Best Shelf Esteem Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 58: We Learn How To Get Away With Murder 53:38

4M ago53:38

53:38

It's time for murder and mayhem as librarian Julia Mayo and I discuss two bookswapped mysteries - Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes, and The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters (which is, arguably, not a mystery at all). We end up talking about those two novels and many, many others in this crime-filled episode.…

1
Episode 57: We Run Only Slightly Towards Danger 42:39

5M ago42:39

42:39

Journalist and broadcaster John Gushue joined me in my new recording location at Bad Times Club Studio to discuss what we've been reading lately, particularly the memoirs that have fascinated us. That led us into a deep dive into a book that I read on John's recommendation and we both had a lot of thoughts about: Sarah Polley's collection of person…

1
Episode 56: We Journey to Black Harbour 39:47

6M ago39:47

39:47

In the first podcast episode of 2024, we have a Black History Month special where I visit with Xavier Michael Campbell and Heather Barrett and talk about their book Black Harbour. Our conversation ranges from the record of enslaved people in Newfoundland history, to peppermint knobs, salt fish, and men named Junior, as well as to the idea that "the…

1
Episode 55: We Take a Journey to the Discworld 42:30

10M ago42:30

42:30

For my last podcast episode of 2023, I sat down with my frequent co-host and even more frequent daughter, Emma Cole, and two of her friends, Emma Pappas and Myles Bradley, to discuss the book they'd just read for their friend-group book club, Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment.By Trudy Morgan-Cole

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Episode 54: We Could All Use Some Bunter in Our Lives 1:07:53

11M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

Martha Muzychka and I enjoyed a thorough discussion of the Lord Peter Wimsey novels by Dorothy L. Sayers, wrapping up my three-episode celebration of the 100th anniversary of Whose Body, the first Lord Peter novel.By Trudy Morgan-Cole

1
Episode 53: We Explore London's Underworld In the Company of Bright Young Things 1:16:01

1y ago1:16:01

1:16:01

Continuing my summer series celebration 100 years of Lord Peter Wimsey, I bookswapped Murder Must Advertise with Kate Atkinson's Shrines of Gaiety -- two novels set amongst a drug- and crime-ridden London underworld -- in conversation with writers, visual artist, and cousin, Jennifer Morgan.By Trudy Morgan-Cole

1
Episode 52: We Love It When Everyone KNOWS They're In a Mystery Novel 1:10:00

1y ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Back from an unplanned hiatus, I dive into a summer mini-series where I get my reading partners to read some of the Lord Peter Wimsey novels, my favourite book series of all time, by Dorothy L. Sayers. This month, Emma and I swapped the first of the Lord Peter books, Whose Body, with the Truly Devious mystery series by Maureen Johnson. Tune in to f…

1
Episode 51: Stranded on a (Literal or Metaphorical) Island 58:58

1+ y ago58:58

58:58

In this month's Bookswap, Lori Savory and I discuss two recent novels that are both, in their way, "pandemic novels," though only one is explicitly set during the Covid19 era. Both deal with isolation, finding your path in life, breaking up with the perfect or imperfect boyfriend ... and somehow, the whole discussion ends with us talking about our …

1
Episode 50: Sentient Sourdough Starters and Smoking Hot Fire Spirits 54:14

1+ y ago54:14

54:14

Christine Hennebury - writer, storyteller, founder of Association for the Arts in Mount Pearl, and all-round powerhouse -- swaps fantasy novels with me. In discussion "The City of Brass" by SA Chakraborty and "A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking" by T Kingfisher, we touch on the topics of powerful young women, hot but jerkish mentors, and the abil…

1
Episode 49: We are FOR Canadian Graphic Novels and AGAINST Internalized Misogyny 49:00

1+ y ago49:00

49:00

In another mother-daughter bookswap, Emma and I discuss Kate Beaton's graphic novel Ducks, and Mariko and Jillian Tamaki's YA graphic novel This One Summer. We touch on coming-of-age stories, the power of the everyday, both external and internalized misogyny, and a whole lot more!By Trudy Morgan-Cole

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Episode 48: Three Books I Loved in 2022 51:26

1+ y ago51:26

51:26

Three fellow avid readers join me for this year-end special, each to discuss one book that both they and I read and loved this year. It's December 28 as I post this and I'm still not ready to commit to a Top Ten of 2022, but these three are definitely in at least my Top 25 of the 125 books I read this year.…

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Episode 47 BOOKSWAP 6: The Seven Invisible Husbands of Evelyn LaRue 41:42

2y ago41:42

41:42

Once again, Emma Cole joins me for a deep dive into two novels: one that each of us has recommended for the other to read. In this case, though the books are very different, the titles are easily confused: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and the Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, by V.E. Schwab. Join us for a conversation abou…

1
Episode 53: The League of Unavailable Gentlemen - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 1:04:10

2y ago1:04:10

1:04:10

In this episode, I'm back after a nine-month hiatus. I thought things were going my way. I guess I was wrong...again. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It's available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instagram | Website | Amazon Music by JuliusH and vikassinghchhonker from Pixabay…

1
Episode 46 BOOKSWAP 5: We Are Unclear About What Constitutes a "Beach Read" 50:40

2y ago50:40

50:40

In our fifth BOOKSWAP!, Emma reads Jennifer Weiner's "The Summer Place," I read Emily Austin's "Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead," and we talk about what a "beach read" is, or should be.By Trudy Morgan-Cole

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Episode 45: We Are United by Taika Watiti But Divided by Bats 39:58

2y ago39:58

39:58

My guest this month was L'nu playwright and artist Leahdawn Helena. We had a wonderful conversation about books, which led naturally into talking about her brilliant upcoming play, Stolen Sisters. Follow this link to find out everything you need to know about the play, which runs from August 16-28 in St. John's and will later tour to the West Coast…

1
Episode 44: We Are Not Really Talking About Jack the Ripper 58:18

2y ago58:18

58:18

Cultural power couple Ainsley and Andrew Hawthorn joined me for a wide-ranging discussion that touched on beloved and problematic children's books, issues of consent in the Twilight series, why audiobooks, e-books, and graphic novels are all perfectly valid books ... and a lot of talk about Jack the Ripper that was not really about Jack the Ripper,…

1
Episode 43: We Can Smell the Olives and Also the Public Toilets 45:44

2+ y ago45:44

45:44

My conversation with authors Michelle Butler Hallett and JoAnne Soper- Cook ranged widely over a lot of topics and included much classic literature, although we did make a conscious choice not to talk about Ernest Hemingway. We also discussed earning our "Lying" badge, and the way vividly written historical fiction can bring you into a time and pla…

1
Episode 42: We Honour the Foremothers (and Others) 1:00:37

2+ y ago1:00:37

1:00:37

My first non-family, full-episode, in-person guests since March 2020 are E.B. Reid and Mark Hunter. By total coincidence, this is Episode #42 and we are talking about the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy A LOT ... among other books! Please go to trudymorgancole.com and click on the "Shelf Esteem" link to read this episode's show notes because there…

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Episode 41 BOOKSWAP 4: We Demand the Book About Dylan 54:27

2+ y ago54:27

54:27

For our fourth Bookswap!, and first podcast of 2022, Emma and I read and discuss Throw Down Your Shadows, by Deborah Hemming, and Big Summer, by Jennifer Weiner. Our conversation jumps lightly from discussions of genre to demands that a minor character get his own spin-off. To see show notes for this and all other episodes, go to http://www.trudymo…

1
Episode 40: All Our Quotation Marks Were Destroyed in The Event 39:40

2+ y ago39:40

39:40

For the final episode of 2021, we stay in-house with me and Emma talking about squidburgers, Robert Ludlum's thriller "The Omicron Variant," the apocalyptic loss of punctuation, and, of course, books we've read and thought about this year. The show notes, with the full list of books we discussed, can be found at https://shelfesteem2017.wordpress.co…

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Episode 52: The Epilogue - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 45:03

2+ y ago45:03

45:03

In this episode, I spill all the tea. Here’s the complete story. Why it began…and…how it ends. Spoiler Alert: Not a single one of the 51 guys stuck, and I’m very glad they didn’t. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instagram | Website | Amazon Music by JuliusH and vikassin…

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Episode 51: The Foreigner - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 21:06

2+ y ago21:06

21:06

In this episode, I went on a date with The Foreigner. In his opening message, he said, “I am kinda authentic, real, and don’t like to cheat.” Spoiler Alert: They’re always the exact opposite of what they declare themselves to be. Also, the site of my first date was the same exact place as my fifty-first. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty F…

1
Episode 50: The One Man Show - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 22:42

2+ y ago22:42

22:42

In this episode, I went on a date to see a one-man show by comedian Josh Sundquist, We Should Hang Out Sometime. It was a charming and funny show based upon his book of the same name. Unfortunately, my date didn’t agree. This week I was also a guest on the podcast, Multiple Voices, hosted by Claudia Monacelli. This podcast is based upon my memoir F…

1
Episode 49: Upon Reflection - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 30:08

2+ y ago30:08

30:08

In this episode, I finally, finally, FINALLY end my situationship with Thunderbolt…almost. You’ll have to listen to find out how it ended…then and once and for all. I promise you, I really believe it’s over. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instagram | Website | Amazon M…

1
Episode 48: Sad Holidays - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 17:34

2+ y ago17:34

17:34

In this episode, I spent the end of 2019 crying over the acres of rejection I walked myself into. I kept choosing men who would not choose me. It’s a lifelong pattern that I’m working really hard to break. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instagram | Website | Amazon Mus…

1
Episode 47: Superstition - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 17:06

3y ago17:06

17:06

In this episode, my absolutely normal guy was late…again. I got soup. He got a kiss. He wanted to take weekend casino trips with his family and a new girlfriend. I wanted to talk about a week in Iceland. We were…incompatible. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instagram | …

1
Episode 46: The Physical Therapist - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 15:34

3y ago15:34

15:34

In this episode, I went out on a date with an actual adult. He met much of the criteria I thought I was looking for back then…except, he was more than half an hour late. Found myself texting Thunderbolt, and getting free drinks from a sympathetic Starbucks barista. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever eboo…

1
Episode 45: Tantric Speed Dating - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 25:39

3y ago25:39

25:39

In this episode, I talk about the asks guys have made upfront or with a heavy dose of hinting. Somehow they think because I’m a full-time writer, I can also copywrite for them, or help with their website text and product description, or help put together courses they want to offer. They offered little in return. This podcast is based upon my memoir…

1
Episode 44: Fall Back - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 22:17

3y ago22:17

22:17

In this episode, I talk about the right time to get between the sheets. Spoiler alert: maybe not day one…. Also, I talk about walking the middle ground between sparks and safe and whether a guy who’s ‘really into me,’ exists. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instagram | …

1
Episode 43: There Are No Happy Endings - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 19:02

3y ago19:02

19:02

In this episode, I’m back on the humiliation train. I was this many days old when I learned that someone’s active disinterest in you was not a showing of love. I’ve only experienced relationships in two extremes – the love-bombing kind of intensity or active disinterest…. If you don’t have a wingman…there are two great dating advice/coaches out the…

1
Episode 42: Honesty - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 20:59

3y ago20:59

20:59

In this episode, I’m working toward brutal honesty. Haven’t gotten there, not in 2019, but I can see what’s brewing. Also, for the first time, I reveal my updated 2022 profile. Come January, I think I’ll be ready to go. Also, my recent essay has made the jump from Medium to feature on The Good Men Project. Check it out: The Five Kinds of Guys I Met…

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Episode 41: Sick Days - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 26:18

3y ago26:18

26:18

In this episode, I got sick and instead of going out, played pen pal. Two of the guys I never met in person fell right into two of the categories from last week’s essay: The Five Kinds of Guys I Met During My Fifty First Dates Experiment. Also, I talk about the exploding industry of dating coaches and courses. This podcast is based upon my memoir F…

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Episode 40: Dating Outside of My Neighborhood - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 30:58

3y ago30:58

30:58

In this episode, I had my first date with a neurodivergent man. In his words, he was on the spectrum with Asperger’s. He was…late, though. By twenty or thirty minutes despite me arranging a date in his part of Los Angeles, nine miles and half hour from mine. The guy I met this summer asked me a question that inspired my latest essay published by Th…

1
Episode 39: The Art Show - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 27:28

3y ago27:28

27:28

In this episode, I went on a third! date with The Hiker. This was a 'nice girl,' 'people pleasing' mistake. The moment I invited him, I wanted to take it back. Unfortunately, he responded nearly instantaneously. This was one of those guys where you think there's not much wrong, maybe I should give it a chance. But in retrospect, there was a lot wro…

1
Episode 38: The Hiker - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 25:30

3y ago25:30

25:30

In this episode, I went on a second date with The Hiker. The first date with him was uneventful, or rather the night ended with me back in bed with Thunderbolt. I went on the second date with The Hiker because I was in the mindset that love and attraction can grow. What I left out of that equation was that nothing can grow in the infertile soil of …

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Episode 37: Contrived Quaint - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 33:09

3y ago33:09

33:09

In this episode, I went on a date with a man I wouldn’t trust in any context. He spent the entire THREE hours we were together watching the little girl behind me. She was 5. Also, he didn’t like Mexican women. Talk about two unattractive qualities. Then he negged me. After all that, he wanted a second date. This one proved that a high match percent…

1
Episode 36: It's Autumn and It's Raining - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 21:31

3y ago21:31

21:31

In this episode, I consider listener advice. It was good. She’s on top of the filtering process. It weeds out married men as well as men who aren’t who they say they are. I’m all in. Still on my 2021 dating hiatus. When I get back to it, you can be sure I’ll be filtering as if my life depends on it. In the meantime, I’m working hard to clean up my …

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Episode 35: The Married Man – Fifty First Dates – The Podcast – A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 32:23

3y ago32:23

32:23

In this episode, I talk about how my first memory likely affected my approach to dating and relationships. The hardest part of this entire process is how much I feel unloved during these relationships. Spending time with someone who appears to genuinely enjoy my company is a revelation. Interestingly this new guy (who’s really just a friend) told m…

1
Episode 34: The One Where I Learn Nothing – Fifty First Dates – The Podcast – A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 29:55

3y ago29:55

29:55

In this episode, I talk about the best non-date ever. I spent a day with a guy this weekend that’s restored my faith in men and relationships. I met a great guy…in person. Kind of like The Aussie, but this time I came to the weekend with a greater level of awareness. I realized that I could be attracted to someone who isn’t my ‘type,’ someone who f…

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Episode 33: Damnit, You Can't Go Back - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 25:20

3y ago25:20

25:20

In this episode, I realize that I have moments of great clarity. Unfortunately, they don’t last as long as they should. All too quickly, the spark of knowledge goes out and I go back to my previous (and not always healthy behavior). Also, I talk about The Death of the Cool Girl. I know that I was raised to people please and not ruffle any feathers.…

1
Episode 32: The Surrendered Single - The HIV Test - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 27:09

3y ago27:09

27:09

In this episode, I talk about being lovable and worthy and the end of all these attention-seeking relationships. Also, why are guys so cavalier with STDs and pregnancy. It’s like they skipped sixth and seventh grade Health class. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instagra…

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Episode 31: The Microp*nis - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 18:02

3y ago18:02

18:02

In this episode, I talk about packages and what’s there when it’s unwrapped. “It’s like a box of chocolates… If a guy doesn’t have other appealing qualities, the junk matters. If he has other redeeming characteristics, then it’s a tiny issue. Yes, all puns intended. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebo…

1
Episode 30: The Sociologist - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 39:39

3y ago39:39

39:39

In Episode 30, I talk about learning to express my feelings and stand up for myself. Also in this chapter, I meet the Sociologist. He’s the first man I think I met who actually accommodated me. He was a joy. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instagram | Website | Amazon M…

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Episode 39 BOOKSWAP: We Are Never Going To Make It In New York 59:30

3y ago59:30

59:30

For this episode, I read a recent favourite book of Emma's, Yolk by Mary H. K. Choi, and Emma read a book that was a favourite of mine when I was around her age, Emma Who Saved My Life by Wilton Barnhardt (which I did not name her after). We discussed nostalgia, the dream of making it in the Big City, the trope of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, whethe…

1
Episode 29: Summertime - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 28:29

3y ago28:29

28:29

In this episode, I talk about trauma and the brain. I am reading The Teenage Brain and The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog. Both books suggest there are some things that the brain can’t recover from without substantial help. I’m trying to rewire my own brain. It’s hard work. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available whereve…

1
Episode 28: Like Clockwork - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 31:10

3y ago31:10

31:10

In this episode, I speak about what I want in a healthy relationship. This time around, I want to spend time with someone who can celebrate my successes. I’ve just finished writing book number 25 and it feels like a huge accomplishment. Also, I think the question I need to ask is not what’s wrong with you, but What Happened to You, which was inspir…

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Episode 27: The Break-up - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 27:12

3y ago27:12

27:12

In this episode, I discuss my strong belief that all answers to life’s mysteries can be found in a book. Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents was this week’s read. The skills one uses to survive a dysfunctional childhood are not skills that are necessarily useful or conducive to a life of healthy adult relationships.…

1
Episode 26: The Revelation - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 23:00

3y ago23:00

23:00

In this episode, I’m again trying to deal with breaking up with this equivocal guy. I have to be deserving of more than a guy who can take or leave me. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instagram | Website | Amazon Music by JuliusH and vikassinghchhonker from Pixabay…

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Episode 25: Thunderbolt Turns Up Again - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 24:25

3y ago24:25

24:25

In this episode, I consider taking a dating hiatus. The longest I can remember being single (uninvolved) was the last two years of college. I need to be more secure and not allow myself to get caught up in any more #situationships. This podcast is based upon my memoir Fifty First Dates. It’s available wherever ebooks and paperbacks are sold. Instag…

1
Episode 24: Vulnerabilities - Fifty First Dates - The Podcast - A Crazy Beautiful Love Story 24:14

3y ago24:14

24:14

In this episode, I discuss the disaster that was my wedding day. My mother-in-law wore a white dress. My mother was mad because I wouldn’t let her wear her white dress. I didn’t wear white. Instead, I watched my ex throw a tantrum because our marriage in a public park was viewed by (gasp!) the public. He wanted them ejected. Despite all that…I marr…

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