Books With Your Besties: Episode Summary – "Ask Us Anything"
In the "Ask Us Anything" episode of Books With Your Besties, hosts Emily and Ashley open the floor to listener questions, providing an intimate glimpse into their podcasting journey, personal preferences, and the behind-the-scenes operations of their thriving book club. Released on April 11, 2025, this episode delves deep into various topics ranging from podcast inception to future retreats, offering both hosts' candid insights and dynamic chemistry.
1. Origins of the Podcast
Why Did You Start a Podcast?
Listeners were curious about the genesis of Books With Your Besties. Emily and Ashley shared that the podcast was born out of a need to provide a more structured and accessible format for their book discussions, especially when their Zoom sessions couldn't capture the essence of their live interactions.
- Emily (01:12): "People were asking for Zoom recordings because they missed the live sessions or wanted to process the discussions on their own time."
Ashley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the organic growth of the podcast as a response to their community's demand for deeper engagement.
- Ashley (01:47): "It felt like a really organic place to share our thoughts on the books that we pick."
2. Upcoming Reads and Recommendations
The hosts highlighted their upcoming book discussions, ensuring listeners stay engaged with future content.
- Emily (02:33): "Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent, Ashley Winstead's This Book Will Bury Me, and The Quiet Librarian by Alan Eskins are the three books to add to your reading list."
They also touched upon their personal book recommendations, diverging from their usual thriller and true crime genres to showcase their diverse literary tastes.
- Emily (11:36): "I really enjoyed American Dirt by Janine Cummings and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin."
- Ashley (12:00): "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a must-read for those seeking a beautifully crafted narrative."
3. Navigating Sensitive Topics
A significant portion of the episode addressed whether the podcast shies away from delicate subjects like politics or religion. Emily and Ashley affirmed their commitment to authenticity, choosing to discuss these topics openly while maintaining respect for differing viewpoints.
- Emily (03:24): "We have from the beginning just very firmly stood in who we are and what we stand for."
- Ashley (04:35): "As mothers and women with careers, we prioritize our safety and keep some things sacred while being authentic."
However, Emily noted boundaries regarding personal life topics, ensuring a balance between openness and privacy.
- Emily (04:35): "I can't talk about a lot of things like my university work or my kids on the podcast."
4. Retreat Planning and Challenges
A focal point of the episode was the planning of their annual retreat. Emily and Ashley detailed their decision to host it in Scottsdale, citing logistical ease and the warm reception from previous events.
- Ashley (17:29): "We picked Scottsdale because it's a major hub, easy to get to, and the resort aligns with our vision for the retreat's atmosphere."
They recounted past challenges, such as AV mishaps in New Orleans and shipping errors, showcasing their resilience and dedication to enhancing member experience.
- Emily (21:11): "Our AV no-show in New Orleans was a big hurdle, but we adapted to ensure the best for our members."
- Ashley (22:27): "Dealing with publishers and shipping issues consumes countless hours, but seeing the books beautifully arrive on members' doorsteps makes it worthwhile."
5. Potential Partnerships and Enhancements
Listeners inquired about expanding retreat offerings. Ashley and Emily discussed the possibility of partnering with local vendors, such as tattoo artists, to enrich the retreat experience.
- Emily (06:17): "Bringing in a mobile tattoo artist could be a unique addition, allowing members to commemorate their love for thriller books."
- Ashley (07:05): "We’d have to manage budget and design options, but it's an intriguing idea."
6. Aspiring to Write a Book
The conversation turned personal as they addressed aspirations beyond podcasting. Emily confessed her long-standing interest in writing a fiction book, leveraging her scientific background to infuse unique perspectives into her storytelling.
- Emily (07:58): "I've thought about writing a fiction book for about five years. My scientific writing experience gives me a solid foundation, even if it's a challenge."
Ashley expressed admiration and support, though she humorously admitted her own lack of writing prowess.
- Ashley (09:43): "I would read it. I'd be your first pre-order."
7. Books They Didn't Finish (DNF)
When asked about books they couldn't complete, both hosts shared their experiences candidly, highlighting the importance of personal engagement with literature.
- Ashley (10:20): "I didn't finish it either. I was reading with my eyes."
- Emily (11:00): "I DNF'd it at page 12 when listening with my ears. Sometimes the content just doesn't resonate."
8. Favorite Movie Adaptations of Books
Emily and Ashley discussed film and miniseries adaptations that did justice to their source material, agreeing that some adaptations enhance the original narratives.
- Emily (14:42): "Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train were phenomenal both as books and films."
- Ashley (16:20): "Verity is also a standout, and we're excited to watch its adaptation upon release."
They humorously critiqued Sharp Objects, noting challenges in visibility during screenings but still appreciating its storytelling.
- Emily (15:04): "The film was so dark, I couldn't see half the time. But the story was captivating."
9. Overcoming Barriers to Success
Delving into the operational challenges, Emily and Ashley highlighted financial constraints, competition with major retailers like Amazon, and the struggle of self-promotion without seeming insincere.
- Emily (26:24): "Costs are a huge barrier. We can't compete with Amazon on book prices, and our net profit is zero due to rising costs."
- Ashley (28:09): "Shipping costs and packaging expenses continue to rise, and we've never raised our book of the month price despite these hurdles."
They also touched on the emotional difficulty of self-promotion, emphasizing their preference for community-driven growth over aggressive marketing.
- Ashley (28:21): "We love our community, but people who love books don't always love to talk about them publicly, making outreach challenging."
10. Personal Preferences and Love Languages
In a lighter segment, Emily and Ashley revealed their love languages, offering personal insights that deepen their rapport with listeners.
- Emily (33:40): "Acts of service resonate with me the most. When someone lightens my load, it feels like love."
- Ashley (33:49): "For me, it's words of affirmation. I appreciate being recognized for my efforts."
They also discussed their preferences for reading formats, balancing the tactile joy of paper books with the convenience of audiobooks.
- Emily (34:38): "If I had to choose, I'd still go with paper books because of how they feel."
- Ashley (34:40): "Audiobooks offer more content accessibility, but I cherish the tactile experience of paper."
11. Dream Locations for Future Retreats
When imagining ideal retreat destinations without financial constraints, the hosts expressed varied preferences, reflecting their diverse interests.
- Emily (35:12): "New Zealand sounds amazing, especially without snakes!"
- Ashley (35:28): "Italy for the coast and the food, but Tahiti also sounds fun, though it's super humid."
They humorously debated their choices, ultimately appreciating the joy of dreaming big with their listeners.
12. Emotional Aftermath of Retreats
Concluding the episode, Emily and Ashley shared their feelings post-retreat, emphasizing the deep emotional investment they place in these events.
- Emily (36:30): "Lots of crying—tired but happy and relieved."
- Ashley (36:41): "The fatigue doesn't hit me until a few days later because we're still riding the high from the event."
They recounted their emotional release post-retreat, underscoring the fulfillment derived from orchestrating meaningful experiences for their community.
- Emily (36:56): "I don't get that tired because it's just so good."
- Ashley (37:12): "We can't have espresso martinis for breakfast and laugh with all our friends all day long."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Emily (01:12): "People were asking for Zoom recordings because they missed the live sessions or wanted to process the discussions on their own time."
- Ashley (01:47): "It felt like a really organic place to share our thoughts on the books that we pick."
- Emily (03:24): "We have from the beginning just very firmly stood in who we are and what we stand for."
- Ashley (04:35): "As mothers and women with careers, we prioritize our safety and keep some things sacred while being authentic."
- Emily (06:17): "Bringing in a mobile tattoo artist could be a unique addition, allowing members to commemorate their love for thriller books."
- Emily (07:58): "I've thought about writing a fiction book for about five years."
- Emily (10:20): "I didn't finish it either. I was reading with my eyes."
- Emily (14:42): "Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train were phenomenal both as books and films."
- Emily (26:24): "Costs are a huge barrier. We can't compete with Amazon on book prices, and our net profit is zero due to rising costs."
- Emily (33:40): "Acts of service resonate with me the most. When someone lightens my load, it feels like love."
- Ashley (33:49): "For me, it's words of affirmation. I appreciate being recognized for my efforts."
- Emily (35:12): "New Zealand sounds amazing, especially without snakes!"
- Ashley (36:41): "The fatigue doesn't hit me until a few days later because we're still riding the high from the event."
Conclusion
The "Ask Us Anything" episode offers a comprehensive look into Emily and Ashley's dedication to their podcast and book club. From addressing logistical challenges and personal aspirations to sharing their favorite literary adaptations and love languages, the hosts provide a multifaceted perspective that reinforces their bond with their listeners. Their transparency about the hurdles of running a small business, coupled with their unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant literary community, makes this episode a must-listen for both avid followers and newcomers alike.
For more insights and exclusive content, consider supporting Emily and Ashley on their Patreon platform.