So Approachable

This week, we’re switching gears—and diving into nonfiction.

We’re talking about The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, a deeply researched and eye-opening look at how technology and social media are shaping (and shaking) the mental health of Gen Z and beyond.

In this episode, we unpack the core arguments:

• How the "phone-based childhood" is changing development

• The link between social media, anxiety, and depression• What’s actually happening to attention spans, friendships, and identity

• And what we, as parents, readers, teachers, and real people on the internet, do with all of it

It’s a heavier conversation, but an important one—and we’re bringing the same curiosity, honesty, and unfiltered vibes you’ve come to expect.

We hope you enjoy our personal stories from childhood and can relate to the struggles we're having in our own homes.

It's an episode we feel you will benefit from regardless of whether you've read the book. There's something for everyone.

We can make the change together.

Links:

https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/pdfs/thought-starters-for-parents.pdf

https://www.gatesnotes.com/the-anxious-generation

Criticisms:

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/apr/27/anxious-generation-jonathan-haidt

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00902-2

Fake names, real drama, and a plot that had us flipping back pages like “wait—WHAT?”

In this Cover to Cover episode, we’re diving into all the twists, secrets, and slippery characters in Ashley Elston’s "First Lie Wins" -- including the one we both pictured incorrectly the whole time!

We’re talking red flags, romantic chaos, origami, and the big reveals that had us spiraling.

If you’ve read the book (or don’t mind spoilers), grab a drink and come yell with us—we’ve got opinions.

New book, new identity, new mess.

In this spoiler-free TLDR episode, we’re giving you the vibe check on First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston—a fast-paced thriller about secrets, lies, and one woman who’s not exactly who she says she is.

If you love morally gray characters, shady pasts, and the kind of twisty storytelling that keeps you flipping pages, this one might be for you!

No spoilers, just vibes. Let’s go.

We’re heading back to Panem—where the rebellion simmers, and the tributes are just warming up.

In this full-length episode, Jamie (our resident Hunger Games superfan) and Sarah (reading it all for the first time!) dive deep into the prequel Sunrise on the Reaping where we learn about Haymitch.

From predictions and plot twists and Edgar Allan Poe?... to Capitol chaos and character drama, we’re unpacking it all... including what had Jamie screaming within the first two chapters.

Pour a drink, grab your bow and arrow, and let’s go back to the arena.

Before we crack open Sunrise on the Reaping, we’re taking it back to where it all began:District 12. The Capitol. The Mockingjay. Peeta’s bread.

This bonus episode is a spoiler-filled Hunger Games *refresh* for anyone who hasn’t read the series since high school, only remembers the movies, or—like Sarah—has literally never opened a single Hunger Games book. (Yes. Really.)

We’re recapping the key players, major moments, and emotional damage that made the original trilogy iconic—so you’re ready to jump into the prequel with us.

Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the chaos.

Welcome to the TLDR—your spoiler-free vibe check before diving into Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins.

In this episode, Jamie (certified Hunger Games super fan) breaks down what you need to know before jumping into the new prequel—while Sarah, who’s never read anything in Panem before, asks the important questions like:“Wait… are there still kids fighting?”

We’re dipping our toes into just enough Hunger Games lore to get you ready—without giving anything away.

Whether you’re obsessed with the series or just here for the vibes, this one’s for you.

Spoiler-free. Judgement-free. Book club energy always.

Need a romcom chaser from all the spooky thrillers? This one's for you! This week Sarah and Jamie dive into "Funny Story" by Emily Henry. It's an epically hilarious breakup story that ends up feeling more like a therapy session. Who will you fall in love with, Miles or the city itself?

Prepare yourself for silly revenge antics, daddy issues, the peace of open water, and all things Northern Michigan.

Let's chat!

Too long, didn't read! Perhaps this episode will convince you to give this romcom a shot! "Funny Story" by Emily Henry takes us to Northern Michigan -- which is where Jamie used to live! It's an epic breakup tale: Could Daphne really fall in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex??

Sarah and Jamie will keep it spoiler-free as we prep for the full discussion.

P.S. Funny Story is generally regarded as the spiciest of Henry’s books (but still way less than most books). If you want to skip/skim, watch out for chapters 12, 19, 28.

Bonjour! This week Sarah and Jamie are heading to France to dig into this whodunnit. Don't let the title fool you though, there's not a lot of sightseeing. We're going cover-to-cover -- so if you need more time to finish the book, stick with our no spoilers, TLDR episode ;)

Otherwise, grab your beret, croissant, and press play!

This page-turner debuted in 2022 and made it onto a lot of people's TBRs. It's a mystery with a lot of suspects.

Sarah and Jamie provide the spoiler-free background of this whodunnit as they gear up for the full discussion next week. We'll set the scene in Paris. So practice your French and let's learn more about this book.

PS. We're testing our video capabilities. It only gets better from here!