Best Kelly Hager Julia Hall Rachael Hall Podcasts (2025)

1
You Should Read: Anything We Suggest; Happy Birthday To Us! 1:20:12

8d ago1:20:12

1:20:12

Send us a text We can't believe it, Should-Heads, but our podcast is five years old! We discuss our favorite episodes and guests, plus goals of where we would like to go from here. We've also got very fun stories about Julia, forever our Kristy Thomas. LINKS MENTIONED: Baltimore convention goes very wrong Judy Blume's novel Forever... is on Netflix…

1
You Should Read: Stephen King (a starter kit for beginners!) 1:14:39

15d ago1:14:39

1:14:39

Send us a text You Should Read: Stephen King! (With special guest Mom of the Pod Becky Hall)! Should-Heads, our favorite mom is back to discuss Stephen King! We've got great recommendations for you and no matter your comfort level with horror, there are a handful of stories you'll love without losing any sleep. Links mentioned: John Lithgow Open le…

1
You Know What We Should Read? We Don't! (With Kathy Coe) 1:04:11

22d ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Send us a text Hello, Should-Heads! We had such a great time with this episode a few weeks back that we decided to make it a regular feature. Our friend Kathy came back to help us choose what our next reads should be and we discuss how this experiment went last time. Also, you can text the podcast now! There's a link in each episode's show notes. F…

1
You Should Read: Our Favorite Books from Jennifer Weiner and Liane Moriarty (a Starter Kit episode)! 1:00:37

1M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Send us a text Should-Heads, we’ve talked about doing starter kit episodes for years but we’re finally doing it! Every starter kit episode will feature at least one but usually two authors with extensive backlists and we’ll help you figure out where to start. Links mentioned: The Testaments: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/handmaids-tale-sequel-th…

1
You Should Read: Fanfiction! (With Amanda!) 1:15:30

1M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

Send us a text As you know, we’re very in love with books…but we’re also in love with TV and movies. When we find a fictional place that feels like home, sometimes we find additional stories that let us stay there a bit longer. Our friend Amanda stops by to discuss her favorite fanfic stories. Links: Independent Bookstore Day catalog https://www.bo…

1
You Should Read: Our Favorite Books from Book of the Month Club! (With Mom of the Pod Becky!) 1:05:52

2M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

Send us a text Hello, Should-Heads! We're giant fans of the Book of the Month Club and we've been subscribers for years. Mom of the Pod Becky comes on and we discuss our favorite picks and the ones we hope to get to soon. Book News: Tori Woods and Daddy's Little Toy And there's an update! She was arrested. For Fun! Mom's Advent Calendar Minisode Ep…

1
You Should Read: All the Book News! (a minisode) 40:02

2M ago40:02

40:02

Send us a text You Should Read: All the Book News! (a minisode) Should-Heads, you wouldn't believe what's going on these days. There's so much book news that we needed a special episode just to break it all down. (And as a bonus, Rachael and Kelly give an update on how their reading resolutions are going.) STORIES MENTIONED: Roxane Gay's book list …

1
You Know What We Should Read? We don’t! (With Kathy Coe) 1:09:53

2M ago1:09:53

1:09:53

Send us a text We’re not sure if there’s ever been a time when Rachael, Kelly AND our guest host Kathy have all been unsure of what to read next. Fortunately, we’re better at choosing for other people… Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcastBy Kelly Hager, Julia Hall, Rachael Hall

1
You Should Read: Books About Friendship (with Bekki) 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! Kindred Spirit of the Pod Bekki joins us to discuss books about friendship. We examine the differences between friendship and found family and, of course, a lot of book recs. Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcastBy Kelly Hager, Julia Hall, Rachael Hall

1
You Should Read: Books About Love by Black Authors (With Dr. Nae!) 1:00:44

3M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Send us a text Welcome back Should-Heads! Today we are joined by Dr. Sherna Ann Phillips to discuss more books by Black Authors! This time we are focusing on books that highlight different types of Love. Enjoy! Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcastBy Kelly Hager, Julia Hall, Rachael Hall

1
You Should Read: Books with AI (with Martha Brockenbrough!) 1:13:46

3M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

Send us a text Should-Heads, this episode will take you on quite a journey. AI has been increasingly prevalent and controversial of late, and so we talked to author Martha Brockenbrough about what all this means and what, if anything, can be done. Links mentioned: No more blurbs: https://lithub.com/in-a-dazzling-move-simon-schuster-is-dropping-thei…

1
"We Listen and We Don't Judge" - Bookish Bad Habits (With Christa!) 40:20

3M ago40:20

40:20

Send us a text We’ve got a confession, Should-Heads. We’re not perfect. Our friend Christa joined us to discuss our bad book habits. We listen and we don’t judge (mostly). Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

1
You Should Read: Y.A. Horror (A Kelly Wheelhouse Episode)! with Amanda! 1:01:40

4M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

Send us a text Should-Heads, have you ever wondered what’s wrong with Kelly? (It’s okay; she wonders too.) This episode answers that question. DISCLAIMER: Please forgive our sound and editing mishaps this episode - we were having some technical difficulties. We love you, Should-heads! Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast…

1
You Should Read: Our Last Zodiac Books (with Kendell)! 1:11:26

4M ago1:11:26

1:11:26

Send us a text Well, Should-Heads, we’re finally doing our last Zodiac recommendations, so if you’re a Taurus, Leo or Aquarius, you’ll want to take some notes. Links mentioned: Neil Gaiman. Vulture posted an article where they spoke with four of the five women who have accused Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting them. The article is explicit in spel…

1
You Should Read: Books About Pop Culture! (With Kristine Kittridge!) 57:24

4M ago57:24

57:24

Send us a text Should-Heads, you know how much we love pop culture. It’s probably our favorite thing (except for books, obviously). Our friend Kristine came back to discuss our favorite books centering around pop culture (both nonfiction and fiction and dealing with any facet of pop culture). Links mentioned: Emily Henry’s Having a Moment Twitter a…

1
You Should Read: Overdue Books (with Amanda Hutson) 57:30

4M ago57:30

57:30

Send us a text We hate to admit this, Should-Heads, but we can’t read everything. Today, Rachael and Kelly are joined by their friend Amanda to discuss the books they haven’t read. What are some of your overdue books? Links Mentioned: Fable controversy Fable site Bookly Goodreads Storygraph Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast…

1
BONUS: Julia Tribute Episode 1 47:00

5M ago47:00

47:00

Send us a text Welcome back, and today we have a very special episode. One year ago today, we lost our beloved cohost/sister/friend Julia. Today we have just a few of her many loved ones on to talk about some bookish memories in her honor. Please enjoy this trip down memory lane with us. Side note: We recorded these about 8 months ago so keep that …

1
You Should Read: Our Most Anticipated 2025 Releases! 1:13:46

5M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

Send us a text Hey Should Heads! Welcome back. Today we are joined by our tastemaker of the pod, Kathy Coe! Kathy is here to help us discuss the books we are most excited to see released in 2025! You won't want to miss this one. Follow Kathy @glassofwine81 on social media! Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast…

1
You Should Read: Our 2024 Favorites! 1:05:36

5M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Send us a text We're back again, Should-Heads! We're so excited to get back into the swing of podcasting. Kelly and Rachael return with this one-on-one discussion of our bookish highlights of the year and discuss our hopes for continuing this podcast in the future. Stay tuned for more episode, we have some great plans for you all! And Happy New Yea…

1
You Should Read: Our Most Anticipated Spring Releases (with Kathy Coe!) 57:58

1y ago57:58

57:58

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're very excited to share some upcoming spring releases with you. As always, we're joined by Kathy Coe, who always knows about the best ones. Book News: People continue to challenge Nora Roberts The Thought of You movie sounds amazing Our most anticipated spring reads: Kathy: Missing White Woman (Kellye Garrett), …

1
We're Back... (And Some Updates) 46:08

1y ago46:08

46:08

Send us a text Hello, Should-Heads. It’s been a while and we’re happy to be back. We missed you! We’ve got horrible news first, though. Julia, our cohost, passed away in January. We needed to take some time to honor her and also decide to do with the show. We’ve got some answers for you. Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast…

1
Books we're thankful for 45:46

1+ y ago45:46

45:46

Send us a text It’s the holiday season, Should-Heads! Here are the books we’re most grateful for. LINKS: P!nk Donates Banned Books in Florida: https://www.npr.org/2023/11/16/1213317663/pink-gives-away-2-000-banned-books-at-florida-concerts BOOKS MENTIONED: Julia: Big Summer (Jennifer Weiner), Everything Happens For a Reason: And other Lies I've Lov…

1
"The Woman in Me" by Britney Spears (with Kendell!) 1:10:40

1+ y ago1:10:40

1:10:40

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're back and what better topic to return with than the memoir that everyone's talking about? Kendell joins us to discuss who's the biggest villain in the story and the things that surprised us most. Major spoiler alerts for this one! BOOK NEWS LINKS: LeVar Burton Hosts the National Book Awards Scholastic and Diver…

1
You Should Read: The Nonfiction That’s Saving Kelly’s Life 30:01

1+ y ago30:01

30:01

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! We’ve got an…interesting episode for you today! Kelly shares some life updates and the nonfiction that’s getting her through *gestures* all this. Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcastBy Kelly Hager, Julia Hall, Rachael Hall

1
Our Fall 2023 Most Anticipated Releases (with Kathy Coe!) 34:41

1+ y ago34:41

34:41

Send us a text Should-heads, summer's almost over. Starbucks is selling pumpkin spice everything and Kelly's starting to think about her Halloween viewing choices. We've got the books you need to preorder or request from the library. BOOKS MENTIONED: Kathy: The Kingdom of Sweets (Erika Johansen), The Good Part (Sophie Cousens), Good Girls Don’t Die…

1
You Should Read: Books About Space (More or Less) 34:19

2y ago34:19

34:19

Send us a text How do you feel about outer space, Shouldheads? Are you like Julia, where it's fascinating and something you want to know more about? Or are you like Kelly, where it's one of the scariest things to ponder? No matter where you fall in the debate, we've got some recommendations for you! BOOKS: Julia: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (…

1
Rachael's guide to epic fantasy! 41:41

2y ago41:41

41:41

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! Have you always wanted to try reading epic fantasy but don't know where to start? Or maybe you already like it but aren't sure of where to go next? Or possibly you have no idea because you're not even sure what that IS? Either way, don't worry: Rachael has come with suggestions. LINKS MENTIONED: Henrietta Lacks' fam…

1
Books set in Maine (with Michael Koryta!) 1:00:06

2y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're back and we have a real treat for you today. Michael Koryta is back to discuss books set in Maine (including his newest, An Honest Man, which is out today!). Book news: Britney's Book PRH Layoffs and Buyouts Harper Collins Layoffs Recommendations: Michael Koryta: Bag of Bones (Stephen King), When We Were the K…

1
New books for summer! 46:08

2y ago46:08

46:08

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! It's summer, our favorite season! Time for fun, hopefully vacations and a lot of reading. We've got some of our favorites to discuss with you. NOTE: We are on vacation and will return with more books and fun in July! RECOMMENDED BOOKS: Julia: Before She Finds Me (Heather Chavez), Real Love (Rachel Lindsay) and The S…

1
Time goes weird! 46:53

2y ago46:53

46:53

Send us a text Hello, Should-Heads! Who doesn't love a good time-related story? Time loops, jumps, travel...we're in for any and all of them! Here are some of our favorites (and one we can't wait to read). Julia: The Rehearsals (Annette Christie), This Time Tomorrow (Emma Straub), Eternal Life (Dara Horn), The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (V. E. S…

1
Detective Novels (with Dorian Gray!) 1:00:25

2y ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Send us a text Should-Heads, it's a little known fact but we love detective stories! Whether it's the thrill of trying to solve a mystery or the fun of spending thousands of pages with the same characters, there's not much better. In this episode we recommend some of our favorites (after we get through our absolutely unhinged recent acquisitions th…

1
Books for your Zodiac sign Part 3 (with Kendell!) 59:43

2y ago59:43

59:43

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're back to give you more recommendations based on your sign. This time, we discuss Virgo, Pisces and Gemini. (SPOILER: There is some Gemini slander) Book News: Tennessee goes after book publishers, maybe Recommendations: Julia (Virgo): How to Be Perfect (Michael Schur), Oh My God What a Complete Aisling (Emer McL…

1
Books about Mental Health 56:20

2y ago56:20

56:20

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! How are you doing with all...this? If you're struggling, we get it and we're here with recs for you! NOTE: This episode deals with grief, anxiety, self-harm, depression and, while we don't delve too deeply into any of them, they are mentioned. Book News: Missouri may defund libraries Mental Health recommendations: J…

1
You Should Read: Meredith Alone (with Bekki!) 1:10:05

2y ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're discussing Meredith, Alone in our latest book club episode. Julia picked it and we delve into the story with sidebars into self-care, our housebound survival kits and much more. We also share our favorite reads of the year so far. NOTE: Meredith, Alone contains depictions of sexual assault, self-harm and abuse…

1
You Should Read: Books About Sports 1:00:41

2y ago1:00:41

1:00:41

Send us a text It's not exactly common knowledge, Should-Heads, but we love books about sports. We may not be huge fans of sports itself, but books about them? Yes, please! Links mentioned: Roald Dahl books updated...sort of Our interview with Adib Khorram Our other interview with Adib Khorram Our interview with Alena Dillon Books mentioned: Julia:…

1
You Should Read: "Spare" by Prince Harry (with Kendell!) 44:13

2+ y ago44:13

44:13

Send us a text Hear ye hear ye! Today we're discussing Spare, Prince Harry's memoir, and we are joined once again by our good friend Kendell! We break down all the juicy, and maybe not super surprising, moments of this royal reveal all. Who came off the worst? Were there any highlights? Did we even need this book? We get into it all! Twitter and In…

1
We're Back, Baby! 38:43

2+ y ago38:43

38:43

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! Our hiatus is over and we want to let you know what's ahead for us and the podcast. We discuss our upcoming episodes and our semi-embarrassing amount of recent acquisitions. If you've got book recommendations, topic ideas or want to come on the podcast, email or contact us on social media! Let the fun begin! LINKS M…

1
Bonus episode: Should-Talking (with Kendell!) 1:09:45

2+ y ago1:09:45

1:09:45

Send us a text Okay, Should-Heads, the news of our hiatus was maybe a little over-exaggerated. (In our defense, the book world got a little busy and we had to discuss it.) It looks like 2023 is going to be quite the dramatic year! Links mentioned: Romeo & Juliet lawsuit Harper Collins strike update Susan Meachin Bookly Twitter and Instagram: wysr_p…

1
You Should Read: Our 2023 Most Anticipated Books (with Kathy Coe and Bekki Fahrer)! 59:43

2+ y ago59:43

59:43

Send us a text Can you believe it's 2023, Should-Heads? New year, new books, same unwieldy TBRs. Our friends Kathy and Bekki are here to discuss our most anticipated 2023 reads of the new year! (We've also each got some reading goals.) What books are you most excited for? Let us know! (NOTE: We're also taking a few weeks off, but plan to be back in…

1
You Should Read (and Watch!): How the Grinch Stole Christmas (A Movies and a Meal crossover episode) 1:02:06

2+ y ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Send us a text Once again we are stopping by the Movies and a Meal podcast to discuss holiday adaptations. This year we are reviewing three film adaptations of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." It's become one of our favorite holiday traditions and we hope you enjoy! Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast…

1
You Should Read: Our favorite books of 2022 (with Kathy Coe and Bekki Fahrer!) 1:29:49

2+ y ago1:29:49

1:29:49

Send us a text It’s almost 2023 and that means it’s time to reflect on the best books we read this year. As an added bonus, we’re joined by our friends Kathy and Bekki. Between the five of us, we’ll help you with last minute book gifts or how to spend any gift cards you’ll get. You’re welcome, Should-Heads. Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast…

1
You Should Read: Well Traveled (with author Jen DeLuca!) 36:35

2+ y ago36:35

36:35

Send us a text Should-Heads, we had the best time discussing the Well Met series with its author, Jen DeLuca! Her next book, Well Traveled, is out on December 6 and you don’t want to miss this one! We also discuss Ren Faire, her writing process and, of course, got some great recommendations. If you’re in the mood for a sweet, delightful romance, ab…

1
You Should Read: Season of Love (with author Helena Greer!) 27:29

2+ y ago27:29

27:29

Send us a text Should-Heads, we've got a real treat for you today. We're joined by Helena Greer to discuss her debut novel, Season of Love! It's a rom-com with serious undertones about processing trauma but is also the sweetest, loveliest story. It'll definitely put you in the holiday spirit and is a perfect way to (as the tagline says) "make the Y…

1
You Should Read: Books for Your Zodiac Sign, Part 2 (with Kendell!) 1:06:20

2+ y ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Send us a text Should-Heads, we're back with more sign-specific book recs! This time, we're discussing our moon signs and our friend Kendell is back to help us choose the best books for our moon signs (Scorpio, Sagitarius and Capricorn). We're now half done with the Zodiac, but we'll get to everyone. Links Mentioned: DOJ Shuts Down Proposed Penguin…

1
You Should Read: Holiday Books! 44:34

2+ y ago44:34

44:34

Send us a text Tis the damn season, Should-Heads! We're here with recommendations of holiday reads and an inaugural segment of what you should watch/listen to! We've got picks (and a few we're excited for) to get you in the holiday spirit. Holiday Recommendations: Julia: Landline and If the Fates Allow (Rainbow Rowell), Wrapped Up in You (Talia Hib…

1
You Should Read: None of this Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive (with author Carolyn Prusa!) 39:13

2+ y ago39:13

39:13

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're excited to chat with Carolyn Prusa, the debut author of None of This Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive! (Out November 22). It's a lighthearted novel about serious topics. Sidebar topics include elections, Stacey Abrams, Baltimore and, of course, Prince. Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast…

1
You Should Read: Nonfiction That Makes You Smarter 52:49

2+ y ago52:49

52:49

Send us a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're here to discuss nonfiction, specifically the kind that makes us smarter. (We love celeb memoirs as much as the next person but we also enjoy books that make us better, more informed humans.) Look for the books mentioned in this episode on Libro.fm by using our affiliate link. When you buy using this link, you …

1
You Should Read: Something. ANYTHING! 1:01:07

2+ y ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Send us a text Hi, Should-heads! We've got a confession: for the first time, we're all reading less frequently than usual. While the amount of books read is not a referendum on our worth as people, readers or podcasters, it's still a marked change from our usual habits. And whether it's for good reasons or bad, it's still different. So we discuss w…

1
You Should Read: Back to School Books! 46:58

2+ y ago46:58

46:58

Send us a text Should-Heads, we're well into September now and that means that it's back to school season. So sharpen your pencils, grab your Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper and get ready to hit the books! Links Mentioned: Nora Roberts Saves the Day Interview with Liza Wiemer Look for (most of) the books mentioned in this episode on Libro.fm by using our…

1
You Should Read: Our Fall Most Anticipated New Releases (with Kathy Coe!) 1:07:55

2+ y ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Send us a text Hey Should-Heads! It's almost fall and that means we're here to help you fill up your library holds list. Look for (most of) the books mentioned in this episode on Libro.fm by using our affiliate link. When you buy using this link, you are supporting the podcast! AND if you use our code WYSR at checkout you can get your first two boo…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Kelly Hager Julia Hall Rachael Hall Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide