Podcast Summary: The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna

Episode: "Always Check the Shower"

Release Date: May 19, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna dive into their latest book selections, share personal anecdotes, and explore various literary and psychological themes. The episode, titled "Always Check the Shower," spans nearly 48 minutes, offering listeners a blend of book discussions, personal stories, and humorous banter.

June Book Announcement

"A Beautiful Couple" by Leslie Wolf

[01:10] Sarah Colonna:
"Our June read is A Beautiful Couple by Leslie Wolf, which I blew through in two days."

Sarah enthuses about her June selection, highlighting her swift progress through the book and expressing excitement for the upcoming discussion. Jon reciprocates her enthusiasm, setting the stage for a lively monthly book club session.

Current Reads and Frustrations

Sarah’s Struggle with "The Stranger in Her House"

[02:02] Sarah Colonna:
"It's called The Stranger in Her House. I think it's like I need... [pauses]... it's the most frustrating book I think I've read in a long time."

Sarah opens up about her difficulty in completing The Stranger in Her House. She critiques the protagonist's situation, expressing frustration over how secondary characters handle a dementia patient. Her candid reflections resonate with listeners who may share similar read-aloud challenges.

John’s Struggle with "A Little Life"

[04:03] John Ryan:
"This one I'm reading right now, I don't even care how it ends. I just quit reading it."

Jon discusses his ongoing battle with A Little Life, despite its acclaim. He shares a relatable experience of attempting to persevere with a lengthy, emotionally taxing book but ultimately deciding to move on after a friend's harsh critique.

Silent Book Club Experience

Unexpected Encounter at a Local Wine Bar

[08:14] Jon Ryan:
"I was trying to check out everyone's book when we walked into a packed wine bar... and everyone started reading the book."

Jon and Sarah recount their accidental visit to a silent book club at their favorite local wine bar. They describe the surprising silence amidst a loud setting and the unique atmosphere where attendees read their own books in a communal space.

[09:17] Sarah Colonna:
"We had to sit... they said you can sit outside, there's two stairs, there's two seats aren't taken."

The hosts discuss the dynamics of the silent book club, including its exclusivity and the solitary nature of the activity. They contemplate the benefits and limitations of such a setup, considering their own reading habits and social preferences.

Discussion on Sibling Dynamics and Psychology

Birth Order and Personality Traits

[17:48] Sarah Colonna:
"Just coming from the same parents, having... we couldn't be more different."

Sarah and Jon delve into the psychology of birth order, exploring how siblings raised in the same household can develop markedly different personalities and life paths. They share personal anecdotes about their own families, highlighting how individual experiences shape one's character despite shared genetics and upbringing.

[18:16] John Ryan:
"I think it's like, it's really more weird to me when you see like two brothers... completely different."

Jon expands on the concept, referencing his studies in psychology and discussing how birth order can influence leadership tendencies, responsibility, and social behaviors among siblings.

Childhood Stars and Their Impact

Navigating Fame and Personal Identity

[33:03] Sarah Colonna:
"It seems like there's a very easy chance for you... the famous ones, Lindsay Lohan, Demi Lovato..."

The conversation shifts to the lives of child stars, examining how early fame can impact personal development and future career choices. They reference Beach Vibes by Susan Mallory, where childhood stardom plays a significant role in character development.

[34:17] Sarah Colonna:
"But we worked on a show called Insatiable together. And so John got to know Alyssa very well."

Jon brings up a real-life connection to the topic, discussing Alyssa Milano and her experiences as a child star. They critically assess the pressures and challenges faced by young actors in the industry.

Life in Malibu and Its Literary Portrayal

Small Community Dynamics and Plot Development

[40:17] Sarah Colonna:
"So Malibu is not a big town... it's a small community."

Sarah provides insight into Malibu's real-life dynamics, contrasting them with its often glamorized depiction in literature and media. They analyze how the setting influences the narrative of Beach Vibes, particularly in relation to infidelity and community surveillance.

[42:53] John Ryan:
"If your name is Galaxy, you probably have a personality that people are like, oh, Galaxy's here."

The hosts humorously discuss character names and their impact on plot development within a small community, emphasizing how unique names can lead to increased scrutiny and gossip.

Personal Anecdotes and Relatable Stories

Navigating Social Situations with Humor

Throughout the episode, Jon and Sarah pepper their discussion with personal stories, such as Jon’s experience with silent book clubs, Sarah’s childhood cruise misadventures, and their humorous take on relationships and societal expectations. These anecdotes add depth and relatability, engaging listeners with authentic and entertaining narratives.

Conclusion and Promotions

Upcoming Reviews and Patreon Highlights

As the episode wraps up, Jon and Sarah tease the next full book review of Beach Vibes by Susan Mallory, scheduled for May 26th. They also promote their Patreon, highlighting exclusive content like bonus episodes, short stories, and behind-the-scenes discussions. They encourage listeners to support the podcast through ratings, reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations.

[47:20] John Ryan:
"If you can't rate, review and subscribe and tell a friend about us."

Their closing remarks are both promotional and appreciative, reinforcing the community aspect of their podcast and expressing gratitude towards their listeners.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Colonna [02:48]:
  "It's so frustrating. It's the most frustrating book I think I've read in a long time."

• John Ryan [04:03]:
  "This one I'm reading right now, I don't even care how it ends. I just quit reading it."

• Sarah Colonna [17:48]:
  "We come from the same parents and can be so different."

• Jon Ryan [33:27]:
  "Dex and Teddy was a good show. It's a cautionary tale."

• Sarah Colonna [43:10]:
  "Galaxy just walked into Netflix. People talk about where Galaxy is."

Final Thoughts

"Always Check the Shower" showcases Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna's dynamic interplay of humor, personal insight, and thoughtful analysis. Whether discussing the intricacies of sibling relationships, the challenges of child stardom, or the peculiarities of small-town Malibu, the hosts provide a rich and engaging listening experience. Their ability to intertwine personal stories with broader literary themes makes this episode both entertaining and insightful for avid readers and casual listeners alike.