The Currently Reading Podcast
Bookish Conversation Anywhere + Changing Our Opinion on Books (Season 8, Episode 45)
15 Jun 2026
Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Hey readers, welcome to the Currently Reading Podcast. We are bookish best friends who spend time every week talking about the books that we've read recently. And as you know, we won't shy away from having strong opinions.
Chapter 2: What are the bookish moments of the week?
So get ready. We are light on the chitchat, heavy on the book talk, and our conversations will always be spoiler free. Today, we'll discuss our current reads, a readerly deep dive, and a little something bookish before we go.
I'm Meredith Mundy-Schwartz. I'm both a mom and a Mimi and a full-time CEO living in Austin, Texas.
Chapter 3: What current reads are being discussed in this episode?
And cliched as it is, I'm reminded again that reading is the great connector.
I'm Katie Cobb, a homeschooling mom of four living in Arizona, and books make the best gifts. This is episode number 45 of season eight, and we are so glad you're here.
All right, Katie, glad to get into it today.
Chapter 4: What themes are explored in 'Brother' by Ania Ahlborn?
We've got a lot to talk about. I've got some great books to talk about. I'm sure you do too.
I absolutely do. And we also have some mischief to manage here today, Meredith. As you know, we are preparing for one of our favorite episodes of the season.
Chapter 5: What insights does 'Joyful Anyway' by Kate Bowler provide?
We have our listener press episode coming up soon. And if y'all are listening in real time, it's time to go get in your closet and record us a little something something. So if you have been here a long time, then you know that for many years, we used the end of the show to press a book into your hands. We even revisited that press list this season and talked about how
Chapter 6: What makes 'Mrs. McGinty's Dead' by Agatha Christie a notable read?
full of gems. It really is. Now it's your turn. In July of every year, we have a whole episode dedicated to your presses, the books that you want to press into our hands and the hands of 20,000 other people, and we need your help with it. During this next week, as in before June 21st, 2026, we would love for you to record a short audio file, two to three minutes, and
and email it to us with the subject Listener Press 2026.
Chapter 7: Why is 'The Hunger' by Alma Katsu a compelling horror retelling?
Meredith, what do they have to include in a listener press?
They have to tell us who they are. They have to tell us where they're from. They have to give us some setup, right? Like, let us know what it's about enough that we know to be interested, and then let us know what you think. thought, what you think about it. This is no joke, our favorite episode of the year.
Continuously, listeners give not only Katie and I, but so many other people their favorite reads of the year. I happen to think the more backlist, the better. I mean, sure, an old book is great, but I happen to think that backlist is even better than front list. But if you've read something that you just absolutely think everyone else needs to read, this is the time to tell us.
For sure.
Chapter 8: What books deserve a second chance according to the hosts?
Script it out and know that we will make you sound as fabulous as we possibly can. Always include the title and author in your book and double points if you include it at the beginning and the end.
Triple points if you say here's the setup.
Right. We love the phrase. Not everybody does, but we love the phrase. Here's the setup. Email it to us at our new email. Hello at currently reading podcast.com and write listener press 2026 in the subject line.
And yes, we are asking for these now, but you can look for that episode in July and get your notebooks and your TBRs out and be ready because it is going to blow everything up in the best way possible.
Yes. Love it. Love it. Love it. Favorite episode of the year.
All right. That's our mischief managed for this episode, Meredith.
All right. Then let's get into our bookish moments of the week. Katie, what have you got?
Let's do it. We last night at my house had an end of season party for Levi's baseball team. They won. They were the champions of their division in his little league team.
Oh, good for them.
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