Summary of "Nice Day for a White Ribbon" Episode of The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna
Release Date: July 7, 2025
In the "Nice Day for a White Ribbon" episode of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna delve into a blend of personal anecdotes, nostalgic memories, and discussions related to their current book choice, Meet Me by the Lake by Carly Fortune. Throughout the episode, Jon and Sarah provide listeners with an engaging mix of storytelling, humor, and insightful reflections.
1. Personal Updates and Announcements
The episode begins with Jon and Sarah sharing personal updates about their lives. Sarah mentions their upcoming anniversary trip to Cambria, a picturesque wine country destination by the ocean. She excitedly details their plans to engage in wine tasting in Paso Robles and dine at their favorite restaurant, The Sea Chest, known for its delectable calamari.
Sarah Colonna [00:28]: "...we are going to Cambria on Monday for our anniversary... and then we go to our favorite restaurant in the world. It's called the Sea Chest."
2. The Sea Chest Restaurant Experience
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around The Sea Chest, highlighting its popularity and unique cash-only policy. Sarah and Jon describe the bustling atmosphere, where guests often arrive hours early, bringing chairs and blankets to enjoy wine in the parking lot while waiting for their reservation. They humorously discuss the challenge of securing a spot without a reservation and the delightful anticipation that builds up among patrons.
John Ryan [03:08]: "And they have a little bar in the back now... it does two seatings... you get like an hour and a half or whatever it is because they're open for three hours a night, six days a week."
Sarah Colonna [04:10]: "But this, it's worth it... because you're right across from the ocean, it's so beautiful."
3. Patreon and Community Engagement
Towards the middle of the episode, Sarah promotes their Patreon community, inviting listeners to join for exclusive content, including short stories and bonus chapters related to their current book. She emphasizes the value of community support and the additional content available to Patreon members.
Sarah Colonna [08:30]: "Don't forget that you can join us on Patreon. It is only $5 a month and what you get there is you get to watch... and then we're adding a chapter..."
4. Nostalgic Reflections on Summer Camp and Childhood
The core of the episode features heartfelt and humorous reminisces about Jon and Sarah's summer camp experiences. Jon shares his initial disdain for summer camp, equating it to punishment from parents, only to realize its joys as he matured. The conversation touches on various camp activities, such as hockey and football camps, and the camaraderie built during those times.
John Ryan [10:38]: "So when I was a kid, I always felt so sorry for all the kids that go summer camp... I was like, oh, my God. Like, your parents hate you."
Sarah counters with her own limited summer camp experiences, recalling a memorable Girl Scout camp where she improvised the iconic line "Where's the beef?" from a Wendy's commercial during a play.
Sarah Colonna [12:37]: "I just think I just kept saying, where's the beef? It was around that time... I think I just kept saying, where's the beef?"
5. Drill Team Memories and Competitive Spirit
Sarah reminisces about her time on the drill team, highlighting the discipline and competitive spirit ingrained during camp. She describes the ribbon system used to evaluate performances, sharing fond memories of her experiences and interactions with fellow campers.
Sarah Colonna [14:02]: "We would go to summer camp for that... and then they'd put a ribbon in your hands on how well you did for the dance."
Jon adds to the conversation by sharing his own athletic camp experiences, emphasizing the dedication and routine that summer camps instilled in him.
John Ryan [16:02]: "The camps that I went to in the summer, I went to two camps every summer. One was a hockey camp... then my brother and I, we went to a football camp every year."
6. Reflections on Nostalgia and High School Memories
The duo transitions into a discussion about high school reunions and the nostalgic yearning for the past. Jon talks about organizing football reunions every five years, celebrating their provincial championship victories, while Sarah shares her hesitation in attending unofficial reunions due to the long gap since graduation.
John Ryan [20:01]: "Yeah, I should have reunions. Like, me and my football buddies every five years."
Sarah Colonna [21:07]: "I was just like, this isn't gonna... We didn't go."
7. Safety Words and Family Dynamics
In a lighter yet meaningful segment, Sarah and Jon discuss the concept of safety words established by their parents for emergency situations. They share humorous takes on their chosen words and the practical challenges of incorporating them into conversations under duress.
Sarah Colonna [41:46]: "Watermelon."
John Ryan [42:10]: "I love you, but I'm gonna make it through this. But when I get home, have some watermelon ready."
The conversation highlights the blend of practicality and whimsy in their family dynamics, emphasizing the deep bonds and protective instincts instilled from a young age.
8. Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
As the episode nears its end, Jon and Sarah wrap up their discussions with plans for the upcoming anniversary trip and tease future content for their Patreon community. They encourage listeners to rate, review, and subscribe to support the podcast, ensuring continued engagement and growth.
Sarah Colonna [44:55]: "Get the yacht rock going... leave us a little review always helps to elevate and get word out about the book lisp."
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Colonna [00:28]: "...we are going to Cambria on Monday for our anniversary..."
- John Ryan [03:08]: "They do two seatings... you get like an hour and a half..."
- Sarah Colonna [04:10]: "But this, it's worth it... because you're right across from the ocean..."
- John Ryan [10:38]: "I always felt so sorry for all the kids that go summer camp..."
- Sarah Colonna [12:37]: "I just kept saying, where's the beef?"
- Sarah Colonna [41:46]: "Watermelon."
- John Ryan [44:55]: "Leave us a little review always helps..."
Conclusion
In "Nice Day for a White Ribbon," Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna offer listeners a delightful blend of personal storytelling and engaging discussions around their current literary exploration. Through shared memories and humorous exchanges, they create an inviting atmosphere that not only entertains but also fosters a sense of community among book enthusiasts.