Off the Shelves Podcast

Now hiring, personal assistant

The book picked Deb this week — The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner (and no, it’s not banned). What started as a casual read turned into a full-on spiral about justice, humanity, and why Kushner might just be a genius. In between, we’re catching up on life — from our upcoming New York trip (Carey’s got a Louie V situation brewing) to coffee obsessions and emotional detours we didn’t see coming. It’s a little messy, a little deep, and totally Off the Shelves.
Products you need:
Book of the Month Club
https://www.bookofthemonth.com/the-best-new-books/hardcovers
Mother Jeans
https://www.motherdenim.com/collections/denim/products/the-reifler-early-blue
What’s for dinner:
Mocha Rubbed Pot Roast
https://nomnompaleo.com/post/115686948218/pressure-cooker-mocha-rubbed-pot-roast 
Turkey Meatloaf
https://www.killingthyme.net/super-tender-ground-turkey-meatloaf/ 

Just This: Deep Dive

This week on Just This, we’re leveraging synergies (kidding) while laughing about corporate buzzwords — and breaking down Skims’ latest “bush” moment. Did it move the needle or just end up in the feedback loop?

What do you mean there are no chapters?

Oh boy, do we have a book for you this week. It’s not banned — but maybe it should be, because this one is taking up way too much space in our brains. We read I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, and let’s just say it left us… confused, frustrated, and mildly unhinged.
Stick around for updates on the great bathroom remodel race, a saga of customer service woes, a man with a tail, and another with a rifle. You might want to grab a drink for this one — we definitely should have.
What’s for dinner:
Nashville Hot Nuggets
https://www.rabbitandwolves.com/nashville-hot-tofu-nuggets-vegan/ 
 
Products we love: 
Bathroom remodel edition
https://www.anthropologie.com/anthrohome/search?q=bathroom+hardware

Just This: Frazzled with a side of big news

Mini episode 3 - it's hectic over here. Deb's closet needs a huge refresh maybe even a stylist calling Jenn G! AND Carey's got some big news. Enjoy.

Should we drink more often?

Buckle up, because we crack ourselves up in this one. This week we’re talking about Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid — not a banned book (and it definitely shouldn’t be). It’s fast, fun, insightful, and full of wonder.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Off the Shelves episode without a dose of real life: sprinkler disasters, a little work talk, and a very belated celebration of our 10th episode… plus one of us forgets what day it is.
It’s pumpkin season - grab your pumpkin beer and enjoy.
 
What’s for dinner: 
Curry Chicken, Asparagus, Rice
https://www.food.com/recipe/grilled-curry-chicken-91002
Chicken Quesadillas  
https://www.lemontreedwelling.com/loaded-chicken-quesadillas/
 
Products we’re loving:
Union biscuit 
https://www.unionbiscuitlv.com/
JW Marriot 
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lasjw-jw-marriott-las-vegas-resort-and-spa/overview/ 
Uinta brewing pumpkin ale
https://www.uintabrewing.com/beers/pumpkin

Just This: Speed Reader

Welcome to episode two of Just This. No books on the table this time but you know we always have a lot to say! Enjoy.
 

RIP Sourdough

It's time to dig in to another banned book — but plot twist: this one isn’t a dystopian novel. This week we’re diving into Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, the powerful story of a girl who endures a traumatic summer, finds herself shunned by her peers, and turns inward to cope.
And you know we’ll be catching you up on the latest in our sourdough adventures, Debbie’s new “Home Safety Tips” series, and Carey’s upcoming trip to celebrate Granny. Oh and an Alani fall flavor review. 
So grab that energy drink, look up the non-emergency number, and get ready to get angry that another book was banned.
 
What’s for Dinner:
A TikTok recipe win: Garlic Butter Steak Bites with mashed potatoes and asparagus
Sorry I couldn't find a link - go search it up - you won't be disappointed
and... Carey takes a break from cooking this time!
 
You should by it:
Dry Shampoo Paste: https://www.randco.com/products/badlands-dry-shampoo-paste?srsltid=AfmBOoqPkdbFLBfqHUktvft7577FNBVmQ7jkKDXPMADlfh2X9Veg__QB
Boujee Grape Juice: https://lakewoodorganic.com/products/lakewood-organic-pure-concord-grape-juice-32-ounce-pack-of-6?variant=42203644756159
Other Links:
https://rainn.org/

Just This: 10 minutes to In-n-Out

Hey hey! We’re shaking things up today and kicking off a brand-new mini-episode series. These short catch-up and vent sessions will drop every other week — no books on the table this time, just real life, business chatter, a little venting, and our best attempts at solving the world’s problems. Grab your favorite bevvy, have a listen, and let us know what you think!

Hide Your Books!

We’re back with another banned book — and it’s a big one. Chances are you first met this classic in high school or college: Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. Published in 1953, this isn’t just a story about banning books — it’s about burning them. All of them. We dive into Bradbury’s fire-hot cautionary tale and explore themes about censorship.
And because it wouldn’t be an Off the Shelves episode without a little real life sprinkled in: Carey’s trying to crack the TikTok code after her egg post went viral, we’re fresh off a work trip to Denver, and Deb’s bringing some pro tips for Salt Lake City concert goers and what not to do when shopping for groceries online. Grab a cold drink and settle in for an unsettling episode.
What's for dinner: Bananas for every meal, jk
Pesto Pasta Salad
https://cookieandkate.com/pesto-pasta-salad-recipe/
Pressure Cooker Pot Roast
https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/pressure-cooker-beef-stroganoff/
Products you need - we both got new perfume and you should too: 
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia: https://www.gucci.com/us/en/pr/beauty/fragrances/fragrances-for-women/gucci-flora-gorgeous-gardenia-100ml-eau-de-parfum-p-667343999990099?srsltid=AfmBOooFw-35LiQ6tdab8AQRhMugTVc0SHtF6VAG39sIAyGYGGC7-0Qz
 
Diptyque Orphéon:
https://www.diptyqueparis.com/en_us/p/fragrances/eaux-de-parfum/orpheon-eau-de-parfum-75ml.html 
 

A Stetson, Moulin Rouge, and WWI

This week, we’re switching things up with a very different kind of book—one Carey picked entirely by its cover (and because BookTok wouldn’t shut up about it). We’re talking about John Green’s Everything Is Tuberculosis. Green educates the reader about a disease that still kills over a million people each year, despite there being a cure since the 1950s. Through the story of Henry, a young man who’s battled TB for years, he blends education with a call to action.
Of course, it’s not all serious—we’ve got updates on the great sourdough saga (are the babies still alive?), stories from Carey’s California birthday trip, and plenty more chaos along the way.
So grab your headphones, your coffee, and that sourdough starter—and let’s get into it.
What's for dinner?
Grilled Chicken & Chopped Veggie Salad with Sesame-Ginger Vinaigrette: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/grilled-chicken-and-chopped-veggie-salad-with-sesame-ginger-vinaigrette-2105595
Get the products we love: 
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day:  www.mrsmeyers.com
Maui Jim Sunnies: https://www.mauijim.com/US/en_US/shop/sunglasses/fashion/starfish