Books With Your Besties: Episode Summary – "11ish Questions with Ashley and Emily"
Release Date: January 17, 2025
In this engaging episode of Books With Your Besties, hosts Emily and Ashley dive into a lively Q&A session, responding to a plethora of listener questions gathered from their Instagram followers. The conversation is rich with personal insights, humorous anecdotes, and thought-provoking discussions, making it a must-listen for both regular fans and newcomers alike.
1. Books They Didn't Finish or Recommend
Emily and Ashley kick off the episode by sharing books they either couldn't complete or wouldn't recommend to their audience.
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Emily candidly admits, "I did not finish The Butcher and the Wren. It was too much for me... the ripping the fingernails off thing at the beginning, I was like, I am really uncomfortable" (02:46).
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Ashley shares two titles:
Their honest assessments provide listeners with genuine recommendations on books to approach with caution.
2. First Jobs
The hosts reminisce about their initial forays into the workforce, highlighting diverse and unexpected roles.
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Emily recounts her time at TCBY (The Country's Best Yogurt): "They offered a manager position, and I said no. And Sig said yes. And she was the manager for a while..." (04:05). She also mentions working as a hostess at Baker Square and a server in a fine dining establishment.
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Ashley shares her unconventional first job at a criminal defense law firm: "I was 15, but I don't understand how they gave me that job" (05:04). From handling arraignments to assisting families, Ashley’s early responsibility levels are both impressive and intriguing.
Their stories emphasize the varied paths one can take early in their careers and the unexpected experiences that come with them.
3. TV Series They Binge-Watched
When asked about TV series they've binge-watched, Ashley and Emily reveal their favorite shows and the reasons behind their choices.
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Ashley enthusiastically declares, "My favorite is Friday Night Lights. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton can do no wrong" (06:58). She also praises Schitt's Creek for its heartwarming content.
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Emily reflects on her love for Felicity and recommends modern BBC dramas and thriller series like Broadchurch, The Killing, and Harlan Coben's Safe: "They're really good shows... give me the heebie jeebies just when I think about it" (08:31).
Their varied tastes illustrate their diverse interests beyond the realm of books.
4. Misconceptions About Themselves
The duo addresses common misconceptions listeners might have about their personalities and dynamics.
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Ashley clarifies, "I am that person who is substantially more likable and fun online. And then people meet me in person and I'm just quiet and I observe and it freaks people out" (09:10).
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Emily adds, "You're fun and you're funny and you are wonderful. But I do think it's just funny how much people put into the idea of what they see online being the whole picture" (09:49).
They emphasize their complementary skills, with Ashley excelling in front-facing roles and Emily handling the backend operations: "Ashley is very much front of house... and I am very, very good at the back end stuff" (11:17).
This segment highlights the importance of understanding that online personas can differ from real-life personalities.
5. Perfect Reading Room
Listeners are curious about the ideal environment for Emily and Ashley’s reading sessions.
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Emily envisions a cozy cabin setting: "Dark wood, big, cozy couch, nice lighting, a glass of red wine... or a whiskey cocktail" (12:43).
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Ashley prefers comfort at home with her big sectional and heated blanket: "I'd have my heated blanket pulled up around me, my dog at my feet... red wine or a candle that smells delicious" (13:36).
Their descriptions paint a vivid picture of their sanctuaries, emphasizing warmth, comfort, and personal touches.
6. Pet Peeves
The conversation shifts to the hosts' pet peeves, revealing their low tolerance for certain behaviors.
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Ashley believes she has more pet peeves, particularly valuing punctuality: "I am good at being on time because it matters to me. And then I'm mad if other people are late" (15:38).
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Emily discusses her high threshold but dislikes when it’s surpassed: "I'm... over. Nobody wants to be around if you have [pet peeves] ruffled" (14:55).
Both agree on their shared sensitivity to social generosity and respectful interactions: "We're both socially generous... offering to host or take on more burden of something" (16:27).
This segment underscores their commitment to fostering positive social environments.
7. Serious or Risky Situations Together
Reflecting on their adventures, Emily and Ashley share moments where they've faced potential danger.
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They recall a hiking experience in Turkey where they found themselves in a precarious spot: "We were like scaling a wall and I thought we were going to die" (18:34).
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Ashley also mentions white-water rafting, adding a dose of adrenaline to their friendship: "I took you white water rafting. Yeah, that was fun" (19:25).
These anecdotes highlight their adventurous spirits and the strong bond forged through shared challenges.
8. Emily's Profession as a Social Psychologist
A significant portion of the episode delves into Emily's role and expertise as a social psychologist.
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Emily explains her focus on psychology and the legal system, particularly in cases of interpersonal and domestic violence: "I study how jurors make decisions in cases... with LGBTQ identities, do people make different decisions" (20:14).
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She emphasizes her non-clinical role: "I'm not a clinician... the only people who should be diagnosing are clinical psychologists who are licensed" (22:05).
The discussion expands to phenomena like mass hysteria and the placebo effect, underscoring the profound connection between the mind and body:
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Emily cites a study where belief influenced physical symptoms: "People were like, you told me it's going to increase my asthma, so it did" (25:27).
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They discuss the impact of media and societal perceptions on mental and physical health, highlighting the power of belief and expectation (22:30).
This segment provides listeners with an insightful look into the complexities of psychology and its real-world applications.
9. Willingness to Try New Things and Future Projects
When asked about their willingness to embark on new ventures, Emily expresses a desire to delve into thriller writing:
- "It would be a thriller... about book club retreat, which is happening in two weeks. So if we both survive, we could write a thriller" (30:14).
Ashley complements this idea, acknowledging her limited experience in the genre: "It would have to be a thriller because I don't even read anything else" (30:27).
They also touch upon personal connections to writing, mentioning Emily’s colleagues and Ashley’s cousin Rory, who has authored nonfiction works including Aluminum Alley—a tribute to Emily's grandfather. Ashley shares a heartfelt story about her father's enthusiasm for Rory's book: "Rory's book, Aluminum Alley was the last book my dad got before he passed away. He was so excited to read it" (31:04).
10. Naming the Book Club
The hosts reflect on the origin of their podcast's name, Books With Your Besties, revealing the spontaneity behind its creation.
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Emily states, "We came up with Books With Your Besties after a lot of discussion... books are a little bit of this podcast... we also have other factors" (32:04).
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Ashley adds, "We're just like us" when referring to their dynamic, comparing themselves to another podcast duo: "It's literally what it was about... we're just like us" (35:35).
Their collaborative and organic approach to naming reflects the authentic friendship that underpins their podcast.
Closing Thoughts
As the episode winds down, Ashley and Emily tease upcoming projects, including a live-recorded episode at their retreat. They maintain their trademark humor, poking fun at their occasional technical mishaps: "I'll probably forget to plug the mics in" (33:35).
In a light-hearted exchange, they underscore the strength of their partnership: "You and I are a dream team. We work so well together because we have such different skills" (11:17).
Emily offers a playful caveat regarding her professional insights: "When you are a psychologist of the research type, it's natural for me to think that I misrepresented everything that I know. None of what I've said is true. So if you know that I have said something wrong or untrue, that's okay. Just keep it to yourself." (34:32).
The episode concludes with a warm invitation to listeners to support them on Patreon for exclusive content and updates: "For more content, find us on Patreon at the Creepy Book Club" (36:05).
Notable Quotes:
- *"We tricked some people."_ – Emily (01:03)
- *"How you get that job."_ – Emily (05:29)
- *"People think about me very much."_ – Emily (09:00)
- *"I'm proud."_ – Emily (35:35)
Conclusion
"11ish Questions with Ashley and Emily" offers a delightful blend of personal stories, professional insights, and humorous banter. Through candid discussions and relatable anecdotes, Emily and Ashley provide listeners with a deeper understanding of their lives, their podcast dynamics, and their passions both within and beyond the literary world. Whether you're seeking book recommendations, psychological insights, or simply enjoy hearing best friends navigate life's twists and turns, this episode delivers on all fronts.