Off the Shelves Podcast

Happy Anniversary to us!

We've officially been podcasting for one year, and neither of us has run out of opinions or books to read, so buckle in, because we're just getting started.
This week, we're talking about Belle Burden's memoir Strangers, an intimate and thought-provoking look at marriage, betrayal, loss, self-discovery, and  privilege. This book will leaves you wondering how well you can ever truly know the people closest to you.
We've also got some first-year podcast stats to share, thoughts on badminton, birthday celebrations, and Deb's renewed dream of owning a ranch filled with micro mini cows and horses. 
Products you'll love:
Cure Electrolytes
Golden Hour Farm
Dinner:
Grilled Chicken Salad

Just This: Vanilla Stoli and Diet

Jump into the chaos with us as we talk about the historic South Swell, World Cup soccer drama, the cocktails our 21-year-old selves swore were sophisticated, and more. 
Grab your Diet Coke with vanilla Stoli, a rum and Coke, or whatever you're sipping this summer, and let's get into it.
 

Balls to the wall

Add this book to your must-read list ASAP. The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali was brilliant. We loved this historical novel about friendship, love, revolution, and the fight for women's rights. Which feels especially relevant today, doesn't it?
You know we've got the usual chatter about what's happening in our lives and the world around us. Grab a summer beverage, jump in, and let us know what you think!
 
What to buy:
The boujee notebook of your dreams, Louise Carmen
Drink of the season, Waterloo Coconut Lime Cooler
What to eat:
Tuscan Sausage Pasta
Crispy Sheet Pan Tacos

Just This: Book bans are surging

According to a new report from PEN America, nonfiction book bans are on the rise, and nearly 4,000 books were pulled from American public school libraries during the 2024–2025 school year. We’ve also got an early product review of Mary Claire Haver’s supplements, and Carey may have found her new favorite beverage.
PEN America report
Cutest coloring book
 

HBD Jenn

This week, we drop back into banned books with Stephen King’s Bag of Bones. To be clear, we probably never would have picked this one up if Utah hadn’t recently added it to its banned book list, so… thanks, Utah? Actually, no. Seriously. Stop banning books.
Let's Shop:
Gorjana Jewelry 
Caffe Ibis Coffee
Let's Eat:
Steak and Shiitake Mushrooms
Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken
 

Just This: Sexy Jesus

This week, we break down the real and slightly alarming cost of “doing all the right things” for perimenopause. Sexy Jesus makes an appearance, rising travel costs test our patience, and password resets might become our final straw. Grab a coffee and your supplements and let's get in to it.

Zone of Chaos

It’s our 25th book, and we’re marking the occasion with The New Perimenopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD, which feels less like a book recommendation and more like required reading for women, especially those in their 30s wondering why everything suddenly feels… chaotic.
We’re also talking about the massive week in sports for the gals, Kentucky Derby, and the woman who absolutely shattered expectations by winning the Cocodona 250 and setting a new course record in the process. Hormones, horses, and 250-mile trail races. Just another week around here.
What's for dinner?
Eggroll in a bowl
https://therealfooddietitians.com/easy-egg-roll-in-a-bowl/
Asian Beef noodle bowls with rice noodles and local beef
https://asianinspiredeats.com/asian-beef-noodle-bowls/
Products we love:
Colorscience total protection face sunscreen
colorscience.com 
Verve Decaf coffee
https://www.vervecoffee.com/products/vancouver-swiss-water-decaf
Podcasts to listen to:
AI Data Center Revolt in Missouri https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/a-data-center-revolt-in-missouri/05e598af-f37a-4c91-b6ec-602ffb4b798a 
AI’s Power Grid Problem
https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/the-power-grid-ai-problem/d662e838-3f78-4ae9-98b7-c5524044b41d

Just This: Adulting Sucks

Utah is at it again and banning two more books, Carey finally found mahi mahi after a nine-month search, and Deb accidentally bought a book because apparently Amazon now accepts “looking at it” as consent to purchase. (To be fair, this one may not have been Amazon’s fault.)
Also, spoiler alert: neither of us has watched Game of Thrones. Listen in to hear us figure that out.

The Ick

This week, we’re talking about Know My Name by Chanel Miller. It’s not currently classified as a banned book, but given the topics it covers, you can see how it might end up on someone’s list. This memoir is authentic, raw, and takes a hard look at sexual assault, trauma, and the legal system. It’s a must-read.
We’ve also got plenty of updates for you, including things giving us the ick, broken mugs, a chance encounter with an Aussie, and more. Let’s get into it.
Go Shop:
For a fresh no make-up look with glowy, creamy tinted balm:
https://goop.com/goop-beauty-colorblur-glow-balm/p/?Color=Afterglow
 
The most delicious body wash:
https://naturium.com/products/the-glowing-body-bundle?variant=39962100990007&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23087372559&gbraid=0AAAAACvIUqND4Ofg6U1Ekgcacoz9wzYc-&gclid=CjwKCAjwqazPBhALEiwAOuXqdDUo9CrJ1yqdkFP5zJ-nEQEOTNcYJEMuuacdBxgLIvJ_0zTdf2nprxoCJc4QAvD_BwE
 
Let's Eat:
Super Green Mushroom and Orzo Soup 
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a40384/supergreen-mushroom-orzo-soup-recipe/
Butter Chicken with Naan 
https://whatsgabycooking.com/butter-chicken/

Just This: All about Beth

This week on Just This we have true crime podcasts, catfishing schemes, cookies that may or may not fix everything, and voter law changes that definitely won't. Grab a cookie and let’s get into it.