Bibliophile Breakdown

What does it really take to open an independent bookstore? 📚 In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown , I sit down with Josh, the owner of Mad Red Books in Las Vegas, to talk about turning a bookstore dream into reality. Josh shares the story behind opening Mad Red Books on July 4, 2025, the challenges of building an independent bookstore, and how community support helped create a space where rea...

What happens when the pursuit of becoming “better” turns into a battle with yourself? In this episode of Bibliophile Breakdown , I’m joined by author Luke Dumas to discuss his novel Nothing Tastes as Good — a dark and thought-provoking exploration of body horror, weight loss, societal expectations, and the complicated relationship we have with our bodies. Luke dives deeper into the emotional and p...

Meet Susan Bennett, a talented narrator with a portfolio boasting over 200 titles, including a variety of genres, from horror to romance. In this episode, we’ll explore her journey into voice acting, the insights she gained along the way, and what it means to be a part of the audiobook revolution by giving life to a beloved horror title, Mary by Nat Cassidy. You can follow Susan at her instagram h...

I chat with Jamie, owner of The Rogue Bookshop , about the journey of opening an independent bookstore, the challenges and rewards, and the importance of community and storytelling in the book world. Make sure not to not just follow on social media but check out their website !

Join us as we explore Shay Knudsen's journey from a passionate reader to a published author of the psychological thriller 'Try to Keep Up'. Discover her creative process, character development, and insights into mental health representation in fiction.   To keep up with Shay, visit her website .

Join us as we delve into the mind of horror author Clay McLeod Chapman , exploring his creative process, the themes in his books, and his thoughts on the evolution of horror as a genre. Discover behind-the-scenes insights and get a sneak peek at his upcoming projects. Stay in the know by following his website here .

In this engaging interview, Brooke , a licensed clinical psychologist and avid reader, shares her insights on how books can be powerful tools for mental health awareness, chronic illness visibility, and trauma processing. Discover her favorite series, the importance of representation in fiction, and practical tips for integrating reading into self-care routines.

Suzy and I talk to Tatiana Schlote-Bonne , author of The Mean Ones, Such Lovely Skin, and What Feeds Below (coming out in October). Tatiana gives us some insight into her creative process behind the horror books we love. Also, we break down her inspirations, character development, and the themes of capitalism and human resilience. If you have not already pre-ordered What Feeds Below, I take that p...

I’m joined by Kylee , one of the funniest and most creative voices on Bookstagram, whose reels always capture the exact chaos of being a reader. We talk about her range across genres, her deep love for Throne of Glass , and some honest takes on book reviews and the expectations around them. At the end of the day, though, we’re both strong believers in slowing down, ignoring the pressure, and actua...

In this episode, Ellis Hart and I talk about The House That Held Her , Ellis’s debut thriller that blends a cryptic story with a genuine Florida setting. We explore the layered friendship between Margo and Shannon, and how themes of trust and betrayal drive the story forward. Ellis also shares the inspiration behind the book, and we dive into a timely conversation about the role of AI in the book...

Dark romance can feel a little intimidating, especially if you're like me and don’t typically gravitate toward romance. Luckily, this week I'm joined by Shelby to help me understand it all. She patiently answers all my questions and helps me understand how it balances taboo, danger, and an emotional depth that is outside your standard romance genre. Whether you're already familiar to the dark roma...

Kay (spooky_bookworm) and I dive into her journey into horror and how she joined Bookstagram, while also talking about the rise of horror across books and media lately. We share some beginner to veteran horror recommendations, and chat about some of our favorite authors and people on bookstagram. Follow Kay on Instagram here !

Jo (aka honkifyouread ) is back on Bibliophile Breakdown, and this time we’re diving into Maeve Fly, the book she recommended in her last episode that I finally read and now have so much to process. Consider this your official warning: this episode is full of spoilers and absolutely not for the faint of heart.

I’m joined by Chelsea, a passionate reader, mom, and content creator as we dive into her journey from loving books to becoming part of the online book community through BookTok and Bookstagram. We talk about how social media has shaped modern book communities, the reality of balancing motherhood with content creation, and the genres and series she loves recommending most. Follow Chelsea ( chelseas...

I had to bring on my girl Katie (aka  katiereads_smut ) on this one because my romantasy knowledge is a little rusty. So she’s here to help me out because today’s guest is voice over artist Anthony Palmini. Anthony is the voice behind some of book social media’s favorite characters, including Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses and Kingfisher from Quicksilver and Brimstone. But that's not all...

Today on Bibliophile Breakdown, I’m joined by author H. Lee Justine to discuss her debut novel You Watched In Silence. It was one of my top reads from 2025. We talk about the inspiration behind the story, dive into character motivations, and unpack the symbolism woven throughout the book. Lee also shares what readers can look forward to next in her writing. Our conversation also explores the incre...

Today we talk to Emily (AKA emilygwynreads on Instagram and TikTok ) who is lifelong reader to talk about growing up in a book-loving family and finding home in epic worlds and complicated love stories. From her devotion to The Raven Cycle to unpacking why fantasy deserves more literary credit, Emily dives into character depth, the rise (and side-eyes) of dark romance, and how romance as a genre i...

Today we talk to Jordyn (AKA shelfcare_jp ) and how she loves connecting books across genres instead of keeping them separate. Her Bookstagram blends thoughtful recommendations with carefully styled photography, using natural light and editing apps to elevate her content. We reflect on the mixed impact of adaptations, question authenticity in the rise of AI writing, and appreciate the pull of nost...

In this episode, Tay (aka paperbackandbookstacks ) opens up about how her love of horror isn’t just a genre preference. It's a reflection of her bold, curious, and unfiltered personality. She shares how reading became an escape during a challenging childhood and how that foundation shaped the way she shows up on Bookstagram today, where community and authenticity matter more than aesthetics. We ta...

Hey Bibliophiles, today we are breaking it down with Rob, AKA, theromancerolodex's husband. You may have seen him before on reels promoting affirmations for romance reader's husbands. If you haven't, go check out his reels with Mandy . We break down his reading journey and what he’s into now. We talk about life as the husband of a proudly romance-and-spice-loving wife, his take on the “romance giv...

Hey Bibliophiles! Today, Madelene AKA madelenes.library is helping us break it down! Madelene catches me up on the heart and impact of the Boys of Tommen series, and why it resonates so deeply. For her, it’s not the fact it's a romance that makes it so special, it’s a space where readers can process trauma and feel understood. Even though horror isn’t her thing, she appreciated my breakdown of Ten...

Hey Bibliophiles! Today we break it down with Katie AKA katiereads_smut. By using her passion, bold opinions, and amazing sense of humor, she gives us an insight to her falling for the romance genre and how she will not take any criticism. 🚨 SPOILER WARNING FOR THE EVERLASTING 🚨 Katie lovingly encouraged me to try fantasy with The Everlasting, and I have officially fallen head over heels. I save...

Hey Bibliophiles! Today AJ (AKA creepin.it .thrill) is coming back on the pod to help me emotionally digest the book she lovingly, aggressively made me read. Goodreads 2025 Horror winner, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls. This episode is extremely spoiler heavy, so please consider this your warning. We talk about the reality that Grady Hendrix, a man, somehow manages to write women with nuance, rage,...

Hey Bibliophiles! Today we are talking to Nicollette aka Nicollette_Garcia, follow her on Instagram ! Today we breakdown: • Nicollette is fiercely committed to keeping her bookstagram a free space. This means it's a place where she can speak honestly, thoughtfully, and unapologetically, even when current events make things uncomfortable. • We talked about how books can be powerful bridges to under...

Hey Bibliophiles, today we are breaking it down with Emily AKA exponentiallyemily. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok . To pre-order Dinos Don't Drink Coffee, click here ! Today we discuss: • Her top 5 series for you to get to know her best. • Throne of Glass supremacy and what that series has meant to her as a reader, a fantasy fan, and a fully formed human being. • A very necessary conversation...