Best Hannah Chelsey Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 55 - Competitive Reading with Austin Waters 59:04

6d ago59:04

59:04

On this episode, Austin Waters, a friend of mine from high school, describes how he has had lots of experience with many different types of reading and writing. We discuss reading plays, how we read so many good books in high school, and how competition in reading can be detrimental. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s reading: West With …

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Episode 54 - Take My Books Where They Belong with Chelsey Stone 1:00:20

13d ago1:00:20

1:00:20

On this episode, Chelsey Stone, a freelance writer and book tour leader, describes herself as someone who reads to learn. She brings a lot of really great non-fiction books to the show, and while some of them can be a bit of a bummer, these books help Chelsey learn more about herself and the world while facing reality through reading. NatGeo articl…

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Episode 53 - Horror for Anxious Readers with Johanna @memydogandbooks 1:05:26

20d ago1:05:26

1:05:26

On this episode, Johannah @memydogandbooks who loves to shout about books on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and I discuss leaning into cozy hobbies, reading widely and eclectically, and an overlapping prize interest for us. We also discuss how horror is an underrated genre and why it works, even for scaredy-cats! Find Johanna on Instagram Find Joh…

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Episode 52 - My Entire Life is Words with Hannah Gordon 59:19

27d ago59:19

59:19

On this episode, Hannah Gordon, a fellow CPS teacher and I discuss the importance of the library as a public service, how your reading life can turn around from what people expect of you as a child, and she brings some really great books to the show that haven’t been talked about yet. Find Hannah on TikTok Book Talk and Signing for The Kat Bunglar …

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WeThrive 2025 Spring Magazine Bonus Episode 1:22:33

1M ago1:22:33

1:22:33

Listen in to hear the full interview from Diane Varnes, a guest contributor for the Spring 2025 WeThrive Magazine. Diane works for Dr. Bruce Perry, who co-authored the book with Oprah Winfrey: What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing.

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Episode 51 - More Beautiful Thoughts with Christopher Hermelin of So Many Damn Books 1:01:58

1M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

On this episode, Christopher Hermelin, host of the podcast So Many Damn Books and I discuss his life that revolves around books, our shared love for stories on the continuum of weird, and we both go on a bit of a tear about over-comped books. You can also hear me get totally sucked in by something Christopher recommends. So Many Damn Books The Rovi…

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Episode 50 - How to Raise a Reader with Mary Hopper Welander 52:21

1M ago52:21

52:21

On this episode, my mom, Mary Hopper Welander, and I discuss shared reading memories from my childhood, how much the library has impacted both of our reading lives, and how her reading life has changed in retirement. She also gives some great advice about how to develop a love of reading in your child. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s …

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Episode 49 - Read Everything All the Time with Alayna Mills 1:01:55

2M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

On this episode, Alayna Mills, a college writing teacher, discusses their love for reading everything all the time, by incorporating reading into all parts of their day. We also talk about their wide reading preferences, we get deep on a few specific books, and we find a shared notebook of book prize stress. Follow Alayna on Instagram Books mention…

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Heroes of Heroes: Chelsey 10:23

2M ago10:23

10:23

In our sixth episode of storytelling series, Hero of Heroes, meet Chelsey, Respiratory Therapist Clinical Educator at Children's Nebraska. Listen in to her story about the life-saving power of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and the compassion of strangers.

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Episode 48 - A Community of Problematic Characters with Bre @Brezzylovesbooks 54:53

2M ago54:53

54:53

On this episode, Bre @Brezzylovesbooks, a therapist who also runs the Raleigh chapter of Well-Read Black Girl, and I discuss our shared love of book communities, problematic characters, and why romance isn’t our reading preference. I also give a rare TV recommendation! Follow Bre on Instagram More info about Well-Read Black Girl in Raleigh Well-Rea…

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Episode 47 - Political Intrigue with Trevor Dykes 55:34

2M ago55:34

55:34

On this episode, Trevor Dykes, a fantasy reader who has written his own fantasy saga, and I discuss how he fits in reading as a father of two young kiddos, what piques his interest in a fantasy, and how much of a commitment some of the long series are. We also get into the difference between the second in a trilogy versus the second in a series - t…

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Episode 46 - The Struggle for Good with Maggie Brennan 1:01:41

2M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

On this episode, Maggie Brennan, a loyal member of the Off Color Book Club, and I discuss the retellings she will always read, how being an oldest sister impacted her reading life, and the way that her Irish family has impacted her reading life. She also talks about her favorite fantasy and sci-fi and how these genres can tell stories that reflect …

1
Episode 45 - TBR Snowball with Deedi Brown 59:57

3M ago59:57

59:57

On this episode, Deedi Brown, who runs The Booker of the Month book club, and I discuss the crossover love of literary fiction and genre, getting sucked in by award lists, and how being more involved in books turns into a snowball! Follow Deedi on Instagram Find Deedi’s Substack here Get more information about Booker of the Month Club Support my Op…

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Episode 44 - Bad Decisions and Good Sex with Meredith Turits 57:54

3M ago57:54

57:54

On this episode, Meredith Turits, debut novelist, and I discuss the process of making her book come to life, how amazing her editor is, and the best ways to support friends who are writers. We also discuss her book, Just Want You Here, which I encourage anyone to go pick up! Order Just Want You Here! Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s re…

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Episode 43 - Insatiable Curiosity with Rebecca Schinsky and Jeff O'Neal 1:05:20

3M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

On this episode, Rebecca Schinsky and Jeff O’Neal of Book Riot sit down and talk to me about their reading lives. We talk about their professional work in the world of books, how Oliver Burkeman would feel about my bad bookish habit, and how any book can be interesting if you’re curious enough. Listen to the Book Riot Podcast Listen to First Editio…

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Heroes of Heroes: Bob 3:19

3M ago3:19

3:19

In our fifth episode of our storytelling series, Hero of Heroes, meet Bob Davidson, Vice President of Marketing and Communication at Children's Nebraska. Listen to his inspiring story about the surgeon who became his childhood hero.

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Episode 42 - Working on Your Brain with Betsy Kipnis 56:01

3M ago56:01

56:01

On this episode, Betsy Kipnis, a multi-hyphenate who loves a wide variety of authors, and I discuss some shared favorites, great Chicago bookstores, and she has some great stories. She discusses books that are multi-sensory and we get spicy about a beloved author. Betsy’s Blog - Bookisshh Barbara Kingsolver’s Recovery Center Books mentioned in this…

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Episode 41 - Completely Booked with Jordan Hernandez 1:00:40

3M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

On this episode, Jordan Hernandez, who organizes the book community Completely Booked and I discuss what diverse books means to her, how to curate a feed that provides diverse options, and so many amazing book recommendations. If you want to join Completely Booked, you can send Jordan a DM on Instagram to get added to the email list! Follow Complet…

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Episode 40 - Character Studies with Jocelyn Aspa 55:22

4M ago55:22

55:22

On this episode, bookstagrammer and journalist Jocelyn Aspa and I discuss books with extensive character development, how everything makes us cry, and why we gravitate towards books with low ratings on Goodreads. We also discuss how we determine books to pack on a trip which can be a little extra. Follow Jocelyn on Instagram Books mentioned in this…

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Episode 39 - Soft Heart, Thick Skin with David Jay Collins 1:01:25

4M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

On this episode, indie author David Jay Collins and I discuss his work writing books in and about Chicago, how he keeps going by honoring his characters, and the unique ways that he connects with his readers. We also discuss his reading life, including a current fast from horror content which blows my mind! Follow David on Instagram Order any of Da…

1
Heroes of Heroes: Ryan 5:29

4M ago5:29

5:29

In our fourth episode of our storytelling series, Heroes of Heroes, meet Ryan Cameron, Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Children's Nebraska. Listen in as Ryan shares the story of his hero- a former professor, mentor, and boss.

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Episode 38 - Ate it Up with Ree @Read_withRee 47:12

4M ago47:12

47:12

On this episode, Ree @Read_withree on instagram, discusses her love for thrillers and mysteries. We also talk about a shared favorite author, the joy that book people can bring, and how to make bookstagram a place of enjoyment. Follow Ree on Instagram Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s reading: There is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben Re…

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Episode 37 - All Print, All the Time with Leah Rachel von Essen 1:02:39

4M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

On this episode, Leah Rachel von Essen, whose job is books, and I discuss our shared love of translated literature, especially genre fiction from other countries, and our shared love of reading and walking. She also talks about her very entertaining experiences with the library as a child and shares about her current work with Chicago Books to Wome…

1
Episode 36 - Reading Helps Me Figure it Out with Shakia Perry 1:02:08

5M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

On this episode, Shakia Perry, a very creative book lover who creates amazing book-related experiences for friends and family, discusses how she loves fiction to get into the messiness of other people. We also discuss our love for the library, reading pretty much wherever, and how much Libby can stress you out. Follow Shakia on Instagram! Books men…

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Episode 35 - Best of 2024 Part 2 1:27:54

5M ago1:27:54

1:27:54

On this episode, past guests of Books with Betsy and I share our favorite books of 2024! Listen to hear about lots of great 2024 books and the excellent backlist we got to this year. Books mentioned in this episode: Betsy’s Top 11 Books (in no particular order): Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe The Reformatory by Tananarive Due Enter Ghost…

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Heroes of Heroes: Megan 4:38

5M ago4:38

4:38

In our third episode of our storytelling series, Heroes of Heroes, meet Megan Connelly. Megan is the Vice President of Community Health and Advocacy at Children's Nebraska and shares a story from her nursing background about struggling with a patient loss and her hero in that difficult moment.

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Episode 34 - Best of 2024 Part 1 1:34:01

5M ago1:34:01

1:34:01

On this episode, past guests of Books with Betsy and I share our favorite books of 2024! Listen to hear about lots of great 2024 books and the excellent backlist we got to this year. Books mentioned in this episode: Betsy’s Best Categorically (books that…): Shocked me: How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix None of This is True by Lisa Jewell…

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Cardiac Lesion Series: Heart Transplant 9:45

5M ago9:45

9:45

In the cardiac lesion series, Dr. Laura Ortmann, Pediatric Intensivist at Children's Nebraska discusses Heart Transplant. Listen in to learn more about caring for this cardiac lesion. If you plan to listen to the cardiac lesion series in order, this episode follows Pre-operative Single Ventricle Management. #drortmanncicu #picu #cicu #pediatrics…

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Episode 33 - I'll Crack it Open with Stephanie Majercik 56:38

5M ago56:38

56:38

On this episode, Stephanie Majercik, a reader who reads widely, and I discuss our shared tricks for Book of the Month, why passing around books is great, and how her reading chair revolutionized her reading life. We also discuss her book club and the bookish names she has for her collection of house plants. Read & Run Chicago - The Great Believers …

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Episode 32 - Where Literature is at this Moment with Bernie Lombardi 50:03

6M ago50:03

50:03

On this episode, Bernie Lombardi, a professor and researcher, discusses how his popular bookstagram and award lists are intertwined, along with his experiences reading the lists and even getting to go to the final ceremonies of a few awards! We also hear about his new author obsession and a very cool way that he tracks his reading each year. Bernie…

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Episode 31 - These are my Trophies with Jenn Moland-Kovash 1:01:18

6M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

On this episode, Jenn Moland-Kovash and I discuss our shared interest in thrift-store book sections, the joy of walking around a bookstore and pointing out the books we have read, and her theories about why romantasy is popular. Jenn also gets me on a roll about the difference between book collecting and reading and why sprayed edges mean nothing t…

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Episode 30 - On the Edge of Heartbreak with Cynthia Okechukwu 1:04:43

6M ago1:04:43

1:04:43

On this episode, Cynthia Okechukwu, the founder of Black Girls Read Chicago, and I discuss books that make you cry, her love of hardcover books, and what kinds of audiobooks work for both of us. She also gets to share an incredible story of getting a critical book put into her hands at a young age. Black Girls Read Chicago Instagram The Read & Run …

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Heroes of Heroes: Ashley 4:58

6M ago4:58

4:58

In our second episode of our storytelling series, Heroes of Heroes, meet Ashley. Ashley is a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's Nebraska and shares her story of the loss of her daughter Libby.

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Episode 29 - Never Earned a Personal Pan Pizza with Susanna Chapman 1:01:04

6M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

On this episode, Susanna Chapman, an illustrator who loves picture books, discusses her career in books, her love for an audiobook mausoleum, and why she loves the beginning of a book. We also destigmatize her concern around her main reading format and she tricks me into answering one of my own questions. The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Vi…

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Episode 28 - Intellectually Affectionate with Annette LaPlaca 1:00:29

6M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

On this episode, Annette LaPlaca, a self-proclaimed church lady who loves mysteries and thrillers, discusses her career in editing, how she developed a love of reading in her children, and why it’s ok to have a lot of books. We also discuss the moral and empathetic benefits of a murder book and why people shouldn’t shy away from them. Books mention…

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Heroes of Heroes: Hannah 5:24

7M ago5:24

5:24

We are proud to introduce a new Series on Healing Hearts: Empowering Pediatric Critical Care Providers. In this series, we will be sharing stories from our heroes at Children's and the impact another individual made on them. Listen in to Hannah, Cardiac Care Unit nurse and her story.

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Episode 27 - Nobel Prize in Reading with Amie Medley 1:01:37

7M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

On this episode, Amie Medley, who loves a long book, discusses her big reading project, which is reading every author who has won a Nobel Prize in Literature, and what she has discovered through that endeavor. We also discuss the ups and downs of book clubs, the benefits she finds from ereaders, and her love for a book that I can’t help but roll my…

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Episode 26 - Challenging for Some, Liberating for Me With Cat Shieh 1:02:50

7M ago1:02:50

1:02:50

On this episode, Cat Shieh, a Caliornian transplant to Chicago and former ethnic studies professor, discusses her hesitancy when people ask for recommendations and recommend books to her. She’s not afraid to drink the haterade, give a hot take, and make me guess what her answer is going to be to my questions. We talk about sad books (about reality)…

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Episode 25 - Be a Dear, Unflip Your Dogears with Jennifer Moe 1:01:52

7M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

On this episode, Jennifer Moe, a professor and former bookseller, discusses her love for books that fully envelop the reader in a setting. We reminisce about our adventures with Twilight, our shared love for library magazines, and when it might be ok to leave a note or two in a library book. She also gives some Preorder Nobody’s Perfect, the book i…

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Episode 24 - Always Been a Fan of a List with Ian Gillham 1:05:54

7M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

On this episode, Ian Gillham, @criticalgayze on Instagram, and I discuss our shared love of book lists, book awards, and reading these lists. We also discuss Ian’s Substack project focusing on the Pulitzer Prize and how it has morphed throughout the years. Also, stick around for some hot takes about super popular books! Here is the link to Ian’s Su…

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Episode 23 - Genre Promiscuous with Nina Li Coomes 1:01:52

8M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

On this episode, Nina Li Coomes, who was once described as genre promiscuous by a professor, discusses her traumatic early reading experiences, and how her identity as a writer has developed. We also discuss some shared favorites, how much she loves a hate-read, and why it can be good to read books you might not like. Click here to support Eman Alh…

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Episode 22 - A Little Bit of Everything with Leah @DishingonBooks 1:02:10

8M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

On this episode, Leah, @Dishingonbooks on Instagram, and I discuss our shared love of intense reads, how to find more books that open up the world, and her love for the Women’s Prize. We also give a lot of recommendations for books that are not for everyone but hit both of us in just the right spot. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s rea…

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Episode 21 - The Story Sits in Your Bones with Sam Luchsinger 59:37

8M ago59:37

59:37

On this episode, Sam Luchsinger, an eclectic reader and artist, talks about their love of picking up whatever strikes their interest, beautiful book covers, and the joy of reading children’s books into adulthood. They also discuss their love of graphic novels and some tips on how to get into the format that might feel a little overwhelming. Books m…

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Episode 20 - Based in Reality with Jordan Cross 49:05

8M ago49:05

49:05

On this episode, Jordan Cross, a resource librarian for a large interior design firm, discusses her love of audiobooks, books that are based on something true, and how memoirs about hard topics are important and meaningful. She also brings a topic to the show that I hadn’t thought to ask about! The big list of books from NPR - best of the year sinc…

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Episode 19 - I Can't Put it Down with Kathy Donofrio 56:58

9M ago56:58

56:58

On this episode, Kathy Donofrio, an artist from the Chicagoland area, discusses how she came to enjoy reading later in life. She provides some amazing, fun book recommendations, including an impressive laundry list of favorite authors. Also, I finally get to hear the Pope Book story that my mom has been telling me about! Books mentioned in this epi…

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Episode 18 - I'm a Terrible Reader with Stacy Jeziorowski 55:16

9M ago55:16

55:16

On this episode, Stacy Jeziorowski, who is not a terrible reader, discusses her resurgence as a reader after grad school and how thrillers that have kept her on the edge of her seat motivate her to read more. We also discuss our shared favorite, which we both collect, and how amazing the library is as a resource for our lives. The AI generated holi…

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Episode 17 - Book Clubs will Save the World with Allison Yates and Fernanda Wetzel 1:05:36

9M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

On this episode, Allison Yates and Fernanda Wetzel come on to talk about their organization, Read and Run Chicago, a book and run club that features specific books with coordinated runs in Chicago. They describe how accessible their organization is, open to anyone who might be interested in participating, and we get to talk about some incredible bo…

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Cardiac Lesion Series: Pre-Operative Single Ventricle Management 10:23

9M ago10:23

10:23

In the cardiac lesion series, Dr. Laura Ortmann, Pediatric Intensivist at Children's Nebraska discusses Pre-operative single ventricle management Listen in to learn more about caring for this cardiac lesion. If you plan to listen to the cardiac lesion series in order, this episode follows Double Outlet Right Ventricle. #drortmanncicu #picu #cicu #p…

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Episode 16 - Library Superuser with Emily McClanathan 58:46

9M ago58:46

58:46

On this episode, Emily McClanathan, a Chicago Public Library superuser, discusses her love of character-driven stories and excellent prose. She also talks about how reading has helped her become a better writer, as she writes both book reviews and theater reviews in Chicago. We get into some shared loves and Emily gets to share a hot take about a b…

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Episode 15 - Percival Everett Fan Club with Ben Ustick 1:00:02

10M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

On this episode, Ben Ustick, the taproom manager at Off Color Mousetrap and I discuss some of our shared favorite books, the excellence of contemporary fiction, and his goal to read Percival Everett’s entire oeuvre this year. Get ready to be shocked yourself when you hear the book that shocked Ben. If you want to visit us at Off Color Book Club, ch…

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Hannah Chelsey Podcasts

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