Unseriously

Holly Mackle

I'm Holly Mackle - join me as I ask quirky questions of notable normals. Maybe you've heard what your favorite creatives are working on, but it's outright fun to hear about their most-texted emoji, what they put in their Costco buggy, or the last time they had a dance party. Ready for a little levity in your earbuds? Welcome to Unseriously!

  1. 2 days ago

    Elizabeth Santelmann Blinks Twice

    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.

  2. 27 Jul

    Elizabeth Harwell Is Never Giving Those Books Back, Deanna

    "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.

  3. 20 Jul

    Emma C. Fox Can't Avoid the Near-Death Experience

    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.

  4. 13 Jul

    Sophie Blackall, Syndicated Columnist

    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.

  5. 6 Jul

    Karen Swallow Prior, Board-Certified Karen

    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.

    Karen Swallow Prior, Board-Certified Karen

About

I'm Holly Mackle - join me as I ask quirky questions of notable normals. Maybe you've heard what your favorite creatives are working on, but it's outright fun to hear about their most-texted emoji, what they put in their Costco buggy, or the last time they had a dance party. Ready for a little levity in your earbuds? Welcome to Unseriously!

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