SHE WELL READ

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we give all of our usual life updates including what we're reading of course. HOWEVER, we also announce The Publishing Journeys Grant giveaway partnership with Gatekeeper Press Publishing where we're helping an aspiring author get their book published!! Y'all this is a huge moment in our show's history and we are so honored to be...

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we talk all about our time at Black Romance Book Festival aka BRBF attending as one of the podcast partners and let's just say a time was had! We had a ball getting to connect with everyone and being able to interview the various authors and narrators you'll hear from in the episode. Special shoutout to the entire BRBF team, you a...

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another solo bonus episode! Today we give you all of our updates including what we're consuming media wise, book updates, and prepping for Black Romance Book Festival! Tap in then leave us a voice note and let us know your updates :) Follow Lana on Tik Tok for her giveaway! Check your voter registration status and ballots! We can’t wait to hear from you! :) P...

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we’re ridin solo with no guests this week! We update y'all on all the things going on in our lives right now, what we've been reading/ getting in to, and the latest in pop culture (WE LOVE YOU MEGAN!!) Tap in then leave us a voice note and let us know your updates :) Shoutout to our latest paid substack subscriber!! Thank you so m...

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we’re joined by the ladies of the Refined and Ratchet podcast Charlee and Nisha! Let's just say, this was the kiki session of all kiki sessions, we had ourselves a timeee, be ready to literally LOL!! We talk about how they got their start, the book community and of course what we're all reading and getting into. This convo goes de...

Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we’re joined by author Danielle Allen discussing her upcoming release Big Girl Blitz, the final book of The Curve Series, available April 14th! We talk about her journey through the series, walking with faith and not fear, spoiler free thoughts on Big Girl Blitz, and what's next... ;) Tap in then leave us a voice note with your fa...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with another bonus episode closing out Women's History Month with one of our faves in the space! Today we’re joined by one of our podcast sisters, Eboné Almon who is the host of the Pretty Private podcast. We talk about her building her podcast and brand, reinvention/ pivoting, and what it means to lean in to your purpose. Tap in to the kiki session, then leave us...

Hey Well Read Baddies, Happy Women's History Month! We’re back with another bonus episode, and today we’re joined by Beatrice Dixon, co-founder of The Honey Pot Co. and author of The Soul Instinct. Yes, THE Honey Pot. The brand that has been holding us down through many a cycle. We talk with Beatrice about building a category-defining plant-based feminine care company, the journey that led her to...

Hey well read baddies! We’re back with another bonus episode, and this one is for the girls who are fans of Gone Girl and are impatiently waiting for season three of P-Valley to drop. We’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone to talk about her latest release, Boom Town. We get into what it was like for Nic to step into adult fiction after writing dozens of YA books (many of which...

Hey well read baddies! We’re back with another bonus episode, and the devil tried us today BUT we powered through, and it was sooooo worth it! We’re joined by acclaimed YA author Liara Tamani to talk about her latest release, This Ain’t Our First Rodeo. We get into the Houston Rodeo as the backdrop of the story, all the Texas references that made Lana feel right at home, and why Black cowboys and...

Hey well read baddies, Happy Black History Month! On today's bonus episode, we sit down with the author of River Sing Me Home Eleanor Shearer to talk about her upcoming novel Fireflies in Winter—a powerful blend of historical fiction, survival story, and queer Black romance. Eleanor shares how her family history shaped her connection to migration, exile, and belonging. She also takes us behind the...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re kicking off 2026 and Year Seven of She Well Read with a bonus guest episode featuring Gatekeeper Press, one of our Season 6 partners. Joined by Director of Marketing and Business Development Luis Javier, we break down independent publishing, author ownership, and how writers can retain creative control without sacrificing professional support. This episode is a must-li...

Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re closing out the year with one of our favorites, our 2025 Wrapped bonus episode! A cozy, chaotic, heart-full recap of the year that was lol. We’re reflecting and also looking ahead to 2026 , upcoming guests, and all the exciting things coming for the Well Read Baddies next year. Plus, a reminder: we’re officially on break from December 15 through January 12. Tap in and...

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...