Episode 123: The One About "Read When..." with Serena Davis

Cold Open Question of the Week: Did you ever write a poem or keep a journal?About Serena Davis: Serena is a recent graduate of Seton Hall University, where she earned dual degrees in public relations and journalism.Read When… is Serena’s first published book of poetry which she wrote over a two year period and in which she shares her most personal inner thoughts and feelings.Read When… is a poetry book where each chapter is focused on the difficulties and successes of life, created for people to “read when” they are experiencing those ups and downs of reality. This book is a testament of realization that we all possess the strength and perseverance it takes to survive this lifelong battle.Whether you’re going through a heartbreak, looking towards the future, or struggling with self-confidence - these poems are meant to serve as a reminder that you are never alone throughout your journey. The words in this book are written from love, real-world experience, and the incessant need to make others feel understood.Filled with raw emotion, it feels like reading someone’s diary, which in a sense, is what it is. We talk to Serena about the following:* Why she wrote the book and why she felt it was important to write it and most importantly, publish it?* What her friends and family thought of the book, including her 93-year-old grandmother’s reaction* Tackling adulthood, being in your early twenties, and trying to balance responsibilities and fun* COVID: How did the shutdown impact you as a senior and your first year of high school?* We get the story about the cover design and agonizing publishing process* We discuss Serena’s dislike of “fake it till you make it”, and instead favors “work for it till you make it.”The Future of Journalism: As the former managing editor of The Setonian, we talk to Serena about the future of journalism, the role of social media, and the issues facing traditional or legacy media.Watch TheBrianLennonShow on Substack:Gary’s News of the Weird Sponsored by Rapp Brewing Company: This week: An implosion in Georgia and the “appeal” of banana art.Routines: Serena gives us the lowdown on her morning and writing routines. Sexiest Man Alive: John Krasinski has been announced as 2024's Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine! Yea or Nay?Parking Lot Hate Rankings: As three former grocery store employees, we discuss our personal pet peeves, from people who don’t return carts to the store or corrals, to cutting through parking lots.Serena Davis:Read When… is available on Amazon. Makes a great holiday gift for that young woman on your shopping list!Also be sure to follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.TheBrianLennonShow is a listener-supported production. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to TheBrianLennonShow at thebrianlennonshow.substack.com/subscribe