The Reader's Couch

Ep. 161 Holiday Cheer & Romance Novels with Jean Meltzer

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWe're spreading holiday cheer in today's episode!  Author Jean Meltzer joins me on the couch to talk about her fantas...

Ep. 160 Celebrating the Holidays with 6 Festive Reads

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageFrom timeless classics to new fiction and even fun children's books, these six enchanting holiday-themed books promise to t...

Ep. 159 Baking Spirits Bright by Sarah Fox

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageGet transported to the wintery town of Larch Haven, Vermont, where chocolatier Becca Ransom finds herself in the middle of a bak...

Ep. 158 How to Prioritize Self Care During the Holiday Season

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageI'm sharing my personal experiences, practical tips, and self-care ideas that have worked for me and hopefully will help yo...

Ep. 157 Good Taste by Caroline Scott

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWhat is traditional English cuisine?  With all the influences from former colonies, cultural influences, and the rise of import...

Ep. 156 Books that Celebrate Family, Gratitude, and Giving Thanks

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageFrom heartwarming to dysfunctional family stories,  one of the best ways to capture the spirit of the holidays is by reading bo...

Ep. 155 Blood on Their Hands by Mandy Matney

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageThere is no shortage of true crime or Alex Murdaugh content, but have you ever wondered about the realities and unseen challenge...

Ep. 154 The Art of Thoughtful Book Gifting + The BiblioLifestyle 2023 Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageHave you ever found yourself struggling to choose the perfect book as a gift?  In this episode, you'll get tips and tricks...

Ep. 153 The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageEver wondered about the mysterious world of puzzles and the mind of a master puzzle-maker?  In this episode, I chat with author...

Ep. 152 Finding Time To Read During The Busy Holiday Season

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageEver feel like you're in the midst of a whirlwind during the holiday season, barely finding time to breathe, let alone read...

Ep. 151 A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens by Raul Palma

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageA Babalawo is asked to cleanse and rid his debt collector's home of spirits before Noche Buena, and in exchange, he will fo...

Ep. 150 Exploring 6 Classic Mystery Novels: From Christie to Yokomizo

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIn this episode, I share six must-read classic mystery novels, discuss the iconic authors and characters that have shaped the ge...

Ep. 149 Godkiller by Hannah Kaner

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageHear the gripping tale of Kissen, a state-sanctioned assassin of gods, and her pilgrimage in the riveting debut novel, 'God...

Ep. 148 Toast to Autumn: How to Live Intentionally with the Season

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageAre you ready to immerse yourself in the magic of autumn and celebrate its rich hues, comforting scents, and seasonal joys?   I...

Ep. 147 Gothic, Thrilling and Witchy Books from The Archive

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIn this episode, I've dug into our archives and brought back cool chats with three authors.  Our first author, Elisabeth T...

Ep. 146 Fall Into These 3 Classic Novels That Capture The Essence Autumn

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageUnearth the magic of autumn with three classic novels that capture the essence of this beautiful season.  Navigate the moors of...

Ep. 145 Simply West African by Pierre Thiam

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageEmbark on a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of West Africa.  In this episo...

Ep. 144 Revisit Your Reading Goals: Doing A Fourth-Quarter Check-In

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageFinish the year strong and achieve your reading goals!  By doing a fourth-quarter reading check-in, you'll get back on tra...

Ep. 143 Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageReady to unravel a chilling tale?  In this episode, horror writer Rachel Harrison joins us on the couch as she unravels the lay...

Ep. 142 Unveiling The 2023 Fall Reading Guide + 8 New Books For Your Autumn Reading List

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageAre you ready to curl up with a good book as the leaves start to fall?   Listen in as I turn the pages of The BiblioLifestyle 2...

Ep. 141 Sign Here by Claudia Lux

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWhat if hell wasn't all fire and brimstone but a corporate hellscape instead?  Well, we see this concept come to life in t...

Ep. 140 From Chaos to Calm: Strategies for Overcoming Daily Overwhelm with Jenna Hermans

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageDo you feel like you're drowning in the chaos of your daily life?  Today, we're welcoming Jenna Hermans to the show, ...

Ep. 139 Inside the Upcoming Epigraph Literary Festival (2023-2024 Fall Winter Event)

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageFrom registration (which is absolutely free) to an exciting lineup of authors, I’ll share everything you need to know.  Can’...

Ep. 138 The Cherokee Rose by Tiya Miles

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageFrom exploring her debut novel's republication to revisiting her National Book Award winning book “All That She Carried,”...

Ep. 137 The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageDive into a world of romance, nostalgia, and fantasy with this enchanting modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet.  In this episod...

NEW Podcast Programming: Fall 2023 Into Winter 2024

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageI'm thrilled (and a tad nervous) to share my new plans for the podcast moving forward.  I'm also extending an open in...

Ep. 136 Unfinished Business by Melanie Smith

03 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageHave you ever felt stuck in a loop of past traumas or haunted by unresolved emotions?  Our guest today, Melanie Smith, author o...

Ep. 135 The Radcliffe Ladies' Reading Club by Julia Bryan Thomas

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageFour young women from different backgrounds are connected when they become a part of a book club in a quaint bookstore. You&apos...

Ep. 134 Plantains and Our Becoming by Melania Luisa Marte

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageHow does an author use poetry to explore her identity, culture, and ancestry?  In this episode, we delve deep into the poetic l...

Ep. 133 After That Night by Karin Slaughter (A Will Trent Thriller)

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageGet insights into how the book translates to the Will Trent series on ABC, the development of the characters over the series, an...

Ep. 132 Falling Back in Love with Being Human by Kai Cheng Thom

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageEver wonder how you can restore your faith in humanity amidst disappointment?   Listen to this intimate and thought-provoking c...

Ep. 131 Navigating the Hallowed Halls of Campus and Academia Novels

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageAre you intrigued by both campus novels and academia novels?  Join me as we talk about the distinctive traits of these novels, ...

Ep. 130 The Freedom Clause by Hannah Sloane

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIf your spouse suggested you each sleep with other people one night a year for the next five years, would you agree?  Well, we ...

Ep. 129 You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageTwo best friends have been grifting their way through California's elite, but their next target is not who he seems to be; ...

Ep. 128 The Moon Represents My Heart by Pim Wangtechawat

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageLet's travel through time with a Chinese-British family of time travelers!  Listen in as I chat with author Pim Wangtechaw...

Ep. 127 All the Gold Stars by Rainesford Stauffer

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageAre you genuinely ambitious, or are you caught in a cycle of constantly trying to prove yourself?  Join us as we delve into the...

Ep.126 The Glow by Jessie Gaynor

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWellness retreat or a cult?  Brace yourselves as we meander through the life of Jane Dorner, a PR worker navigating a whirlwind...

Ep. 125 A Pity Party Is Still a Party by Chelsea Harvey Garner

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageAre your negative emotions a party pooper, or could they be the life of the party?  Let's flip the script with our guest, ...

Ep. 124 The Lovelight Series by B.K. Borison

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageHow does a self-published author transition to being picked up by a traditional publisher? Join us on this captivating journey w...

Ep. 123 Halfway Top Thirteen Books of 2023 (So Far!)

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageReady to expand your reading list?  Listen in as I share my top 13 personal favorite books of 2023 (so far!)  Ranging from Vic...

Ep. 122 Will They or Won't They by Ava Wilder

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageAre you a fan of celebrity romances?   Prepare to get the behind-the-scenes scoop with author Ava Wilder as we delve into her l...

Ep. 121 Take Care by Chloé Pierre

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWhat does wellness mean to you?  Wellness advocate Chloé Pierre joins the podcast to discuss her new book Take Care.  Take Ca...

Ep. 120 Unpacking the History of Beach Reads & 6 New Recommendations

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageEver wondered what kinds of books are actually "beach reads?"  Discover the history of beach reads and summer reading...

Ep. 119 The Spare Room by Andrea Bartz

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWhat happens when a woman seeking solace in a seductive new world finds herself questioning the intentions of her enigmatic host...

Ep. 118 The French Art of Living Well by Cathy Yandell

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWhat secrets do the French hold when it comes to living well and enjoying the simple pleasures of life?  Join us as we chat wit...

Ep. 117 How To Do A Mid-Year Reading Goals Check-in

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageGet practical tips for evaluating and resetting your reading life and goals as we reach the mid-year point.  If you're won...

Ep. 116 Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageHave you ever wondered how a neuroscience professor and New York Times bestselling author combines romance and science in her no...

Ep. 115 Sizzling Summer Reads: 8 New Books to Read This Summer

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageGet ready to fill your summer TBR list with incredible reads!  In this episode, I'm sharing eight must-read books from The...

Ep. 114 Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageMeet Me at the Lake is a captivating love story that follows Fern and Will, who share a deep connection after spending 24 hours ...

Ep. 113 The Dinner Party Project by Natasha Feldman

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageDo you find hosting dinner parties intimidating or stressful?  Let Natasha Feldman, cooking show host, private chef, producer, ...

Ep. 112 Building Connections through Books: The BiblioLifestyle Community & Online Book Club

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageDiscover a space where we're reading and living better together!  In today's episode, I talk all about the BiblioLife...

Ep. 111 Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWhat happens when a young Black woman faces casual racism in her workplace and dares to challenge it?  In this episode, I sit d...

Ep. 110 Flowers and Their Meanings: The Secret Language and History of Over 600 Blooms by Karen Azoulay

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageDid you know that flowers have their own secret language?  Listen in as I chat with the incredibly talented artist and author K...

Ep. 109 Behind the Scenes: All About The 2023 Summer Reading Guide for Book Lovers

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageI'm thrilled to share the fourth annual BiblioLifestyle Summer Reading Guide, a labor of love I've put together to hel...

Ep. 108 The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWhat would you do if your two favorite people, your partner, and your best friend, hated each other?  Discover the captivating ...

Ep. 107 Soak Up the Sun and Books: The 2023 Summer Reading Challenge!

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageReady to spice up your summer reading and make the most of the sunny season?  I'm inviting you to join The BiblioLifestyle...

Ep. 106 The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageEver wondered what would happen if The Little Mermaid took a darker turn?  Join my conversation with award-winning game writer ...

Ep. 105 I'll Bring The Cake: Recipes for Every Season and Every Occasion by Mandy Merriman

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageReady to bake beautiful cakes without all the stress and overwhelm?  I had the pleasure of chatting with Mandy Merriman, the Ba...

Ep. 104 Summer State of Mind: Discovering the Joy in Seasonal Living

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageGet ready to embrace summer's beauty, uncover the magic of seasonal living, and discover how it can help us connect with na...

Ep. 103 Cloud Girls by Lisa Harding

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageJoin this conversation with Lisa Harding, author of the powerful novel Cloud Girls, which brings awareness to the multi-billion ...

Ep. 102 Tell Me What You Want: A Therapist and Her Clients Explore Our 12 Deepest Desires by Charlotte Fox Weber

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageWhat's the driving force behind your deepest desires?  How can we uncover our true selves and lead more joyful lives?  Au...

Ep. 101 Summer Classics: 3 Iconic Novels to Heat Up Your Reading List

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageEver found yourself searching for the perfect classic novel to immerse yourself in during the summer months?  Look no further! ...

Ep. 100 Nonna Maria and the Case of the Stolen Necklace by Lorenzo Carcaterra

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageGet ready to embark on a literary adventure in this conversation with NYT's bestselling author and former writer/producer f...

Ep. 99 Own Your Space: Attainable Room-by-Room Decorating Tips for Renters and Homeowners by Alexandra Gater

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageLooking to decorate your home without breaking the bank?  I had the pleasure of chatting with Alexandra Gater, DIY YouTuber and...

Ep. 98 Embracing Simple Living: Tips for Living a More Fulfilling Life

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageAre you ready to break free from burnout, overwhelm and never-ending to-do lists and embrace a simpler, more fulfilling existenc...

Ep. 97 Small Joys by Elvin James Mensah

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIn Small Joys, we see how an unexpected friendship saves a young man's life.  Our main character Harley suffers from anxie...

Summer 2023 Programming: Expanding Our Bookish Horizons!

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIn today's episode, I'm thrilled (and a tad nervous) to announce our summer 2023 podcast programming. This year has be...

Ep. 96 The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageThe House Is On Fire is based on the true story of the December 1811 Richmond theater fire, and the novel follows four character...

Ep. 95 A Virtual Book Lover's Dream: The 2023 Spring-Summer Epigraph Literary Festival

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageI'll be answering popular questions, sharing the calendar of events, and talking about our new option to watch festival rep...

Ep. 94 Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIn Hijab Butch Blues, we see Lamya navigate their identity and life between their religion and culture and how she compares thei...

Ep. 93 TBT with Catherine McKenzie, Elizabeth Day, Niko Wolf, Tarryn Fisher

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIt’s Throwback Thursday, and in today's episode, I’m sharing the audio from four authors who shared their books at the ...

Ep. 92 Springtime Classics: Three Timeless Tales Perfect for Spring Reading

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageEach of these timeless tales offers a unique perspective on life and the human experience, making them ideal for cozying up with...

Ep. 91 Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageA woman must relive the same day over and over again, keep her family and work life from imploding and attempt to spare her husb...

Ep. 90 TBT with Christine Kandic-Torres, Lisa Bird-Wilson, Nina LaCour, Sutanya Dacres

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIt’s Throwback Thursday, and in today's episode, I’m sharing the audio from four authors who shared their books at the ...

Ep. 89 Bookshelf Makeover: 10 Ways to Organize Your Bookshelves

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageGet some bookshelf organization ideas and learn the different methods I use to organize my shelves.Organizing your bookshelf can...

Ep. 88 What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez by Claire Jiménez

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageA Puerto Rican  Staten Island family deals with the disappearance of thirteen-year-old Ruthy and we see what happens when they ...

Ep. 87 TBT with Estelle Laure, Lillie Vale

30 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIt’s Throwback Thursday, and in today's episode, I’m sharing the audio from two authors who shared their books at the i...

Ep. 86 How to Overcome Reading Slumps and Reignite Your Love for Books

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageThis episode is all about reading slumps!  I’ll share some common causes of reading slumps and practical tips to help you get...

Ep. 85 My Last Innocent Year by Daisy Alpert Florin

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageMy Last Innocent Year is a coming-of-age campus novel about a college senior in her final semester at an elite New England colle...

Ep. 84 TBT with Emmeline Duncan, Frank Anthony Polito

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIt’s Throwback Thursday, and in today's episode, I’m sharing the audio from two authors who shared their books at the i...

Ep. 83 — 7 New Books to Read this Spring

22 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageSharing seven new books across genres to read this spring.  So if you're looking to add some great books to your TBR, this...

Ep. 82 How I'll Kill You by Ren DeStefano

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageHow I'll Kill You by Ren DeStefano is a serial killer thriller about identical triplets who seduce their marks before killi...

Ep. 81 TBT with Amanda Skenandore, Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa, Eliza Knight, Louise Hare, Madeline Martin, Ruth Druart

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIt’s Throwback Thursday, and in today's episode, I’m sharing the audio from six authors who shared their books at the i...

Ep. 80 What is Sleep Hygiene and How To Include Reading in Your Routine

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageLearn about sleep hygiene, the importance of including reading in your sleep hygiene, and get practical tips to help you develop...

Ep. 79 The Body Liberation Project by Chrissy King

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageThe Body Liberation Project is a mix of memoir, inspiration, and activities about moving beyond body positivity to something mor...

Ep. 78 TBT with Ashley M. Coleman, Ashley Winstead, Courtney Kae, Martha Waters, Sharon C. Cooper, Sonya Singh, Susie Dumond, Yamile Saied Méndez

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIt’s Throwback Thursday, and in today's episode, I’m sharing the audio from eight authors who shared their books at the...

Ep. 77 The BiblioLifestyle 2023 Spring Reading Guide

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageI'm sharing my thoughts about all twenty-one books in the guide, telling you about the city that inspired the guide's ...

Ep. 76 The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageThis book was inspired by the true story of the Council of Books in Wartime—a WWII organization founded by booksellers, publis...

Ep. 75 TBT with Alex Kiester, Ali Brady, Camille Pagán, Christine Simon, Jendella Benson, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Lian Dolan, Matt Cain, Meg Mitchell Moore

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIt’s Throwback Thursday, and in today's episode, I’m sharing the audio from ten authors who shared their books at the i...

Ep. 74 How to Declutter Your Bookshelves and Organize Your Books

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageGet some practical tips to help you declutter your bookshelves and organize your books.  So if you feel overwhelmed by the amou...

Ep. 73 The Girls Who Disappeared by Claire Douglas

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIn The Girls Who Disappeared, we meet Jenna Halliday, a journalist whose life is threatened when she investigates the truth abou...

Ep. 72 Just My Type by Falon Ballard

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIn Just My Type, we meet a serial monogamist whose boss challenges her to write a column about being and staying single.  Then ...

Ep. 71 TBT with These Ghosts Are Family by Maisy Card

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageThese Ghosts Are Family is a multigenerational novel that centers on a man who faked his death, stole another man's identit...

Ep. 70 Books Like Recommendations for 5 Popular Books

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageMy guest Laura Yamin is sharing "Books Like Recommendations" for five popular books.  So if you're looking to ad...

Ep. 69 TBT with Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageTake a Hint, Dani Brown is a romantic comedy where we meet a career-driven academic on the hunt for a friend with benefits and a...

Ep. 68 The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIn The Twyford Code, an ex-con is trying to uncover the mysterious connection between a teacher’s disappearance and an unsolve...

Ep. 67 TBT with The Revisioners by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageThe Revisioners is a multigenerational story told in alternating chapters from the points of view of a biracial single mom in 20...

Ep. 66 Six New Books to Read this Winter

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageSharing six new books across genres to read this winter.  So if you're looking to add some good books to your TBR, stay tu...

Ep. 65 TBT with Sudden Traveler by Sarah Hall

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageSudden Traveler is a collection of seven stories where the characters are trying to reconcile their journeys through life, death...

Ep. 64 The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send me a text messageIn The Bandit Queens, a young Indian woman rumored to have killed her husband is being asked for help by other women in their vi...