The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna: Episode Summary – "Don't Take the Stairs"

Release Date: February 10, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna delve into the intricacies of moving into a new home, intertwining personal anecdotes with themes from their chosen book, "Don't Take the Stairs." The conversation seamlessly blends humor, suspense, and insightful reflections, offering listeners a captivating exploration of home security, personal safety, and the psychological aspects of settling into a new environment.

1. Introduction to the Episode's Theme

The episode centers around the experiences and fears associated with moving into a new house, especially in remote or secluded areas. Jon and Sarah use their personal stories to highlight common anxieties and unexpected events that can occur when establishing a new residence.

2. Personal Experiences with Moving into New Homes

Jon Ryan opens the discussion by recounting a harrowing experience related to his grandmother's house in Regina, Canada.

[07:02] Jon Ryan: "I woke up to the news there had been four people murdered outside of my hometown. The murderer was hiding in the house next door to ours. It was insane."

He explains how a late-night call from the local police about an ongoing situation near his rented property led to unsettling news about nearby violence. Despite the distance, the proximity of such a tragic event deeply affected him, underscoring the unpredictability of moving into a new home.

Sarah Colonna shares a contrasting yet equally intense experience from her time living in Los Angeles.

[11:58] Sarah Colonna: "One night, while living alone, I heard a crash and immediately thought someone was breaking in. My first instinct was to jump out of the window, but it turned out to be just a shower caddy falling."

Her story highlights the fear of the unknown and the immediate rush to protect oneself, only to discover a mundane cause for the disturbance. This anecdote serves to illustrate how easily fear can take hold in unfamiliar settings.

3. Reflections on Living in Remote Locations

The hosts delve into the psychological impact of living in remote or isolated areas, drawing parallels to their current book.

[19:13] Sarah Colonna: "I grew up in a small town, houses are few and far between. My parents' house is so far off the road that I can't imagine having to take the garbage cans out."

Sarah reflects on her upbringing in a secluded environment, emphasizing the challenges and fears associated with such living conditions. Jon adds his perspective on the vastness of their properties and the inherent sense of isolation.

[24:20] Jon Ryan: "These places are so big that people are selling the front of their lots for new homes. It's not like LA or Seattle where everything is cramped."

Their conversation underscores the tension between the beauty of spacious living and the underlying unease it can bring, especially when surrounded by vast, empty spaces.

4. Home Security and Safety Measures

Discussing home security, Jon and Sarah share various strategies they've employed to ensure their safety.

[40:13] Jon Ryan: "We have surveillance cameras in the house. If you try to break in, we'll find you."

They stress the importance of proactive measures, such as installing cameras and securing entry points, to mitigate potential threats. Jon humorously mentions hiding valuables to prevent intruders from finding them.

[40:36] Jon Ryan: "I have it hidden very well. Nobody found them."

This segment highlights practical steps listeners can take to enhance their home security and peace of mind when moving into a new space.

5. Anecdotes about Pets and Accidents

Adding a lighter yet poignant touch, Sarah recounts a memorable incident involving their cat, Ralphie.

[41:22] Sarah Colonna: "Ralphie decided to go around the gate, missed, and fell down the stairs, landing on his head. He was sneezing blood but luckily he was fine."

This story not only brings humor but also underscores the unexpected challenges that can arise in a new home environment. It also leads to a discussion about the importance of pet-proofing and safety measures within the household.

6. Relating Personal Stories to Psychological Thriller Themes

Jon and Sarah adeptly connect their personal experiences to the broader themes of psychological thrillers, enhancing the relevance of their book discussion.

[36:48] Jon Ryan: "It's like when people believe in ghosts and something falls at night. They immediately think it's supernatural."

Their conversation delves into the psychology of fear and how past experiences influence our perceptions of safety and threat. By sharing real-life stories, they offer listeners a deeper understanding of the emotional undercurrents present in psychological thrillers.

7. Insights on Community and Isolation

The hosts explore the balance between community living and isolation, a central theme in "Don't Take the Stairs."

[25:17] Jon Ryan: "People are selling parts of their lots for new homes. It's sprawling out, but it leaves you feeling isolated."

[24:44] Sarah Colonna: "I heard coyotes outside my window one night. They howl."

These insights reflect the tension between having a close-knit community and the solitude that vast properties can bring, a dynamic that significantly impacts the narrative and tension in psychological thrillers.

8. Addressing Common Fears and Misconceptions

Jon and Sarah tackle common fears associated with moving into new homes, such as break-ins and encountering unknown dangers.

[42:42] Jon Ryan: "I was thinking, as a psychological thriller lover, if a shampoo bottle falls, first thing I think is a ghost."

[43:46] Sarah Colonna: "Having a camera on the staircase is just smart. Protect yourself from slips and... unexpected events."

This discussion demystifies fears by providing logical explanations and practical solutions, encouraging listeners to approach moving into new homes with a balanced perspective.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, Jon and Sarah reflect on the interconnectedness of their personal experiences with the themes explored in their book. They emphasize the importance of preparedness, community, and personal resilience when facing the uncertainties of moving into a new home.

Notable Quotes:

• [07:02] Jon Ryan: "I woke up to the news there had been four people murdered outside of my hometown. The murderer was hiding in the house next door to ours. It was insane."

• [11:58] Sarah Colonna: "One night, while living alone, I heard a crash and immediately thought someone was breaking in. My first instinct was to jump out of the window, but it turned out to be just a shower caddy falling."

• [19:13] Sarah Colonna: "I grew up in a small town, houses are few and far between. My parents' house is so far off the road that I can't imagine having to take the garbage cans out."

• [40:13] Jon Ryan: "We have surveillance cameras in the house. If you try to break in, we'll find you."

• [41:22] Sarah Colonna: "Ralphie decided to go around the gate, missed, and fell down the stairs, landing on his head. He was sneezing blood but luckily he was fine."

• [36:48] Jon Ryan: "It's like when people believe in ghosts and something falls at night. They immediately think it's supernatural."

Final Thoughts:

In "Don't Take the Stairs," Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna masterfully intertwine their personal narratives with the suspenseful elements of psychological thrillers. Their honest and humorous approach provides listeners with not only an entertaining discussion but also valuable insights into managing the fears and challenges associated with moving into a new home. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or simply interested in home security and personal safety, this episode offers a rich and engaging listen that resonates on multiple levels.