Off the Shelves Podcast

This week we're kicking off a new series about the workplace. Because if you've ever had a job, chances are you've collected a few stories.

Maybe you've had a boss who made you question reality, a coworker who belonged on a reality show, an interview that went completely sideways, or a meeting you'll never forget.

This week, we each share workplace experiences that stayed with us and changed the way we work. Now we want to 'hand the mic to you'.

Send us your workplace stories. The awkward, the unbelievable, the frustrating, and the funny. We can't wait to hear them.

Dare I say we've become Stephen King fangirls?

Up this week is another King novel, 11/22/63, a time-travel story that explores the consequences of changing the past. This book is THICK, and we loved it.

Grab some snacks and extra water to get you through our review of this 800-page beast, plus a harrowing story about a hike that nearly went very wrong. Thankfully, everyone survived.

Let's Shop:

Mother Denim

Aritizia-Blueprint Poplin Shirt

Let's Eat Dinner:

Deb's having girl dinner so here are some fun ideas for you: Girl Dinners

Carey's mom is cooking up: Sabatinos Sausage

This week: birthday surprises for Carey, including a new hobby! We also unpack "toxic traits," Mercury in retrograde, and whether the stars should really have a say in your next major purchase

And we're putting out a call for your best workplace stories. Hiring gone wrong? Job search horror stories? Budget cuts? Mergers? A coworker who deserves their own documentary? Send us your story at [email protected]. We may just feature it on the show.

It's Carey's birthday, and we don't mention it at all because, well, we recorded this episode before our Fourth of July getaways and her big day. Leave her a comment or send us an email wishing her the very best today!

This week we read How to Rule the World: An Education in Power at Stanford University by Theo Baker, a memoir that explores wealth, power, and Silicon Valley's influence on Stanford University. One of us loved the book, and one of us DNF'd it. You'll have to listen to find out who.

If you want to give this one a shot, buy it here: How to Rule the World

Let's shop:

Kosas: Hyaluronic Acid and caffeine concealer

Saturday Strides cute running socks

Let's eat:

Fish Tacos

Steak Stirfry

This week we're covering the issues that really matter: why a thumbs-up emoji can start a fight, whether emojis have taken on entirely new personalities, and if we're all reading way too much into tiny clown faces.

We also might have found our next hobby. And in a rare moment of common sense, Utah banned fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July. Considering the West is already on fire, we're calling that a win. Stay safe out there, friends.

We've officially been podcasting for one year, and neither of us has run out of opinions or books to read, so buckle in, because we're just getting started.

This week, we're talking about Belle Burden's memoir Strangers, an intimate and thought-provoking look at marriage, betrayal, loss, self-discovery, and  privilege. This book will leaves you wondering how well you can ever truly know the people closest to you.

We've also got some first-year podcast stats to share, thoughts on badminton, birthday celebrations, and Deb's renewed dream of owning a ranch filled with micro mini cows and horses. 

Products you'll love:

Golden Hour Farm

Dinner:

Grilled Chicken Salad

Jump into the chaos with us as we talk about the historic South Swell, World Cup soccer drama, the cocktails our 21-year-old selves swore were sophisticated, and more. 

Grab your Diet Coke with vanilla Stoli, a rum and Coke, or whatever you're sipping this summer, and let's get into it.

Add this book to your must-read list ASAP. The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali was brilliant. We loved this historical novel about friendship, love, revolution, and the fight for women's rights. Which feels especially relevant today, doesn't it?

You know we've got the usual chatter about what's happening in our lives and the world around us. Grab a summer beverage, jump in, and let us know what you think!

What to buy:

The boujee notebook of your dreams, Louise Carmen

Drink of the season, Waterloo Coconut Lime Cooler

What to eat:

Tuscan Sausage Pasta

Crispy Sheet Pan Tacos

According to a new report from PEN America, nonfiction book bans are on the rise, and nearly 4,000 books were pulled from American public school libraries during the 2024–2025 school year. We’ve also got an early product review of Mary Claire Haver’s supplements, and Carey may have found her new favorite beverage.

PEN America report

Cutest coloring book

This week, we drop back into banned books with Stephen King’s Bag of Bones. To be clear, we probably never would have picked this one up if Utah hadn’t recently added it to its banned book list, so… thanks, Utah? Actually, no. Seriously. Stop banning books.

Let's Shop:

Gorjana Jewelry 

Caffe Ibis Coffee

Let's Eat:

Steak and Shiitake Mushrooms

Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken