Meg's Reading Room

Ep 141: Mindy Nichols Wendell (CALIFORNIA OR DUST)

Welcome in! On today's episode, I'm joined by Mindy Nichols Wendell to discuss her newest middle grade novel, CALIFORNIA OR DUST.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Mindy on Instagram @mnwendell

51m - Sep 9, 2026

Ep 140: Elizabeth Wellington Rollins (THE THREE GRACES OF PEARL STREET)

Welcome in! On today's episode, I'm joined by award-winning copywriter, author, and mom, Elizabeth Wellington Rollins to discuss her beautiful debut novel, THE THREE GRACES OF PEARL STREET.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabethwellingtonrollins

55m - Sep 2, 2026

Ep 139: Ben Reeves (EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL AND NOTHING HURT)

Welcome in! On today's episode, I'm joined by NYT Bestselling author, Ben Reeves to discuss his gorgeous debut novel, EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL AND NOTHING HURT.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Ben on Instagram @authorbenreeves

36m - Aug 26, 2026

Ep 138: Stacey Lindsay (BEING 40)

Welcome in! On today's special 40th birthday episode, I'm joined by journalist and author, Stacey Lindsay to discuss her book, BEING 40: The Decade of Letting Go and Embracing Who We Are. BEING 40 is the perfect companion and guide for any woman entering or embracing her forties. I'm so grateful for the wisdom and warmth that Stacey shares -- on and off the page. I know you will be happy to spend time with her, too.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Stacey on Instagram @staceylindsay

49m - Aug 12, 2026

Ep 137: Jess Sporaa / Dog-Eared Books

Welcome in! On today's episode, I'm joined by Jess Sporaa (@bibliophage.jess). Jess is a self-proclaimed midlife mom of four and bookseller at the cozy Dog-Eared Books in Ames, Iowa. In our conversation, Jess shares how spending her days in a bookstore has changed her reading life and how she's discovering her personal style off the page.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Jess on Instagram @bibliophage.jess

Connect with Dog-Eared Books on Instagram @dogearedbooksames

48m - Jul 29, 2026

Ep 136: 2026 Mid-Year Check In with Amy and Jeannie

Welcome in, friends. On this week's episode, I'm joined by Amy (@livingwellread) and Jeannie (@reidallday) to discuss our reading lives and favorite books so far this year.

Jeannie:

Amy:

Meg:

Shared favorite:

Whistler

Also mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Amy on Instagram @livingwellread

Connect with Jeannie on Instagram @reidallday

1h 5m - Jul 15, 2026

Ep 135: Ethan Joella (THE TOP OF THE WORLD)

Welcome in! One of my favorite authors and book friends, Ethan Joella returns to my reading room to discuss his newest novel, THE TOP OF THE WORLD.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Ethan on Instagram @joellawriting

48m - Jul 1, 2026

Ep 134: Meg Medina (GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS)

It's a true "Meg's" Reading Room today!

In this episode, I'm joined by award-winning and New York Times best-selling author, Meg Medina to discuss her middle grade fantasy novel, GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS -- releasing in paperback on July 7th by Candlewick Press!

Meg is a Newbery Medalist, served as the 2023-2024 National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature, and has written beloved books for kids of all ages.

In our conversation, Meg shares about GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS and how this story stayed and grew with her over time. We also discuss Meg's writing life in this season, the books she's excited about, why she loves celebrating new authors, and how we can create more ease in our reading lives -- especially in the summer.

Meg is a champion of writers, a cheerleader of readers, and celebrates stories in a way that is so inspiring to me. I'm so honored to be able to share her warmth and wisdom with you today. Welcome in!

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Meg on Instagram @megmedinabooks

Sign up for Meg's newsletter: Sobremesa

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Music credit: Clavin Clavier

1h 6m - Jun 24, 2026

Ep 133: Wendy Lu (CASTING APRIL)

Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by children's book author and award-winning disability journalist, Wendy Lu to discuss her debut middle grade novel, Casting April.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Wendy on Instagram @wendyluwrites

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

52m - Jun 17, 2026

Ep 132: Renovating My Reading Life

Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm sharing how I'm renovating my reading life and making more room in this busy season.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

21m - Jun 10, 2026

Ep 131: Paige Classey (ANNA-JANE AND THE ENDLESS SUMMER)

Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by author and school librarian, Paige Classey to discuss her debut middle grade novel in verse, ANNA-JANE AND THE ENDLESS SUMMER.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Paige on Instagram @paigeclassey

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

42m - Jun 3, 2026

BONUS: Mommy's Reading Room (HOME FOR A BUNNY)

On this bonus episode of Meg's Reading Room, Mommy Meg and a very special guest read Home for a Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown.

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Music credit

3m - May 27, 2026

Ep 130: Reading Through a Rut with Alex

Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by my husband and favorite public librarian, Alex to discuss his favorite books of the year (so far!) and how he's reading through burnout.

Mentioned in this episode:

More of Alex on Meg's Reading Room:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

33m - May 27, 2026

Ep 129: Margi Preus (THE SHREW DETECTIVE: THE CASE OF THE PILFERED PEARLS)

Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by children's book author and Newbery Honor winner, Margi Preus to discuss her newest middle grade novel (and mystery series!), THE SHREW DETECTIVE: THE CASE OF THE PILFERED PEARLS.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Margi on Instagram @margipreus

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

34m - May 20, 2026

BONUS: Breathing Room (Take a Moment)

Let's take a moment to breathe together this Maycember.

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

8m - May 13, 2026

Ep 128: Your Motherhood is Poetry with Special Guests

Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by some of my favorite mothers to honor and celebrate the experience of motherhood through their beautiful poetry.

Mentioned in this episode:

Elysse Wagner @writtenbyelysse
Shows Up Late With Coffee
Megan Minutillo Weiner @meganminutillo
Jennifer Shoop @magpiebyjenshoop
Magpie by Jen Shoop
Small Wonders
Karen McMillan @mother_truths
Mother Truths : Poems on Early Motherhood
Katie Lowe @katielowewords
Nicole Zwolinski @nicolezwrites
Motherhead
Kaylin Weir @kaylinwrites
Allison Mei-Li @writtenbyallison
A History of Holding: Poems on Motherhood
Ep 115: Sharing What We're Holding
Kate Aasa @kate_aasa_writes
Reese Landry @reeselandrypoetry
Hope, Love, and the Lack Thereof
Jillian Stacia @jillianstacia
Set the Bone
Hannah Rosenberg @hannahrowrites
Same
Ep 20: Your Life is Poetry
Ep 99: Catching Up with Hannah Rosenberg
Rachel Beachy @rachelbeachywrites
Tiny Universe
Ep 47: The Poetry of Motherhood
Ep 89: Living in the Mess and Wonder

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

20m - May 8, 2026

Ep 127: Holly / bookcooklook

Welcome in, book friends! On today's episode, I'm joined by photographer, at-home cook, and devoted reader, Holly from @bookcooklook.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Holly on Instagram @bookcooklook

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

35m - Apr 29, 2026

Ep 126: Carol Ann Tack / Top Shelf Podcast

Happy National Library Week, book friends!

On today's episode, I'm joined by librarian and Top Shelf podcast host, Carol Ann Tack.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Carol Ann on Instagram @carolanntack

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

46m - Apr 22, 2026

Ep 125: Valerie Tripp / Celebrating 40 Years of American Girl

Welcome in, book friends!

For my 125th episode, I’m SO EXCITED to share my conversation with one of my heroes in literature and life, Valerie Tripp!

Valere is a prolific and beloved children’s book author – best known for her work with the American Girl book series. It’s very possible that she has shaped your childhood reading life through her incredible stories and characters – Felicity Merriman, Molly McIntire, Kit Kittredge, Josefina Montoya, Maryellen Larkin, and Samantha Parkington… just to name a few!

In our conversation, we discuss how Valerie became the first voice trusted by Pleasant T. Rowland with Pleasant Company/American Girl, why Valerie and Pleasant were so inspired by books like Anne of Green Gables and Little Women where girls were the heroines and agents of change, how working with the artists, advisors, and product developers helped to bring the characters off the page, how the American Girls have walked with Valerie through the many eras and changes of her own life, what she thinks her characters would be standing and speaking up for today, and how she finds hope and courage through her love of history.

Valerie also shares about her voracious reading life and why Eleanor Roosevelt became her lifelong mentor.

This episode is a masterclass in storytelling and how the stories we love shape and sustain us through the many seasons of our lives. It’s also a celebration of Valerie’s legacy within an influential company, her devoted friendship and gratitude to Pleasant Rowland, and her treasured connection to her community of readers (her “alums”) who still hold onto the hope of her stories today.

You may listen to this episode on Meg’s Reading Room (Ep. 125) wherever you listen to podcasts. I hope our conversation inspires you to celebrate the things that bring you joy, too.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

1h 28m - Apr 15, 2026

Ep 124: Grace P. Pouch (SAVORING CHILDHOOD: PRACTICAL WISDOM FOR SLOWING DOWN)

On today's episode, I'm joined by author, Grace P. Pouch to discuss her beautiful new book, SAVORING CHILDHOOD: Practical Wisdom for Slowing Down.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Meg's Reading Room

buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast

I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you.

Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom

Connect with Grace on Instagram @grace.pate.pouch

~~

Music credit: Clavin Clavier

50m - Apr 10, 2026