Best Deep Readers Club Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 21: A Gothic Literature Deep Dive 39:00

23h ago39:00

39:00

Welcome to an extra special, totally terrifying, spooktacular episode of BROKEN SPINE SOCIAL CLUB: A GOTHIC LITERATURE DEEP DIVE. Today we take a look at all things ghastly, ghoulish, and Gothic as we dive deep into this infamous literary genre. From Gothic literary history to themes and tropes, book recommendations and more, you’re in for a blood-…

1
Story Genius, Part II: External Gauntlets & Internal Growth: Story Genius Part 3 Explored 44:53

6d ago44:53

44:53

In this video script, Blake Reichenbach continues his analysis of Lisa Cron's book 'Story Genius' by delving into part three, which focuses on integrating plot with protagonist development. Reichenbach discusses how Cron shifts from character backstory to present action, emphasizing the distinction between plot (sequence of events) and story (chara…

1
Episode 20: Creating Reading Communities IRL with Denver Book Swap Society Founder Nicole Wiebe 45:12

8d ago45:12

45:12

In 2022, newly minted reader Nicole Wiebe founded Denver Book Swap Society with one goal in mind: keep reading affordable and sustainable. In the 2 years since Denver Book Swap Society’s launch, the group has spawned endless chapters, events, friendships, and book clubs across multiple cities and states - and today, we sit to chat with Nicole on he…

1
Listener Book Recommendations 2 53:29

8d ago53:29

53:29

We're turning to our listeners for another round of book recommendations! We asked, and boy did you answer. We did our best to fit the brief and recommend books to add to your TBR. Plus a discussion of the cover reveals for the new Emily Henry and Hunger Games books! AHH! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @readirectpodcast.…

1
Episode 19: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue with Human Design Coach, Courtney Carteret 59:28

15d ago59:28

59:28

If everyone you met forgot you as soon as you left their sight…how would you define yourself? V.E. Schwab’s 300-year-old protagonist Addie LaRue explores this very question when she sells her soul to the dark — and Human Design coach Courtney Carteret and I do as well, as we sit down to chat about the 2020 magic realism powerhouse along with a dive…

1
Beyond Outlining: A Deep Dive into Lisa Cron's Story Genius (Part One) 40:19

22d ago40:19

40:19

In this episode of Inkling Insights, Blake Reichenbach explores key themes and methodologies from Lisa Cron's book, Story Genius. Blake discusses the evolutionary role of storytelling in human survival, debunks common writing myths, and offers practical exercises to craft compelling protagonists and meaningful narratives. This episode covers parts …

1
Episode 18: Sunk Without a Sound with My Adventure Friend Bridgette 1:06:51

22d ago1:06:51

1:06:51

In 1928, an adventurous couple rafting the Colorado through the Grand Canyon go missing. In 2024, two girls who like beers, bikes, and The Clique books sit down to discuss what may or may not have happened, according to river historian Brad Dimock in his 2001 “Sunk Without a Sound: The Tragic Colorado River Honeymoon of Glen and Bessie Hyde". SHOP …

1
Book Club: The Pairing by Casey McQuiston 48:56

22d ago48:56

48:56

What happens when childhood friends reunite on a European food and wine tour? Join us as we explore this story of second chances and personal growth, while also celebrating McQuiston's knack for creating relatable, complex characters. We really liked this interview with Casey McQuiston in Rolling Stone. Abigail also recommends pairing this book wit…

1
Inkwell Insights: Where Creativity Meets Life 15:04

29d ago15:04

15:04

In the inaugural episode of Inkwell Insights, host Blake Reichenbach introduces the podcast focused on books, storytelling, creativity, and curiosity. Blake explains the book club format of the show, shares his personal experiences with writing and creativity, and discusses the importance of integrating creativity into everyday life. He reflects on…

1
Episode 17: Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld 48:51

29d ago48:51

48:51

Throw back to the best years of your life…or the most anxiety inducing, most self conscious, just generally worst years if you happen to be Lee Fiora of Curtis Sittenfeld’s “Prep”, a boarding-school classic exploring the world of the East Coast elite through the eyes of a Midwestern scholarship student. It’s the last of the Broken Spine Social Club…

1
V&O: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

30d ago

—

Julia makes her case of why the creature in Grady Hendrix’s The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is NOT really a vampire, and Victoria makes a counterargument that it is actually the MOST vampire. They are both generally infuriated with everyone in this novel except Mrs. Green. Content Warning: mentions of sexual violence. Views expre…

1
Nicholas Sparks Deep Dive | Emotional Manipulation, Poorly Written Women, and Eternal Sunsets 54:54

1M ago54:54

54:54

We're here to deep dive and debunk the allure of Nicholas Sparks. What were beloved books to us at one point in our lives, are now bizarre, hilarious, and at times, genuinely disturbing. First, some...concerning allegations about Nicholas Sparks, with receipts. If it's not clear by the content of this episode, we strongly disavow any homophobia, ra…

1
Episode 16: Galatea 2.2 by Richard Powers 46:32

1M ago46:32

46:32

Episode 15: Galatea 2.2 by Richard Powers We’re back on campus with our second installment of the Broken Spine Social Club podcast Campus Novel series. Today, we discuss Richard Power’s 1995 ‘Galatea 2.2’, an eerily prescient psuedo-autobiographical novel about learning, human connection and of course, artificial intelligence. What is consciousness…

1
Episode 15: Stoner by John Williams 45:25

2M ago45:25

45:25

It’s back to school season and in honor of little nerds who grow up to host book-related podcasts, we’re doing a 3-part deep-dive on the campus novel. First up is “Stoner” by John Williams, the genre-defining novel about quiet farm-boy-turned-English-lit-professor in this cult classic about love, literature, and the worth of a life lived in solitud…

1
Cozy Up With Fall Reads 51:40

2M ago51:40

51:40

Get ready to expand your fall reading list with our carefully selected book recommendations. Grab your favorite fall beverage and settle in for an episode packed with books that have rich storytelling, emotional depth, and the perfect vibes for autumn. Happy reading! Emily's Fall Picks: Rabbit Hole by Kate Brody Blake Crouch's entire catalog (speci…

1
V&O: The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller — The Octopus in Captivity

2M ago

—

Julia and Victoria read a pandemic book called The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller where the octopus is not the focus of the story, but is at the heart of the book’s major themes of captivity and embodiment. Victoria makes the ill-advised choice to revisit some of her early-pandemic journals. Views expressed on Book Club with Julia and Victoria …

1
Book Talk: All the Young Dudes, Recent Reads, and PR Dumpster Fires 1:10:04

2M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Travis, we gotta talk about it. Eternal disclaimer that we do not support JK Rowling in any way, and encourage partaking in only fanfiction and avoiding her altogether. ANYWAYS! When we tell you to, you can skip to 51:56 to miss all Marauders talk. Abigail has FINALLY read All the Young Dudes by the legendary MsKingBean89, and WE GOTTA TALK ABOUT I…

1
Blake's Book Club | Drums Of Autumn: Chaptah 1 - A Hanging In Eden 14:12

2M ago14:12

14:12

Blake begins Chaptah 1 of "Drums of Autumn," in Blake's Book Club. The first chapter is a tense dive into a scenario where Jamie and Claire face the grim reality of a public execution in America. As Gavin Hayes meets his fate, chaos erupts when another prisoner escapes, leaving Jamie and Claire to navigate loss and uncertainty in a foreign land. De…

1
Episode 14: Storm of Steel with My Friend Salv 1:05:33

3M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Who knew a direct translation trench warfare WWI memoir could be so fascinating? Certainly anyone who knows anything about WWI, including my friend Salv. In this episode, we chat about the complicated Ernst Junger and his seminal WWI masterpiece “Storm of Steel”, including what the trenches were really like, what heroism is, and asking ourselves: h…

1
Reading Rewind: American Girl Dolls (Meet Kit and Addy!) 1:09:02

3M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

In today’s episode, we’re doing a deep dive into one of our FAVORITE playthings from childhood—American Girl Dolls and their accompanying books. Joined by very special guest and leading American Girl expert Emma Wright, we’re revisiting the stories that shaped our childhood. Today, we’re revisiting Kit and Addy’s stories, plus a brief mention of Do…

1
Life & Death: Twilight Reimagined | Vampires, Gender Swaps, and Insane Names 1:11:17

3M ago1:11:17

1:11:17

Did you know that Stephanie Meyer wrote a gender-swapped Twilight book for the 10-year anniversary of Twilight? Are you looking for your next summer read that will start to make you question what you ever saw in this godforsaken book series in the first place?? Look no further babes, it's Life and Death, Twilight Reimagined! When we say there is fa…

1
Episode 13: The Clan of the Cave Bear with My Sister Moselle 55:58

3M ago55:58

55:58

“Girl Dinner” gets a whole new meaning in Jean M. Auel’s 1980 “Clan of the Cave Bear”, where my lil’ sister Moselle and I serve up tasty morsels such as what makes a GOOD villain, Mary-Sue-isms, and a Neanderthal delicacy: ptarmigan stuffed with its own eggs. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/brokenspinesc/…

1
Harry Potter and Naming Your Kids After Dead People (Deep Dive Part 3) 1:26:04

4M ago1:26:04

1:26:04

We are back with our third (AND FINAL) installment in our Harry Potter Deep Dive. Did we intend for this to be a full and lengthy three parts? Clearly not. However, it was fun, unhinged, and chaotic in the best ways. Listen to this deep dive where we're covering books five, six, and seven. Emily tries to be normal about Sirius and Remus, and chicke…

1
Episode 12: Less Than Zero with My Cousin Friend Jona 1:00:51

4M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

EPISODE 12: Less Than Zero with My Cousin Friend, Jona My cousin-friend (and former pod co-host!) Jona and I dive into the wild world of Brett Easton Ellis to discuss his debut novel, Less Than Zero. A fascinating and disturbing look at the world of the 1980's LA elite, Less Than Zero is equal parts literary masterpiece and chaos-riddled teen drama…

1
Episode 11: Night Watch with My Boss Cathal 1:04:41

4M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Time travel, fantasy, and humor combine when my former boss (and friend) Cathal and I sit down to fish for a brand sponsorship from Mythology Whiskey. Oh yeah, we also discuss Terry Pratchett’s powerhouse fantasy-cop satire, “Night Watch”, the 29th installment of the beloved Discworld series. We chat moral v. legal justice, the role of parody in ge…

1
V&O: Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda — Parenting Your Inner Baba Yaga

4M ago

—

Julia and Victoria get very hungry talking about the trope-flipping, contemporary vampire novel Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda. Views expressed on Book Club with Julia and Victoria and bookclubwithjv.com are solely those of the hosts and not necessarily those of their employers, clients, guests, and collaborators. Disclosure: This post may contain a…

1
Harry Potter and the Case Against Gun Control (Deep Dive Part 2) 1:05:42

4M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

In the second installment of our Harry Potter deep dive, we're covering Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire. Did we assure you we could wrap this series up in two parts? Yes. Did we fail miserably? Also yes. As a reminder, we're raising money for the Trevor Project as long as this series continues. Donate at this link to enter for a chance to wi…

1
Episode 10: Me, Myself, & I: A Solo Episode! 46:29

4M ago46:29

46:29

It’s me and me alone this week to give you my H1 Reading Review! On a mission for more Moshfegh, I review Lauren Groff’s “Matrix”, Rachel Yoder’s “Nightbitch”, and Mona Awad’s “All’s Well”, in addition to giving my listeners some QT with me. Let’s chat all things reading, writing, and more in my first (but not last!) solo episode!! INSTAGRAM: https…

1
Episode 9: Childhood's End with My Cousin Ben 1:02:44

5M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

EPISODE 9: Childhood’s End with My Cousin Ben My cousin Ben and I chat about one of the greatest sci-fi classics of our time: Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke. In addition to discussing what the end of days and The Wild Thornberrys have in common, Ben and I take a look at the beauty of sci-fi (and Clarke, specifically) to open up the box when it…

1
Harry Potter and the Biggest Bag Fumble of All Time: Deep Dive (Part 1) 1:23:06

5M ago1:23:06

1:23:06

Major Disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts do not in any way, shape, or form endorse or support or agree with JKR and her awful, transphobic viewpoints. We encourage you to avoid supporting her financially or in any other way. All June, we are raising funds for The Trevor Project in honor of Pride Month. Consider donating at this link! For part o…

1
V&O: Sea Change by Gina Chung — Loneliness & Adaptation

5M ago

—

Julia and Victoria discuss Sea Change by Gina Chung and how authors use the octopus to contemplate loneliness and change. They discover that life really is about the friends we made along the way in this first book of The Vampire & the Octopus series. Views expressed on Book Club with Julia and Victoria and bookclubwithjv.com are solely those of th…

1
Episode 8: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with My Oldest Friend Kelly, Pt. 2 39:27

5M ago39:27

39:27

EPISODE 8: Harry Potter AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE with My Oldest friend Kelly, Pt 2 I’m back with my oldest pal Kelly to finish up our chat on Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. Last week, we tackled JK Rowling. This week, cancel culture, the cottage industry supporting Pottermania on their terms, and where exactly the Iron Curtain falls in the Wiza…

1
V&O: The Vampire in Storytelling, a Bite-Sized History

5M ago

—

Victoria teaches Julia all about the origins, tropes, and metaphors of vampire lore that create the undead monster we read about today. They discuss the origins of vampire stories in Slavic folklore, the Great Vampire Epidemic of the 18th century, the blood-sucking breakup novel Lord Byron’s “travel companion” wrote about him, and lament the loss o…

1
Episode 7, Part 1: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with My Oldest Friend, Kelly 51:38

5M ago51:38

51:38

EPISODE 7 PT 1: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with My Oldest friend, Kelly What do crying at Sidney High School Prom 2010 and JK Rowling have in common? My oldest friend Kelly Whipple makes me feel better about both of them! Today is just one helping of a fun convo on all things Pottermania - from JK Rowling’s fall from grace to #justiceforsn…

1
Summer Reading Bucket List 55:54

5M ago55:54

55:54

For today's episode, we're sharing our summer reading bucket lists, filled with exciting new releases like "The Guncle Abroad" by Steven Rowley, envisioning perfect reading spots from beachside getaways to cozy backyard hammocks. With plans for a season filled with adventure, relaxation, and great books, we capture the whimsical spirit of summer th…

1
Episode 6: The Book of Hope with My Friend Caroline 54:04

5M ago54:04

54:04

Believe it or not, naturalist and conservationist Jane Goodall gives me and my friend Caroline lots of reasons to hope...including but not limited to popsicle flavored Liquid IV, the eternal joy of reading, and the possibility of a Goodall-Attenborough kiss??? all this and more in this week’s episode on Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams’s “The book o…

1
AI and The Indie Romance Book World 1:37:27

5M ago1:37:27

1:37:27

If you can't be bothered to actually write it, why should I be bothered to pay for it and read it? EJ, Stacy, and Amy have more bookish thoughts on their noggins, and this is a HEFTY ONE. No, we’re not turning into a tech podcast, but there is no denying AI is here, and it is a part of our world. We’re talking about a lot of different topics that a…

1
V&O: The Octopus in Literature, an Equal, Intelligent Other

5M ago

—

Julia takes Victoria on a deep dive of octopus stories throughout time and space in this first episode of The Vampire & the Octopus series. We tackle questions like “Are octopus stories a form of colonizer horror?” and “What’s with all the octopus books coming out recently?” and “Why did the 19th century French think the octopus was the physical em…

1
Episode 5: The Third Policeman with My Husband Maurice 1:00:11

5M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Can a ghost story be funny? If you’re twentieth-century Irish writer Flann O’Brien, the answer might just be yes...as long as it’s mixed with a healthy dose of absurdism and existential angst. speaking of healthy dose...lots of sap incoming in this week’s episode where i sit down with my beloved husband to chat about Flann O’Brien’s “The Third Poli…

1
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton + Bridgerton Season 3 56:48

5M ago56:48

56:48

For today's episode, we read Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn and watched part one of Bridgerton Season 3. We're comparing the book to the tv show, and discussing our many feelings about Collin and Penelope. Plus, recent reads All The Young Dudes by MsKingBean89 and How to Fall Out of Love Madly by Jana Casale. Follow us on IG at @readirectp…

1
Episode 4: Children of Time with My Friend Ross 1:01:07

6M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

EPISODE FOUR: Children of Time with My Friend Ross A planet of hyper-intelligent super-spiders…your worst nightmare, or humanity’s last hope? This is the question author Adrian Tchaikovsky asks and my friend Ross and I attempt to answer, along with trebuchet talk, RPG writing, and more in this week’s episode of Broken Spine Social Club! Don’t forge…

1
Episode 3: The Remains of the Day with My Writer Friend Zaza 1:00:11

6M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Two girls with very little dignity of their own sit down to chat about longing, remorse, love, and just how far you can push a good woman before she puts an end to your cocoa evenings. All this and more in this week’s episode, where I sit down with my writer friend Zaza to chat about the outstanding Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day”. Don't …

1
Book Club: Funny Story by Emily Henry 59:53

6M ago59:53

59:53

Today we're convening our Book Club for a deep discussion on Emily Henry's newest release, Funny Story! Join us for a discussion of the key plot points, the characters, and find out where we rank this book in the Emily Henry universe. You will feel like you're chatting with your friends about this book, so join in on the conversation with today's e…

1
Episode 2: The Alchemist with My Friend Britt 48:28

6M ago48:28

48:28

What’s your personal legend? Because if you avoided playdates to read about horses in your closet...you might just be on the path to becoming a jockey, like my friend Britt. Spiritual pathways, coming home again, and which “The Summer I Turned Pretty” brother is hotter - all this and more in this week’s episode as Britt and I chat about 'The Alchem…

1
Taylor Swift Songs as Books 52:17

6M ago52:17

52:17

Join us today for a little wine and cheese pairing, if you will. That's right, we're picking out some of our favorite books and pairing them up with the perfect companion Taylor Swift song and lyrics. Books Mentioned: Circe by Madeline Miller The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Don't Want…

1
Broken Spine Social Club Trailer 0:59

6M ago0:59

0:59

Howdy, I'm Zoe. Reader, writer, friend. Welcome to Broken Spine Social Club. I spend a lot of time talking about what I like to read, and on Broken Spine Social Club, I sit down with the people in my life to chat about their favorite books. No book is off limits, and from high modernism to high fantasy, we cover it all, getting to the heart of what…

1
Episode 1: A Court of Silver Flames with my Best Friend Sarah 49:59

6M ago49:59

49:59

Can fairy smut heal trauma? How many centuries does it take a man to become a supportive partner? SJM and Margot Robbie...friends or potential collaborators? This week, my best friend Sarah and I chat all things ‘A Court of Silver Flames’, fifth book of the internet-breaking romantacy A Court of Thorns and Roses series! Don't forget to subscribe an…

1
Caraval by Stephanie Garber 1:07:11

7M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

This week Camila and Jen are joined by Jen’s daughter, Corinne, as they discuss Caraval, the first book in Stephanie Garber’s YA Fantasy trilogy of the same name. In addition to Caraval, the ladies also give their opinions on the age gap trope and all things literary romance, from cowboy (Elsie Silver), to vampire (Stephenie Meyer), to regency (Jul…

1
Book Swap: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman & One Day by David Nicholls 42:49

7M ago42:49

42:49

For today's episode, we are swapping reads that challenge our literary comfort zones. Emily chose One Day by David Nicholls for Abigail to read, and Abigail selected Heartsopper, vol. 1 by Alice Oseman for Emily to read. We're sharing our thoughts, FEELINGS, expectations, and recommendations after reading each other's chosen books. In addition, we'…

1
Bonus: Disability Humor & Creating in Community with Steven Verdile

7M ago

—

Julia discusses disability, comedy, creativity, and treating people like people with Steven Verdile, the founder of the disability satire publication The Squeaky Wheel. Views expressed on Book Club with Julia and Victoria and bookclubwithjv.com are solely those of the hosts and not necessarily those of their employers, clients, guests, and collabor…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Deep Readers Club Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide