Reading Between Deadlines Podcast

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where two authors read with the kind of energy usually reserved for stress-dreams about book launches. In this episode, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson dive into Swept Away by Beth O’Leary—a bestselling author known for quirky, heartfelt rom-coms.

But this one? Let’s just say, our anchors weren’t the only things that didn’t stay put.

In this episode, we cover:

🌊 Is this a fun high-concept romance… or an oil rig of far-fetched plot devices?

🛏️ Why did they bang while the boat was sinking...

This book contains a content warning for loss of a child.

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where we read with the kind of unhinged energy usually reserved for deadline week meltdowns. In this episode, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson attempt to unpack the cult favourite Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido—a book that’s been praised by literary giants and passionately pushed into readers’ hands since 1982.

And yet... we didn’t love it. In fact, we might get cancelled.

In this episode, we cover:

📚 Is this a f...

This book contains a content warning for loss of a child.

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where we read with the kind of unhinged energy usually reserved for deadline week meltdowns. In this episode, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson attempt to unpack the cult favourite Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido—a book that’s been praised by literary giants and passionately pushed into readers’ hands since 1982.

And yet... we didn’t love it. In fact, we might get cancelled.

In this episode, we cover:

📚 Is this a f...

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where we devour books with the same chaotic energy we bring to deadline week. This week, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson dive tentacle-first into The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus—a debut novel full of moody university students, Scottish castles, emotionally unavailable parents, and yes... actual octopus metaphors.

Written by Emma Knight (co-founder of a fancy Canadian juice company and mysterious woman of few bios), this book swept us away with its atmosphere, aching honesty, and a twist that actually delivered.In this episode, we cover:

🏰 Old h...

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, where we devour books with the same unhinged enthusiasm as we write them. This week, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson take on The Bridges of Madison County—the love story that convinced an entire generation that cheating is fine as long as it’s poetic.

Yes, it’s that 90s classic about a lonely farm wife, a broody photographer, and an affair so powerful it makes Francesca ditch all common sense and pine for decades. Romance? Tragedy? A cautionary tale for every book club member who’s ever fantasised about their barista...

🚨 Book rants & wildly fluctuating opinions incoming! 🚨

This week, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson take on Sally Rooney’s latest, where two brothers navigate grief, romance, and existential dread—all while occasionally playing chess.

Along the way, we discuss:

♟️ The many, many chess metaphors—how far is too far?

📖 Why this book is giving Ulysses energy (but make it Rooney)

💔 A love triangle that had us screaming “just pick someone already!”

🎭 The existential crisis of two brothers navigating grief, relationships, and Dublin

And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry...

🚨 Time travel, book rants & chaos incoming! 🚨

In this episode of Reading Between Deadlines, Rachel Johns and Anthea Hodgson take on The Ministry of Time—a book that dares to mix time travel, romance, and social commentary. Does it work? Do they even understand the plot? Who's to say!

Along the way, they tackle:⏳ The baffling science of time travel (we’re still confused)💔 A romance that…was technically there?🔥 Sideburns, honour, and whether Victorian men can handle the 21st century🤯 A plot twist that came in way too late📖 The real reason this book blew up (spoiler: we have theor...

Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgosn interview author Jacqueline Bublitz about her latest book (and book club pick), LEAVE THE GIRLS BEHIND. They discuss Jacqueline's journey from a call center worker to a successful author, her writing process, and the themes explored in her novels, particularly around crime and gender. The conversation delves into the challenges of writing, character development, and the influence of personal experiences on her storytelling. Jacqueline also shares insights into her reading habits and future projects, making for an engaging and insightful discussion for book lovers.

👋 Follow Jacqueline

💻 Jacqueline’s Website

📸 Jacq...

🎥 Watch it now

Join authors Rachel Johns and Anthea Hodgson in their inaugural episode of 'Reading Between Deadlines,' where they dive into Miranda July's eyebrow-raising 'All Fours.' They debate the book's shock value, delve into its portrayal of midlife awakenings, and humorously dissect its outrageous moments. Don't miss their playful banter and honest critique as they rate the book on their unique 'Kiss, Kill, Marry' scale. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming reads and author interviews!

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Reading Between Deadlines

00:42 Meet the Hosts: Rachel and Anthea

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In just under a week, our bookish podcast, Reading Between Deadlines launches and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Here’s a sneak peek…sneak listen? Sneak listen…🎧😊

What should we read next? Let us know in the comments below.