I'd Rather Be Reading

Continuing our "Relationships Week" here on the show, we're chatting today about dating. Why do we hate it so much, rather than embracing this season? And how can we have a better experience -- including on first dates? Michelle Elman's got the answers.

The Selfish Romantic: How to Date Without Feeling Bad About Yourself by Michelle Elman

Who among us DOESN'T want improved relationships, both with ourselves and with others? This week is what I'm calling "Relationships Week" on the show, where we talk to two great authors about how to do just that. If you're looking for healthy, fulfilling relationships in your life, take a listen to this important episode.

Making Great Relationships: Simple Practices for Solving Conflicts, Building Connection, and Fostering Love by Dr. Rick Hanson

Stephen A. Smith brings his trademarked authenticity to the show today -- you may think you know Stephen A. Smith, but I guarantee you'll learn more about this fascinating person after listening (and reading his book!).

Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes by Stephen A. Smith

You know that line from "Already Gone" by The Eagles that says "So oftentimes it happens that we live our lives in chains and we never even know we have the key"? Well, this episode is about just that: Getting unstuck, and realizing you have the key to live the life of your dreams, if we'd all only just realize it.

You Are Not Stuck: How Soul-Guided Choices Transform Fear into Freedom by Becky Vollmer

The Vietnam War is perhaps America's most misunderstood war, a conflict left largely in the shadows. Today we unpack the pivotal years of 1965 to 1968 in Vietnam with a true expert on the subject. Whether you love history or not, it's a conversation not to be missed.

Triumph Regained: The Vietnam War 1965-1968 by Mark Moyar

Who among us wouldn't benefit from adding more fun to their lives in 2023? We've got an expert here to help you do just that!

The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life by Dr. Mike Rucker

In our second annual “best books” episode, I invite my dear friend Carla Jean back to run down the best books of 2022, nonfiction and fiction—and what we’re both looking forward to reading in 2023.

Here are the books mentioned in the episode (there are a LOT of them!):

Books Carla Jean Wrote:

Muscle Shoals Sound Studio: How the Swampers Changed American Music by Carla Jean Whitley

Birmingham Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Magic City by Carla Jean Whitley

Balancing Act: Yoga Essays by Carla Jean Whitley

Carla Jean’s Best Nonfiction Books of 2022:

Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz (also mentioned—Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey Cep)

The Crane Wife by CJ Hauser (also mentioned by me—Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed and by Carla Jean—Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss by Margaret Renkl)

In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss by Amy Bloom

A late add Carla Jean forgot to mention on the show—Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives by Mary Laura Philpott

Carla Jean’s Best Fiction Books of 2022:

We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro (also mentioned—Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by the same author)

My Fiction Pick of 2022:

Meant to Be by Emily Giffin

Books Carla Jean is Looking Forward to Reading in 2023 (Or Already Has Read and Recommends):

The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li (fiction)

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (fiction)

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler (fiction)

The Urgent Life: My Story of Love, Loss, and Survival by Bozoma Saint John (nonfiction)

Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age by Katherine May (I cosign this, and also another book by the same author, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times—both nonfiction)

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (fiction, and also Dear Edward by the same author)

You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (nonfiction)

Midwest Shreds by Mandy Shunnarah (nonfiction)

Losing Music by John Cotter (nonfiction)

Books I Am Looking Forward to Reading in 2023 (Or Already Have Read and Recommend, All Nonfiction Naturally):

And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle by Jon Meacham

The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit and Glamour of an Icon by Kate Andersen Brower

Spare by Prince Harry and J.R. Moehringer

8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go by Jay Shetty

Whew! Happy reading! And happy new year!

What an honor it was to chat with one of my teenage heroines about THE most important of topics -- total body health and wellness. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. Come for the valuable information, and stay for Lo's passion about health and wellness. It's impossible to not be motivated for a healthier 2023 after listening to this conversation.

Love Yourself Well: An Empowering Wellness Guide to Supporting Your Gut, Brain, and Vagina by Lo Bosworth

It only took us 80 episodes, but finally -- we're exploring true crime!

Deliberate Cruelty: Truman Capote, the Millionaire's Wife, and the Murder of the Century by Roseanne Montillo

We are all about to enter the holiday season, a chance to spend ample time with family. This is great -- unless it's not. Today I chat with renowned psychotherapist Julia Samuel -- who many of you may know as a dear friend of the late Princess of Wales -- about navigating family dynamics, grief, and so much more. For my U.S. listeners, it's truly a conversation worth listening to on your way to Thanksgiving this year!

Every Family Has a Story: How We Inherit Love and Loss by Julia Samuel