What makes a book the perfect beach read? In this sunny episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, and Sara Hamdan for a lively conversation about the art of crafting a summer page-turner. From thrillers to romances and everything in between, they unpack what “beach read” really means, how they keep readers hooked, and—crucially—their go-to writing snacks. 

Then in segment two, Amy, Bre, Cece, Jananie, and Kayla stop by with top-tier book recommendations to toss in your tote bag, whether you're headed to the coast or just catching rays on your lunch break. 

Pack your sunscreen and press play! 

Check out the video version of this episode on the Libby App YouTube Channel.

Article mentioned in the intro:

What Makes a Book a Beach Read?

Guest Host Recommendations: 

Amy Allen Clark  

Sister, Sinner by Claire Hoffman (biography) 

Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje 

Bre 

The Oath – TM Richardson  

The Wishing Pool – Tananarive Due 

Jananie 

Never Been Better – Leanne Toshiko Simpson 

The Bandit Queens – Parini Shroff 

Cece 

Cleat Cute – Meryl Wilsner 

Guillotine – Delilah S. Dawson 

Drowning – TJ Newman 

Kayla 

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies - Catherine Mack 

Sweethand- N.G. Peltier 

A House on the Bottom of the Lake – Josh Mallerman 

Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: 

Segment 1 

Clémence Michallon - Website 

Jonathan Parks-Ramage - Website 

Megan Miranda - Website 

Sara Hamdan - Website 

Segment 2 

Amy Allen Clark - Links 

Bre - Links 

Cece - Links 

Jananie K. Velu - Links 

Kayla - Links 

Time Stamps:  

00:00:00 Title 

00:00:16 Intro 

00:08:18 Segment 1 - Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, Sara Hamdan 

00:54:57 BREAK – Check out Plot Threads Shop! 

00:56:10 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Amy, Bre and Jananie! 

01:30:24 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Cece and Kayla! 

01:44:46 Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a summer read unforgettable for kids and teens? In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Jamie Sumner, Kelsey Impicciche, and Julie Soto for a sunny conversation all about Summer Reading Magic.  

They explore what defines a great summer book across different age groups, how they tailor their writing to young readers, and the power of stories to inspire, comfort, and reflect today’s youth.  

The group also shares nostalgic memories of library reading programs, talks about trends and representation in current kidlit and YA, and offers insight into helping young readers fall in love with books—this summer and beyond. 

Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Guest Host Recommendations:   

Part 1: 

Carmen 

Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa 

A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya 

Ballad & Dagger-An Outlaw Saints Novel by Daniel José Older 

Cece 

To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg Wolitzer 

This Is What It Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow  

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda  

Joe 

Witchlings – Claribel A. Ortega 

Scepter of Memories – Claribel A. Ortega 

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers – Adam Sass 

Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts – Adam Sass 

Surrender Your Sons – Adam Sass 

Your Lonely Nights Are Over – Adam Sass 

Part 2: 

Bre 

The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen 

Hide and Seeker by Daka Harmon 

Root Magic by Eden Royce 

Meara 

The Girl Who Kept the Castle by Ryan Graudin 

The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron  

We Are All So Good at Smiling by Amber McBride  

Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: 

Segment 1: 

Jamie Sumner - Website 

Julie Soto - Website 

Kelsey Impicciche - Website 

Segment 2: 

Bre - Links 

Carmen - Links 

Cece - Links 

Meara - Links 

Time Stamps:  

00:00:00 Title 

00:00:16 Intro 

00:05:09 Segment 1 – Jamie Sumner & Kelsey Impicciche  

00:55:47 Segment 1 – Julie Soto 

01:25:30 BREAK – Libby Tip: Read Alongs, Filters and more! 

01:31:01 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Carmen & Cece 

02:00:36 Segment 2 – Book Recommendations with Bre & Meara! 

02:43:21 Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Book Lounge, we're handing the mic to the readers behind the recs! Meet our guest hosts who'll be joining us all season long to share their themed picks!

To get to know everyone, they'll be answering our version of the New BookTuber Tag - diving into their reading tastes, love of libraries and vibe essentials - so you can get to know the people helping you grow your TBR.

Whether you're into horror, romance, fantasy or anything in between, there's a guest you're about to fall in love with!

Find our guest hosts online:

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:00:16 Intro

00:01:26 Amy Allen Clark - Mom Advice

00:14:01 Carmen - Tomes and Textiles

00:21:07 Cece - Problems of a Book Nerd

00:26:45 Mid Way Break

00:28:20 Bre - Loc'd Booktician

00:36:18 Kayla - Books and Lala

00:40:59 Meara - Meara is Reading

00:50:05 Jananie K. Velu - This Story Ain't Over

00:54:56 Outro

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a bonus episode, book lovers! Joe is joined by friend and fellow bookworm Emma to chat about the July 2025 releases they're most excited to add to their TBR piles.

Whether you’re craving rom-coms, thrillers, fantasy, or something a little spooky, here's a stack of reads to keep your summer sizzling.

From campus drama and romantic tension to magical greenhouses, haunted tunnels, and dragon-slaying heroines—there’s something for everyone this month. Add these titles to your TBR and check them out on Libby!

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:00:16 Intro

00:01:11 Guest Intro - Emma!

00:03:01 Catching up with Emma

00:13:45 July Book Release Recommendations

01:03:21 Outro

Emma’s Picks: 

Joe's Picks:

Links from this episode:

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in ⁠Libby⁠. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the ⁠Libby Life Blog⁠! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the ⁠Libby App YouTube channel⁠. Keep up with us on social media by following the ⁠Libby App on Instagram⁠!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to ⁠[email protected]⁠. Want some cool bookish swag (including swag for our podcast)? Check out our merch store at: ⁠https://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge⁠! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Pride 🌈💖! In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, we’re celebrating LGBTQ+ voices and the power of queer storytelling. 

In the first half of the show, Joe sits down for heartfelt, honest conversations with authors Andrew Joseph White, Juno Dawson, Susie Dumond, and Emily Austin. Each shares their unique experience as a queer writer—what inspires them, the challenges they face, and the joy of connecting with readers who see themselves in their stories. 

Then, our guest hosts Carmen, Cece, Jananie, Kayla, and Meara return to the lounge with a list of incredible Pride Month reads to add to your TBR—this year and every year. 

Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:00:16 Intro

00:07:56 Juno Dawson & Susie Dumond

00:53:10 Andrew Joseph White

01:27:56 Emily Austin

01:51:19 Midroll Break - Plot Threads

01:52:36 Book Recommendations

02:55:36 Outro

Guest Host Recommendations:  

Carmen's Picks: 

Blackouts - Justin Torres 

The Sunbearer Trials - Aiden Thomas 

These Vengeful Gods – Gabe Cole Novoa 

Bad Girls – Camila Sosa Villada 

Cece’s Picks:  

Juliet Takes a Breath - Gabby Rivera 

Love & Other Disasters - Anita Kelly 

Hell Followed With Us – Andrew Joseph White 

Jananie’s Picks: 

Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis 

The Legend of Meneka – Kritka H. Rao 

Marriage of a Thousand Lies – SJ Sindu 

Kayla’s Picks:  

Felix Ever After- Kacen Callender 

Monstrilio- Gerardo Sámano Córdova 

It Came from the Closet – ed. Joe Vallese 

Meara’s Picks: 

This Princess Kills Monsters - Ry Herman 

The Space Between Worlds - Micaiah Johnson 

That Inevitable Victorian Thing - E.K. Johnston 

Joe’s Picks: 

Messy Roots – Laura Gao 

Bath Haus – PJ Vernon 

Hombrecito – Santiago Jose Sanchez 

Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: 

Segment 1: 

Part 1: 

Juno Dawson - ⁠Instagram⁠ 

Susie Dumond - ⁠Website⁠ 

Part 2: 

Andrew Joseph White - Website 

Part 3:  

Emily Austin - Website 

Segment 2:  

Carmen - @tomesandtextiles Linktree  

Cece -  @ceceewing_ Linktree 

Jananie K. Velu – @thisstoryaintover Website  

Kayla - @booksandlala Linktree  

Meara -  @mearaisreading Links 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the very first episode of Book Lounge by Libby! We’re kicking things off with an ode to audiobooks—the voices, the stories, and the behind-the-scenes magic that makes them so special. 

First up, our host Joe chats with thriller author Carter Wilson, narrators Allyson Ryan and Patrick Zeller, and audiobook producers Catherin Bucaria and Almeda Beynon from Sourcebooks Audio to dig into what it really takes to bring a story from the page to your headphones and their work on Carter’s book TELL ME WHAT YOU DID. Then, Jason Reynolds and Dan Zitt join the lounge to talk about the creative process behind Jason’s audio-exclusive project, SOUNDTRACK. 

In the second half of the show, guest hosts Carmen, Jananie K. Velu, Kayla, and Meara stop by with some truly excellent audiobook recommendations to keep you listening all year long. 

Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Time Stamps:

00:00:00 Title

00:00:16 Intro

00:10:48 Carter Wilson, Allyson Ryan, Patrick Zeller & Sourcebooks Audio

00:55:30 Jason Reynolds & Dan Zitt

01:35:28 Midroll Tip - Find Audiobooks By Duration

01:40:15 Audiobook Recommendations

02:21:11 Outro

Guest Host Recommendations:  

Carmen's Picks: 

Oye - Melissa Mogollon  

You Dreamed of Empires - Alvaro Enrigue  

Jananie’s Picks: 

Enter Ghost – Isabella Hammad 

If An Egyptian Cannot Speak English – Noor Naga  

Kayla’s Picks:  

Recitatif- Toni Morrison 

The Favorites- Layne Fargo 

Meara’s Picks:  

Everything is Tuberculosis  – John Green 

The Weight of Blood – Tiffany D Jackson  

Follow the Guests & Guest Hosts: 

Segment 1:  

Part 1:  

Carter Wilson – Website 

Allyson Ryan – Website 

Patrick Zeller – Website 

Catherine Bucaria & Almeda Beynon, Sourcebooks Audio – Instagram 

Part 2:  

Jason Reynolds – Website 

Dan Zitt, Penguin Random House Audio – Instagram 

Segment 2:  

Carmen – @tomesandtextiles Linktree 

Jananie K. Velu – @thisstoryaintover Website  

Kayla – @booksandlala Linktree 

Meara - @mearaisreading Links 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Say hello to Book Lounge by Libby, the new name for the podcast formerly known as Professional Book Nerds!

In this intro, host Joe Skelley shares updates on the rebrand, what’s staying the same, and what new vibes you can expect in this next chapter. Plus, get a sneak peek at our first season - episode 1 is dropping next week, featuring a celebration of all things audiobooks.

Pull up a chair—it’s going to be a great season.

--

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the ⁠Libby App YouTube channel⁠. Keep up with us on social media by following the ⁠Libby App on Instagram⁠!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to ⁠[email protected]⁠. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: ⁠https://plotthreadsshop.com/⁠! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe is joined by his colleague and friend Nahomy for a fresh stack of June 2025 book picks—perfect for summer reading season. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or curled up in the AC, they’ve got something for every kind of reader. 

Nahomy shares queer coming-of-age tales, romantic comedies, twisty thrillers, and empowering debuts, while Joe's picks run the gamut from eerie horror to thoughtful sci-fi , with plenty of speculative fiction and heartwarming surprises along the way. 

Hit play and load up your Libby shelf with summer reads. 

Mark your calendars for June 12 when we debut the podcast rebrand! 

Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Titles mentioned in this episode: 

Nahomy's Picks: 

Joe’s Picks: 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace.  

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of the podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spring has officially sprung and so have the May 2025 book releases! Joe is joined by colleague and fellow book lover Rachel to share their top picks for this May's freshest reads. From swoony romances and thrilling mysteries to heartfelt queer YA and buzzy debuts, they’ve got a little something for every reader. Plus, stick around for Joe’s rapid-fire lightning round of even more May titles you won’t want to miss! 

Whether you're loading up your Libby shelf or just need help picking your next favorite read, we've got you covered with big book energy and plenty of laughs along the way. 🌸📚 

Want to watch the video version of our show? Watch now on the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Titles mentioned in this episode:  

Rachel’s Picks:  

Joe’s Picks: 

Shoutouts section: 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace. 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: https://plotthreadsshop.com/! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Deepak Chopra: How to Ask AI The RIGHT Questions To Grow, Heal, and Live a More Fulfilled Life from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions?

Do you ever feel lonely even when you're around people?

Today, Jay welcomes back the legendary Deepak Chopra after six years, to discuss the unexpected intersection of spirituality and artificial intelligence. Together they unpack the beautiful blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge innovation.

Jay reflects on his first meeting with Deepak and how their bond has evolved over the years. The conversation quickly flows into one of the most fascinating questions of our time: Can AI actually support our spiritual growth, rather than distract from it? Deepak shares his insights on the mysteries of the universe, the unseen forces that shape our reality, and why he believes consciousness, not matter, is the foundation of everything.

Jay and Deepak break down the fears surrounding AI, from misinformation to war, and why it’s so important for us to grow spiritually alongside our technology. They explore how storytelling, creativity, and love are deeply human qualities that no machine can replicate, and how we can use these gifts to shape a better, more compassionate world.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Ask AI Better Questions to Unlock Wisdom

How to Use Technology to Support Emotional and Physical Healing

How to Find Purpose Through the Art of Storytelling

How to Train AI to Reflect Inclusivity and Diversity

How to Embrace Consciousness as the Foundation of Reality

How to Create a Sacred Relationship with Technology

Deepak reminds us that the answers we’re looking for often begin with a better question. And with the right mindset, even the most advanced technology can become a tool for inner transformation and collective healing.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. 

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! 

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:41 What If the Universe Is Just a Giant Digital Simulation?

12:36 How to Train AI to Unlock Ancient and Hidden Knowledge

13:39 Blending AI and Spirituality to Understand Consciousness

18:23 Could AI Really Lead to Human Extinction?

22:34 What’s Actually Holding Humanity Back From Progress?

23:37 How the Human Brain Transformed Over Time

26:11 The 2 Things That Set Humans Apart From All Other Species

27:16 Can Technology Lead Us to True Peace and Prosperity?

28:10 Will AI Replace Our Jobs or Unlock Human Creativity?

30:46 Do You Think AI Can Ever Have a Soul?

31:45 The Gender and Racial Bias Hidden in AI Systems

32:33 How to Build More Inclusive and Equitable AI Models

33:32 Why a Shared Vision Can Solve Any Problem We Face

36:13 Would You Trust AI to Know You Personally?

36:57 How You can Use AI to Get Better Sleep

37:29 Can AI Actually Give You Good Relationship Advice?

38:07 How AI Can Help You Find and Nurture Love

38:29 Why Personal Growth Solutions Should Never Be Generic

39:41 Your DNA Holds the Footprints of Human History

42:33 Rethinking the Big Bang: What Science Still Can’t Explain

44:31 Is Everything You See Just a Projection?

47:48 Why Fear of the Unknown Limits Our Growth

48:52 Want Better Answers? Ask Better Questions

51:41 The True Secret to Longevity Isn’t What You Think

54:30 How Your Brain Turns Experience Into Reality

55:08 Why Consciousness Is Still Life’s Greatest Mystery

56:28 The First Question You Should Always Ask AI

58:38 How ChatGPT Can Spark Deeper, More Intelligent Questions

Episode Resources:

Deepak Chopra | Website

Deepak Chopra | Instagram 

Deepak Chopra | TikTok 

Deepak Chopra | Facebook

Deepak Chopra | YouTube

Deepak Chopra | X

Digital Dharma: How AI Can Elevate Spiritual Intelligence and Personal Well-Being

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].