Currently Reading Podcast - Season 7, Episode 36: Heart Pounding Reads + The Downsides to Book Podcasting

Release Date: April 14, 2025

Hosts: Meredith Monday Schwartz and Katie (Kaytee) Cobb
Description: In this episode, Meredith and Katie delve into their latest heart-pounding reads, share personal bookish moments, and explore the less glamorous aspects of being book podcasters.

Bookish Moments of the Week

Meredith Shares Her Pulse-Pounding Read

Meredith opens the discussion by expressing her enthusiasm for a "pulse-pounding read," specifically highlighting her experience with the ninth book in the Louise Penny series, How the Light Gets In.

Meredith (03:30): "It's just so good. And this feeling of reading a book that you just are so mad that you have to set down because you need to go do something else... one of the top three best moments in the bookish life."

She emphasizes the thrill of being so engrossed in a book that it becomes challenging to pause reading, ranking it among her favorite readerly experiences.

Katie's Bookish Accessory Delight

Katie shares her excitement about a new bookish desk mat she acquired from Bookish Shop in downtown Gilbert. The mat features illustrations and names of beloved tropes, enhancing her recording space.

Katie (06:56): "It makes me deliciously happy. It's covered in really cute illustrations and names of tropes... like Marriage of Convenience, The Secret Heir... they're all my very favorite things."

This accessory not only decorates her workspace but also serves as a constant source of joy and inspiration for her bookish endeavors.

Current Reads

Meredith's Selections

1. Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

   Meredith delves into the second installment of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series. She praises the novella’s intricate world-building and character development, particularly focusing on the backstory of twin sisters, Jack and Jill.

   Meredith (08:30): "This is a creation from Maguire. The world-building that is done in such a short amount of time is amazing."

   She highlights the series' ability to balance multiple plot threads, making each novella a standalone yet interconnected piece within the overarching narrative.

2. The Situation Room by George Stephanopoulos and Lisa Dicke

   Transitioning to nonfiction, Meredith reviews The Situation Room, which offers an insider's look into the White House's most critical crisis management hub.

   Meredith (19:37): "This was another success from my library browsing... narrative nonfiction."

   She lauds the book for its engaging storytelling and the detailed recounting of presidential crises, making complex political scenarios accessible and thrilling for readers.

3. Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz

   As a favorite author, Meredith discusses Marble Hall Murders, the third installment in the Susan Ryland series. She appreciates Horowitz's masterful blending of meta-fiction and classical mystery elements.

   Meredith (34:18): "Anthony Horowitz is a machine. He just puts out so much, but he does it really, really well."

   The novel's intricate plot and engaging characters make it a standout addition to the series, promising a satisfying conclusion.

Katie's Selections

1. Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri

   Katie introduces Empire of Sand, a romantasy novel set in a richly constructed magical world. She commends the book for its unique take on common tropes and deep character development.

   Katie (16:01): "This book deserves to be read. It has some of my favorite tropes in it... You can't help but root for them."

   The story's blend of political intrigue and personal growth keeps her hooked, making it a compelling read.

2. Glory B by Danielle Arseneaux

   In Glory B, Katie follows Glory Broussard, an amateur sleuth in Louisiana investigating her friend's mysterious death. She appreciates the novel's intricate plot and strong, relatable protagonist.

   Katie (28:06): "Laurie is neither bumbling in her investigation nor a pushover. She's easy to root for, fun to read, and I'm thrilled that this is the first in the series."

   The book's balance of suspense and character depth makes it a standout in the crime genre.

3. Changes Everything by Tyler Merritt

   Katie's nonfiction pick, Changes Everything, is a memoir by Tyler Merritt that navigates themes of race, cancer, and faith with humor and candor.

   Katie (35:08): "Tyler's writing is a gift. It's an invitation to both joy and empathy."

   The book's honest portrayal of personal struggles and triumphs resonates deeply, offering both emotional depth and uplifting moments.

Deep Dive: The Downsides to Book Podcasting

Meredith and Katie address a thought-provoking question from a listener about the challenges of running a bookish podcast. They acknowledge that while they love their roles, there are inherent difficulties:

1. Balancing Read Choices:

   The hosts strive to select books that are both interesting to discuss and diverse in genre, ensuring their content remains fresh and engaging.

   Meredith (43:17): "The idea of just I'm just going to talk about the books that I'm reading. That's the freest, best kind of format that you could possibly have as a book podcaster."

2. Community Management:

   Maintaining a positive and focused community requires careful moderation to prevent drama and ensure respectful discussions.

   Katie (45:03): "We worked really hard and intentionally in year two of the podcast to build our Facebook community into a place that we wanted to be."

3. Authentic Reviews:

   Offering honest opinions about books can sometimes lead to uncomfortable interactions, especially when discussing works by admired authors.

   Meredith (45:56): "I was nervous about how that was gonna land. And that just gets. I can get in my head about that, definitely."

4. Parasocial Relationships:

   The deep connections formed with listeners can be both rewarding and burdensome, as it blurs the line between hosts and audience members.

   Katie (47:03): "Sometimes it's heavy to carry, whether it's the opinion of an author or a friendship with somebody that you've never met in real life."

5. Consistency Pressure:

   The continuous nature of podcasting demands regular content creation, which can lead to burnout despite the hosts' passion for books.

   Meredith (49:08): "Sometimes the ceaseless nature of it can be a little bit like, oh, I wonder what to just be like, not have that."

Despite these challenges, Meredith and Katie express unwavering love for their podcasting journey, attributing their ability to manage these downsides to effective teamwork and community support.

Fountain Wishes

At the episode's end, the hosts share their wishes for the future:

• Meredith’s Wish:

  She hopes for Victorian Psycho by Virginia Leto to be adapted into a graphic novel, envisioning a blend of Victorian horror with striking visuals.

  Meredith (54:28): "Victorian Psycho would be the best graphic novel. It would be so Victorian England horror. Amazing."

• Katie’s Wish:

  Katie desires an easier way to determine the best format for niche books, such as identifying if a book is better enjoyed in print or audio based on its content.

  Katie (54:42): "Make it easy. Thank you, book fairy."

These wishes reflect their ongoing commitment to enhancing the reading experience for themselves and their community.

Closing Thoughts

Meredith and Katie reiterate their gratitude towards their listeners and the supportive community they've built over seven seasons. They emphasize the importance of teamwork, especially highlighting Megan's role in production and avoiding burnout.

Meredith (51:55): "I simply wouldn't still be doing the podcast."

Katie (52:41): "You can't get better than that. That's amazing."

They conclude by encouraging listeners to connect through various platforms, support the podcast via Patreon, and continue sharing their love for books.

Meredith (57:27): "You can also follow the show at Currently Reading podcast on Instagram or email us..."

Katie (57:58): "Happy reading, Meredith."

Key Takeaways:

• Engaging Book Selections: Both hosts showcase a diverse range of books, from pulse-pounding fiction to insightful nonfiction, offering listeners a variety of recommendations.

• Authentic Sharing: Meredith and Katie maintain honesty in their reviews, fostering trust and relatability with their audience.

• Community Focus: They prioritize building a positive and inclusive community, essential for the podcast's sustained success.

• Navigating Challenges: Acknowledging the complexities of podcasting, the hosts demonstrate resilience and a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's just so good... one of the top three best moments in the bookish life." —Meredith (03:30)

• "It makes me deliciously happy... some of my very favorite things." —Katie (06:56)

• "Anthony Horowitz is a machine. He just puts out so much, but he does it really, really well." —Meredith (34:18)

• "Tyler's writing is a gift. It's an invitation to both joy and empathy." —Katie (35:08)

Connect with Currently Reading:

• Meredith: @meredithmondaySchwartz on Instagram
• Katie: @katieotes on Instagram
• Podcast Production: Megan Puttivong Evans (@MegansReadingReads on Instagram)
• Website & Show Notes: currentlyreadingpodcast.com
• Email: currentlyreadingpodcast@gmail.com
• Patreon: Join as a bookish friend for exclusive content and community support.

Final Wish:

"May your coffee be hot and your book be unputdownable."
—Katie Cobb

Happy reading, Meredith and Katie's listeners!