Read The Damn Book

In this episode of Read the Damn Book , host Michelle Glogovac opens up about her current reading challenges and shares a fall TBR list packed with suspense novels, memoirs, and self-help books. Michelle dives into the themes of each title, reflecting on how they inspire personal growth, self-discovery, and community connection. Whether you’re looking for book recommendations, curious about how to...

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 conver...

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 cand...

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...

Join host Michelle Glogovac on Read The Damn Book as she sits down with award-winning author Winnie M. Li to discuss her powerful new novel, What We Left Unsaid . In this thought-provoking conversation, Michelle and Winnie explore family dynamics, immigration stories, and the complexities of sibling relationships that shape identity. Winnie opens up about the personal experiences and cross-country...

n this episode of Read The Damn Book , Michelle Glogovac sits down with award-winning author Cleyvis Natera to dive into her latest novel, The Grand Paloma Resort . This powerful conversation explores themes of immigration, class privilege, and cultural identity , all wrapped in a gripping story that’s been compared to White Lotus for its sharp social commentary and unforgettable characters. Cleyv...

In this episode, activist and author Ruchira Gupta talks about her powerful book The Freedom Seeker , which follows the inspiring journey of a young girl navigating migration and overcoming immense challenges. Gupta, a renowned advocate against human trafficking, shares her real-life experiences fighting to end exploitation and her vision of a world where no human being is ever bought or sold. Thi...

In this episode, Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Charlotte Otter to explore the urgent call for a new kind of leadership—one rooted in authenticity, diversity, and human connection. Drawing from her book We Need New Leaders , Charlotte breaks down the essential skills modern leaders must embrace, including reputation management, intentional communication, and the strategic use of social me...

In this episode of Booked & Unfiltered , Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith tackle a hot-button topic in the literary world: Are audiobooks real reading? (Spoiler alert: Yes, they are.) They break down the outdated stigma around audiobooks and make the case for why listening counts—especially in a fast-paced world where accessibility matters. From the power of a great narrator to the free...

In this sharp and thought-provoking conversation, Jo Piazza dives into her new novel, Everyone Is Lying To You , a bold takedown of the tradwife trend and toxic influencer culture. She unpacks the power of storytelling as a tool for cultural critique, challenging the curated, unrealistic portrayals of women’s lives online. The episode explores themes of agency, gender roles, and the societal press...

In this heartfelt episode of My Simplified Life , hosts Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith explore how books shape our dreams, healing, and personal growth. From their fantasy of summering in beautiful places to their deep love for fiction and memoirs, Michelle and Steph dive into how literature provides both escape and emotional insight. They highlight the works of bestselling author Car...

In this gripping episode, Michelle Glogovac sits down with acclaimed author Clémence Michallon to discuss her new psychological thriller, Our Last Resort . They dive into the art of writing crime fiction, how Clémence’s journalism background shapes her storytelling, and the chilling appeal of cults, suspense, and isolated settings. Clémence offers a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process,...

In this urgent conversation, Congressman Eric Swalwell breaks down what’s at stake with the so-called “Big Fugly Bill” currently making its way through Congress. He exposes the real consequences—skyrocketing healthcare and energy costs, corporate giveaways, and devastating impacts on everyday Americans. Swalwell makes it clear: this bill is wildly unpopular for a reason. He calls on all of us to s...

In this episode of Booked & Unfiltered , Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith dive into the unspoken pressure readers face in a world obsessed with speed and quantity. From the guilt of not finishing a book (DNF) to the blurred lines between genuine reviews and influencer content, they unpack how hustle culture is infiltrating the literary world. Michelle and Steph get real about balancing...

In this episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac sits down with bestselling author Brooke Lea Foster to discuss her latest novel, Our Last Vineyard Summer . Brooke dives into the world of historical beach fiction, sharing how real-life inspirations, women's experiences, and personal growth shape her storytelling. She opens up about her transition from journalism to fiction, the creat...

Senator Cory Booker joins the show to break down the real-world consequences of a controversial bill making its way through Congress. He calls out the massive wealth transfer from working-class Americans to the ultra-wealthy, the looming threat of widespread job losses, and the deep moral failures embedded in the legislation. Senator Booker makes an urgent case for activism, stressing that democra...

In this episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Malynda Hale — singer, songwriter, podcast host, activist, and advocate — for a powerful conversation on using your voice to create meaningful change. Malynda opens up about the importance of speaking out on social justice issues, how collective empathy can drive progress, and the realities of facing online criticism as...

In this episode of Booked & Unfiltered , Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith unpack the latest controversy surrounding bestselling author Ali Hazelwood and the harsh realities of online book discourse. They dive into the complexities of fandom culture, the rise of performative outrage, and how bullying masked as “critique” is eroding empathy in the book community. Michelle and Steph share...

In this episode of My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Jessica Berger Gross to discuss her powerful debut novel, Hazel Says No . Together, they dive into the emotional layers of the story—exploring family dynamics, personal identity, and the complexities of motherhood. Jessica opens up about her transition from memoir to fiction, how her life in Maine inspires her sto...

In this inspiring episode of My Simplified Life , Michelle Glogovac sits down with Kate Barr, behavioral scientist turned political candidate and founder of the Can't Win Victory Fund. Kate opens up about what it’s like to run for office in a heavily gerrymandered, unwinnable district—and why she did it anyway. She shares insights into the real impact of gerrymandering on democracy, the innovative...

In this thought-provoking episode of  My Simplified Life , Michelle Glogovac and co-host Stephanie Hockersmith (aka Pie Lady Books) dive deep into the world of book influencing, shining a light on what integrity and authenticity really mean in today’s crowded literary landscape. From spotting trustworthy book influencers to discussing the true impact of genuine engagement, Michelle and Steph unpac...

In this episode of  My Simplified Life , host Michelle Glogovac interviews Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action and author of Fired Up: A Story of Resilience & the Power of Community . Shannon shares her inspiring journey from stay-at-home mom to national leader in the gun violence prevention movement. They dive into the founding of Moms Demand Action, the ongoing fight for gun safety legi...

In this urgent conversation, Senator Cory Booker joins me to address the shocking detainment of Senator Alex Padilla. Senator Booker shares his unfiltered reaction, why this moment should alarm every American, and calls on his Republican colleagues to step up and defend democracy. We also discuss the responsibility we all share as citizens to stay engaged, push back against authoritarian tactics,...

In this episode of PERSIST. Voices , Michelle Glogovac sits down with Erika Lucas, entrepreneur, immigrant advocate, and founder of StitchCrew, to talk about the realities women face when stepping away from corporate America to build something better. Erika shares her personal journey from the boardroom to nonprofit leadership, highlighting the funding gap for women of color, the healthcare hurdle...

In this episode of My Simplified Life , hosts Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith dive into their top summer reading picks while tackling a deeper conversation around authenticity in the book world. They explore how financial incentives can impact book recommendations, calling for more integrity and transparency in literary influence. Michelle and Stephanie unpack the rise of FOMO and impo...