Podcast Title: The Stacks
Episode: Unabridged: Plot Twist — LARB Radio Hour Interviews Traci!
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Host: Traci Thomas
Guest: Eric (Host from LA Review of Books Radio Hour)

Introduction

In this special bonus episode of The Stacks, host Traci Thomas engages in an insightful conversation with Eric from the LA Review of Books Radio Hour. The discussion delves into the evolving role of book content creators—often dubbed "bookfluencers"—and explores the intricate dynamics between social media, book publishing, and the modern literary landscape.

The Rise of the Bookfluencer

Eric introduces Traci Thomas as a multifaceted literary content creator whose work spans podcasting, live events, and contributions to NPR’s Here and Now. He highlights the significance of bookfluencers in today's publishing industry, noting their pivotal role in publicity campaigns and book discovery.

Eric [03:07]: "We're going to get into it and talk a bit about being a modern content creator, about where people find their latest read today and about the books that are getting through this very strange, maybe kind of scary year."

Traci’s Journey into Content Creation

Traci shares her personal journey from being an avid reader to becoming a prominent book content creator. Starting in 2016, she embarked on a mission to reignite her reading habit, setting ambitious goals that eventually led her to launch The Stacks podcast in 2018.

Traci [05:16]: "I just want to talk about books. But the way that I got started was with the podcast back... I had to hear that, and then I was like, I need a place to talk about books in the ways that I want to talk about them. And so then I was like, I'll just make my own podcast. And then everything just spiraled and is completely out of my control now."

Navigating the Evolving Literary Media Ecosystem

The conversation delves into how the landscape for literary content has transformed with the advent of social media platforms. Traci emphasizes the shift from traditional book reviews to more dynamic content forms like book hauls and video reviews.

Traci [09:01]: "Now it's a lot more like book haul culture where it'll be like, here's all the books that I got at the bookstore... There's a lot less of, I read this one book and here's what I thought about it."

The Shift to Video Content and Its Implications

Traci discusses the increasing dominance of video content, particularly on platforms like Instagram. She expresses a preference for authentic and critical discussions over superficial praise, highlighting the scarcity of honest reviews in the current media environment.

Traci [09:01]: "There’s no actual critical conversation. A lot of people won't even post critical reviews, which is something that I do. I think it's really important."

Selecting and Reviewing Books: Principles and Challenges

Traci outlines her approach to selecting books for discussion, balancing personal interest with audience expectations. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and passion in her reviews, even when it means sometimes departing from popular choices.

Traci [11:17]: "I'm thinking about what am I genuinely interested in. Because I believe... when people speak honestly and passionately about things, that's much more effective than when they try to squeeze into a box."

She also touches upon her practice of "inventing a book," where she champions certain titles to influence her audience's reading choices.

Traci [11:17]: "I like to invent a book, which is where I find a book that's coming out that I read that I really love, and I talk about it a lot."

The Multifaceted Role of a Content Creator

The episode explores the various responsibilities Traci juggles as a content creator, from podcasting and social media management to live events and collaborations with major platforms like NPR. The discussion underscores the complexity and demands of maintaining a presence across multiple media channels.

Eric [13:24]: "You've got the podcast, right? So that involves scheduling, recording, prep, all of that. You create also social media posts... You do the live events..."

Traci candidly reflects on the challenges of balancing these tasks, emphasizing that her role extends far beyond mere content creation.

Traci [14:03]: "It's like the Dickens. It's like past, present and future self, like, come and talk to you, but instead it's just all the things I have to do today."

Conclusion

The conversation wraps up with a preview of the full interview available to subscribers, encouraging listeners to support Traci's work through platforms like Patreon and Substack. Traci briefly outlines the additional perks for subscribers, such as exclusive writing, author interviews, and access to community events.

Traci [15:14]: "If you were liking what you were hearing, you can listen to the entire episode by going to either patreon.com/the stacks and joining the Stacks pack... Thank you so much and I'll see you in the stats."

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity Matters: Traci underscores the importance of genuine and passionate discussions about books, advocating for honest reviews over merely promoting popular titles.

• Adaptability in Content Creation: The shift towards video content on platforms like Instagram has transformed how book content is shared and consumed, necessitating adaptability from creators.

• The Expanding Role of Bookfluencers: Bookfluencers play a crucial role in modern publishing, influencing book sales and trends through diverse media channels.

• Balancing Multiple Roles: Managing a multifaceted presence across podcasts, social media, live events, and collaborations requires significant effort and strategic planning.

This episode offers a comprehensive glimpse into the life of a modern book content creator, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges inherent in bridging literature with digital media.