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. An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House with John Wrory Ficklin

    5D AGO

    An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House with John Wrory Ficklin

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author John Wrory Ficklin to discuss his memoir An Unusual Path, a powerful family history tracing his lineage from slavery to life inside the White House. John shares personal stories about growing up in the White House, his father’s decades-long career in presidential service, and the remarkable legacy of a family whose history intersects with American politics at the highest level. The conversation explores themes of generational resilience, government transparency, historical record-keeping, and the evolving role of technology in preserving presidential history. They also dive into the importance of family legacy, the untold stories of Black families in American institutions, and how music has shaped John’s identity and creative expression. This episode is a compelling look at American history, presidential history, memoir writing, and the enduring impact of family heritage. What We're Talking About... John Wrory Ficklin discusses his memoir An Unusual Path, which traces his family’s journey from slavery to life inside the White House.John Ficklin shares what it was like growing up in the White House and how that unique environment shaped his identity.His father served in the White House for 44 years, offering rare insight into presidential history and behind-the-scenes government service.The book weaves together personal stories across multiple generations, highlighting a powerful American family legacy.John’s family developed close relationships with several U.S. presidents, providing a firsthand perspective on leadership and history.He witnessed major historical events from inside one of America’s most iconic institutions.The episode explores how technology transformed record-keeping and archival preservation in the White House.Government transparency and public trust are discussed as essential pillars of American democracy.Music has been a lifelong sanctuary and creative outlet for John alongside his connection to public service.John’s journey reflects generational resilience, dedication, and the evolving story of Black history in America. Chapters 00:00 John Wrory Ficklin Introduction and Background 04:44 Growing Up in the White House 07:31 Career Journey at the National Security Council 10:33 Memorable Experiences and Relationships 13:36 The Impact of Technology on Record Keeping 17:02 Transparency and Declassification in Government 19:58 Personal Stories and Family Legacy 23:02 Music and Its Influence 25:43 Conclusion and Reflections 31:03 The Impact of 'An Unusual Path' Links Mentioned Order your copy of An Unusual Path: a...

    32 min
  2. Family Drama with Rebecca Fallon

    FEB 10

    Family Drama with Rebecca Fallon

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Rebecca Fallon to discuss her novel Family Drama. Rebecca shares the inspiration behind the book’s complex family relationships, the lasting influence of soap operas on her storytelling, and her personal journey as a writer navigating creativity, identity, and impending motherhood. The conversation explores character dynamics, emotional honesty in fiction, and how deeply personal experiences shape compelling narratives. What We're Talking About... Family Drama explores complex family relationships and emotional bonds within modern familiesSoap operas heavily influence the novel’s structure, pacing, and dramatic tensionAuthor Rebecca Fallon draws from personal experiences to create emotionally authentic storytellingThe character Tilly highlights the often-overlooked strength and complexity of stepmothersMotherhood plays a central role in Rebecca’s life and informs her perspective as a writerThemes of identity, selfhood, and belonging recur throughout the bookRebecca’s background in tech shaped her creative journey and approach to writingThe novel examines multifaceted relationship dynamics between family membersThe book’s ending leaves a lasting emotional impact on readersRebecca is currently working on a second novel focused on college friendships and evolving relationships Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:12 Themes of Family and Loss 06:53 The Role of Soap Operas 11:03 Rebecca's Journey to Writing 14:10 Exploring Identity and Womanhood 17:09 Character Relationships and Dynamics 21:17 Motherhood and Personal Reflections 23:42 Future Projects and Conclusion 29:19 The Emotional Journey of Family Drama 29:20 Exploring Themes of Love and Loss Links Mentioned Order your copy of Family Drama: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Family-Drama/Rebecca-Fallon/978166808947

    30 min
  3. We Were Never Friends with Kaira Rouda

    FEB 3

    We Were Never Friends with Kaira Rouda

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling author Kaira Rouda to discuss her latest psychological thriller, We Were Never Friends. Kaira introduces the idea of “popcorn thrillers”: fast-paced, entertaining reads designed to pull readers in while still exploring deeper themes. The conversation dives into Kaira’s writing process, the collaborative nature of storytelling, and how community engagement and social responsibility shape her work as an author. They also explore the role of escapism in fiction, why thrillers resonate with today’s readers, and what Kaira has planned for her future writing projects. What We're Talking About... Kaira Rouda discusses her latest psychological thriller, We Were Never Friends, and the inspiration behind the novel.The concept of a “popcorn thriller” is explored—fast-paced, escapist fiction that still delivers emotional depth and meaning.The Palm Springs setting plays a key role in shaping the mood, atmosphere, and tension of the story.The novel examines complex relationships among former sorority sisters, highlighting themes of friendship, rivalry, and secrets.Kaira shares insights into her writing process, with a strong focus on character development and motivation.Community engagement and social responsibility are central to Kaira Rouda’s work as an author.The episode explores why escapism in literature is essential for readers’ emotional well-being.Kaira explains how research and consulting professionals strengthen authenticity in her thrillers.The importance of collaboration in writing is discussed, including how it can enhance creativity and structure.Kaira reveals she is working on a new book with co-authors, offering a glimpse into upcoming projects.The conversation highlights the vital role of independent bookstores in supporting authors, readers, and local communities. Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Kaira Rouda 1:19 The Concept of Popcorn Thrillers 2:22 Setting and Characters 8:35 Kaira’s Writing Journey 12:13 Community Involvement and Impact 16:43 The Role of Research in Writing 23:02 Future Projects and Collaborations Links Mentioned Kaira Rouda's website: https://kairarouda.com

    32 min
  4. What Boys Learn with Andromeda Romano-Lax

    JAN 27

    What Boys Learn with Andromeda Romano-Lax

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Andromeda Romano-Lax to discuss her novel What Boys Learn. The conversation explores the cultural forces shaping boys today, the influence of motherhood, and how societal expectations impact masculinity and identity. Andromeda also shares insights into her writing process, her work as a book coach, and her transition between genres. Together, they examine the power of fiction and storytelling to illuminate contemporary social issues and spark meaningful conversations. What We're Talking About... Andromeda Romano-Lax is the author of seven books spanning multiple genres, including literary fiction, historical fiction, and thrillers.What Boys Learn examines the cultural and social forces shaping boys and young men today.The novel explores the influential role of mothers in their sons’ emotional development and identity formation.Andromeda’s writing process is deeply rooted in reflection on contemporary societal issues.Empathy is central to her approach to storytelling and character development.Her transition from historical fiction to thrillers was influenced by her pandemic-era reading habits.Andromeda works as a book coach, mentoring writers from diverse backgrounds and genres.Fiction can act as a release valve for societal tensions and unspoken anxieties.The impact of social media on young men and masculinity is a major concern discussed in the episode.Andromeda aims to write across multiple genres, using different storytelling forms to explore complex ideas. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Andromeda Romano-Lax 01:06 Exploring Themes in What Boys Learn 06:00 Cultural Influences and Social Media's Role 10:59 Character Dynamics and Story Development 16:51 Genre Exploration and Writing Process 21:08 Coaching Writers and the Importance of Stories 24:53 Reflections on Current Events and Literature's Role Links Mentioned Andromeda Roman-Lax's Instagram: @‌romanolax Order your copy of What Boys Learn: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-boys-learn-andromeda-romano-lax/1147241844

    26 min
  5. The Future Saints with Ashley Winstead

    JAN 20

    The Future Saints with Ashley Winstead

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Ashley Winstead to discuss her new novel, The Future Saints. Their conversation dives into themes of grief, healing, and resilience, tracing how the story shifted from a lighthearted rom-com into a profound exploration of loss and recovery. Ashley opens up about her creative process—crafting layered characters, moving between genres, and weaving in the importance of therapy as part of the narrative. They also explore her research into the music world, the emotional resonance she hopes to leave with readers, and a glimpse into what’s next on her writing horizon. What We're Talking About... Ashley Winstead's writing spans multiple genres, including romantic comedies and thrillers.The Future Saints explores themes of grief and recovery in a unique way.Ashley had to rewrite The Future Saints after experiencing personal loss.Character development is crucial for reader engagement and emotional connection.The book balances heavy topics with light-hearted moments.Therapy plays a significant role in the characters' journeys.Ashley aims to evoke strong emotions in her readers through her writing.Research into music and band dynamics informed the story's authenticity.Ashley is protective of her messy, complicated characters.Future projects include a follow-up to The Future Saints and a new thriller. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Publication Day 03:12 Exploring Genre Diversity in Writing 07:17 The Journey of 'The Future Saints' 11:07 Crafting Characters and Emotional Depth 16:21 Balancing Heavy Themes with Humor 18:40 The Importance of Therapy in Storytelling 21:42 Character Connections and Reader Emotions 23:38 Researching Music and Band Dynamics 29:40 Future Projects and Reader Engagement 34:32 Introduction to The Future Saints 34:56 Emotional Journey Through the Book Links Mentioned The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781668024669 Ashley Winstead’s Website https://www.ashleywinstead.com/

    35 min
  6. You Are Before The World with Tara Jaye Frank

    JAN 13

    You Are Before The World with Tara Jaye Frank

    In Episode 25 of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author, speaker, and leadership strategist Tara Jaye Frank to discuss her powerful book You Are Before the World. Tara opens up about her journey through motherhood, career evolution, and personal growth, exploring what it means to reclaim self-worth, set boundaries, and release the emotional labor often carried by helpers and caretakers. The conversation dives into Tara’s writing process, the importance of authentic connection, and how partnership and communication shape both personal relationships and leadership. Tara also shares insights into her upcoming documentary film, 92: The Silent Revolt, which examines the collective experience of Black women in the aftermath of the 2016 election and the ongoing fight for visibility, sovereignty, and systemic change. This episode is a compelling exploration of identity, leadership, and empowerment—encouraging listeners to prioritize themselves, honor their voices, and step fully into their power. What We're Talking About... You Are Before the World reinforces the importance of self-prioritization without guilt.True fulfillment comes not from what we do, but from what we place our trust in.Helpers and caregivers often carry the emotional burden of others’ expectations and perceptions.Cultivating self-worth is essential for mental health, leadership, and overall well-being.Writing and creative expression can be powerful tools for personal growth and transformation.Healthy partnerships are necessary to create balance in relationships, careers, and family life.Open and honest communication is critical for navigating challenges together.Reclaiming personal sovereignty is a vital act of self-care and boundary-setting.The documentary 92: The Silent Revolt explores the collective experience of Black women after the 2016 election.Burnout is harmful and must be acknowledged and addressed at both individual and community levels. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 05:51 Lessons from Maya Angelou 09:47 The Journey of Self-Discovery 13:53 Navigating Motherhood and Expectations 18:41 The Importance of Partnership 23:02 The Title and Theme of the Book 26:55 The 92 Project Film Discussion 31:31 The Power of Trust and Authenticity 32:01 Celebrating Black Women's Stories and Experiences Links Mentioned Tara Jaye Frank's website: http://www.tarajayefrank.com/books The 92 Project: https://www.ikoni.org/92-project

    32 min
  7. I Want to Dance in Pants with Jess Hernandez

    JAN 6

    I Want to Dance in Pants with Jess Hernandez

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with children’s author and activist Jess Hernandez to discuss her latest picture book, I Want to Dance in Pants. Jess explores the book’s playful yet powerful message about comfort, identity, and self-expression, and how these themes resonate with both children and parents. The conversation also dives into Jess’s work as an advocate for free speech and her opposition to book bans and censorship, highlighting why it’s critical to teach children to use their voices in today’s political and cultural climate. Jess shares how creativity and community engagement can drive meaningful change, even in challenging times, and offers a glimpse into her upcoming writing projects and the broader impact of her work. What We're Talking About... Jess Hernandez’s children’s book I Want to Dance in Pants addresses sensory processing disorder and encourages self-expression in kids.Allowing children to wear what makes them comfortable supports confidence, autonomy, and emotional well-being.Activism can take many forms, including writing children’s books, storytelling, and community engagement.Teaching children about democracy, free speech, and their rights is essential in today’s political climate.Small actions—such as writing postcards or speaking up locally—can create meaningful change.Community building plays a critical role in sustaining activism and mutual support.Creative expression, like sidewalk chalk messages and art, can be powerful tools for education and awareness.Jess Hernandez’s advocacy work is deeply personal and shaped by her family’s lived experiences.The publishing industry continues to face challenges, including book bans, censorship, and market uncertainty.Jess writes stories that help “reparent” her younger self while empowering the next generation of readers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jess Hernandez 03:22 The Story Behind 'I Want to Dance in Pants' 05:13 Navigating Sensory Processing and Parenting 11:27 Activism and Book Promotion in a Challenging Climate 17:21 Community Engagement and Local Activism 23:08 Creative Expression and Future Projects 29:49 Empowering Voices and Creative Expression 30:15 The Importance of Sharing Stories and Resources Links Mentioned Jess Hernandez's website: http://jesshernandezwrites.com

    31 min
  8. Children Like Us with Brittany Penner

    12/30/2025

    Children Like Us with Brittany Penner

    In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Brittany Penner, author of the powerful memoir Children Like Us. Brittany shares her personal story as an Indigenous child adopted during the Sixties Scoop, offering an intimate look at how displacement, identity, and intergenerational trauma shaped her life. Their conversation explores the complexities of family dynamics, motherhood, and belonging, as well as how Brittany’s upbringing influenced her journey to becoming a doctor. She also discusses the role of storytelling in healing, reclaiming Indigenous identity, and challenging systems that silence lived experience. This episode is a thoughtful discussion on resilience, self-discovery, and the power of memoir to reclaim one’s narrative. What We're Talking About... Children Like Us chronicles Brittany Penner’s experience as an Indigenous child affected by the Sixties Scoop.The Sixties Scoop resulted in profound loss of culture, identity, and community for Indigenous children across Canada.Brittany reflects on family instability and loss, and how these dynamics shaped her sense of belonging.Intergenerational trauma remains a deeply rooted and ongoing issue within Indigenous families and communities.Regular family gatherings did not always provide emotional stability or safety during Brittany’s childhood.Animals, particularly cats, offered comfort, consistency, and emotional connection during times of upheaval.Reconnecting with her biological family brought moments of joy alongside emotional complexity and healing.A compassionate physician inspired Brittany’s path to becoming a doctor, reshaping her relationship with care and trust.Motherhood prompted deeper reflection on her upbringing, identity, and cycles of trauma and healing.Brittany underscores the power of memoir and storytelling as tools for reclaiming identity and owning one’s narrative. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:54 The Impact of the 60s Scoop 05:33 Family Dynamics and Loss 08:49 Intergenerational Trauma 11:33 The Role of Pets in Healing 13:53 Reconnecting with Biological Family 16:39 Navigating Identity and Caretaking 21:06 Becoming a Doctor 24:06 Motherhood and New Beginnings 27:16 Supportive Relationships 30:43 Facing Naysayers 33:48 Reflections on Storytelling 36:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery 37:22 Courage in Sharing Personal Stories Links Mentioned Brittany Penner's website: https://brittanypenner.com

    38 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
    372
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Read The Damn Book