Best Teaching My Cat To Read Podcasts (2025)

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Dr. Jorge Cham PHD Comics Creator Talks About Oliver's Universe, Volcanoes, Earthquakes & Science for Kids: National Book Festival 25th Anniversary Series 8:16

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7d ago8:16

8:16

Send us a text Ishara had an amazing time at the National Book Festival interviewing the brilliant Dr. Jorge Cham! Dr. Cham is a cartoonist, author, and the creator of the popular webcomic "PHD Comics" (Piled Higher and Deeper), which hilariously captures life in academia and graduate school. In this exciting interview, Ishara and Dr. Cham dive int…

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What Would 'The First Cat in Space' Think of Mac Barnett as National Ambassador? National Book Festival 25th Anniversary Series 12:14

16d ago12:14

12:14

Send us a text Ishara is thrilled to share her latest interview with Mac Barnett, the 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature! As the ninth writer to receive this prestigious honor, Mac has been inspiring young readers across the country with his imaginative stories and dedication to fostering a love of reading. Mac Barnett is a…

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BEHIND THE SCENES: Ishara's National Book Festival Favorites! 5:51

23d ago5:51

5:51

Send us a text Ever wonder what it's like to experience the National Book Festival through the eyes of a 10-year-old podcaster? In this special episode, Ishara takes you behind the microphone to share her favorite moments from this year's festival! ISHARA'S TOP SESSIONS: "J vs. K" - Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander's dynamic session that had the aud…

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Joy Harjo Interview: Full Circle Reunion with Ishara at the National Book Festival 25th Anniversary Series 4:27

23d ago4:27

4:27

Send us a text Two years ago, when Ishara was just 8 years old, she had the honor of interviewing U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo on season 2 of Ishara's Reading Podcast about her book "Remember." What started as a young reader's curiosity blossomed into something truly special - a genuine connection that Joy treasured just as much as Ishara did! Now,…

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PBS’s Marissa Talks Education & History: National Book Festival 25th Anniversary Series 3:21

28d ago3:21

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Send us a text In this spontaneous 3-minute interview, host Ishara meets Marissa from PBS’s Social Media team right at the PBS booth during the National Book Festival! What began as a casual chat about NOVA quickly turned into an impromptu interview when they discovered their shared passion for learning and history. Marissa opens up about why she l…

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Meet Tanner – Avid Reader, Possible Chef & Book Lover: The National Book Festival 25th Anniversary Series 3:16

28d ago3:16

3:16

Send us a text Join Ishara for a delightful 3-minute interview with Tanner, a young reader and aspiring chef she met at the National Book Festival! When Ishara spotted Tanner holding a book, she just had to ask what she was reading, and that sparked a heartwarming chat about books, baking, and bold adventures! Tanner shares her favorite book, "Kids…

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Q and A - Call and response with listener questions 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

We asked you to send in your burning questions - about books, cats, podcasting, and everything in between - and you delivered. From favourite reads and guilty pleasure genres to behind-the-scenes podcast stories (and a few chaotic tangents), we’re answering them all. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re brand new to the show, this i…

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Carry on Jeeves - Our Favourite Married Couple 1:05:42

2M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

This week, we’re diving into Carry On, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse, a collection of short stories that perfectly captures the hilariously lopsided dynamic between the clueless Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet, Jeeves. If you’ve never read Wodehouse before, this is the perfect entry point-sharp, charming, and laugh-out-loud funny. In this episo…

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All systems Red - Local SecUnit Can’t Believe It Paused Its Shows For This 1:11:42

2M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

This week, we’re talking about All Systems Red by Martha Wells, the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries series-and it’s safe to say we’re officially obsessed. With a title like Murderbot, you’d expect chaos (and there’s plenty), but what really caught us is the dry humor, the unexpected heart, and one of the most relatable AI narrators we’ve eve…

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Murder at the Vicarage -No One Expects the Village Inquisition 1:04:42

3M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

This week, we’re stepping into the quiet village of St. Mary Mead—where, naturally, a murder has just taken place. We're talking about Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie’s first full length novel to feature the sharp-eyed, quietly brilliant Miss Marple. In this episode, we dig into what makes this book such a good introductory read to one of C…

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Mini Ep - Death on the Nile 17:44

3M ago17:44

17:44

In this mini episode we re-cap the Agatha Christie Novel “Death on the Nile”. Note, we will spoil the plot of this book in this mini episode. The Back of the book: “The tranquility of a cruise along the Nile is shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway has been shot through the head. She was young, stylish and beautiful, a girl who had everyt…

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Harrow the Ninth - It’s A Beautiful Day On The Mithraeum And You Are A Horrible Necromancer 1:10:39

4M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

We’re back for part two of our deep dive into Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir—because let’s be honest, one episode wasn’t nearly enough. In this follow-up discussion, we’re untangling all the parts we didn't get to discuss in the first half - where things get even more mind-bending, the emotional stakes rise, and the mysteries lurking behind the Lo…

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Harrow the Ninth - Tragic Find-And-Replace Incident: Multiple Deaths 1:11:38

4M ago1:11:38

1:11:38

We’re back in the world of necromancers and space palaces with *Harrow the Ninth* by Tamsyn Muir—and things are even weirder (and more brilliant) than before. If you caught our episode on *Gideon the Ninth*, you know we’re already obsessed with this series. Now, we’re diving headfirst into Harrow’s fractured mind, impossible timelines, and a story …

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Mini Ep - Gideon the Ninth 17:53

5M ago17:53

17:53

Before we read and discuss the second book in “The Locked Tomb” series, we thought we would revisit the first book, “Gideon the Ninth”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. The Back of the Book: “The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, som…

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How Podfest Helps You Grow Your Podcast & Business: Joon S. Han x Ishara 7:00

5M ago7:00

7:00

Send us a text In this must-watch episode, Ishara had the amazing opportunity to sit down with the brilliant Mr. Joon S. Han, thanks to the incredible support from Ecamm’s Unstuck Studio! 😎 What you’ll learn in this episode: The behind-the-scenes of Podfest and how it’s transforming the podcasting industry Strategies to grow your podcast, brand, or…

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The Red Headed League - A Holmes, A Watson and a Redhead Walk Into A Bank Robbery 51:22

5M ago51:22

51:22

In this episode, we’re digging into *The Red-Headed League*, one of the most clever and entertaining short stories from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes collection. Join us as we follow Holmes and Watson through a bizarre case involving a mysterious job posting, a suspicious employer, and a scheme that’s far more serious than it first appea…

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A Kids’ Guide to Conclave - Part 2 Smoke Signals and Secret Votes 5:22

5M ago5:22

5:22

Send us a text Ready to uncover the next big mystery in how a pope is chosen? In this exciting follow-up episode of our special conclave series, Ishara and Father Ron return to reveal the secret world of papal voting inside the Sistine Chapel! Ever wondered how the cardinals actually pick a new pope? Spoiler: it’s not just raising hands—there are h…

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A Kids’ Guide to Conclave - Part 1: Locked In with a Big Decision – What Happens in a Conclave? 3:52

5M ago3:52

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Send us a text Ever heard the word conclave and thought, “Wait—what’s that?” You’re not alone! In this special series, this fun, kid-friendly Catholic podcast! Discover how conclaves work, why cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel, and what the black and white smoke really means. Perfect for grades 2–7, homeschool families, and Catholic educators. I…

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The Hunger Games - Bread and circuses and child murder 1:02:36

6M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

In this episode, we’re talking all things The Hunger Games—the book that took the world by storm and redefined YA dystopian fiction. We’ll dive into what makes this story so gripping, from the intense survival stakes to the sharp social commentary woven into Panem’s brutal world. We’ll break down Katniss Everdeen as a protagonist, the tension of th…

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Jane Eyre - Even The Weather Thinks This Is A Bad Idea 1:13:36

6M ago1:13:36

1:13:36

Join us for an in-depth conversation as we explore Charlotte Brontë’s classic, Jane Eyre. In this episode, we chat about the unforgettable journey of Jane—from her early struggles as an orphan to her quest for independence and love. We dive into the many layers of social commentary, Gothic atmosphere, and the fierce resilience that makes this novel…

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My Journey With Jesus: Saints, Prayers & Mary’s Faith – A Conversation with Father Brian! (6-2) 7:58

6M ago7:58

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Send us a text Join Ishara's Reading Podcast for the My Journey With Jesus Series, where young believers like you can grow in faith and have fun learning about Jesus! Ishara explores her personal relationship with Jesus and how He shapes her life. Each episode in this series, Ishara invites a special guest, which includes local priests and deacons,…

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Mini Ep - Much Ado about Nothing 22:20

6M ago22:20

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In this Mini episode, we’re back to the world of Shakespeare with “Much Ado About Nothing”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. The Back of the Book: “The primary plot of Much Ado About Nothing turns on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty war …

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My Journey With Jesus: Exploring Lent with Ishara and Father Brian! (6-1) 4:02

7M ago4:02

4:02

Send us a text Join Ishara's Reading Podcast for the My Journey With Jesus Series, where young believers like you can grow in faith and have fun learning about Jesus! Ishara explores her personal relationship with Jesus and how He shapes her life. Each episode in this series, Ishara invites a special guest, which includes local priests and deacons,…

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Throne of Jade (Temeraire) - it's my book they will stay on the boat if I tell them to 55:18

7M ago55:18

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Join us for a chat as we dive into Naomi Novik’s Throne of Jade, the second installment in the Temeraire (His Majesty’s Dragon) series. In this episode, we discuss about the epic blend of historical intrigue, vibrant dragon lore, and complex characters that bring this story to life. We’ll share our thoughts on the rich worldbuilding and the unforge…

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"Exploring Achieveland" - A Conversation with Dominique Alicia Bradford 39:24

7M ago39:24

39:24

Send us a text In this special episode of Ishara's Reading Podcast, Ishara sits down with Dominique Bradford, cofounder of the Achieve Movement, to discuss the powerful work she is doing alongside Warren Andrew Pinder. Dominique shares her insights into the Achieve Movement's mission and how it fosters community-driven success. Ishara reads aloud f…

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Mansfield Park - Mansplain Park 1:02:54

7M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

In our final Austen discussion, we turn our attention to Mansfield Park. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about Jane Austen’s classic as we explore its characters, intricate plot, and enduring social commentary. Throughout the episode, we examine Austen’s narrative and have a think if our pet cat would approve of this novel. If you appreciate …

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Special Announcement: I was Interviewed by "The Lou Dimond - Host of ThriveLoud!" 0:59

7M ago0:59

0:59

Send us a text So there I was at Podfest 2025, meeting the incredible Lou Diamond, host of ThriveLoud and motivational speaker! I agreed to be a guest on his show, and this was my very first time being interviewed. It was such an amazing experience! As someone who's usually the one doing the interviewing, I have to admit, I was a bit nervous—but Lo…

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Ishara’s Podfest Entrepreneurial Spotlight: A Fun Chat with Thomas Helfrich, Host of "Cut The Tie" Podcast! 20:00

8M ago20:00

20:00

Send us a text In this exciting episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast, Ishara has an amazing conversion with Thomas Helfrich, an entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and host of "Cut The Tie" Podcast! Ishara has a fun and inspiring conversation with Thomas. They talk about books for kids and adults, and on how to stay motivated, overcome obstacles…

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"Chicken Little and the Very Long Race" -- Of a Lifetime: Lessons, Laughter, and a Whole Lot of Fun!" 19:24

8M ago19:24

19:24

Send us a text Get ready for a wild, fun ride with "Chicken Little and the Very Long Race" written and Illustrated by Sam Wedelich, in this exciting episode of Ishara’s Reading Podcast! Ishara is back with another fantastic read-aloud that’s packed with humor, heart, and important life lessons. In this episode, Ishara brings Chicken Little’s race t…

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A Closed and Common Orbit - What does it mean to be a Human or an AI? 1:01:09

8M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

In this episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re diving into the heartwarming and deeply thought provoking sci-fi novel A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers. We have a chat about the book’s big themes: identity, belonging, the meaning of family, and what it means to build a life—whether you’re human, an AI, or something in between. With its…

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Mini Ep - Long way to an Angry Planet 14:41

8M ago14:41

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Please note: this episode contains MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS for the book if you haven’t read it yet from the start In this Mini episode, we return to the world of the Wayfarer with “The Long Way to a Small, Angry, Planet”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. The Back of the Book: “Follow a motley …

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Ishara’s Podfast Debut: A Fun Chat with Nick Pavlidis, CEO of Podfest & Morgan James Publishing! 9:11

8M ago9:11

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Send us a text In this episode, Ishara had the amazing opportunity to sit down and chat with Nick Pavlidis, CEO of Podfest and CEO of Morgan James Publishing, all thanks to Ecamm's - Unstuck Studio! 😎 Together, they dive into Nick’s incredible work supporting podcasters, authors, and entrepreneurs, and how Podfest is helping people level up their b…

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"I Took the Moon for a Walk" - Season 4 Premiere 9:24

8M ago9:24

9:24

Send us a text Welcome to the Season 4 premiere of Ishara's Reading Podcast! In this exciting episode, Ishara brings the whimsical world of children's literature to life as she reads, "I Took the Moon for a Walk" written by Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay. Perfect for little listeners, this beautifully illustrated tale takes us on a magical journey a…

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The Scottish Play - Just One More Murder, Bro, I Swear 1:04:38

9M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

In this week’s episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re entering into the world of Macbeth—a play packed with witches, ambition, and one very messy quest for power. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or just curious about all the drama, this episode is for you! We’ll chat about those three witches and their prophecies, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s …

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Wyrd Sisters - And I Would Have Gotten Away With It Too, If It Wasn’t For Those Meddling Witches 1:14:18

9M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

In this episode, we go back to the Discworld to discuss the book “Wyrd Sisters”, by Terry Pratchett. The second book in the Witches series, “Wyrd Sisters” parodies and satires “Macbeth, by William Shakespeare” (which we discuss in the episode after this one). We discuss which character would be the only human in the muppets adaptation, critique on …

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The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe - I’d Sell You To Satan For One Turkish Delight 1:10:52

10M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

In this special Christmas Episode of “Teaching My Cat to Read”, we discuss the classic children’s novel “The lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” By CS Lewis. We discuss, Christian Allegory, the enchanted Turkish Delights, character arcs and how not to die in a Wardrobe. What rating do we think our cat will give this book? Listen to find out! Content…

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Holiday Special: "How Carrot & Cookie Saved Christmas" with Erica Perl 30:08

10M ago30:08

30:08

Send us a text For the final episode of season 3, Ishara has picked the perfect holiday tale full of friendship, adventure, and tons of festive fun! In this special episode, Ishara is super excited to chat with the talented Erica S. Perl about her delightful book, How Carrot and Cookie Saved Christmas 🥕🍪 Join Ishara as Erica shares the behind-the-s…

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"You Are My Friend" – Celebrating the Legacy of Fred Rogers 16:06

11M ago16:06

16:06

Send us a text In this heartwarming episode, Ishara dives into the beautiful world of Fred Rogers with a reading of You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood. Written by Aimee Reid and illustrated by Matt Phelan, this book captures the gentle spirit and profound kindness that made Mister Rogers a beloved figure for generati…

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Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: You Won’t Like Me When I’ve Drunk My Murder Potion 1:06:52

12M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Happy Halloween! For today’s spooky special episode, we welcome back friend of the pod and Jekyll and Hyde aficionado Charlotte to discuss Secret Crimes, queer readings and cat ratings. Featuring in-depth Utterson discussion, trans woman Hyde, the politics of disgust and unexpected time cops. Content Warnings Swearing Please note, as of this episod…

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Exploring "Why is the Sky So Far Away?" – A Journey Through Nigerian Folklore 15:40

1y ago15:40

15:40

Send us a text Ever wondered why the sky seems so distant, or how a simple folktale can teach us profound lessons about our relationship with nature? Join me, Ishara, as we explore the captivating Nigerian folktale "Why is the Sky So Far Away?" beautifully retold by Mary Joan Garson and brought to life through Carla Golumbi's vibrant illustrations.…

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Remember "Jovita Wore Pants"? Let's Talk With Jovita's Great Niece, Award-Winning Author Aida Salazar! 29:18

1+ y ago29:18

29:18

Send us a text Join us for Ishara's interview with Aida Salazar, author of the thrilling story "Jovita Wore Pants"! Their conversation takes us on a journey through both heartbreak and joy, interweaving reflections on the legacy of our ancestors and Aida's family history of sacrifice, fighting for civil rights alongside Cesar Chavez, empathy for ch…

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Remember: "Jovita Wore Pants - The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter" 18:56

1+ y ago18:56

18:56

Send us a text As Ishara reflected on her understanding of Memorial Day, she choose to read "Jovita Wore Pants -The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter," Written by Jovita's great-niece and Américas Award-winner Aida Salazar and Illustrate by Eisner Award-honoree Molly Mendoza. Jovita Valdovinos true story incredible! Ishara felt Jovita reminded her…

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Look Who's Coming to Dinner: "The Passover Guest" 22:14

1+ y ago22:14

22:14

Send us a text This special episode celebrates Passover and Earth Day! Ishara believes caring for the earth and each other is everything! Ishara discovered “The Passover Guest," while shopping at the Politics and Prose bookstore. This amazing book is written by Susan Kusel and Illustrated by Sean Rubin. She fell in love with “The Passover Guest," i…

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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 4 - Bannered Across the Sky in Fire 1:11:18

1+ y ago1:11:18

1:11:18

In this 4th bonus episode for our 3rd series, we discuss the final 2 episodes, episodes 7 and 8, of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Daes Dae'mar” and “What Was Meant to Be". We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil any…

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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 3 - Egwene Is Going Through It Hours 1:04:55

1+ y ago1:04:55

1:04:55

In this bonus episode, we discuss episodes 5 and 6 of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Damane” and “Eyes Without Pity”. We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books. Episode 5, Damane: M…

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Welcome to Season 3 from Duke Gardens! Special Guest Ms. Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich 37:00

1+ y ago37:00

37:00

Send us a text I am so excited to welcome all of you to Season 3 of Ishara's Reading Podcast! For our Season 3 Premiere, we are celebrating Women's History Month with a special podcast guest – award-winning children’s book author Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich! She is a writer for PBS Parents, an NAACP Image Award nominee, and an editor for We Need …

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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 2 - Lanfear Loves Lace, Leather, and Lews Therin 1:00:33

1+ y ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In this bonus episode, we discuss episodes 3 and 4 of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2. In this episode we focus on episodes 3 and 4 of Series 2 (“What might be” and “Daughter of the Night”). In relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot w…

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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 1 - This looks better than S1 1:03:54

1+ y ago1:03:54

1:03:54

In this bonus episode, Lotti, and M, are joined by AJ, and Liv, about series 2 of the Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime. In this episode, we discuss specially episodes 1 and 2. We discuss all things costumes, plot points, and our favourite bits from the episodes. Plus we ask the question: Which Ajah would Jane Austen’s heroines be in? Make sure you’ve …

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The Kind in Humankind - "A Christmas Carol" 29:54

2y ago29:54

29:54

Send us a text It's the Christmas season! The time of year to reflect and spread good cheer! Ishara visited the Urbana Public Library in search of the perfect Christmas book to read, and she made a happy discovery: Adam McKeown's adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," lovingly retold for children and beautifully illustrated by Gerald K…

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Q and A: jingle jingle jingle 41:37

2y ago41:37

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It’s our Q and A episode! We answer your questions in this special bonus episode of our podcast. Content Warnings NA Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we acce…