Ep. 55: Lit Chats: Looking Back On Our First Year

Celebrate the first anniversary of Lit Vibes Only with Amanda and Kelsey as they reflect on their wild year of podcasting, their evolving reading tastes, and their hilarious banter. From heated book debates to unexpected favorites, take a trip down memory lane filled with laughter, insights, and the occasional Kelsey-ism!

00:00 Welcome to Our Anniversary Episode

00:31 Engage with Us on Social Media

04:04 Discussing Our Reading Preferences

07:02 Reflecting on a Year of Podcasting

08:44 Favorite Lit It or Quit It Books

16:09 Unexpected Book Loves

22:07 Podcasting Highlights and Future Plans

24:59 Balancing Podcasting and Events

26:41 The Challenges of Podcasting

27:29 The Importance of Feedback

30:08 Deepening Friendships Through Podcasting

31:25 Changing Reading Habits

36:37 Navigating Social Media

42:54 Reflecting on the Journey

45:04 Looking Ahead

46:02 Gratitude and Farewell

Follow us on TikTok & Youtube @litvibesonlypodcast and on Instagram @litvibesonly_podcast. You can also email us at litvibesonlypodcast@gmail.com We'd love to hear from you!

See you on Mondays!

Transcript

Ep. 55: Lit Chats: Looking Back on Our First Year

[00:00:00] Amanda: Welcome to Lit Vibes Only, where we lit the shit out of books we love and hate. I'm Amanda, the insightful, thrill seeker, and historical fiction nerd. 

[00:00:13] Kelsey: And I'm Kelsey, the unhinged, diehard romantic and fantasy reader. Welcome to our anniversary episode. Oh, I guess, yeah, this, yeah, I That way. This is like the actual one.

[00:00:27] Kelsey: This is the actual anniversary episode. Yeah, you're right. You're so right. Welcome. Before we get too far into it, if you've been here the entire year and you haven't reviewed podcast. Oh, my podcast. What the. What the real deal. Seriously. 

[00:00:42] Amanda: I like how you just censored yourself there. We don't wanna attack the very people who we want to comment on.

[00:00:50] Amanda: Well, 

[00:00:51] Kelsey: we do wanna pay their attention though. We 

[00:00:53] Amanda: do. Yes, you're right. That was definitely So go review, 

[00:00:56] Kelsey: rate and review. So that we can be seen by [00:01:00] other people who also would love to listen to our podcast. Yeah. So we need your help in that way. Also continue to find us on social media.

[00:01:08] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. We're on TikTok and YouTube at Lip Vibes only Podcast TikTok. We're quite, what is the word, Amanda? Active. Thank you. Sometimes we're just speaking, speaking we're quite active on TikTok especially. Mm-hmm. And then YouTube has our full length episodes. Mm-hmm. So if you wanna see the random facial expressions that Amanda and I make and or Benito sometimes Yay.

[00:01:35] Kelsey: Benic come over to YouTube. And finally, we're also on. Instagram. Mm-hmm. We sure are. It's the worst. Instagram at Live Vibes only under podcast, so you can find us there as well. 

[00:01:50] Amanda: Yay. So, yeah, like, comment, follow, subscribe, all of the things if you're not already. Mm-hmm. We do have so much fun, particularly on TikTok.

[00:01:58] Amanda: I'm really enjoying Oh, yeah. [00:02:00] The book Talk community. We're building over there. We're still still struggling with Bookstagram. It is, you know, it's a, it's a hard, we just 

[00:02:07] Kelsey: aren't the aesthetic. Kinda gals we're just like, TikTok is definitely our vibe of like, we're, yeah, let's just put up a video. Like you don't have to have anything on like 

[00:02:18] Amanda: Yeah.

[00:02:18] Amanda: I feel like book talkers are just more accepting of just whatever you put out there and are willing to engage with it. And I feel like. Bookstagram. It's just more particular. Yes. You know, and we just can't get folks to engage. We just can't get folks to comment. Yeah. Or, or, I mean, sometimes we'll get some likes, but it's, it's, yeah, it's tough out there.

[00:02:39] Amanda: So if anybody has any secrets or hacks into how to break into book Instagram, 

[00:02:43] Kelsey: understanding it, 

[00:02:44] Amanda: please let us know because we've been at like 200. I think like 236 followers for months and months and months. And we continue to gain new followers on a regular basis on TikTok. And I think we're at like 1350 right now, which is great.

[00:02:58] Amanda: Yeah. [00:03:00] So, yeah, if, if folks I had a look 

[00:03:01] Kelsey: right now 

[00:03:02] Amanda: are like, are you looking at the actual, we have a comment. 

[00:03:04] Kelsey: Oh my God. Oh, that's exciting. On Instagram, we have 235 followers. 2 35. Yeah. So a 

[00:03:10] Amanda: huge difference between. Our follower count for Instagram versus TikTok.

[00:03:16] Kelsey: And then the people that I'm on Instagram and this was one of our recent posts.

[00:03:22] Kelsey: About our q and a. Our friends message us on here, like comment. Our friends are commenting your brother commented and said, congrats now that it's been a year, what has been your favorite part of podcasting? So yeah.

[00:03:36] Kelsey: Oh, 

[00:03:36] Amanda: great. We can definitely talk about that today. Yeah. But yeah, usually, usually Instagram, the only people who respond, or people who actually know us in real life Yes. And are. Mm-hmm. Let's, let's comment, which we very much appreciate. Yeah, Instagram is for friends and families, apparently. Apparently, apparently.

[00:03:51] Amanda: But yeah, we have a blast on TikTok and that has been much more successful for us this year, and we're excited to keep growing that community on that [00:04:00] platform. And yeah, we're just gonna talk a lot about what this past year has been like for us in a variety of ways. But before we get into our chat, we're gonna talk about the books that we're reading, as always.

[00:04:10] Amanda: Yes. I am happy to start. Sure. Or Kelsey, if you want, you've already got your book like up and ready to go. So why don't you first, I dunno, I'm getting this like weird energy right now. I'm like, oh my God, it's anniversary energy. You know, you're just like so wired and so excited that we've done the thing.

[00:04:28] Kelsey: So I am reading Metal Slinger by Rachel Hin. Schneider. Okay. I was like, what is this? Just wait for it. Hold on. So I am enjoying it so far, but I'm almost done. Okay. But I just, I will say something about the romance. I'm not buying it. Oh. So I am curious how this 

[00:04:54] Amanda: will go. Like, you're not, it's like a, not a believable love story, or you just don't like the characters, [00:05:00] or I can't tell like 

[00:05:02] Kelsey: it's.

[00:05:04] Kelsey: It just hasn't progressed in a way that would seem like they have deep feelings for each other, but like, I guess they do, but it feels rushed. Maybe not rushed, but I don't know. Okay. I don't know. All 

[00:05:16] Amanda: right. That's fair. Sometimes it's hard to just, no. Sometimes it's just a feeling and we can't really articulate it.

[00:05:23] Amanda: Yeah. Beyond that. That's fair. Well, that kind of ties into my book just because it's a romance. Just started it and. It's actually gonna be featured on the podcast in October. It's a great, big, beautiful life by Emily Henry. This is obviously a Kelsey Pick for me, and I realized I was thinking about it.

[00:05:44] Amanda: This will be my third romance that Kelsey's had me read because there was, before I let go by Kennedy Ryan. Okay. Say remember me by Abby Jimenez. And so this will be the third one. 'cause all the rest have been romantic. Yeah, I guess. Well, I guess, [00:06:00] no, I take it back. You also had me read the Truth according to Ember.

[00:06:02] Amanda: So that's, this will be my, my fourth one. How could I have forgotten that one? 

[00:06:05] Kelsey: And then I think I need to read the next book. 

[00:06:07] Amanda: I know it's something war something war song, or what is it? Love is War song. Love is a War song, I think by Dana Canva. But yeah, so I'm curious because I, I know Emily Henry, along with Abby Jimenez is one of the big names in contemporary romance. Yes. And so I'm curious, and I did actually end up liking say you'll remember me. Mm-hmm. And Kelsey seems to think that I will like this one. I think you'll like 

[00:06:34] Kelsey: aspects of 

[00:06:34] Amanda: this one for sure. Okay. Do you think this will be a, like a lit it or quit it for me?

[00:06:42] Amanda: Like what's your prediction? I'm just gonna say lit it 'cause I'll be optimistic. Okay. Okay. That's fair. Because I realize this will be our next episode, great big Beautiful Life. 'cause it'll be the first episode for October. Yeah. So tune in next week for that episode. For that episode in to see if [00:07:00] Kelsey's optimistic prediction ring true.

[00:07:02] Amanda: Yay. But as Kelsey said, we are here today to just take a moment. To reflect on this past year of podcasting. Yeah. And what it meant to us and what, you know, we're thinking moving forward. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. And just highlighting some special moments because this, for us, you know, I don't know how you all feel listeners, but for us as the people who have brought this podcast into being, it was a labor of love and it's really cool to just go back and see all that we've accomplished.

[00:07:33] Kelsey: Yeah, and even just 

[00:07:34] Amanda: like scrolling through our episodes and at this point, at the time of recording, we currently have 50 episodes up on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and that's kind of crazy. 

[00:07:42] Kelsey: Well, but that doesn't even include our bonus episodes that we, that's through. So it's, so I think you might be like 

[00:07:48] Amanda: 52.

[00:07:48] Amanda: Yeah, 

[00:07:49] Kelsey: 50. I feel like we've done like three, because remember there was a movie one, 

[00:07:54] Amanda: right? It ends with 

[00:07:55] Kelsey: us. Right. And 

[00:07:56] Amanda: then 

[00:07:56] Kelsey: we've done two, 

[00:07:59] Amanda: but [00:08:00] we've numbered those though. So they would count in the, the only one. That ones, yeah, we did, I did number those. Oh, did you? Yeah. So the only ones that are are not numbered are our intro episodes.

[00:08:10] Amanda: So Lit Vibes 1 0 1, the very first episode we dropped, and then it ends with us. So I think it's 52. 

[00:08:15] Kelsey: That's wild. 

[00:08:16] Amanda: It's wild. And like a lot of that's like 50 hours of us talking more than that. 'cause some of our episodes are obviously more than an hour and at least, yeah. So a lot of work has gone into this, oh my gosh.

[00:08:28] Amanda: Into this podcast. Yes. And it's really cool to take a moment to just sit back and both celebrate and reflect and think about where we wanna go from here. 

[00:08:36] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. So 

[00:08:37] Amanda: we kind of sketched out a couple of things that we wanna touch on. I'm sure we'll probably. Also randomly go off on tangents, but Oh yeah.

[00:08:44] Amanda: I think we maybe wanted to start with what some of our favorite littered or quid books were. 

[00:08:49] Kelsey: Oh yeah. That we into for sure. Well. Mm-hmm. Some of my favorite litter quid books are not your favorite [00:09:00] quid books. Yep. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. The first one I put on here was Bride by Ali Hazelwood. Let me tell you all, oh my goodness.

[00:09:07] Kelsey: I am in my Ali Hazelwood era, like I AM's. Unfortunate for me loving. Her books, I think I've read. So I've read Ride Deep End the Love Hypothesis, love Theoretically. And then I just finished the third one in that series. Love something. I don't remember what it was called. I'm sure it was numbers, but 

[00:09:30] Amanda: stem 

[00:09:30] Kelsey: word in there.

[00:09:32] Amanda: Yes. 

[00:09:33] Kelsey: And love. Love. Oh, the love hypothesis. 

[00:09:37] Amanda: No, you already said that one. Dang it. Yeah, you did. You said love, hypothesis and love, theoretically. And then you were thinking of the third one. Yeah. I didn't realize that, that those were a series. I thought that the love hypothesis was a standalone, but 

[00:09:49] Kelsey: like, they're standalone, but like.

[00:09:52] Kelsey: Yeah. How do you explain that? Yeah. Is it in 

[00:09:54] Amanda: the same world? Are there carryover characters or something? 

[00:09:58] Kelsey: I don't think there's carryover [00:10:00] characters, but it's the same. I don't know. I dunno how to describe that because Abby Jimenez has this too, and some characters do cross over, but I don't remember characters crossing over.

[00:10:13] Amanda: So like what makes it a series? Then now I'm curious, like, how do you have, there has to be something that's connecting them. 

[00:10:20] Kelsey: Lemme look. Is it just that 

[00:10:21] Amanda: they're all like women in stem? Because I know that's a thing for her.

[00:10:25] Kelsey: But maybe I'm wrong. Is this number one of all of them? I don't know.

[00:10:32] Kelsey: Love Hypothesis. Love the theoretically. Okay. Love on the Brain. That was the one I just finished. And it is a series Love on the Brain. Is that what it says? I dunno. 

[00:10:40] Amanda: Oh, okay. It doesn't, cult is making up information over here, so please disregard listeners if you're, it just has the same Okay. Like vibe? I don't 

[00:10:49] Kelsey: know.

[00:10:50] Kelsey: Yes, I mean, but Okay. But it has the same like. C covers. So like that's love hypothesis, right? Okay. Mm-hmm. And then it [00:11:00] has the same then love, theoretically it's not the same covers, but it's the same style. It's like the same, same style. So that's what made me think it was, that was a series, but it does not say that in here.

[00:11:09] Kelsey: Okay. So I don't know. I don't think it's but time of her authorship, it was all the same timeframe. 

[00:11:20] Amanda: Okay, great. Well, I, you know, I, other people's joy makes me happy and although I cannot say that I have enjoyed Ally Hazelwood. I'm glad that you are. And granted, you know, only read one, you did start me off with bride.

[00:11:35] Amanda: I've only read one. It was a little bit outside of her wheelhouse. Yes. So maybe I would like something. More standard, like the love hypothesis. I am open to, I think you're gonna have me read it, actually. You did mention that at some point. Yeah. There was, 

[00:11:46] Kelsey: it was, I think the love hypothesis. It was, was, yeah.

[00:11:48] Kelsey: I want you to, 

[00:11:51] Amanda: I will give her another go. But I, I hated, I loved hating. I loved Hating Bride. Yes. And I really [00:12:00] enjoyed that episode because I personally, yeah, it was 

[00:12:02] Kelsey: fun. 

[00:12:03] Amanda: Really like episodes where we get really heated, I find them wildly entertaining. Yes. And I hope they're also entertaining for you listeners, but Yes, we hope so.

[00:12:12] Amanda: The one of the ones that I put on this list for favorites was Divine Rivals. And it was because I You love the book. Hated that book immensely. I, I just really enjoyed just like. Go into town on that book and you know, laying it all out there. And I thought it made for a very fun episode. Yeah. So especially again, well, I 

[00:12:35] Kelsey: loved it.

[00:12:36] Kelsey: Loved the book. Yeah. Opposite, opposite sides. 

[00:12:38] Amanda: Mm-hmm. That's like, I mean, that is the premise of this podcast, right? That's that's the whole point 

[00:12:42] Kelsey: of the podcast. Yes. 

[00:12:43] Amanda: Loving and hating books and be on the opposite sides of the spectrum. So while I do very much enjoy when we're on the same page and can do a deeper dive into books.

[00:12:50] Amanda: Mm-hmm. I also love when we are very much not seeing eye to eye. Yeah. Yeah, it's great. I great. Yeah, 

[00:12:57] Kelsey: both 

[00:12:57] Amanda: of them 

[00:12:57] Kelsey: are great. Mm-hmm. I think both aspects are [00:13:00] great. It's fun. Yeah.

[00:13:00] Kelsey: What's your next fifth for? I mean, 

[00:13:03] Amanda: technically I just went, 'cause I said divine rivals. Oh my God. But I guess one that I loved and that Kelsey also loved, and it's just a book that I, I have loved for a long time. I just said loved a lot. Mm. Is Kindred by Octavia Butler. Yes. We read that in February for one of our lit or acquitted episodes and.

[00:13:20] Amanda: I thought we had a really great discussion about it. I was excited to share this book with you 'cause I thought you would enjoy it and you did. And you also, brought up some criticism, criticisms of it that I thought were valid and, you know, gave me a new lens through which to look at the book.

[00:13:36] Amanda: Yeah. But that one, I really, very much enjoyed it and I think, if I'm remembering correctly at the time anyway. That was the first Octavia Butler book you had read. 'cause you hadn't read Parable of the Sewer or anything yet. Yeah, so I still haven't, 

[00:13:50] Kelsey: I still, that's totally on my tv VR 

[00:13:53] Amanda: and it's, 

[00:13:53] Kelsey: I, maybe it'll 

[00:13:54] Amanda: be a fall read.

[00:13:57] Amanda: Okay. Creepy vibes. To be perfectly [00:14:00] honest. I don't think you're gonna like it. I don't, but it is a good book. And I like it, but I, we'll see. But I don't think it's gonna be a Kelsey book, so we shall see. But 

[00:14:09] Kelsey: is it, is it one where if I'm in a certain mood, I will like it? 

[00:14:16] Amanda: Maybe I just, maybe you might surprise me.

[00:14:19] Amanda: You often do addiction. I don't think it's, I think it's maybe will be like a soft. Quit it for you. Mm. So I, when you do read it, let me know 'cause I'm super curious. 

[00:14:29] Kelsey: I'll Yeah. And I'll text you all about it because, oh, of course. When we do our lit it or quit it episodes, we don't really text each other 'cause we're trying to save it for the podcast.

[00:14:39] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. But in this instance, we're not doing it on the podcast, so I'll let you know. Great. Can't wait. Can't wait. The next 

[00:14:46] Amanda: one you have on this list, I'm very 

[00:14:47] Kelsey: excited about. Yeah. So I did enjoy Verity Woo by Colleen Hoover of all people. We don't necessarily endorse Colleen Hoover here, but, but we do endorse this book.[00:15:00]

[00:15:00] Kelsey: If they, you know, if annoying author has a good book like you still, it's a good book. It's a good book and so, and the movie's 

[00:15:09] Amanda: coming out and I was the movie coming out so incredibly psyched. Yes. I was just talking about this on our socials recently. I am like over the moon and it's got a solid cast.

[00:15:18] Amanda: I'm also 

[00:15:18] Kelsey: so excited. It's Anne Hathaway. Yeah. Like, oh my god. It's gonna be so creepy. And I know. Cool. Yeah, I know. I think the casting spot on. Yeah. Whoever was in charge of that great job. Yes, thank you cast director. You nailed it. We are still on opposite sides when it comes to manuscript or letter. 

[00:15:38] Amanda: Yes.

[00:15:38] Amanda: Right? Yes, we are. And if you, if you've read the book, you know what we're talking about. Mm-hmm. And if you don't know, you could go back and listen to that episode. But I do recommend for, especially for Verity, because it's so twisty, I don't want you to listen to the podcast before you read the book.

[00:15:53] Amanda: I want you to experience the book. Mm. And all of its craziness. And then listen to it. 'cause you don't want that book [00:16:00] spoiled For sure. 

[00:16:00] Kelsey: And it's a really easy read. It's super easy. Like I read the physical book and was like zipping through it. Yeah. It was easy. You can't put it down. Mm-hmm. It's so great.

[00:16:09] Amanda: Speaking of books that I couldn't put down, ultimately, it took me a minute, but I think one of my favorite kind of lit it or quit it moments on this podcast and probably most surprising, like if you had told me this. At the beginning of last year that I was gonna really fall in love with this book or books world.

[00:16:26] Amanda (2): I would've been like, you're crazy and please leave. But I have become quite a huge, I dunno if I would say fan, 'cause that that just like seems a little too intense. But I have thoroughly enjoyed the a AAR series and now I, along with everyone else, am eagerly awaiting the next book, which is crazy to say.

[00:16:46] Amanda (2): But I truly would not have read that series if Kelsey hadn't. Had me do it. Yeah. And you know, our first episode for that is in December, and then we've covered all the other books since then. Mm-hmm. Except for the novella. We didn't do it A [00:17:00] cord of Frost in Starlight, but yeah, Amanda refused to read that one.

[00:17:03] Amanda (2): I ju I just, it's, no, I thought I, I don't care. I don't care that much about the series. But yeah, I think it's just like the perfect example of why we started this podcast and how it is possible to. Step outside of your reading ruts or even just like reading bubble, you know? Yeah. Bubble and dip your toe into something new and perhaps find some new loves and mm-hmm.

[00:17:25] Amanda (2): I for sure did that and it was. Something I would never have expected. 

[00:17:30] Amanda: She 

[00:17:31] Kelsey: gave me so much shit I did for liking 

[00:17:33] Amanda: guitar before we, I did. You have no idea 

[00:17:35] Kelsey: before 

[00:17:35] Amanda: we read it. Like, 

[00:17:38] Kelsey: oh my gosh, 

[00:17:39] Amanda: Amanda. I know, but okay. But I will say I still, if you wrote this series or not you, if Thursday Mass had written this series and just removed all or most of the smut, it would be even better in my humble opinion.

[00:17:51] Amanda: But I know people are gonna be like. What I just smut is not for me, y'all, but I do enjoy this story and this world and these characters very much. I'm 

[00:17:59] Kelsey: actually [00:18:00] curious how it would read without the smut. It'd be great. 

[00:18:03] Amanda: It's stellar fiction. Just 10 outta 10. 

[00:18:06] Kelsey: I just closed the door, huh? Yeah. I don't know know.

[00:18:14] Kelsey: Interesting thought probably could do without the smut and aar, but then a chord theory. I could do the smut 

[00:18:21] Amanda: and a cord of silver flames. Yeah. Yeah. That was too much. But anyhow, that was 

[00:18:27] Kelsey: my next one. Cool. I really loved having you read Fourth Wing. Oh my. Was that aquid 

[00:18:34] Amanda: it for you? I can't remember.

[00:18:36] Amanda: I think that was a soft quit it for me because even though it was kind of annoying, it read like a movie or like, oh, Uhhuh. And so it was engaging and entertaining and kind of this. Shallow, silly way. And I think that it is gonna be a TV series. A TV show. Yeah, I think so. 

[00:18:53] Kelsey: Yeah. That's what I've heard.

[00:18:54] Kelsey: Yeah, it's in the baby stages still, I think. Mm-hmm. Yeah. But yeah, sometimes I do [00:19:00] wonder if people are writing to create movies. Oh, sure. You know? Oh, 

[00:19:05] Amanda: for sure. And, 

[00:19:06] Kelsey: This is one of them, but also another big one is Emily Henry. Oh yeah. And we haven't talked about her that much. I did make a video on TikTok about it, and people mm-hmm.

[00:19:18] Kelsey: Were very much in alignment with what I was saying. Mm-hmm. Those who responded. But I felt like the first two books I read by Emily Henry mm-hmm. Were really basic and flat. Like, I didn't mm-hmm. Feel like there was. Anything that's special about them? Yeah, it's like just white characters doing white things and I'm just like, okay, cool.

[00:19:41] Kelsey: And also Emily Henry sticks to the theme of like, all of her characters are authors or writers or readers in some way. Mm. Interesting. Okay. And so that gets a little old. Well, it's just that. Like, yeah, Allie [00:20:00] Hazelwood has like the STEM theme, right? Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. But that's not just the thing she's doing.

[00:20:06] Kelsey: Sure. You know what I mean? Like she, she has a life outside of reading and writing, right? Mm-hmm. Like she's a scientist. Yeah. And then Emily Henry, she's like, I'm an author. And here's my author stories. Like, it just was, it's so strange to me that she chose the theme for all of her books to be around.

[00:20:23] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. Her 

[00:20:24] Amanda: job. Yeah. Yeah, that's a bit insular for sure. Yeah. And that is, that is a choice. Mm-hmm. Yes. The one that you're having me read is that mm-hmm. The case as well. Oh yeah. Where they're like in Oh, okay. But they're journalists in that one. Okay. But, okay. But basically, okay. They're still writers.

[00:20:41] Amanda: Okay. Yep. Yep. Alright, well, I, again, listeners will be dropping that episode next Monday, so we'll be chatting all things Emily Henry, and so be sure to tune in. Yeah. I don't. Go ahead. I don't think of any other books on this list because the other one you put on there, which is the book that I had you read recently, which is The Wedding People.

[00:20:59] Amanda: The Wedding [00:21:00] People, yeah. Yeah. So you, you had fuck with that? I did like it. Okay. Yeah, I had fun with that. Yeah. What did I 

[00:21:04] Kelsey: put? I didn't, I rate it soft lit it. I 

[00:21:07] Amanda: think you did. Yeah. I, I'm just surprised because it wasn't like a, oh my gosh. And so since this is like our best books from the Lit or quit it, I didn't think it would make the cut, but that makes me.

[00:21:19] Amanda: No, I had fun with it. Okay. Yeah, because you, I mean, you, you also certainly had a fair number memories of criticisms for the book as well. But yeah, I don't remember them, 

[00:21:27] Kelsey: Amanda. 

[00:21:28] Amanda: Well, I didn't have any, so I'm happy that you also don't remember them. Loved the wedding people and if you haven't read it, you should, and then check out our episode for definitely should episode, but honestly.

[00:21:39] Amanda: I think our requited episodes are probably my favorite in general, out of the different types that we do, because One mm-hmm. They are the reason why we started this podcast. Absolutely. Yep. And they are the episodes where we do really get to dive into a specific. Book and unpack it, whereas our other episodes, you know, are just recommending things and not necessarily doing a deep dive [00:22:00] or mm-hmm.

[00:22:00] Amanda: You know, having a, a rando chat like we are right now. Mm-hmm. So, which is also fun. Yeah. But, yeah. So I guess thinking about the year in review, what are some, mm-hmm. I guess like standout moments that you really just cherish from our podcasting journey? Any time 

[00:22:19] Kelsey: that I. Knew Amanda was gonna like a book and she did.

[00:22:24] Kelsey: Like anytime that that aligned, I was like, yes. 

[00:22:27] Amanda: Mm-hmm. Yes. That makes sense. I guess my spin on that would be anytime I recommended a book and you surprised me and liked it. Ah, that was like always a highlight for me and I was like, oh yeah, I don't know. I think this is gonna be, Kelsey's gonna hate it.

[00:22:43] Amanda: And you're like, oh my gosh, it was great. Or at least gave it like a soft lit it. Yeah, that just made my day . As a reader, 

[00:22:49] Kelsey: like that's like the best feelings. Like you recommend a book and then the person likes it. Yes, exactly. That's a great feeling, 

[00:22:57] Amanda: such a great feeling.

[00:22:58] Amanda: People could really 

[00:22:59] Kelsey: relate to [00:23:00] that. 

[00:23:00] Amanda: Yes, yes, yes, yes. I think one of the fun things too, that I have enjoyed about this year and specifically with podcasting is. All of the lovely kelms that continue to crop up in in our episodes. It's something that happened kind of very naturally as we started this journey and quickly became how I talk.

[00:23:21] Amanda: It's just how you talk and I, I remember in the very first episode. Oh, when you were talking about how one of the reasons why you were excited about doing a podcast is like, you know, you wanted to work on being able to express yourself better. Yes. And like finding the words to say the things you wanted to say.

[00:23:38] Amanda: Yes. And so it's been funny to, to watch that and I am a little, I guess my one regret from this year. Is that I didn't do a good job of tracking them in any sort of like document or something so that we could put them out there in the world. If you, we need a T-shirt. Yes. But if you've been listening to this podcast for the year, you know [00:24:00] what they are and yes, we call them out in the moment.

[00:24:03] Amanda: So Kel seasons are great. Yes. No, they make me laugh. 

[00:24:07] Kelsey: At 

[00:24:07] Amanda: first. 

[00:24:07] Kelsey: I think we didn't know what to do with them. We did it and then we just embraced them. It's 

[00:24:12] Amanda: just part of our brand. 

[00:24:13] Kelsey 2.0: Yep. Love it. You know, going through this year, we definitely like. Made our personalities more about books. Yes. Oh, for sure. And we started going to, like, events throughout the year.

[00:24:27] Kelsey 2.0: Mm-hmm. We went to a couple at least mm-hmm. Of these silent reading nights that are in West Seattle. Mm-hmm. And I've just been on the lookout for new events for readers. Yeah. That's 

[00:24:37] Amanda: been fun to, yeah. Embrace. I had never been to a silent reading night prior to that.

[00:24:44] Amanda: Mm-hmm. Yeah. And it was cool because we did end up connecting with a couple of people telling them about the podcast, giving out a couple of our stickers, especially at the first one that we went to. Mm-hmm. So I think moving forward, that's something I'd definitely. Love for us to keep doing. Yeah.

[00:24:57] Amanda: Because we like did it and then it kind of fell off. 'Cause [00:25:00] it's hard. Yeah. We have busy lives and full schedules and adding events for work. Like yeah, it's, it's rough. And then because we're podcasting on the weekends, we often, it's hard to do podcasting and events as well, so limited time. But I think getting definitely a couple more infinitely would be nice if we can mm-hmm.

[00:25:18] Amanda: Swing it. 

[00:25:19] Kelsey: Maybe like once a quarter or something. Do something Yeah, 

[00:25:22] Amanda: exactly. Because it was, it was a really great way to just meet other local readers. Yeah. And also as a way to promote what we're doing too, which is great. Yeah. I also, kinda speaking of that, this is kind of a little thing, but I actually really did enjoy, because this was like when we were first starting out Yeah.

[00:25:39] Amanda: Getting our stickers made with our logo. Made me, that was fun. Feel so official. Like the fact that I had a tangible item, some merch mm-hmm. That I could give to people that I knew. Obviously we had the sticker giveaway. Mm-hmm. That got us our first comments and reviews on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

[00:25:59] Amanda: So I [00:26:00] think that initial kind of momentum was really exciting. And like I said, I think having. Something that physically represented our podcast for me it was like, oh my gosh, we're legit. We have stickers. Yeah. So I really liked that moment for sure. Oh, fun. That was a little bit of a highlight from this year.

[00:26:16] Amanda: Yeah. And at some point, if we I think get enough followers and kind of get enough traction, having other merchandise, you know, whether it's tote bags or t-shirts, love to, would be great. 'cause we've talked about starting. Patreon at a certain point. Mm-hmm. Once we have enough followers.

[00:26:30] Amanda: And that could be a thing where like, yeah, there's merch available for folks who have subscribed to our Patreon. So definitely a looking ahead. Yes. Goal there, which for sure, 

[00:26:41] Kelsey: which the podcasting is not for the lighthearted, 

[00:26:45] Amanda: like, it's like theres aism, there's aism. That's, it's not for the light, it's for the faint hearted.

[00:26:51] Amanda: Look at that. Adding it to list. 

[00:26:54] Kelsey: Where's your list, Amanda? 

[00:26:57] Amanda: The timing of that was impeccable. Oh, 

[00:26:59] Kelsey: that's [00:27:00] hilarious. The what? Faint hearted. Yeah. It's not for the faint hearted. That sounds stupid. 

[00:27:03] Amanda: Faint of 

[00:27:04] Kelsey: heart. 

[00:27:04] Amanda: It's, it's also, you could, you could say that as well. It's not for the faint of heart, I guess.

[00:27:08] Amanda: That that is it. Faint. I think you can say faint hearted or is it just faint of heart? Ah, Amanda ism, isn't it? Amanda is where I took Aism and an actual thing and combined it and said faint hearted. Yeah, you're right. It's not for the faint of heart. Okay, we're both wrong. Great. I love 

[00:27:23] Kelsey: it. But ultimately I was right.

[00:27:25] Kelsey: Ultimately you did get it right. Yes. I love that. Love that for you. But because there, there really aren't a lot of moments where you have like. A response from other people that mean you're going in the right direction, right? Sure. Like you don't get, what is it called? Feedback. Mm-hmm. Yeah. You don't get positive feedback like a ton.

[00:27:48] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. Because you are growing something and people are just starting to find you. Mm-hmm. And yeah, it's just not for the faint of heart because you have to keep going even though you're not [00:28:00] getting that positive feedback. Mm-hmm. And we just keep going and I have had moments where like, God, is this worth it?

[00:28:06] Kelsey: I mean, no matter what, it's been fun, right? Mm-hmm. But we're not getting a lot out of it at the moment. 

[00:28:13] Amanda: Yeah. One of my colleagues, I was telling him, I was like, yeah, like we've hit our year mark. And he is like, oh, that's awesome. Like, are you guys making money off of this podcast? I was like, no, not yet.

[00:28:23] Amanda: We would love to. We are not. We'd love to like monetize in some way, but. You haven't 

[00:28:28] Kelsey: quite gotten to that point yet. That's, yeah. That's the hope, right? Yeah. But

[00:28:32] Amanda: yeah. This is 

[00:28:33] Kelsey: just a fun side hobby right now. It's, 

[00:28:35] Amanda: it's a fun side hobby. But I think to your point though, and this connects to something that I jotted down mm-hmm.

[00:28:40] Amanda: Is that the moments where I have had friends or even colleagues mm-hmm. Come up to me and say, oh my gosh, I just listened to today's episode about blah, blah, blah, and I really loved it. Yeah. And then give, they, give me a book rack or, you know, give me their comment about whatever we were talking about.

[00:28:55] Amanda: Mm-hmm. Those are so incredibly meaningful because. We, as Kelsey was saying, we don't get them [00:29:00] often. Mm-hmm. And when you're building something in what feels like, I don't know, a vacuum. Right. It's, it's nice to have these touch points. Mm-hmm. Where someone in your world is like. Hey, I'm enjoying this.

[00:29:12] Amanda: You're on the right track. 

[00:29:13] Kelsey: Yeah. 

[00:29:15] Amanda: Continue. That is helpful. Yeah, so keep doing that. Friends and family, they keep doing it. Yes. Friends and family. And then again, if we don't know you in person and you found this through our socials or through a, a podcast search engine or something. Mm-hmm. That's where like the comments on these episodes come in.

[00:29:31] Amanda: That's where rating and reviewing comes in. Mm-hmm. That's where our socials come in and. As we've said a million times, it also helps you to have some say in what we do, right? Yeah. And shape this podcast like this is not a rigid thing. Totally. Like we are open to changing, adopting and we've done that.

[00:29:46] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. 

[00:29:47] Amanda: I think over the course of the year, we've changed the way that we start off our episodes. Mm-hmm. We've, you know, switched up the structure. We're gonna be changing up the structure for Lit Rex heading into this next year. Yep. So we're [00:30:00] constantly growing and evolving and you can be a part of that if you let us know what you want.

[00:30:04] Kelsey: Yeah. And one, one last highlight I had for, yeah. The year was just honestly getting to know you better. Mm-hmm. On a, on a deeper level. When it comes to like your reading taste. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Same. Like I'm pretty spot on these days of like, I know what you're gonna like and dislike. Mm-hmm. I was wrong about Heartless Hunter, but I still can't believe you thought I would like that.

[00:30:30] Kelsey: Yeah. Because it was like, so yeah. Anyway, anyway, go back and listen to that episode. If you have y'all. I. I feel like I know you. 

[00:30:42] Amanda: Mm-hmm. 

[00:30:43] Kelsey: As a person even. Yeah. In a deeper way. 

[00:30:46] Amanda: Yeah. I would absolutely second that because again, we're, we're spending hours obviously producing this content, but also hours, like talking about things outside of this and planning and so we're just in each other's spaces a lot more.

[00:30:58] Amanda: 'cause before. Like [00:31:00] before this podcast, we'd see each other like, I don't know, maybe once a month, you know, we'd like get together and like, catch up maybe once every two months. Yeah. And now we see each other like multiple times a month. Yes. Or even if it's just over the 

[00:31:10] Kelsey: screen. 

[00:31:10] Amanda: Exactly. Yeah. For like a good chunk of hours and so.

[00:31:13] Amanda: Mm-hmm. Yeah. I love that our, our friendship has like deepened and blossomed even more. Totally. That's a great highlight. Love that. I also feel like. You know, shifting from highlights to another aspect. This podcast has like totally changed our reading habits in a lot of ways. Oh yeah. And I think I so much underestimated how big of an impact having a book podcast like was gonna have on my own reading journey.

[00:31:39] Amanda: Mm-hmm. I knew I was gonna be obviously reading books outside of my normal wheelhouse because of the structure of this podcast. Yeah. But I didn't think that. My teeth were gonna change in any significant way, and I also didn't realize the quantity of books was going to increase so greatly. Uhhuh.

[00:31:59] Amanda: [00:32:00] And it's both good and slightly overwhelming sometimes. 

[00:32:02] Kelsey: Yes, it absolutely is. So I, it's what, the end of August right now? Mm-hmm. So one month past, like the halfway mark. Mm-hmm. And my goal this year was to read 50 books. Mm-hmm. And I'm at like 45. I'm like, I'm gonna read way more than that. Yeah. In the last half of this.

[00:32:24] Kelsey: Yep. Year. And that never would've happened without the podcast. Absolutely. I probably went absolutely. Maybe like, I, I can't remember, maybe it was like 30 books last year. Yeah. It was like 30 something. Yeah. And so. 

[00:32:37] Amanda: Yeah, you've already surpassed that by quite a bit. Yeah, it's wild. Yeah, it's wild. Same, same, same.

[00:32:41] Amanda: I had my goal set, so last year I read 55 and mm-hmm. As some of you might know, I am not a fan of book goals. I just find them s stressful. Yeah. Like I'm gonna read regardless and feeling like I need to attain a certain number, just it seems unnecessary and makes me dread reading versus enjoy it. Oh yeah.

[00:32:58] Amanda: So I deliberately [00:33:00] under set my goal at 50 'cause I knew I would hit it. Yeah. And then by God, I think by July, the beginning of July, I had already surpassed it. I was at like 60 or something and then I was toying around with the idea of like, well, I guess I should probably shift my book goal. So I think as of today I have read 76 books and changed my goal to 100.

[00:33:23] Amanda: So that's wild. Which seems very attainable 'cause we still have quite a few months left in the year. It's wild. And I, I, I honestly don't think I've ever. Read a hundred books in a year. I mean, I could actually, I take that back when I was younger, probably like when I was a teenager in middle school too.

[00:33:38] Amanda: 'cause I, but you weren't tracking or anything that I wasn't tracking it, so I have no way to conser conserve it, count it. But I know for a fact as an adult, I have never read a hundred books in a year. Yeah. And so between this podcast and my book club, and also just like the books that I want to read, there's a lot of books.

[00:33:54] Amanda: But I think the other reason why my. Reading has increased by so much is since [00:34:00] we do now have this community that we're building. Mm-hmm. I'm constantly, or we are constantly getting recommendations Yes. That are excellent. And so I'm adding even more to my TBR than I did before when I was just getting book recommendations from my small group of like book friends.

[00:34:17] Amanda: So that's another reason why I'm just like, oh my gosh. Like skyrocketed. Yes. I've just, yeah. Yeah. That's wild. Yeah, it's been great. And same for me. Really. Yeah. And I think part of me is still also kind of in shock that I have through you found particular romance and romantic books that I've enjoyed and that you've enjoyed?

[00:34:38] Amanda: Now that I'm, and, and now I'm open to reading other romance and romantic books mm-hmm. That people have recommended, it's still like not my go-to. Mm-hmm. I don't think it ever will, which is fine. Yeah. The fact that I know that I can read them and enjoy them is mm-hmm. Pretty cool. 

[00:34:52] Kelsey: And you know, the same for me around like historical fiction.

[00:34:55] Amanda: Yeah. Like 

[00:34:56] Kelsey: some, I know the authors. Some of the authors anyway that you've [00:35:00] recommended mm-hmm. Who is not for me. Mm-hmm. And then more of who I could potentially enjoy. Yeah. So like, get Geraldine Brooks. Not for you. Not for me. Not for you. It shouldn't be for anyone really. And then Ariel Lehan.

[00:35:16] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. I could see myself reading another book of hers. Yeah. Yeah. 

[00:35:19] Amanda: I also think, and I haven't had you read her yet, but you will be reading her is Rudis, who you've heard me talk about a bunch. Oh, I think I've, yeah. I've. I've posted a bit on socials about her actually quite a bit. I think you would really like her and her books are also super accessible because yes, they're very well researched and like chock full of important details, but they're ya.

[00:35:38] Amanda: Mm-hmm. So, you know, they're very kind. Okay. Easy to, to get into and to mm-hmm. Get through. So I'm definitely gonna have you read one of those and I think my prediction is that you'll really enjoy them. But yeah, you shall see. It is, it is interesting how yes, this podcast has changed us personally, but it's also changed our reading habits.

[00:35:57] Amanda: Yeah. And just like that 

[00:35:58] Kelsey: significantly. [00:36:00] I just feel like so much of our personality is now. About books. Oh, sure. 

[00:36:05] Amanda: It's like absolutely. Literally, Kelsey and I just bought matching sweatshirts that say reading is my favorite sport. So Ball, you know, we're very, we're very much leaning into the book Girl.

[00:36:17] Amanda: Yes. Absolutely. Lifestyle. And I'm here for it. I, I'm here for it. I mean, it's funny because like, I feel like I've always been one, but I, I don't think I've kind of embraced it in such a. I don't know. A, a visible way. Public way. Yeah. A public way. And I mean, it's been a lot of fun to just like really lean into that and live into that.

[00:36:34] Kelsey: Yeah, 

[00:36:35] Amanda: absolutely. But I think the last thing we wanted to talk about, which is a significant part of this journey and mm-hmm. Was again, a huge adjustment for me. Maybe less so for Kelsey. Perhaps. Right. But I, you know, is our social media. Mm-hmm. And I knew when we started this podcast, like we were gonna have to promote it.

[00:36:55] Amanda: Yeah. And obviously in this day and age, social media is the way to do that. 

[00:36:59] Kelsey: [00:37:00] Mm-hmm.

[00:37:00] Amanda: But I personally am not like a huge fan or user of social media. Like I have a private, a small private Instagram account. Mm-hmm. You know, that I'll post things to. Mostly on stories. Seldom. Yeah. I rarely post an actual post.

[00:37:13] Kelsey: Yeah. 

[00:37:13] Amanda: I did not have TikTok before this and swore up and down that I would never have TikTok, so. No, you love it. Yeah. I, I actually do quite enjoy book talk and, and making videos for our. Podcast. Podcast. 

[00:37:25] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. 

[00:37:26] Amanda: But I will say this, I actually still don't spend a lot of time on TikTok. Like I get on there specifically to make content and to reply to things, but I do not scroll on TikTok.

[00:37:36] Amanda: Yeah, I wish I did that less, 

[00:37:38] Kelsey 2.0: to be honest. But also it's just like sometimes when I need. Just like a break from everything else going on. Absolutely. I, I sit on TikTok. Yeah. And that sometimes is my way of like, detaching from what happened the. For the day because I, yeah. You know, you all know [00:38:00] that we're educators.

[00:38:01] Kelsey 2.0: Mm-hmm. And our jobs can be really stressful. Mm-hmm. And overwhelming. Yeah. And so sometimes I just need a fucking break. So, and don't we all looking at TikTok and enjoying other people's content is fun. Mm-hmm. And also helps me realize what the trends are out there right now. Mm-hmm. And so that is also helpful.

[00:38:20] Kelsey 2.0: Yeah. But I would say the thing that I I. Didn't struggle with as much as you As the transition. Right. Like I had TikTok. Mm-hmm. And I had a TikTok account before I had this account. Mm-hmm. And so I knew how to do the videos and I knew mm-hmm. Like, it's really interesting because. Not everybody understands TikTok, when you get on and you see a funny video, like not everybody understands why it's funny.

[00:38:48] Kelsey 2.0: It's really interesting. It's like a whole culture in it mm-hmm. Of itself. Mm-hmm. And so I like send videos to my friends sometimes and they're like, I don't get it. And I was like, wait, what? Like I thought it was just like funny. Yeah. [00:39:00] It was like blatantly funny. And it's because TikTok has its own culture Yeah.

[00:39:05] Kelsey 2.0: Like subset culture of like how we do content. Yeah, it's true. And people are just like, what? Who are on the outside? And so, I knew all of those things before going into this. What I still struggle with is like. How to do it consistently. That is so, oh my God. Touch and go all the time. And I was like, oh my God, we should do this.

[00:39:28] Kelsey 2.0: Where it was like this. What was it? It was a content creator who set this goal to do 500 posts in, in 30 days, like goal, goal of some kind. I was like, Amanda, we should do some goal. And you're like, yeah, let's be realistic. I was like, oh fuck. You're right. Because also school is starting and like, oh, we, oh my God.

[00:39:42] Kelsey 2.0: Yeah, and I. I always forget how much energy that takes. Like the beginning of the school year. Yeah, yeah. No, this is not the time to do that. Not the time. Maybe December is the time because you have a partial yeah. And then you have like vacation, like there's, yeah, [00:40:00] I mean, I was getting ahead of myself.

[00:40:01] Amanda: Yeah. It's just, you know, we have, again, we have. Actual jobs. And the fall especially is so tough for us. And unlike Kelsey, I had a big learning curve when it came to figuring out how to produce content on TikTok that was relatable and funny and like worked within the TikTok culture. 

[00:40:16] Kelsey: Yeah. 

[00:40:17] Amanda: But I think what has worked for me is that I literally, during the school year and, you know, during the normal work week, I like have to set aside time.

[00:40:27] Amanda: For TikTok content, so it's like mm-hmm. Come home from work, it's another job. And like, that's the first thing I do. Yeah. I will have been thinking about a particular video that I wanna make, or like a sound I found earlier, Uhhuh, and then it's like 30 minutes. I'm like, I'm gonna make my TikTok video for the day and then I'll go work out, make dinner, et cetera.

[00:40:43] Amanda: So I literally have time set aside. Yeah. So that we're posting regularly each day. Mm-hmm. But it's, it's a big lift and mm-hmm. I think people are like, oh my gosh, you have a podcast and you put out content every Monday. That's crazy. And I'm like, yes. And we also have two other [00:41:00] platforms, Instagram and TikTok.

[00:41:01] Amanda: Yes. That we constantly have to be putting. Again, content out there and also monitoring those accounts. And we also have to, and Kelsey does a much better job of this than I do, but like liking other people's posts and commenting on other people's posts because that also helps. Yes. And it takes a lot of time.

[00:41:20] Amanda: And so I think,, thinking about heading into next year, how we balance all of that and fall into routines and schedules that work for us. Mm-hmm. Because this is not our full-time job. But it is a full-time job, but it is a full-time job. 

[00:41:35] Kelsey: And you, 'cause also, if you think about all of the reading we're doing, all of the preparing, we're doing for the, prepping the podcast.

[00:41:42] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. And then we're recording the hours we're recording, and then the social media like. All of it is basically everything I do outside of my job. Yeah. 

[00:41:55] Amanda: Yeah. It's, and again, like we have, it's wild two Sundays every month [00:42:00] that like half of the day, maybe 

[00:42:01] Kelsey: four 

[00:42:01] Amanda: hours, you know, it was like dedicated to podcasting.

[00:42:05] Amanda: Yeah. And recording, you know, so it's, it's definitely a lot. I dunno if we were both fully aware how much time it was gonna take when we started. Yeah. And you know, I don't know, I don't know that we ever talked about doing like bimonthly versus, you know, weekly episodes. I know We haven It does. We just right out the gate we're like every week week, which is, is a bit wild.

[00:42:27] Amanda: 'cause a lot of podcasts don't do that. They're not weekly podcasts for that reason. Yeah, 

[00:42:31] Kelsey: yeah. 

[00:42:31] Amanda: But I also like the fact that we're able to put out. Yeah. So much content 

[00:42:37] Kelsey: and it's also that we're passionate about. I think like in different times of our lives we'll probably switch to something like that. Oh, absolutely know, like if I have children, kids, yeah.

[00:42:46] Kelsey: Like I definitely see us like, whew, that's gonna change. Yeah, absolutely. So things like that to are good to keep in mind. Yeah. But we did the thing and I am grateful, Amanda, I don't think. We've ever said this to each other, [00:43:00] but there have been a lot of ups and downs.

[00:43:01] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. Like. N navigating our dynamic in all of this, because basically we're like business partners. Yeah. Not making money. It's like a nonprofit and Yeah, we're running a nonprofit and we get irritated with each other sometimes because of Yeah. You know, what have you. Like, there's just things that happen and life happens.

[00:43:24] Kelsey: And so it's trying to be understanding with one another while also. Carrying our weight. Yeah. And and I, I'm just grateful that, oh, we have done this together. Yeah. Even though it has been hard, there are definitely rewarding moments and I I have enjoyed that. 

[00:43:41] Amanda: Yeah. Same, same, same. Like absolutely echo that.

[00:43:43] Amanda: And I also love the fact that. Obviously we're doing this over the course of a year, and a lot happens in our personal lives too, and in spite of all of , our own personal ups and downs, being able to step up when the other person couldn't do X, Y, or Z. Right? Yeah. Because he had something [00:44:00] going on.

[00:44:00] Amanda: Even if it was something as simple as like, oh, we're on vacation, or, right. Or I'm traveling in Tanzania or whatever. Yeah. So the fact that, yeah, we were both able to be like, you know what? I got this. Don't worry about it. Mm-hmm. Like if you're sick or whatever. Mm-hmm. And I think that also speaks to your earlier comment about this podcast, like deepening our friendship.

[00:44:16] Amanda: 'cause it's not just that we're spending more time together, but we've had to navigate a lot of new situations together. Yes. And figure out how we work together. Because, you know, people often talk a lot about like, oh, like you could be really good friends with someone. And then you move in together and you're like, oh, , we are not great roommates.

[00:44:31] Amanda: Or we're not great business partners or whatever. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Or we don't travel well together. And I'm really proud that like we were able to shift our. Friendship into this new dynamic and still mm-hmm. Like, make it work, you know? 

[00:44:42] Kelsey: Yeah. And maintain 

[00:44:43] Amanda: our friendship. Yes, exactly. Because we do also try to be intentional about finding times to be together that are not podcasts, podcast 

[00:44:50] Kelsey: related.

[00:44:50] Kelsey: Yeah. 

[00:44:51] Amanda: Related, which can be tricky sometimes, but mm-hmm. But we, we've done it. Mm-hmm. So yeah. I'm just really grateful for this experience and proud of what we've created. So [00:45:00] proud. Yes. Yeah. Just excited to see. What comes next? Mm-hmm. I think we talked about this a little bit in our q and a video on socials, but we did talk briefly there about things that we're hoping to do moving forward.

[00:45:14] Amanda: Mm-hmm. And you know, the idea of having like guest authors or guest readers. Oh yeah. Mm-hmm. So listeners, if you're out there, you know, maybe we'll have some guest readers on to join our conversations. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Would be really amazing. Yeah. I think growing our, our engagement and our audience is like our primary focus at this point.

[00:45:31] Amanda: Yes. Because that will just free us up to do a lot more. 

[00:45:33] Kelsey: Mm-hmm. 

[00:45:34] Amanda: Because yeah, then we would be able to have perhaps some revenue from this, which would give us additional opportunities and like, get people 

[00:45:41] Kelsey: to edit our show. Yeah, exactly. Huge chunk of time that you spend. Exactly. Oh my God. 

[00:45:47] Amanda: Yeah. 

[00:45:47] Kelsey: Yeah. 

[00:45:48] Amanda: So we're at this point where we're ready for the next step to kind of kind level up the, we're on the, I feel like it's gonna happen, Amanda. I think so too. We're gonna have faith and we're gonna have faith in all of you listeners that you're [00:46:00] continuing to spread the good word about this podcast. Yeah. And you know, as we wrap up this conversation, I think this is, a perfect moment to.

[00:46:07] Amanda: Again, remind you all plead with all of you to rate and review our podcast. Yeah, I, I think sometimes because it is such a small thing and it is such a quick thing that people underestimate how vastly important it is for a podcast. Right? And they're like, ugh. Does it really matter if I take three seconds and click the five star button or like Yes, drop a two sentence review.

[00:46:27] Amanda: And it truly does. It does, it does. Like it really, really, really does. And so if you're enjoying this content, if you want to see more of us and more good things to come, that is gonna be the best way to help us 

[00:46:41] Kelsey: do that. I just saw, hold on. We have now six ratings on Apple and 1, 2, 3. Four reviews. Okay.

[00:46:53] Kelsey: Okay. So, and there are people like, we don't know. Okay, hold on. Ah, I know July 23rd this came up. [00:47:00] That was really recent. Yeah. Love the books they cover and how they cover them. They bring a lot of great knowledge to each episode and it's always great. Thank you. Let's go. Who is that from? Does it have a handle?

[00:47:11] Kelsey: That's go, oh, let's go. Okay. And then the next one. The title was Love This Pod. The next one was really recent. August 11th. Oh my God. Yeah. From Sue's mom. Okay. I dunno who that is. Great. The title is Lit. It Love this podcast. It is one of my top three related pods. Ah, 

[00:47:34] Amanda: thank you. Oh my God. We love you guys.

[00:47:36] Amanda: Oh my God. You guys are gonna make me cry over here on our anniversary episode. Like literally, we're not e exaggerating when we say this is like. So meaningful. Yeah. And even if you you're like, well, I wanna write a review, but maybe , it's not just necessarily all praise, like you have some constructive feedback for us.

[00:47:53] Amanda: Oh, we would gladly accept it. Yes. Because we do want to grow and, you know, be better podcasters and produce content [00:48:00] that better, suits our listeners. Yeah. So when we say , we're open to all the feedback, we truly mean it. Mm-hmm. Like that's, yes. That's amazing. And it sounds like, you know. Folks are listening.

[00:48:11] Amanda: I wonder, I also wonder if those folks also follow us on on socials as well. Socials, yeah. Who knows? But how cool. That's amazing. What a like, yay. What an uplifting and positive note to , end on. Yes. I just randomly found that. Oh my God, that's 

[00:48:27] Kelsey: so great. I'm totally posting this on our social. Yeah, and we haven't checked in a while 

[00:48:31] Amanda: because.

[00:48:32] Amanda: Folks haven't been commenting, so it just turned into a really de depressing exercise. Yes. So now we're gonna check more often and again, just maybe once a week. Maybe once a week, once a week. But thank you so much for, for both of those folks. Yes, thank you. Who wrote those reviews? We deeply, deeply. I'm shouting you out our.

[00:48:50] Amanda: On our socials, yes, which are Instagram, it's Lit Vibes only podcast, and then TikTok and YouTube at Lit Vibes only podcast. And [00:49:00] as always, we don't want folks who are not on socials to feel left out. So you can also get in touch with us via our email, which is Lit Vibes only podcast@gmail.com. So we are so excited to.

[00:49:13] Amanda: Kick off this next year of podcasting. Mm-hmm. Like we said earlier, to continue to grow and improve as podcasters and to continue this journey with all of you. Yes. 

[00:49:25] Kelsey: So 

[00:49:26] Amanda: thank you so much for being here. Thank you. And we'll see you next Monday. Bye. Bye.