SHE WELL READ
by Alana Baumann and Samra Michael
For well read baddies who love books, pop culture, and everything in between. Best friends Lana and Sam are figuring out how to fit reading into their busy lives—and they know they’re not alone. That’s why they created a book club on the go: a seasonal podcast with bite-sized episodes where listeners vote on what they read each season. In the off-season, bonus episodes feature conversations with authors, creators, and storytellers. Whether you read all the time, once in a while, or are just picking up your first book in years, this show celebrates all types of readers. Being well-read is more than just books, it’s a way of life.
Episodes
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Every Missing Black Girl
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into chapters 36-39 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. Today is the last episode wrapping up the book before we chat with the author Kristen L. Berry next week! Be sure to leave us your questions for…
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The Girl in the Picture
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into chapters 32-35 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. New clues emerge around the Raleigh Six and a jaw dropping encounter at the end of today's episode leaves us on one of the biggest cliffhangers of...
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Dreams and Nightmares
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into chapters 28-31 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. Sydney braces for two life-changing updates landing at the same time: her IVF results and the release of the Unforgotten podcast episode.…
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Hydrangeas Don't Bleed
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into chapters 24-27 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. We've got escalating suspicions, eerie patterns, new neighborhood intel, and higher stakes as Sydney pushes the investigation forward, ending on a...
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Guess Who
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into chapters 20-23 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. Lots of eye opening moments during today's episode including...what else is in Carol's trunk... and do we need to be shifting our attention over to...
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Rumors
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into chapters 16-19 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. But first, THANK YOU JESSICA P AND CHANEL SPELLMAN- TIMMONS for your voice notes!!! It truly made our day hearing from you both! Alright so today…
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Horses not Zebras
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into chapters 12-15 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. We are covering A LOT in these few chapters and get right on into things. We learn more about the ominous case that Sydney worked on years prior…
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Let Her Cook!
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into chapters 8-11 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. Sydney meets Barbara and Stanley, siblings of two of the missing girls and boy do we learn a lot from this conversation!! So much of this mystery is...
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Quiet on the Creek
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into chapters 4-7 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. Sydney's fixation on the missing girls is ramping up and now we're trying to figure out...who tf is Michael?! Whether you’re reading along or just...
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Baby, We Don't Talk About Carol
Hey Well Read Baddies! On today's episode, we're diving into the prologue and chapters 1-3 of this seasons book pick, We Don't Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry. But 1st, in coffee break Lana talks about her current slump (anyone else?!) and Samra recaps her recent pop-up! Whether you’re…
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Goodnight Moon
Baddiessssssss, we’re back! Season 7 is officially here! In this premiere episode, Lana and Sam get in to some personal updates and what to expect going in to the season. Whether you’re a returning listener or brand new to the club, welcome in! Grab your copy of We Don't Talk About Carol , join…
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A Good Middle with Ashley J. Hobbs
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with our last bonus episode before the new season! Today we’re joined by narrator Ashley J. Hobbs! We talk about her journey of becoming a narrator, being a podcast producer, and some behind the scenes of audio narrating. Ashley's narrated some of our favorite...
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Take You There with Abrea Armstrong
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we’re joined by Abrea Armstrong to discuss her upcoming debut novel Ferry Tales. It follows Anana Freedman, a Black millennial woman living what looks like the dream: money, freedom, lovers, zero attachments. But when an…
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What Lies Beneath the Flowers with Natasha Diaz
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we’re joined by author Natasha Diaz to discuss her upcoming release What Lies Beneath the Flowers! We talk about her writing journey so far, what led to the development to this novel and everything that lies in-between. Y'all we...
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Good Trouble & Good Problems
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we give all of our usual life updates including what we're reading of course. HOWEVER, we also announce The Publishing Journeys Grant giveaway partnership with Gatekeeper Press Publishing where we're helping an aspiring author…
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Black Romance Book Festival 2026 Recap
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we talk all about our time at Black Romance Book Festival aka BRBF attending as one of the podcast partners and let's just say a time was had! We had a ball getting to connect with everyone and being able to interview the various...
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Back in Business
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another solo bonus episode! Today we give you all of our updates including what we're consuming media wise, book updates, and prepping for Black Romance Book Festival! Tap in then leave us a voice note and let us know your updates :) Follow Lana on Tik Tok…
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Ridin Solo
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we’re ridin solo with no guests this week! We update y'all on all the things going on in our lives right now, what we've been reading/ getting in to, and the latest in pop culture (WE LOVE YOU MEGAN!!) Tap in then leave us a…
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Podding Ain't Easy with Charlee and Nisha
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we’re joined by the ladies of the Refined and Ratchet podcast Charlee and Nisha! Let's just say, this was the kiki session of all kiki sessions, we had ourselves a timeee, be ready to literally LOL!! We talk about how they got...
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Let Yourself Be Watered with Danielle Allen
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with another bonus episode! Today we’re joined by author Danielle Allen discussing her upcoming release Big Girl Blitz, the final book of The Curve Series, available April 14th! We talk about her journey through the series, walking with faith and not fear…
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Pretty Private with Eboné Almon
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with another bonus episode closing out Women's History Month with one of our faves in the space! Today we’re joined by one of our podcast sisters, Eboné Almon who is the host of the Pretty Private podcast. We talk about her building her podcast and brand,...
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No Backsies with Beatrice Dixon
Hey Well Read Baddies, Happy Women's History Month! We’re back with another bonus episode, and today we’re joined by Beatrice Dixon, co-founder of The Honey Pot Co. and author of The Soul Instinct. Yes, THE Honey Pot. The brand that has been holding us down through many a cycle. We talk with...
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Midnight Ballerinas with Nic Stone
Hey well read baddies! We’re back with another bonus episode, and this one is for the girls who are fans of Gone Girl and are impatiently waiting for season three of P-Valley to drop. We’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone to talk about her latest release, Boom Town. We get...
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Love is a Wild Ride with Liara Tamani
Hey well read baddies! We’re back with another bonus episode, and the devil tried us today BUT we powered through, and it was sooooo worth it! We’re joined by acclaimed YA author Liara Tamani to talk about her latest release, This Ain’t Our First Rodeo. We get into the Houston Rodeo as the…
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We Are Here Because You Were There with Eleanor Shearer
Hey well read baddies, Happy Black History Month! On today's bonus episode, we sit down with the author of River Sing Me Home Eleanor Shearer to talk about her upcoming novel Fireflies in Winter—a powerful blend of historical fiction, survival story, and queer Black romance. Eleanor shares how…
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No Ceilings with Gatekeeper Press
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re kicking off 2026 and Year Seven of She Well Read with a bonus guest episode featuring Gatekeeper Press, one of our Season 6 partners. Joined by Director of Marketing and Business Development Luis Javier, we break down independent publishing, author ownership, and how...
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2025 Wrapped: Insane In The Best Way
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re closing out the year with one of our favorites, our 2025 Wrapped bonus episode! A cozy, chaotic, heart-full recap of the year that was lol. We’re reflecting and also looking ahead to 2026 , upcoming guests, and all the exciting things coming for the Well Read Baddies...
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Let the Boulder Roll
Season 6 finale, Baddies! We wrap up Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez with reflections on legacy, growth, and the power of knowing where you come from. From conversations about Black womanhood and community to navigating change, purpose, and the end-of-year reset—we’re closing this chapter with...
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Look at God!
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 41–44 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and the emotional stakes are higher than ever. This week, we follow generations fighting for legacy, land, and love, as long-held secrets finally lead to moments of truth and restoration. We’re also...
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There Comes a Point
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 37–40 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and the tension is building. In this episode, family loyalties are tested, the past comes knocking, and tough choices put legacy and belief to the ultimate test. We explore how history, rest, and...
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Hello It's Me
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 33–36 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the stakes are sky-high. In this episode, four generations land under one roof, “land vs. family” collisions take center stage, and Wade’s rushed trial delivers a gut-punch verdict that...
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You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 29–32 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the drama is drama-ing. In this episode, we talk family reunions, tough choices, and one wild cliffhanger you won’t see coming. We also share what we're watching, and drop some book and…
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It's Getting Sticky
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 25–28 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we dive into the return of William, Luella’s impossible choices, and the emotional fallout that leaves everyone questioning love, loyalty, and legacy. From shocking reunions to...
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Losing Recipes
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with chapters 21–24 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we unpack Nikki’s discoveries about heirs’ property law, the heartbreaking history of Black land loss, and her tense confrontation with one of the Thomas brothers. Whether you’re reading...
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Abortionsplaining with Renee Bracey Sherman and Regina Mahone
Hey well read baddies, surprise! This week we’re bringing you a powerful bonus episode in honor of Sexual Health Awareness Month. We sit down with journalist Regina Mahone and activist Renee Bracey Sherman, the brilliant co-authors of Liberating Abortion: Claiming Our History, Sharing Our…
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Blood is Thicker than Water
Hey Well Read Baddies! In this episode we’re diving into chapters 17–20 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Nikki uncovers the truth about her family’s land, we learn more about heirs’ property, and tensions rise as the Kingdom of Happy Land faces new threats. We also recap Birmingham’s…
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Am I The Drama?
Hey Well Read Baddies! We’re back with Episode 4 of Season 6, diving into chapters 13–16 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. This week, Luella steps into leadership, Robert rises as king (and maybe something more…), and Nikki follows fresh clues with Miss Maddie Mae that bring family history...
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Allegedly...Probably
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with Episode 3 of Season 6! This week we’re diving into chapters 9–12 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Whether you’re reading along or just tuning in for the tea, welcome in! Grab your copy of Happy Land, join our discussion on the Bookum app, and share…
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Get the Ick and Leave
Hey Well Read Baddies, we’re back with Episode 2 of Season 6! This week we’re diving into chapters 5–8 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, exploring family rifts, community secrets, and the rise of the Kingdom of Happy Land. Whether you’re reading along or just tuning in for the tea, welcome…
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Welcome to Happy Land!
Well Read Baddies, we’re back! Season 6 is officially here, and we’re starting strong with our seasonal book pick—Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this premiere episode, Lana and Sam break down chapters 1–4, unpacking family secrets, generational patterns, and the roots of the Kingdom of...
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Rewind: Chaotically Functional (Still Us Fr)
Hey well read baddies—it’s our last rewind episode before the brand new season drops on Wednesday, August 27th, and we’re closing it out with Lana’s favorite throwback from Season 4, Episode 3: Chaotically Functional! See y’all on 8/27 for Season 6! Register for our virtual event with the BWDIK...
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Welcome in Well Read Baddies!
For Well Read Baddies who love books, pop culture, and everything in between. Best friends Lana and Sam are figuring out how to fit reading into their busy lives—and they know they’re not alone. That’s why they created a book club on the go: a seasonal podcast with bite-sized episodes where...
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Rewind: #TeamMindYoBizWhenItComesToBlackWomensHair (Still!)
Hey well read baddies! We’re kicking off our rewind series with Samra’s favorite episode from the vault: Season 3, Episode 11 — #TeamMindYoBizWhenItComesToBlackWomensHair. This one is personal, powerful, and still way too relevant. Register for our virtual event with the BWDIK Podcast and Author...
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I'm Talm 'Bout Innit
Hey well read baddies! It’s the last bonus episode before we kick off rewind episodes—and we’ve got updates galore. We’re revealing our Season 6 book pick (Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez—our first historical fiction!), and announcing a special virtual book club collab with Chid from the But...
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Beyoncé & Friends
Hey Well Read Baddies! It’s our 6th anniversary (cue the tears) and we’re catching up on all the bookish tea and pop culture chaos. We’re talking Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour (and the heartbreak over 16 Carriages), I’m Glad My Mom Died getting an Apple TV series, and why billionaire weddings are...
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Booked & Bingeing
Hey well read baddies! It’s just the two of us this week, and we’re catching up on all the things—reading goals, reality TV rabbit holes, and what it means to truly read for joy. Lana’s deep in her Black romance era and crushing her 12-book goal, while Sam’s still recovering from the whirlwind…
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Black Romance Book Festival A.K.A Bookchella Recap
Hey well read baddies! Today we have a very special recap episode where we'll be talking all about our experience at the Inaugural Black Romance Book Festival! You'll also get the chance to hear some Q&A from some of the authors that were there (boy did they give us plenty of recs for our TBR…
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Our Book Vote is LIVE!
Hey well read baddies! No new episode this week; HOWEVER, please make sure to go cast your vote for what book we'll be reading for season 6 of the podcast! Remember, it's all up to YOU! The deadline to vote is May 31st (stay tuned for the inevitable extension lol ;) ) so make sure to go make your...
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A Vibe Called Black with Olivia Anthony
Hey well read baddies! This week, we're joined by fashion designer, influencer, and Birmingham’s own Olivia Anthony—founder of LIV Streetwear and co-creator of A Vibe Called Black, the all-Black, all-bold cultural celebration returning June 18. Recorded on Met Gala night, we dive into the theme…
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Girls Rule The World
Hey well read baddies! It’s just the two of us this week, and we’re talking all things life lately. From the highs and lows of Coachella Weekend 1 (Megan! Gaga! Bernie??) to health journeys, spring cleaning, and shifting career vibes—we’re in our late twenties and feeling every minute of it.…
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About this show
For well read baddies who love books, pop culture, and everything in between. Best friends Lana and Sam are figuring out how to fit reading into their busy lives—and they know they’re not alone. That’s why they created a book club on the go: a seasonal podcast with bite-sized episodes where listeners vote on what they read each season. In the off-season, bonus episodes feature conversations with authors, creators, and storytellers. Whether you read all the time, once in a while, or are just picking up your first book in years, this show celebrates all types of readers. Being well-read is more than just books, it’s a way of life.
Hosted by
Alana Baumann and Samra Michael