Bookwild

Deconstructing Without Losing Jesus: Jeremy Jernigan's The Edge of the Inside

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts sit down with author Jeremy Jernigan to explore his latest work, The Edge of the Inside. The conversation dives into the intersection of memoir and theology, examining how Jernigan utilized writing as a cathartic tool to navigate his own journey through religious deconstruction. Together, they unpack the emotional complexities of questioning long-held beliefs and the necessity of gaining distance from past bitterness to achieve clarity. Listeners can expect a deep discussion on the concept of the edge of the inside—the experience of maintaining a connection to a faith community while simultaneously challenging its structures. The episode also touches on the transformative power of a life quake and how language impacts our understanding of truth. It is an engaging look at how one can reconstruct a meaningful, broader faith after the disorientation of questioning everything they were once taught.

Racial Trauma and Culturally Responsive Care: Ashley McGirt-Adair's The Cost of Healing in Silence

In this episode of Bookwild, hosts MacKenzie Green and the show team sit down with author and trauma therapist Ashley McGirt-Adair to discuss her insightful book, The Cost of Healing in Silence. The conversation centers on the profound impact of racial trauma and the critical need for culturally responsive care within the healthcare system. McGirt-Adair draws on her professional expertise and personal history to explain why naming racial trauma is essential for effective healing. Listeners will explore how systemic bias frequently leads to dangerous medical outcomes and the exhausting, unfair burden placed on patients who must self-advocate to be heard. Beyond addressing these institutional challenges, the discussion highlights the importance of reclaiming joy, ancestry, and self-connection as tools for resistance. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to shift from passive hope toward active, daily commitments to drive meaningful, systemic change.

First Quarter Favorite Reads of 2026 with Gare and Steph

In this episode of Bookwild, hosts Gare, Steph, and Halley dive into their top literary discoveries from the first three months of 2026. Listeners are treated to a curated collection of standout titles that defined the start of the year, spanning a variety of gripping genres. The trio provides candid reviews and thoughtful discussions on novels like Petra Lord’s Queen of Faces, Robyn Harding’s Strangers in the Villa, and Sally Hepworth’s Mad Mabel. Whether you are looking for your next page-turner or seeking insight into the latest buzz-worthy releases, this episode serves as an excellent guide to the season’s best fiction. The hosts share their personal highlights and deep-dive into what made these specific books memorable, offering plenty of inspiration for your growing reading list. Join the team as they celebrate the stories that captivated them throughout the first quarter.

Secrets, Spirits, and the Stories We Inherit: Olesya Salnikova Gilmore's The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts sit down with author Olesya Salnikova Gilmore to discuss her historical-suspense novel, The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru. The conversation explores Gilmore’s unique writing process as a plantser and her fascination with the intersections of gothic, fantasy, and mystery genres. Listeners will gain insight into how she utilizes genre-blending to heighten narrative tension while drawing from Slavic folklore and Western spiritualism. Beyond the craft of writing, Gilmore reflects on personal experiences with grief and the complex feeling of straddling two cultures. The discussion also provides a deep dive into the book’s premise, which follows a granddaughter and grandmother duo running a Parisian tearoom that doubles as a site for séances. This episode offers an engaging look at how historical research and personal heritage shape compelling, suspenseful storytelling.

Toxic Masculinity and Female Rage: Katherine Greene's Where the Truth Lies

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts sit down with writing duo Katherine Greene—the combined persona of Claire C. Riley and A. Meredith Walters—to discuss their gripping new small-town thriller, Where the Truth Lies. The conversation delves into the origins of the novel, which was inspired by a decades-old newspaper clipping and the authors' own family history. Listeners can expect an insightful breakdown of how the pair navigates the emotional complexities of fictionalizing real events while utilizing dual timelines and multiple perspectives to build tension. Beyond the mechanics of suspense, the discussion explores profound social themes, including the roots of toxic masculinity, the unfair societal judgment of victims, and the powerful role of female rage. It is a deep dive into the craft of thriller writing and the heavy, secrets-filled narratives that lie beneath a picture-perfect exterior.

Taylor Frankie Paul, Another Duggar, The Manosphere, Age of Attraction and More with Halley Sutton

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts are joined by author Halley Sutton for a deep dive into the intersection of modern pop culture, digital ethics, and societal trends. The conversation begins with a timely discussion on the cancellation of The Bachelorette starring Taylor Frankie Paul, prompting a critical look at the ethics of broadcasting domestic violence and real-life trauma for entertainment. The group navigates complex themes including the contradictions of trad-wife culture, the lasting impacts of religious purity culture, and how spiritual bypassing affects personal well-being. Furthermore, the episode examines the rise of the manosphere, exploring how red pill and incel ideologies function as distorted bids for connection. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking analysis of grift culture, the Age of Attraction dating philosophy, and a curated list of recent books and media that have captured the hosts' interests.

The Divine Feminine, Matriarchy and Dreams: Andrea M. Butler's Mother

In this episode of Bookwild, the host sits down with author Andrea M. Butler to discuss her gripping debut speculative fiction novel, Mother. Set in a near-future world defined by climate volatility, corporate control of food supplies, and deep economic instability, the story follows a family struggling to survive against a backdrop of systemic corruption. The conversation expands beyond the plot, exploring how Butler uses fiction to examine complex themes such as wealth inequality, the influence of evangelical culture, and the power of community as a form of resistance. Listeners can expect an insightful deep dive into the author’s creative process, including the role of dream interpretation, spiritual communication, and the importance of divine feminine energy in her storytelling. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at how speculative fiction can ground high-stakes narratives in the pressing realities of our current world.

Oscars Reactions (Some Choices Were… Interesting) with MacKenzie Green

In this episode of Bookwild, host and guest MacKenzie Green dive into a spirited post-Oscars breakdown, offering candid reflections on the season’s most talked-about moments. The conversation spans the complexities of Oscar campaigning and viral cultural discourse, including the ongoing debates surrounding figures like Timothée Chalamet. Beyond the awards themselves, the pair explores the intersection of performance and identity, analyzing the difference between authentic cultural storytelling and superficial representation. They also provide vital historical context regarding Black Oscar winners, emphasizing the significant impact of milestones like Michael B. Jordan’s recent recognition. By comparing modern outcomes to past controversies like the Green Book versus Black Panther era, the discussion offers listeners a thoughtful critique of the film industry’s evolving landscape. It is an engaging listen for anyone looking to unpack the nuanced politics behind Hollywood’s biggest night.

Buddy Review of Kin by Tayari Jones with Erin Ashley

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts dive deep into the emotional and captivating novel Kin by Tayari Jones. The discussion begins with a spoiler-free overview, providing listeners with a perfect opportunity to gauge if the book matches their reading tastes before diving into the core narrative. Once the spoiler warning passes, the conversation shifts into a comprehensive analysis of the story, which follows the diverging paths of two motherless best friends, Vernice and Annie, growing up in rural Louisiana. The hosts share their admiration for Jones’s evocative prose, the complex development of the main characters, and the intricate plotting that defines the journey. Listeners can expect an insightful look at the book’s powerful themes of identity, sisterhood, and the lasting impact of maternal absence. It is an engaging deep dive for anyone looking to unpack this compelling literary work.

Quantum Theology: Where Science Meets the Soul

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts welcome Keith Giles, Mary Terhune, Zac Cannon, and Nish Dubashia to explore the provocative themes found in their collective work, Quantum Theology: Volume One. The discussion bridges the perceived gap between science and spirituality, arguing that these two fields are simply different lenses for observing the same underlying reality. Listeners will delve into how concepts from quantum physics, such as entanglement and interconnectedness, mirror profound insights from global mystical and religious traditions. The guests examine why the feeling of separation between cultures and individuals is fundamentally an illusion and discuss how awakening to a shared consciousness could redefine human compassion and ethics. Ultimately, this conversation offers a deep dive into the limits of language in describing spiritual experiences and invites listeners to rethink the relationship between physical law and the human soul.

Last, Current and Next Reads with Gare and Steph

In this lively episode of Bookwild, hosts Gare, Steph, and Kate reunite to share their latest literary explorations. After Steph’s recent world travels, the group settles back into their routine of discussing their recent completions, current obsessions, and upcoming reading lists. Listeners will hear a wide-ranging conversation covering a variety of genres, including gripping thrillers like The Missing Sister and The Midnight Taxi, as well as character-driven narratives such as An American Marriage and Mad Mabel. Beyond their individual picks, the hosts dive into a broader discussion of various titles, offering recommendations and insights on authors like Tayari Jones and Faith Gardner. Whether you are looking for your next page-turner or simply enjoy hearing passionate readers dissect their shelves, this episode provides a wealth of inspiration to update your reading queue.

Fame, Family & the Cost of the Spotlight: Juliet Izon's The Encore

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts sit down with journalist-turned-novelist Juliet Izon to explore her debut contemporary fiction novel, The Encore. Izon shares the story behind her creative process, describing how she transformed a deep-seated obsession into a finished manuscript by writing late at night and conducting unconventional research on Reddit. The conversation delves into the core themes of the book, including the complexities of fame, the weight of artistic ambition, and the fragile dynamics between mothers and daughters. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at the technical details that bring the story’s music-centered world to life, from conservatory experiences to the reality of tour bus logistics. Join the discussion as the group unpacks the emotional journey of Anna and Lottie, two women whose lives collide in a narrative defined by hidden identities and the long-term impact of past choices.

Reflecting on My First In Person Interview, And Getting Emosh About Bookish Communities

In this solo episode of Bookwild, the host offers a heartfelt reflection on a major career milestone: conducting their first-ever in-person author interview. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of the event held at Wild Geese Bookshop with author Kate Alice Marshall. The host provides a candid play-by-play of the experience, sharing personal thoughts and interesting facts about Marshall’s work. Beyond the interview itself, the episode serves as a reflective look at the growth of the podcast. The host explores the transition from launching a show with no audience to cultivating a vibrant, supportive network of readers, authors, and independent bookstores. This episode captures the emotional side of building a community, celebrating how these connections have transformed into a found family. It is an inspiring listen for anyone interested in the human side of bookish communities and the journey of podcasting.

Slashers, Final Girls, and Mannequins: Interview with Stephen Graham Jones

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts welcome acclaimed author Stephen Graham Jones for a deep dive into the craft of horror fiction. The conversation centers on his latest release, Night of the Mannequins, exploring its origins as a simple prank idea and how it evolved into a chilling narrative. Jones offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at his unconventional writing process, explaining his preference for organic storytelling over rigid outlining and his reliance on intuitive, surprise-driven plot development. Listeners can expect a thoughtful analysis of why slashers and final girl tropes remain central to his work, as well as his perspective on horror as a powerful vehicle for justice. Whether discussing genre-blending or the psychological thrill of truly scaring an audience, this episode provides a compelling look into the mind of one of horror’s most prolific contemporary voices.

Empathy, Research, and Resistance: Interview with Susana M. Morris about Positive Obsession

In this episode of Bookwild, the host sits down with Susana M. Morris to explore her cultural biography, Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler. The conversation delves into the remarkable journey of Octavia E. Butler, tracing her path from a shy, dyslexic student to a trailblazing force in science fiction. Listeners will gain insight into the profound discipline behind her craft and how her relentless commitment to writing fueled her enduring legacy. The discussion examines how Butler utilized deep research and historical pattern recognition to create stories that feel startlingly prophetic, despite her own resistance to that label. Ultimately, the episode serves as a meditation on the personal costs and profound creative rewards of artistic dedication, encouraging writers and creators to embrace their own positive obsessions while navigating the challenges of a life committed to meaningful work.

Secrets, Lies and Murder In Flight: Susan Walter's Murder at 30,000 Feet

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts sit down with author Susan Walter to discuss her gripping new airplane thriller, Murder at 30,000 Feet. Listeners will get an intimate look into Walter’s creative process, exploring how she crafts cinematic suspense and effectively manages multiple points of view to heighten the tension. The conversation delves into the inspiration behind the story, which centers on a flight to Puerto Rico that turns deadly after a mid-air lightning strike leaves a passenger murdered in the dark. With the killer trapped on board and a treacherous storm closing in, the stakes for the passengers and the overwhelmed air marshal could not be higher. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of high-altitude suspense and the intricate mechanics of writing a page-turning mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

The America's Next Top Model Syllabus with MacKenzie Green

In this episode of Bookwild, the host sits down with guest MacKenzie Green to unpack the cultural legacy of America's Next Top Model. Drawing from the documentary Reality Check, the pair explores how the hit reality series influenced beauty standards, body image, and the ways in which women internalized social critiques. The conversation extends into the broader dynamics of internalized patriarchy, comparing the exclusionary atmosphere of reality TV to the more inclusive, affirming nature of shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race. Listeners can expect a thoughtful discussion on the importance of being a conscious consumer of media. To complement these themes, the episode provides a curated syllabus of fiction and non-fiction titles, including works by Toni Morrison and Emily Nussbaum, which deepen the analysis of identity and cultural performance. It is an engaging look at how the media we watch shapes our personal reality.

Skates, Snow, and Secrets : Wendy Walker's Blade

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts sit down with author Wendy Walker to pull back the curtain on her latest gripping thriller, Blade. The conversation explores the intersection of high-stakes ice skating and murder, drawing from Walker’s own personal history with the sport. Listeners will gain insight into the intricate process of building a complex cast of characters and the deliberate choices behind the novel’s unique plot structure. The discussion centers on the protagonist, Ana Robbins, a defense attorney forced to confront her traumatic past at a prestigious Colorado skating facility while defending a young client accused of a brutal crime. Throughout the episode, the hosts analyze how the atmospheric setting and the protagonist’s buried secrets heighten the tension. It is a compelling deep dive for fans of suspenseful fiction and those curious about the craft behind a page-turning mystery.

Valentines Day Adjacent Book Recs from Not Quite Romance Readers with Halley Sutton

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts welcome back guest Halley Sutton for a lively literary conversation. The group opens by catching up on their latest reading and viewing habits before diving into a thoughtful discussion regarding Emerald Fennell's highly anticipated adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The core of the episode focuses on providing unique, romance-adjacent book recommendations perfect for those who want to celebrate the spirit of Valentine's Day without diving into traditional genre tropes. Listeners can expect a diverse list of titles, including selections like A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, The Long Game, and The Bridesmaid. Whether you are looking for thrillers, contemporary fiction, or something slightly offbeat, this episode offers plenty of curated suggestions to add to your reading list. It is an engaging listen for anyone looking to refresh their bookshelf with compelling stories that feel seasonally appropriate yet refreshingly unconventional.

Art As Resistance: Breaking Down Benito Bowl with MacKenzie Green

In this bonus episode of Bookwild, the host and guest MacKenzie Green pivot from their original plans to unpack the profound cultural impact of Bad Bunny’s Benito Bowl performance. Rather than viewing the event as simple entertainment, they analyze it as a powerful act of protest art and communal storytelling. The conversation explores how intentional creative choices—such as the deliberate use of language, rich symbolism, and a refusal to cater to the need for translation—function as a form of resistance. The discussion highlights how the performance centered Latino and Afro-Latino experiences, creating a space for cultural affirmation while challenging audiences to engage with discomfort. Listeners can expect an insightful breakdown of how art can serve as a bold act of empathy and defiance in an era marked by backlash and fear.