The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna Episode: Flag on the Date
Release Date: April 14, 2025

In this lively and heartfelt episode of "The Book Lisp," hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna dive deep into their latest book club selection, share personal anecdotes, and offer glimpses into their intertwined lives as a married couple balancing careers and family. From discussing red flags in relationships to reminiscing about Jon's NFL days, this episode is a rich tapestry of humor, vulnerability, and insightful conversations.

1. Recent Travels and Life Updates

The episode kicks off with Jon and Sarah reflecting on their recent adventures. Having just returned from a trip to Montana and preparing for an upcoming journey to Vegas, the couple shares their travel experiences and the exhaustion that comes with their busy schedules.

• Jon Ryan [01:19]: "I am drinking some red wine. I'm having a nice day. I'm very tired."
• Sarah Colonna [01:26]: "We're doing a bit of a pre-record because we're fresh off quite a trip to Montana and flew in this morning. You can hear it. We're a little tired."

Their camaraderie is evident as they joke about the challenges of maintaining energy levels amidst their hectic lives.

2. Book Review: "Then She Was Gone" by Lisa Jewell

Central to the episode is their discussion of the month's book selection, "Then She Was Gone" by Lisa Jewell. Sarah highlights the intense discussions it has sparked among their listeners, particularly in their Facebook group, "The Book Listeners."

• Sarah Colonna [03:09]: "Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell. It's got all the kids talking on the Facebook group."

They delve into the emotional depth of the story, focusing on the protagonist Laurel's struggle to move forward after her child's disappearance and the resulting strain on her marriage.

• Sarah Colonna [07:44]: "Her marriage fell apart after her child went missing, like they do, which we can all understand. It's always sad."
• Jon Ryan [08:25]: "Sometimes when you start talking about that, people don't realize what goes on behind the scenes in pro sports."

3. Upcoming Book: "Beach Vibes" by Susan Mallory

Looking ahead, Jon announces their May book pick, "Beach Vibes" by Susan Mallory, describing it as a "fun beach read." Although Sarah hasn't started the book yet, she shares her excitement and teases listeners with upcoming content.

• Jon Ryan [04:35]: "Beach Vibes by Susan Mallory. It's a fun beach read, you're saying?"
• Sarah Colonna [05:08]: "But this book, Lisa Jewel, Then She Was Gone."

4. Red Flags in Relationships: Personal Stories and Insights

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the theme of "red flags" in relationships. Sarah connects this topic to their current book, discussing how Laurel struggles to recognize warning signs when entering the dating scene after her traumatic experience.

• Sarah Colonna [07:44]: "She seems like she doesn't notice a red flag. When a red flag is just like, what's up, girl?"
• Jon Ryan [08:37]: "Yes, a lot when I was younger."

Jon shares his own experiences of ignoring red flags in past relationships, leading to messy breakups, and contrasts them with the stability he finds in his marriage with Sarah.

• Jon Ryan [10:22]: "I met you, I knew it was forever... So I think I had a lot of those other relationships."

These candid discussions offer listeners relatable insights into navigating the complexities of romantic relationships.

5. Anecdotes from Jon Ryan's NFL Career

Jon provides an intriguing glimpse into his life as an NFL punter, sharing stories that highlight both the discipline required and the humorous side of his career.

• Jon Ryan [12:25]: "People don't realize maybe in the NFL, before every game, we stay in a hotel... wives are not invited."
• Sarah Colonna [14:15]: "We were not. It was..."

He recounts incidents like trying to stay in the hotel to avoid unnecessary travel and the strict regulations that prohibit players' spouses from accompanying them, ensuring privacy and focus during the season.

• Jon Ryan [16:49]: "And then on the road, when I would go back to see my wife, I just... it was a weird tangent."

Jon's stories are peppered with humor and a touch of nostalgia, painting a vivid picture of life on the football field and the personal sacrifices that come with it.

6. Family Stories and Bone Marrow Registry

Towards the end of the episode, Jon and Sarah open up about their family, sharing a heartwarming story about their nephew Lincoln's battle with aplastic anemia.

• Sarah Colonna [47:08]: "Our nephew Lincoln has... a match in the entire world that completely was his exact bone marrow match."
• Jon Ryan [48:11]: "Join the registry. All it takes, a swab of your cheek. It's so easy."

They emphasize the importance of the bone marrow registry, encouraging listeners to consider joining to potentially save lives, as Lincoln's mother was unknowingly a perfect match, leading to his recovery.

7. Closing Remarks and Support for the Podcast

In their heartfelt conclusion, Jon and Sarah express gratitude to their listeners, reminding them of the various ways to support the podcast, including joining their Patreon for bonus content, following them on social media, and leaving reviews.

• Sarah Colonna [48:14]: "Another way you can always help us if you can't do any of the above is just rate, review and subscribe."
• Jon Ryan [49:09]: "Beach Fives by Susan Mallory."

They wrap up with a final nod to their May book pick and a playful exchange, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next episode.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Ryan [10:18]: "I think I was in a lot of relationships... until I met you, because I was like, oh, we're on equal scale or equal footing."
• Sarah Colonna [23:10]: "I do that. Yeah."
• Jon Ryan [29:12]: "I was probably the worst college student maybe ever."
• Sarah Colonna [32:32]: "It's a good quality to have those skill sets and to know and to be paying attention to your money clearly."

Conclusion

"Flag on the Date" is a testament to Jon and Sarah's authentic and engaging podcasting style. By weaving together discussions about their book club selection, personal experiences, and heartfelt family stories, they create a space that is both entertaining and deeply relatable. Whether you're a regular listener or new to "The Book Lisp," this episode offers valuable insights and plenty of laughs, making it a must-listen for book enthusiasts and fans of genuine conversational podcasts alike.

Connect with The Book Lisp:

• Facebook Group: The Book Listeners
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Join their community, engage with fellow book lovers, and support Jon and Sarah as they continue to explore captivating stories each week.