Unseriously

It's Unseriously's first ever return guest!! Come celebrate with us as author and host of the Sunshine in My Nest podcast, Elizabeth Santelmann, joins Holly for this HOOT of an episode. Listen in as Elizabeth gets a welfare checkup and discusses her son, the new Chick-fil-A brand ambassador. Find out what that dentist knew that Elizabeth didn't, what Holly knew that Elizabeth didn't (Well!), and all the Barbara Manatee that Elizabeth knew and Holly didn't... AND, not to mention this episode is chock-full of behind the scenes goodness on the creation of Unseriously, in which Elizabeth played a CRUCIAL role.

As with every episode of Sunshine in My Nest, Elizabeth's heart shines though as she discusses her brand new study, Gently Tended: A Grace-Filled Bible Study for Practicing the Spiritual Disciplines, which is available now for preorder. You won't want to miss Elizabeth and Holly's discussion of incorporating the spiritual disciplines (or means of grace) into daily life, showing (not telling) kids about them, and an unexpected discussion on aging.

You can listen to Elizabeth's previous two episodes of Unseriously here and here. Enjoy!

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Provisions have been made"--cover your mouth to catch the giggles from this delightful episode with author and essayist Elizabeth Harwell. Elizabeth is bound to make this awkward when she tells Deanna she is simply never giving back those books, but she is happy to pass Deanna a book on rocks and minerals. Perhaps non-radioactive spiders?

Hope you enjoy this fun jaunt with Holly's real life friend Elizabeth, a funny, kind-hearted deep well of wisdom, and when they settle in from the hijinks they'll discuss how art flourishes friendship and friendship flourishes art, gift economy, passing the peace with their children, and writing funny things for the Tamaras in their lives.

Lots of fun stuff is mentioned so all the links:

Sara Bannerman's Substack

the Storykind podcast with Kate DiCamillo and Kelly Yang

The World Entire, Elizabeth Brown

that 60-Minutes about Nicholas Winton

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as a read-aloud

The Giver

Louisiana's Way Home

and, of course, those The RxCKSTxR videos...

You can find Elizabeth on her Substack, The Things I Carry, or her books The Good Shepherd's Pasture or The Good King's Feast.

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's a fun one with not one...not two...but three accidental near-death experiences with historical fantasy author Emma C. Fox. Listen in as Emma tells Holly about that time with the mushrooms, that time with the ski instructor, and that other time with the horse...and oh yeah, Emma would also like to publicly apologize to Megan's mom.

Laura Lee Sims, you are a legend, and Debbie Bailey...well, your reviews are mixed at this time. Emma can DM you her mailing address.

Check your safety strap and join Holly and Emma live from the accidental black diamond as they cram way too much into five minutes, but also talk about those things we can do for kids that might unknowingly set the course for their lives. They'll also chat about seeking equilibrium between the roles of creative and mom, and trusting God and by letting go of our creative endeavors.

Kimi Cunningham Grant, you get a shout out right alongside John Steinbeck!

Find Emma's books from her publisher, Owl's Nest, follow her on Substack at Hiraeth House (yes, we checked the spelling like four times), or find her at emmafoxauthor.com or on Instagram, @emmafoxbooks. You can preorder her latest release here.

The Arrow and the Crown is the book that was featured at Holly's daughter's birthday and her recommended place to start.

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode had lots of different titling possibilities, which made it clear that only one would suit. Settle in for the magic of Sophie Blackall as she discusses with Holly that moment you know when a book has been made for you, as well as working collaboratively with Kate DiCamillo. Oh yeah, and because this is Unseriously, they'll also discuss picking a favorite kid and how the most unexpected questions can lend the most horrifying results. Above all, it's an elbow toward more reading for all of us--not just kiddos.

Both Sophie's books Hello Lighthouse and Farmhouse are specifically mentioned, as well as her collaboration with Kate DiCamillo, Lost Evangeline.

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brace for magic--she's just as wonderful as you'd hoped she'd be--today on Unseriously it's 2-time Caldecott medalist, the author and illustrator Sophie Blackall. Sophie joins Holly to regale her with tales of that time she accidentally drew the Pentagon, how she dumped a guy over a mango, and yeah, no, yeah...all about that column. As Unseriously's first Australian-born guest, it's only right that Holly incite the riot between Adelaide and Sydney, and help Sophie practice her new response, "What a great question--I'm so glad you asked." Nobody skirted the PG episode marker quite as hard as Sophie, and also recovers quite as hard--just wait til Sophie tells us about that time Kate DiCamillo offered to read to her. Come and tread the border between the edge of land and the beginning of sea with Sophie and Holly for this unforgettable episode.

Sophie is the illustrator of many, many books, among which are Holly's favorites Hello Lighthouse and Farmhouse. (Honestly, Holly won't stop talking about Farmhouse.) Sophie is also the author of the brand new picture book with Phoebe Wahl, Story Rug.

Sophie's heart for kiddos shines through, plus her support for working mom-creatives and her peers in the children's book community...except maybe you, Brian Floca...you'll dig out eventually, but for now Sophie still has beef with you...

The book Sophie references is called Principles of Uncertainty, by Maira Kalman, and you can find out all about the magical Milkwood Farm on their website, and follow Sophie on Instagram.

Cut yourself a big slice of cake and settle in for this episode--enjoy!

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you loved the episode with cultural theorist, author, and super-reader Karen Swallow Prior, then this little lagniappe is for you. Holly and Karen will talk comfort reads, multi-reading, Barbara Kingsolver and Neil Postman--dizzy yet? Pop yourself out of that reading slump with these 5 minutes of an Unserious nudge--time to read!

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maybe you've heard her before, but have you ever heard her like this?? Join the fun as our favorite Karen kicks up those fancy shoes and puts the cool back in "Karen." She may be one of this country's most notoriously well-read, but did you know Dr. Karen Swallow Prior also gave that envelope to that guy? We'll hear about her days in organized crime, plus the devolution of one of her dog's nicknames, her feelings on the mockumentary Best In Show, and how she's in her Neil Diamond era. Brace yourself as she and Holly discuss both Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings...when the villagers come for Karen and Holly with torches, it'll be because of this episode. Maybe their kind friend Chris Davis will save them...or maybe not because he's so embarrassed by how much they talk about him here.

Karen is the author of many books including one of Holly's five-star reads from 2026, You Have a Calling, recommended for anyone discerning God's path for their life. You can find her on Instagram, @karenswallowprior, or on her Substack, The Priory, where you can actively support her work by becoming a paid subscriber.

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While Unseriously's on 2-week summer break it's another replay with yet another of our favorite Kates: why would we ever believe Symphony brownies to be the brain trust of anyone other than the lovely Kate Strickler of the Naptime Kitchen?! Of course she created them in her basement kitchen where she also happens to mass manufacture Symphony candy bars - spread the word.

Kate's new book, I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen, And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy, released in August, 2025, and is now a NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!!

On this episode, Kate and Holly had such fun talking favorite sauces, favorite Instagram follows, and unfavorite family vacations. Ina and Ree will make appearances. (OKAY but only in shout-outs.) So will @raisingcades10, @the_car_mom, and @brunchwithbabs.

Recipes mentioned include:

Tate's Dulce de Leche Icebox Cake

Ree Drummond's Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies

Symphony Brownies

No Churn Ice Cream

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

And, of course, ICD. Recipe below!

Aunt Terri's Ice Cream Dessert, also known as ICD

you need:

1 family size roll Pillsbury Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie dough, baked as cookies (crunchy but not burned)

1 container Breyer's Natural Vanilla ice cream (the one with the visible vanilla beans)

1 jar Smuckers caramel topping

Set the ice cream on the counter to partly melt while you bake the cookies to crispy but not burned. Once cookies are baked, crumble about 2/3 into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Drizzle about 2/3 of the jar of caramel sauce over the cookies, then scoop the entire container of melty ice cream over the caramely cookies. Spread this out smooth. Top with the rest of the crumbled cookies and drizzle with the remainder of the caramel sauce. Freeze for several hours--overnight is best. Before serving, set on counter for 5 minutes.

Find Kate on Instagram, @naptimekitchen, Symphony bars at your favorite grocer, and the Strickler family anywhere other than Disneyworld.

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Surprise! It's a mini-episode all about that book list from Instagram called Books I'd Hand to You in the Summertime. You can find the list here. Today I'll highlight four titles from that list, plus a fifth from the honorable mentions. All titles are linked below--hope you enjoy and happy reading!

This Book Made Me Think of You, Libby Page

Sea Wife, Amity Gaige (note I reference the WRONG Emma M. Lion volume in this portion--I meant to say book 8! Ack--don't send the villagers for me--I only wish I had early access to 9!)

Strangers, Belle Burden

The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher

The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros

Music for Unseriously was composed and produced by Adam Wright, founder of ⁠⁠The Corner Room⁠⁠, a ministry that sets the Bible to music as a tool for memorization and meditation. You can follow The Corner Room on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's an Unseriously replay with our very own carnival queen, two-time Newbery medalist Kate DiCamillo, who joins Holly for a pinch-me-I'm-dreaming interview covering everything from Epcot Center to shredded wheat to inciting kids to troll Chris Van Dusen. There may be a quote-off.

If you're friends with Holly in real life, she would like it noted that she arrived earlier than Kate to the interview, a fact which has now become one of the proudest moments of her life.

The name you'll be shouting at this interview is BEN STEIN. Don't miss Sophie Blackall's Farmhouse for anyone in your life, not just littles, Amanda Cleary Eastep's Instagram is @book_leaves, and this is a Katherine Applegate book. Here's the Beverly Cleary nonfiction picture book they discuss.

Read a Kate DiCamillo. Hug your people. Write back.

Kate's magnificent title Because of Winn-Dixie celebrates 25 years in print this year, plus she's got a new addition to The Norendy Tales called Lost Evangeline, with Sophie Blackall illustrating.

This is Holly's favorite Kate DiCamillo title, perfect to tuck into a stocking this year.

Hope you're enjoying these replays of two of our favorite Kates while the pod is on break--next week it's Kate Strickler of the Naptime Kitchen--see you back July 6th for all new episodes!

Music for Unseriously was composed by Adam Wright of ⁠The Corner Room⁠, a ministry that sets Scripture to music as a tool for meditation and memorization. His latest Christmas project, ⁠Light Has Shone⁠, is a beautiful journey through five Advent passages that point us to Jesus, the true light of the world. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you listen to music. 

Find podcast news, behind the scenes, and all things Unseriously ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@hollymacklebooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.