The Ritual of Reading Podcast

Alexandra Poppy
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Ritual of Reading Podcast is a haven for book lovers, where literature and lifestyle merge in a cozy, immersive experience. Each episode offers thoughtful book reviews, reflections, and conversations that tie the stories to real-life moments, all set against atmospheric soundscapes that transport you to the heart of the narrative. In addition to literary discussions, this podcast weaves in lifestyle content inspired by the themes and emotions of the books—perfect for those who want to create a deeper connection between the stories they read and the life they lead.

  1. 6D AGO

    French Savoir-Vivre: The Etiquette That Survived the Guillotine

    Why do the French ignore you when you sneeze? In this episode, we cross the Channel to explore the "Savoir-Vivre"—the sophisticated, sometimes baffling world of French manners. From the official Republican protocol of Jacques Gandouin to the modern "self-care" approach of Le Petit Larousse, we’re deconstructing how a country that decapitated its monarchy managed to save its elegance. In this episode: The Sneeze Paradox: Why acknowledging a bodily function is "indelicat." Tu vs. Vous: Navigating the linguistic minefield of respect. The Flower Faux Pas: Why you should never bring a bouquet to a dinner party. Republican Elegance: How the Revolution democratized courtesy for every citizen. Part III of the "Art of Living Among Others" series. Hosted by Alexandra Poppy at theritualofreading.com

    16 min

  2. FEB 8

    Why Manners Still Matter: From 1920s Rules to Digital Etiquette

    Is etiquette a tool for exclusion, or the secret to social harmony? Join me as we journey through 100 years of American and English manners—from the rigid social blueprints of the 1920s to the digital etiquette of today.In this episode of "The Art of Living Among Others" series, we dive into the fascinating evolution of British and American etiquette. We explore three iconic voices: the "architecture" of Emily Post, the "inner work" of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the witty, modern reclamation of manners by William Hanson. Whether you're curious about the history of social graces or looking for practical advice on navigating modern life, this deep dive reveals what courtesy actually says about the societies we build.What you’ll learn in this episode:- The surprising "scandalous" history of Emily Post and her vision of "Best Society."- Why Eleanor Roosevelt believed manners were a form of psychological character building.- How William Hanson (the "clinking glasses" guy) is making etiquette relevant for the Instagram age.- The key cultural differences between UK and US social standards.Connect with the Series: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a comment below! Do you think manners still matter, or are they a relic of the past?Read the full article series here: https://theritualofreading.com/modern-etiquette-and-literature/📚 The Reading List:Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home by Emily PostBuy here : https://tidd.ly/3Mx4ob3 Book of Common Sense Etiquette by Eleanor RooseveltBuy here : https://tidd.ly/4klw0wgJust Good Manners: The Essential Modern Guide by William HansonBuy here : https://tidd.ly/4r58LckMy Policy on Affiliate Links : https://theritualofreading.com/affiliate-policy/CONNECT WITH MEWebsite: ⁠https://theritualofreading.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ Substack: ⁠https://theritualofreading.substack.com⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ SUPPORT MY WORKIf you value this free content, you can support me on Ko-Fi. Every contribution makes it possible to continue sharing these literary reflections.https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading

    20 min

  3. FEB 1

    In Defense of Good Manners: Why Etiquette Is a Form of Modern Freedom

    In this February Literary Mood Board on The Ritual of Reading Podcast, I explore the art of good manners — not as a relic of the past, but as a foundation for modern freedom. Drawing on four books that shaped my thinking — The Downton Abbey Rules for Household Staff, Kazuo Ishiguro’s "The Remains of the Day", Baltasar Gracián’s "The Art of Worldly Wisdom" and Thackeray’s "Vanity Fair" — I reflect on how etiquette elevates character, cultivates dignity and shapes the way we inhabit the world together. From airport queues to quiet acts of consideration, this is a gentle manifesto for living with care, respect and humanity in our fractured age.READ ALONG WITH METhe Downton Abbey Rules for Household Staff : https://tidd.ly/49QcapoKazuo Ishiguro, "The Remains of the Day" : https://tidd.ly/45FyI9SBaltasar Gracián, "The Art of Worldly Wisdom" : https://tidd.ly/4aqHz1SWilliam Makepeace Thackeray, "Vanity Fair" : https://tidd.ly/3Mafu5wMy Policy on Affiliate Links : https://theritualofreading.com/affiliate-policy/CONNECT WITH MEWebsite: ⁠https://theritualofreading.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ Substack: ⁠https://theritualofreading.substack.com⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ SUPPORT MY WORKIf you value this free content, you can support me on Ko-Fi. Every contribution makes it possible to continue sharing these literary reflections.https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading

    17 min

  4. JAN 4

    A Gentle January & The Art of Literary Self-Care

    Welcome to Season 2 of The Ritual of Reading. In this episode, Alexandra explores the "Gentle January" philosophy. We discuss: The serendipity of Marguerite Yourcenar and Emmanuelle Favier. Travel memoirs and Russian mysteries with Lesley Blanch. Winter nourishment through Ayurvedic beetroot soup (get the recipe here) The ritual of the Gratitude Journal. Featured Books: 'Petit éloge du feu de cheminée' by Emmanuelle Favier 'Journey into the Mind's Eye' by Lesley Blanch Buy your copy here : https://tidd.ly/45tcrvL My Policy on Affiliate Links : https://theritualofreading.com/affiliate-policy/ Connect with me: Website: ⁠https://theritualofreading.com⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠  Pinterest: ⁠https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠  Support me on Ko-Fi : https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading

    20 min

  5. 11/16/2025

    A Woman Alone in Paris: Lessons from French Writers in Embracing Solitude

    Have you ever hesitated to go somewhere alone? This episode is about reclaiming solitude as something precious rather than something to apologize for. I take you through my favorite Paris destinations for being deliberately, deliciously alone—a hidden museum, an ice cream parlour, and a tennis stadium—while sharing what French writers have taught me about the courage it takes to disappoint expectations and embrace your own company. A love letter to solitude, Paris, and the freedom of being alone. Connect with me: Website: ⁠https://theritualofreading.com⁠  Substack: ⁠https://theritualofreading.substack.com⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠  Pinterest: ⁠https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠  Support me on Ko-Fi : https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading

    25 min

  6. 11/09/2025

    The Women Who Wrote Paris: 5 French Female Authors You Need to Read

    Welcome to The Ritual of Reading podcast.This episode is an invitation to walk through Paris in the company of five remarkable women who refused to wait for permission to write. From George Sand’s countryside tenderness to Simone de Beauvoir’s fierce intellect, from Françoise Sagan’s smoky Parisian nights to Muriel Barbery’s lyrical prose and Clara Dupont-Monod’s historical vision—each of these authors claimed her voice in a culture that didn’t always make space for her. We’ll explore how they lived, what they wrote, and why their words still matter. These are the women who shaped French literature not as muses or footnotes, but as creators in their own right—writing Paris into being, one page at a time. Pour yourself a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s meet the women who wrote Paris. Connect with me: Website: ⁠https://theritualofreading.com⁠ Substack: ⁠https://theritualofreading.substack.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ Support me on Ko-Fi : https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading

    25 min

  7. 11/02/2025

    November Literary Mood Board: It's a Woman's Paris

    November wraps Paris in wool and rain, and this month we're celebrating the women who wrote this city into being. After a month devoted to French classic authors—all men, as it happens—I'm turning to feminine voices, both contemporary and timeless. I share three very different reads for November: Lucy Foley's dark, addictive The Paris Apartment, Nina George's healing Little Paris Bookshop, and Tatiana de Rosnay's atmospheric The Rain Watcher. We explore the essentials of Parisian feminine style—red lipstick as armour, signature scents that announce rather than whisper, and the scarf as the city's greatest fashion statement. There's a playlist of French feminine voices to transport you to a rainy café, and an intimate evening ritual: writing a letter to your younger self, not as a pep talk, but as an honest reckoning with the path that brought you here. Join me as we honour the women writers who claimed Paris as their own, one deliberate page at a time. Episode includes: Three contemporary novels set in Paris by female authorsA curated playlist of French feminine voices (listen here)My three Parisian style essentials (and why they matter)An evening ritual for November: letters to the self Stay in touch Website: ⁠https://theritualofreading.com⁠ Substack: ⁠https://theritualofreading.substack.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ Support me on Ko-Fi : https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading

    20 min

  8. 10/19/2025

    Shopping in Paris: A Book Walk with Émile Zola

    For years, I thought Émile Zola's writing was too dark for me. But this autumn, revisiting The Ladies' Paradise (Au Bonheur des Dames) completely changed how I see something as ordinary as shopping in my city. Join me on a literary walk through Paris as I explore the grand department stores that inspired Zola's masterpiece—Le Bon Marché, Galeries Lafayette, and Printemps—and discover the fabric shops of Montmartre that still hold the magic of the 19th century. In this video, we'll explore: The history of Parisian department stores and their architectural grandeurHow Zola spent a year researching Le Bon Marché before writing the novelThe psychology of desire and shopping that Zola understood over 150 years agoThe textile shops of Montmartre and the beauty of quality craftsmanshipWhy this classic novel feels surprisingly contemporary Subscribe to follow along with future Book Walks, and let me know in the comments: What classic have you rediscovered with fresh eyes? 📖 My Parisian Reading Rituals : Discover my favorite hidden corners of Paris for reading, pausing, and daydreaming. Download your free guide here : https://theritualofreading.com/my-parisian-reading-rituals/ 🔖Connect with me: Website: ⁠https://theritualofreading.com⁠ Substack: ⁠https://theritualofreading.substack.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://fr.pinterest.com/ritual_of_reading/⁠ 💌 Support me on Ko-Fi : https://ko-fi.com/theritualofreading

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Ritual of Reading Podcast is a haven for book lovers, where literature and lifestyle merge in a cozy, immersive experience. Each episode offers thoughtful book reviews, reflections, and conversations that tie the stories to real-life moments, all set against atmospheric soundscapes that transport you to the heart of the narrative. In addition to literary discussions, this podcast weaves in lifestyle content inspired by the themes and emotions of the books—perfect for those who want to create a deeper connection between the stories they read and the life they lead.

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