Shows
Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeEp 31 - Creative Crossroads: Books & Photography with Lauren Reads HistoryThis week I'm joined by my BookTok friend Lauren, aka LaurenReadsHistory! Lauren is a fantastic content creator who focuses primarily on nonfiction books, especially history titles, bringing educational content to BookTok in her own unique way. We dive into both her content creation journey and her broader reading journey, exploring how she carved out her niche in the history book space. We also discover our shared passion for photography and get into the technical side, discussing gear, techniques, and Lauren's professional videography work. Whether you're interested in nonfiction recommendations, curious about building a specialized BookTok presence, or just love...2025-07-281h 05Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeEp 30 - Analog Living in a Digital World with Zoe YohnThis week I'm joined by Zoe Yohn, a fellow BookToker, podcaster, and writer! Zoe hosts the Broken Spine Social Club podcast, and we dive into her reading journey and how she's built her own corner of the book community. We discover our shared passion for journaling and discuss the intentional move toward a more analog way of living in our increasingly digital world. Whether you're interested in hearing from another creator balancing multiple creative pursuits, looking for journaling inspiration, or curious about finding balance between online content creation and offline mindfulness, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into living more...2025-07-211h 12Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeEp 29 - How Evan Leikam landed an agent from a Tiktok Live!This week I'm joined by fellow BookToker, podcaster, and debut author Evan Leikam! Evan hosts the Book Reviews Kill podcast and has built a successful BookTok presence, but this year he added 'published author' to his resume with his debut novel Anji Kills a King. We dive into our current reads, discuss the art of DNFing, and explore Evan's writing journey. Plus, you'll hear the incredible story of how he landed his literary agent through a TikTok live stream, proving that social media can lead to real publishing opportunities. We also talk about how Evan weaves real-world themes into...2025-07-141h 35Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeEp 28 - How Sam Boyd Went from Makeup Content to Dungeon Crawler CarlThis week on Books and Beyond, I'm joined by BookTok and Bookstagram creator Sam Boyd! We dive into our reading journeys and how Sam originally started creating content in the makeup niche before finding her way to BookTok. Sam shares her recent shift into 'BookTok bro' type books and we geek out about her current obsession with Dungeon Crawler Carl. Including the story behind her recent Princess Donut tattoo! Whether you're curious about genre transitions, the evolution of BookTok, or just want to hear two book lovers chat about their latest reads, this conversation has something for everyone.2025-07-071h 09Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeEp 27 - Indie Author Dartanyan JohnsonAuthor Dartanyan Johnson joins me for an honest conversation about the indie author life. We share our reading journeys, explore how he got started writing, and discuss his current releases and future book plans. Dartanyan opens up about the reality of independent publishing, juggling writing with marketing, promotion, and all the business side that comes with being your own publisher. A candid look at the challenges and rewards of following your creative passion in the indie publishing world.Dartanyan's Linkshttps://www.tiktok.com/@author3djohnsonhttps://www.amazon.com...2025-06-3047 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeEp 26 - The power of sticking with it!In this solo episode, I reflect on the importance of sticking with our passions and hobbies, even when life gets in the way. Using my own photography journey as an example, something I started 20 years ago in high school but never fully committed to. I explore what could have been if I'd stayed consistent, and why it's never too late to get back to the things we love. Whether you've abandoned a creative pursuit due to busy schedules or life circumstances, this episode is a reminder that small, consistent effort adds up over time. I also geek out a...2025-06-2317 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeEp 25 - What I've learned from one year of creating contentIn this deeply personal solo episode of 'Books and Beyond with ThatGuyJae,' I take time to reflect on an incredible year of growth and discovery. After six months of podcasting and a full year of content creation, I share the unexpected ways this journey has transformed me, particularly how creating content has become a form of exposure therapy for my social anxiety. I open up about the realization that content creation is essentially public speaking, something I never thought I'd be capable of doing. Beyond personal growth, I discuss my vision for the future of the podcast and...2025-06-1619 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 24This week on 'Books and Beyond with ThatGuyJae,' I'm joined by Des, a fellow TikTok creator who specializes in watch content. In this horological deep dive, Des and I share our personal journeys into the world of timepieces - from our first watch purchases to developing our appreciation for craftsmanship and design. We explore what draws us to different watches, discuss the rich histories behind iconic brands, and delve into the stories that make certain timepieces truly special. Whether you're a seasoned collector, curious about getting into watches, or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, this conversation offers insights into...2025-06-091h 16Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeEp 23 Cold-Blooded Passion: A Vet Tech's Reptile JourneyAfter another brief hiatus due to illness, ThatGuyJae returns to 'Books and Beyond' with a fascinating guest who brings a completely different perspective to the show. This week, I'm joined by Kasey, a TikTok creator in the animal and reptile niche who balances her demanding role as an ER veterinary technician at an overnight animal hospital with her passion for reptile keeping. Kasey shares insights into her dual worlds - from the high-stakes environment of emergency veterinary care to the rewarding hobby of maintaining multiple reptile species at home. We explore her journey into reptile keeping, her occasional rescue...2025-06-021h 03Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 22This week on 'Books and Beyond with ThatGuyJae,' I'm joined by the insightful CJ of CJtalksbooks, whose thoughtful reviews and recommendations have captured audiences across Instagram and TikTok. CJ shares his current reading obsessions and the upcoming adaptations he's most anticipating. We dive into his fascinating content creation evolution, from his beginnings as a movie reviewer to becoming a trusted voice in the book community. Join us for this engaging conversation about literary passions, the art of meaningful book reviewing, and how CJ's cinematic background influences his approach to literature. Whether you're looking for your next great read...2025-05-121h 12Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 21This week on 'Books and Beyond with ThatGuyJae' I welcome my cousin Jacob, an exceptional wildlife photographer based in Alaska. Jacob takes us behind his breathtaking Instagram feed, sharing stories of capturing bald eagles, grizzly bears, and other majestic Alaskan wildlife. We explore his photography journey, dive into his camera gear, and discuss his post-processing techniques that bring his stunning images to life. Jacob also shares thrilling tales from his photography expeditions across Alaska and beyond. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, nature lover, or simply appreciate the beauty of wildlife, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the patience...2025-05-0553 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 20This week on 'Books and Beyond with ThatGuyJae,' I sit down with author Maurice Africh to explore the sky pirate-filled world of his sci-fi novel 'Cellos Gate.' Maurice shares his unique writing process, how he crafts believable sci-fi elements within his world-building, and his deep connection to nerdy culture and literature. We dive into the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, plus Maurice's exciting journey of recording his own audiobook version. Whether you're a sci-fi enthusiast, an aspiring writer, or curious about the self-publishing landscape, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating compelling fictional universes and bringing them...2025-04-281h 33Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 19I'm Back! COVID, Birthdays, and Rekindling Old PassionsAfter a two-week absence due to COVID, ThatGuyJae returns with updates on his recovery, birthday celebrations, and exciting new developments. In this heartfelt solo episode, Jae shares how his BookTok community came together to help fund his return to photography, his plans for greater social media consistency, and his upcoming journey into videography. Join Jae as he reflects on the power of community support and the joy of rediscovering old passions while continuing to explore new ones.2025-04-2114 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 018In this episode of Books and Beyond with ThatGuyJae, I sit down with Shaylin Gandhi, who formerly practiced medicine before becoming a published romance and romantasy author. We explore her fascinating journey from medicine to creative writing and uncover the inspirations behind her captivating love stories. Shaylin shares insights into the traditional publishing process, revealing both the challenges and rewards of bringing her work to readers. Join us for this conversation about finding new creative paths, the craft of romance writing, and how diverse life experiences shape the stories we tell.Shaylin's Socials2025-04-0150 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 017In this episode of Books and Beyond, I welcome author Jeff Pantanella, whose journey spans from formal art school training to creating video game backgrounds and now crafting expansive fantasy worlds. We explore how his deep-rooted artistic background shapes his approach to world building and storytelling. Jeff shares how years spent in non-creative professions ultimately rekindled his creative spirit, driving him to find expression through writing fantasy fiction. We discuss his unique creative process, personal reading preferences, and the various passions that continue to inspire his work. Join us for this conversation about the persistent call of creativity and...2025-03-2457 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 016In this episode of Books and Beyond, I sit down with author Marshall J. Moore to explore the mind behind two captivating trilogies. We dive into his writing process, the worlds he's created, and how he maintains his creative schedule. But Marshall's talents extend beyond the page - we also discuss his role as a Muay Thai instructor and his newfound passion for painting Warhammer 40K miniatures. Join us for this conversation about creativity in its many forms, from worldbuilding on paper to bringing tiny warriors to life with a brush.Marshall's Socials:https://www...2025-03-1758 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 015Join me for a casual hangout with fellow TikToker Andy as we explore our shared passion for timepieces. We discuss our journeys into watch collecting, the merits of homage watches, and reveal some of our favorite time pieces. The conversation naturally flows into our reading habits, BookTok recommendations, and even watch spotting in films. Whether you're a watch enthusiast, book lover, or film buff, this laid back conversation offers something for everyone as we connect the dots between these interconnected passions.Andy's TikTok'shttps://www.tiktok.com/@the.watch.chronic?lang=en2025-03-101h 14Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 014A Year of BookTok: Overcoming Anxiety and Finding CommunityIt’s been one year since I posted my first BookTok video showing my face, and a lot has changed since then. In this episode, I reflect on why I started creating content during a difficult time, how BookTok became an unexpected source of community, and the ways content creation has helped (and challenged) my confidence. I also open up about my struggles with social anxiety, my journey to improve as a creator, and my hopes for the future—including pushing past my fears to bring on more gues...2025-03-0420 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 013This episode dives into how the "rise and grind" mentality has transformed simple pleasures into productivity metrics and potential side hustles. I examine why we've started feeling guilty about activities that don't generate income and how this mindset leads many to abandon hobbies altogether. Join me for an honest conversation about reclaiming our right to enjoy things purely for pleasure, without the pressure to turn every passion into profit.2025-02-2615 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJaeJoin me for a personal journey through my lifelong passion for all things cars. In this episode, I share how my automotive interests have evolved, my experiences in car modification, and the incredible community I found along the way. Plus, get my thoughts on what the future holds for car culture in the electric age. Whether you're a gearhead or just curious about what makes car enthusiasts tick, buckle up for a ride through this enduring hobby.2025-02-1822 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 011In this candid episode, I dive into why this week's podcast is late - and why that's okay. Join me for a real conversation about perfectionism, creative blocks, and the trap of demanding excellence from ourselves while we're still learning. Whether you're a creator battling self-doubt or someone learning to embrace imperfection, this episode explores how the pursuit of "perfect" can actually hold us back from growth and success.2025-02-1409 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 010From never wearing a watch to becoming a full-blown collector. This week, dive into the unexpected journey that turned me into a watch enthusiast. Join me as I share how my curiosity sparked a new passion, transforming from complete noob to watch fanatic in less than two years. Whether you're watch-curious or just love hearing about how hobbies become obsessions, this episode is time well spent! See what I did there?
2025-02-0423 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae ep 009This week we dive into the crucial world of banned books and why reading them now matters more than ever. In this episode, we explore the latest data from PEN America's banned books list, discuss the patterns behind what gets banned and why, and examine how censorship often targets marginalized voices. From modern challenges to banned classics, discover why the freedom to read is essential for a free society. Join us for an important conversation about protecting diverse stories and standing against censorship.
https://pen.org/banned-books-list-2024/
2025-01-2824 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae ep 008In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the potential TikTok ban and what it could mean for the BookTok community. Join me as I share my personal journey with BookTok – from discovering a thriving literary community when I needed it most, to finding my voice as a content creator. I explore how this unique corner of social media has not only transformed my reading life but also taught me valuable lessons about community, creativity, and connection. Whether you're a BookTok enthusiast or simply curious about the impact of digital reading spaces, this episode offers both reflection on what we mi...2025-01-2014 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae ep 007Ready to crush your reading goals in 2025? In this episode of Books and Beyond, ThatGuyJae breaks down practical strategies to help you read more and achieve your bookish ambitions. From establishing effective reading routines to maximizing your time with audiobooks, discover actionable tips that fit your lifestyle. Whether you're aiming to read one book or one hundred, learn how to prioritize reading and make this your most successful reading year yet. Join us for an episode packed with motivation and real-world advice to transform your reading habits!
2025-01-1313 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 006Start your 2025 with ThatGuyJae in this upbeat episode where he unpacks his reading resolutions and podcast aspirations for the year ahead! From ambitious reading goals to exciting plans for the podcast community, join in on the New Year energy as we dive into what's coming up in the bookish world. After a wonderful holiday season, let's jump into 2025 together and make it a year of growth, reading adventures, and shared passions!
2025-01-0609 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae ep 005Join me for a cozy year-end reflection as I dive into my 2024 reading journey! In this episode, I break down my reading stats and take you month by month through my most memorable reads. From the best of the best, to the disappointments that didn't quite hit the mark. Get ready for honest reactions, passionate book talk, and maybe find your next great read among my favorites. I wrap up with a peek into what's ahead for our growing podcast community in 2025. Whether you're a book lover looking for recommendations or just curious about what made my reading year...2024-12-3023 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 004In this solo episode, I share my unexpected journey from being a proud SparkNotes devotee in high school to becoming an avid reader in adulthood. Join me as I discuss how my early resistance to reading transformed into a genuine passion in a pretty unexpected way. Also you'll learn how BookTok has expanded my literary horizons and diversified my reading choices. I also briefly address the recent TikTok ban discussions and why book lovers can stay calm for now.
TikTok-https://www.tiktok.com/@thatguyjae?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Instagram-https://www...2024-12-2018 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 003This week's episode is a deeply personal solo episode, I'm sharing my journey through a significant life challenge. My ankle injury and my diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). For the first time, I'm opening up about my entire recovery process, the emotions of discovering a permanent injury, and how this experience has become a journey of self-discovery.
This episode isn't just about my injury; it's about resilience, growth, and finding meaning in unexpected life transitions. I dive into what CRPS is, how my injury occurred, and the complex emotional and physical path of recovery. More...2024-12-1320 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 002Dive into the world of indie literature with our latest episode featuring Silas A. Bischoff, the creative mind behind the debut novel "A Crow Named Torment." Join us as we explore Bischoff's literary journey, uncovering the inspirations behind his first book and delving into his unique approach to writing. From discussing current reads that fuel his creativity to unpacking the intricate writing process that brought his novel to life, this conversation offers an intimate look into the mind of an emerging author. Whether you're a book lover, aspiring writer, or simply curious about the indie publishing landscape, this episode...2024-12-0651 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond with ThatGuyJae Ep 001In the debut episode of Books and Beyond with ThatGuyJae, I'm thrilled to be joined by fellow BookToker Anny Wilkes. We dive deep into our shared passion for reading - exploring how we each discovered the joy of books, why the written word means so much to us, and even sharing insights into the world of BookTok content creation.
Anny is not only an incredibly talented creator, but one of the kindest people I've had the pleasure of connecting with online. Through our conversation, you'll get to know both of us a little better and hopefully feel inspired to...2024-11-2927 minBooks and Beyond With ThatGuyJaeBooks and Beyond Episode ZEROAfter years of letting chronic pain and depression define his story, ThatGuyJae is ready to turn the page. Books and Beyond is more than a podcast about books—it's a journey of rediscovering passion and purpose. Join Jae for deep dives into the book community, candid chats with indie authors, and explorations of life’s simple joys, from fountain pens to fast cars, watches to writing. Perfect for readers, creators, and curious minds, it’s a celebration of what makes us tick.2024-11-2206 min