Read The Damn Book

Michelle Glogovac

Read The Damn Book™ is the no-fluff spin-off of the Webby-nominated My Simplified Life podcast. Created for people who believe books and stories can change lives, not just fill shelves. Born out of a deep love for storytelling, and a serious frustration with performative book culture, this show puts the spotlight back where it belongs: on the authors and the stories that matter. Host Michelle Glogovac, THE Podcast Matchmaker®, author, and creator of the Podcast Book Tour™, goes beyond blurbs and bestseller lists to explore how stories shape us, challenge us, and connect us. Expect unfiltered conversations, sharp takes, and honest dialogue. No fake reading. No fluff. Just real people, real stories, and really damn good books. Because here, we don’t just collect books. We read them. And when you Read The Damn Book, you discover that every story has the power to shift perspectives, spark change, and maybe even transform the world. New episodes drop weekly. Welcome to Read The Damn Book™—where the host actually reads the book before the interview. Learn more about Michelle at michelleglogovac.com and The MLG Collective® at themlgcollective.com. Michelle is also the host of Beyond The Campaign podcast and co-host of BURNT.

  1. 107 Days by Kamala Harris Book Review

    5 ΗΜ. ΠΡΙΝ

    107 Days by Kamala Harris Book Review

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac dives into 107 Days by Kamala Harris. Glogovac explores the behind-the-scenes challenges of Harris’s campaign, the impact of media misrepresentation, and the unwavering support from her political allies. Through her review, Glogovac highlights the importance of separating fact from fiction and recognizing Harris’s leadership and resilience during one of the most turbulent periods in American politics. What We're Talking About... Kamala Harris had just 107 days to campaign following President Biden’s withdrawal, showcasing her ability to lead under intense pressure.The book reveals how media misrepresentation distorted Harris’s comments and shaped public perception.107 Days offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the campaign trail and the realities of running for national office.Harris’s journey highlights the unique challenges faced by women of color in politics and the strength required to overcome them.The book reinforces Harris’s lifelong commitment to being “for the people” and serving with integrity.Michelle Glogovac discusses her disappointment in the portrayal of Dr. Jill Biden, raising questions about narrative fairness.Harris’s grace, resilience, and leadership define her role during one of the most turbulent political moments in modern history.107 Days stands as a powerful piece of political history that every reader should explore. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to '107 Days' and Kamala Harris 02:51 The Challenges of a 107-Day Campaign 06:06 Media Misrepresentation and Public Perception 08:59 Support from Political Allies 11:56 Reflections on Leadership and Legacy

    13 λεπτά
  2. Affirmations For Self Love with Zanna Keithley

    7 ΟΚΤ

    Affirmations For Self Love with Zanna Keithley

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Michelle Glogovac sits down with Zanna Keithley, author of Self-Affirmations: 100 Lessons for Learning to Love Yourself. Together, they explore the power of positive affirmations, the practice of self-love, and the role gratitude plays in personal growth. Zanna opens up about her journey to becoming a writer, how meditation and life experiences shaped her work, and why sharing personal stories can be so transformative. Listeners will gain practical insights on building confidence, embracing vulnerability, and using affirmations to create lasting change. What We're Talking About... Zanna Keithley’s writing journey began with a deep desire for self-expression.Positive affirmations can empower daily life and boost confidence.Meditation is a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.Sharing personal stories creates authentic connection with others.Transformative experiences can lead to lasting self-love and inner peace.Learning to find “home” within yourself is key to emotional well-being.Words hold the power to inspire, impact, and create change.Practicing gratitude opens the door to joy and abundance.Your personal journey can motivate and uplift those around you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zanna Keithley 04:32 The Journey of Self-Love and Writing 07:25 The Power of Affirmations 10:25 Meditation and Personal Growth 13:22 Sharing Vulnerability Through Writing 16:15 Transformative Moments in Life 19:41 The Cross-Country Journey 22:29 Finding Home Within Yourself 25:17 Impact of Words on Others 28:29 Gratitude and Connection 31:27 Conclusion and Where to Find Zanna 33:44 The Power of Self-Worth and Affirmations 34:42 Creating a Ripple Effect of Positivity Links Mentioned Zanna Keithley's website: https://zannakeithley.com Zanna Keithley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zannakeithley

    35 λεπτά
  3. Beautiful Mystery with Danilyn Rutherford

    30 ΣΕΠ

    Beautiful Mystery with Danilyn Rutherford

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with anthropologist and author Danilyn Rutherford to discuss her powerful memoir Beautiful Mystery. The book chronicles Rutherford’s journey as a mother to her daughter Millie, who lives with an undiagnosed disability. Together, Michelle and Danilyn explore themes of parenting, communication, caregiving, and loss, while also examining the political and social realities of healthcare and support systems for people with disabilities. Rutherford shares moving insights on the importance of empathy, resilience, and community, while celebrating the rich social worlds that children like Millie create. What We're Talking About... Millie’s way of expressing herself shows the power of creativity and understanding in disability communication.Caregiving is essential for supporting children and adults with disabilities.Loss can reshape how families approach life, caregiving, and compassion.Disability support networks often lack stability and require stronger advocacy.Understanding and empathy are at the heart of building meaningful relationships.Millie’s life demonstrates how individuals with disabilities enrich entire communities.Policy decisions directly affect healthcare access and the well-being of vulnerable populations.Every relationship—family, friends, community—matters in shaping support and love.Perspective-taking fosters deeper compassion and understanding.Stronger advocacy for healthcare and disability services is vital for families like Millie’s. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:33 Understanding Millie's Condition 07:33 The Importance of Communication 10:44 The Role of Caregivers 13:25 Navigating Loss and Grief 16:41 The Impact of Community 19:39 Empathy and Understanding 22:06 Political Implications of Care 24:48 Conclusion and Call to Action 30:21 The Urgency of Healthcare Advocacy 30:52 Understanding Millie's Story and Its Impact Links Mentioned Purchase Beautiful Mystery: https://www.dukeupress.edu/beautiful-mystery Danilyn Rutherford's website: https://danilynrutherford.com/about

    31 λεπτά
  4. Free Press Under Threat: Why Independent Media Matters with Aaron Parnas - Beyond The Campaign

    18 ΣΕΠ · ΕΠΙΠΡΌΣΘΕΤΟ ΠΕΡΙΕΧΌΜΕΝΟ

    Free Press Under Threat: Why Independent Media Matters with Aaron Parnas - Beyond The Campaign

    In this bonus episode, Michelle Glogovac sits down with independent journalist Aaron Parnas to examine the growing crisis around freedom of speech in America. Using recent events involving media figures like Jimmy Kimmel as a backdrop, they explore how political pressures and corporate influence are threatening the First Amendment. Aaron shares his journey from law to journalism, the personal risks he faces reporting the truth, and why media literacy and civic education are essential to preserving democracy. Together, they make a compelling case for why supporting independent journalism is critical to protecting free speech and ensuring an informed public. What We're Talking About... Freedom of speech is under threat in America.Independent media is crucial for unbiased news.The current political climate is pushing journalists to adapt.Civics education is lacking in schools across the country.Engaging younger generations in politics is essential.The divide between active and inactive citizens is growing.Media literacy is necessary to combat misinformation.Independent journalists face unique challenges and threats.Supporting independent journalism is vital for democracy.Personal passion drives the work of independent journalists. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current Events 04:31 The Importance of Independent Media 07:40 Navigating News in Real-Time 10:45 The Shift from Law to Journalism 13:50 Facing Threats as a Journalist 16:59 The State of Political Engagement 19:53 Encouraging Civic Awareness 22:42 Supporting Independent Journalism 23:51 The Importance of Supporting Free Speech 24:20 Staying Informed and Active in Current Events Links Mentioned Aaron Parnas on Substack https://substack.com/@aaronparnas

    25 λεπτά
  5. From Dropout To Doctorate with Dr. Terence Lester

    9 ΣΕΠ

    From Dropout To Doctorate with Dr. Terence Lester

    In this episode of Read The Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and activist Dr. Terence Lester to discuss his powerful memoir From Dropout to Doctorate. Dr. Lester opens up about his personal experiences with homelessness, poverty, and trauma, and how these challenges shaped his journey from high school dropout to community leader and Ph.D. The conversation dives into the complex realities of homelessness, the systemic issues tied to public policy and poverty, and the urgent need for compassionate advocacy. Listeners will learn how Dr. Lester’s story highlights the role of love, humanity, and kindness in creating lasting social change, and why empathy is essential in addressing homelessness at both individual and societal levels. This inspiring episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of trauma, poverty, and public policy, and challenges us all to rethink how we view and respond to those experiencing homelessness. What We're Talking About... Dr. Lester emphasizes the importance of love as an act of resistance.Home is defined as a place of belonging, not just a physical structure.Poverty is interconnected with trauma and societal issues.Youth homelessness is a significant and often overlooked issue.Empathy is crucial for understanding and addressing homelessness.Public policy often fails to consider the voices of those affected.The narrative around homelessness needs to change to include diverse perspectives.Advocacy should be driven by love and compassion for all.Conversations about societal issues are necessary for change.Personal stories can inspire vulnerability and connection in others. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Humanity and Kindness 07:29 Understanding Homelessness and Its Complexities 13:44 The Role of Public Policy in Homelessness 19:27 The Interconnection of Poverty and Trauma 25:38 Empathy and the Need for Compassion 29:55 The Power of Love and Advocacy 35:57 Vulnerability and Personal Stories 41:54 Conclusion and Call to Action Links Mentioned Dr. Terence Lester's Website: terencelester.comFrom Dropout to Doctorate by Dr. Terence Lester: https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781514011485Zion’s Closets https://www.ivpress.com/press-releases/2025/ivp-kids-zion-learns-to-see-turns-words-into-action-with-the-first-zions-closet-to-help-students-and-families-in-needLove Beyond Walls https://www.lovebeyondwalls.org/Dr. Terence Lester on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/imterencelester/Dr. Terence Lester on X https://x.com/imTerenceLestera...

    47 λεπτά
  6. Young Fools with Liza Palmer

    2 ΣΕΠ

    Young Fools with Liza Palmer

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling author and Emmy-nominated writer Liza Palmer to discuss her latest novel, Young Fools. Their conversation explores Palmer’s inspiring writing journey, the evolution of her storytelling craft, and the recurring themes of female friendship, identity, and belonging that run throughout her work. Liza shares candid insights into her experiences writing for Marvel, what it’s like to earn Emmy nominations, and the creative process that shapes her novels. Together, Michelle and Liza highlight the importance of authentic personal connections in storytelling, the challenges authors face in today’s publishing landscape, and how writers can navigate both success and setbacks. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or aspiring author, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, the resilience needed in a writing career, and why Young Fools is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and women’s stories. What We're Talking About... Liza Palmer's journey as a writer began in childhood.Writing is deeply connected to self-discovery.Friendship themes are central to Liza's novels.The creative process involves overcoming self-doubt.Writing for Marvel was a thrilling experience for Liza.Emmy nominations reflect Liza's diverse writing skills.The importance of setting in storytelling is emphasized.Aha moments in writing are magical and transformative.Revisions are crucial for meaningful storytelling.Future projects will continue to explore women's relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Liza Palmer 02:48 The Evolution of Liza's Writing Career 05:39 Exploring Themes in Young Fools 08:09 The Setting and Inspiration Behind the Book 10:08 The Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges 12:50 The Importance of Small Goals in Writing 15:51 Writing for Marvel and Emmy Nominations 19:33 The Significance of Friendships in Writing 22:25 The Aha Moment in Writing 24:30 Crafting the Twist in Young Fools 25:31 Personal Reflections in the Book 27:59 Looking Ahead: Liza's Next Project 31:06 Liza's Journey and Creative Process 31:28 The Impact of Deadlines on Writing Links Mentioned Young Fools by Liza Palmer https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781662527166 Liza Palmer on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lizapalmer/ Liza Palmer's Website lizapalmer.com Liza Palmer on Substack a href="https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Flizapalmer.substack.com&user_uuid=da80a4a6-14ef-4180-9551-8081e29a9c36&stage=1&hmac=2da9a949c71e408c8ed5eac9444c60bc35a7bc322c910af377b55caca98169e6" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    32 λεπτά
  7. If You're Reading This, It's Meant For You with Leigh Stein

    26 ΑΥΓ

    If You're Reading This, It's Meant For You with Leigh Stein

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Leigh Stein to discuss her new novel, If You're Seeing This, It's Meant for You. Their conversation explores how TikTok culture, tarot, and generational shifts shape the story, while also unpacking themes of therapy, identity, and digital life. Leigh shares the personal experiences and research that informed her writing, offering a candid look at both her creative process and her perspective on content creation in today’s world. The episode closes with Leigh reflecting on her evolution as a writer and where readers can discover more of her work. What We're Talking About... Leigh's new novel blends gothic mystery with modern TikTok culture.The concept of hype houses is a real phenomenon among influencers.Researching tarot card reading added depth to the novel's themes.Therapy is a recurring theme, reflecting its growing acceptance in society.TikTok's algorithm is unique, focusing on personalized content recommendations.The character of Owen Wilson the rabbit symbolizes innocence and connection.Generational differences are explored through the characters' interactions.The book features a love triangle that challenges age norms.Leigh's personal experiences influence her writing and character development.The novel encourages readers to reflect on their own life choices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Celebration of New Book 04:33 Exploring the Themes of Self-Care and TikTok Culture 07:26 The Role of Therapy in Modern Life 10:38 Navigating Content Creation and TikTok Dynamics 13:30 The Fascination with Tarot and Its Influence 16:27 The Unique World of Influencers 19:25 Character Development and Personal Connections 22:41 Generational Perspectives and Relevance 25:28 Romantic Dynamics in the Novel 28:39 Reflections on Life Choices and Paths 31:27 Conclusion and Where to Find the Book 32:49 Introduction to the Book and Its Themes 33:19 Exploring Tarot and TikTok Culture Links Mentioned If You're Seeing This, It's Meant For You by Leigh Stein https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9780593983645 Leigh Stein's Website https://www.leighstein.com/

    34 λεπτά

Σχετικά με το podcast

Read The Damn Book™ is the no-fluff spin-off of the Webby-nominated My Simplified Life podcast. Created for people who believe books and stories can change lives, not just fill shelves. Born out of a deep love for storytelling, and a serious frustration with performative book culture, this show puts the spotlight back where it belongs: on the authors and the stories that matter. Host Michelle Glogovac, THE Podcast Matchmaker®, author, and creator of the Podcast Book Tour™, goes beyond blurbs and bestseller lists to explore how stories shape us, challenge us, and connect us. Expect unfiltered conversations, sharp takes, and honest dialogue. No fake reading. No fluff. Just real people, real stories, and really damn good books. Because here, we don’t just collect books. We read them. And when you Read The Damn Book, you discover that every story has the power to shift perspectives, spark change, and maybe even transform the world. New episodes drop weekly. Welcome to Read The Damn Book™—where the host actually reads the book before the interview. Learn more about Michelle at michelleglogovac.com and The MLG Collective® at themlgcollective.com. Michelle is also the host of Beyond The Campaign podcast and co-host of BURNT.

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