SHE WELL READ

Season 6 finale, Baddies! We wrap up Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez with reflections on legacy, growth, and the power of knowing where you come from. From conversations about Black womanhood and community to navigating change, purpose, and the end-of-year reset—we’re closing this chapter with gratitude! Plus, we share what’s ahead for 2026, how to stay connected through our Substack, Bookum cl...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 41–44 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and the emotional stakes are higher than ever. This week, we follow generations fighting for legacy, land, and love, as long-held secrets finally lead to moments of truth and restoration. We’re also chatting about friendship, indie book recs, and all the pop culture chaos that kept us laughing through it...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 37–40 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and the tension is building. In this episode, family loyalties are tested, the past comes knocking, and tough choices put legacy and belief to the ultimate test. We explore how history, rest, and resilience shape the women at the heart of this story — and what it really means to fight for what’s yours. Ne...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 33–36 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the stakes are sky-high. In this episode, four generations land under one roof, “land vs. family” collisions take center stage, and Wade’s rushed trial delivers a gut-punch verdict that threatens the Kingdom itself. We break down the courtroom power plays, the consequences of that fateful de...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 29–32 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the drama is drama-ing. In this episode, we talk family reunions, tough choices, and one wild cliffhanger you won’t see coming. We also share what we're watching, and drop some book and show recs you’ll want to add to your list. Whether you’re reading along or just here for the conversation,...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 25–28 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we dive into the return of William, Luella’s impossible choices, and the emotional fallout that leaves everyone questioning love, loyalty, and legacy. From shocking reunions to heartbreaking losses, this section takes us on a wild ride—and we have thoughts! Whether you’re reading along or...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 21–24 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we unpack Nikki’s discoveries about heirs’ property law, the heartbreaking history of Black land loss, and her tense confrontation with one of the Thomas brothers. Whether you’re reading along or just here for the conversation, grab your copy of Happy Land and tune in as we cross the halfw...

Hey well read baddies, surprise! This week we’re bringing you a powerful bonus episode in honor of Sexual Health Awareness Month. We sit down with journalist Regina Mahone and activist Renee Bracey Sherman, the brilliant co-authors of Liberating Abortion: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our Stories, and Building the Reproductive Future We Deserve. As the first book on the history of abortion written...

Hey Well Read Baddies! In this episode we’re diving into chapters 17–20 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Nikki uncovers the truth about her family’s land, we learn more about heirs’ property, and tensions rise as the Kingdom of Happy Land faces new threats. We also recap Birmingham’s “Behind the Ink” event with Kennedy Ryan and share a few of our latest reads. Whether you’re reading along or...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with Episode 4 of Season 6, diving into chapters 13–16 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. This week, Luella steps into leadership, Robert rises as king (and maybe something more…), and Nikki follows fresh clues with Miss Maddie Mae that bring family history into focus. Grab your copy of Happy Land and join our virtual book club on Bookum! 00:00 Intro 00:57 Chu...

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with Episode 3 of Season 6! This week we’re diving into chapters 9–12 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Whether you’re reading along or just tuning in for the tea, welcome in! Grab your copy of Happy Land, join our discussion on the Bookum app, and share your spoiler-free thoughts with us! 00:00 Intro 00:46 Church Announcements 02:50 Coffee Break 25:01 Get In...

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with Episode 2 of Season 6! This week we’re diving into chapters 5–8 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, exploring family rifts, community secrets, and the rise of the Kingdom of Happy Land. Whether you’re reading along or just tuning in for the tea, welcome in! Grab your copy of Happy Land, join our discussion on the Book’em app, and share your spoiler-free th...

Well Read Baddies, we’re back! Season 6 is officially here, and we’re starting strong with our seasonal book pick—Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this premiere episode, Lana and Sam break down chapters 1–4, unpacking family secrets, generational patterns, and the roots of the Kingdom of Happy Land. Whether you’re a returning listener or brand new to the club, welcome in! Grab your copy of H...

Hey well read baddies—it’s our last rewind episode before the brand new season drops on Wednesday, August 27th, and we’re closing it out with Lana’s favorite throwback from Season 4, Episode 3: Chaotically Functional! See y’all on 8/27 for Season 6! Register for our virtual event with the BWDIK Podcast and Author Danielle Allen: https://forms.gle/kgCZzezHCRvLodes9 We can’t wait to hear from you! :...

For Well Read Baddies who love books, pop culture, and everything in between. Best friends Lana and Sam are figuring out how to fit reading into their busy lives—and they know they’re not alone. That’s why they created a book club on the go: a seasonal podcast with bite-sized episodes where listeners vote on what they read each season. Whether you read all the time, once in a while, or are just pi...

Hey well read baddies! We’re kicking off our rewind series with Samra’s favorite episode from the vault: Season 3, Episode 11 — #TeamMindYoBizWhenItComesToBlackWomensHair. This one is personal, powerful, and still way too relevant. Register for our virtual event with the BWDIK Podcast and Author Danielle Allen: https://forms.gle/kgCZzezHCRvLodes9 We can’t wait to hear from you! :) Please send any...

Hey well read baddies! It’s the last bonus episode before we kick off rewind episodes—and we’ve got updates galore. We’re revealing our Season 6 book pick (Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez—our first historical fiction!), and announcing a special virtual book club collab with Chid from the But What Do I Know? podcast featuring author Danielle Allen. In Coffee Break, we’re talking Cowboy Carter to...

Hey Well Read Baddies! It’s our 6th anniversary (cue the tears) and we’re catching up on all the bookish tea and pop culture chaos. We’re talking Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour (and the heartbreak over 16 Carriages), I’m Glad My Mom Died getting an Apple TV series, and why billionaire weddings are giving Hunger Games energy. Plus, we’re sharing what we’ve been reading, what’s next for Season 6, and...

Hey well read baddies! It’s just the two of us this week, and we’re catching up on all the things—reading goals, reality TV rabbit holes, and what it means to truly read for joy. Lana’s deep in her Black romance era and crushing her 12-book goal, while Sam’s still recovering from the whirlwind that was the Black Romance Book Fest. Crispy vid reference- https://www.tiktok.com/@akorzen/video/7009659...

Hey well read baddies! Today we have a very special recap episode where we'll be talking all about our experience at the Inaugural Black Romance Book Festival! You'll also get the chance to hear some Q&A from some of the authors that were there (boy did they give us plenty of recs for our TBR- list on our bookshop)! MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! Tickets for next years festival go on sale August 15th and y...

Hey well read baddies! No new episode this week; HOWEVER, please make sure to go cast your vote for what book we'll be reading for season 6 of the podcast! Remember, it's all up to YOU! The deadline to vote is May 31st (stay tuned for the inevitable extension lol ;) ) so make sure to go make your choice and share with a friend! Also, if you're heading to the Black Romance Book Festival, come see u...

Hey well read baddies! This week, we're joined by fashion designer, influencer, and Birmingham’s own Olivia Anthony—founder of LIV Streetwear and co-creator of A Vibe Called Black, the all-Black, all-bold cultural celebration returning June 18. Recorded on Met Gala night, we dive into the theme of Black Dandyism and talk about how the Black community continues to set the tone, even when the mainst...

Hey well read baddies! It’s just the two of us this week, and we’re talking all things life lately. From the highs and lows of Coachella Weekend 1 (Megan! Gaga! Bernie??) to health journeys, spring cleaning, and shifting career vibes—we’re in our late twenties and feeling every minute of it. We’re also pulling back the curtain on what’s next for She Well Read. Spoiler: season 6 drops in August, an...

Hey well read baddies! In this minisode, we’re joined by Abigail Franks and Mareshah Malcom—the dynamic duo behind Climate Justice Y’all—for a conversation that flips the script on environmentalism as we know it. Together, we explore the real meaning of climate justice, how systemic inequality fuels the crisis, and why Southern communities are not just surviving but leading the charge. From eco-vi...

Hey well read baddies! She’s baaaaack! Dating and relationship expert, podcast host, and author Damona Hoffman returns for another #Black365 ep and for a much-needed update on love in the year 2025. A year after the release of her book F the Fairytale, Damona reflects on how dating has evolved—from the rise of AI-generated profiles and text traps, to the real reason we’re all scared of awkward pau...