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Read More, Read Well

Read More, Read Well

By WellReadMom

The Read More Read Well Podcast is meant to help and encourage women to develop and maintain a reading habit.

It can be a challenge to make time to read in a world that never stops. Developing and maintaining the ability for deep reading isn’t something we can take for granted. Millions of Americans won’t read a single book this year. Don’t let yourself be one of them.

Get in touch: info@wellreadmom.com

On Instagram: @Well_Read_Mom
On Facebook: www.Facebook.com/wellreadmom
On Twitter: wellreadmom

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Currently playing episode

Great Books for Kids During COVID-19: Well-Read Mom's Family Supplement

Read More, Read Well May 14, 2020

00:00
25:48
A Closer Look Episode: The Importance of Leisure for Women

A Closer Look Episode: The Importance of Leisure for Women

In today's A Closer Look Episode, Margaret Cronin discusses the importance of leisure for women, especially during times of uncertainty and unrest. Leisure is different from rest and entertainment, and it allows us to give our full attention to the beloved, whether it be a friend or God. Margaret emphasizes the need for women to take time for themselves and engage in activities that bring peace and restoration. Sisterhood plays a crucial role in supporting women in their leisure pursuits, both by stepping in to help and by providing camaraderie. The practice of holy moments and being fully present in the moment are key to experiencing leisure. Margaret also explores the balance between an active and contemplative life, drawing inspiration from the stories of Martha and Mary. Ultimately, leisure is a continual communion with the Lord and a necessary part of a fulfilling life.

Mar 21, 202417:09
Radical Reading: Episode 2

Radical Reading: Episode 2

When we read and discuss great books, they change us, and we in turn bring that change out into the world.

Janel and Courtney are back in "Radical Reading: Episode 2" to talk about how radical reading touches you and stays with you throughout your life...even to the point of influencing your vacation destinations! The difficult question is, though, how do we make room for radical reading in our busy lives?

Mar 08, 202409:52
Radical Reading: Episode 1

Radical Reading: Episode 1

Can reading be radical? It can be if you engage with literature, and let it change you.

In today's episode, Janel is joined by Courtney LoCoco, and they discuss how reading and discussing worthy books can be a radical endeavor in a world that is so loud and distracting.

Feb 29, 202409:47
A Closer Look Episode: Literature and the Moral Imagination
Feb 16, 202414:21
Fostering a Thoughtful Home: Episode 3

Fostering a Thoughtful Home: Episode 3

Does reading a novel feel like a selfish use of your time? It's not! In today's episode, Janel and Dia talk about how reading is not just good for you, it's also good for the people around you.

Jan 26, 202409:10
Fostering a Thoughtful Home: Episode 2
Jan 19, 202414:10
Fostering a Thoughtful Home: Episode 1

Fostering a Thoughtful Home: Episode 1

In today's culture, family life and the home are more important than ever before. Janel and Dia discuss how to foster a thoughtful home, where focus and attention are developed - attention to the book in front of you, the work in front of you, or the person in front of you. This series will help you think more deeply about what is happening in the home, and what you want to be happening.

Jan 12, 202412:15
A Closer Look Episode: The Art of Reading
Dec 28, 202318:36
Exercising Your Reading Muscles

Exercising Your Reading Muscles

Do you find it hard to focus when reading a good book? Maybe you need to exercise your reading muscles! Janel and Jill talk about how your reading brain is a muscle that needs to be consistently utilized to get the most out of your reading. Using the principles of exercising your body, you can build the strength of your mind.

Dec 15, 202312:04
Closer Look Episode: How Ordinary People Can Live Holy Lives

Closer Look Episode: How Ordinary People Can Live Holy Lives

On today's closer look episode, we're taking a moment to enter into the Advent season with two great saints, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Jane de Chantel. Marcie, Colleen, and Fr. John discuss how these individuals lived with a love for something greater than themselves, and how we are all called to live in the fullness of Christ, no matter what our walk of life. We hope you enjoy this re- presentation of "How Ordinary People Can Live Holy Lives." 

Dec 07, 202320:44
How to Ease Your Stress Through Reading: Episode 2

How to Ease Your Stress Through Reading: Episode 2

We all have stressful situations in our personal lives, and the world is filled with stressful situations outside of our personal lives - how can reading literature help us with that?

Janel and Linda talk more in this episode about easing your stress through reading literature. One key to managing the stress response is to have the ability to step back, look at something from the outside, and say, "Well isn't that interesting to observe." Practicing it with a book helps us to practice it in real-life stressful situations.

Dec 01, 202312:13
How to Ease Your Stress Through Reading

How to Ease Your Stress Through Reading

Stressed out? Pick up a book! In this series, "How to Ease Your Stress Through Reading" Janel talks with her good friend Linda, a Registered Nurse and licensed Psychologist, about stress and how we can manage the stress response through reading. At the top of the list of ways to manage stress is meaningful connections with others, and reading and discussing literature is one big way to do that.

Nov 23, 202310:11
A Closer Look Episode: Deep Reading in a Digital World
Nov 09, 202329:11
How to Start a Reading Journal: Episode 3
Nov 02, 202309:07
How to Start a Reading Journal: Episode 2
Oct 19, 202309:43
How to Start a Reading Journal: Episode 1

How to Start a Reading Journal: Episode 1

Do you remember what you had for dinner last night? Without making an intentional effort to remember something, we so often just forget it. Don't let the wisdom you gain from reading great literature be lost from your memory!

Janel and Colleen talk about how you can preserve your thoughts and experiences by writing them down, in this first episode of the series "How to Start a Reading Journal".

Find out more about the Between the Lines Reading Journal here: https://wellreadmom.com/between-the-lines-journal/

Oct 12, 202314:22
How to choose a good edition of a book
Oct 05, 202311:18
A Closer Look Episode: Love Letters to a Child
May 11, 202323:56
Connecting with Your Family Through Literature: Episode 3

Connecting with Your Family Through Literature: Episode 3

"I love this book...somebody's got to read it!" Have you ever felt this way? We love to share things that are important to us, and they help us connect with those we love. In this final episode in the series Connecting with Your Family Through Literature, Janel, Eric, and Elisabeth discuss how sharing books with your family is an amazing way to grow deeper in your relationship with them.

Apr 21, 202309:43
Connecting with Your Family Through Literature: Episode 2

Connecting with Your Family Through Literature: Episode 2

Would you love something that connects you with your spouse in a way that's deeper than just watching a TV show together? Try adding some literature to your lives. Janel, Eric, and Elisabeth talk about how reading can bring you closer to your spouse, even if you're not reading the same book!

Apr 13, 202312:08
Connecting with Your Family Through Literature: Episode 1

Connecting with Your Family Through Literature: Episode 1

One great reason to add literature to your life is the way it can help us connect with our family. Janel is joined in this series by Eric and Elisabeth Cyr, who are avid readers and parents of young children. They use literature as a way to connect, teach, and grow as a family.

Mar 30, 202315:22
Lifelong Learning: Episode 2

Lifelong Learning: Episode 2

In this second episode of the series Lifelong Learning, Janel and Karen talk about sharing the wisdom you gain through the years with those around you, and how important reading is to gain that wisdom.

Mar 16, 202308:10
Lifelong Learning: Episode 1

Lifelong Learning: Episode 1

It is never too late to learn, and never too early either! Janel and Karen talk in this series on lifelong learning - from reading childhood books to picking up a book as a grandma, our lives can always be enriched by learning. 

Mar 09, 202313:24
A Closer Look Episode: The Gift of Forgiveness
Mar 02, 202318:22
Why Read? Episode 4

Why Read? Episode 4

We've been looking at some unexpected answers to the question "Why Read?" and Episode 4 dives into one of the most important answers of all - creating a cultural dialogue that could help bring more love, empathy, and listening to our culture. 

Feb 17, 202313:08
Why Read? Episode 3

Why Read? Episode 3

This week Nicole and Janel talk about Why Read? Reason #3: Developing a practice of self-reflection and spiritual growth. We can all use some help understanding ourselves a little better, and characters in literature can help us hold that mirror up to our own souls. 

Feb 10, 202311:48
Why Read? Episode 2

Why Read? Episode 2

Join Janel and Nicole as they explore reason #2: Literature as a connection to the Body of Christ.  How does reading help us connect with one another? Listen to learn more!

Feb 03, 202308:42
Why Read? Episode 1

Why Read? Episode 1

We all know there are benefits to reading, but in this series "Why Read?" Janel and Nicole explore 4 reasons to read literature, and they are ones you may not expect!

Jan 26, 202314:59
A Closer Look Episode: How to Choose and Read a Worthy Book

A Closer Look Episode: How to Choose and Read a Worthy Book

In this encore presentation, members of the Well-Read Mom team share some criteria for how to choose a worthy book, and how we can approach reading these great books so they make the most change in our lives. 

Jan 19, 202317:19
How to Start Deep Reading: Episode 4

How to Start Deep Reading: Episode 4

"In deep reading, we see a world we didn't see before." - Marcie Stokman

In today's podcast, Janel and Marcie take one last look at deep reading.  It's more difficult than just skimming a book, but the payoff is worth it!

Jan 06, 202309:35
How to Start Deep Reading: Episode 3

How to Start Deep Reading: Episode 3

Does taking time to deep read feel like a waste of time? Choosing to spend your time reading can seem countercultural in a world that exists so much on devices, but as Janel and Marcie talk about in this episode, it is worth it for so many reasons!

Dec 29, 202211:58
How to Start Deep Reading: Episode 2

How to Start Deep Reading: Episode 2

Marcie and Janel continue to talk about creating a deep reading habit, from slowing down and taking baby steps, to understanding why deep reading is so important to our minds and souls. 

Dec 23, 202215:57
How to Start Deep Reading: Episode 1

How to Start Deep Reading: Episode 1

The way we read in our culture has been drastically changing. We're moving more and more into digital reading, but we might be missing out on the important and fulfilling skill of deep reading. In the first episode of the Series, "How to Start Deep Reading" Marcie Stokman and Janel talk about how we can start a deep reading practice, step by step.

Dec 16, 202211:22
A Closer Look Episode: Marcie Stokman and Dean Kimberly Shankman on Giving

A Closer Look Episode: Marcie Stokman and Dean Kimberly Shankman on Giving

We're in the middle of the "giving season", and Marcie and Dean Shankman take a closer look at how we can accept the gifts of the Great Giver - no matter if they seem good at the time or not. We've all been given great gifts in our lives, if we can recognize them!

Dec 08, 202229:21
How to Start a Book Club with Hospitality: Episode 3

How to Start a Book Club with Hospitality: Episode 3

Are you a reluctant host or hostess? Janel and Ana talk in this final episode of the series "How to Start a Book Club with Hospitality" about overcoming the hurdle of inviting people in. Things don't have to be perfect, you just have to believe in what you're doing!

Dec 02, 202207:25
How to Start a Book Club with Hospitality: Episode 2

How to Start a Book Club with Hospitality: Episode 2

What is hospitality? Is it a lost art in our fast-paced, individualized culture? Janel and Ana talk about what hospitality really means, and how we can receive people into our homes, and even radiate light and love to all who enter. 

Nov 24, 202212:52
How to Start a Book Club with Hospitality: Episode 1

How to Start a Book Club with Hospitality: Episode 1

Janel is joined by Ana Braga-Henebry to start the series, "How to Start a Book Club with Hospitality." In Episode 1, we hear about the spark of courage and leap of faith it takes to put yourself out there and invite others to a new book club. We're confident you can find it in you!

Nov 18, 202210:09
Reading with Kids in the House: Episode 3

Reading with Kids in the House: Episode 3

In the final episode of the series, "Reading with Kids in the House" Janel and Dana talk over the ways a support system among friends and family can help you build a reading practice. Your kids can even be your biggest cheerleaders in getting that huge book finished!

Nov 03, 202210:33
Reading with Kids in the House: Episode 2

Reading with Kids in the House: Episode 2

This week Janel and Dana talk about another strategy to fit reading into your family life - utilizing audiobooks. How and when are the best ways to make use of these resources, and how can you get your family involved too? Find out more!

This is Episode 2 of the series "How to read with Kids in the House".

Oct 27, 202207:34
Reading with Kids in the House: Episode 1

Reading with Kids in the House: Episode 1

Do you struggle to fit reading into your daily life? Especially with small children in the house! Join Janel and Dana as they explore ways to fit reading pockets into your day, and swap out some activities for more reading time. This episode is the first in the series: "Reading with Kids in the House".

Oct 20, 202212:43
Well-Read Mom Podcast Guest Starring Margaret Cronin on the Importance of Leisure

Well-Read Mom Podcast Guest Starring Margaret Cronin on the Importance of Leisure

Highlights include:

We need true leisure now more than ever

How rest is different than entertainment

Training our gaze to be able to give full attention - even amid extreme tiredness

Being fully present to another is a holy moment

Our sisterhood with other women can help us restore ourselves

Attending a Well-Read Mom group is not an escape from reality but helps us to engage again

Engaging in authentic leisure benefits the wider culture

A place to unfold and receive

Pray for the friendships that we need

Margaret Cronin is a member of Well-Read Mom and the Dean of Academics at Magnolia School in Houston, TX.

Jun 22, 202219:17
Why Literature Matters and "How to Read (and Write) like a Catholic"  - an interview with Joshua Hren
Mar 16, 202250:31
St. Francis DeSales and St. Jane de Chantal: How They Help Ordinary People Live Holy Lives with Fr. John Burns, Marcie Stokman, and Colleen Hutt

St. Francis DeSales and St. Jane de Chantal: How They Help Ordinary People Live Holy Lives with Fr. John Burns, Marcie Stokman, and Colleen Hutt

Dec 10, 202155:46
How to use your Between the Lines Reading Journal

How to use your Between the Lines Reading Journal

It's so important to capture the insights that we gain from literature! Listen in to this podcast about how to use the Between the Lines Reading Journal. Find out more and purchase one here: https://wellreadmom.com/between-the-lines-journal/

The podcast includes:

  • Capturing the beauty of the life that happens between the lines
  • Don't be afraid to start writing in your Between the Lines Journal - you can't fail!
  •  A way to take hold of your days
  • Use you are feeling particularly weighed down with details
  • Slow down to see the golden thread of life happening in the ordinary
  • Be aware of what your reading is teaching you
  • Don't miss seeing what is happening in your life, miracles happen here!
Nov 01, 202136:13
It's okay to make room for reading literature!  Literature and Spiritual Growth with Gregory Wolfe

It's okay to make room for reading literature! Literature and Spiritual Growth with Gregory Wolfe

Highlights of this podcast include: 

  • How to become an active reader?
  • Why is reading meant to be a communal act?
  • Experiencing renewal through deep attention
  • How is loneliness healed?
  • What is the danger of living in a utilitarian way?
  • Why are we so stressed out? What is the remedy?
  • What uplifts me is not just a sitcom or happy ending?
  • What really uplifts me?
  • Why do women read more than men?
  • Women are in the trenches of daily experience.

Gregory Wolfe is a writer, teacher, editor, and publisher. In 1989 he founded Image—one of America’s leading literary journals, which he edited for thirty years. He was also the founding director of the Seattle Pacific University MFA in Creative Writing program.

Wolfe brings to the position more than three decades of experience as an editor, publisher, writer, teacher, and thought leader in the realms of art, literature, and religion.

Wolfe is the founder of Image—one of America’s leading literary journals, which he edited for thirty years. He was also the founding director of the Seattle Pacific University MFA in Creative Writing program. Wolfe’s writing has appeared in numerous publications, including the Washington PostWall Street JournalFirst ThingsCommonweal, and America. In 2005 he was a judge for the National Book Awards. His books include Beauty Will Save the WorldIntruding Upon the Timeless, and The Operation of Grace. He is married to the novelist, Suzanne M. Wolfe. They are the parents of four grown children and live in Richmond Beach, Washington.



Sep 20, 202138:43
My Years With Corrie Ten Boom: A Well-Read Mom Interview With Ellen Stamps

My Years With Corrie Ten Boom: A Well-Read Mom Interview With Ellen Stamps

Ellen Stamps tells her story of working with Corrie ten Boom, author of Well-Read Mom book pick The Hiding Place, in an interview with Well-Read Mom founder, Marcie Stokman. Learn more about Corrie and her sister and how they were able to survive and forgive. What an amazing and inspiring story of faith! 

Sep 02, 202145:01
Purposeful Parenting and Finding Time to Read with Tonja Milligan
Jul 12, 202125:22
Great Books for Kids During COVID-19: Well-Read Mom's Family Supplement

Great Books for Kids During COVID-19: Well-Read Mom's Family Supplement

We thought some of our women might want some ideas for meaningful books to hand to their kids during this unexpected time at home. This is the first year Well-Read Mom has included a Family Supplement with membership. Our hope is to encourage great books for kids that follow along with our theme of the year. This way, the conversations we are having in our groups can also be shared with our families.

In this podcast Marcie Stokman, Alison Solove and Charity Hill discuss:

  • How the Family Supplement came about
  • An example of educating the moral imagination through literature.
  • How to use the Family Supplement with three different age groups
  • How important it is to get great books into kids’ hands and promote meaningful conversations within families

To learn more about Well-Read Mom's Family Supplement - Go to: www.WellReadMom.com

You can find the books mentioned in this podcast here:

https://bookshop.org/shop/wellreadmom

May 14, 202025:48
On Being at Home (with joy!) in These Uncertain Days

On Being at Home (with joy!) in These Uncertain Days

Marcie Stokman, president and founder of Well-Read Mom interviews Ana Braga-Henebry on how we can be at home in beautiful way with our children during these days.  

"Yes, you can do this - even joyfully!"

Our discussion includes:

  • Lingering around the table
  • Bringing order into our days
  • Ideas for prayer time and rhythm
  • Prioritizing joy
  • Confidence in the authority we've been given as others
  • Managing devices

Ana Braga-Henebry grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, majored in Art Education, and received a Master’s degree in Humanities from the University of Texas at Dallas. In her chosen life as a wife and mother, Ana has found time and inspiration to write on family life and literature for different periodicals. Ana is a lifetime educator in various levels, a book reviewer and educational resources content-creator. Having a life-long love for Literature, Ana has led book clubs for women for many years.

Mar 22, 202029:37
Great question! Answers to your most frequently asked questions about Well-Read Mom membership

Great question! Answers to your most frequently asked questions about Well-Read Mom membership

During this episode, Well-Read Mom co-directors Nicole and Janel answer the most frequently asked questions about Well-Read Mom's membership terms including:

  • How following the theme and booklist for the year allows us to go deeper into our understanding of ourselves as women
  • How the audios help facilitate discussion and connect us to the broader movement - unity not uniformity
  • Why Well-Read Mom charges a membership fee and what that fee goes toward
  • Why the booklist is for members-only
  • Why the discussion questions in our Companion (Reading Guide) vary month to month and in style - and how to use questions that work for your group

Have another burning questions? Email us: info@wellreadmom.com or use the message feature on Anchor to send in your voice message.

Happy reading!

You can find out more at WellReadMom.com.

Mar 05, 202017:31