Off the Shelves Podcast

Just This: Say no to fireworks

This week we're covering the issues that really matter: why a thumbs-up emoji can start a fight, whether emojis have taken on entirely new personalities, and if we're all reading way too much into tiny clown faces. We also might have found our next hobby. And in a rare moment of common sense, Utah banned fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July. Considering the West is already on fire, we're calling that a win. Stay safe out there, friends.

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: Golden Hour Farm [https://goldenhourfarmutah.com/] Dinner: Grilled Chicken Salad [https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a21097616/grilled-chicken-salad-recipe/]

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 [https://louisecarmen.com/en/collections/all-notebooks/products/capsule-honore] Drink of the season, Waterloo Coconut Lime Cooler [https://www.drinkwaterloo.com/flavors/coconut-lime-cooler/] What to eat: Tuscan Sausage Pasta [https://www.missallieskitchen.com/tuscan-sausage-pasta/] Crispy Sheet Pan Tacos [https://www.allrecipes.com/easiest-sheet-pan-tacos-recipe-11700898]

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 [https://pen.org/report/facts-fiction/] Cutest coloring book [https://amzn.to/49oDB9b]