Hello, Podcast, My Old Friend

I've come to talk with you again.

a photo of a stack of Appalachian books sitting on a wooden shelf

Before my first interview of 2024, I ran through my checklist. I plugged in my mic, turned off the AC, put Gwen in her crate, grabbed my headphones, and started my sound check. Dylan collapsed on the rug on the floor, resigned to remaining quiet if that meant I wouldn’t kick him out of the library while I was recording.

There’s a moment before every interview when jitters run up my spine. I anxiously click through my google doc, alternating between my detailed notes and simple outline. I flip through the author’s book, unable to read anything but still feeling the comforting of the textured paper on my fingertips. It doesn’t matter how many authors that I’ve interviewed, I will always feel my nerves fray before recording. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.

When I decided to start a new podcast, I knew that it would be a challenge. I was no longer a 20-something stumbling into a new media format. I knew—very intimately—the work that would go into every episode, and to me, Appalachia is worth it. Our literature is just as rich and complex as any other kind of literature. Our literature should be treasured for the beautiful art that it is. I created Read Appalachia to do just that, to celebrate Appalachian Literature and Writing in all of its complexity, contradictions, messiness, joys, sorrows, and emotional depth.

In Read Appalachia’s first season, I published 19 episodes, 4 of those being Poetry Corner minisodes. The show’s 30 guests represented 10 Appalachian states (plus 2 midwestern states). Combined, the episodes clock in at around 20 hours of author interviews, poetry readings, and endless book recommendations. (You can find all of the recommendations here.)

This year, I expanded my coverage of Appalachian Literature, writing more about my region’s books than ever before. Over on Book Riot, I wrote about “Appalachian Futures: Fighting for Appalachian Literature’s Bright Future” and—one of my favorite articles of the year—”10 of the Best Appalachian Books of 2023,” which highlights my favorite Appalachian books of the year.

Season 2 of Read Appalachia is just around the corner. I’ve already interviewed two poet laureates and the authors of my favorite books of 2023. It’s sure to be a banner year, and I can’t wait. Look out for new episodes on February 1st.

Kendra, a white 30-something, wearing a Read Appalachia t-shirt and holding a mug that says, “Appalachia”

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Things I Made Recently

BookTube

Book Riot

“10 of the Best Disability Books of 2023”

“I take pride in my disabled life, an existence full of joy and wonder. But sometimes, moving through the world as a disabled person can feel overwhelming. At every turn, there are reminders that this world wasn’t made with disabled people in mind. But when I pick up books by disabled authors, it’s like reading an encouraging note from a friend reminding me that there are a whole host of other disabled people trying to go about their lives just like I am.

“2023 was a year star-studded with incredible works of disability literature. There’s a wealth of poetry, memoir, essays, and researched nonfiction. There are people who have been disabled their entire lives and people new to their lives as a disabled person. It’s one of the first years I can remember having to struggle to keep up with all of the books by disabled authors being published — what a great problem to have!

“I’ve gathered together some of my favorite books by disabled, chronically ill, Deaf, and neurodivergent authors. There are some of my old favorites — like Jen Cambell, Samantha Irby, and Jenn Shapland — and some new-to-me favorite authors, including Tara Sidhoo Fraser, Janine Joseph, and Ashley Shew. Whatever kinds of books you enjoy, there is sure to be something on this list for you!”

Read or Dead

I wrapped up my first full year as the co-host of Book Riot’s Read or Dead podcast. Our Most Anticipated Books of 2024 just went up last week—there are so many books coming out this year!

Newsletters

I edit newsletters for Book Riot: True Story, and Read This Book. You can subscribe to them here.

Behind the Mic (AudioFile Magazine)

I’ve recorded SO MANY episodes for Behind the Mic, recommending audiobooks like Day by Michael Cunningham, How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair, The Bee Sting by Paul Murray, The Reformatory by Tananarive Due, and All the Little Bird-Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd Barlow. Subscribe to never miss one of my audiobook recs!