August 22, 2025 • 48 mins
Summary
Host Megan Hamilton explores the deep magic of books with Jillian O'Keefe and Erin Vandeven of Medium Lady Reads. They chat about the profound impact of reading on self-care, the importance of libraries, and the magic of books. They share their personal journeys as readers, discuss the significance of bookish terms like "TBR" and "DNF", and delve into the philosophy of reading as a means of self-discovery. The discussion highlights the role of community in fostering a love for books, the importance of libraries and librarians and the unique ways in which reading can serve as a tool for emotional and mental well-being.
Chapters
(00:00) The Journey Back to Reading
(02:53) Origin Stories of Book Lovers
(05:55) Understanding TBR and DNF
(08:52) Books as Self-Care and Spirituality
(11:52) Exploring Witchy Books and Magic
(14:31) Favorite Magic Books and Recommendations
(22:04) Exploring Magical Literature
(23:51) Navigating Stress and the Role of Reading
(25:52) The Transformative Power of Books
(28:40) Books as Tools for Self-Care
(33:46) The Ebb and Flow of Reading Habits
(38:03) Understanding the Reader Within
(41:51) The Magic of Libraries and Community
Referenced
Naomi Klein, Librarianship is a Radical Profession: http://www.progressivelibrariansguild.org/PL/PL23/046.pdf
More about Medium Lady Reads
Medium Lady Reads is a podcast about reading as self-care, a passionate love for the public library, and plenty of thoughts and opinions about book culture having its moment. Hosts Erin Vandeven and Jillian O'Keefe are voracious readers and help you choose your next page turner while also exploring the ways that their love of reading helps them develop a deeper relationship with themselves.
Instagram for Medium Lady Reads: https://www.instagram.com/mediumladyreads/
IG for Jillian O'Keefe: https://www.instagram.com/jillianfindinghappy/
IG for Erin Vandeven: https://www.instagram.com/medium.lady/
More About Megan Hamilton and her work:
Megan Hamilton is a speaker, speaking coach, musician and host of the Embracing Enchantment podcast. She's the founder of Impact Witch (ubu skills) and has been the Speaker Advisor at the award-winning TEDxQueensU since 2020. She's toured across North America and enjoys giving talks and leading workshops at festivals, conferences, retreats and events.
She's also a professional tarot reader and weaves magic and a variety of practices into her work and everyday life.
Podcast Website: https://www.embracingenchantment.com/
Website: https://www.impactwitch.com/
Speaking Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ubuskills
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ubuskills
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracingenchantmentpod
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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