The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna: Episode Summary – "The Seven Locations of Jon & Sarah"

Release Date: January 6, 2025

In the inaugural episode of January’s edition of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna dive into the captivating world of "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This episode, titled "The Seven Locations of Jon & Sarah," not only explores the intricacies of the book but also intertwines the hosts' personal experiences with iconic Los Angeles landmarks referenced in the narrative.

Introduction and Podcast Setup

The episode opens with Sarah and Jon addressing their listeners amidst a slight technical hiccup, as they are recording from different rooms in their shared home. Sarah jokes about the new setup, saying, "We don't, we're not sitting next to each other. But we're in the same house." (00:19). Jon reassures their dedicated audience with, "We'll figure it out. We always do." (00:45), setting a lighthearted tone for the episode.

Book Selection and Initial Impressions

This week’s book pick, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," is one of Jon’s selections from his extensive romance library. Jon notes its enduring popularity, stating, "it was a very popular book, oh, I don't know, seven years ago, but it's one of her best books." (01:00). Sarah shares her anticipation, admitting, "I ended up really liking it," despite initially gravitating towards murder novels (01:19). Both hosts acknowledge the book's broad appeal and are excited to delve deeper into its themes over the course of the month.

Exploring Los Angeles Through Evelyn Hugo's Lens

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the various Los Angeles locations mentioned in the book, which resonate deeply with Sarah’s personal history. Sarah recounts her time bartending at the Formosa Cafe, a historic Hollywood establishment, saying, "there is so many places that she would mentioned that we've been to." (08:37). She nostalgically shares stories about iconic patrons like Matthew Perry and a legendary waitress named Cassie, who fought to preserve the cafe as a historical landmark (09:50).

Jon adds his admiration for the Formosa’s legacy, describing it as "probably the, the most iconic Hollywood bar it's been around for." (09:58). Their shared memories create a rich tapestry of LA's cultural hotspots, enhancing the discussion with anecdotes that bring the book’s settings to life.

Personal Anecdotes and Memorable Moments

The hosts delve into numerous personal stories tied to the book's locations. Sarah narrates a humorous incident involving her attempt to watch the Oscars from her apartment, only to be thwarted by street closures, leading her to "sit there in my fancy dress and I ate all the cheese dip by myself." (37:38). Jon relates his own experiences with performance venues like the Hollywood Bowl, praising its unique outdoor setting and versatility (43:27).

One of the standout moments is Sarah’s recollection of her interaction with Bono, who frequented the Formosa Cafe with his date during his Oscar nominations. "He brought Cassie as his date to the Oscars," she shares, highlighting the blend of celebrity culture and everyday life in Hollywood (17:37).

Podcast Promotions and Upcoming Content

Throughout the episode, Jon and Sarah promote their Patreon, offering exclusive content such as bonus episodes and special segments like "John and Sarah Hit Record." Sarah mentions their upcoming Patreon-exclusive reading of Frida McFadden’s short story, "the Gift," enhancing listener engagement beyond the weekly podcast (02:13).

Looking ahead, they announce February’s book selection, "The New Wife" by Sue Watson, aligning with Sarah’s preference for psychological thrillers (03:57). They encourage listeners to join their Book List Spinners on Facebook for community discussions and updates.

Reflection on Los Angeles’ Changing Landscape

As the conversation winds down, Jon and Sarah reflect on the evolution of Los Angeles’ social scenes. They express a bittersweet sentiment about the disappearance of long-standing establishments, lamenting how efforts to modernize often erase beloved local traditions. "You can't recreate a dive bar or like an old Italian restaurant," Jon muses, emphasizing the irreplaceable charm of historical venues (29:28).

Sarah concurs, sharing her frustrations with urban developments disrupting established communities and cultural landmarks. This reflection underscores the episode’s broader theme of memory and change, both in their personal lives and the city they love.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Sarah emphasizes the importance of exploring and cherishing meaningful places, inspired by the book’s vivid descriptions. Jon and Sarah reiterate their commitment to providing spoiler-free discussions until the final week, ensuring that both longtime fans and new listeners can enjoy their insights.

Sarah concludes with an invitation to her upcoming comedy shows, blending her professional life with the podcast’s community spirit (38:16). The episode ends on a warm note, with both hosts expressing gratitude to their listeners and excitement for future discussions.

“Thank you guys for listening to the Book Lisp. We will see you next month next Monday with, you know, more of this.” (46:00).

Notable Quotes:

• "We don't, we're not sitting next to each other. But we're in the same house." – Sarah Colonna (00:19)
• "We'll figure it out. We always do." – Jon Ryan (00:45)
• "It was a very popular book, oh, I don't know, seven years ago, but it's one of her best books." – Jon Ryan (01:00)
• "I ended up really liking it." – Sarah Colonna (01:19)
• "Probably the, the most iconic Hollywood bar it's been around for." – Jon Ryan (09:58)
• "He brought Cassie as his date to the Oscars." – Sarah Colonna (17:37)
• "You can't recreate a dive bar or like an old Italian restaurant." – Jon Ryan (29:28)
• "Thank you guys for listening to the Book Lisp. We will see you next month next Monday with, you know, more of this." – Sarah Colonna (46:00)

Final Thoughts

"The Seven Locations of Jon & Sarah" serves as both a deep dive into a beloved novel and a nostalgic journey through Los Angeles' storied venues. Through engaging storytelling and heartfelt reminiscences, Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna create a rich, immersive experience that not only highlights the essence of "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" but also celebrates the enduring spirit of Hollywood’s historic locales. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to The Book Lisp, this episode offers a delightful blend of literary analysis and personal anecdotes that resonate with anyone who cherishes stories and the places that inspire them.