This week, Leia and Rachel talk about the looming specter of self-promotion, the unexpected challenges writerdom presents to introverts, and Rachel discusses her experience pitching agents and editors in person at this year’s ThrillerFest.

Then Leia shares her candid interview with Randy Winston, the Creative Director of Fiction at The Black List and former Director of Writing Programs at The Center for Fiction, where he managed, curated, and directed the production of all writing courses, the illustrious First Novel Prize, the famed Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellowship, and the highly sought-after Writers Studio membership. He is a 2016 graduate of the MFA program in Creative Writing (Fiction) at The New School.

Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with:

Leia’s Subway Read: Hum by Helen Phillips

Rachel’s Subway Read: Writers & Lovers by Lily King

Randy’s Subway Reads: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Merchants of Culture by John B. Thompson, and Middlemen by Laura B. McGrath

You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and get the full episode recap on our Substack.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

This week, Leia and Rachel discuss the best writing advice they’ve ever received and the art of navigating failed drafts. Then Rachel tells us about going to an event put on by Reading Rhythms in honor of Library Week 2026 at the Jersey City Free Public Library

That’s where she spoke with today’s guest, the multitalented Michelle Maryk, debut novelist of THE FOUND OBJECT SOCIETY, all about being on panels, talking about your work, and the debut experience.

Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with:

Leia’s Subway Read: Whidbey by T. Kira MaddenRachel’s Subway Read: The Queen of the Night by Alexander CheeMichelle’s Subway Read: Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker

Another Brilliant Book Mentioned in this Episode: How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee, The Society by Karen Winn

Dive into the full conversation:

You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and get the full episode break-down on our Substack.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

In this special mid-week episode, Rachel and Leia focus on the recent paperback release of Kerry Cullen’s debut House of Beth, a novel about a bisexual woman who suffers from Harm OCD. We also discuss the ways OCD has been and continues to be misunderstood with Rachel sharing her personal story of diagnosis and treatment. (Thanks, Rachel!) And Leia recaps her visit to The Twisted Spine Bookstore in Brooklyn to watch Kerry Cullen in a deliciously unconventional conversation with debut author Sara Van Os.

Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with:

Kerry’s Subway Read: Girl’s Girl, by Sonia Feldman

Other Books Mentioned in this Episode: Decomposition Book, by Sara Van Os, Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier, and The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James

You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and get the full break-down on our Substack.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

Leia and Rachel chat about male-coded spaces, horror, community, and writing life (oh the horrors!)

Today’s Killer Guest is Lauren Komer, co-founder of The Twisted Spine in Brooklyn, NY! Visit them in Brooklyn or online at: www.twistedspinebooks.com/

Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with

Lauren’s Subway Read: Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker

Rachel’s Pick: Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

Leia’s Pick: The Gormenghast Novels by Mervyn Peake

Other Books Mentioned in this Horror-Filled Episode: Bob the Vampire Snail by Andrea Zuill, Lone Women by Victor LaValle, Bonk by Mary Roach, Grunt by Mary Roach, and Gulp by Mary Roach.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

Today we kick things off by reviewing our writing weeks and Rachel opens up about the ways a writer’s trauma can provide nearly mystical creative energy and a safe space to live. Then we chat about the ways we find the books we read and buy. Which leads us to…

Today’s Special Guest: Kathleen Carter of Kathleen Carter Communications. Leia and Kathleen chat one-on-one about what a literary publicist does, when an author might need one, and why.

Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with…

Kathleen Carter’s Subway Read: The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett:

Rachel’s Pick: The Children by Melissa Albert

Leia’s Pick: No Heaven for Good Boys by Keisha Bush

Featured Book: The Art of Mystery by Maud Casey

Get the full recommendations and more behind-the-scenes on our substack: subwayreads.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

In the inaugural episode, Leia and Rachel introduce themselves along with Subway Reads!

Check out our substack for a complete look at this episode and the full book recommendations. (You can get them now on BOOKSHOP.)

Today’s Special Guest: Grey Traynor! Grey is a trans-femme short story writer, podcaster, and novelist who specializes in the kind of delightful misery you can only find in a John Waters fever dream.

Where you can find Grey beyond this episode: Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/greytraynor - clearly, we’re fans!) and check out their website: www.greytraynor.gay

Then, in our post-interview-cooldown, we psychoanalyze American culture’s allergic reaction to failure and the gritty reality of rejection. We also gush over how much we love Grey.

And, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with…

Grey’s Subway Reads:

* Tangled Up in Blue by Larry Duplechan* Blackbird by Larry Duplechan* Tapping the Source by Kem Nunn

Our Subway Reads:

* Rachel’s Pick: Sky Daddy by Kate Folk

* Leia’s Pick: The Liars’ Club by Mary Karr

Other Books Mentioned in this FABULOUS Episode:

* The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides * Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace* Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell

Don’t forget to subscribe for next week's conversation.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

Welcome to our new podcast dropping July 7, 2026 on Substack and where podcasts are found. Subway Reads is made with love and laughter by two friends, Rachel Reynolds Westerwelle and Leia Menlove, who are trying to make it in the book world.

The Scoop on Our Episodes:

Every Subway Reads episode features a one-on-one interview with someone involved in the writing world, whether author, publicist, agent, book scout, bookstore owner… you get it.

In each episode, Rachel and Leia dish on either side of the day’s interview about their own often catastrophic writing lives (and somewhat more productive reading lives) while delving into the world of books, books, books.

Listen to the trailer now for a sneak peek at what’s to come! And check out our SUBSTACK for more bonus tidbits.

Join us every week on Subway Reads and subscribe!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com