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Big Book Energy

Arts & Culture Podcasts

Hi 👋 My name is Jennifer and I love books! I love them so much I became a librarian, I write stories in my free time, and I have a podcast where I talk all things bookish: Big Book Energy. These conversations will address how books were, are, and will continue to be relevant to our every day lives. Keep reading ❤️

Location:

United States

Description:

Hi 👋 My name is Jennifer and I love books! I love them so much I became a librarian, I write stories in my free time, and I have a podcast where I talk all things bookish: Big Book Energy. These conversations will address how books were, are, and will continue to be relevant to our every day lives. Keep reading ❤️

Language:

English


Episodes
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Sitting Down With Florida Man | S5 E2

3/22/2022
Sitting Down With Florida Man This week, BBE welcomes the Florida Men on Florida Man podcast back to the show. Jennifer sits down with Wayne to discuss Dave Berry’s book, Best State Ever, a heartfelt defense of his beloved state of Florida. Episode Highlights St. Mark's National Wildlife RefugeConnect with Florida Men On Florida Man websiteInstagramSupport the Pod Instagram Bookshop StoreBuy Me A Coffee! leave us a review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and I will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:00:49:11

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The Never-To-Be-Read List | S5 E1

3/8/2022
The Never-To-Be-Read List This week Jennifer gives a [belated] look at her 2021 reading and talks about her reading goals for 2022. Yes, she knows that it is already March. Paige Presents Webtoons: One of Jennifer’s latest Webtoon obsessions, The Gentle Way follows the Judo practitioner Jun as she learns how to confront her fears and overcome her anxiety. Super cute, romance vibes, but also great lessons on how to live your life bravely and authentically. Visit the author's Instagram or Patreon if you want more! Episode Highlights Support the Pod InstagramBookshop StoreBuy Me A Coffee!leave us a review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and I will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:00:15:33

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It's the End of the Podcast as we Know It: Paige's Farewell

1/17/2022
BBE is transitioning to a new phase. One that unfortunately lacks Paige. Tune in to hear about her new adventures, plans for the future, and a wrap up of season 4. Stay tuned for a new phase of BBE where Jennifer will continue to bring you all the bookish content you could hope for! Support the Show.

Duration:00:57:52

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Headcannon Accepted: Captain Wentworth's Diary

9/25/2021
Listen along as we take a dive into what some might consider fanfiction. Whether or not it is, we here at BBE loved hearing Captain Wentworth's side of the Persuasion story. Support the Show.

Duration:00:20:18

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Indiana Jones with a Much Bigger Gun: Area 51

8/28/2021
Paige needed to compensate for the discomfort brought on by reading a spicy romance novel. She went with aliens. Area 51, by Bob Mayer his websiteBookshop store Paige Presents Fun with Comics: Jennifer talks Webtoon Like Wind On A Dry Branch. Click on for some plague, demons, and magic. Creative’s Corner: For some amazing commentary content and zany original music, check out YouTuber Münecat. Discussion Questions Support the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a review *Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:00:19:18

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Bring the Romance: Jennifer's Fav Spicy Webtoons | BBE Shorts

8/13/2021
Bring the Romance: Jennifer’s Fav Spicy Webtoons Carrying on the trend of our July episode, Jennifer dives into some of her favorite ~spicy~ romance Webtoons. With some incredible stories and art, this is just another reason to download the app and get reading stat. Some of Jennifer’s fav spicy Webtoons: Freaking RomanceAt Arm’s LengthLet’s PlaySubZeroMidnight Poppy LandSupport the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a reviewBookshop store*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:00:17:09

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50 Shades of Red: The Kiss Quotient

7/30/2021
BBE branches out with this month's pick into uncomfortable territory for both Jennifer and Paige (but mostly Paige). Tune in to hear out thoughts on our first Guilty Pleasure Pick: The Kiss Quotient. The Kissing Quotient, by Helen Hoang her websiteour Bookshop storePaige Presents Fun with Comics: Girls of the Wild’s on Webtoon. Creative’s Corner: Paige serves up an Iceland-inspired podcast: Saga Thing. Hosted by two professors, get an entertaining breakdown of Icelandic literature. Discussion Questions The Kiss QuotientSupport the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:00:18:41

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Shame, Shame: An Intro to Guilty Pleasure Reads | BBE Shorts

7/22/2021
Shame, Shame: An Intro to Guilty Pleasure Reads In this first episode of BBE Shorts, Jennifer spends some time musing over what “guilty pleasure reads” means to her, and even reveals some of her favs to fall back on when she’s feeling down. She also explores what our listeners think of as guilty pleasure reads and hints at future episodes that dig more into why we feel guilty about reading certain things rather than others. Some of Jennifer’s fav guilty pleasure reads: Bookshop storeQuestions Jennifer Asks Support the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:00:18:53

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Let's Try This Again: The Tiger's Daughter

5/31/2021
As you may remember, we experienced some technical difficulties back in February and weren't able to release our normally scheduled episode. Well, we're back with Tiger's Daughter, for real this time. Tune in to hear our lost episode and what Paige thinks about this Mongol inspired pick. Mythology & Folklore: Mongolia Here are the references Paige used for Mongolian mythology: http://www.antor.org/mongolia-culture.htmlhttps://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803110143814https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erlikhttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9ClgenPaige Presents Fun with Comics: This week, Jennifer raves about the adorable Down To Earth. The Tiger’s Daughter, K. Arsenault Rivera her websiteBuy a copyCreative’s Corner: want some vintage editions of works by black authors? Maybe a custom curation in your chosen topic? Look no further than Good Books Atlanta, a mother-daughter duo dedicated to providing the best of blackness in literature. You can also check out their instagram! Discussion Questions The Tiger’s Daughterhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2032356303?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1999199519?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1Support the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:01:03:20

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Bonus Episode S3E5 - Period Power

5/28/2021
For our final bonus episode of this season, our coworker Dianna has come on to talk about Period Power. Let us know what you think! We may have a part 2 in store for you! Period Power, by Maisie Hill author’s websitePurchase a copyFolio Facts: This month, Paige tackles the witch hunting manual, Malleus Maleficarum, which translates to Hammer of the Witches! Despite an awesome name, this book was written by a terrible dude, Heinrich Krammer, in 1486, and was used to persecute many suspected witches in the centuries that followed. Interested in learning more? Check out this video by the Law Library of Congress on their copy, or this video by Story To Tell. Discussion Questions Support the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a reviewSupport the Show.

Duration:00:13:38

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It's Warping Time: The Táin Bó Cúailnge

5/17/2021
Paige finally gets her chance to make everyone listen to a story from Irish Mythology. Tune in to hear about an Irish epic centered around a cattle raid and a protagonist with the weirdest superpower. Mythology & Folklore: Irish Morrigan LughPaige Presents Fun with Comics: Get real bookish and check out The Reference Desk podcast, hosted by two librarians and discussing the topics that fascinate them the most. The Táin, translated by Thomas Kinsella Purchase a copyCreative’s Corner: This week, Jennifer is recommending another webtoon, Unholy Blood. Recommended if you’re into vampires, action, gorgeous art, or badass kween protagonists. Discussion Questions Tale Foundry suggestsSupport the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a reviewPatreon*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:01:14:12

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Critiquing the Monomyth: The Power of Myth

5/3/2021
For Jennifer's final episode of the season, she has chosen a slightly different pick with the Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell. Tune in as she analyzes Campbell's theories on comparative mythology. The Power of Myth, by Joseph Campbell Resources Jennifer used: rather robust wikipedia articleInterview w/ the Curator of the Joseph Campbell Archive and Libraryhis works and legacyThe Power of Myth Paige Presents Fun with Comics: Descender by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen. Creative’s Corner: Paige serves another mythology knockout with YouTube channel Fortress of Lugh. Discussion Questions monomyth (the hero’s journey)Support the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:01:14:45

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Bonus Episode S3E4 - The Library at Mount Char

4/30/2021
This episode we are doing Horror Lite! Paige's friend Sammie chose a book for us that has just enough horror elements to not scare the uninitiated but also has an original concept that all of us appreciated. Tune in to hear about the Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins. The Library at Mount Char, by Scott Hawkins websiteThe Library at Mount CharFolio Facts: This month Jennifer digs into the story of Mark Hoffman, who’s story was recently highlighted in the documentary, Murder Among the Mormons. Discussion Questions Support the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:00:14:39

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The Curse of Problematic Authors: The Mists of Avalon

4/19/2021
For this episode, Paige chose a classic feminist retelling of King Arthur: The Mists of Avalon. However, on closer inspection of the author we found some information that casts the novel in a very different light. Mythology & Folklore: the legend of King Arthur Resources Paige used for the folklore surrounding King Arthur: King ArthurArthurian LegendCulhwch and OlwenPaige Presents Fun with Comics: This week Jennifer talked about one of her new favorite Webtoons: The Strongest Florist. The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley Wikipedia pageWikipedia pageCreative’s Corner: Jennifer presents the Spooky Science Sisters! An awesome podcast debunking some supernatural stuff with science. They create amazing and entertaining social media content as well. You can find them on Instagram (and other social media) and you can listen to the pod almost anywhere podcasts live. Discussion Questions The Book that Made Me a Feminist Was Written By An AbuserSFF Community Reeling After Marion Zimmer Bradley's Daughter Accuses Her of Abuseseveral blog postsSupport the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:01:23:22

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A Nebula Finalist: Black Sun

4/6/2021
Mythology & Folklore: Pre-Columbian Resources used for general Pre-Columbian mythology: The Britannica articleLost World of the Maya (Full Episode) | National GeographicAnd here is what Jennifer used in relation to Black Sun specifically: QueztalcoatlPaige Presents Fun with Comics: This week Paige talked about New Spring, a graphic novel interpretation of Robert Jordan’s prequel to the Wheel of Time series. Unfortunately, Jennifer was not able to find this on Bookshop...but you can always look on AbeBooks! Black Sun, Rebecca Roanhorse her websiteinterview with NPRBlack SunBlack Sun Creative’s Corner: we had a guest this week! Cameron from Florida Men on Florida Man podcast joined us today to talk about their show. Cameron entertained us with some of his fav stories on Florida Man. They have some exciting things coming up that we talk about in this episode, but make sure to check out their website for all their links and all the latest. Discussion Questions BestFantasyBooksBestScienceFictionBooks.comPre-Columbian fantasiesLatin America-based fantasiesBookRiot articlethe blogSupport the Pod InstagramTwittera review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:01:56:58

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Bonus Episode S3E3 - The Knife Man

3/27/2021
For this episode we brought in an expert! Jennifer's compatriot from graduate school, Ryan, joined us to discuss The Knife Man: Blood, Body Snatching, and the Birth of Modern Surgery, which focuses on the wild life and times of surgeon John Hunter. Both gruesome and fascinating in equal parts, you won't want to miss out on this one. The Knife Man, Wendy Moore her website. The Knife Man Folio Facts: This month Paige chose the Book of Kells as our Folio Facts topic. The epitome of medieval illuminated manuscript, the exact origins of this book remain mysterious. Today you can find it on display at Trinity College in Dublin. If you can’t make it to Ireland any time soon, you can also view the Book of Kells online. Discussion Questions Ryan’s Book Recommendations The Dead Shall Not RestThe History of the Royal Society of MedicineDr. Mütter’s MarvelsOther Links mentioned in the Episode https://www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/museums-and-archives/hunterian-museum/Support the Pod https://www.instagram.com/big_book_energy https://www.twitter.com/big_book_energy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-book-energy/id1494813078*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:00:16:37

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[World] Serpents and Snark: The Gospel of Loki

3/22/2021
This episode, Paige chooses a tale firmly rooted in Norse Mythology. Tune in to hear about everyone's favorite Trickster and his take on some less well known myths. Mythology & Folklore: Norse Resources used for general Norse mythology: https://norse-mythology.org/tales/norse-creation-myth/https://skjalden.com/nine-realms-in-norse-mythology/And here is what Paige used for Loki specifically: https://blog.vkngjewelry.com/loki-trickster-god/Paige Presents Fun with Comics: Stray Souls The Gospel of Loki, Joanne M. Harris her website. The Gospel of Loki Creative’s Corner: for a hefty dose of cuteness, check out bobertquail on Instagram. Discussion Questions Support the Pod https://www.instagram.com/big_book_energy https://www.twitter.com/big_book_energy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-book-energy/id1494813078*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:01:06:32

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I'm Not Crying, You're Crying: The Song of Achilles

3/8/2021
Tune in for a dive into Greek mythology and a book that Jennifer says is the best she's read in a while and one that WILL make you cry: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Mythology & Folklore: Greece Resources used for general Greek mythology: https://youtu.be/4VaO1tx29ek https://youtu.be/XNCQ9w59I7M https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_tree_of_the_Greek_godsAnd here are the links Jennifer used for The Iliad: The Iliad https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IliadThe Iliad https://youtu.be/faSrRHw6eZ8Paige Presents Fun with Comics: Attack on Titan The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller her website. The Song of Achilles The Iliad this Goodreads list.Creative’s Corner: YouTube channel, Useful Charts. Far more interesting than the name sounds so make sure to check it out! Discussion Questions Support the Pod InstagramTwitterleave us a review*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:01:14:23

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Bonus Episode S3E2 - Submerged

2/26/2021
Because Paige's computer ate some of our raw audio for our normally scheduled episode delaying our release, BBE decided to publish a bonus episode for everyone. Enjoy as Paige's sister Kayla joins BBE to discuss a true crime murder mystery as shown in Janice Hisle's Submerged. Submerged: The Story of Sarah and Ryan Widmer Mile HigherTrial by Media, her website.Submergedon Amazon.Folio Facts: did you know famous detective novelist Anne Perry was convicted of murder as a teenager? Check out the links below to learn more about her and other authors-turned-criminals. 5 Crime Writers Who Were Also Murderers - Anne PerryDiscussion Questions Support the Pod https://www.instagram.com/big_book_energy https://www.twitter.com/big_book_energy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-book-energy/id1494813078*Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:01:18:54

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An Adventure in Japanese Folklore: Tales of Moonlight and Rain

2/9/2021
This week we discuss a classic of Japanese Literature: Tales of Moonlight and Rain by Ueda Akinari. Tune in to hear some wild stories and to hear Jennifer's opinion on a classic. Mythology & Folklore: Japan Jennifer did her best to give a brief summary of Japanese religious history during this episode, and here are a few of the sources that she used: https://www.uwosh.edu/facstaff/barnhill/244-japan/bits-of-historyShinto Religion in JapanJapanese Mythology https://youtu.be/l3MKdJjQeOw https://youtu.be/8Zwi3XXLci8And here are the sources for some of the specific folklore bits that Jennifer talked about: https://youtu.be/SnauEqgUYnw Asura Realm http://yokai.com/ https://youtu.be/Gd1D2gWhDXMPaige Presents Fun with Comics: Lazarus, Image Comics Tales of Moonlight and Rain, Ueda Akinari Ueda AkinariTales of Moonlight and Rain https://bookshop.org/a/9616/9780231139137Creative’s Corner: a true crime YouTube channel, Brief Case. Discussion Questions Support the Pod https://www.instagram.com/big_book_energyhttps://www.twitter.com/big_book_energy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-book-energy/id1494813078 *Some of the links above are affiliate links and we will receive commission from any purchases made through them* Support the Show.

Duration:01:23:45