Best Bookrecommendations Podcasts (2025)

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An Important Podcast Announcement 3:37

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27m ago3:37

3:37

Please listen to the accompanying (less than 4 minute) episode for an important update about the Sarah's Bookshelves Live podcast. Thank you, SarahBy Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves

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Ep 495: Fall Book Preview sneak peek 37:09

6d ago37:09

37:09

,The team at MMD HQ has always been enthusiastic about fall reading. We shared our first Fall Book Preview back in 2019, and last week we released the seventh annual edition. Today, we’re sharing a sneak peek into this year's event that concludes with Anne describing the first three books in our literary and contemporary fiction category. Our Fall …

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Chapter 27: Robin the Bartender on fiddling with frankincense and fighting for freedom 1:37:11

3d ago1:37:11

1:37:11

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Breaking the Bondage of Unforgiveness 24:42

7d ago24:42

24:42

Unforgiveness feels like protection, but it’s actually bondage. In this episode of My Life Is Not My Life, Sade’ Hill unpacks what it means to live free by maintaining a heart of forgiveness. Through scriptures like Mark 11:25, Matthew 18:21–22, and Nehemiah 9:17, we’ll explore why forgiveness isn’t about excusing the offense or the offender; it’s …

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The Breadwinner 7:11

7d ago7:11

7:11

By Eden Rusdia

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Ep. 206: Behind the Scenes of Book Festivals & Author Interviews with Jason Blitman (Host of the Gays Reading Podcast) 55:27

7d ago55:27

55:27

For Episode 206, fellow podcaster Jason Blitman, host of the Gays Reading podcast, joins Sarah to go behind the scenes of producing book festivals. They talk about how he came to reading later in his life and how his journey as a reader led him to his current role. Also, they discuss how he approaches author interviews. Plus, Jason shares his book …

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Ep 494: Books brimming with creativity, philosophy, and grace 59:49

13d ago59:49

59:49

Today we're diving into what feels like a particularly nerdy niche of the reading life as Anne is joined by an expert reader. Sarah Kellogg is a cover designer at a big five publisher, and today she and Anne are exploring what goes into the art of cover design. Sarah answers many of our burning questions and sheds light on some of the lesser known …

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From People Pleasing to God Pleasing 29:15

15d ago29:15

29:15

Who are you really serving God, or the opinions of others? In this episode of My Life Is Not My Life, Sade' Hill unpacks why true discipleship begins with serving God above everything and everyone else. Drawing from Luke 14:26–27 and other scriptures, she shares how discernment from the Holy Spirit helps break free from people pleasing and gives th…

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Ep 493: Books that take you on an epic journey 58:40

20d ago58:40

58:40

Today's guest is facing a shift in her reading life now that she's an empty nester. Candice Brown-Murray lives in South Florida with her husband, children, and dogs. Her career in public relations keeps her very busy along with her hobbies like kayaking, travel, renovating a historic home, and of course, reading. Candice has always been a reader. S…

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Chapter 152: Robin Sloan weaves wonder and weirdness into the warbly world of words 1:52:35

19d ago1:52:35

1:52:35

Last year I picked up a book called ‘Moonbound’ by Robin Sloan and it blew me away. Reading it was like riding some rainbow-speckled rocket ship where I experienced the bizarre combination of having no idea what was going on while not being able to wait for what happened next. The book was full of talking beavers. Talking swords! Strange video ga…

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Ep. 205: Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine GIlmore (@GilmoreGuide) 51:37

21d ago51:37

51:37

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! Today, Catherine and Sarah share 14 of their most anticipated books releasing from mid-August through December. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show…

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Ep 492: Reflective nonfiction about finding your path 54:34

27d ago54:34

54:34

We love fielding very specific readerly requests that will also appeal to a wide range of readers, and today's episode is just that. Lynn Bain describers herself as an accidental entrepreneur. While she loves to read a wide range of genres and styles, she's here today to get Anne's help in identifying good business books to read alongside her belov…

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Ep. 204: Summer 2025 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) 52:38

28d ago52:38

52:38

In Episode 204, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2025 Book Preview, now that they’ve read them — or at least tried to! They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and discuss which books didn’t work and why. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a …

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Finding Identity and Purpose in the Kingdom of God 25:24

1M ago25:24

25:24

In this episode of My Life Is Not My Life, Sade’ Hill explores what it truly means to embrace a servant’s heart and discover your God-given identity and purpose. Drawing from Scripture and real-life application, she unpacks how surrendering your way for God’s way leads to fulfillment and impact in His Kingdom. Whether you feel stuck, unsure of your…

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Ep 491: Our team's best books of summer (Part 2) 39:03

1M ago39:03

39:03

Today we're sharing Part 2 of our summer superlatives episode, featuring four more of our team members talking about the books they've loved most this season. Our executive producer Will Bogel joins Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club Community Manager Ginger Horton to talk about their favorite summer reads. Then, you'll hear from Modern Mrs Darcy Editor an…

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Chapter 30: Jerry Howarth on branding, bereavement, and Blue Jays baseball 58:25

1M ago58:25

58:25

My friend Drew Dudley once told me that, other than his parents, he hadn’t heard anyone speak to him more in his life than Jerry Howarth… The voice of the Toronto Blue Jays. I can relate. Growing up I would listen to Jerry Howarth call the Blue Jays games on the radio on long summer drives, with my friends at the park, or just on my clock radio wit…

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Ep. 203: An Indie Bookstore's First Year with Gayle Weiswasser (Co-Founder of Wonderland Books) 58:16

1M ago58:16

58:16

In Episode 203, Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, Maryland, returns to the podcast with Sarah for a one-year check-in on the shop’s journey. From holiday-season chaos to surprising customer favorites, Gayle shares what worked, what didn’t, and why she still handpicks every title on the shelves —…

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Setting the Foundation to Activate The Holy Spirit 24:03

1M ago24:03

24:03

God is everywhere, but is He living inside of you? In this episode of My Life Is Not My Life, we break down the difference between God’s presence being all around us and His Spirit actually dwelling within us. You’ll learn why sin separates us from God, how Jesus’ sacrifice makes us a dwelling place, and what it means to activate the Holy Spirit in…

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Ep 490: Our team's best books of summer (Part 1) 39:01

1M ago39:01

39:01

Readers, we’re back today with an annual tradition we know so many of you look forward to, as our team joins Anne to talk about their favorite books of the summer and what’s happening in their reading lives right now. As always, our team’s range of reading tastes ensures we share titles from a wide range of genres and styles that will appeal to all…

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Stewardship: Entrusted to Manage What Belongs to God 25:29

1M ago25:29

25:29

God has entrusted you with more than you think, but are you stewarding it well? In this episode, we break down what it means to manage every area of your life according to God’s will: relationships, career, finances, and the spiritual assignments He’s given you. Through the examples of Paul and King Solomon, you’ll learn how to shift from ownership…

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Ep 489: The satisfaction of sinking into a good book 1:05:15

2M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Today's guest isn't only a reader with a specific readerly conundrum, she is also a beloved author. Anne has recommended Julie Berry's work to several past guests, and Julie also joined us over in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club back in 2020. Today, she's here to talk with Anne about writing and discovering smart books with big heart. They also div…

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Chapter 151: The Holderness Family conquers content creation by corralling chaos 1:49:03

2M ago1:49:03

1:49:03

What do Xmas Jammies, ADHD, and The Amazing Race have in common? The Holderness Family! Penn and Kim Holderness have created viral videos with ... billions of views. They entered Season 33 of The Amazing Race ... and won. They wrote one of my favourite books ... 'ADHD is Awesome'. Penn and Kim started their careers in broadcasting but have old ditc…

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Ep. 202: 2025 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits) 52:35

2M ago52:35

52:35

In Episode 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they’ve loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category.…

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Ep 488: Reading goals that are just lofty enough 59:35

2M ago59:35

59:35

Novels featuring an ensemble cast of characters and multiple points of view are a favorite for today's guest, and she'd love Anne's help in finding more of this particular type of reading experience. Olivia Haber Greenwood is joining Anne from Barcelona, where she's lived for the past seven years working as a copywriter and freelance journalist. Ol…

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Straining Toward the Goal: Are Your Goals Aligned With God? 32:05

2M ago32:05

32:05

Setting goals is wise. Making plans is responsible. But before you chase that next win; have you checked with God first? In this episode of My Life Is Not My Life, we reflect on Philippians 3:12-21 and explore what it truly means to press toward the goal. You’ll walk away with clarity on how to: Let go of past distractions to embrace God’s vision M…

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Receive It… Even If You’re Not Ready Yet 28:48

2M ago28:48

28:48

What if God already gave you the gift, but you haven’t activated it yet? In this episode of My Life Is Not My Life, we unpack the powerful moment in John 20:22 when Jesus said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” But here’s the twist the disciples didn’t begin walking in it until 50 days later. You’ll learn: ▪️ Why your preparation season matters more than …

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Ep 487: Sci-fi, fantasy, and a sense of possibility 53:50

2M ago53:50

53:50

Today's guest has joined Anne in conversation on the podcast before, but now our media production specialist Holly Wielkoszewski is in the spotlight as they explore her evolving reading tastes and her favorite genres of science fiction and fantasy. Holly splits her time between New Mexico, where she and her husband are building an Earthship, and tr…

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Chapter 4: Sarah Ramsey on beating book blame with brilliant bookselling 1:14:31

2M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

A few years ago, I settled into the children's section of Book City in the heart of Toronto's beautiful Bloor West Village for the first chapter of 3 Books recorded live in an open bookstore with my favorite bookseller in the world—the one and only Sarah Ramsey. I love Sarah because she takes the art of bookselling seriously and seemingly reads peo…

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Ep. 201: Lidija Hilje (Author of Slanting Towards the Sea) + Book Recommendations 52:58

2M ago52:58

52:58

In Episode 201, author Lidija Hilje talks with Sarah about her debut novel, Slanting Towards the Sea. Spanning two decades and one transformative summer in Croatia, Slanting Towards the Sea is a love story that also delves into the profound journey of coming of age in a nation younger than you are. Lidija shares lots of details about how this book …

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Fasting for Clarity: Find the Assignment 28:48

2M ago28:48

28:48

Have you ever fasted and still felt unsure about your next move? In this episode of My Life Is Not My Life, we explore what it really means to fast for spiritual clarity, divine direction, and purpose alignment. I share my personal 21-day fast experience; giving up food from sun up to sun down and no T.V, and no Social Media to gaining a deeper rev…

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Ep 486: Setting-driven stories, accidental reading themes, and winning characters 1:00:46

2M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Ellen Heath, a reader from the Atlanta area, shares Anne's passion for urban planning, but that's not all they talk about today. Ellen is looking for immersive settings, characters she can connect with, and books that might even teach her something, and Anne has ideas! Ellen and Anne also talk about her Ellen's interesting and unique method for cho…

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The Pause, The Shift and The Surrender 24:35

2M ago24:35

24:35

Welcome to the very first episode of My Life Is Not My Life! If you were a listener of The Crew Book Club Podcast, this episode is your personal invitation into a new chapter. One rooted in deeper surrender, obedience, and purpose. In this episode, I open up about the pause that changed everything. What started as a break from podcasting turned int…

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Trailer: Introducing the ‘My Life Is Not My Life’ podcast 0:57

2M ago0:57

0:57

This isn’t just another podcast about doing more, getting better, or finding success. This is about surrender. Letting go. And learning to live a life led by faith, not control. In this special trailer episode, host Sade’ Hill introduces the heart behind My Life Is Not My Life a space for honest conversations, spiritual growth, and the journey of c…

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Chapter 150: Prime Minister Jean Chrétien lays down lifelong lessons on leadership, liberalism, and longevity 1:16:48

3M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Born in 1934, the 18th of 19 children in the small blue-collar town of Shawinigan Falls, Quebec, Jean Chrétien has risen to become the "grandfather of Canada" and a definitive force in global politics for over 50 years. Chrétien was one of the longest-serving Prime Ministers in Canadian history and led three successive majority terms as leader of t…

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Ep. 200: 200th Episode Celebration with Susie and Catherine 1:07:42

3M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Welcome to the 200th episode of Sarah’s Bookshelves Live with a very special celebration with both co-hosts: Susie (@NovelVisits) and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books. Today, they are answering listener-submitted questions all about their reading journeys, their podcast journeys, and some about their pre-podcast blogging days! This post contains…

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Ep 485: A midyear reading check-in 57:52

3M ago57:52

57:52

A midyear reading check-in has become a small tradition around here, and today Anne is welcoming team member Shannan Malone back to the podcast. Today, you'll hear Anne and Shannan dive into the history of this practice before exploring how this year’s been going so far, what they're each excited about, and what’s working (and not working) in each …

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Ep 484: A summer to slow down and sink into what you love 46:11

3M ago46:11

46:11

Today's guest is looking for ways to slow down and sink into what she loves most as she plans her summer of reading. Chelsea Siler is an early childhood special education teacher in Tacoma, Washington. She's often found reading to be a source of joy, escape, and growth, and she'd like these positive experiences to be reflected in her reading select…

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5 Beach Books to Stretch Your Mind 45:42

3M ago45:42

45:42

Long before I oriented my life around reading, I would get the majority of my (4-5!) books per year read during the summer. But summer reads get a bad rap for being too silly, too saucy, too simple. So this summer join me in bridging the gap to find great beachy reads. We want books that have a speedy pace *and* expand our minds! We want books that…