Shows
A Pair of BookendsXmas Special: Top 5 Reads of 2025 Ft Emma HindsMerry Christmas Eve Eve! For the final episode of the year, Hannah brought in friend of the pod Emma Hinds, each bringing their 5 favourite reads of 2025. They also discuss what their year has been like in reading, what books they didn't get to, what books they're hoping to read over Christmas, reading goals for 2026 & more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Emma via A03, Instagram & Tumblr.You can buy Emma's books her...
2025-12-231h 11
A Pair of BookendsEmma Hinds, author of 'Witchlore' on Manchester, Magic & Queer ShapeshiftersFor today's episode Hannah was joined by friend of the pod, author Emma Hinds to discuss their latest book Witchlore.In this episode they have a discussion about money and how difficult it is as creatives to get to a point of making a liveable income, they then dive into how Emma has found moving between writing historical fiction and YA fantasy, setting the novel in Manchester, growing up Queer, the world of magic & more.If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow u...
2025-12-191h 08
A Pair of BookendsDecember Book Club with Hayley Dunlop: Christmas Films, Unconventional Female Protagonists & Best Book of 2025On today's very Christmassy December Book Club episode Hannah was joined by author Hayley Dunlop to discuss her debut novel It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas which you can buy here.Also available for 99p on Kindle until 23/12/25 here.In this episode they discuss the Christmas film watchalong Hayley hosts each year, how Covid/lockdown changed Hayley's writing journey, complicated families and lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can...
2025-12-1753 min
A Pair of BookendsIman Hariri-Kia, author of 'Female Fantasy' on Romance Faves, Buffy Fan Fiction & Heated RivalryFor today's episode Hannah was joined by author Iman Hariri-Kia to discuss her latest novel Female Fantasy. They discuss how this book became a love letter to the romance community, why romance is an important genre, her excitement for upcoming adaptations + all of the book recs your heart could desire!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Iman via Instagram, Substack & imanharirikia.comYou can buy Female Fantasy here (UK) & here (US)
2025-12-1057 min
A Pair of BookendsS6. Debut Spotlight-12. Uttama Kirit Patel (Parenthood, Domestic Workers & Mother-In-Laws)In today's episode Hannah spoke to Uttama Kirit Patel about her debut novel Shape of an Apostrophe.They discuss the choice to be a mother, Indian family culture, claustrophobic settings & the books Uttama has been enjoying + lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Uttama via Instagram & uttamapatel.comBuy Shape of an Apostrophe here.Books & other mentions in this episode: The Loneliness of Sonia and...
2025-12-0348 min
A Pair of BookendsNovember Book Club with Chloe Michelle Howarth (Live @ Queer Lit): Obsession, Queerness in 60s Rural Ireland & Toxic SiblingsThis episode was recorded live at the brilliant Queer Lit/ Social Refuge. For more of their upcoming events click here. The sound in this episode isn't perfect throughout, apologies for this! For today's episode Hannah interviewed Chloe Michelle Howarth for the launch event of her new novel Heap Earth Upon It. They discuss Chloe's creative process from ideas on a hangover to creating colour palettes for her novels, sibling dynamics, yearning, the lack of firsthand accounts of Queer people from 60's rural Ireland, writing influences & so much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, fo...
2025-11-271h 00
A Pair of BookendsOctober Book Club with Author & The Witcher Actor Joey Batey: Meeting Characters, Internet Culture & PluribusSorry for the delay on this one but it's worth the wait we promise! For our October Book Club episode Hannah chats to author, actor & musician Joey Batey about his debut novel It's Not A Cult which you can buy here. They discuss how Joey 'meets' his characters before writing about them, how he stays motivated to write throughout his other projects, his experience of his first book tour, new music & the show that made him tear up a book he was working on. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can f...
2025-11-2431 min
A Pair of BookendsS6. Debut Spotlight-11. Lucas Oakeley (Men Reading Fiction, Yearning & Food)(PSA: Sound on this ep improves 5/10 mins in, apologies!) For today's episode Hannah was joined by author Lucas Oakeley to discuss his debut novel Nearly Departed which you can buy here.They discuss Lucas's social media campaign to get men reading fiction, love stories, food and lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Lucas via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik Tok. Books & other mentions in this episode: Flesh by Da...
2025-11-1939 min
A Pair of BookendsS6. Debut Spotlight-10. Viola van de Sandt (Dinner Parties, Miranda July & Writing Trauma)For today's Debut Spotlight episode Hannah chats to author Viola van de Sandt about her debut novel The Dinner Party, they discuss their favourite dinner party scenes, writing about trauma, how Viola's debut was actually her 4th novel & much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can buy The Dinner Party here (UK) & here (US)You can follow Viola via InstagramBooks & other mentions in this episode: All Fours by Mira...
2025-11-1236 min
A Pair of BookendsS6. Debut Spotlight-9. B.A. Pepper (Smut, Welsh Mythology & All The Romantasy Recs!)On today's episode Hannah chats to writer & co-host of the A Pod of Smut and Wingspan podcast B.A Pepper about her debut novel Daughter of Stone. They discuss what drew B into the world of Romantasy, how her friend and co-host Sam encouraged her to pursue writing, Welsh mythology & language and of course all of the Romantasy book recs. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can buy Daughter of Stone here.You can al...
2025-11-0555 min
A Pair of BookendsS6. Debut Spotlight- 8. Chloe de Lullington (Student Life, Bisexuality & David Bowie)On today's episode in our Debut Spotlight series, Hannah was joined by writer Chloe de Lullington to discuss her debut novel Cacoethes. They discuss the 11 year writing process of this book, celebrity deaths, being an 'old soul', Class & lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Chloe via Instagram & Bluesky. Books & other mentions in this episode: Blue Sisters by Coco MellorsCleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco MellorsI...
2025-10-2949 min
A Pair of BookendsS6. Debut Spotlight- 7. Hattie Williams (Publishing, Big Feelings & Our Comfort Writers)On today's episode Hannah was joined by author Hattie Williams to discuss her debut novel Bitter Sweet. They discuss grief, power dynamics in relationships, those friends that get you through the worst of times and the writers we seek solace in + lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Hattie via Instagram, Substack & https://www.hattiewilliams.com/Books & other mentions in this episode: Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin
2025-10-2259 min
A Pair of BookendsLily King, author of 'Heart the Lover' on Love, Grief & The Ultimate Reading ListOn today's episode Hannah was joined by the inimitable Lily King to talk about her latest novel Heart the Lover. Aswell as a spoiler free book chat, they discuss love as a form of hope, navigating a creative career whilst working in hospitality, grief & Lily gives you her ultimate list of writers to read! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Lily via Instagram, Facebook & https://lilykingbooks.com/To book tickets for Lil...
2025-10-1544 min
A Pair of BookendsS6. Debut Spotlight- 6. Malika Nekhla (Self-Publishing, Bookshops & Perfect Castings)On today's episode Hannah was joined by author Malika Nekhla to discuss her debut novel Hold on to Your Heart. They discuss her journey to self-publishing, bittersweet love stories & her love for Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone. A list of links to buy your copy is available here.If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Malika & her work via https://www.malikanekhla.com/, Instagram & Substack.Books & other mentions in this episode:
2025-10-0840 min
A Pair of BookendsSeptember Book Club with Booker Prize Shortlisted Author Susan Choi: Japanese/Korean History, Language & OthernessOn today's episode Hannah was joined by Susan Choi, author of Booker Prize shortlisted novel Flashlight. Aswell as discussing her book (spoiler free), they chat about language, writing process, inspiration, the books she's been enjoying recently & lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Susan & her work via her website or Instagram.Books & other mentions in this episode:My Education by Susan ChoiEndling by Maria RevaWh...
2025-10-0149 min
A Pair of BookendsLaurie Gilmore, author of 'The Gingerbread Bakery' on Slow Burn Romance, Spicy Scenes & The Dream Harbor SeriesFor today's episode Hannah was joined by author of Booktok sensation The Pumpkin Spice Café, Laurie Gilmore to discuss the latest in her Dream Harbor series The Gingerbread Bakery. They discuss why this book might resonate with so many readers, what it's like living a double author life, all things romance & lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Laurie via Instagram, Tik Tok and her website. Books & other menti...
2025-09-2437 min
A Pair of BookendsS6. Debut Spotlight- 5. Jo Morey (Belize, Hearing Loss & Publishing BTS)Welcome to our 150th episode! Today Hannah was joined by the wonderful Jo Morey to discuss her debut novel The Night Lagoon (UK)/ Lime Juice Money (US).In this chat they discuss the publishing BTS including the conversations around different titles for different territories, all of the amazing books Jo has been reading recently, writing a character that is living with tinnitus/hearing loss, the amazing trips she gets to do for research and loads more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can fo...
2025-09-1744 min
A Pair of BookendsElodie Harper, author of 'Boudicca's Daughter' on Roman History, Complex Families & Enemies to LoversOn today's episode Hannah was joined by bestselling author Elodie Harper to discuss her latest novel Boudicca's Daughter. Aswell as a spoiler-free chat about the book they discuss the Iceni rebellion, the characters' connection to the Gods, the research & writing process for the book and lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Elodie via Instagram, Substack or via her website.Books & other mentions in this episode:The Wolf De...
2025-09-0341 min
A Pair of BookendsS6 Debut Spotlight- 4. Emma Cowing (Scotland, Powerful Women & Life at The Circus)For today's episode Hannah was joined by journalist & debut author Emma Cowing to discuss her dazzling novel The Show Woman. (You don't need to have read the book to enjoy the ep but do grab yourselves a copy!) On this ep they discuss the family history that inspired this book, what life would have been like for women & Queer communities during the Edwardian Era, the beauty of Scotland & loads more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon.If you love our podcast please also consider v...
2025-08-2744 min
A Pair of BookendsThomas McMullan, author of 'Groundwater' on Acting Classes, Money + Privilege & Horror SettingsOn today's episode Hannah was joined by author Thomas McMullan to discuss his latest novel Groundwater (spoiler free!)They discuss the infamous second novel, how acting classes helped him better understand human behaviour, the authors & books that have influenced him and lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon.If you love our podcast please also consider voting for us https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting!You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Thomas via Instagram.
2025-08-2544 min
A Pair of BookendsS6 Debut Spotlight- 3. Aisling Rawle (Love Island, Toxic Masculinity & George Orwell)For today's episode Hannah was joined by author of the book of the summer The Compound, Aisling Rawle. They discuss the appeal of shows like Love Island, what Aisling's own relationship with reality TV is like, her writing influences & lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon.If you love our podcast please also consider voting for us https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting!You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. Books & other mentions in this episode:Moderation by Elaine C...
2025-08-2040 min
A Pair of BookendsS6 Debut Spotlight- 2. Elaine Hastings (Doomed Love, Tortured Rock Stars & The Price Of Fame)For today's episode Hannah was joined by author Elaine Hastings to discuss her debut novel When We Were Young. (You don't have to have read the book to listen!) Aswell as discussing her writing process, they discuss mothers & daughters, how music connects us to memories, researching the life of a music star and much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon.If you love our podcast please also consider voting for us https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting!You can follow Elaine via Instagram & here.
2025-08-1337 min
A Pair of BookendsHeather Darwent, author of 'A Sharp Scratch' on Unreliable Narrators, Atmospheric Settings & The Books She's Been LovingOn today's episode Hannah is joined by author Heather Darwent to discuss her latest novel A Sharp Scratch (spoiler free!), they discuss how books like Gone Girl and My Year of Rest and Relaxation were influences on her work, how she writes atmospheric settings & why she was drawn to writing a 'bad wedding' scene. All of this & more on today's ep so if you enjoy please do rate, review & subscribe! For more content from us you can find us over on Patreon. If you love our podcast please also consider voting for us https://www.britishpodcastawards.com/voting!You...
2025-08-0636 min
A Pair of BookendsJuly Book Club with Emma Hinds: Alchemy, Found Family & Pain Vs PleasureFor today's episode friend of the pod and author Emma Hinds joins Hannah to chat about her second novel & our July Book Club pick The Quick and The Dead. Contrary to Emma wanting to have a spoiler filled conversation, this actually contains no spoilers! Emma gives us insights into her writing & research process, they discuss what drew Emma to exploring the world of alchemy, what the cultural family tree was for this book & lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscibe and for extra content from Hannah & Emma you can find them over on Patreon....
2025-07-3045 min
A Pair of BookendsIndyana Schneider, author of 'Since The World is Ending' on Classical Music, Great Sex Scenes & Mistreatment in Creative IndustriesOn today's episode Hannah was joined by the multi-talented Indyana Schneider to discuss her latest novel Since The World is Ending which you can buy here. They also chat about what the differences are between Indyana's writing experience of this book and her debut 28 Questions, we also chat about the great books she's read recently, how she navigates moving between her work as an opera singer and her work as a writer & loads more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe to help more people find us. For extra content you can find us over on...
2025-07-2344 min
The Sparkle Project[Self-Care Snippet] Spend Time On What Lights You Up with Hannah OlsonThis is a Self-Care Snippet from Worthy Mother Podcast. As mothers, we need to prioritize our own care. Within this few-minute long episode, you will hear how our past guests prioritize their own self-care and some tips on how you can do the same. Tune in to the full episode Redefining Motherhood as a Relationship and Caregiving as a Job with Hannah Olson.Like what you hear? Make sure you are subscribed to Worthy Mother Podcast wherever you like to listen. For more motherhood content and support, connect with me on Instagram @honestlyemilyrose...
2025-07-1804 min
A Pair of BookendsS6 Debut Spotlight- 1. Emily Buchanan (Climate Activism, Grief & Gilmore Girls)Kicking off season 6 in our Debut Spotlight series is the wonderful Emily Buchanan to chat about her debut novel Send Flowers (spoiler free as always!). We discuss Emily's experience working for Greenpeace, how Emily was involved in the UK fracking ban, the cynicism surrounding creating change, what comfort shows she's enjoying & lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe to help more people find us. For extra content you can find us over on Patreon & Substack. You can buy Emily's book here (UK) & here (US)You can follow Emily via Instagram & Tik Tok
2025-07-1637 min
A Pair of BookendsS5 Debut Spotlight- 10. Loretta Rothschild (Great Openings, Reading Widely & Tangled Love Stories)Rounding off Season 5 in our Debut Spotlight series with the wonderful Loretta Rothschild to discuss her debut novel Finding Grace which is one of Hannah's fave reads of the year!We discuss the importance of reading widely, what makes a great opening, support systems & lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps to boost us in the charts! You can follow Loretta via https://www.lorettarothschild.com/ & InstagramYou can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokYou can buy Finding Grace here (US) & here (UK)Books...
2025-07-0937 min
A Pair of BookendsJuhea Kim, author of 'City of Night Birds' on Ballet, the 'Russian Greats' & PerseveranceOn today's episode Hannah was joined by Juhea Kim, author of Beasts of a Little Land to discuss her latest novel City of Night Birds. They discuss how Juhea has navigated the success of her books, what it was like to win the Yasnaya Polyana Literary Award, her passion for ballet, the importance of combining her work as an author with humanitarian work and so much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps more of you to find us! For extra content you can find us over on Patreon and Substack.
2025-07-0247 min
A Pair of BookendsS5 Debut Spotlight- 9. Jennifer Trevelyan (Re-reading, Mother's Guilt & Children as Narrators)In today's episode Hannah chats to debut author Jennifer Trevelyan about her novel A Beautiful Family. They discuss how Jennifer finally carved out writing time for herself & the guilt that came with that, the extensive list of writers that have influenced her and what the pros and cons were of having a child as narrator in this book. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe as it helps more of you to find us! For extra content you can find us over on Patreon and Substack. You can buy Jennifer's book here (UK),here (Australia) & here (U...
2025-06-2531 min
A Pair of BookendsS5 Debut Spotlight- 8. Silvia Park (Adaptations, Robots & Scrapping Ideas)For today's episode Hannah was joined by debut novelist Silvia Park to discuss their sci-fi novel Luminous. They discussed how they went from working on a different novel for seven years to working on a children's book which became this novel for adults. They also chat about adaptations, fascinating research on robots, whether they could invite a robot into their own home and lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us via Patreon or Substack. You can find Silvia via InstagramYou can buy Luminous in the U...
2025-06-1845 min
A Pair of BookendsHazel Barkworth, author of 'The Drownings' on Witch Trials, Campus Novels & Female RageOn today's episode Hannah was joined by writer Hazel Barkworth to discuss her latest novel The Drownings. (spoiler free) Aswell as writing and book chat, they discuss competitive swimming, body image, influencers & loads more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe- it's a free way to support the pod & means the world! For exclusive content you can find us via Patreon & Substack. You can follow Hazel via Instagram & you can buy her previous book Heatstroke here.You can follow us via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik TokBooks & other mentions in this episode:
2025-06-0436 min
A Pair of BookendsS5 Debut Spotlight- 7. Daria Lavelle (Love Stories, Grief & Speculative Fiction)On today's episode Hannah was joined by debut author Daria Lavelle to discuss her novel Aftertaste.Aswell as discussing the book (spoiler free), Daria tells us her most romantic food memory, why we should all be going on food tours, her love of speculative fiction and lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe and for further content you can find us via Patreon and Substack.You can follow Daria via Instagram, her website & TwitterYou can buy Aftertaste in the UK here & in the US here.You can follow us via...
2025-05-2839 min
A Pair of BookendsLotte Jeffs, author of 'This Love' on Queer Parenting, IVF & FriendshipFor today's episode Hannah was joined by writer & podcaster Lotte Jeffs to discuss (spoiler free!) her debut novel This Love. We also discuss her experience of collaborating with poet Thomas Stewart to create the poetry of her character Ari, chosen family, why the gays do partying better & lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe and for more content you can find us via Patreon & Substack. You can follow Lotte via Instagram or via https://lottejeffs.com/You can listen to her podcast with Stu Oakley here. Books & other mentions in this epi...
2025-05-2139 min