Podcast Summary: Book Riot - The Podcast Episode: Summer 2025 Mailbag
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Hosts: Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky
Featuring: Vanessa (interlocutor)

Introduction

In the "Summer 2025 Mailbag" episode of Book Riot - The Podcast, hosts Jeff O’Neill and Rebecca Schinsky, alongside their guest Vanessa, engage with listener-submitted questions, offering insights into various literary topics, personal preferences, and behind-the-scenes aspects of the publishing world. The episode balances book recommendations with personal anecdotes, creating an engaging dialogue for avid readers and casual listeners alike.

Technical Glitches and Upcoming Events [00:58 - 02:32]

Jeff opens the episode by addressing ongoing technical issues with their mobile recording setup, humorously acknowledging the imperfect audio quality:

“...you can get doubled at some point. I'm not sure what's going on with my mics...” ([00:58])

Despite the glitches, the hosts announce an upcoming live event at Powell's Downtown on July 9th, where they will discuss the "Best Books of the Year." They encourage listeners to attend and interact with other book enthusiasts.

Mailbag Segment Introduction [02:32 - 06:19]

Rebecca introduces the Mailbag segment, outlining the categories of questions they received, including books and literature, non-book recommendations, job and industry insights, and personal inquiries. She remarks on the variety of topics, emphasizing their intent to blend book discussions with other areas of interest:

“...there's books and lit, which will surprise no one. Shockingly, we have non-book recommendations...” ([03:25])

Book Recommendations and Literary Discussions [06:19 - 08:46]

Question 1: Thomas Pynchon Novels [04:19 - 06:19]
Listener Greg asks for recommendations on starting Thomas Pynchon's novels. Jeff suggests beginning with more approachable works like Vineland or Inherent Vice, noting their adaptation into films by Paul Thomas Anderson:

“I think Vineland is the one to read... Inherent Vice has also been made into a movie...” ([04:25])

Jeff humorously compares reading Pynchon's complex novels to skiing on a "black diamond," indicating their challenging nature.

Question 2: White Whale Book [06:15 - 08:46]
Madison's question explores the concept of a "white whale" book—an ultimate reading goal. Vanessa expresses a desire for literary fiction with beautiful language that fully immerses the reader:

“I was just reading something recently that like I felt myself completely sink into...” ([06:32])

Jeff reflects on his own literary aspirations, mentioning classics like The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire by Thomas Gibbon, while acknowledging the difficulty in pinpointing a singular "white whale" book.

Non-Book Recommendations and Product Discussions [08:46 - 14:44]

Latest Products [09:04 - 14:44]
Vanessa introduces Loop Earplugs, highlighting their innovative design suitable for various situations, from concerts to sleeping arrangements:

“They’re designed so that they don’t stick out of your ears at all...” ([10:19])

Jeff shares his experience with a mobile phone stand featuring a gyro for stable recording, humorously dubbing himself a content creator:

“This is like a next-level selfie stick tripod...” ([12:00])

Rebecca discusses her preference for organized writing tools, mentioning a high-end rollerball pen:

“I bought a new pen, a LANY610. Okay $60 rollerball pen...” ([12:28])

Personal Insights and Recommendations [14:44 - 31:38]

Favorite Theatrical Productions [14:41 - 21:53]
Rebecca shares her admiration for Tom Stoppard's plays, recounting emotional experiences with productions like The Invention of Love:

“I was like crying in the middle of it...” ([16:05])

Vanessa highlights her preference for immersive experiences, such as live concerts and musicals, mentioning seeing Janelle Monáe and Counting Crows:

“I did a really great production of Les Mis last year... I saw Counting Crows a bunch of times...” ([15:07])

Arts and Live Performances Tips [18:00 - 21:53]
Rebecca recommends leveraging arts access programs to attend various productions affordably, encouraging listeners to explore local theaters and festivals:

“Those are easily available, especially for men whom the arts are maybe not as accessible...” ([18:55])

Jeff reminisces about his first musical experience with Phantom of the Opera and expresses a desire to attend more live performances in the future:

“I remember being totally blown... I wish I made my time more of a go out and do it person...” ([17:04])

Industry Insights and Substack Discussion [31:38 - 43:32]

Transition from Blogging to Podcasting [28:21 - 31:38]
Rebecca inquires about the hosts' shift from traditional blogging to front-facing roles in newsletters and social media. Vanessa explains the necessity of multitasking in a small team and the desire to stay connected with their content creation processes:

“We're a small team and everybody has to do things... we miss making things... like the podcast...” ([28:21])

Experiences as Book Bloggers [32:02 - 41:15]
Responding to Josh's question about their blogging experiences, Vanessa recounts her entry into book blogging during her time at Barnes & Noble, emphasizing authenticity and community engagement:

“I just did exactly what we just described... I wanted to write about books in a way that wasn't academic...” ([35:39])

Jeff adds that building an audience involved interacting with other bloggers and utilizing platforms like Twitter, highlighting the evolution from early blogging days to modern platforms like Substack:

“RSS subscribe to their RSS feed... It's a natural fit... think of it as putting a hat on a hat...” ([33:22])

Substack's Role in Independent Publishing [40:17 - 43:32]
Vanessa discusses the advantages of Substack in fostering communities and allowing writers to express unique interests, while Jeff examines its financial model and potential for creator sustainability:

“Substack's recommendations are good... you can grow organically...” ([41:02])
“Substack made the bet that 5% of people would pay $7 or $8 a month...” ([42:18])

They both acknowledge the platform's strengths in direct audience engagement and the enduring value of email-based content distribution.

Personal Questions and Lighthearted Banter [43:32 - 47:11]

Pets and Family Dynamics [43:42 - 45:12]
Rebecca playfully probes Jeff's stated aversion to pets, leading to a humorous exchange about their preferences:

“We enjoy other people's pets... we just don't want to deal with it...” ([44:19])

Vanessa compares their feelings about pets to her approach to children, appreciating others' pets while not desiring one herself:

“I think you feel about pets the way I feel about children...” ([44:19])

Reading Habits and Setups [45:22 - 47:11]
The hosts share their varied reading environments, from cozy home setups to enjoying books in transit. Vanessa favors a flexible approach, reading wherever she is, while Jeff reminisces about ideal reading spots with scenic views:

“I tend to like reading outside more than most of my experience...” ([46:03])
“My ideal reading setup is at a window overlooking the city as the lights go down...” ([47:00])

Additional Mailbag Questions and Recommendations [47:11 - 71:38]

Recommendations for Visiting Portland [60:52 - 71:38]
Gina asks for advice on enjoying Portland's best donuts, ice cream, and coffee. The hosts recommend local favorites like Blue Star Donuts and Grand Central Bakery, emphasizing unique local flavors and dining experiences:

“Blue Star is a little on the bougie spectrum but they can be great...” ([62:45])
“Go to Grand Central Bakery and get whatever the Danish of the day is...” ([63:13])

They also suggest exploring Washington Park and its attractions, highlighting the Oregon Zoo and Japanese Garden as must-visit spots.

Fear of Flying [66:49 - 71:38]
A listener expresses developing anxiety about flying. Vanessa shares her indifferent approach, while Jeff admits mild discomfort due to motion sickness. They offer practical tips such as engaging conversation, having entertainment ready, and considering relaxation aids:

“Have something to look forward to. Get yourself a little snack...” ([68:32])

Insomnia and Bedtime Reading [71:38 - 72:16]
A listener seeks book recommendations that are engaging enough to fall asleep but not too stimulating. Vanessa and Jeff suggest classics and essay collections, emphasizing the importance of familiarity and simplicity:

“Think of Dickens... or a collection of essays...” ([71:32])
“Rereading a beloved book can help...” ([71:43])

Conclusion

The "Summer 2025 Mailbag" episode offers a blend of thoughtful book discussions, practical recommendations, and personal anecdotes. Jeff, Rebecca, and Vanessa create a warm and engaging atmosphere, inviting listeners to explore new literary horizons while sharing their own reading journeys and preferences. Whether discussing complex authors like Thomas Pynchon or offering local Portland tips, the hosts provide valuable insights that resonate with the diverse Book Riot audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeff on Pynchon’s Complexity:

  “It's like starting to ski on a black diamond. But you've already read books, you can clearly read them.” ([04:55])

• Vanessa on Ideal Reading Experience:

  “I want to be so absorbed by writing or to feel so present with what's happening to the characters.” ([07:02])

• Rebecca on Arts Accessibility:

  “I've absolutely got tickets for most productions... It's a great way to entertain yourself over a summer.” ([18:55])

• Jeff on Substack's Potential:

  “You can think about it as an ecosystem and be a good participant.” ([40:10])

• Vanessa on Overcoming Fear of Flying:

  “I would chat to distract people who are nervous flyers...” ([68:00])

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores the dynamic nature of the Book Riot podcast, seamlessly integrating listener engagement with insightful discussions. By addressing a wide array of topics, the hosts not only cater to book lovers but also create a community space for shared interests and experiences.