The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna

Episode: Welcome To Your New Favorite Book Club
Release Date: November 4, 2024

1. Introduction to The Book Lisp Podcast

In the debut episode titled "Welcome To Your New Favorite Book Club," hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna introduce listeners to their new venture—a weekly book club podcast with a unique twist. Combining Jon's love for romance novels and Sarah's penchant for psychological thrillers, the duo promises an engaging blend of genres each month.

2. The Origin of the Podcast Name: "Book Lisp"

The hosts clarify a common misconception about the podcast's name.
Sarah Colonna [00:07]:
"You're listening to the Book List. The Book List."
Jon Ryan [00:08]:
"The Book Lisp."
They humorously explain that "Book Lisp" is a deliberate play on words, not a typo, and delve into the personal significance behind the name.

3. Hosts' Backgrounds and Relationship

Jon Ryan, a former NFL player, and Sarah Colonna, a comedian, actress, and author, share insights into their personal histories and how their relationship influenced the creation of the podcast. Jon opens up about his childhood struggles with a speech impediment, which adds depth to the podcast's title.

Jon Ryan [00:35]:
"It's called the Book List because if you have at least one good ear right now, you can tell that I have a little bit of a speech impediment."
Sarah Colonna [00:58]:
"Straight. When we met and I was a little bit more... people are going to be confused about our relationship. Thank you."

4. Podcast Format and Structure

The Book Lisp follows a monthly cycle where each month alternates between Jon's romance novels and Sarah's psychological thrillers. The structure includes:

• First Week: General book discussions and related topics.
• Second & Third Weeks: Exploration of themes, news, and elements related to the chosen book.
• Fourth Week: A comprehensive review and final thoughts on the book.

Sarah Colonna [03:18]:
"This is a book club podcast, and we are drinking wine in the middle of the day just because... we thought it was kind of like an odd mix that we both enjoy."

5. Book Selections for November and December

Jon and Sarah announce their first book choices:

• November: 28 Summers by Ellen Hildebrand
  Jon highlights his long-standing admiration for Hildebrand, having read all 28 of her novels.

  Jon Ryan [10:57]:
  "28 Summers by Ellen Hildebrand. She's been my favorite author since I read her first book in summer of '69."

• December: On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass
  Sarah shares her excitement about this psychological thriller and her intentions to explore a new author alongside Jon.

  Sarah Colonna [13:32]:
  "Mine is called On a Quiet Street, and it's by Seraphina Nova Glass. We'll discuss it in December."

6. Reading Habits and Preferences

The hosts discuss their distinct reading habits, preferences for physical books versus Kindle, and how these habits influence their book selections.

Sarah Colonna [15:11]:
"I like holding a book, but I blow through them on the beach with Kindle."
Jon Ryan [16:12]:
"You have to look back in your app."

7. Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Personal stories enrich the conversation, including Jon’s school experiences where he excelled by leveraging presentations without thoroughly reading, and Sarah’s humorous tales of calling "General Hospital" hotlines.

John Ryan [19:37]:
"I signed up for Friday afternoon, like the last Friday... I bullshit my way through this five-minute presentation."
Sarah Colonna [12:13]:
"I was calling General Hospital because the characters were my only friends when I first moved to LA."

8. Insights on Authors and Book Recommendations

Jon and Sarah elaborate on their favorite authors and how they discover new books. Jon praises Ellen Hildebrand's character development and interconnected novels, while Sarah discusses her discovery of authors through Kindle recommendations.

Jon Ryan [31:44]:
"Ellen Hildebrand does this a lot with Easter eggs popping up in different novels."
Sarah Colonna [30:49]:
"Someone has to be finding out. Oh, I'm... you don't have to read them in order."

9. Engaging with the Audience

The hosts encourage listeners to join their book club by reading along with their selections and participating in discussions on their Instagram page, @thebooklist. They emphasize the interactive nature of the podcast, inviting feedback and participation.

Sarah Colonna [36:18]:
"We would love for you to join us. Get your books and follow along with the book list."
Jon Ryan [36:19]:
"The book lisp."

10. Conclusion and Future Prospects

Jon and Sarah wrap up the episode by reiterating their enthusiasm for the podcast and the journey ahead. They hint at future book selections and the evolving dynamic of their book discussions.

Sarah Colonna [35:40]:
"John, go ahead. I am a former professional football player."
Jon Ryan [35:53]:
"I played professional football for 19 years, mostly with the Seattle Seahawks."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jon Ryan [00:35]:
  "It's called the Book List because if you have at least one good ear right now, you can tell that I have a little bit of a speech impediment."

• Sarah Colonna [02:17]:
  "Which I've never done, by the way, as a comedian. I've never pictured a room naked. That would just be weird, in my opinion."

• Jon Ryan [03:15]:
  "Would have never been possible if not for Sarah Colonna and me accepting that this is the way I talk."

• Sarah Colonna [10:15]:
  "Oh, if Eric Roberts, you guys know I love Eric Roberts and his... greatest movies you'll ever see in your life."

• Jon Ryan [27:06]:
  "This book is kind of perfect for you. It starts the end."

• Sarah Colonna [31:34]:
  "My favorite favorite episode so far. So 28 Summers by Ellen Hildebrand. It's your..."

• Jon Ryan [34:41]:
  "I think I feel bad. I read one book and it wasn't even a signed book."

Final Thoughts

In "Welcome To Your New Favorite Book Club," Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna set the stage for what promises to be an enjoyable and insightful journey through various literary genres. Their chemistry, combined with their diverse backgrounds and genuine love for reading, makes The Book Lisp a must-listen for book enthusiasts looking to explore new titles and engage in meaningful discussions.

Connect with The Book Lisp:

• Instagram: @thebooklist
• Subscribe: Available on all major podcast platforms.