Friends Julia, Kelly, and Rachael discuss the newest books, trends and their never-ending TBR stacks. There will be laughs, great recommendations, and possibly (definitely) some spoilers. Tune in weekly and find out why these three have entirely ruined their dispositions with books. Want us to let you know what YOU should read? Fill out our google form and we'll recommend something to you on the podcast! https://forms.gle/QkN4uFtBTjnsGom88
Send us a textHi, Should-Heads! We're here with an unfortunate episode. We're not reading the way we should and we're trying to get that back. We're discussing the things that have worked for us in the past and what new ideas we may try. If you've got any ideas, please text us (the link is here in the notes!). We'll also happily take any book recommendations.Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
6/19/25 • 46:59
Send us a textShould-Heads, this is probably going to be a dangerous episode for you to listen to. First, our favorite reading enthusiast Kathy Coe is back, so automatically, you know it'll be fun. We've got a list of the best books we've read so far this year and the five books we're each most excited to read before Labor Day. LINKS MENTIONED: AI Summer Reading AI Prompt in Published Book AI and James FreyTwitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
6/3/25 • 83:10
Send us a textWe can't believe it, Should-Heads, but our podcast is five years old! We discuss our favorite episodes and guests, plus goals of where we would like to go from here. We've also got very fun stories about Julia, forever our Kristy Thomas. LINKS MENTIONED: Baltimore convention goes very wrong Judy Blume's novel Forever... is on Netflix now New Thursday Next novel! Christmas Peanut Butter Balls recipe episode!Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
5/20/25 • 80:12
Send us a textYou Should Read: Stephen King! (With special guest Mom of the Pod Becky Hall)! Should-Heads, our favorite mom is back to discuss Stephen King! We've got great recommendations for you and no matter your comfort level with horror, there are a handful of stories you'll love without losing any sleep. Links mentioned: John LithgowOpen letter asking him to quit Boleyn Traitor!Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
5/13/25 • 74:39
Send us a textHello, Should-Heads! We had such a great time with this episode a few weeks back that we decided to make it a regular feature. Our friend Kathy came back to help us choose what our next reads should be and we discuss how this experiment went last time. Also, you can text the podcast now! There's a link in each episode's show notes. Feel free to request our help or to give us recommendations. This is a new thing that Buzzsprout is doing and we're excited to see what happens. Links mentioned: Dangerous Liaisons as a K-Drama Julie Murphy and Jonathan Van Ness are Co-Writing a Book Just One Day is going to be a TV ShowTwitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
5/6/25 • 64:11
Send us a textShould-Heads, we’ve talked about doing starter kit episodes for years but we’re finally doing it! Every starter kit episode will feature at least one but usually two authors with extensive backlists and we’ll help you figure out where to start. Links mentioned:The Testaments: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/handmaids-tale-sequel-the-testaments-hulu-cast-1236353125/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20Handmaid's%20Tale%E2%80%9D%20sequel%20series,Brad%20Alexander%20and%20Mabel%20Li.Tim Curry’s Memoir: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tim-curry/vagabond/9780306835841/Girl Scout Cookie locator: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/cookies/how-to-buy-cookies.htmlTwitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
4/22/25 • 60:37
Send us a textAs you know, we’re very in love with books…but we’re also in love with TV and movies. When we find a fictional place that feels like home, sometimes we find additional stories that let us stay there a bit longer. Our friend Amanda stops by to discuss her favorite fanfic stories. Links:Independent Bookstore Day catalog https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day-2025-exclusives-catalogSugarquill ArchivedAfter The End on Fanfiction.net Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
4/15/25 • 75:30
Send us a textHello, Should-Heads! We're giant fans of the Book of the Month Club and we've been subscribers for years. Mom of the Pod Becky comes on and we discuss our favorite picks and the ones we hope to get to soon. Book News: Tori Woods and Daddy's Little ToyAnd there's an update! She was arrested.For Fun!Mom's Advent Calendar Minisode EpisodeTwitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
4/1/25 • 65:52
Send us a textYou Should Read: All the Book News! (a minisode) Should-Heads, you wouldn't believe what's going on these days. There's so much book news that we needed a special episode just to break it all down. (And as a bonus, Rachael and Kelly give an update on how their reading resolutions are going.) STORIES MENTIONED: Roxane Gay's book list Louise Penny Romance novel pulled pre-publication JD Barker's contest (preorder the book)Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
3/25/25 • 40:02
Send us a textWe’re not sure if there’s ever been a time when Rachael, Kelly AND our guest host Kathy have all been unsure of what to read next.Fortunately, we’re better at choosing for other people…Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
3/18/25 • 69:53
Send us a textHi, Should-Heads! Kindred Spirit of the Pod Bekki joins us to discuss books about friendship. We examine the differences between friendship and found family and, of course, a lot of book recs.Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
3/11/25 • 60:48
Send us a textWelcome back Should-Heads! Today we are joined by Dr. Sherna Ann Phillips to discuss more books by Black Authors! This time we are focusing on books that highlight different types of Love. Enjoy!Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
3/4/25 • 60:44
Send us a textShould-Heads, this episode will take you on quite a journey. AI has been increasingly prevalent and controversial of late, and so we talked to author Martha Brockenbrough about what all this means and what, if anything, can be done. Links mentioned:No more blurbs: https://lithub.com/in-a-dazzling-move-simon-schuster-is-dropping-their-blurbs-requirement/Author apologizes for AI gaffe: https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/1i2nt9o/k_c_crowne_and_the_use_of_ai/Find Martha Brockenbrough online: nothingtonovel.com Martha’s book on AI: https://bookshop.org/p/books/future-tense-how-we-made-artificial-intelligence-and-how-it-will-change-everything-martha-brockenbrough/19748869?ean=9781250765925&next=t&next=tTwitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
2/25/25 • 73:46
Send us a textWe’ve got a confession, Should-Heads. We’re not perfect. Our friend Christa joined us to discuss our bad book habits. We listen and we don’t judge (mostly).Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
2/18/25 • 40:20
Send us a textShould-Heads, have you ever wondered what’s wrong with Kelly? (It’s okay; she wonders too.)This episode answers that question.DISCLAIMER: Please forgive our sound and editing mishaps this episode - we were having some technical difficulties. We love you, Should-heads!Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
2/11/25 • 61:40
Send us a textWell, Should-Heads, we’re finally doing our last Zodiac recommendations, so if you’re a Taurus, Leo or Aquarius, you’ll want to take some notes. Links mentioned: Neil Gaiman.Vulture posted an article where they spoke with four of the five women who have accused Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting them. The article is explicit in spelling out their accusations. https://www.vulture.com/article/neil-gaiman-allegations-controversy-amanda-palmer-sandman-madoc.html Book Riot discussed it here https://bookriot.com/neil-gaiman-sexual-assault-victims-speak-out-vulture/ Some of his upcoming projects have been canceled; another Vulture article discusses which projects are canceled or otherwise changing. https://www.vulture.com/article/neil-gaiman-allegations-adaptations.html We’ve discussed this before, but it’s a conversation that definitely could stand to be revisited. What are your thoughts on separating the art from the artist? Does it matter what the accusations are? For example, is it acceptable to stay a JK Rowling fan, because IN MY OPINION she’s just an unhinged billionaire with deeply problematic beliefs? Is it only a problem if actual crimes are reportedly committed?And how should we weigh all of this when none of this art exists in a vacuum? Some of the people who work on JK Rowling’s books or TV/movie offerings are almost certainly trans. And the money generated by her books and movies would definitely go toward releasing books that deal with trans issues in a better and more accurate manner (as opposed to believing that every trans woman is just a man in a dress waiting to rape women in public bathrooms). How do we decide what to do here?And to end with GOOD book news, the movie Sing Sing is the first movie to get released in theaters and in correctional facilities. (It’ll be distributed to 1,100 facilities). The movie’s a true story about incarcerated men in Sing Sing who formed a theater group. Some of the movie’s cast were men who were in that troupe. https://bookriot.com/sing-sing-film-release-theaters-and-prisons/ Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
1/28/25 • 71:26
Send us a textShould-Heads, you know how much we love pop culture. It’s probably our favorite thing (except for books, obviously). Our friend Kristine came back to discuss our favorite books centering around pop culture (both nonfiction and fiction and dealing with any facet of pop culture).Links mentioned: Emily Henry’s Having a MomentTwitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
1/21/25 • 57:24
Send us a textWe hate to admit this, Should-Heads, but we can’t read everything.Today, Rachael and Kelly are joined by their friend Amanda to discuss the books they haven’t read. What are some of your overdue books?Links Mentioned:Fable controversyFable siteBooklyGoodreadsStorygraphTwitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
1/14/25 • 57:30
Send us a textWelcome back, and today we have a very special episode. One year ago today, we lost our beloved cohost/sister/friend Julia. Today we have just a few of her many loved ones on to talk about some bookish memories in her honor. Please enjoy this trip down memory lane with us. Side note: We recorded these about 8 months ago so keep that in mind our grief was very fresh and the topics get pretty raw and real, so keep the tissues handy. Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
1/11/25 • 47:00
Send us a textHey Should Heads! Welcome back. Today we are joined by our tastemaker of the pod, Kathy Coe! Kathy is here to help us discuss the books we are most excited to see released in 2025! You won't want to miss this one. Follow Kathy @glassofwine81 on social media!Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
1/7/25 • 73:46
Send us a textWe're back again, Should-Heads!We're so excited to get back into the swing of podcasting. Kelly and Rachael return with this one-on-one discussion of our bookish highlights of the year and discuss our hopes for continuing this podcast in the future. Stay tuned for more episode, we have some great plans for you all! And Happy New Year!!!Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
12/31/24 • 65:36
Send us a textHi, Should-Heads! We're very excited to share some upcoming spring releases with you. As always, we're joined by Kathy Coe, who always knows about the best ones. Book News: People continue to challenge Nora Roberts The Thought of You movie sounds amazing Our most anticipated spring reads: Kathy: Missing White Woman (Kellye Garrett), Honey (Isabel Banta), The One Who Got Away With Murder (Trish Lundy), The Husbands (Holly Gramazio) and Such a Bad Influence (Olivia Muenter). Kelly: You Like it Darker (Stephen King), Funny Story (Emily Henry), The Ballad of Darcy and Russell (Morgan Matson), Kill Her Twice (Stacey Lee) and The House That Horror Built (Christina Henry). Rachael: Just For the Summer (Abby Jimenez), The Paris Novel (Ruth Reichl), Honey Witch (Sydney J. Shields), April May June July (Alison B. Hart) and Lies and Weddings (Kevin Kwan).Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
4/2/24 • 57:58
Send us a textHello, Should-Heads. It’s been a while and we’re happy to be back. We missed you!We’ve got horrible news first, though. Julia, our cohost, passed away in January. We needed to take some time to honor her and also decide to do with the show.We’ve got some answers for you.Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
3/5/24 • 46:08
Send us a textIt’s the holiday season, Should-Heads! Here are the books we’re most grateful for. LINKS:P!nk Donates Banned Books in Florida: https://www.npr.org/2023/11/16/1213317663/pink-gives-away-2-000-banned-books-at-florida-concertsBOOKS MENTIONED:Julia: Big Summer (Jennifer Weiner), Everything Happens For a Reason: And other Lies I've Loved (Kate Bowler) and Fangirl (Rainbow Rowell)Kelly: Somewhere Beyond the Sea (TJ Klune), Somehow: Thoughts on Love (Anne Lamott) and The Collected Regrets of Clover (Mikki Brammer)Rachael: Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen), Anne of Green Gables (LM Montgomery), The Earth, My Butt and Other Big, Round Things (Carolyn Mackler) and Intuitive Eating (Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch)Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
11/21/23 • 45:46
Send us a textHi, Should-Heads! We're back and what better topic to return with than the memoir that everyone's talking about? Kendell joins us to discuss who's the biggest villain in the story and the things that surprised us most. Major spoiler alerts for this one! BOOK NEWS LINKS: LeVar Burton Hosts the National Book Awards Scholastic and Diverse Books Millie Bobby Brown and GhostwritersTwitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
10/31/23 • 70:40
Send us a textHi, Should-Heads! We’ve got an…interesting episode for you today! Kelly shares some life updates and the nonfiction that’s getting her through *gestures* all this.Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
9/19/23 • 30:01
Send us a textShould-heads, summer's almost over. Starbucks is selling pumpkin spice everything and Kelly's starting to think about her Halloween viewing choices. We've got the books you need to preorder or request from the library. BOOKS MENTIONED:Kathy: The Kingdom of Sweets (Erika Johansen), The Good Part (Sophie Cousens), Good Girls Don’t Die (Christina Henry), Midnight is the Darkest Hour (Ashley Winstead) and Stars in Your Eyes (Kacen Callender) Julia: The Breakaway (Jennifer Weiner), Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself and Imposter Syndrome (Aparna Nancherla), The Bell in the Fog (Lev AC Rosen), The Woman in Me (Britney Spears) and Cleat Cute (Meryl Wilsner)Kelly: Down the Hill (Susan Hendricks), Plan A (Deb Caletti), Becoming the Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar), There's No Way I'd Die First (Lisa Springer) and In Light of All Darkness: Inside the Polly Klaas Kidnapping and the Search for America’s Child (Kim Cross) Rachael: The Vaster Wilds (Lauren Groff), Bookshops and Bone Dust (Travis Baldree), The Future (Naomi Alderman), The Fraud (Zadie Smith) and The Burnout (Sophie Kinsella)Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
9/5/23 • 34:41
Send us a textHow do you feel about outer space, Shouldheads? Are you like Julia, where it's fascinating and something you want to know more about? Or are you like Kelly, where it's one of the scariest things to ponder? No matter where you fall in the debate, we've got some recommendations for you! BOOKS: Julia: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (Becky Chambers), The Martian (Andy Weir) and Meet Me In Another Life (Catriona Silvey) Kelly: The Sound of Stars (Alechia Dow), Clues to the Universe (Christina Li) and We Dream of Space (Erin Entrada Kelly). Rachael: An Unkindness of Ghosts (Rivers Solomon), The Illuminae Files (Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff) and Cloud Cuckoo Land (Anthony Doerr)Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
8/22/23 • 34:19
Send us a textHi, Should-Heads! Have you always wanted to try reading epic fantasy but don't know where to start? Or maybe you already like it but aren't sure of where to go next? Or possibly you have no idea because you're not even sure what that IS? Either way, don't worry: Rachael has come with suggestions. LINKS MENTIONED: Henrietta Lacks' family settles with biotech firm BOOKS MENTIONED: Legends and Lattes (Travis Baldree), The Green Rider series (Kristen Britain), the Graceling series (Kristin Cashore), the Lord of the Rings series (J.R.R. Tolkien), the Song of Ice and Fire series (George R.R. Martin), the Poppy War trilogy (R.F. Kuang), the Mirror Visitor quartet (Christelle Dabos) and the Mistborn series (Brandon Sanderson).Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
8/8/23 • 41:41
Send us a textHi, Should-Heads! We're back and we have a real treat for you today. Michael Koryta is back to discuss books set in Maine (including his newest, An Honest Man, which is out today!). Book news: Britney's BookPRH Layoffs and BuyoutsHarper Collins Layoffs Recommendations: Michael Koryta: Bag of Bones (Stephen King), When We Were the Kennedys (Monica Wood) and Into the Raging Sea (Rachel Slade) Julia: Evvie Drake Starts Over (Linda Holmes) and Town in a Blueberry Jam (B.B. Haywood) Rachael: Night of the Living Rez (Morgan Talty) and Maine (J. Courtney Sullivan) Kelly: An Honest Man (Michael Koryta)Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast
7/25/23 • 60:06