The Book Lisp Podcast Episode Summary: "Oversized Polos and Underage Bartenders"
Release Date: July 14, 2025
Hosts: Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna
Book Discussed: "Meet Me at the Lake" by Carly Fortune
Summer Read: "Sometimes I Lie" by Alice Feeney
1. Welcome and Episode Introduction
Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna kick off the episode by welcoming listeners to the second week of their July Book Lisp. They introduce the focus on Carly Fortune's "Meet Me at the Lake," highlighting it as a perfect summer read. Notably, they mention that in new listeners can enjoy themed discussions without spoilers until week four.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Colonna [00:30]: "It really is a perfect summer read."
2. Anniversary Trip to Cambria
The hosts share their recent anniversary celebration in Cambria, Northern California. They recount their visit to the charming beach town near Paso Robles, emphasizing their delightful experience at the Sea Chest restaurant. The ambiance included pre-opening wine tastings, which led them to join two wine clubs—one in Paso and another in Cambria.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Colonna [01:13]: "We went to Cambria for our anniversary... it's a very cute beach town."
3. Wine Tasting Adventures
Jon and Sarah delve into their wine tasting experience at Justin Winery in Paso Robles. They discuss the differences in pour sizes, with Jon remarking on the substantial pours that early in the day. Sarah contrasts this with subsequent wineries that offered smaller pours, enhancing their overall tasting journey.
Notable Quote:
Jon Ryan [04:18]: "He's like, we do one ounce pours because... the tastings are."
4. Upcoming Comedy Shows and Personal Updates
Sarah updates listeners on her busy summer schedule, announcing upcoming performances in Salem, Oregon, Woodlands, Texas, San Antonio, and Las Vegas. She invites fans to join her shows and engage in meet-and-greets, blending her love for comedy with their mutual passion for books.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Colonna [05:32]: "We're going to add a little more. The bonus chapter that Carly Fortune wrote for 'Meet Me at the Lake'... It’ll be on Patreon, too."
5. Discussion on Summer Jobs Gone Awry
Sarah's Worst Summer Job:
Sarah recounts her challenging stint at a dry cleaner in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she dealt with extreme heat and oversized fashion items. She humorously reflects on how an ill-fitted salmon polo became her signature mishap.
Jon's Worst Summer Jobs:
Jon shares his experiences working on a golf course and later as a janitor at a water park. He describes the monotonous and strenuous tasks, including maintaining 50 toilets and landscaping, while occasionally taking extended breaks at McDonald's.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah Colonna [09:25]: "My worst summer job ever was when I worked at a dry cleaners in Fayetteville, Arkansas."
Jon Ryan [14:01]: "I had this big fan in my living room... making reservations for Hawaii while sweating."
6. Big Cities vs. Small Towns
The hosts engage in a lively conversation about the contrasts between big cities like Los Angeles and smaller towns such as Regina and Farmington. They discuss the close-knit nature of small towns, the challenges of privacy, and the benefits of community support. Sarah shares anecdotes about waving to strangers and the familiarity that comes with returning home.
Notable Quote:
Jon Ryan [28:28]: "Like in LA, you'd probably get punched, but whenever you walk by someone, you always say hi."
7. Immigration and Settling in the U.S.
Jon opens up about his journey towards obtaining a green card, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties he faced as a Canadian athlete in the NFL. He credits meeting Sarah as a pivotal factor in securing his residency, sharing insights into the stringent immigration processes and the importance of companionship.
Notable Quote:
Jon Ryan [35:10]: "I just thought I was going to go back... But thank God, it worked out."
8. Jury Duty and Civic Responsibilities
Sarah and Jon discuss the nuances of jury duty in the U.S., touching on the confusion Jon faces despite his green card status. They exchange thoughts on the responsibilities and apprehensions associated with serving on a jury, contemplating the potential stress of high-profile cases.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Colonna [39:36]: "I have a mental breakdown and tell you that we should leave."
9. Building Community and Personal Connections
The conversation shifts to the importance of community involvement and personal relationships. Sarah emphasizes her mother's charitable work and how their families' reputations influence their social interactions in Regina. Jon reflects on reconnecting with old acquaintances and the challenges of maintaining privacy despite his public persona.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Colonna [46:58]: "Your family's name is just in the world there."
10. Patreon and Additional Content
Concluding the episode, Jon and Sarah promote their Patreon for exclusive content, including short stories, bonus chapters, and special readings. They encourage listeners to support the podcast through reviews and subscriptions, highlighting the value of community engagement.
Notable Quote:
Sarah Colonna [49:45]: "We listen to it on Audible, I guess. But it got us through a good hour and a half drive."
Conclusion
In this episode of The Book Lisp, Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna blend personal anecdotes with engaging discussions about their summer experiences, the challenges of summer jobs, the dynamics of living in different sized communities, and the intricacies of immigration. Their candid conversations provide listeners with relatable content, humor, and insights into balancing personal lives with their passion for books.
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