Stephanie Garber

This week, Alex and Ellen discuss Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber. In this episode, we get to return to the world we met in the Caraval series, while also meeting our spunky new protagonist. Join us as we get to discuss the varied magic of this world, the beauty of Stephanie Garber’s writing and whether or not we believe in fairy tales.   Join us in two weeks as we discuss The Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, Alex and Ellen discuss Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber. In this episode, we get to return to the world we met in the Caraval series, while also meeting our spunky new protagonist. Join us as we get to discuss the varied magic of this world, the beauty of Stephanie Garber’s writing and whether or not we believe in fairy tales. Join us in two weeks as we discuss The Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

Lexi Ryan

In this episode, your hosts Alex and Ellen have the distinct privilege to talk with NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lexi Ryan, author of many adult contemporary books and series as well as These Hollow Vows, and the soon to be released These Twisted Bonds.    Join us as we discuss her writing process and our love of books.

In this episode, your hosts Alex and Ellen have the distinct privilege to talk with NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lexi Ryan, author of many adult contemporary books and series as well as These Hollow Vows, and the soon to be released These Twisted Bonds.  Join us as we discuss her writing process and our love of books.

UPM Interview: Lexi Ryan

This week, Alex and Ellen discuss These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan, book one in the These Hollow Vows series. In this episode, we get to discuss a book that is a mixture of Cinderella and the Bachelor, mixed with magic and the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. This book is all about figuring out who you can trust and what will happen next.   Join us in two weeks as we discuss Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, Alex and Ellen discuss These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan, book one in the These Hollow Vows series. In this episode, we get to discuss a book that is a mixture of Cinderella and the Bachelor, mixed with magic and the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. This book is all about figuring out who you can trust and what will happen next. Join us in two weeks as we discuss Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan

This week, Alex and Ellen discuss The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book four in the Blood and Ash series. In this episode, we discuss the beauty of supportive male characters, how badass our protagonist is and we try to figure out just what happened at the end of this book.   Join us in two weeks as we discuss These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, Alex and Ellen discuss The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book four in the Blood and Ash series. In this episode, we discuss the beauty of supportive male characters, how badass our protagonist is and we try to figure out just what happened at the end of this book. Join us in two weeks as we discuss These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L Armentrout

This week, Alex and Ellen discuss A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book one in the Flesh and Fire series. In this episode, we explore a familiar world, many years before the events of her Blood and Ash series. We learn more about some familiar faces, meet new ones and learn more about the world we thought we already knew.   Join us in two weeks as we discuss The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, Alex and Ellen discuss A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book one in the Flesh and Fire series. In this episode, we explore a familiar world, many years before the events of her Blood and Ash series. We learn more about some familiar faces, meet new ones and learn more about the world we thought we already knew. Join us in two weeks as we discuss The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Sarah J Maas

This week, join Alex and Ellen as they discuss House of Sky and Breath, by Sarah J. Maas, book two in the Crescent City series. In this episode, we discuss the continuing adventures of Bryce and Hunt, the allure of SJM’s male characters and the ending that none of us saw coming, right?   Join us in two weeks as we discuss A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, join Alex and Ellen as they discuss House of Sky and Breath, by Sarah J. Maas, book two in the Crescent City series. In this episode, we discuss the continuing adventures of Bryce and Hunt, the allure of SJM’s male characters and the ending that none of us saw coming, right? Join us in two weeks as we discuss A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas

Sarah J. Maas

In the first episode of season two, Alex and Ellen discuss House of Earth and Blood, by Sarah J. Maas, book one in the Crescent City series. Join your hosts as they talk about the everlasting bonds of friendship, the strength of chosen family and all the power that grief can hold.   Join us in two weeks as we discuss House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

In the first episode of season two, Alex and Ellen discuss House of Earth and Blood, by Sarah J. Maas, book one in the Crescent City series. Join your hosts as they talk about the everlasting bonds of friendship, the strength of chosen family and all the power that grief can hold. Join us in two weeks as we discuss House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J Maas. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

This week Alex and Ellen discuss the book The Crown of Gilded Bones, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book three in the Blood and Ash series. Join your hosts as they talk about how amazing it was to watch Poppy continue to grow and come into her power, how sometimes even our best predictions don’t come true and that dragons make everything better.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week Alex and Ellen discuss the book The Crown of Gilded Bones, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book three in the Blood and Ash series. Join your hosts as they talk about how amazing it was to watch Poppy continue to grow and come into her power, how sometimes even our best predictions don’t come true and that dragons make everything better. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L Armentrout

This week Alex and Ellen discuss the book A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book two in the Blood and Ash series. Join your hosts as they talk about the adventures our main characters find themselves on, the deepening of our main characters' love for each other and how hard it is to know what’s true.   Join us next week as we discuss A Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week Alex and Ellen discuss the book A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book two in the Blood and Ash series. Join your hosts as they talk about the adventures our main characters find themselves on, the deepening of our main characters' love for each other and how hard it is to know what’s true. Join us next week as we discuss A Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L Armentrout

This week Alex and Ellen discuss the book From Blood and Ash, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book one in the Blood and Ash series. Join your hosts as they talk about the injustices of the Ascended, the incredible characters and try to figure out what a Craven really is.   Join us next week as we discuss A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week Alex and Ellen discuss the book From Blood and Ash, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, book one in the Blood and Ash series. Join your hosts as they talk about the injustices of the Ascended, the incredible characters and try to figure out what a Craven really is. Join us next week as we discuss A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout

In a podcast inspired by book clubs everywhere, book lovers and best friends, Alex Isaacson and Ellen Kopplin, discuss a new book each week (focusing mostly on fantasy books [YA, NA, and adult fiction], while dabbling in other genres). Delve in-depth with your hosts, exploring themes, favorites and just about anything else that you experience while reading!

Adrienne Young

This week, join us for our Series Wrap episode Fable duology by Adrienne Young! Your hosts talk about the Fable duology as a whole, mourn the end of the series, discuss their favorite book and character of the series, and decide if they would reread the series. Join us next week as we discuss From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, join us for our Series Wrap episode Fable duology by Adrienne Young! Your hosts talk about the Fable duology as a whole, mourn the end of the series, discuss their favorite book and character of the series, and decide if they would reread the series. Join us next week as we discuss From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

Fable Duology Series Wrap by Adrienne Young

This week Alex and Ellen discuss the book Namesake, by Adrienne Young, book two in the Fable duology. Join your hosts as they talk about the heredity of gem sage magic, the fact that Fable’s life is filled with ruthless people and how much we missed seeing the rest of the Marigold crew.    Join us next week for our Series Wrap episode of the Fable duology, by Adrienne Young.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week Alex and Ellen discuss the book Namesake, by Adrienne Young, book two in the Fable duology. Join your hosts as they talk about the heredity of gem sage magic, the fact that Fable’s life is filled with ruthless people and how much we missed seeing the rest of the Marigold crew.  Join us next week for our Series Wrap episode of the Fable duology, by Adrienne Young. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

Namesake by Adrienne Young

Leigh Bardugo

This week, join us for a special episode, dubbed the Grishverse Wrap Up. We'll discuss all of the books in Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse, as well the Netflix Original show, Shadow &amp; Bone. We're mourning the end of twelve weeks worth of reading in the Grishaverse! Listen as we discuss our favorite overall books and characters through all of the series, and decide if we would reread all of the books, and whether or not we'd re-watch the tv show, or even continue into future seasons.   Join us next week as we discuss Namesake by Adrienne Young.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, join us for a special episode, dubbed the Grishverse Wrap Up. We'll discuss all of the books in Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse, as well the Netflix Original show, Shadow &amp; Bone. We're mourning the end of twelve weeks worth of reading in the Grishaverse! Listen as we discuss our favorite overall books and characters through all of the series, and decide if we would reread all of the books, and whether or not we'd re-watch the tv show, or even continue into future seasons. Join us next week as we discuss Namesake by Adrienne Young. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

Grishaverse Wrap Up by Leigh Bardugo

This week, join us for our Series Wrap episode of the King of Scars duology by Leigh Bardugo! Your hosts talk about the King of Scars duology as a whole, mourn the end of the series, discuss their favorite book and character of the series, and decide if they would reread the series.   Join us next week as we discuss our Grishaverse Wrap-Up by Leigh Bardugo.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, join us for our Series Wrap episode of the King of Scars duology by Leigh Bardugo! Your hosts talk about the King of Scars duology as a whole, mourn the end of the series, discuss their favorite book and character of the series, and decide if they would reread the series. Join us next week as we discuss our Grishaverse Wrap-Up by Leigh Bardugo. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

King of Scars Duology Series Wrap by Leigh Bardugo

This week, your hosts discuss Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo, the first book in the King of Scars duology. War has come to Ravka’s borders and our heroes, Nikolai, Zoya and Nina have many hurdles to clear in order to win.  Join Alex and Ellen as they discuss the ravages of war, the prices we all pay in life and the fact that sometimes triumph doesn’t quite look like we imagined.   Join us next week for our Series Wrap episode of the King of Scars duology by Leigh Bardugo.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, your hosts discuss Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo, the first book in the King of Scars duology. War has come to Ravka’s borders and our heroes, Nikolai, Zoya and Nina have many hurdles to clear in order to win.  Join Alex and Ellen as they discuss the ravages of war, the prices we all pay in life and the fact that sometimes triumph doesn’t quite look like we imagined. Join us next week for our Series Wrap episode of the King of Scars duology by Leigh Bardugo. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

This week, your hosts discuss King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo, the first book in the King of Scars duology. Set a few years after the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and a year or so after the Six of Crows duology, this book primarily takes us back into Ravka, with many glimpses into the Fjerdan countryside. Join Alex and Ellen as they discuss the pain that was Nina’s first few chapters, their joy at having entire chapters dedicated to Nikolai and how shocked they were at how much they enjoyed learning more about Zoya.   Join us next week as we discuss Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, your hosts discuss King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo, the first book in the King of Scars duology. Set a few years after the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and a year or so after the Six of Crows duology, this book primarily takes us back into Ravka, with many glimpses into the Fjerdan countryside. Join Alex and Ellen as they discuss the pain that was Nina’s first few chapters, their joy at having entire chapters dedicated to Nikolai and how shocked they were at how much they enjoyed learning more about Zoya. Join us next week as we discuss Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

This week, join us for our Series Wrap episode of the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo! Your hosts talk about the Six of Crows duology as a whole, mourn the end of the series, discuss their favorite book and character of the series, and decide if they would reread the series.   Join us next week as we discuss King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, join us for our Series Wrap episode of the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo! Your hosts talk about the Six of Crows duology as a whole, mourn the end of the series, discuss their favorite book and character of the series, and decide if they would reread the series. Join us next week as we discuss King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

Series Wrap: The Six of Crows series by Leigh Bardugo

This week, your hosts discuss Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo, the second book in the Six of Crows duology. Join Alex and Ellen as they discuss their awe at the sheer number of contingencies that Kaz Brekker is able to keep track of, the joys of all of our favorites working together and the pure horror we felt at the end of this book.   Join us next week for our Series Wrap episode of the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, your hosts discuss Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo, the second book in the Six of Crows duology. Join Alex and Ellen as they discuss their awe at the sheer number of contingencies that Kaz Brekker is able to keep track of, the joys of all of our favorites working together and the pure horror we felt at the end of this book. Join us next week for our Series Wrap episode of the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

This week, your hosts discuss Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, the first book in the Six of Crows duology. Set a few years after the Shadow and Bone trilogy, this book offers us a new perspective into the Grishaverse. Join Alex and Ellen as they discuss their love of the camaraderie and banter in the group, the genius that is Kaz’s strategizing, and the way a common goal can forge unbreakable bonds throughout a diverse group.   Join us next week as we discuss Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, your hosts discuss Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, the first book in the Six of Crows duology. Set a few years after the Shadow and Bone trilogy, this book offers us a new perspective into the Grishaverse. Join Alex and Ellen as they discuss their love of the camaraderie and banter in the group, the genius that is Kaz’s strategizing, and the way a common goal can forge unbreakable bonds throughout a diverse group. Join us next week as we discuss Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This week, join us for our Series Wrap episode of the Shadow and Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo! Your hosts talk about the Shadow and Bone trilogy as a whole, mourning the end of the series, discuss their favorite book and character of the series, and decide if they would reread the series.   Join us next week as we discuss Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.   Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

This week, join us for our Series Wrap episode of the Shadow and Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo! Your hosts talk about the Shadow and Bone trilogy as a whole, mourning the end of the series, discuss their favorite book and character of the series, and decide if they would reread the series. Join us next week as we discuss Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. Spoiler Alert: There will be spoilers in this episode, so if you haven’t read the book being discussed, feel free to come back and listen after you have finished the book. Or, if you don’t care about spoilers, then please join us!

Series Wrap: The Shadow & Bone series by Leigh Bardugo

Uniquely Portable Magic

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Relationships & Love

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!