Best Couple S Book Club Podcasts (2024)

1
10 Ways Improv Makes You a Better Leader 47:28

1d ago47:28

47:28

Think improv is just for comedians and actors? Think again. In this episode, Kristen and Mike explore how the skills from improv theatre can actually make you a better leader. Kristen shares her experience using improv techniques in executive coaching, showing how these seemingly unrelated worlds collide in powerful ways. They discuss how improv ca…

1
Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont: Chapters 7-12 1:09:22

1h ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Welcome back to the Close Reads! This week we discuss whether Ludo is a decent guy, compare the real Desmond to the fake one, contemplate the creeping scourge of loneliness, and dig deep into a key chapter/scene. As always, happy reading! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes,…

1
A Pot of Sauce, A Pinch of Love: Cooking Through the Challenges of Dementia with Jeanette Fazzari Jones 47:24

3h ago47:24

47:24

In this heartfelt episode of AlzAuthors, we dive into the emotional and practical aspects of caring for loved ones with dementia, with a special focus on family memories and intergenerational bonds. Jeannette Fazzari Jones shares a particularly touching story about her experiences with her grandparents’ dementia, detailing both the struggles and jo…

1
What Is Empathy? … And How To Show It, Even When You Disagree With Someone 16:24

3h ago16:24

16:24

It might be a buzzword, a counseling cliche, or something that feels way too touchy-feely. But if you’re in Christian ministry, you need to understand empathy. What is it? Why does it matter for Christians? Is it something you should aim for in your ministry? What would that really look like? These are good questions - and today, I’ll share some an…

1
Leadership Book Club: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink 1:02:08

4h ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Is extreme ownership the key to unlocking your leadership potential? In this episode of Love and Leadership, Kristen and Mike dive into "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, a book that's been transformative for Mike's leadership journey. They break down the core principles of this Navy SEAL-inspired approach to leadership, discussin…

1
Short n’ Sweet Album Review & Bennifer Divorce with Hannah Berner 1:20:32

8d ago1:20:32

1:20:32

Ira and Louis discuss the addictive new Sabrina Carpenter album, Bennifer’s divorce, Beyoncé rumors at the DNC, Pop Star Academy, and the return of What Not to Wear’s Stacy London and Clinton Kelly. Hannah Berner joins to discuss her standup special We Ride at Dawn, the upcoming Giggly Squad book, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch …

1
Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont: Chapters 1-6 56:25

30m ago56:25

56:25

We’re on to a new book here on Close Reads! So join us as we discuss the particular mix of melancholy and humor that Elizabeth Taylor manages to offer to readers, the subtleties of the book’s central relationships, the crisis of loneliness in the story, and why this is one of David’s favorite kinds of book. Also, Heidi makes predictions. Happy read…

1
A Leader’s Guide to Imposter Syndrome 45:49

2d ago45:49

45:49

Ever felt like a fraud despite your accomplishments? You're not alone. In this episode, Kristen and Mike dive into the pervasive phenomenon of imposter syndrome. They explore how it affects people across industries and experience levels, debunking the myth that it's just a "women's issue." The hosts share personal experiences, discuss the five type…

1
Hollywood Power Couples with Bowen Yang 1:49:27

14m ago1:49:27

1:49:27

Ira and Louis discuss Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds and other Hollywood power couples, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ collab, Gena Rowlands’ iconic roles, Chappell Roan’s fame jitters, Tinashe’s new album, and Beyoncé’s new whiskey brand. Bowen Yang joins to discuss his Emmy nom for SNL and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, …

1
Exploring Alzheimer's Through Fiction: Marianne Sciucco's Journey 1:04:48

1h ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Christy Byrne Yates moderates an Aging & Amazing book club discussion with co-host Marianne Sciucco on the value of fiction in dementia caregiving. Marianne, a founder and manager of AlzAuthors, and also board president, podcast producer and host, draws from her experiences as a nurse and personal caregiver to share her journey and the inspiration …

1
Caring For People Through The Stages Of Grief 14:42

3h ago14:42

14:42

Grief is hard. No one likes it. It’s never easy. But it is unavoidable. And one of the realities of grief is that it is a special place for Christians to step in and offer care. It is a time when people need someone to come alongside them. People often turn to their faith community most especially during times of grief. So, how does a pastor or oth…

1
Transforming Workplace Culture with Gianna Driver, CPO at Lattice 49:43

9d ago49:43

49:43

What does it really take to build a thriving workplace culture? In this episode, Kristen and Mike sit down with Gianna Driver, the new Chief People Officer at Lattice, to explore the human side of leadership. From her unconventional path into HR to her insights on transforming company cultures, Gianna shares candid stories and practical wisdom that…

1
Au Revoir, Paris Games with Michelle Collins and Billy Magnussen 1:23:36

22d ago1:23:36

1:23:36

Humble Emmy-nominee Louis Virtel is joined by guest co-host Michelle Collins to wade through a week’s worth of pop culture drama, including Quentin Tarantino shading George Clooney, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles losing her bronze medal, Pat Sajak returning for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, the alleged feud embroiling the box-office hit It Ends With U…

1
Sing, Unburied, Sing: Final Chapters 1:14:15

19d ago1:14:15

1:14:15

We’ve come to the end of another book and this time we are discussing the supernatural and spiritual implications of the final pages, the modern vision of hope the book seems to hew close to, Kayla’s role in the final scenes, and much more. Thanks for tuning in and happy listening! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other …

1
The New Playbook for Leadership Presence 50:23

16d ago50:23

50:23

In this episode of Love and Leadership, Kristen and Mike dive into the evolving concept of leadership presence. They explore how traditional notions of executive presence are shifting, with a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence, authenticity, and inclusivity. Drawing from Kristen's improv-inspired leadership model, the hosts discuss practica…

1
Leadership Book Club: Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud 1:03:16

16d ago1:03:16

1:03:16

In this episode of Love and Leadership, Kristen and Mike dive into Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud, a book that's been transformative for both of their leadership journeys. They explore how setting the right boundaries can create an environment where people's brains can truly thrive, leading to better results and more fulfilled teams. Fro…

1
Introduction: Is Leadership a Learned Skill? 33:29

16d ago33:29

33:29

In this inaugural episode of Love and Leadership, hosts Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey introduce themselves and their unique approach to leadership development. Can leadership truly be learned, or are great leaders born? With backgrounds spanning from tech and improv to hospitality and classical music, Kristen and Mike offer fresh perspectiv…

1
The Olympics with Cate Blanchett and Joel Kim Booster 1:20:25

16d ago1:20:25

1:20:25

This week, Louis is joined by guest co-host Joel Kim Booster to discuss the most viral Olympic moments, from Simone Biles bowing to Rebecca Andrade to French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati getting beat by his own bulge. Then Louis interviews the one and only Cate Blanchett about her new film Borderlands, prompting a discussion on Cate's unforgettabl…

1
Not About Us Without Us: Empowering Voices in the Dementia Conversation with Gina Awad 45:09

7d ago45:09

45:09

Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast, where we explore the power of collaboration and unity within the dementia community. In this episode, we're joined by Gina Awad from the U.K, who has channeled her passion for dementia care into valuable insights for caregivers. Her journey began at a young age, witnessing the impact of dementia on individuals in …

1
Sing, Unburied, Sing: Chapters 8-11 1:06:14

7d ago1:06:14

1:06:14

“What’s with all of the vomit?”, Heidi asked, and thus we were off. But, dear listener, we talked about so much more than that. We discussed the degree to which this novel offers signs of hope (and where they show up), the purpose of the supernatural in the story, the collison of generations at the heart of the narrative, and much more. Happy liste…

1
The Nuts & Bolts Of Forgiveness: How To Apologize, Forgive, And Help Others Do It Too 17:32

18d ago17:32

17:32

One of the most common calls that Christ gives to his followers is that they should forgive one another. It’s all over the pages of Scripture! And it is hard. When we sin or mess up, it is hard to apologize. We wonder what to say, how to say it, and sometimes if we even need to bother. And then, when others sin against us, we struggle to forgive. B…

1
Olympics, Celine Dion, Deadpool & Wolverine, MCU, Presumed Innocent with Zosia Mamet 1:30:59

13d ago1:30:59

1:30:59

Ira and Louis discuss The Olympics Opening Ceremony, the return of Celine Dion, Deadpool & Wolverine, Presumed Innocent, Kamala on Drag Race, “weird” Republicans, and Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. Zosia Mamet joins to discuss her new series The Decameron, lasting memories of Girls, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episode…

1
Sing, Unburied, Sing: Chapters 4-7 55:24

1M ago55:24

55:24

Welcome back to Close Reads as we discuss justice, point-of-view, ghosts (and much more) in Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing! Happy listening! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribeBy David Kern, Sean Johnson, and Heidi White

1
Kamala Harris, Glen Powell, Twisters, BRAT Summer with Drew Afualo 1:38:33

20d ago1:38:33

1:38:33

Ira and Louis discuss the influx of Kamala Harris memes, Twisters and the rise of Glen Powell, MaXXXine, Presumed Innocent, Bob Newhart, and the return of Big Brother. Drew Afualo joins to discuss meeting Chappell Roan and Beyoncé, why men on the internet suck, and her new memoir Loud. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusi…

1
Sing, Unburied, Sing: Chapters 1-3 54:06

1M ago54:06

54:06

Jesmyn Ward’s 2017 novel, Sing, Unburied, Sing, has quickly emerged as one of the most highly regarded books of our young century, so on this episode we dig into what makes it so interesting. Plus we discuss why it’s a fruitful double feature alongside To Kill a Mockingbird. As always, happy reading! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discu…

1
Launching "Poetry for the Dementia Journey": An AlzAuthors Anthology 59:19

21d ago59:19

59:19

In this podcast, host Marianne Sciucco is joined by an ensemble of talented poets to officially launch our anthology, Poetry for the Dementia Journey. This collection brings together caregivers who have personally navigated the complexities of caregiving, diagnosis, and emotional upheavals tied to Alzheimer's and dementia. They write about many of …

1
Some Favorite Books To Help Christian Couples (From A Marriage Therapist’s Bookshelf) 17:38

1M ago17:38

17:38

As a Christian counseling agency, one of the most common questions that we get from our local pastors is “How can I help this couple in my church who is struggling?” Today, let’s offer some resources! There are plenty of ideas for conversations, questions to ask, and things to try with couples who are struggling. But one of the best ways to find a …

1
Love and Leadership Podcast Trailer 1:28

1M ago1:28

1:28

Co-hosts Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey introduce their podcast Love and Leadership, which offers a unique blend of professional insight and personal chemistry. This leadership-focused show brings together Kristen's expertise as a leadership coach and facilitator with Mike's extensive experience as a senior living and hospitality executive. …

1
2024 Emmy Noms 27:50

2M ago27:50

27:50

Ira and Louis discuss the 2024 Emmy nominations in a bonus pod. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcastBy Keep It!

1
Katy Perry, Gracie Abrams, Shelley Duvall, Richard Simmons, Shannen Doherty, Dr. Ruth 1:14:02

27d ago1:14:02

1:14:02

Ira and Louis dive into the week’s major celebrity deaths from Shelley Duvall to Richard Simmons to Dr. Ruth to Shannen Doherty to Trump’s ear, Katy Perry’s messy new single Woman’s World, Faye Dunaway’s HBO doc Faye, and whether Gen Z knows who JJ Abrams is. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other commu…

1
Two Diagnoses, One Love Story: Dissociative Identity Disorder & Alzheimer’s 1:03:59

1M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

How would you navigate the complication of having your spouse display Dissociative Identity Disorder - previously called Multiple Personality Disorder - alongside symptoms of Alzheimer’s? Today, we delve into the memoir "Don't Forget to Dance" with Marc Alderdice for our June Books & Chit Chat with Aging and Amazing. Marc takes us on a poignant jou…

1
To Kill a Mockingbird: Q&A Episode 1:14:58

2M ago1:14:58

1:14:58

You’ve got questions about To Kill a Mockingbird, we’ve got conversation. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions and happy listening! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribeBy David Kern, Sean Johnson, and Heidi White

1
Derek Blasberg, Megan the Stallion, Camila Cabello, Love Island USA, The Mole, I Kissed a Boy with Rashida Jones 1:33:23

2M ago1:33:23

1:33:23

Ira and Louis discuss reality dating shows Love Island USA and I Kissed a Boy, the return of The Mole, Megan thee Stallion and Camila Cabello's new albums, Derek Blasberg's alleged Hamptons diarrhea, Jon Corbett's hatred of acting, and Emma Roberts' nepo baby opinions. Plus, Rashida Jones joins to discuss her new Apple TV+ series Sunny, her fave Qu…

1
To Kill a Mockingbird: The Final Chapters 1:04:33

2M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

And so we’re at the end of another book. In this one, Boo Radley appears, Jem is a hero, Atticus faces a dilemma, and Scout begins to see things for herself. Join us as we dig in. Happy listening! Close Reads HQ is a community supported endeavor. To ensure we can keep making the content you value, please subscribe! This is a public episode. If you’…

1
Life After Loss: Sue Fagalde Lick's Journey After Caregiving 48:40

2M ago48:40

48:40

Welcome back to the podcast where we share the powerful stories of those who have been impacted by Alzheimer's and dementia. In this episode, Christy and Marianne sit down with Sue Fagalde Lick, a remarkable poet, author, musician, and dog lover from the Oregon coast. Sue shares her deeply moving story of caring for her husband, Fred, throughout th…

1
To Kill a Mockingbird: Chapters 15-22 1:14:41

2M ago1:14:41

1:14:41

This section of To Kill a Mockingbird includes some of the most memorable scenes in all of American literature. Join us as we dig in! (And happy listening!) This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit closereads.substack.com/subscribe…

1
Ministry is HARD. 7 Tips To Avoid Burnout And Stay The Course When It Feels Impossible. 17:42

1M ago17:42

17:42

Is there anything more frustrating than putting a lot of time and energy into helping someone… and they just don’t appreciate it? Or, they just aren’t getting better? You can’t see how the Lord is working or how your efforts are making a difference? Not only is this a very frustrating experience - it can lead us into burnout. When you’re burned out…

1
Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, & Queer Comedians with Hannah Einbinder 1:27:27

2M ago1:27:27

1:27:27

Ira and Louis discuss the latest remixes from Ariana Grande and Charli XCX, plus their favorite remixes, the Netflix documentary Outstanding and their favorite queer comedians, Donald Sutherland, Michael Jackson's legacy, Jane Fonda's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the decimation of MTV News. Hannah Einbinder joins to discuss her new stand…

1
To Kill a Mockingbird: Chapters 9-14 1:00:36

2M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

During these chapters Harper Lee begins to shift gears, subtly expanding the thematic world of To Kill a Mockingbird, while also introducing us to both new characters and new plot. We discuss. Plus: more on Atticus, a reading of the church scene, and much more! Happy reading! Close Reads HQ is a community-supported endeavor. We need your suport to …

1
6 Daily Habits To Make You A Mentally and Emotionally Healthy Leader 21:01

2M ago21:01

21:01

Ministry is hard work. Leadership is hard work. Put them together? Unless you are intentional about it, Christian leadership within a church or ministry will take a toll on you. It can quickly and sneakily start to impact your relationships, mental health, emotions, sleep, spiritual life, and so much more. So today, let’s talk about some life habit…

1
Tony Awards, Normani, Katy Perry with Lily Gladstone 1:21:22

2M ago1:21:22

1:21:22

Ira and Louis discuss Normani’s long-awaited album, The Tony Awards, Katy Perry’s return, Trump’s crush on Debra Messing, and the confusing Fabulous Four film poster. Lily Gladstone joins to discuss her new film Fancy Dance, how she connects with a role, and more.Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other c…

1
To Kill a Mockingbird: Chapters 1-8 1:11:08

3M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Welcome back to a new series of discussions on another beloved novel, this time on one of the best American novels ever written. In this episode, we talk about Harper Lee’s use of voice in telling the story (and why it’s somewhat similar to Jane Austen), the importance of the character of Jem, the Southerness of the book, and much more. Happy liste…

1
Empowering LGBTQ+ Caregivers: Stories of Love, Loss, and Triumph 1:02:19

2M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

This podcast is a replay of our recent panel discussion on LGBTQ+ caregiver concerns, hosted by Sue Evans of Kensington Senior Living and AlzAuthors. Authors Laura Davis, Christopher MacLellan, Vincent Zappacosta, and Douglass Christensen joined Sue, Christy and I as we delved into the complexities of caregiving within the LGBTQ+ community. They sh…

1
Practical Action Steps For Helping Someone With Their Anxiety 19:09

2M ago19:09

19:09

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NIV) It is not of question of IF your ministry will touch someone who is struggling with anxiety. It’s a question of when, how often, and what will you do to help. Anxiety is a huge problem in our culture today. And when you are concerned that someone …

1
Charli XCX's Brat, Kim Kardashian and Chloe Sevigny, & Glen Powell's Rise with Megan Stalter 1:18:30

3M ago1:18:30

1:18:30

Ira and Louis discuss Charli XCX's new album BRAT, Kim Kardashian and Chloe Sevigny's Actors on Actors, Glen Powell's rise to leading man, Sabrina Carpenter's new single, the Practical Magic sequel, and Will Smith's box office return. Plus, Meg Stalter joins to discuss her new film Cora Bora, her theatre nerd roots, and more. Subscribe to Keep It o…

1
An 1860's Book Draft 1:13:48

3M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

What’s your favorite book from the 1860s? Something by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky? Dickens or Alcott? This week on Close Reads we’re drafting books from this very important decade in several categories—and you’ll get the final say on whose “roster” of titles is best. So click play and get ready to vote (poll coming soon). Happy listening! This is a publ…

1
Common Symptoms Of Anxiety 16:47

2M ago16:47

16:47

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) As you build relationships with people in your ministry, you will certainly interact with people who are struggling with anxiety. But will you recognize them? Anxiety is one of the most common struggles in our modern culture. In fact, it’s so common that many people don’t even r…

1
Chromatica, Furiosa, The Fall Guy, & New York Nightflife with LadyFag 1:25:03

2M ago1:25:03

1:25:03

Ira and Louis discuss Gaga's Chromatica Ball, Jon Lovett on Survivor, Cybertrucks, Scrappy-Doo, and the current state of movies from Furiosa, Garfield, Hitman, to The Fall Guy. LadyFag joins to discuss her New York nightlife origin story and the upcoming LadyLand Festival. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, a…

1
Patience, Kindness, and Humor: Lessons from Caregiving with Vicki Tapia (Book Club Replay) 1:06:20

3M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Vicki Tapia is a founder of AlzAuthors and the author of Somebody Stole My Iron: A Family Memoir of Dementia. In this replay of a recent Aging and Amazing book club discussion, Vicki shares profound insights from her personal experiences. She discusses how caring for two parents with dementia placed a considerable strain on her personal support sys…

1
The Summer Book: Second Half 1:23:15

3M ago1:23:15

1:23:15

Join us as we dig into the second half of Tove Jansson’s delightful novel, The Summer Book. We discussed whether this is a fundamentally feminine book, the fascinating (and moving) absence of the father throughout, the complex presentation of the grandmother as a character, Jansson’s masterful ending, and much, much more. Happy listening! Close Rea…

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Couple S Book Club Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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