Podcast
Reads and Rants Pod
Hosted by Bari and Emily · EN
To explore the depths of our favorite books by blending insights, opinions, and a little humor.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 10: Drinking from the Chalice with Percy
Feb 15, 202501:17:50Tap to summarize📚 Episode Title: Chalice of the Gods – Percy Jackson's Most Stressful Quest Yet!In this episode, we dive into Chalice of the Gods, where Percy faces his biggest challenge yet: college applications (with a side of divine chaos, of course). Join us as we break down:🔹 The quest for Ganymede’s chalice: Why can’t gods keep track of their stuff?🔹 Grover’s goat wisdom: Did we get enough Grover?🔹 Sally’s big news: we’re emotional.🔹 Percy and Annabeth’s singalong: A hilarious and unexpected musical moment. Plus, we play a quick round of “Percy Jackson Would/Wouldn’t” to see if Percy would survive retail, join a frat, or go viral on TikTok.So grab your celestial bronze and get ready to relive the magic, the chaos, and the college stress that is Chalice of the Gods.LISTENER INTERACTION QUESTIONS: What’s your go-to karaoke song? Brunch with Zeus or arcade with Hebe? Juice shop with Ganymede or cooking with Paul?Follow us: Instagram: @ReadsandRantsPodTikTok: @ReadsandRantsPodEmail Us: ReadsandRantspod@gmail.comWhat books should we cover next?! Emily Henry? Lightlark?
Transcribe →Episode 09: Saving The Last Olympian with Percy
Feb 1, 202501:34:07Tap to summarize✨Episode Description:Grab your celestial bronze swords and hop on your pegasi because we’re diving head first into the epic finale of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series: The Last Olympian! ⚡ In this episode, we’re breaking down:🏛️ The Battle of Manhattan—who fought, who fell, and who made us cry🗡️ Percy’s terrifying swim in the River Styx (Achilles could never)💔 Luke Castellan’s redemption arc (did we forgive him? Maybe…)❤️🔥 All the Percabeth tension we’ve been waiting for (spoiler: there’s a KISS!)🌟 Plus, our favorite godly moments, shocking twists, and Reads & Rants Podcast: The Last Olympian ⚡🏛️🗡️ Listener Internation Questions: Let us know what you think on our instagram! Celebrity half bloods- who are they and who is their parent? Favorite moment from the original series and why? Immortality for yourself or a potentially better world for others? Fan Theories we discuss: https://www.reddit.com/r/camphalfblood/comments/1bbr2ti/pjotheory_the_entire_series_is_zeuss_fault/ https://www.reddit.com/r/camphalfblood/comments/mosn07/theory_what_mr_ds_real_punishment_was_aka_why_he/ Current Reads: Bari: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan Emily: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros Tyler: What If... Marc Spector was Host to Venom by Mike Chen The Last Animal by Romana Ausubel Follow us on: Instagram and TikTok @ReadsandRantsPod Email us at ReadsandRantspod@gmail.com! Thanks for listening!
Transcribe →Episode 08: Battling the Labyrinth with Percy
Jan 9, 202501:39:33Tap to summarizeThis week, we’re stepping into one of Percy’s most dangerous quests yet: The Battle of the Labyrinth! Join us as we follow the gang through a maze of shifting walls, deadly traps, and surprising allies. Annabeth is leading our quest with the help of Percy, Grover, Tyson and even, dare I say, Rachel Elizabeth Dare! Bari and Emily unpack the craziest twists and turns in this book with a special guest, Marge! Marge joins Reads and Rants to rant about her all time favorite book, and we had so much fun! We’re breaking down: 🌟 Percy and Annabeth’s first kiss! 🌟 Grover’s bittersweet meeting with Pan (cue the tears) 🌟 Finding Daedalus’s workshop in the Labyrinth 🌟What’s next for Camp Half Blood We end this episode with a round of “This or That: Labyrinth Edition” and tackling some fun listener questions—like which monster we’d least want to face (hint: it’s not the Sphinx). Questions of the Week: If you were assigned a quest, which three characters from this book would you take with you, and why? If Daedalus could design something for you, what would it be, and why? Which god or goddess would you want to accept help from? Let us know @ReadsAndRantsPod—we’re dying to hear your answers!
Transcribe →Episode 07: Taking on the Titans with Percy
Dec 3, 202401:31:50Tap to summarizeShow Notes: In this episode, we dive into Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse, the third book in Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. Percy and his friends face their most dangerous challenge yet as they embark on a quest to rescue the goddess Artemis and Annabeth and stop the rise of the Titan's Curse. We discuss: The Story's Premise: Percy and his friends, Grover, and Thalia, must embark on a dangerous quest to rescue Artemis and stop the forces of the Titans from gaining power. New Characters: Meet some unforgettable new faces, including new Demigods, Nico and Bianca, the mysterious and strong-willed Artemis, and the enigmatic Hunter of Artemis, Zoe Nightshade. Percy’s Growth: We analyze Percy’s development as a leader and the way he balances his loyalty to his friends with the pressure of the prophecy. Themes of Family and Loyalty: We explore how family shapes the choices of the characters. The Mythological Connections: As always, we unpack the rich blend of Greek mythology woven into the plot and how Riordan makes these ancient myths relatable to modern readers. Listener Questions: Would you rather join Camp Half-Blood or the Hunters of Artemis? If you were a god or goddess, what age would you present yourself? Blackjack or Bessie? Bookish Thoughts: Share your thoughts on the adventure, the plot twists, and what we can expect from the next installment in the series. Where to Find Us: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @ReadsandRantspod Email us all your Bookish Thoughts at ReadsandRantspod@gmail.com Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll be diving into Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth!
Transcribe →Episode 06: Sailing on the Sea of Monsters
Oct 31, 202401:31:13Tap to summarizeEpisode Title: Sailing on the Sea of Monster Summary: Percy Jackson’s journey continues in Sea of Monsters, where he and his friends must venture into dangerous seas to save Camp Half-Blood. This episode takes us through pivotal scenes, emotional twists, and mythical wonders as we unpack the themes of loyalty, family, and heroism that make this story unforgettable. Favorite Quotes: “Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy.” —Percy reflects on the challenges of his heritage. “It’s funny how humans can wrap their mind around things and fit them into their version of reality.” —Annabeth on the strange and magical world they navigate. Listener Poll: Pegasus or The Death Cab Chariot Races: Participant or spectator? Connect with us! Instagram: ReadsandRantsPod TIKTOK: ReadsandRantsPod Email: ReadsandRantsPod@gmail.com What’s Next: Get ready for The Titan’s Curse, where the stakes get even higher, and new alliances are formed. Join us next episode for a deeper dive into Percy Jackson’s world!
Transcribe →Episode 05: Chasing Lightning Bolts with Percy
Oct 18, 202401:29:00Tap to summarizeReads&Rants Podcast: Percy Jackson and the Olympians – The Lightning Thief SPOILERS BELOW: Episode Overview:In this episode, we’re diving into Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief, the book that kicked off the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Join us as we discuss the origins of Percy’s character, his life-changing journey to Camp Half-Blood, and the epic quest that introduced us to a modern twist on Greek mythology. Main Discussion Topics: Introduction to The Lightning Thief How the story sets up the Percy Jackson series. The importance of combining modern-day issues with mythology. Percy Jackson: The Hero We All Relate To What makes Percy such a compelling protagonist. Why his sense of humor and “reluctant hero” attitude resonate with readers. Key Plot Points and Events: Percy discovering his demigod heritage. The quest to find Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. Battles with monsters, gods, and Percy’s journey to the Underworld. Characters Breakdown: Percy Jackson: The son of Poseidon who goes from underdog to hero. Annabeth Chase: Daughter of Athena and clever quest mate. Grover Underwood: Percy’s satyr friend and protector. Luke Castellan: Son of Hermes friend of Annabeth and Percy Themes and Symbolism: The use of Greek mythology to reflect modern-day struggles. How the book redefines disabilities as strengths (ADHD/dyslexia) Episode Takeaways:The Lightning Thief blends myth, humor, and adventure in a way that makes Percy’s journey unforgettable. From friendship to bravery, this book sets the stage for an epic series that continues to inspire readers of all ages. Next Episode Teaser:We’ll continue Percy’s journey with Sea of Monsters. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the world of Greek gods and demigod adventures! Additional Resources: Rick Riordan’s Website: https://rickriordan.com/
Transcribe →Episode 04: A Special Stance
Oct 9, 202401:24:00Tap to summarizeReads&RantsPod Episode 4: Specials by Scott Westerfeld Episode Overview Welcome back to Reads&Rants! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the third installment of Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series: Specials. Join us as we discuss Tally Youngblood’s transformation into a Special, her struggles with her identity, and the intense action that propels this thrilling conclusion to the trilogy. We’ll be breaking down the book’s major themes, pivotal moments, and the choices that shape Tally’s journey. Episode Highlights 1. Introduction & Recap- A quick recap of where Pretties left off and a brief overview of Tally’s new status as a Special. 2. Themes Explored: Power, Control, and Identity -Discussing the novel’s exploration of authority, the concept of self-identity, and what it means to be “Special” in a controlled society. 3. Key Plot Points - Tally’s life as a Special Cutter. - The raid on The Smoke. - Her relationship with Zane and its tragic end. - The moral choices that define Tally’s path forward. 4. Character Arcs and Development- How Tally’s transformation into a Special impacts her relationship with Shay, David, and Zane. 5. Comparisons to Uglies and Pretties- Looking at the evolution of the series and how Specials serves as both a continuation and a departure from the first two books. Drink of the Episode: “Crystal Clear” Inspired by the sleek, enhanced nature of the Specials, this icy and refreshing drink reflects Tally’s heightened senses and sharp clarity. DM us for the recipe Join the Conversation! What did you think of Tally’s transformation? Were you satisfied with the ending of Specials? Share your thoughts and favorite moments with us on our social media channels: Instagram: @readsandrantspod Email: readsandrantspod@gmail.com Episode Links & Resources Link to purchase Specials: https://www.amazon.com/Specials-Uglies-Scott-Westerfeld/dp/1442430087/ref=asc_df_1442430087/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693580207380&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12789156236609507859&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027577&hvtargid=pla-493233477497&psc=1&mcid=244bd2d4657e33e9adf509a552c88b80 Scott Westerfeld’s website: https://scottwesterfeld.com/ Related episodes: Uglies Pretties Next Episode Teaser Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll be covering Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. We have some thoughts!
Transcribe →Episode 03: The Pretty Party
Sep 28, 202401:24:55Tap to summarizeReads & Rants Podcast: Episode 3 — The Pretty Party In this Episode: In this episode of the Reads & Rants Podcast, we dive into Scott Westerfeld’s Pretties, the second installment in the Uglies series. Join us as we break down the world of New Pretty Town and Tally Youngblood’s ongoing battle with identity, control, and what it truly means to be “Pretty.” From her thrilling (and risky!) escape plans to her relationship with Zane, we explore the most jaw-dropping moments, dissect the most impactful quotes, and, of course, rant about the dystopian madness of a society obsessed with beauty. Join the Conversation: What would you name your pretty clique? Would you have chosen to escape with Tally and Zane Hot- Air Balloon or Hoverboard? Connect with Us: Instagram: ReadsandRantsPod Email: ReadsandRantsPod@gmail.com Support the Podcast: Previous episode on Uglies: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2JPpjIKrtGZqg3Pzd174lJ?si=oPihVZVwSJawQbw5uH6RNw Link to purchase books: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/uglies-quartet-uglies-pretties-specials-extras_scott-westerfeld/919002/item/29069112/?srsltid=AfmBOoozge4ym4YWcWW3W7kFVK4Snp9JAwN3J2R41Bad4Ow7WysJ6BXmqXU#idiq=29069112&edition=20075527 Mental Health Resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or chat online. For TTY users, dial 711 then 988 If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us continue to bring more bookish content and grow our Reads & Rants community! Don’t miss out—subscribe for future episodes, and we’ll see you next week with our breakdown of Specials!
Transcribe →Episode 02: A Trip To Uglyville
Sep 22, 202401:35:46Tap to summarizeReads & Rants – Episode 2: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld In this episode of Reads & Rants, we dive into Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies, a dystopian novel that challenges us to question our society’s obsession with beauty and the lengths we’ll go to achieve perfection. Join us as we accompany Tally Youngblood on her journey from being an eager “Ugly” desperate for the Pretty operation to a rebel who begins to uncover the sinister truth behind the perfect faces and flawless lives. We discuss: The world-building and how it reflects our own societal pressures around beauty and conformity. Tally’s internal conflict between fitting in and staying true to herself. The role of Special Circumstances and the dark reality of control through beauty. Major themes like individuality, freedom, and the dangers of a society that prioritizes appearance above all else. Our personal takeaways: How does Uglies relate to today’s social media-driven beauty standards? And what would you do in Tally’s position? Whether you’ve read the book or are curious about this young adult classic, we’ll take you on a journey through the twists, betrayals, and moral dilemmas of Uglies Listener Questions: Would you get tired of the spagbol Hoverboard or bungee jumping? Will the movie do the book justice? Connect with Us: Instagram: @ReadsAndRantsPod Next Episode we'll be covering Pretties Sources: https://www.reddit.com/r/UgliesBooks/comments/ydox2z/youngbloods_spoilers_boss_x_is_actually/ https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/uglies/ https://uglies.fandom.com/wiki/Uglies_(book) https://www.goodreads.com/series/44452-uglies Thank you for Listening!
Transcribe →Episode 01: Trials of Twilight
Sep 12, 202401:18:27Tap to summarizeReads & Rants Podcast: Episode 1 – Trials of Twilight Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, where love and danger collide in the misty town of Forks. From Bella’s first encounter with Edward Cullen to the mysterious allure of vampires and werewolves, we explore the key moments, iconic movie scenes, and themes that made Twilight a cultural phenomenon. Join us as we break down the highs, lows, and unhinged moments of this beloved series. The pivotal moments that shaped Bella and Edward’s relationship The underlying themes of danger, desire, and sacrifice in the series The controversy surrounding the book and the author Fun, unhinged moments and overlooked details that you may have missed By the end of this episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the relationships, conflicts, and supernatural elements that define Twilight. Whether you’re revisiting the series or discovering it for the first time, we’ll take you on a journey through the key moments that made Twilight unforgettable. Fan Question of the Week: Who is the hottest the Cullen? Team Charlie or Team Carlisle? Share your thoughts, and we’ll feature some answers in the next episode! Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram: @ReadsAndRantsPodcast Leave us a review on Spotify and tell us what you think! ------- Source Material https://twilightsaga.fandom.com/wiki/Twilight_-_book_to_movie_differences#:~:text=In%20the%20book%2C%20Bella%20reveals,to%20Forks%20from%20Port%20Angeles. https://www.instagram.com/sarahelizabeth_talks/ <--- Huge shoutout to Sarah Elizabeth, her Twilight content is amazing and truly the best. Sorry this was our first episode and we forgot a formal shoutout, but thank you! https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/lmp6fs/aita_for_not_letting_my_boyfriend_name_our/ Please, please listen to the award-winning podcast "This Land" podcast, Rebecca Nagel does some really great reporting ---> https://open.spotify.com/show/00cW96nTcbQSq5EOfRsFcB?si=7f4db7a4acb24741
Transcribe →