Best Laura Pleasants Podcasts (2025)

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A Pivotal Choice - Season 3, Episode 30 34:10

9d ago34:10

34:10

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of A Pivotal Choice. And since pivotal means of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else, these choices are life changing, and in some cases even fateful. Plus, we'll share a Book in Hand. Are you ready?? Featured Books: S…

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Fantastical - Season 3, Episode 29 33:34

17d ago33:34

33:34

Send us a text In this episode, we bring you books tied together with the common theme of being Fantastical! Leslie is our in house fantasy aficionado, and Laura is the opposite of that. But we both found some fabulous titles to make this stack super Fantastical! We'll also share a Book In Hand! Let's dive into the world of fantasy! Featured Books:…

1
Season 3, Episode 28 - Reading and Writing 30:54

24d ago30:54

30:54

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of Reading and Writing. Epistolary, Historical Fiction, Uplifting Fiction and a Thriller...a little of everything...Plus a Memoir as our Book in Hand. We're so glad you're here! Featured Books: Kate and Frida by Kim Fay (LH) The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Ki…

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Books In Hand - Season 3, Episode 27 27:09

1M ago27:09

27:09

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being our Books In Hand...our current reads…this is up to the minute coverage! What are you reading? Featured Books: Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson (LH) Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid (LH) Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks (LP) We All L…

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Tiny and Cute - Season 3, Episode 26 25:27

1M ago25:27

25:27

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of all being books that are Tiny and Cute. Each of these titles are treasures that come in under 300 pages. These little gems pack a big punch! Featured Books: Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (LH) (208 pages) Normal Rules Don’t Apply by Kate Atkinson (LH) (…

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Buzzy Books - Season 3, Episode 25 30:13

1M ago30:13

30:13

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being Buzzy Books. They are getting lots of attention in the right now….hot takes…quick picks if you will. And yes, we will! Let's Buzz! Featured Books: Penitence by Kristin Koval (LH) Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (LP) What Happened to the McCrays by…

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Classics - Season 3, Episode 24 30:42

2M ago30:42

30:42

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being Classics! Leslie rereads 2 of her lifetime favorites, and Laura reads 2 that she never picked up before...no judgement!! We will also share a Book in Hand. Let’s dig into this bundle of wonderful Classics! Featured Books: Pride and Prejudice - The Com…

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Positivity - Season 3, Episode 23 15:23

2M ago15:23

15:23

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of helping you find Positivity! This is a Shorty, with just 2 books, and we hope it might be just what you need. Bring on the Short Stack! Featured Books: Upworthy Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity by Gabriel Reilich & Lucia Knell (LH) The Book of…

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New Takes on Familiar Stories - Season 3, Episode 22 29:53

2M ago29:53

29:53

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of New Takes on Familiar Stories. These stories have been told before, but these authors put their own spins on them. And we do LOVE a good reimagining! We'll also share a Book In Hand. Ready?? Featured Books: Gild by Raven Kennedy (LH) The Sirens by Emilia Ha…

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Journeys - Season 3, Episode 21 38:55

3M ago38:55

38:55

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of Journeys. Our characters are taking both physical and emotional journeys, and we'll also share a Book In Hand. Let’s get started on our own trek! Featured Books: All My Mothers by Joanna Glen (LH) The Lighthouse Road by Peter Geye (LH) Good Dirt by Charmain…

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Let's Travel to Ancient Egypt - Season 3, Episode 20 28:37

3M ago28:37

28:37

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being books that invite us to Travel to Ancient Egypt. Plus, we will share a Book In Hand! Vibe with us on all things ancient Egypt! Featured Books: Neferura by Malayna Evans (LH) Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (LH) The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis (LP) Empress…

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Mysterious Mysteries - Season 3, Episode 19 27:31

3M ago27:31

27:31

Send us a text In this episode our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being Mysterious Mysteries. All have mysterious characters, settings, and of course, events. Plus, we will share a Book In Hand! Come along with us on this magical mystery tour! Featured Books: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn (LH) The Sunset Years of …

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Books In Hand - Season 3, Episode 18 32:38

3M ago32:38

32:38

Send us a text In this episode our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being Books In Hand...books that were recently on our shelves that we can't wait to share with all of you. Plus, we have a list of more Books In Hand in our show notes! Let's make your TBR even longer! Featured Books: 21 Truths About Love by Matthew Dicks (L…

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It's a Shorty...Featuring Marianne Cronin - Season 3, Episode 17 24:40

4M ago24:40

24:40

Send us a text In this episode we are bringing you a shorty…an episode with just 2 books, and we hope it might be just what you need! Our short stack is tied together with the common theme of featuring the fabulous author, Marianne Cronin. And, be still our bookish hearts, this stack is special! These books will tug at your heartstrings, and are pe…

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If You Liked This...Then Read That...Memoir Style - Season 3, Episode 16 17:23

4M ago17:23

17:23

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of If You Liked This... Then Read That. And we’re doing it memoir style! For each memoir we have a selection that we think is the perfect compliment. We’re going to bring you several pairings and we hope that something will strike your fancy! Featured Books: O…

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Stay Safe - Season 3, Episode 15 47:52

4M ago47:52

47:52

Send us a text In this episode our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of Staying Safe. Easy right? Not so much for the characters in these books! Plus, we'll share 2 Books in Hand...both outstanding memoirs by the same author. Be careful out there, friends! Featured Books: A Discovery of Witches (All Souls #1) by Deborah Harkness…

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Listener's Choice - Season 3, Episode 14 41:24

4M ago41:24

41:24

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being Listeners Choice books! We reached out and asked for your suggestions and recommendations, and boy did you deliver! We can’t use them all at once, but keep listening, because we are going to use some of your other picks in upcoming episodes! Featured …

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The Shadowed Land - Season 3, Episode 13 22:57

5M ago22:57

22:57

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of pure excitement. The most recent addition to Signe Pike's Lost Queen series is here...The Shadowed Land! We can't wait to discuss it AND to give away a copy to one of you! Featured Books: The Forgotten Queen by Signe Pike The Lost Kingdom by Signe Pike The …

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2024 Faves - Season 3, Episode 12 37:30

5M ago37:30

37:30

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being our Faves of 2024. And we're not going to lie...it was hard to choose soooo...we also have a list of our Runners Up below! Plus, we'll share a Book in Hand. Now, it's time to get started on our list for 2025! Featured Books: The Frozen River by Ariel …

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Book Club Picks With Special Guest, Lisa Hedger - Season 3, Episode 11 37:18

5M ago37:18

37:18

Send us a text Today, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being great Book Club Picks. And, we have a special guest to help us discover some great titles to get discussions going in your group. Lisa Hedger is joining us from the podcast Everyone Loved It But Me. Lisa is in multiple book clubs, and knows her stuff! Check out…

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If You Liked This...Then Read That... Season 3, Episode 10 20:50

5M ago20:50

20:50

Send us a text Today, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of If You Liked This... Then Read That. It's always helpful to have a few tricks up your reading sleeve for those times when you don't know what you want to read next! We've also included a few additional read-alikes below in the Show Notes. Happy Holidays! Featured Boo…

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Sense of Place with Special Guest Cindy Burnett - Season 3, Episode 9 46:38

6M ago46:38

46:38

Send us a text In today's episode we chat all things Sense of Place with our special guest, the one and only Cindy Burnett from Thoughts from a Page podcast! It's sure to transport you (wink, wink). Featured Books: The Lost Man by Jane Harper (CB) Homecoming by Kate Morton (CB) The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer (LH) Celine by Peter Heller (LH) The Anci…

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Books to Gift - Season 3, Episode 8 1:20:27

6M ago1:20:27

1:20:27

Send us a text In today's episode we have a HUGE gift-able stack! Books are one of our favorite items to give anytime of year. We hope you'll find something for every reader on your list...Happy Holidays! Featured Books: Series: The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden (LH) The Lost Queen Series by Signe Pike (LP) Horses of Fire, Daughters of Bro…

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TWD E27 - "Pushing buttons in a good way" - Derek Sheen 1:41:47

6M ago1:41:47

1:41:47

After a long sleepy break, TWD is back with our first ever touring comedian Derek Sheen. We compare notes between "miserable punk tours" and "miserable comedy tours", find out about comedy green room social politics, get some advice from Mom, and learn to sleep with our mouths closed,By Jon Weisnewski and Jeff McNulty

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Charmers - Season 3, Episode 7 32:12

6M ago32:12

32:12

Send us a text In this episode our stack is so charming it will sweep you off your feet! Laura read one of her favorites of the year. Leslie continues a favorite series and hopes for a new one. We'll also share a Book in Hand...Plus there’s baking! Featured Books: A Cyclist’s Guide to Crime and Croissants by Ann Claire (LH) A Pirate’s Life for Tea …

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Murdery Redrum - Season 3, Episode 6 41:34

7M ago41:34

41:34

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of murder. Leslie calls it Murdery...Laura calls it Redrum. Either way we have some page turning heart pounders, something more cerebral, a locked room, and one that's paranormal! We will also share a Book in Hand. Come along for a twisty thrilling ride! Featu…

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Warm Hug - Season 3, Episode 5 23:10

7M ago23:10

23:10

Send us a text In this episode we are bringing you a Shorty…an episode with just 2 books, which we hope might be just what you need! This short stack is a Warm Hug from our bookish hearts to yours. Featured Books: The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Linda Cohen Loigman (LP) A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny (LH) Books Mentioned in This Episode The Two-…

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Respect Your Elders - Season 3, Episode 4 41:39

7M ago41:39

41:39

Send us a text In this episode our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of having protagonists that are of a "certain age." Plus, we'll share a creepy Book in Hand. Respect Your Elders...you might find they are not always as they seem (Here's looking at you, Maud)! Featured Books: An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten …

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Memoir Mania - Season 3, Episode 3 58:27

7M ago58:27

58:27

Send us a text In this episode Leslie finds her niche within a genre, and Laura finds her groove with a reading goal. We're talking about a stack of fabulous Memoirs! Plus, we'll share a Book in Hand. It's Memoir Mania! Featured Books: This Country: Searching for Home in (Very) Rural America by Navied Mahdavian (LH) Yes Please by Amy Poehler (LH) F…

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It Happened...We Promise - Season 3, Episode 2 55:39

8M ago55:39

55:39

Send us a text In this episode our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of our promise that each of these books has something or someone that is based in fact. We're going full force historical fiction! Plus, we'll share a Book in Hand. Featured Books: The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See (LH) The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beat…

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Do Your Homework! - Season 3, Episode 1 27:04

8M ago27:04

27:04

Send us a text It's Season 3!!!! In this episode, we assign each other a book (new to the show), and share our thoughts. It's time to do our homework!! Featured Books: This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (LP to LH) Naked in Death by J. D. Robb (LH to LP) Books Mentioned in This Episode In Death Series by J. D. Robb Count the Ways by Joyce Ma…

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Summer Close Out - Season 2, Episode 49 50:02

8M ago50:02

50:02

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of books that we enjoyed to close out the summer. Let's celebrate summer reading together! Featured Books: The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher (LP) The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (LP) House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen (LH) Gone Wolf by Amber McBr…

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Fantasies Galore - Season 2, Episode 48 35:10

8M ago35:10

35:10

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being Fantasies. We have a stack that will take you out of the current world and plop you right into another...so be ready for that. We will also share 2 Books in Hand that will bring you back. Enjoy! Featured Books: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley …

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The Chicago Mothman 1:43:19

9M ago1:43:19

1:43:19

Send us a text In the spring of 2017, the Chicago land area would find itself rocked by numerous sightings of a strange, 7-foot-tall, emaciated, humanoid with glowing eyes. While all claimed it had wings the descriptions varied from bird-like to bat-like to insect-like. The witnesses were just as varied, rich and poor, from police and loading dock …

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Dystopian - Season 2, Episode 47 43:57

9M ago43:57

43:57

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being Dystopian. Ah... that imagined future filled with...what if the world fell apart and we had to survive with none of what we have now, except maybe each other?? Plus, we will share a Book in Hand! Here we go... Featured Books: Alone by Megan E. Freeman…

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How Did We Miss This? - Season 2, Episode 46 48:10

9M ago48:10

48:10

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being books that we somehow missed! Not ok! We will also share a Book in Hand. How Did We Miss This??? Featured Books: We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (LP) The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher (LP) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (LH) An Off…

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The Montauk Project 39:33

9M ago39:33

39:33

Did you know that Stranger Things was ripped off from some weirdo on Long Island who wrote a book claiming all of it was true? This week we're talking about the original "inspiration" for Stranger Things, the supposed story of a secret underground military base where scientists used physic children to open portals through time. Learn more about you…

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If You Liked This...Then Read... - Season 2, Episode 45 17:56

9M ago17:56

17:56

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of If You Liked This... Then Read That! And, bonus, the books are cozy! Settle in with some coffee or tea...you'll see what we mean. Featured Books: Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne Books Mentioned in This …

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The Cottingley Fairies 26:25

9M ago26:25

26:25

In 1917, two young cousins in England captured photographs allegedly showing fairies, which caught the attention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and sparked a debate that lasted decades. We explore the aftermath of that incident, including the eventual admission of a partial hoax, while considering the enduring mystery surrounding the fifth and final pho…

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Something is Amiss - Season 2, Episode 44 49:49

9M ago49:49

49:49

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of Something is Amiss…might be big or might be little, but something isn’t right, and we need to find out what it is! We will also share a Book in Hand. Featured Books: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (LP) The Searcher by Tana French (LP) How To Solve Your O…

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The Flatwoods Monster 27:47

10M ago27:47

27:47

This week we're recounting the eerie tale of the Flatwoods Monster, an Appalachian cryptid with a mysterious and terrifying past. We discuss the 1952 sightings in West Virginia, examining this weird-looking, strange-smelling creature and the panic it sparked in the community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on …

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A Chat with A.D. Rhine, Season 2 Episode 43 46:13

10M ago46:13

46:13

Send us a text In this episode, we’re sharing our chat with Danielle Stinson and Ashlee Cowles, known as the author A.D. Rhine! A.D. Rhine has written 2 wonderful novels, Horses of Fire which was published in 2023, and Daughters of Bronze which will be released in November. This is a duology... a sweeping epic which puts the women of Troy front and…

1
Living Dinosaurs 28:47

10M ago28:47

28:47

Could the vast unexplored regions of the Congo still contain living dinosaurs? In this episode, we're exploring the intriguing possibility of living dinosaurs in Africa. We also discuss various cryptids, including the famous Mokele-mbembe, as well as other alleged prehistoric creatures like the Emela-ntouka, Kasai Rex, and Kongamato. Learn more abo…

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Series-ously! - Season 2, Episode 42 30:06

10M ago30:06

30:06

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being part of a Series (or Duo) that we just couldn’t put down. We will also share a Book in Hand. These books are Series-ously great!! Featured Books Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden( LH) The Girl In the Tower by Katherine Arden (LH) The Winter …

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The Near-Death Experience of Pam Reynolds 29:49

10M ago29:49

29:49

This week we're going over the fascinating near-death experience of Pam Reynolds, a singer-songwriter who underwent a groundbreaking surgery, during which she died. But don't worry, she came back! Pam's vivid and well-documented out-of-body experience during the operation challenges skeptics and provides a crazy perspective on life after death. Lea…

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Drama, Drama, Drama - Season 2, Episode 41 41:40

10M ago41:40

41:40

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being full of Family Drama. We've got books with highs and lows, blood family and found family. We will also share a Book in Hand. And we'll do it all dramatically! Featured Books: Sandwich by Catherine Newman (LH) The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao by M…

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John Titor: Internet Time Traveler 30:00

10M ago30:00

30:00

In this episode, we delve into the bizarre tale of John Titor, a self-proclaimed time traveler who captivated early internet forums in the 2000s. We explore Titor's claims about coming from 2036, his mission to retrieve an IBM 5100 computer, and his vague predictions about future events. Was this really a guy from the future, or just an early examp…

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The Mothman of Point Pleasant, West Virginia 29:55

11M ago29:55

29:55

Dive into the eerie legend of the Mothman as Tom and Laura explore the 1966 sightings in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and the subsequent panic that gripped the region. They discuss various theories about the Mothman's nature, from interdimensional being to misidentified wildlife, and its alleged connection to the tragic Silver Bridge collapse. Le…

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It's a New Frontier - Season 2, Episode 40 37:32

11M ago37:32

37:32

Send us a text In this episode, our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being focused on life on the frontier. This is one of our favorite time periods to read about! We will also share a Book in Hand! Let's get started... Featured Books Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (LH) Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan (LH) Where …

1
The PK Man 32:03

11M ago32:03

32:03

We dive into the wild life of Ted Owens, aka the "PK Man," who claimed he had some psychic powers and could chat with beings from other dimensions. Like a real-life Professor X, Owens reportedly demonstrated uncanny predictive powers and the ability to influence events, from weather patterns to sports outcomes. We go through his most notable predic…

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