Shows
UGA FreshleyLast Freshley: Student Panel For the final Freshley, we sat down with 4 Freshley small group leaders to hear about their own transition from their freshman year into the greater body of Wesley. Jake, Sam, Olivia, and Haven each shared their perspectives on leadership, community, and pursuing your personal relationship with God. 2025-03-2435 min
The Readirect PodcastOur Favorite Banned & Challenged BooksThis episode may sound familiar, because it is! Tune in for a timely re-release of this older episode where we discuss our favorite banned and challenged books. This episode felt relevant when we first recorded it, and even more so now. We hope you'll consider adding some of our faves to your TBR in 2025! Team Abigail: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodLooking for Alaska by John GreenThe Complete Persepolis by Marjane SatrapiTeam Emily: A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J GainesNative Son by Richard WrightAre You There, God...2025-02-1156 minThe Readirect PodcastBook Club: Onyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosToday, we're putting the ROMA into ROMAntasy with an Onyx Storm deep dive. We yapped for an hour and a half and it still wasn't enough to figure out what happened in this book & theorize what's going to come next. Join us on this journey with our favorite shadow daddy Xaden & clueless heroine Violet. Plus, recent reads: Flirting with Disaster by Naina KumarTrial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. TuliPlus - follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast. 2025-01-311h 35The Readirect PodcastBook Talk: Holiday Reads, 2024 Goals, and 2025 ReleasesWe reflect on our holiday reading experiences and recap our ambitious goals for 2024. Join us as we discuss our favorite books, share insights into reading strategies, and anticipate exciting upcoming releases to fill our TBRs.Emily's Mentions (we know there were many)The Natural Series by Jennifer Lynn BarnesNever Lie and The Housemaid Series by Freida McFaddenI Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston Quicksilver by Callie HartAbigail's MentionsBull Moon Rising by Ruby DixonFourth Wing Audiobook on HooplaRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldRodham by Curtis Sittenfeld2025 Releases We're E...2025-01-1458 minThe Readirect PodcastReading Rewind: The Lion, the Witch, and the WardrobeOur latest episode revisits the beloved Chronicles of Narnia, focusing particularly on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, exploring its impact on faith, morality, and our childhood memories. Together, we navigate how these themes resonate differently in adulthood, the complexities of C.S. Lewis’s biography, and the cultural conversations surrounding the stories.Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @readirectpodcast! 2024-12-3153 minThe Readirect PodcastReading Reflections: 2024 in Review + Setting Goals for 2025!In today's episode, we're taking a walk down memory lane for a recap of our reading in 2024! First, we'll revisit our goals for the year and update you on our successes and failures. Then, we're reviewing our five-star reads from 2024 (hint: Abigail is a little more judicious with this honor than Emily). Finally, we'll give you our BEST tips for success in 2025! Books we've read recently...AbigailWinter Street Series by Elin HilderbrandUnder the Mistletoe SeriesEmilyA Lady for a Duke by Alexis HallThe Husbands...2024-12-171h 06
Creating a level playing field for collaboration#6 - Craig Freshley: Bridging divides - The art of neutral facilitation in politically charged conversationsCraig Freshley is an expert in neutral facilitation and guiding good group decisions. He shares his experiences with Make-Shift Coffee Houses, designed to bridge divides between differing political views. He gives criteria and techniques for engaging diverse perspectives and creating a welcoming and safe conversation space. He emphasises the importance of a neutral venue, welcoming live music, and providing a set of ground rules. He describes the neutral facilitator as a 'referee' who ensures equitable participation. Additionally, Craig explains how he encourages involvement from underrepresented groups and addresses power imbalances in conversations and decision-making. Transcript.
Chapters
2024-12-1030 minThe Readirect PodcastBookish Holiday Gift GuideSIGN UP FOR OUR HOLIDAY BOOK SWAP: Click here to participate! Are you looking for the perfect gift for your book-obsessed friend? Look no further, we're here to guide you this year! Listen to this episode to find the perfect gift for...The coastal grandmother in your lifeThe goal-oriented, resolution-setterThe person who's committed to protecting their peaceThe fired-up advocateThe fan-fiction obsessed friendThe Bridgerton fan who's looking to move into the modern eraAnd give us a gift by leaving a five-star review and following us on TikTok and Instagram! 2024-12-0354 minThe Readirect PodcastWicked! The Book, the Musical, and the Movie—Oh My!In preparation for the upcoming movie adaptation of beloved musical, Wicked, we're reading the source material by Gregory Maguire! Let's just be honest, we're not the biggest fans of this book, so if it's one of your beloveds please know we're approaching this with a critical eye. Fair warning! We love the musical, and we're apprehensively excited for the movie adaptation. For more on the Wizard of Oz curse, read this article from Time. As always, let us know your thoughts on our TikTok or Instagram at @readirectpodcast. 2024-11-1949 minThe Readirect PodcastBook Characters We'd Vote ForEscape your Election Day anxiety by exploring an imaginary world where book characters run for office! As always, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @readirectpodcast. And if you're seeing this before the polls close, don't forget to VOTE! 2024-11-0556 minThe Readirect PodcastListener Book Recommendations 2We're turning to our listeners for another round of book recommendations! We asked, and boy did you answer. We did our best to fit the brief and recommend books to add to your TBR.Plus a discussion of the cover reveals for the new Emily Henry and Hunger Games books! AHH! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @readirectpodcast. 2024-10-2253 minThe Readirect PodcastBook Club: The Pairing by Casey McQuistonWhat happens when childhood friends reunite on a European food and wine tour? Join us as we explore this story of second chances and personal growth, while also celebrating McQuiston's knack for creating relatable, complex characters. We really liked this interview with Casey McQuiston in Rolling Stone. Abigail also recommends pairing this book with the Somm documentary.Books We Read Recently: We Solve Murders by Richard OsmanA People's History of the United States by Howard ZinnYou're the Problem, It's You by Emma AlbanWe'd also recommend chasing th...2024-10-0848 min
The Connected Way™ PodcastEpisode 15: How & Why to Connect Across the Aisle with Craig FreshleyIn this episode of The Connected Way, I connect with Craig Freshley to chat about the art of connecting with people we disagree with, especially within the context of challenging political conversations. TUNE IN TO EPISODE 15 TO HEAR:The importance of redefining success: focus on what you can accomplish for yourself, and also Connect, not correct. Craig recommends you “speak for yourself,” and using “I” statements to foster respectful dialogue and prevent the other person from feeling attacked.The role of curiosity and compassion in bridging divides, and why you should approach difficult conversations with a gen...2024-10-0254 minThe Readirect PodcastNicholas Sparks Deep Dive | Emotional Manipulation, Poorly Written Women, and Eternal SunsetsWe're here to deep dive and debunk the allure of Nicholas Sparks. What were beloved books to us at one point in our lives, are now bizarre, hilarious, and at times, genuinely disturbing.First, some...concerning allegations about Nicholas Sparks, with receipts. If it's not clear by the content of this episode, we strongly disavow any homophobia, racism, or other discriminatory practices. And, there are simply much better authors to give your time and money to! As for books we've read recently: The Pairing by Casey McQuistonThe Will of the Many by Ja...2024-09-2454 minThe Readirect PodcastCozy Up With Fall ReadsGet ready to expand your fall reading list with our carefully selected book recommendations. Grab your favorite fall beverage and settle in for an episode packed with books that have rich storytelling, emotional depth, and the perfect vibes for autumn. Happy reading!Emily's Fall Picks: Rabbit Hole by Kate BrodyBlake Crouch's entire catalog (specifically Dark Matter, Recursion, or Upgrade!)A Witch's Guide to Fake-Dating a Demon by Sarah HawleyAbigail's Fall Picks: Conclave by Robert HarrisThe Dutch House by Ann PatchettMidnight Feast by Lucy FoleyThe Will of the Many by Ja...2024-09-1051 minThe Readirect PodcastBook Talk: All the Young Dudes, Recent Reads, and PR Dumpster FiresTravis, we gotta talk about it.Eternal disclaimer that we do not support JK Rowling in any way, and encourage partaking in only fanfiction and avoiding her altogether. ANYWAYS! When we tell you to, you can skip to 51:56 to miss all Marauders talk. Abigail has FINALLY read All the Young Dudes by the legendary MsKingBean89, and WE GOTTA TALK ABOUT IT.This is now a Wolfstar podcast, we will not be accepting comments, criticism, or negative reviews at this time. Good vibes only for our favorite gay wizards from...2024-08-271h 10The Readirect PodcastReading Rewind: American Girl Dolls (Meet Kit and Addy!)In today’s episode, we’re doing a deep dive into one of our FAVORITE playthings from childhood—American Girl Dolls and their accompanying books. Joined by very special guest and leading American Girl expert Emma Wright, we’re revisiting the stories that shaped our childhood. Today, we’re revisiting Kit and Addy’s stories, plus a brief mention of Dolls of Our Lives, another book. For more about the making of Addy, we highly recommend this Slate article. Plus, take the AG personality quiz! Finally, read-along with us as we reviewed...2024-08-131h 09The Readirect PodcastLife & Death: Twilight Reimagined | Vampires, Gender Swaps, and Insane NamesDid you know that Stephanie Meyer wrote a gender-swapped Twilight book for the 10-year anniversary of Twilight? Are you looking for your next summer read that will start to make you question what you ever saw in this godforsaken book series in the first place?? Look no further babes, it's Life and Death, Twilight Reimagined! When we say there is fanfiction better than most books, this is the book, and Stephanie Meyer is the fanfiction author who should DROP HER PEN. This book is an atrocity, but one we had a lot of insane fun discussing. 2024-07-301h 11The Readirect PodcastHarry Potter and Naming Your Kids After Dead People (Deep Dive Part 3)We are back with our third (AND FINAL) installment in our Harry Potter Deep Dive. Did we intend for this to be a full and lengthy three parts? Clearly not. However, it was fun, unhinged, and chaotic in the best ways.Listen to this deep dive where we're covering books five, six, and seven. Emily tries to be normal about Sirius and Remus, and chicken-wing Voldemort makes a long-awaited reappearance. As always, we adamantly do not support JK Rowling and her views. To do our part to counteract the negativity she's bringing into...2024-07-161h 26The Readirect PodcastHarry Potter and the Case Against Gun Control (Deep Dive Part 2)In the second installment of our Harry Potter deep dive, we're covering Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire. Did we assure you we could wrap this series up in two parts? Yes. Did we fail miserably? Also yes. As a reminder, we're raising money for the Trevor Project as long as this series continues. Donate at this link to enter for a chance to win the rights to pick a book for us to discuss in a future episode! Plus, our recent reads: Not in Love by Ali HazelwoodRaiders of...2024-07-021h 05The Readirect PodcastHarry Potter and the Biggest Bag Fumble of All Time: Deep Dive (Part 1)Major Disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts do not in any way, shape, or form endorse or support or agree with JKR and her awful, transphobic viewpoints. We encourage you to avoid supporting her financially or in any other way.All June, we are raising funds for The Trevor Project in honor of Pride Month. Consider donating at this link! For part one of this deep dive, we're discussing background, problematic behaviors of the author, and books 1 and 2 in the series. Recent Reads:The...2024-06-181h 23The Readirect PodcastSummer Reading Bucket ListFor today's episode, we're sharing our summer reading bucket lists, filled with exciting new releases like "The Guncle Abroad" by Steven Rowley, envisioning perfect reading spots from beachside getaways to cozy backyard hammocks. With plans for a season filled with adventure, relaxation, and great books, we capture the whimsical spirit of summer through our cherished memories and reading aspirations.We're sharing our summer goals and vibes, summer TBRs, and new releases we're pre-ordering this summer. New Releases: The Guncle Abroad by Steven RowleySummer Romance by Annabel MonaghanNot in Love by Ali HazelwoodThe P...2024-06-0455 minThe Readirect PodcastRomancing Mr. Bridgerton + Bridgerton Season 3For today's episode, we read Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn and watched part one of Bridgerton Season 3. We're comparing the book to the tv show, and discussing our many feelings about Collin and Penelope. Plus, recent reads All The Young Dudes by MsKingBean89 and How to Fall Out of Love Madly by Jana Casale. Follow us on IG at @readirectpodcast.2024-05-2156 minThe Readirect PodcastBook Club: Funny Story by Emily HenryToday we're convening our Book Club for a deep discussion on Emily Henry's newest release, Funny Story! Join us for a discussion of the key plot points, the characters, and find out where we rank this book in the Emily Henry universe. You will feel like you're chatting with your friends about this book, so join in on the conversation with today's episode!Plus, Emily's recent read, Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld.2024-05-0759 minThe Readirect PodcastTaylor Swift Songs as BooksJoin us today for a little wine and cheese pairing, if you will. That's right, we're picking out some of our favorite books and pairing them up with the perfect companion Taylor Swift song and lyrics.Books Mentioned: Circe by Madeline MillerThe Song of Achilles by Madeline MillerThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidDon't Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma AlbanThe Devil Comes Courting by Courtney MilanThe Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas All the Young Dudes by MsKingBean89 Plus, check out this Count of Monte Cristo pla...2024-04-2352 minThe Readirect PodcastBook Swap: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman & One Day by David NichollsFor today's episode, we are swapping reads that challenge our literary comfort zones. Emily chose One Day by David Nicholls for Abigail to read, and Abigail selected Heartsopper, vol. 1 by Alice Oseman for Emily to read. We're sharing our thoughts, FEELINGS, expectations, and recommendations after reading each other's chosen books. In addition, we're recommending recent reads including...Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John MandelAsiri and the Amaru by Natalia HernandezDon't forget to follow us on Instagram @readirectpodcast for more! 2024-04-0942 minThe Readirect PodcastBook Talk 6: Spring Releases, Bride by Ali Hazelwood, & Recent ReadsToday, we're inviting you along for an intimate book club discussion that's all about our recent book goals. We're talking about the following books...Bride by Ali HazelwoodThe Wallflower SeriesChain-Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-BrenyahAnd exciting upcoming relesaes...The Guncle AbroadThe Paradise Problem One of Us KnowsFunny Story by Emily Henry (Join us for book club in May!)Not in LoveThe Rom-Commers2024-03-2639 minThe Readirect PodcastReading Rewind: The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler WarnerToday, we're revisiting a childhood favorite, "The Boxcar Children" by Gertrude Chandler Warner. Diving into the historical context surrounding the tale's publication, we discuss the stark differences between the 1924 original and the 1942 revision, revealing how time can color a story's message.Take the Personality Quiz! Explore the Boxcar Children Cookbook (someone please order this so we can know what's inside.) Recent Reads:Rabbit Hole by Kate BrodySix Wakes by Mur LaffertyFollow us on Instagram @readirectpodcast!2024-03-1243 min