Book Riot Podcast – Fall Media Diet Check-In (Plus Other Life Pursuits) [Teaser]

Date: November 14, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O’Neal (B) and Rebecca Schinsky (A)
Theme: Jeff and Rebecca check in on their “fall media diet,” discussing non-book activities including travel, indie bookstore visits, food adventures, family outings, and memorable local highlights in San Diego, CA.

Episode Overview

This teaser episode dives into what Jeff and Rebecca have been enjoying lately beyond their usual book talk. Jeff recounts his recent family trip to San Diego, sharing vibrant stories about indie bookstores, culinary excursions, and must-see attractions. The conversation is light, warm, and full of recommendations for literary-minded and curious travelers alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. San Diego Travel & Vibe

• San Diego vs. LA:
  Jeff describes San Diego as “what people who haven't been to LA think LA is,” highlighting its breezy, idyllic coastal atmosphere.

  • “The weather is just unbelievable. It was like 65, 68 and sunny and low humidity with a little light breeze.” (00:41)

• Neighborhood Feel:
  San Diego feels smaller and more neighborhoody than LA, especially compared to the more touristic or sprawling LA areas.

2. Bookstore Adventures

• Warwick’s in La Jolla

  • Notable Fact: Warwick’s is the oldest continuously family-owned bookstore in the US.
  • Established in 1896, which is rare for California.
    • “1896 on the west coast is old and you wouldn't know that walking into it now.” (02:26)
  • The store is half indie bookstore, half gifts/stationery/jewelry — a likely factor for surviving in a pricey location.
  • Unique Touch: The premium in-store real estate is dedicated to art and coffee table books, suggesting an affluent clientele.
    • “When you walk right in...on the left hand side, it's all like art and coffee table books. Like a wall of it cover out.” (02:50)

• Verbatim Books in North Park

  • Funky, used bookstore with a college-town vibe.
  • Jeff enjoys the classic used bookstore experience—didn’t find the titles he wanted, but bought two other discoveries.
    • “They didn't have any of the three things I was looking for but I bought two other things. So that's how you...that's how you go.” (03:23)

3. Culinary Excursions

• The Taco Stand in North Park
  • Repeatedly recommended by locals and readers (notably Vanessa Diaz).
  • Family goal: to eat as many tacos as possible.
  • Insider tip: Eat onsite for best experience, and do not miss the churros with condensed milk dipping sauce.
    • “Don't get it to take out...Eat them right there and get the churros...you will be a happy camper.” (04:04)

4. Campus and Library Visits

• University of San Diego & The Geisel Library
  • Modern, striking design reminiscent of something out of Star Wars.
  • Jeff explains its namesake is from Dr. Seuss’s real name, reflecting the Seuss family’s patronage in the area.
    • “It's the Geisel library...the real name of Dr. Seuss, and the Seuss family gave the money for that library...a real patron of the zoos and the arts in the San Diego area.” (04:47)

5. Zoo Experiences

• San Diego Zoo Highlights
  • Differentiates between the classic San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park and the more safari-themed park further north.
  • Their unique draw: The only location in North America with a duck-billed platypus.
    • “They are the only zoo in North America that's a duck billed platypus. So we got to go see.” (05:27)
  • Fun trivia: The peculiar weight/size of a duck-billed platypus sparks a playful guessing game.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On San Diego Weather:
  “It's so beautiful down there...the weather is just unbelievable.” — Jeff (00:41)

• On Historic Bookstores:
  “1896 on the west coast is old and you wouldn't know that walking into it now.” — Jeff (02:26)

• Used Bookstore Serendipity:
  “They didn't have any of the three things I was looking for but I bought two other things.” — Jeff (03:23)

• On Taco Priorities:
  “Don't get it to take out...eat them right there and get the churros that has a condensed milk dipping sauce and you will be a happy camper.” — Jeff (04:04)

• Library Architecture:
  “It's like a modern looking building. It's really cool as great vistas and views inside. But it's the Geisel library which other people may know as the real name of Dr. Seuss.” — Jeff (04:47)

• Duck-billed Platypus Question:
  “Do you know how much the average weight of a ducktail build platypus is? And if you do why I don't.” — Jeff (05:33)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:22 — Episode kicks off: Travel and media chat begins.
• 00:41–02:15 — Jeff’s San Diego impressions, neighborhood descriptions, and bookstore intro.
• 02:15–03:23 — Dive into Warwick’s and Verbatim Books.
• 03:23–04:04 — Taco Stand and culinary highlights.
• 04:04–05:00 — USD campus and Geisel Library.
• 05:00–06:08 — Zoo/safari park distinctions and platypus trivia.

Summary Takeaway

This lively “media diet” episode gives listeners an inviting snapshot of what excites bookish travelers beyond the shelves. Whether it’s uncovering an ultra-historic bookstore, seeking the perfect taco, or marveling at library architecture and platypuses, Jeff and Rebecca paint a vibrant, relatable picture of fall adventures. Their friendly banter and practical tips make it engaging for fans of books, travel, and curious living.