The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna
Episode: Crisps, Chips, and Christmas Crackers
Release Date: August 4, 2025
1. Introduction and Book Discussion
The episode opens with Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna welcoming listeners to another lively installment of The Book Lisp. Sarah announces that the podcast is currently in a "Sarah month," featuring books from her psychological thriller collection. This month, Sarah has chosen "Sometimes I Lie" by Alice Feeney, a gripping novel that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Colonna [00:35]: "We're reading Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney and it's a wild ride."
Jon shares his thoughts on the book, mentioning a significant twist that left him momentarily stunned.
Notable Quote:
- Jon Ryan [02:01]: "Because everything I thought the whole book was completely flipped."
2. Personal Anecdotes: Jon's Root Canal
Jon transitions into a personal story about his recent dental ordeal. Despite having a root canal just an hour before recording, he bravely continues with the podcast. He describes the painful experience, including the unexpected difficulty in numbing his teeth properly.
Notable Quote:
- Jon Ryan [02:40]: "Tell me if this is not normal. I'll tell you the whole thing."
Sarah empathizes with Jon, highlighting his resilience in continuing to record while recovering from dental surgery.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Colonna [04:38]: "You were a trooper for coming on here and still recording with me before you leave town."
3. Podcast Community and Platforms
The hosts emphasize the importance of their community, inviting listeners to join their Patreon for exclusive content. Sarah details the benefits, including bonus chapters, short stories, and behind-the-scenes videos. They also encourage listeners to engage with their active Facebook group and Goodreads page.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Colonna [05:12]: "We have a Patreon. It's only $5 a month. ... We have other things like short stories and exclusive content."
4. Upcoming Events and Book Picks
Jon announces plans for picking a Christmas-themed book for November, aiming to kick off the holiday season early. Both hosts discuss their excitement for upcoming events, including Sarah's stand-up comedy shows and Jon's involvement with the Portland Pickles baseball team.
Notable Quote:
- Jon Ryan [10:11]: "I've been reading a few. I need to pick a really good one. Like a real cheesy Hallmarky, you know?"
5. Language Differences: UK vs US Terms
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the differences in British and American English. Jon highlights terms like "Boxing Day," "flat," "knickers," "jumper," and "petrol," explaining their meanings and origins.
Notable Quotes:
- Jon Ryan [16:08]: "Boxing Day. Originally, Boxing Day was a day to give..."
- Sarah Colonna [32:05]: "In Canada we say 'spoiled' and you say 'spoilt'."
6. Personal Stories and Dreams
The conversation shifts to personal anecdotes, including Jon's recurring dream about not finishing college and Sarah's frequent dreams about gum stuck in her mouth. Jon shares a heartfelt story about his grandmother (Nana), illustrating her spirited character and dedication to family.
Notable Quote:
- Jon Ryan [27:04]: "I actually didn't finish college. And they told me many times, we'll never put you in the University of Regina Sports hall of Fame until you get a degree."
7. Cultural Differences in Sports and Food Terminology
Jon and Sarah delve deeper into cultural nuances, discussing sports terminology like "field hockey" versus "ice hockey" and food terms such as "chips" vs. "fries" and "crisps" vs. "chips." They share humorous misunderstandings and the challenges of adapting to different linguistic environments.
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Colonna [34:38]: "Do you guys remember culottes? They're like knee-length shorts..."
- Jon Ryan [37:54]: "I didn't. I remember that in this... I remember reading her call them."
8. Closing Remarks and Future Plans
In their closing segment, Jon and Sarah tease upcoming topics without revealing spoilers, ensuring new listeners won't have the book discussions spoiled. They reiterate their Patreon benefits and thank listeners for their support, ending on a playful note with the correct pronunciation of their podcast name.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Colonna [51:55]: "The Book Lisp."
- Jon Ryan [52:20]: "The Book Lisp."
Key Takeaways:
- Book Focus: Sarah's choice of "Sometimes I Lie" provides a thrilling psychological dive for listeners.
- Personal Resilience: Jon's ability to continue recording despite dental pain showcases dedication.
- Community Engagement: Emphasis on Patreon and social media platforms enhances listener involvement.
- Cultural Insights: Discussions on linguistic differences offer educational and entertaining content.
- Future Content: Teasers about upcoming episodes and themes keep the audience engaged and anticipating more.
This episode blends book discussions with personal stories and cultural insights, maintaining an engaging and relatable atmosphere for both long-time listeners and newcomers.
