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!
YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast
Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife
Ashley
Instagram | TikTok
@AshleyEllix
Email [email protected]

#56 in the Top 100 arts Weekly chart

...more

1 Listener

All episodes

Best episodes

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

Send us a text

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!

1 Listener

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

Besties and the Books Podcast

04/04/25 • 51 min

Send us a text

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!

1 Listener

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

Besties and the Books Podcast

10/22/24 • 60 min

Send us a text

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!

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

Besties and the Books Podcast

03/18/25 • 58 min

Send us a text

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

Besties and the Books Podcast

07/30/24 • 90 min

Send us a text

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

What’s Up with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban? | Book 3 | Bonus Minisode

Besties and the Books Podcast

08/30/24 • 46 min

Send us a text

Here we are in week 3 of Ashley & Liz’s Harry Potter Minisode Series!

Yes, we were banned from reading Harry Potter as kids, and yes, we’re reading them for the first time now as elder Millennials. And we wanna talk about them with you!

Episode 3 covers book 3: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then Liz takes us on a chaotic journey of run-on sentences detailing the entire plot in five sentences or less. And boy... did this book have A LOT of side quests. Will she succeed or will we throw her in the dumpster of life? 😂

We talk about what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings on if this book should've been banned, and end with a fun piece of HP trivia. With a BONUS on our biggest monster fears and how we might defeat the Boggart.

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 Serpent and the Wings of Night Kejari Sweater from @TheBeanWorkshop | Use code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | * https://thebeanworkshop.store/?dt_id=1636083
Liz is wearing: “Reading ‘Cause F*ck this Sh*t” tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/password

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!

Besties and the Books Podcast Trailer

Besties and the Books Podcast

03/02/24 • 1 min

Send us a text

Ep 00 We're Book Besties, Of Course We Started A Podcast Together

Besties and the Books Podcast

03/05/24 • 69 min

Send us a text

It's a tale as old as time...
two real life besties who've both had a love of books since they first learned to read decide to make book podcast together! I 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 explore 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!
In this episode we share with you a little about who we are, who we think this podcast is good for, why we started it, and even talk about our friendship origin story from our individual POVs. Thank you for taking time out of your day, and probably your book, to give us a listen!
Don't be shy, follow + 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:
The Serpent and the Wings of Night Little Serpent tee from The Bean Workshop | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/20q6m/
Liz is wearing:
Throne of Glass Aelin Fireheart tee from The Bean Workshop | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/20q6k/
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 02 Skin Tails & Hook Hands...UNHINGED BOOK QUESTIONS!

Besties and the Books Podcast

03/12/24 • 59 min

Send us a text

This week, explore the deep and awkward depths of our minds as Ashley and Liz cover ALL the book bases. We start with our faves and fails of the week, move on to a satisfyingly ridiculous barrage of answering unhinged book questions, and end with a smash or pass session us fantasy lovers can all relate to.

Is walking the 10,000 steps in the House of Wind worth it when there’s a bat boy prize waiting for you at the top? What would we buy with 100 million dollars? There’s even a couple rounds of the classic: marry, eff, unalive. Hope to see you there!

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: Daughter of No Worlds Max’s Flower Garden Tee from The Bean Workshop | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/20qel/

Liz is wearing: The Serpent & the Wings of Night Pullover from @willowraehandmadeco_ (unfortunately this shop has closed 😩 all the more reason to shop small businesses when we can so they do not have to go out of business!)

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

Send us a text

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

Show more best episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Besties and the Books Podcast have?

Besties and the Books Podcast currently has 77 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.

Show more FAQ

Besties and the Books Podcast

Besties and the Books

Top 10 Besties and the Books Podcast Episodes

FAQ

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?

Comments