Best Tbr Pile Podcasts (2025)

1
Ditch the Guilt: Strategies for Getting Your Shit Together 9:26

14h ago9:26

9:26

So often we think that getting our shit together should be simple. You just need to buckle down and get it done. You make a start, make a little progress, but then you start to feel overwhelmed, and that sneaky little voice in the back of your head chimes in: “Everyone else has it together. Why can't I figure this out? What's wrong with me?” Sound …

1
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee 44:47

10d ago44:47

44:47

Did you know it's really hard to write jokes about books with central themes of racism? Cyrus and Sarah find this out while covering Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, an epic historical fiction novel about the the 20th century Korean experience of Japan. Our intrepid readers, who were sooo sleepy this week, cover personal experiences with identity, the Kore…

1
Red Rising by Pierce Brown 📚 Honest Book Review, Different Opinions, and Mixed Feelings 40:35

12d ago40:35

40:35

We read and discussed Red Rising by Pierce Brown in our Book Club (join us!) and this might have been our most polarized review ever 👀 Don’t miss our honest opinions on this bestseller 📖 And let us know what you thought about it! _______________________________________________________ 🔗 Follow us for more bookish content 📸 Instagram: ⁠⁠@BookBestieS…

1
Navigating the Chaos: Discovering Your True North in a World of Overwhelming Expectations 10:00

15d ago10:00

10:00

You know that moment in The Fellowship of the Ring when Gandalf is in the Mines of Moria, standing there with no recollection of the place? He's lost, surrounded by darkness, with no idea where to go. Sometimes life, and your own mind, can feel like that. When you're out of alignment, ignoring or betraying your core values, it can lead to anxiety, …

1
How to Break Out of a Reading Slump 18:22

23d ago18:22

18:22

Reading slumps can happen to even the most passionate book lovers, leaving you feeling unmotivated and disconnected from your favorite stories. In this season finale episode, podcast host Alesia dives deep into understanding reading slumps and provides practical strategies to reignite your reading passion. Key Takeaways: Recognize Common Causes of …

1
Sunrise on the Reaping/The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 58:22

24d ago58:22

58:22

Are we in the cultural zeitgeist yet? This week, Cyrus and Sarah cover Sunrise on the Reaping AND The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins, the two latest Hunger Games novels, both of which are prequels to the original trilogy. Did our intrepid readers kind of forget how brutal these books can get? Yeah a little bit. But if we've learn…

1
My Book Bestie Said It’s Good - But Was It Really? 💯 32:36

26d ago32:36

32:36

In this episode of My Book Bestie Said It’s Good, we’re chatting all about the books we recommended to each other - with no spoilers. From surprising favorites to unexpected misses, we’re sharing honest takes, hot tea, and a few TBR-worthy gems. Cozy up and get ready for the ultimate book bestie review session! List of books mentioned in the episod…

1
Unmasking the Myth of Imperfection: How Embracing Imperfection Can Reduce Anxiety 9:20

29d ago9:20

9:20

Does this sound familiar? Don't stress about being perfect, but also make sure you look great, have everything together, and don't mess up. Society loves to remind us that there's no such thing as perfection, but then turns right around and expects us to be perfect. Perfectionism has been a shadow that's followed Get It Together, Weirdo host Sarah …

1
A Beginner's Guide to Historical Romance with Unsuccessful Book Club 1:03:43

1M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

What makes historical romance more than just bodice-ripping stories? Historical romance is a genre far more complex and diverse than many readers realize. Far from being limited to Regency-era England and stereotypical duke narratives, this genre offers rich storytelling that explores complex social dynamics, personal growth, and diverse experience…

1
Healing from Purity Culture with Lauren Elise Rogers 50:49

1M ago50:49

50:49

Are You Healing from Purity Culture? Purity culture can leave deep emotional scars that impact our understanding of sexuality, relationships, and self-worth. In this powerful episode, sexuality educator Lauren Elise Rogers joins us to explore how individuals can reclaim their sexual identity and find healing through the transformative power of erot…

1
READING DEATH PACT THUNDERDOME ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN 55:46

1M ago55:46

55:46

RESULTS ARE IN, FOLKS. In the past month, Sarah and Cyrus made a bet to see who could read the most books out of their combined TBR piles. Sarah is a super fast reader with one day a week to functionally dedicate to churning through books; Cyrus is an absolute competitive maniac who would rather destroy their body and mind rather than lose. The sta…

1
Author Interview: Lois Miller on Writing, Publishing & YA Romantasy ✨ 42:15

1M ago42:15

42:15

In this episode, we chat with debut YA romantasy author Lois Miller, whose novel Don't Fear the Fire came out March 25th. Lois takes us behind the scenes of her writing journey, from first draft to publishing, and shares how she approached querying agents, building an audience, and crafting a villain who definitely thinks he's the main character (l…

1
Reclaiming Your Sanity: 3 Techniques for Finding Inner Peace amidst Overwhelming Responsibilities 8:41

1M ago8:41

8:41

What do you think you need more right now — your sanity or having all of your shit together? If you're anything like Get It Together, Weirdo host Sarah Bowser, the answer probably depends on the day, maybe even the hour. When you’re struggling with overwhelming responsibilities, you can feel like a failure for not having it all together, for letti…

1
Understanding Urban, Contemporary, and Erotic Black Literature with The Well Read Pharmacist 29:22

1M ago29:22

29:22

In the bookish space, readers tend to incorrectly categorize Black stories. It’s important that we understand the differences between genres and subgenres of Black literature. Join us for an great conversation with Aniya, known as the Well Read Pharmacist, as we break down the nuanced world of urban fiction, urban romance, Black contemporary romanc…

1
Reclaiming the Word "Fat" with Leigh Carron 37:41

2M ago37:41

37:41

Why Do We Need to Reclaim the Word "Fat"? In this powerful episode of the podcast, author Leigh Carron opens up about her journey of body positivity, challenging societal norms, and writing romance novels that celebrate bodies of all sizes. Through her personal experiences and literary work, Carron demonstrates how language can be transformed from …

1
Animorphs Part 6: The Bright, Clear Line 58:34

2M ago58:34

58:34

Back at it again in the Animorphs mines. This time, we're reading books 28 through 32, a group that contains vitally important plot, thoughtful and moving character moments, and also whatever is happening in book 28. Cyrus professes their undying love for Marco's self-aware ruthlessness. Sarah understands the world better through children's literat…

1
First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison: Review, Honest Opinion, and Book Discussion 📚 37:55

2M ago37:55

37:55

In this episode, we review First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison, a romance novel that’s been all over Booktok and on the top of the TBRs of many romance readers. If you just finished reading B.K. Borison’s newest book and want to hear what other readers think, this review will give you all the insights you need. Tune in for a detailed discussion on Fi…

1
Calm Your Chaos: The Power of Mindfulness in Just a Few Minutes 8:50

2M ago8:50

8:50

Mindfulness. It’s everywhere. It's sold to us like some magical cure-all for everything. But the topic might make you roll your eyes, because a lot of what we hear about mindfulness is a load of shit. So how can you actually use mindfulness in a way that works for your distracted, busy brain? In this episode of Get It Together, Weirdo, coach Sarah …

1
Sapphic Romance 101 with Sarah In Wanderland 43:40

2M ago43:40

43:40

Are you ready to expand your reading horizons and discover the transformative power of sapphic literature? Join host Alesia and special guest Sarah in Wanderland as they unravel the complexities of lesbophobia, celebrate queer representation, and explore the transformative power of diverse love stories. Sarah has dedicated their platform and voice …

1
Creating Thrilling Shifter Romances that Defy Expectations with Dria Andersen 27:35

2M ago27:35

27:35

What makes a romance novel truly captivating? Join host Alesia Galati as she sits down with bestselling author Dria Andersen to explore the vibrant world of Black paranormal romance, where love, loyalty, and supernatural excitement collide. Dria Andersen is a paranormal author and photographer who draws inspiration from stories and legends. Her pas…

1
TBR Pile Death Pact 1:05:48

2M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

Okay, maybe it's not a death pact. More of a "financially ruinous" pact for Cyrus specifically. But with the stakes on the table, they're more than willing to dive in. And with how annoying Cyrus is in this episode, Sarah is happy to crush them beneath capitalism's bootheel. But this is mostly, theoretically, not an episode about engaging in potent…

1
TBR Shame: What’s Been Sitting on Our Shelves Too Long? 35:22

2M ago35:22

35:22

Is your TBR pile growing out of control? Ours certainly is! In this episode, we get honest about the books that have been on our shelves for too long and explore strategies for tackling those piles. Whether you’re struggling with TBR shame or just want to hear some relatable thoughts about reading, this episode is for you. _________________________…

1
Embracing Your Inner Weirdness: A Journey to Empowerment and Productivity 11:08

2M ago11:08

11:08

When's the last time you were okay with just being weird — with chucking out the mold society tries to force on us? In this episode of Get It Together, Weirdo, host and coach Sarah Bowser encourages you to embrace your inner weirdness. Letting go of society's expectations isn't easy, and the process can be uncomfortable at first. But once you take …

1
Celebrating Plus-Size Love Stories with Curvy Girls Read Romance 45:39

2M ago45:39

45:39

Fatphobia and fat shaming are so deeply entrenched in society that traditionally, only a narrow set of beauty standards were represented in romance. Luckily, more and more authors, seeing how unrealistic this is, are transforming the literary landscape by writing curvy, confident, and complex characters that more closely represent their readers. In…

1
Fake It Like You Mean It by Megan Murphy: Interview & Spoiler-Free Review 📚 45:57

2M ago45:57

45:57

Love romance books? 📚✨ In this episode, we chat with debut author Megan Murphy about her debut novel Fake It Like You Mean It ! She tells us about her writing process, and publishing journey. 🎙️ Topics we cover: ✔️ Megan's writing & publishing journey ✔️ The magic of romance (and her favorites!) ✔️ Advice for aspiring authors Hit play for a fun boo…

1
Offbeat Romance, Sentient Objects, and More with Unfortunate Reads 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

Romance reading is evolving, and readers are discovering wild new genres that challenge traditional storytelling. In this podcast episode, Alesia sits down with Cassie from Unfortunate Reads to explore the fascinating world of monster and sentient object romance, breaking down stereotypes and celebrating diverse reading experiences. Cassie is a sex…

1
Animorphs Part 5: The Weekend is Cancelled 1:02:26

3M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

This week on Cracked Spines, we are discussing Animorphs books 23 through 27, a chunk that includes one of the best books of the series so far and also Cassie lying to strangers about androids while inside a Spencer's Gifts. The series contains multitude and, as we get into this middle stretch, filler. Join us as we watch young teens grapple with i…

1
What You’re Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama 📚 30:12

3M ago30:12

30:12

In this episode, we dive deep into What You’re Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, a beautiful and cozy read that celebrates the magic of libraries, books, and those unexpected moments that change our lives. Grab a cup of tea and join us! 📚✨ Also, don’t forget to follows us so you never miss an episode of our bookish conversations!…

1
The Routine Experiment: How to Find Routines That Work For You 11:20

3M ago11:20

11:20

You know the habits and schedules that we put in place because we think they're gonna help? Because we were told this would be game-changing? But, instead, they make us feel stuck, frustrated, and angry when they turn into rigid, soul-sucking, monotonous must-dos? Spoiler alert: It doesn’t have to be this way. Routines can actually work for you ins…

1
Finding Diverse Voices on BookTube with BabeInLibrary 1:05:34

3M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Are you tired of the same old book reviews and looking for a fresh, authentic perspective on reading? Join host Alesia as she sits down with Lisa, known as BabeInLibrary, for an electrifying conversation that goes beyond traditional book discussions. This episode dives deep into the world of BookTube, romance reading, and the transformative power o…

1
How Personalized Organization Systems Build Confidence 9:24

3M ago9:24

9:24

Do you feel guilty when you realize you've spent money on a one-size-fits-all organization system that just doesn’t work for you? And when it doesn’t work, do you feel like the problem is you? Spoiler alert, it’s not you. In this episode of Get It Together, Weirdo, host and coach Sarah Bowser lets you know that you're allowed to ditch those system…

1
Romance Tropes: The Good, the Bad, and the Deliciously Predictable 29:25

3M ago29:25

29:25

From grumpy sunshine to force proximity, the world of romance is filled with incredible patterns that we can't get enough of. Today, we’re talking about tropes. In this episode, we're discussing: Understanding the difference between tropes and micro-tropes and how they work together to create compelling romance stories Exploring popular trope categ…

1
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix 1:08:22

3M ago1:08:22

1:08:22

Our favorite horror writer is back at it again! This week we read Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix, a truly harrowing mixture of pregnancy horror, social horror, and eels. In this episode, as you can probably imagine, we talk a lot about abortion rights, fucked up pregnancy stuff, and infanticide. Like honestly probably way too much di…

1
How to start writing: Writing tips from TeaTimeTales 32:30

3M ago32:30

32:30

In this episode, we chat with TeaTimeTales about getting started as a writer! 🖊️ Alexa, the person behind TeaTimeTales, shares her experience writing short stories and working on her first book. If you’re thinking about starting your own writing adventure, this one’s for you! (ℹ️ We had some minor audio issues—thanks for your patience!) Follow us o…

1
Representation for Every Black Woman with Alexandria House 32:46

3M ago32:46

32:46

As a devoted fan of Alexandria House's work, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with this captivating author and delve into the stories that have captivated readers. Alexandria's ability to weave complex narratives that explore the nuances of human emotion, from the most tender connections to the darkest desires, has made her one of…

1
Sarah's Bummer of an Extended Vacation: The 2025 Oregon Healthcare Strike 58:48

3M ago58:48

58:48

Hey, everyone! Sarah is one of the thousands of unionized healthcare workers on strike in Oregon. At their last job, Cyrus saw how hard a company will work to destroy a union. Let's do some labor chatting. This is a different episode than usual. We've been thinking about doing some extra episodes on our off weeks about stuff, and this episode? Well…

1
Declutter Your Digital Life: Simple Steps to Clear Clutter and Achieve Digital Minimalism 13:07

4M ago13:07

13:07

Hey, weirdo! Has your digital world become chaotic? Overwhelming? A mess? Does your downloads folder look like a digital junk drawer, with random screenshots, oddly named files, and memes you swore you needed all buried in there somewhere? In this episode of Get It Together, Weirdo, host and coach Sarah Bowser shares strategies for decluttering and…

1
Asexuality, Aromanticism, and the Spectrum of Identity with Margherita Scialla 45:34

4M ago45:34

45:34

Romance isn't just about happily ever afters - it's about exploring the full spectrum of the human experience, including sexuality and identity. In this episode, Alesia sits down with author Margherita Scialla to dive deep into the nuances of aromanticism, asexuality and how these identities are represented in literature. Through their insightful c…

1
This is KINDA an Episode about Murderbot 1:01:14

4M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

We discuss the new Murderbot novel, System Collapse by Martha Wells! Which came out in... 2023. We're really part of the zeitgeist. And really, we only talk about Murderbot a little bit before the episode just becomes a confessional booth. Our financial habits are tearing this family apart. Our construction projects are tearing our house apart. Her…

1
Valentine's Special: Our Favorite Romance Books 💘 24:38

4M ago24:38

24:38

Looking for the perfect romance read? In thisValentine’s special, we’re sharingsteamy, heart-melting, and addictive romance book recommendations! From the spicy alien love ofIce Planet Barbarians to the dark romanceLights Out, plus rom-coms likePractice Makes Perfect, and more—this episode is packed withromantic reads you won’t want to miss. Whethe…

1
Exploring Cultural Influences in Sci-Fi and Fantasy with Elizabeth Stephens 42:21

4M ago42:21

42:21

Prepare to be swept away to magical realms and epic love stories as we dive into the enchanting world of diverse sci-fi and fantasy romance with the incredible author, Elizabeth Stephens. In this fun conversation, Alesia and Elizabeth explore the unique approaches, character dynamics, and powerful representation that make Elizabeth's books stand ou…

1
The Power of Libraries with Hosts of Medium Lady Reads 49:37

4M ago49:37

49:37

Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books - they're vibrant community hubs offering a wealth of resources and experiences. In this episode, we're joined by the book-loving duo from the Medium Lady Reads podcast, Jillian and Erin, to uncover the hidden gems and insider tips for maximizing your library experience. Jillian O'Keefe is an…

1
Vermis: Which Flesh is Your Flesh? 1:00:04

4M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Haunted catacombs! Mysterious knights! Rat man! For those looking for a game manual on their quest through Vermis, you couldn't ask for more. For those looking to actually play Vermis, well, we've got bad news. The book is a video game manual for a retro soulslike that doesn't exist. It's a fantastic piece of meta-fiction with amazing art by Plasti…

1
Babel by R.F. Kuang 📚 Honest Review, Likes, Dislikes & Heated Debate 40:25

4M ago40:25

40:25

Join us for an unfiltered, spoiler-filled discussion of Babel by R.F. Kuang, the acclaimed dark academia novel packed with themes of anti-colonialism and translation. We dive into what we loved, what we didn’t. Don’t miss our honest take on this bestseller! 📖 And let us know your thoughts about it! Follow us on tiktok and instagram 🫂…

1
Exploring the Appeal of Enemies to Lovers with Ruby Rana 46:02

4M ago46:02

46:02

Do you love the enemies-to-lovers trope as much as I do? Author Ruby Rana joined us to share her unique take on this beloved romance trope, diving into the emotional depth and nuanced character dynamics that make it so captivating. Ruby Rana is an elder millennial who writes spicy, funny, and heartfelt romance about sassy brown girls. She excels in…

1
Discovering Latinx Authors and Stories with Carla Is Reading 39:55

5M ago39:55

39:55

As readers, it's important to diversify our bookshelves and seek out stories that reflect the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. In this episode, Alesia sits down with Carla Is Reading to discuss the significance of Latinx representation in romance novels. Carla shares her personal journey of discovering diverse authors and the importance o…

1
Animorphs Part 4: We HAVE to Talk about David 58:18

5M ago58:18

58:18

Everyone was like, "look out for David *eyes emoji*" and in this episode we find out why. These three books are jampacked with moments that made us scream a little and we discuss them. (Spoiler: RACHEL. I LOVE YOU, QUEEN.) Sarah marvels at Animorph's Pain Per Page ratio. Cyrus ponders if they could fight a whale. None of the characters are happy, b…

1
Kiss, Marry, Kill: Fictional Characters We Love and Hate! 💋💍⚔️ 22:12

5M ago22:12

22:12

You gave us the names, and we’re spilling the tea! Who’s getting the smooch, the ring, or the axe? 💋💍⚔️ In this episode, we play a spicy game of Kiss, Marry, Kill with your favorite fictional characters! No one is safe from our judgment. Will Xaden Riorson survive? What about Rhysand? Tune in to hear our wildest picks and join the chaos! Got more K…

1
New Year, New Systems: How to Create Systems That Stick 11:17

5M ago11:17

11:17

What's causing that heavy, overwhelming feeling in your chest and gut every time you think about getting organized? Maybe it comes from trying to force yourself into a system that wasn't designed for you. In this episode of Get It Together, Weirdo, host and coach Sarah Bowser encourages you to harness the energy of the New Year by creating a person…

1
Reframing Trauma Narratives in Romance with Jack Whitney 38:32

5M ago38:32

38:32

Have you ever wondered how romance novels can tackle tough topics like trauma and healing? Today, we're diving deep into the world of trauma-informed romance with author Jack Whitney. Jack writes romantic suspense with elements of dark romance and paranormal romance, and her books offer a unique perspective on healing and finding love amidst challe…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Tbr Pile Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide