Read The Damn Book

Michelle Glogovac
  • 4.9 (86)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

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. Start At The End with Emma Grey

    3d ago

    Start At The End with Emma Grey

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, author Emma Grey joins the show to discuss her powerful new novel, Start at the End. Emma shares the inspiration behind the story, exploring themes of grief, resilience, second chances, and the life-changing impact of asking "what if?" During this heartfelt conversation, Emma opens up about her personal experiences with loss, the healing power of creativity, and the importance of strong support networks during life's most difficult moments. She also discusses how music influences her writing, offers a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process, and shares what's next in her journey as an author. Whether you're a fan of contemporary fiction, emotional storytelling, or aspiring writers looking for insight into the publishing world, this episode delivers inspiration, hope, and practical wisdom about turning life's challenges into meaningful stories. What We're Talking About... Exploring the themes of grief, loss, healing, and second chances in Start at the EndHow music, creativity, and storytelling can help process trauma and navigate life's most difficult momentsEmma Grey's author journey, writing process, and the inspiration behind her emotionally resonant fictionCrafting authentic characters and emotionally impactful contemporary fiction Chapters 00:00 Introducing Emma Grey and Start at the End 03:54 Exploring the Theme of Loss and 'What Ifs' 07:29 The Role of Music in Healing and Storytelling 10:46 The Joy of Camping and Vintage Vans 14:50 Dreams Realized: From Books to TV Adaptations 19:02 Resilience and the Journey of Healing 21:43 The Complexity of Life's Emotions 24:26 Character Development and the Editing Process 28:05 The Writing Process: Drafts and Discoveries 29:24 New Ideas and Future Projects 33:32 The Impact of Vulnerability in Writing Links Mentioned Order your copy of Start at the End: https://www.amazon.com/Start-at-End-Emma-Grey/dp/1968506012/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

    34 min
  2. Eye For an I with Kim Holden

    May 26

    Eye For an I with Kim Holden

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, bestselling author Kim Holden shares her inspiring journey from discovering her love of storytelling to becoming an internationally recognized author. Kim dives into the creative process behind her latest novel, Eye for an I, discussing how music, emotion, and personal experiences shape her unforgettable characters and stories. The conversation explores Kim’s approach to self-publishing, her writing habits, and the powerful connection she’s built with readers around the world. She also opens up about balancing creativity with the business side of publishing, staying authentic as a writer, and finding inspiration in everyday life. Whether you’re an aspiring author, avid reader, or fan of contemporary fiction, this episode offers valuable insights into writing, publishing, and the impact of storytelling. What We're Talking About... Kim Holden’s journey from aspiring writer to internationally bestselling authorThe inspiration behind Eye for an I and Kim Holden’s storytelling processHow music influences character development, emotions, and scene creation in fiction writingBuilding a global fanbase with readers in Poland, the United States, and beyondSelf-publishing strategies, indie author success, and worldwide book distributionKim Holden’s writing habits, outlining techniques, and non-linear storytelling approachBehind-the-scenes insights into the contemporary fiction publishing industryAdvice for aspiring authors on creativity, writing consistency, and connecting with readersThe balance between artistic passion and the business side of being an authorHow emotional storytelling creates lasting reader connections Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kim Holden 03:12 The Role of Music in Writing 07:11 The Journey of Becoming an Author 13:18 The Impact of Readers and Community 17:21 Tattoos and Personal Expression 21:30 Writing Process and Challenges 27:33 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts 32:29 Eye for an I and Its Themes 32:56 The Author's Journey and Inspiration Links Mentioned Website: kimholdenbooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimholdenauthor Kim Holden's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kim-Holden/author/B00J88LUC2?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=351e0dd9-f757-4071-890a-9601fa923e66

    33 min
  3. The Burning Side with Sarah Damoff

    May 19

    The Burning Side with Sarah Damoff

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, author Sarah Damoff joins host Michelle to discuss her latest novel, The Burning Side. Together, they explore powerful themes of family dynamics, generational trauma, love, grief, and the lasting impact of personal history. Sarah shares the inspiration behind the novel, how her own life experiences shaped the story, and her approach to writing emotionally resonant multi-generational fiction. Listeners will also get an inside look at her creative process, character development, and the art of crafting deeply human stories that connect with readers long after the final page. What We're Talking About... Themes of family, love, grief, and generational trauma in The Burning SideSarah Damoff on the inspiration behind her emotionally layered literary fictionThe writing process behind crafting compelling multi-generational family storiesHow personal experiences and real-life relationships shape authentic storytellingWhy storytelling is a powerful tool for exploring human emotion and connectionThe role of fiction in uncovering deeper human truths and shared experiencesCharacter development and creating emotionally resonant contemporary fictionInsights into writing literary fiction that connects deeply with readers Chapters 00:00 Celebrating a New Release 04:06 Exploring The Burning Side 07:28 The Evolution of Love 11:30 Personal Inspirations Behind the Story 16:00 Transitioning from Social Work to Writing 19:45 The Art of Writing and Storytelling 22:04 The Writing Process and Drafting 24:26 Creating Authentic Characters 29:27 Addressing Foster Care in Literature Links Mentioned Order your copy of The Burning Side: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Burning-Side/Sarah-Damoff/9781668085011 Sara Damoff's website: https://www.sarahdamoff.com/

    36 min
  4. Served Him Right with Lisa Unger

    Apr 7

    Served Him Right with Lisa Unger

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, bestselling thriller author and returning guest Lisa Unger joins Michelle Glogovac to discuss her latest novel Served Him Right. They dive into Unger’s writing process, her research on natural poisons, and the powerful themes of female empowerment and sisterhood woven throughout the story. Unger also shares insight into character development, storytelling craft, and the inspiration behind her gripping psychological fiction. What We're Talking About... Lisa Unger’s process writing Served Him RightFemale empowerment and sisterhood themes in psychological thrillersResearching natural poisons and toxic plants for fiction writingCharacter development techniques and storytelling inspiration Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Author Background 04:11 Themes of Female Empowerment and Social Issues 07:24 The Role of Nature and Research in Writing 10:07 Exploring Female Power and Sisterhood 13:01 Character Development and Personal Connections 16:28 The Writing Process and Future Works 28:59 Passion for Literature 29:23 Anticipation for Future Works Links Mentioned Lisa Unger's website: lisaunger.com Instagram: instagram.com/launger

    30 min
  5. Girl Gone Wild with Courtney Kocak

    Mar 31

    Girl Gone Wild with Courtney Kocak

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with writer Courtney Kocak to discuss her powerful memoir Girl Gone Wild. Courtney opens up about her personal journey through exploitation, identity, and healing, offering an unfiltered look at the challenges of navigating societal expectations and reclaiming her voice. Together, they explore themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and self-discovery, as well as the transformative power of sharing your story. What We're Talking About... Courtney's 15-year journey of writing a memoir and the challenges of long-term storytellingExploring themes of exploitation, misogyny, and societal pressure on womenThe role of authenticity and vulnerability in powerful memoir writingHealing, self-discovery, and reclaiming your voice through personal storytelling Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Courtney Kocak 04:07 The Journey of Writing a Memoir 07:07 Exploring Personal Experiences and Growth 13:13 Cultural Reflections on Misogyny and Exploitation 16:40 Navigating Relationships and Personal Choices 19:28 Facing Judgment and Embracing Authenticity 22:39 Finding Love and Support 25:18 The Importance of Therapy and Healing 28:41 Conclusion and Future Aspirations Links Mentioned Order your copy of Girl Gone Wild: https://bookshop.org/p/books/girl-gone-wild-courtney-kocak/f3c06a53692352f1?ean=9781949487541&next=t Courtney Kocak's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneykocak/ Courtney Kocak's Substack: http://thebleeders.substack.com/welcome

    36 min
  6. Brian Reads with Brian Larson

    Mar 24

    Brian Reads with Brian Larson

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Brian Larson, author and host of Shelf Care Society, joins Michelle to discuss his journey to sobriety, the transformative power of books, and the meaningful conversations that have shaped his life. From discussing personal growth to interviewing global changemakers like Malala Yousafzai, Brian shares how authentic connections and storytelling can spark real social change. Tune in to explore how reading, resilience, and purpose-driven dialogue can impact lives and build a more connected world. What We're Talking About... Brian Larson’s sobriety journey and how recovery transformed his life and purposeThe story behind the Shelf Care Society podcast and book club focused on mental health and connectionKey insights from Brian’s conversation with Malala Yousafzai and her powerful memoirHow books can inspire personal growth, healing, and meaningful social change Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:18 The Launch of Shelf Care Society 15:38 Friendship with Malala Yousafzai 22:21 Navigating the Literary World 29:47 The Power of Books and Community 33:15 The Power of Books and Friendship Links Mentioned Listen to the Shelf Care Society Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6HWtG5eJ7emQ8iwjOVjpD0?si=481b3305352a44c2

    34 min
  7. Born and Razed with Beth Granger

    Mar 17

    Born and Razed with Beth Granger

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac speaks with author Beth Granger about her powerful memoir Born and Raised. Beth shares her harrowing 30-year experience living in a cult, her journey toward healing and recovery, and how she ultimately broke free from coercive control. Together, they discuss the warning signs of cult dynamics, the psychological impact of manipulation, and the importance of trusting your intuition. This conversation offers powerful insights into resilience, survival, and recognizing unhealthy power structures. What We're Talking About... How cults often present themselves as elite, successful institutions to attract and control membersThe role of family relationships and how cult environments deliberately dismantle family tiesWhy trusting your intuition can be a powerful tool for recognizing and escaping coercive controlThe long journey of cult recovery and the importance of patience, healing, and self-compassionThe need for vigilance in education systems to prevent manipulation, indoctrination, and abuse of power Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:28 Life in a Cult 07:26 The Impact of Cult Life 11:23 Family Dynamics and Separation 19:12 The Struggle to Speak Out 23:12 Advice for Cult Survivors 30:11 The Role of Support Systems 33:15 Reflections on Strength and Resilience 37:07 Education and Societal Concerns 40:44 Courage to Share: Beth's Story 41:13 Understanding and Empathy: The Importance of Connection Links Mentioned Beth Granger's Website: https://bethgranger.ca/ Beth Granger's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happygranger/ Beth Granger's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beth.gillisgranger/

    41 min
  8. Too Blessed To Stress with Alli Hoff Kosik

    Mar 10

    Too Blessed To Stress with Alli Hoff Kosik

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Michelle Glogovac interviews debut author about her novel Too Blessed to Stress, a sharp and timely exploration of influencer culture, church communities, and the impact of social media on modern faith. Ali shares the inspiration behind Too Blessed to Stress, her research into Christian influencer spaces, and how she crafted complex, relatable characters navigating ambition, belief, and online identity. The conversation dives into the pressures of curated perfection, performative faith, and the blurred lines between authenticity and branding in today’s digital world. If you're interested in books about influencer culture, social media satire, women in faith communities, or contemporary fiction exploring religion and identity, this episode offers thoughtful insights and behind-the-scenes perspective from a rising debut author. What We're Talking About... Faith and influencer culture: exploring Christianity in the age of social mediaThe research behind Too Blessed to Stress and writing authentic church communitiesCharacter development in contemporary Christian fictionSocial media’s impact on identity, authenticity, and online personasInfluencer branding, performative faith, and curated perfectionWriting nuanced, respectful social commentary about religion and modern cultureRepresentation of women navigating ambition, belief, and digital spaces Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:06 Overview of Too Blessed to Stress and Themes 03:58 Researching Religious Communities and Influencer Culture 06:59 Character Development and Representation 10:03 Social Media's Role in Shaping Identity 12:55 Nuance, Respect, and Satire in the Book 16:09 The Power of Online Personas and Secrets 19:06 Inspiration for Characters and Plot Elements 22:12 Upcoming Book 'People Please' and New Directions 23:50 Author's Journey and Future Plans 26:03 Closing Remarks and Where to Find the Book Links Mentioned Alli Hoff Kosik's Website: https://allihoffkosik.com Order Your Copy of Too Blessed to Stress: https://allihoffkosik.com/too-blessed-to-stress Alli Hoff Kosik's Upcoming Events: https://allihoffkosik.com/too-blessed-to-stress-events Alli Hoff Kosik's Substack: https://allihoffkosik.substack.com/?r=1frb8&utm_medium=web&utm_source=navbar Alli Hoff Kosik's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allihoffkosik

    29 min
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4.9
out of 5
86 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Glogovac
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    382
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Read The Damn Book

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