Book Riot - The Podcast: Episode Summary Title: Recent Reading and Some Media Diet Updates [Teaser] Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction

In the teaser episode of "Book Riot - The Podcast" titled Recent Reading and Some Media Diet Updates, hosts Jeff O’Neal and Rebecca Schinsky, along with co-host Amanda Nelson, provide listeners with a sneak peek into their upcoming discussions surrounding recent literary works and media consumption habits. Although this episode serves primarily as a preview for premium content, it offers valuable insights into the hosts' current reading lists and media engagements.

Temporary Pause and Content Shift

Rebecca Schinsky begins the conversation by announcing a temporary shift in the podcast's regular schedule:

"We're about to enter on. Enter on into a series of weeks in which we're not going to be doing regular pods... we're just going to do what have we been watching and reading and, you know, give our heat checks to this kind of stuff." [00:52]

This indicates that the hosts will be taking a short hiatus from their usual format to focus on sharing their recent readings and media experiences.

Recent Reading Selections

1. Tilt by Emma Petit

Amanda Nelson discusses her experience with Emma Petit's Tilt:

"I did, yes. Yes, I did. I really liked it... I read it in one sitting, like a full. Just sat down on a Saturday." [01:28]

Rebecca adds her thoughts, noting the book's reception:

"I haven't really seen a bunch of negatives, just really didn't look. This is what books are. There's a lot of good books." [02:06]

Despite the book's limited visibility, Amanda highlights its impact:

"It weirded me out reading the name of the taco place in your neighborhood... I really liked it." [01:35]

2. The Dry Season by Melissa Febos

Amanda Nelson expresses her anticipation and provides an overview of Melissa Febos's memoir, The Dry Season:

"She's an incredible memoirist and essay writer, but this is the memoir of she has come out of a very abusive relationship that was the subject of her previous memoir, Abandon Me." [02:36]

She delves into the book's themes of self-reflection and personal growth:

"She decides to be celibate for three months. It extends into a six-month project... she brings in some tools from her sobriety practice where she undertakes an inventory of all of the romantic relationships in her life." [03:30]

Amanda appreciates the depth and honesty of Febos's writing:

"She's just like, so, so honest in a way about things that, like, I would need a couple glasses of wine to be that honest with my very best." [05:13]

Rebecca responds humorously to Amanda's enthusiasm:

"I can barely listen to you talk about it." [05:21]

Media Consumption Updates

Rebecca Schinsky mentions her recent media engagements, including watching Mission Impossible and Fountain of Youth on Apple TV. The hosts plan to share their impressions of these and other media in the forthcoming episodes, providing listeners with a blend of literary and cinematic discussions.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

As the teaser wraps up, Jeff O’Neal encourages listeners to join their Patreon community for full access to premium content:

"Join us@patreon.com bookriotpodcast to hear the rest of this episode and get access to our full back catalog of premium content." [05:23]

The hosts hint at more in-depth conversations and potential "unhinged" discussions when they reconvene in July, promising an engaging continuation of their literary and media explorations.

Key Takeaways

• Temporary Format Change: The podcast will pause regular episodes to focus on recent readings and media updates.
• Highlighted Reads: Tilt by Emma Petit and The Dry Season by Melissa Febos are the featured books, with in-depth discussions on their themes and personal impacts.
• Engagement with Media: Hosts are actively consuming and reflecting on current media, including popular films and streaming series.
• Community Involvement: Listeners are encouraged to support and engage with the podcast through Patreon for exclusive content.

This episode serves as an engaging introduction to the hosts' current literary and media interests, setting the stage for more comprehensive discussions in future premium episodes. Whether you're a regular listener or new to "Book Riot - The Podcast," this teaser provides a glimpse into the thoughtful and honest conversations that define the show.