that they are excited about. They also spend time discussing the very buzzy Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyTina's Fan (T)Sports Bra - She Fit (T)Moleskine Cahier Journal, Soft Cover (H)Campus notebooks (H)Amy Catriona on TikTok - Journal InspoLatest ReadYesteryear | Caro Claire Burke (T + H)May Books on the RadarFive  | Ilona Bannister (T)John of John | Douglas Stuart (H)Mercy Hill | Hannah Thurman (T)Make Me Better | Sarah Gailey (H)I Know A Place | Nat Cassidy (T)This Dark Night: Emily Brontë, a Life | Deborah Lutz (T)I'll Watch Your Baby | Neena Viel (T)Ghalen | Walter Mosley (H)Take Me With You | Steven Rowley (T)Current ReadNothing Tastes as Good | Luke Dumas (T)Into the Blue | Emma Brodie (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

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 248 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah read books that have been recommended by booksellers through our regular series, Bookstore Browse.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Hand-sell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyShop Miss A (T)AOA Lipstick (T)Ollie Fresh Mint Fluoride Toothpaste (H)Latest ReadGreedy | Callie Kazumi  (T)Our Perfect Storm | Carley Fortune (H)Book Seller RecsKitchens of the Great Midwest | J. Ryan Stradal (T)Under the Rainbow | Celia LaskeyTheo of Golden | Allen Levi (H)Underlake | Erin L. McCoy (T)Between Friends and Lovers | Shirlene Obuobi (H)Shelf AdditionJane Austen's Bookshelf | Rebecca Romney (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

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 247 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah read some new releases as well as discuss how they decide what they are going to read, how they vet books before reading them + how reading book reviews transforms our own reading experiences.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyFrixion Erasable Pen (T)The Folio Society (H)Latest ReadA Sharp Endless Need | Mac Crane (T)Euphoria | Lily KingI Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself The Gifts of Imperfection | Brene Brown (H)Daring GreatlyNew ReleasesBoring Asian Female | Canwen Xu (T)The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances | Glenn Dixon (H)The Good Girl | Michelle Dunne (T)Adrift | Will Dean (H)Shelf AdditionAn Infinite Love Story | Chanel Cleeton (T)A Beast Slinks Toward Beijing | Alice Evelyn Yang (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

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 246 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah read books that their patrons pushed them to finally read! In this episode we also talk about recommending books – reader to reader – and tips on how to give a great book recommendation.If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Hand-sell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyPosting Facebook Reels (T)Bran Reel- How toTina TBR, etc. Facebook Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops (H)Latest ReadIt's Not Her | Mary Kubica (T)The Everlasting | Alix E. Harrow (H)Dark Matter | Blake CrouchPines | Blake CrouchPatron RecommendationsThe Last House on Needless Street | Catriona Ward (T)The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 1 | Beth Brower (H)Conclave | Robert Harris (T)The Girls Who Grew Big | Leila Mottley (H)Shelf AdditionHarmless | Miranda Shulman (T)Open, Heaven | Sean Hewitt (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

This is one of my favorite interviews! Today I'm talking with my friend, Dr. Tiffany Yecke Brooks, author of Gaslighted by God, Holy Ghosted, and her brand-new book, To Rebehold the Stars: Reimagining Faith After Deconstruction.If you've walked through the painful process of deconstructing the toxic theology you inherited, this conversation is going to knock your socks off. Drawing from Dante's Inferno (I know, right?!), classical literature, and deep theological study, Tiffany shows you how to create a new spiritual lexicon that actually reflects the heart of God.(Listen to find out what that even is!)This isn't about burning it all down. It's about holding up each piece to the light and deciding: Does this stay or go?