The Monthly Magpie September 2023

Hi Everyone!

Podcast Movement was in  August, and while I still have yet to go (and continuously wonder if I even should) - I get to live vicariously through everyone who did go, as usual. I need to thank Imran from Great Pods for connecting me with the host and producer of Dear Alana, Simon, and Laurie for a few moments. Honestly, that podcast put me into a podcast hangover where I couldn’t really find something satisfying to listen to for a few days afterward. It was great to have a connection with someone who appreciated my review, but the whole "podcast hangover" got me thinking.

There’s this need to fill a void when you’ve experienced something incredible. This has happened with a few of my favorite podcasts or books. Namely, Dear Alana and Dolly Parton’s America really left me feeling that way. Others are specific episodes of a variety of podcasts. Sometimes, it’s after a great concert or a production. When I worked in stage management, I sometimes would come home after a great show and just feel this bundle of energy and excitement that would take me hours to wind down so I could sleep.

I firmly believe you shouldn’t look to fill the void just to fill the void. I do this writing thing regularly, and I’m working hard to make it more and more consistent and exciting - but if I don’t have anything to write about, or I’m in the middle of something I want to write about - I’m being more okay with waiting a week. Remember I update my Instagram the most regularly so you can follow me over there. Link Here.

It sucks that we live in a world where empty space has started to be uncomfortable, and you might want to endlessly fill it. I think I’m going to benefit from finding comfort in that post-excitement discomfort, but it’s hard to learn. I don’t think it helps that we have the constant reminder that influencers create content to make things seem exciting 24/7 when really, few people have the energy (at least the sober energy) to live a life of 24/7 excitement.

We need to take breaks in the afters, which is why I’m trying to sit down and journal more. I want to take the time to reflect on the great times I’ve had and appreciate them, without feeling the pressure to keep experiencing more and more while also living in a world where we have jobs and responsibilities.

With that reflection being said, I’ll be journaling more here hopefully. Honestly, it’s harder than I thought it would be to commit to a weekly post that isn’t a review. I’m not unhappy about this, but I am certainly trying to figure out my own confidence in my voice as more than just a reviewer. I’m a person, and I think I can be pretty interesting. It’s a little-by-little thing. So if you’re sticking around, thanks! It means a lot.  

This Month’s Reviews

A History of Coffee

Review Here

Podcast Link Here

The Retrievals

Review Here

Podcast Link Here

Dear Alana,

Review Here

Podcast Link Here

Journals Update


This month I wrote about my desire to pair books and podcasts in Pages and Pods. If you’re interested in a project like this - let’s talk!

What I’m Listening To


I spent more time this month listening than reviewing, which is fine with me. Here’s a list of things I’ve been listening to. Each name is hyperlinked so just click and go if you’re curious

Up First

Kuper Island

The Troubles Podcast

Deep Cover Never Seen Again

Mount Molehill

Two Flat Earthers Kidnap a Freemason

Rex Factor

In The Cards

Stuff The British Stole

Build In Public Stats:

Subscribers in August: 126 (down one)

Open Rate for July: 75%

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