BREAKING NEWS FROM SJM! In this episode, Katie and Amanda discuss the latest update from one of the biggest names in romantasy, Sarah J. Maas. After dropping a nondescript video on Instagram and sharing finished “drafts” for ACOTAR 6, SJM has left fantasy romance booktok in a frenzy! Listen in as they analyze the significance of the composition notebook, timeline predictions for the new release, and speculate on upcoming books in TOG, ACOTAR, and Crescent City.

***Spoiler alert for the entire Sarah J Maas Universe (Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses series, and Crescent City)***

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In episode 6 of The Story is Podcast, Katie Mitchell and Amanda Earle discuss the latest pop culture and booktok news including- The Diddy verdict and The Idaho Killer plea deal, casting book boyfriends as James Bond, 'The Wolf King' by Lauren Palphreyman and 'Kiss of the Basilisk' by Lindsay Straube. 

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Time Stamps:

(0:00)-(0:59) Intro and catch up

(1:00)-(9:09) we’re old, (kinda) (maybe) millennial tbt

(9:10)-(14:39) Diddy Trial, Bryan Kohberger, and serial killers

(14:40)-(18:29) True crime books vs. podcast vs. documentary 

(18:30)-(19:55) Holiday weekend plans

(19:56)-(25:11) Does your bra fit?

(25:12)-(32:29) If James Bond was a book boyfriend

(32:30)-(37:17) Riverdale Rant / Dungeons and Dragons

(37:18)-(41:14) Katie’s Book Report: The Wolf King, Dark Prince, and City of Gods and Monsters

(41:15)-(50:03) Caught up by Navessa Allen *spoilers *

(50:04)-(52:14) Our book rating systems

(52:15)-(58:18) Amanda’s Book Report: Kiss of The Basilisk, *spoilers*

(58:19)-(1:00:11) Happy pub day to Rose in Chains 

(1:00:12)- Outro

In this episode of The Story Is, hosts Katie Mitchell and Amanda Earle sit down with USA Today bestselling author Kate Stewart! Known for the Ravenhood series- including Flock, Exodus, and Finish Line, this North Carolina local shares more about her latest novel in the Ravenhood Legacy, Severed Heart. 

Tune in as Kate shares the inspiration behind her most talked-about books, how she balances romance with real-life themes, and some MAJOR tea for upcoming works, including the film adaptation of her modern day Robin Hood retelling.

Thank you to Kate Stewart and her team for the interview! Severed Heart is now available at all major book retailers.

*Please note: Spoilers for Severed Heart included throughout the episode*

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In episode 4 of The Story is Podcast, Katie Mitchell and Amanda Earle discuss the latest pop culture and booktok news including- The Karen Read verdict, The Ravenhood Series adaptation news, Aaron Taylor Johnson, and Morning Glory Milking Farm.

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Time Stamps:

(0:00- 2:14) Intro 

(2:15- 9:25)Karen Read

(9:26-12:54) Book Adaptation News: Kate Stewart and Brynne Weaver

(12:55-15:53) Jane Austen dramatized audio on Audible, cast Harris Dickinson for Mr. Darcy

(15:54-19:00) Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson

(19:01-21:15) Internet crush(es) of the week: Aaron Taylor Johnson and Corenswet

(21:16-25:44 Rachel Zeigler in Evita

(25:45- 34:05)Ali Hazelwood “bullied off” Instagram

(34:06-37:59) FanFic added to the Library of congress

(38:00-42:19) Book Report: Monster Smut and Morning Glory Milking Farm *spoilers* 

(42:20-46:23) Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube

(46:24- )What we’re reading right now

In episode 3 of The Story is Podcast, Katie Mitchell and Amanda Earle discuss the latest pop culture and booktok news including- Sabrina Carpenter's new single, "Manchild", Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood, and their favorite beach reads for 2025. 

Time Stamps:

(0:00-0:44 ) Intro

(0:45-3:20) Get to know Katie and Amanda

(3:21-7:33) Sabrina Carpenter new single, “Manchild”

(7:34-10:32) Dakota Johnson 

(10:33-13:10) Wait, he's engaged?

(13:11-17:39) Tiktok Hot Goss

(17:40-20:31) Taylor’s Independence Day

(20:32-28:47 ) Book Report: Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood *spoilers*

(28:48-32:12) The Shots You Take by Rachel Reid and Caught Up by Navessa Allen 

(32:13-34:36) Double Speed Audio Books

(34:37-38:33) Is every book a beach read?

(38:34-43:34) Love Sick by Deidra Duncan and Book Adaptation

(43:44-45:25) The Tony Awards 

(45:26-) Final Thoughts and Outro

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In episode 2 of The Story is Podcast, Katie Mitchell and Amanda Earle discuss the latest pop culture and booktok news including- the Caught Up/Teddy Hamilton audiobook drama, how romance authors write acrobatic spicy scenes, and the best reasons to start an unfinished book or tv series. 

Weekly Book Report: The Ravenhood Series by Kate Stewart and her author event at Trope Bookshop in Charlotte, North Carolina 

TIME STAMPS:

(0:00-0:30) Intro

(0:30-6:35) Internet crushes for the chronically online

(6:36-10:05) Can men write romance novels?

(10:06-14:28) Sebastian Stan is perfect

(14:29-17:03) What’s on our summer tv/movie watchlist

(17:04-25:06 Why you should read an unfinished book series

(25:07 - 34:47)The Ravenhood Series by Kate Stewart thoughts *spoilers* at 28:39

(34:48-39:23) spicy scene choreography

(39:24-45:47 Fourth Wing/ACOTAR/Harry Potter adaptations

(45:48- 50:50) Caught Up by Navessa Allen audiobook drama

(50:51-)Final thoughts and outro 

Kate Stewart Event Waitlist- https://forms.gle/kGo4dnvsi9HB2eQZ6

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Welcome to "The Story Is Podcast" by Katie and Amanda! Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, we're two women who love all things pop culture, tiktok, and of course, romance books. Subscribe for weekly episodes!

0:00-5:47 intro and catch up

5:48-11:59 TikTok news and Alexander Skarsgard  

12:00-17:16 Cannes Film Festival and Pedro Pascal

17:17-20:30Justin Bieber

20:31- 24:05 All American Rejects House Parties

24:06-32:54 Onyx Storm theories *spoilers*

32:55-41:40 Where is SJM? *series spoilers*

41:41 Silver Elite drama // Who is Dani Francis?

follow us:

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