Besties and the Books Podcast

Besties and the Books

We’re Ashley and Liz, two real-life besties who’ve loved books since we first learned to read, so naturally, we started a podcast! We would say the rest is history but in actuality, it's just the beginning. So come join us in the next chapter of our lives as we introduce ourselves, and laugh our way through the world of books with a focus on Fantasy, Romantasy, and Dark Romance. Of course we have love for all book genres, but those are our absolute favorites!
Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!
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@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast
Liz
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@TheRealLifeVeganWife
Ashley
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@AshleyEllix
Email [email protected]

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Top 10 Besties and the Books Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Besties and the Books Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Besties and the Books Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Besties and the Books Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Ep 54 “now WE are the A HOLES!” Our Bookish HOT TAKES!

Besties and the Books Podcast

03/25/25 • 57 min

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We’ve responded to the internet’s bookish hot takes... we responded to YOUR hot takes... and now it’s finally time for you guys to be mad at US! Today’s episode is all about Ashley and Liz’s bookish hot takes. Maybe you’ll agree, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll nod your head, maybe you’ll scream at us. But either way, we’re here with OPINIONS.
We cover everything from overdone sprayed edges to unnecessary celebrity memoirs; from what’s considered a book spoiler to hockey romance in general. Was Fourth Wing a one hit wonder? Does spice written by men that’s actually good exist? What do we think about book subscription services running 6 months behind? Or romance books being assigned in school?
Stick around to hear us spill all this tea, and more! And don’t worry, we have a faves and fails current reads edition and a smash or pass involving the men of Star Wars and a tattooed demigod.
Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)
Check out these author interviews? ⬇️
We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4
Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM
Watch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6
Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!
Ashley is wearing: “Fireheart” Throne of Glass Tee by @thebeanworkshop | Use Code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | https://thebeanworkshop.store/discount/BOOKBESTIES10?dt_id=1636083
Liz is wearing: A Clash Tee she bought on our journey to @thelastbookstoreLA
Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

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Ranking ALL The Hunger Games BOOKS and MOVIES! | Miniseries Wrap Up

Besties and the Books Podcast

04/04/25 • 51 min

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Welcome back for our sixth and final episode in Ashley & Liz’s dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games! We have had the best (and most emotional 😭) time covering these heart-wrenching books at such an appropriate point in our history.

We covered the origin of dystopias of all kinds, where the idea and genre came from, and why it’s so important in literature and popular culture. We discussed how books, and the act of reading itself, are inherently political. And then we took deep dives into the original trilogy, and both prequels!

Today we’re giving our overall star ratings for both the book series AND the movie series, and then we’re ranking ALL of them best to worst! We’ll yap all about our favorite (and least favorite) movie moments, how we feel now that it’s all over, and we’ll end it by announcing our next book series!

Hint: It’s Gonna Be May. (What rhymes with May, has copper hair, and says “oh my” a lot? 👀)

Grab you physical media DVDs of the Hunger Games Movies | * https://amzn.to/3FTFWgv

Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! |

https://fable.co/club/hg-minisode-read-with-bestiesandthebookclub-161881401047

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday... and sometimes Friday!

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

Watch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing “Support Your Local Book Dealer” tee from @ShopWildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.com

Liz is wearing “Light It Up” Crescent City tee from @thebeanworkshop Use code BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

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Ep 24 Recommendations & Warnings! 1 Sentence Rapid Book Reviews! (Jan-June Reads)

Besties and the Books Podcast

08/20/24 • 88 min

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Where did we come from? Where did we go? Where did we come from... Cotten Eye Joe?

Today on the pod Ashley and Liz tell you all about our recent Alaska Cruise Vacay, and how much fun it was to buddy read our ARCs of Split or Swallow by Lindsay Straube @oxfordlemon while sailing through fjords and glaciers! It truly was magical.

Then we grace your ears with one sentence reviews of every book we read from January until June in our first ever rapid review reading recap episode. And don’t worry, there’s a lot, so we make sure to specifically mention our top three and bottom three reads so you can either avoid them, or run to put them on your TBR!

And last but not least, we end with a smash or pass that our HUSBANDS came up with on vacation. So, you’re welcome.

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!!

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
Instagram | TikTok
@AshleyEllix
Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing: “Illyrian Boot Camp” Tank by @lionheartthreads | Use code: LIZ15 to save! | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/24kw8/

Liz is wearing: “My Last Flying F*ck” tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use code: VEGAN10 to save! https://darkanddisturbedshop.com

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Ep 50 From 1984 to Hunger Games, HOW DID WE GET HERE?! Dystopian Themes in Media and Literature

Besties and the Books Podcast

02/25/25 • 67 min

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This week is. The. Week. We’re officially back in mini episode bonus mode with The Hunger Games book 1, by Suzanne Collins dropping this Friday! So today Ashley and Liz are setting us all up for success in our dystopian sci fi series with an episode about the history of dystopias! Not surprisingly, there is a lot of ground to cover, so we do our best to take a whole lot of information and condense it down for you to put all of these stories we love so much into context.

First, we go over the list of media terms and ideas you guys sent in when we asked what YOU think of when someone says dystopia, and why YOU think we’re obsessed with them. Then we get into the history. Where did the idea of dystopias come from? When was the theme first featured in literature? When did the modern dystopian fiction era start? We discuss popular themes, real life events that inspired them, and how we got to where we are today. With many dystopian pieces of media marketed to everyone, including young adults, and how this has led to even more book bans.

And lastly, we’ve got a faves and fails featuring popular dystopian media like World War Z, The Handmaid’s Tale, and The Giver, and a smash or pass involving Hunger Games characters that you wouldn’t expect.

Sources:

The Columbia Journalism Review - Dissecting Dystopia by Merrill Perlman

Dystopian Fiction A Brief History by Yvonne Shiau on Electric Lit

The British Library - The Fear of Dystopia by Mike Ashley

Wikipedia

Encyclopedia Brittanica.com

American aristocracy.com

NY Times

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

Watch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms

@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!

https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz

Instagram | TikTok

@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley

Instagram | TikTok

@AshleyEllix

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing “The Right Way Isn’t The Only Way” Fourth Wing Sweater from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”) | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10

Liz is wearing “Feminine F*in’ Rage” Crewneck from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/rage-crewneck?_pos=1&_sid=ae210b6e7&_ss=r

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no

Ep 34 🎃 1st Annual Halloween Special! AITA, Smash or Pass, and Nostalgic Favorites

Besties and the Books Podcast

10/29/24 • 88 min

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Happy Halloween Book Besties! Today’s episode is all about one of our favorite holidays, and everything Liz and Ashley love about the spooky fall season!

We decided to put together the perfect taster episode of all your favorite treats, but made it Halloween themed... and we did it in silly wigs. Just because we can!

We answer a series of spooky questions like what our fave scary book, movie, Halloween treat, and costumes have been over the years so we can all get to know each other better. Then we do a fun series of reacting to Am I the A Hole Halloween themed Reddit threads, and end on an extended spooky rapid fire smash or pass session.

We hope you enjoy it, and have a Haaaaappyyy Halloweeeeeen! 🐦‍⬛

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
Instagram | TikTok
@AshleyEllix

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing: Dancing & Reading Skelly tee from @BookBabeDesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.com

Liz is wearing: “My Last Flying Fu*k” tee from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save!

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Ep 53 Asking Each Other UNHINGED & JUICY questions + 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Celebration!

Besties and the Books Podcast

03/18/25 • 58 min

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WE’RE ONE YEAR OLD! Today we’re celebrating our one year anniversary of podcasting over at Besties and the Books and we just want to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being here! You’re helping us to create this amazing community, and we couldn't be more grateful to watch it grow. 🖤
Check out the Thank You *GIVEAWAY* on our Instagram! | https://www.instagram.com/bestiesandthebookspodcast?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
So in celebration we’ve decided to go into a blind Q&A with as many silly, unhinged, random questions we could think of to get to know each other, and for you guys to get to know your hosts even better.
If we could be trapped in an elevator with one real or fictional person for four hours, who would it be? What’s the best cereal? Would we repopulate the earth with a Skarsgard brother? If so, which one? What would we do if we found out we were married to robots? Stick around to hear us answer these pressing questions, and many more.
Plus, a faves and fails from our first year as podcasters, and a smash or pass with “embarrassing” childhood crushes. Oh... and as our big thank you to you, we’re doing a very special one year anniversary GIVEAWAY! Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the deets! 👀
Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)
Check out these author interviews? ⬇️
We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4
Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble &
Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! | https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM
Watch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6
Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!
Ashley is wearing: “Max’s Garden” Tee by @thebeanworkshop | Use Code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | https://thebeanworkshop.store/discount/BOOKBESTIES10?dt_id=1636083
Liz is wearing: “Fire Breathing B*tch Queen” Tour Tee by @shopmcstudios | https://shopmcstudios.com/shop/p/firebreathingbitchqueentourtee?rq=Tour%20tee
Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Ep 18 Am I The A HOLE, Honestly?! REACTING TO MORE Reddit Book Threads!

Besties and the Books Podcast

07/02/24 • 72 min

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We’re back at it with Part 2 of the popular series where we respond to “Am I The A Hole” Bookish Questions on Reddit, and then pose those same questions to you, our listeners!

Do we think getting upset at your coworker who won’t leave you alone about books is okay? Does telling your group of friends at a party that your husband isn’t “well read” make you an a hole? What about reading aloud on a cruise ship for everyone to hear?

You hear all of our opinions here first! Including our Tiny-Legged Cartoon and Sunball-themed Smash or Pass, and our recent bookish faves and fails.

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!!

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms

@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Liz

Instagram | TikTok

@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley

Instagram | TikTok

@AshleyEllix

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing: “Read Books Stay Weird” Tee by @Shopwildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.com

Liz is wearing: “Feral for Fiction” Crop Tee by @shadowboundspines - Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/feral-for-fiction-cropped-tee?_pos=3&_psq=feral&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Ep 22 Satanic Panic of 90s! Book Bans, Ouija Boards, and Mansons OH MY!

Besties and the Books Podcast

07/30/24 • 90 min

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Today is the day Ashley and Liz take the deep dive. You know us, we’re usually Sparknotes gals... but in order to paint the entire Satanic Panic picture we have to take you back to where it all began...so we did the research!

What exactly started our parent’s obsession with the occult, ultimately resulting in them banning us from reading Harry Potter? Was it Charles Manson, Ted Bundy, and the Zodiac Killer? Or could it have been razor blades in Halloween candy, ouija boards and the Tylenol murders?

What we discovered is that it was all of the above with a twist of Satanic Rituals, modern day witch trials, and fundamentalist Christian churches pushing their agendas. The extra fun part? We found out we were living in the EPICENTER of satanic panic in the 80’s: Kern County, California!!

We even get into the most banned books of the 90’s and early 2000’s, and why they were requested to be banned. But don’t worry, it’s not all fire and brimstone. We’ve got a faves and fails involving a bright red Dodge Charger and the new Twisters movie! And a smash or pass with a charismatic villain and some Targaryens.

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!!

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms

@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Liz

Instagram | TikTok

@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley

Instagram | TikTok

@AshleyEllix

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!

https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing: “The Right Way Isn’t The Only Way” Fourth Wing Sweater from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”) | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10

Liz is wearing: The “Expensive ” tee from @darkanddisturbedshop (use our affiliate code “VEGAN10”) | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/expensive-tee?_pos=2&_sid=a2829adfd&_ss=r

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

References:

https://www.vox.com/culture/22358153/satanic-panic-ritual-abuse-history-conspiracy-theories-explained

https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/decade2009

https://bannedbooks.library.cmu.edu/j-k-rowling-the-harry-potter-series/

https://www.glamour.com/story/a-complete-breakdown-of-the-jk-rowling-transgender-comments-controversy

Ep 25 But...AM I THE A HOLE?? | Reacting to MORE AITA Reddit Book Edition

Besties and the Books Podcast

08/27/24 • 67 min

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We’re back in your ears with Part 3 of your favorite silly series where we respond to “Am I The A Hole” Bookish Questions from Reddit, and then pose those same questions to you, our listeners!

Do we think that curating your own free little library to NOT include ancient Tom Clancy paperbacks makes you an a hole? What about giving away the book your friend wrote, then gifted to you? Is it wrong to give a book 1⭐️, or to refuse to give back a book someone sold to you on accident? How about writing a book about your friend’s dysfunctional life without their permission?

You hear all of our opinions here first! Including MORE PRINTER PROBS, which character from the Wizard of Oz we’d smash. And which version of Hercules we’d prefer.

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!!

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast
Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
Instagram | TikTok
@AshleyEllix

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing: “Starborn Checkered Tee” from @CaitsCurioCorner | https://go.magik.ly/ml/24o71/

Liz is wearing: A discontinued dark romance pullover by @darkanddisturbed shop. | Shop all designs at 10% off with code VEGAN10 https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Ep 33 Why VAMPIRES? Vampires in Literature, Pop Culture, and Digital Media

Besties and the Books Podcast

10/22/24 • 60 min

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Today on the Besties & the Books Podcast Ashley and Liz discuss some of our favorite monsters: Vampires, and attempt to understand why these undead, blood sucking creatures have dominated spooky lore, art, and literature throughout the ages... as a way to set the scene for our TWILIGHT Mini Episode Series launching THIS FRIDAY!

Where did the idea of vampires come from? Depending on the geographical location and culture, it varies. Could it be as simple as a way for humans to rationalize horrible things like plague and the unfortunately somewhat frequent occurrence of being buried alive?

Or maybe vampires symbolize the manifestation of denied desires, or women refusing to conform. Did the idea of the modern vampire originate with Bram Stoker’s Dracula? Or is there more to the story dating back hundreds more years to Lilith?

We answer these questions and also discuss the presence of vampire lore in our own lives. And of course, we’ve got a vampire themed fave and fail of the week, and a spooky smash or pass. Edward.. here... we... come!

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
Instagram | TikTok
@AshleyEllix

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing: “The Right Way Isn’t The Only Way” Sweater from @thebeanworkshop | Use Code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save!

Liz is wearing: “Always Lilith, Never Eve” Crop Hoodie from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save!

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

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FAQ

How many episodes does Besties and the Books Podcast have?

Besties and the Books Podcast currently has 81 episodes available.

What topics does Besties and the Books Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Fiction, Drama, Book Review, Book Podcast, Podcasts, Books and Arts.

What is the most popular episode on Besties and the Books Podcast?

The episode title 'Ep 54 “now WE are the A HOLES!” Our Bookish HOT TAKES!' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Besties and the Books Podcast?

The average episode length on Besties and the Books Podcast is 64 minutes.

How often are episodes of Besties and the Books Podcast released?

Episodes of Besties and the Books Podcast are typically released every 4 days.

When was the first episode of Besties and the Books Podcast?

The first episode of Besties and the Books Podcast was released on Mar 2, 2024.

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Besties and the Books Podcast

Besties and the Books

Top 10 Besties and the Books Podcast Episodes

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How many episodes does Besties and the Books Podcast have?

What topics does Besties and the Books Podcast cover?

What is the most popular episode on Besties and the Books Podcast?

What is the average episode length on Besties and the Books Podcast?

How often are episodes of Besties and the Books Podcast released?

When was the first episode of Besties and the Books Podcast?

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