Episodes

  • Not so Secret Chamber: Return to the Wizarding World
    Nov 26 2024

    Climb aboard the Hogwarts Express (or the flying Ford Anglia) and return to the Harry Potter series. School security issues, talking to snakes, heroic actions, and bubbling potions all come into play as we dive further into the wizarding world.


    Recipe: This week’s recipe is a white bean mushroom soup. You will need a pound of mushrooms - I use baby bellas but you could use white, cremini, a mix, whatever you want - half a large onion or all of a small one, garlic, a can of white beans, 3 cups of broth (vegetable or chicken), Italian seasoning, chili pepper flakes for a kick, salt and pepper to taste, and kale or spinach. I use my Instant pot for this. Simply put all the ingredients in, except for the greens, and pressure cook for 8 minutes. It’ll take some time to come to pressure and then you can either do a natural release or a quick release. Give the soup a good stir and mix in your kale or spinach. Serve and enjoy or store it for later!



    Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!


    Artwork by @stephanieilana

    Music: Clementi Sonatina No. 1 in G Major III

    Editor: Alex Schmitz




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    20 mins
  • It's All Greek (Retellings) to Me
    Nov 12 2024

    Welcome to Olympus where the gods treat the humans like toys and people compete in all sorts of tasks. This is not your average Olympiad! Feast with the gods as we talk about Lyra, Hades, and maybe find ourselves in the Underworld instead of atop Olympus.


    Recipe: Here is the recipe for the simple, delicious Greek salad. For a base you can use whatever greens you like - I typically do a mix of romaine and spinach. Now it’s time to pile on those veggies. A standard Greek salad has tomato, cucumber, onions, olives, and feta cheese. Peppers or pepperoncini also are very common additions. Here’s the deal: I don’t eat olives. They’re one of the few foods I don’t like. So my Greek salad does not have olives but, if you are an olive fan, or you want the full Greek salad experience you should definitely add olives. In lieu of olives, I like to saute some zucchini and throw that on there. It’s easy - simply toss some zucchini, garlic, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes. Then you can let it cool or put it right on the salad with the other veggies. I do like to use a bell pepper too, as well as all the other toppings I mentioned. Again, thats tomato, cucumber, onion, and feta. Lastly, pick your protein. I either use grilled chicken, chickpeas, or falafel if I have it. I have not made my own dressing yet, but any grocery store will sell Greek and/or a tzatziki dressing, depending on what you prefer. Mix it all together and enjoy!


    Listen to more on the Games Gods Play with this Novel Finds interview with author Abigail Owen.


    Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!


    Artwork by @stephanieilana

    Music: Clementi Sonatina No. 1 in G Major III

    Editor: Alex Schmitz



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    19 mins
  • Spooky Scary Books
    Oct 31 2024

    Talking all things thriller and horror for this Halloween episode. The ghouls, goblins, thrills, and chills come to play…and Rachel will stick to books that keep her up all night eager to find out what happens next and not shaking in fear. Happy Halloween!


    Recipe: No recipe with this episode, but enjoy some candy or treats of your choice!


    Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!


    Artwork by @stephanieilana

    Music: Clementi Sonatina Op. 36, No. 2/Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor

    Editor: Alex Schmitz


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    11 mins
  • The Visible Book on the Invisible Life
    Oct 29 2024

    For a book that’s all about a girl no one remembers, it sure is hard to forget! A book about life, memory, and the ways in which we make an impact. Also hard to forget - this hilarious and fun conversation featuring guest and fellow book podcaster, Julia of Novel Finds.


    Recipe: Looking to make those brownies Julia mentioned? Try this recipe!


    Listen to more Novel Finds, and follow them on Instagram


    Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!


    Artwork by @stephanieilana

    Music: Clementi Sonatina No. 1 in G Major III

    Editor: Alex Schmitz




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    45 mins
  • Decisions Decisions
    Oct 15 2024

    What if? That is a question asked by all of us, so many times. These books give us the chance to start over, maybe not from scratch, but close enough to it that we see our characters tweak the recipes of their lives. And find some humor and revelations along the way!


    Recipe: You will need: a small onion, a can of black beans, a can of kidney beans, a can of pinto beans, diced jalapeno peppers, a can of diced tomatoes, an optional bell pepper, a can of pumpkin puree, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and water or broth. Pretty much all you have to do in terms of prep for this dish is dice the onion. Once you have done that, put everything into the instant pot. Do not drain the beans or tomatoes, just throw them in. This means you will probably only need a cup, maybe cup and a half of the water or broth. If you want the consistency to be more soupy and less chili-y, you can add more liquid. For the spices, I like a kick so I tend to be pretty liberal with the paprika and chili powder, but you can add however much you want depending on your taste. You can make it multiple times and do it a little differently each time! Give it all a good stir, close the instant pot, and set to high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a natural release, or quick release if you’re in a hurry. Once it’s done, feel free to top with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, whatever your desired chili toppings may be.


    A bit more on magical realism


    Holly Grammazio’s husband generator


    Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!


    Artwork by @stephanieilana

    Music: Clementi Sonatina Op. 36, No.1

    Editor: Alex Schmitz


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    28 mins
  • Lights, Camera, Books!
    Sep 26 2024

    Lights, camera, action! And books. Sit down with Rachel and Lauren as they talk about turning The Devil in the White City into a limited series. It’s a reel good time and a stunning book that is perfect for true-crime fans.


    Want more Lauren? Yes. Find her on YouTube!


    Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!


    Artwork by @stephanieilana

    Music: Clementi Sonatina No. 1 in G Major III

    Editor: Alex Schmitz




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    39 mins
  • A Book for Tomorrow (and Tomorrow and Tomorrow)
    Sep 3 2024

    The game is all set up and ready to play! Engage in games and books with Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. We wrap up season (level) one sharing one of Rachel’s 5-star reads and tasty meals.


    Recipe:You can either use a store bought jar of sauce, or make your own. If you are making your own, you will need 2-3 cloves of garlic, a small onion, a 14 oz can of tomato sauce, a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 4 tablespoons of tomato paste, oregano, a dash of cayenne, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Regardless of making your own sauce or using a jar, you will need a pound of ground turkey and whatever other veggies you may like to add. I usually include mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. For the cheese mixture you will need 15 oz of ricotta, an egg, ¼ cup of parmesan cheese, and 12 oz of shredded mozzarella. You will also need 2-4 zucchini, cut into wide, flat strips. Begin by cooking the zucchini strips on a flat baking sheet at 375 for 10-15 minutes. This will help dry it out a bit. Zucchini is so watery and, if you skip this step, your lasagna will be very soupy. If that is what you want, skip away and proceed to the next step. To make the sauce, cook the onions, garlic, and turkey on the stove until the turkey is brown. Add the sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, seasonings, and whatever veggies you have decided to include. Bring to a boil and then allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes. If you are using a jar of sauce, brown the turkey and then mix in the jarred sauce and veggies. You’ll still do this on the stove but you do not have to allow it to simmer. Prep the sauce right before making the lasagna or do so earlier in the day. It can sit in the fridge for a while if needed. When the sauce and zucchini strips are ready, you can make the cheese mixture. Simply combine the egg, ricotta, and parmesan and stir in about half a cup of the sauce mixture. To assemble the lasagna, spread some of the meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Place zucchini slices evenly over the sauce, cover with a layer of cheese mixture and half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat these steps until you have used up all your ingredients. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Or just cook it for 45 minutes, the foil probably will not make or break the dish. Cut up and enjoy!! Like other lasagnas, this tastes just as good if not better after a day or two, so you’ll definitely be able to enjoy any leftovers. Best served with a side salad and/or steamed broccoli.


    On the benefits of play, from Bright Horizons.


    Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!


    Artwork by @stephanieilana

    Music: Clementi Sonatina No. 1 in G Major III

    Editor: Alex Schmitz




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    32 mins
  • Back to School
    Aug 30 2024

    We’re going back to school and class is in session. Join along on some ELA classes from elementary, middle, and high school to check out some memorable school books. If you would like to donate books to school or local libraries, I encourage you to do so. Help get books in kids’ hands!


    22 Most Unexpectedly Banned Books


    Thank you everyone who contributed books from school that stood out to you!


    Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany them!


    Artwork by @stephanieilana

    Music: Clementi Sonatina No. 1 in G Major III

    Editor: Alex Schmitz




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    16 mins