B******t and Books

Indie Authors, Kayla Keller and Tiffany Persails

Welcome to Bullsh*t and Books, the podcast where two authors prove that no conversation ever stays on topic. We come for the books, but somehow end up talking about writing, publishing, plot twists, terrible first drafts, life, pop culture, embarrassing stories, and whatever random rabbit hole we fall into that week. Whether you're an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or just here for the laughs, pull up a chair and join the chaos. Expect honest conversations, unfiltered opinions, and plenty of b******t, with a little bit of books sprinkled in.

Episodes

  1. Sep 30

    Chapter Five: Workouts, Moon Magic, and Embracing Life's Chaos

    Holy sh*t we're on episode five already!? In this week’s chat, Kayla and Tiffany dive into the delightful chaos of everyday life, from fitness struggles to magical moon rituals. A Different Approach: Today’s discussion takes a turn as they encourage fellow indie authors to suggest their books for review. Kayla emphasizes the importance of supporting one another in a landscape dominated by big publishers. "We want to help all the little guys," Tiffany states, highlighting their commitment to feature indie voices. If you’re an indie author looking for a platform, reach out with your book suggestions. Kayla and Tiffany are eager to explore your stories and share them with their audience. Moon Rituals and Manifestation: As the conversation flows, Kayla reflects on her connection with the moon and the practice of manifestation. "Do I believe in magic? Not to the extent of fairy tales... But manifestation is huge," she shares. They both agree on the significance of having something to believe in, as Tiffany quips about sending messages to Taylor Swift for encouragement. "I feel like that's normal. I don't know, maybe it's not," she laughs, emphasizing the personal connections we create with public figures. Reunions and Best Friends: The episode takes a heartwarming turn as Tiffany recounts a recent surprise reunion with her childhood best friend at a book event. "I literally yelled out like, Holy shit, because she looks the exact same," she exclaims, expressing her excitement. It’s a reminder of the joy and nostalgia that friendships bring into our lives. As the discussion wraps up, Kayla and Tiffany invite listeners to reflect on their own lives, the chaos and beauty it entails, and the bonds that ground us. Every episode is a reminder that amidst the technical difficulties and life’s unpredictability, we find connection, strength, and laughter.

  2. Sep 16

    Chapter Three: Life's Like a Hernia, a Pain in the Side.

    Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and in this episode, Kayla shares her recent hospital adventure after a hernia scare. Is there other b******t? Absolutely.The Unexpected Hospital Stay:Kayla recounts an incident that began with a heavy desk and ended in an unexpected trip to the hospital. After years of managing a hernia, a sudden pop led to nausea and pain that couldn't be ignored. "I told my husband, 'This is not normal,'" she reflects, signaling a shift from pushing through discomfort to seeking help.The Hospital Experience:Despite her initial reluctance to take pain medication, Kayla eventually found herself in need of assistance. "I almost threw up," she admits while recalling the struggle of getting her hernia reduced. The surgery team was hesitant, but Kayla's persistence led to the necessary care she needed. Her humor shines through even in pain, reminding us of the importance of laughter during tough times. Surgery and Recovery:After a long wait, Kayla underwent surgery, which turned out to be more complicated than expected. "This was the worst surgery I've ever had in my time," she shares, acknowledging the challenges of recovery. Though the road was tough, she expresses gratitude for the care she received and the support from her husband. "You take care of everyone else all the time; let someone else take care of you for once," he reminded her, a poignant moment that many can relate to. Reflections on Life and Healing:Kayla's journey teaches us about the balance of resilience and vulnerability. Life's setbacks can be daunting, but sharing these experiences can lighten the load. As she recovers, she finds strength in her story, reminding us that it's okay to lean on others when we need to. Tune in to the full episode for more laughs and insights as Kayla navigates her recovery journey, and remember to take care of yourself — the world needs you in it!

  3. Aug 31

    Chapter Two: Embracing the Chaos of Creativity

    You came back! We have missed you! As always, there IS chaos. Welcome to Chapter Two! Let's break it down a little; Almost Choked... On Life:Kayla starts off with an amusing tale of almost choking on her favorite drink, the Olipop. “Every time I coughed, I got a taste of the root beer.” The Inspiration Behind Writing: The duo explores how they both became authors. Kayla humorously admits, "I copied you. It sounded fun and I had ideas." In response, Tiffany reflects on her own journey, saying, "I have like a bucket list thing, right? And bucket list says do things that you're uncomfortable doing." Creative Updates: Tiffany shares exciting news about finally putting words to paper after a lengthy dry spell. She reveals, "I’ve got an entire chapter done and I actually went through it a couple of times and put in a lot of really good detail." They both celebrate their small victories in writing, emphasizing the importance of taking the time to create. Meanwhile, Kayla discusses stepping away from her second book to focus on a standalone novel, sharing the challenges of juggling promotion and writing as an indie author. "As an indie author, you promote everything yourself… it’s a lot," she says, echoing the sentiments of many in the indie writing community. A Glimpse Into Their Lives: Their conversation is peppered with humor and authenticity, from cat antics disrupting recording sessions to discussions about bucket lists that include both the serious and the ridiculous. Kayla jokingly notes, "If we go based off my husband’s bucket list, I gotta do a*al and I’m not doing that." In the end, Tiffany and Kayla invite listeners to embrace the chaos of creativity, reminding us that the journey is often just as entertaining as the final product. Join Tiffany and Kayla in their next episode as they continue to navigate the ups and downs of writing and life. Their conversations are a refreshing reminder of the joy and silliness that can be found in the creative process.

  4. Aug 24

    Chapter One: The Pilot

    It's finally alive! Bullsh*t and Books episode one is here! A long time coming, but it's done *kinda*. All the banter, all the b******t, minimal books. The Birth of a Podcast Tiffany and Kayla introduce themselves and the premise behind their podcast. After much laughter and some puppy interruptions, they reflect on the idea that spurred them to start this journey: their husbands suggested they share their humorous banter with the world. "If you think it, there's probably a kink out there," Kayla says, hinting at the wide array of topics they'll cover. Self-Publishing: A Journey Worth Taking One of the key topics they delve into is the experience of self-publishing. "It's a journey, but you can do it. It is so rewarding," Kayla emphasizes, encouraging listeners who have ever thought about publishing their own work. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding self-publishing and how anyone can be an author, regardless of the obstacles. "The sky's the limit, right? But no, it's really not. The limit is what you put, what you let yourself do," Tiffany shares, highlighting that many people hold themselves back from pursuing their passions. Embracing the Chaos Throughout the episode, Tiffany and Kayla emphasize the importance of laughter and authenticity in their lives. "If I can make someone laugh when they're not feeling life, then I am doing the damn thing," Kayla states, showcasing their belief that humor can be a powerful coping mechanism. What chaos has K and T unleashed this go around? Something about a frog, possible burglary, and a few would you rather's? Join in on the b******t!

About

Welcome to Bullsh*t and Books, the podcast where two authors prove that no conversation ever stays on topic. We come for the books, but somehow end up talking about writing, publishing, plot twists, terrible first drafts, life, pop culture, embarrassing stories, and whatever random rabbit hole we fall into that week. Whether you're an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or just here for the laughs, pull up a chair and join the chaos. Expect honest conversations, unfiltered opinions, and plenty of b******t, with a little bit of books sprinkled in.