Read The Damn Book

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Brian Larson, author and host of Shelf Care Society, joins Michelle to discuss his journey to sobriety, the transformative power of books, and the meaningful conversations that have shaped his life. From discussing personal growth to interviewing global changemakers like Malala Yousafzai, Brian shares how authentic connections and storytelling can spark real social change. Tune in to explore how reading, resilience, and purpose-driven dialogue can impact lives and build a more connected world.What We're Talking About...Brian Larson’s sobriety journey and how recovery transformed his life and purposeThe story behind the Shelf Care Society podcast and book club focused on mental health and connectionKey insights from Brian’s conversation with Malala Yousafzai and her powerful memoirHow books can inspire personal growth, healing, and meaningful social changeChapters00:00 Introduction and Background08:18 The Launch of Shelf Care Society15:38 Friendship with Malala Yousafzai22:21 Navigating the Literary World29:47 The Power of Books and Community33:15 The Power of Books and FriendshipLinks MentionedListen to the Shelf Care Society Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6HWtG5eJ7emQ8iwjOVjpD0?si=481b3305352a44c2

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Michelle Glogovac interviews debut author about her novel Too Blessed to Stress, a sharp and timely exploration of influencer culture, church communities, and the impact of social media on modern faith.Ali shares the inspiration behind Too Blessed to Stress, her research into Christian influencer spaces, and how she crafted complex, relatable characters navigating ambition, belief, and online identity. The conversation dives into the pressures of curated perfection, performative faith, and the blurred lines between authenticity and branding in today’s digital world.If you're interested in books about influencer culture, social media satire, women in faith communities, or contemporary fiction exploring religion and identity, this episode offers thoughtful insights and behind-the-scenes perspective from a rising debut author.What We're Talking About...Faith and influencer culture: exploring Christianity in the age of social mediaThe research behind Too Blessed to Stress and writing authentic church communitiesCharacter development in contemporary Christian fictionSocial media’s impact on identity, authenticity, and online personasInfluencer branding, performative faith, and curated perfectionWriting nuanced, respectful social commentary about religion and modern cultureRepresentation of women navigating ambition, belief, and digital spacesChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background02:06 Overview of Too Blessed to Stress and Themes03:58 Researching Religious Communities and Influencer Culture06:59 Character Development and Representation10:03 Social Media's Role in Shaping Identity12:55 Nuance, Respect, and Satire in the Book16:09 The Power of Online Personas and Secrets19:06 Inspiration for Characters and Plot Elements22:12 Upcoming Book 'People Please' and New Directions23:50 Author's Journey and Future Plans26:03 Closing Remarks and Where to Find the BookLinks MentionedAlli Hoff Kosik's Website: https://allihoffkosik.comOrder Your Copy of Too Blessed to Stress: https://allihoffkosik.com/too-blessed-to-stressAlli Hoff Kosik's Upcoming Events: https://allihoffkosik.com/too-blessed-to-stress-eventsAlli Hoff Kosik's Substack: https://allihoffkosik.substack.com/?r=1frb8&utm_medium=web&utm_source=navbarAlli Hoff Kosik's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allihoffkosik

Author Kayla Delcoure joins Read the Damn Book to discuss her new poetry collection Nine Lives, a heartfelt exploration of grief, love, and the unexpected ways loss can spark creativity and connection. In this moving episode, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Kayla to talk about the profound impact of losing her beloved cats and how that experience shaped both her writing and her online presence.Kayla shares how she transformed personal grief into a creative outlet through storytelling and social media, building a space where vulnerability, remembrance, and advocacy intersect. The conversation explores how writing can serve as both catharsis and catalyst, helping individuals process loss while also inspiring broader conversations around empathy and social justice. Together, Michelle and Kayla examine the power of community in times of heartbreak and the ways authentic connection can fuel meaningful change.What We're Talking About...Author and online content creator Kayla Delcoure discusses her new poetry collection Nine Lives, a heartfelt exploration of pet loss, grief, healing, and the powerful bond between humans and their cats.Kayla’s journey began with her beloved cat Gizmo, who passed away from FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), an experience that profoundly shaped her writing and advocacy.Writing poetry became a crucial tool for Kayla in processing grief, demonstrating how creative expression can support emotional healing after the loss of a pet.In Nine Lives, Kayla Delcoure reflects on her personal experiences with grief and resilience, offering readers an honest look at mourning, memory, and moving forward.Kayla emphasizes that community support is essential when navigating grief, highlighting how shared stories and connection can reduce isolation.Through her online presence, Kayla reminds others that they are not alone in their grief, especially when coping with the loss of a beloved animal companion.She is expanding her platform by launching a podcast designed to foster deeper conversations around healing, storytelling, and social justice.Kayla is also part of “The Organized Gang of Wine Moms,” a grassroots-style community focused on social action and collective engagement.Throughout the episode, she discusses how building meaningful communities requires authenticity, vulnerability, and sustained support.Ultimately, Kayla believes that pets—especially cats—can profoundly shape our emotional lives, teaching us about love, loss, and the enduring impact of connection.Chapters00:00 Kayla Delcoure Introduction and Background06:00 The Journey of Grief and Healing11:59 Community Building and Activism20:04 The Power of Connection and SupportLinks MentionedOrder your copy of Nine Lives: https://thepawtistics.com/nine-lives

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Rebecca Fallon to discuss her novel Family Drama. Rebecca shares the inspiration behind the book’s complex family relationships, the lasting influence of soap operas on her storytelling, and her personal journey as a writer navigating creativity, identity, and impending motherhood. The conversation explores character dynamics, emotional honesty in fiction, and how deeply personal experiences shape compelling narratives.What We're Talking About...Family Drama explores complex family relationships and emotional bonds within modern familiesSoap operas heavily influence the novel’s structure, pacing, and dramatic tensionAuthor Rebecca Fallon draws from personal experiences to create emotionally authentic storytellingThe character Tilly highlights the often-overlooked strength and complexity of stepmothersMotherhood plays a central role in Rebecca’s life and informs her perspective as a writerThemes of identity, selfhood, and belonging recur throughout the bookRebecca’s background in tech shaped her creative journey and approach to writingThe novel examines multifaceted relationship dynamics between family membersThe book’s ending leaves a lasting emotional impact on readersRebecca is currently working on a second novel focused on college friendships and evolving relationshipsChapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:12 Themes of Family and Loss06:53 The Role of Soap Operas11:03 Rebecca's Journey to Writing14:10 Exploring Identity and Womanhood17:09 Character Relationships and Dynamics21:17 Motherhood and Personal Reflections23:42 Future Projects and Conclusion29:19 The Emotional Journey of Family Drama29:20 Exploring Themes of Love and LossLinks MentionedOrder your copy of Family Drama: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Family-Drama/Rebecca-Fallon/978166808947

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Andromeda Romano-Lax to discuss her novel What Boys Learn. The conversation explores the cultural forces shaping boys today, the influence of motherhood, and how societal expectations impact masculinity and identity. Andromeda also shares insights into her writing process, her work as a book coach, and her transition between genres. Together, they examine the power of fiction and storytelling to illuminate contemporary social issues and spark meaningful conversations.What We're Talking About...Andromeda Romano-Lax is the author of seven books spanning multiple genres, including literary fiction, historical fiction, and thrillers.What Boys Learn examines the cultural and social forces shaping boys and young men today.The novel explores the influential role of mothers in their sons’ emotional development and identity formation.Andromeda’s writing process is deeply rooted in reflection on contemporary societal issues.Empathy is central to her approach to storytelling and character development.Her transition from historical fiction to thrillers was influenced by her pandemic-era reading habits.Andromeda works as a book coach, mentoring writers from diverse backgrounds and genres.Fiction can act as a release valve for societal tensions and unspoken anxieties.The impact of social media on young men and masculinity is a major concern discussed in the episode.Andromeda aims to write across multiple genres, using different storytelling forms to explore complex ideas.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Andromeda Romano-Lax01:06 Exploring Themes in What Boys Learn06:00 Cultural Influences and Social Media's Role10:59 Character Dynamics and Story Development16:51 Genre Exploration and Writing Process21:08 Coaching Writers and the Importance of Stories24:53 Reflections on Current Events and Literature's RoleLinks MentionedAndromeda Roman-Lax's Instagram: @‌romanolaxOrder your copy of What Boys Learn: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-boys-learn-andromeda-romano-lax/1147241844

In Episode 25 of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author, speaker, and leadership strategist Tara Jaye Frank to discuss her powerful book You Are Before the World. Tara opens up about her journey through motherhood, career evolution, and personal growth, exploring what it means to reclaim self-worth, set boundaries, and release the emotional labor often carried by helpers and caretakers.The conversation dives into Tara’s writing process, the importance of authentic connection, and how partnership and communication shape both personal relationships and leadership. Tara also shares insights into her upcoming documentary film, 92: The Silent Revolt, which examines the collective experience of Black women in the aftermath of the 2016 election and the ongoing fight for visibility, sovereignty, and systemic change.This episode is a compelling exploration of identity, leadership, and empowerment—encouraging listeners to prioritize themselves, honor their voices, and step fully into their power.What We're Talking About...You Are Before the World reinforces the importance of self-prioritization without guilt.True fulfillment comes not from what we do, but from what we place our trust in.Helpers and caregivers often carry the emotional burden of others’ expectations and perceptions.Cultivating self-worth is essential for mental health, leadership, and overall well-being.Writing and creative expression can be powerful tools for personal growth and transformation.Healthy partnerships are necessary to create balance in relationships, careers, and family life.Open and honest communication is critical for navigating challenges together.Reclaiming personal sovereignty is a vital act of self-care and boundary-setting.The documentary 92: The Silent Revolt explores the collective experience of Black women after the 2016 election.Burnout is harmful and must be acknowledged and addressed at both individual and community levels.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:51 Lessons from Maya Angelou09:47 The Journey of Self-Discovery13:53 Navigating Motherhood and Expectations18:41 The Importance of Partnership23:02 The Title and Theme of the Book26:55 The 92 Project Film Discussion31:31 The Power of Trust and Authenticity32:01 Celebrating Black Women's Stories and ExperiencesLinks MentionedTara Jaye Frank's website: http://www.tarajayefrank.com/booksThe 92 Project: https://www.ikoni.org/92-project

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Brittany Penner, author of the powerful memoir Children Like Us. Brittany shares her personal story as an Indigenous child adopted during the Sixties Scoop, offering an intimate look at how displacement, identity, and intergenerational trauma shaped her life.Their conversation explores the complexities of family dynamics, motherhood, and belonging, as well as how Brittany’s upbringing influenced her journey to becoming a doctor. She also discusses the role of storytelling in healing, reclaiming Indigenous identity, and challenging systems that silence lived experience. This episode is a thoughtful discussion on resilience, self-discovery, and the power of memoir to reclaim one’s narrative.What We're Talking About...Children Like Us chronicles Brittany Penner’s experience as an Indigenous child affected by the Sixties Scoop.The Sixties Scoop resulted in profound loss of culture, identity, and community for Indigenous children across Canada.Brittany reflects on family instability and loss, and how these dynamics shaped her sense of belonging.Intergenerational trauma remains a deeply rooted and ongoing issue within Indigenous families and communities.Regular family gatherings did not always provide emotional stability or safety during Brittany’s childhood.Animals, particularly cats, offered comfort, consistency, and emotional connection during times of upheaval.Reconnecting with her biological family brought moments of joy alongside emotional complexity and healing.A compassionate physician inspired Brittany’s path to becoming a doctor, reshaping her relationship with care and trust.Motherhood prompted deeper reflection on her upbringing, identity, and cycles of trauma and healing.Brittany underscores the power of memoir and storytelling as tools for reclaiming identity and owning one’s narrative.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:54 The Impact of the 60s Scoop05:33 Family Dynamics and Loss08:49 Intergenerational Trauma11:33 The Role of Pets in Healing13:53 Reconnecting with Biological Family16:39 Navigating Identity and Caretaking21:06 Becoming a Doctor24:06 Motherhood and New Beginnings27:16 Supportive Relationships30:43 Facing Naysayers33:48 Reflections on Storytelling36:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery37:22 Courage in Sharing Personal StoriesLinks MentionedBrittany Penner's website: https://brittanypenner.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Julie Doar to discuss her debut cozy mystery novel, The Gallagher Place. Julie shares the inspiration behind the book, exploring themes of family drama, hidden secrets, and small-town intrigue. She opens up about her unconventional path to publication—from working as a Starbucks barista to becoming a published author—and how her experience as a middle school teacher influences her writing and character development. The conversation dives into the cozy mystery genre, Julie’s writing process, and the realities of writing and publishing a first novel. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring writers, cozy mystery fans, and readers curious about the journey from idea to bookshelf.What We're Talking About...Author Julie Doar drew inspiration for The Gallagher Place from her childhood growing up in New York’s Hudson Valley.The Gallagher Place blends family drama with a compelling cozy mystery at its core.Julie discusses how discipline and consistency in writing—shaped by her career as a middle school teacher—are essential to finishing a novel.Characters often evolve organically during the writing process, revealing depth as the story unfolds.The novel explores powerful themes of family secrets, personal trauma, and emotional healing.Julie’s teaching experience directly influences her writing style, structure, and character development.She shares her unexpected yet fulfilling journey from Starbucks barista to published author.Readers connect deeply with the book’s realistic family dynamics and relationships.Julie hopes to inspire her students and aspiring writers to pursue their creative goals.Future projects from Julie Doar will continue to explore mystery, relationships, and complex family dynamics.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Julie Doar and Her Debut Novel02:51 The Setting and Inspiration Behind The Gallagher Place06:05 Exploring Themes of Family Drama and Mystery08:48 Julie Doar's Journey as a Teacher and Writer11:42 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication14:52 Crafting Plot Twists and Character Development17:51 Life Experiences: From Barista to Author20:48 Character Inspirations and Family Dynamics23:40 Upcoming Projects and Future WorksLinks MentionedJulie Doar's website: http://juliedoarwriter.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling thriller author Lisa Unger to discuss her latest novel, The Kill Clause. Unger explores the central themes of the psychological thriller, her writing process, and how extensive research and character development shape her suspenseful storytelling.The conversation also delves into the influence of motherhood on Unger’s work, the emotional connection between authors and readers, and the realities of building a long-term writing career. Unger shares insights into creating complex characters, balancing creativity with discipline, and navigating the joys and challenges of life as a bestselling author.Listeners also get a preview of Unger’s upcoming book, Served Him Right, and a behind-the-scenes look at what inspires her gripping, character-driven thrillers.What We're Talking About...The Kill Clause is a holiday-set psychological thriller filled with suspense, dark themes, and unexpected twists.Lisa Unger discusses why she’s drawn to exploring darker subject matter in her thriller novels.In-depth research into human psychology plays a critical role in how Unger builds tension and believable characters.Unger shares how motherhood has influenced her writing process, creativity, and perspective as an author.Many of Unger’s characters are shaped by personal experiences, emotions, and real-life observations.The author emphasizes the importance of reader feedback and the meaningful connection between writers and their audience.For Unger, success as a writer means continuous growth, learning, and creative improvement.The relationship between author and reader is deeply personal and central to powerful storytelling.Unger teases her upcoming novel, Served Him Right, scheduled for release in March.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Thriller Genre01:02 Exploring the Writing Process and Themes01:24 Introduction to Lisa Unger04:19 The Art of Writing Thrillers07:31 Researching the Dark Side10:15 Family Life and Writing13:29 Exploring Genres and Themes16:22 The Writing Process and Inspiration18:12 The Creative Process of Writing20:04 Character Development and Voice21:29 Themes of Isolation and Connection24:29 The Journey of a Writer27:17 The Author-Reader Relationship30:33 Impact of Literature on Readers32:28 Upcoming Works and Author EngagementLinks MentionedLisa Unger's website: lisaunger.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with children’s book author and filmmaker Leigh Marino to explore the creative journey behind her beloved holiday book To Be a Christmas Tree and its upcoming animated film adaptation. Leigh opens up about the emotional roots of the story, the role Christmas trees play in shaping family traditions, and why storytelling is such a powerful tool for helping children connect with their feelings.Michelle and Leigh also discuss the transition from writing children’s books to directing animation, the collaborative process of bringing a story to the screen, and the challenges of independent filmmaking. Leigh shares how fans can support the project through crowdfunding, offering listeners a chance to help bring this heartfelt Christmas story to life.What We're Talking About...To Be a Christmas Tree highlights the deep emotional connection families have with Christmas trees and holiday traditions.The book serves as a meaningful resource for helping children navigate grief, loss, and big emotions.Leigh Marino’s unexpected journey from filmmaker to children’s book author showcases the fulfillment of following creative passions.The upcoming animated film adaptation blends live-action and animation to bring the story to life in a unique way.Crowdfunding support is crucial for the film’s production, offering special incentives and behind-the-scenes access for contributors.The episode emphasizes the power of storytelling to help children and families connect more deeply with their emotions.Leigh’s background in film school and filmmaking strongly influences her creative process and visual storytelling.The book encourages families to reflect on their own Christmas traditions and the memories tied to their holiday trees.Leigh’s evolution as a creator highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing artistic work later in life.The conversation underscores how children’s literature can evoke powerful feelings and foster meaningful connections across generations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leigh Marino and Her Work04:18 The Inspiration Behind 'To Be a Christmas Tree'07:16 The Emotional Connection to Christmas Trees10:25 Transitioning from Book to Film13:16 Leigh's Journey in Film and Writing22:07 The Power of Storytelling and Emotional Connection25:21 Crowdfunding for the Film Project30:13 The Gift of Storytelling31:08 Celebrating Christmas TraditionsLinks MentionedTo Be A Christmas Tree film website: https://www.tobeachristmastreefilm.com/Instagram: @christmastreefilm

This special crossover episode of Beyond the Campaign and Read the Damn Book brings together host Michelle Glogovac and guest Dakarai Larriett for a powerful conversation about advocacy, leadership, and storytelling. Larriett shares his journey from being a lifelong advocate for community issues to running for the United States Senate, drawing from the experiences detailed in his memoir, Don’t Flush. He discusses confronting police misconduct, the importance of education, and his vision for Alabama’s future. Throughout the conversation, Larriett highlights how education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform are deeply interconnected—and why true change begins with community engagement.What We're Talking About...Dakarai Larriett has dedicated his life to advocating for community issues and creating meaningful change in Alabama.With a strong background in public service and education advocacy, Larriett brings firsthand experience to his political vision.His personal encounter with police misconduct became the catalyst for his decision to run for public office.Education remains a cornerstone of Larriett’s campaign, as he pushes for better access, funding, and opportunities for all students.He believes that true political progress starts with active community engagement and listening to local voices.Larriett calls for comprehensive criminal justice reform to create a fairer, more accountable system.He is deeply committed to dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and investing in youth success.His entrepreneurial drive extends beyond politics, shown through his innovative pet aromatherapy business.Larriett advocates for universal healthcare access, especially for children and underserved families.He’s focused on building bipartisan coalitions to bring people together and move Alabama forward.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:55 The Journey to Advocacy and Writing07:20 Experiences with Law Enforcement and Justice11:58 Political Aspirations and Community Engagement16:24 Education and Its Impact on Society21:11 Campaign Strategies and Community ConnectionLinks MentionedLinks MentionedDon’t Flush promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_9BjWs4QT0Purchase Don’t Flush: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FKGSB8FY?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XW3K5MBYRRA4TZCREFGH_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XW3K5MBYRRA4TZCREFGH_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XW3K5MBYRRA4TZCREFGH_1&bestFormat=trueDakarai Larriett’s website: https://dakarailarriett.com/Dakarai Larriett’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574763727908Dakarai Larriett’s Instagram: @dakarailarriettforsenateDakarai Larriett’s TokTok: @dakarai.larriettGuest Bio:Dakarai Larriett, an Alabama native and the son of a U.S. Army veteran and a public school teacher, is a thriving entrepreneur and committed community volunteer. His candidacy for the U.S. Senate is driven by the injustice he faced from a false arrest in 2024. Growing up influenced by his father's military service, Dakarai moved between several states and even spent time in Germany. He excelled academically, earning a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, where his dedication to public service deepened during his junior year as an exchange student at Howard University.Dakarai has built a successful career as a corporate leader while also managing a pet-care business he launched from his garage. Over the past 20 years, he has served in leadership roles on multiple nonprofit boards, gaining a reputation for his servant leadership upon returning to Birmingham in 2021. Actively involved in various volunteer initiatives, he leads an HOA board in downtown Birmingham that represents local families and businesses, showcasing his passion for Alabama's culture and community. In his leisure time, Dakarai enjoys visiting the shooting range and regularly attends First United Methodist Church.

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Ariel Sullivan to discuss her powerful debut novel, Conform. Ariel opens up about writing through postpartum depression and the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing how those experiences shaped her characters and themes. The conversation explores female strength, societal pressure, and resilience, as well as the layered storytelling that makes Conform resonate with readers. Ariel also teases an upcoming prequel that expands on the world she’s created, offering fans a deeper look into her evolving literary universe.What We're Talking About...Published under Jenna Bush Hager’s imprint, Thousand Voices, the book highlights powerful storytelling from diverse and authentic voices.Inspired by Ariel’s own experiences with postpartum depression and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Conform captures the emotional reality of resilience and self-discovery.The novel explores complex themes—including choice, love triangles, and societal expectations—through characters who challenge traditional roles.Ariel stresses the importance of creating flawed, human characters with both light and shadow, making them deeply relatable to readers.The story’s setting and character dynamics mirror real-world social pressures and modern issues surrounding identity and belonging.Ariel wrote much of the book in short, chaotic bursts during her children’s nap times, offering a candid look at balancing motherhood and creativity.Conform serves as a gateway into the fantasy genre for readers who love grounded, character-driven stories.The book’s characters are written to evoke empathy and spark emotional connection, inviting readers to reflect on their own choices and values.Ariel also shares details about an upcoming prequel, which will dive deeper into the history and mythology of the world introduced in Conform.Chapters00:00 Celebrating a Debut: Ariel Sullivan's Journey02:59 The Inspiration Behind 'Conform'06:10 Writing Through Struggles: Postpartum and COVID08:53 The Creative Process: From Idea to Trilogy11:57 Character Development: The Complexity of Choices14:58 Themes of Female Strength and Societal Expectations18:05 Exploring Relationships: Love Triangles and Family Dynamics20:54 The Impact of Fantasy on Real-World Issues23:54 Layered Storytelling: Engaging Readers on Multiple Levels26:54 Looking Ahead: The Future of Ariel's Writing