Kindred Spirits Book Club

All Episodes (30)

From new to old

From new to old From old to new

1. 

   1. Episode 30: Anne’s Meddling Era: How NOT to parent

   From her unique vantage point as an engaged woman and a high school principal, Anne observes all kinds of interesting parent-child dynamics in and around Summerside. Ragon and Kelly discuss the takeaways from these relationships, and then Ragon gives us all an in depth parenting lesson – but not before we discuss Fourth Wing and all things dragons!Inspired by:Kelly is inspired by Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson and by Schitt's Creek.Ragon is inspired by the podca

   Sep 29,2023 01:15:27
2. 

   2. Episode 29: Anne’s Meddling Era: Anne of Windy Poplars Recap

   Ragon and Kelly boldly go where few podcasters have gone before – deep into Anne of Windy Poplars! Join us as we recap the 4th book in the Anne series--you probably missed this book or have forgotten it so let us help you find the humor and tragedy hidden in the pages.   Listeners, be sure to count how many grumps Anne has to win over while presiding over Sunnyside High School.  Also, back-to-school vibes, Anne's meddling era and enough people with dysfunctional families to keep a whole practice

   Sep 15,2023 01:18:02
3. 

   3. Episode 28: One Year Anniversary Party!

   Happy Anniversary to US! To celebrate, Kelly and Ragon are throwing a podcast party, with special guests, games, trivia, and best of all, prizes. You’re invited to the Anne of Green Gables themed party of the year! If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.[email protected] or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

   Sep 01,2023 01:16:16
4. 

   4. Episode 27: Anne, The College Years: The One About The Boy

   After everything Gilbert has been through over the past three books, we knew he needed his own episode! Ragon and Kelly discuss the making of a classic romance hero, from the infamous “carrots” scene to the swoon-worthy final proposal. We round out the conversation with stories from our weddings and an exploration of Victorian courtship rituals.  Inspired by:  Ragon is inspired by the songs: Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Feels Like Home by Randy Newman and Heads Carolina, Tails C

   Aug 18,2023 01:16:16
5. 

   5. Episode 26: Anne, The College Years: The One With All The Proposals

   Anne’s childhood wish to become “divinely beautiful” is coming true - at least in the eyes of one particular gentleman. We love the romance in Anne of the Island, not just for Anne but for her friends Diana and Phillippa as well. Ragon and Kelly chat about all of Anne’s would-be beaux, and unpack why she doesn’t seem ready for any of them yet. We also compare this book to one of our other all time favorite classics: Pride and Prejudice.Inspired by:Kelly is inspired by The New York Public Library

   Aug 04,2023 01:22:08
6. 

   6. Episode 25: Anne, the College Years: The One With The Baking Soda Company

   It might be summer where you are, but in Anne of the Island, it’s always September, and we are headed back to school with Anne. In this episode, Ragon and Kelly explore Anne’s ambitions as a writer and a scholar – including, of course, her embarrassing first experience as a published author! Kelly and Ragon also share stories from their own college years and talk about the history of women in higher education. Inspired by:Kelly is inspired by the pretty stationary of Felix Doolittle | Stationery

   Jul 21,2023 01:00:25
7. 

   7. Episode 24: Anne, The College Years: The One With All The Roommates

   Join us at Patty's Place, where Anne and her friends have "all the fun of homemaking and none of the bother of a husband." Kelly and Ragon discuss female-centered communities and spaces that make way for young women to become themselves, from Anne and her Redmond College chums to New York's famous Barbizon Hotel. We also share stories of our own college roommate days and some of our favorite bon mots from Aunt Jamesina.  Inspired By:Ragon recommends: The movie  Pitch Perfect and the book Fangirl

   Jul 07,2023 01:01:51
8. 

   8. Episode 23: Anne: The College Years, The One About Anne Of The Island

   Anne of the Island – or Anne, the College Years – is one of our very favorite books. With its stately collegiate setting, delightful celebration of female friendships, and deliciously slow burn romance, who can blame us? Join us as we recap Anne's four years at Redmond College, complete with baking soda company shenanigans, tomcat tomfoolery, and a happily ever after ending.Inspired by:Kelly recommends:  People We Meet On Vacation by Emily HenryRagon recommends:  Smitten Kitchen's Strawberry Sum

   Jun 23,2023 56:30
9. 

   9. Episode 22: Anne of Avonlea Is A Romantic (but not ready for romance herself, thank you)

   Whether it’s a fairy picnic or a fairytale prince, Anne sees romance everywhere she looks – except, of course, in her own life! Kelly and Ragon explore the romantic side of Anne of Avonlea, from Hester Grey’s garden to Miss Lavendar’s wedding, and they also discuss those rare coming of age books for girls that don’t include romance. Inspired by:Kelly recommends:  Seven Days In June by Tia Williams and Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas.Ragon recommends: The art of Karen Hallion

   Jun 09,2023 54:08
10. 

    10. Episode 21: Anne of Avonlea is Dazzlingly Clever

    School may be out in your neighborhood, but it’s back in session in Avonlea with Anne at the front of the classroom. Anne continues on her path to becoming “dazzlingly clever” by embarking on her career as a teacher, and today’s discussion ranges from our own career aspirations to Avonlea school stories to the ambitious heroines of Little Women. Inspired by:Ragon is inspired by:  the movie Are You There, God? It's Me, MargaretKelly is inspired by celebrity memoirs written by women including:  We

    May 26,2023 01:03:23
11. 

    11. Episode 20: Anne of Avonlea is Angelically Good

    Avonlea itself, full of big personalities and hilarious happenings, is practically a character in the Anne books. In this episode, we explore how Anne grows into becoming an active member of her community and all the different ways "goodness" looks in a small town. Topics include the Avonlea Village Improvement Society, Davy and Dora Keith, and how Anne of Avonlea fits into the North American regionalist literary tradition. Inspired By:Kelly is inspired by local activities, like farmer’s markets

    May 12,2023 56:38
12. 

    12. Episode 19: Introducing Anne of Avonlea!

    Ragon and Kelly kick off season two of Kindred Spirits Book Club with a breezy recap of Anne of Avonlea. Kelly admits she likes Davy Keith after all, and Ragon wants the ladies from The Home Edit to help Green Gables organize. Come along as we discuss the enchanted picnics, fairytale romances, and childhood mischief that make Anne of Avonlea so much fun. Inspired by:Kelly is inspired by Enchantment by Katherine May.Ragon is inspired by botanical gardens in the spring!

    Apr 28,2023 01:08:07
13. 

    13. Episode 18: The Ultimate Anne Geek Out with Katie Stewart

    For the Season 1 Finale of Kindred Spirits Book Club, we are excited to introduce you to a new kindred spirit, Katie Stewart, co-founder of Owl’s Next Publishing. Katie, Ragon, and Kelly have the ultimate Anne geek out session, discussing everything from quoting the books in wedding vows to what can you do with an English degree? We rank all the Anne books and fangirl about our other favorite L.M. Montgomery book. Inspired by:Katie is inspired by the beautiful pottery of RBD PotteryKelly is insp

    Mar 31,2023 01:19:13
14. 

    14. Episode 17: Anne Adaptations: The Graphic Novels

    Some of the most exciting adaptations of Anne of Green Gables are illustrated! In this episode, we discuss three gorgeously illustrated graphic novels which bring Anne’s story to life, led by our graphic novel expert, Alice! Inspired by:Alice recommends hair chalkKelly recommends Kindred Candle CompanyRagon recommends donating to organizations that help kids read like Book Aid International and Reading Is Fundamental and We Need Diverse Books

    Mar 17,2023 51:14
15. 

    15. Episode 16: Anne Adaptations: Anne With An E

    Anne With an E brought Anne of Green Gables to a new generation. Ragon and Kelly discuss how it differs from the source material, what they liked about the show, and where they thought it missed the mark. Come for the thoughtful discussions of childhood PTSD, stay for our dream adaptations of Anne! Inspired by:Kelly is inspired by Marilla’s belts:  Whipstitch Corset Belt and Leather Corset BeltRagon is inspired by the Kindred Spirit sweatshirt from Splendid Bohemians on Etsy.

    Mar 03,2023 01:01:25
16. 

    16. Episode 15: Anne Adaptations: The 1985 Miniseries

    Anne of Green Gables has a long cinematic history but the adaptation we love best is the 1985 CBC miniseries starring Megan Follows and Colleen Dewhurst. We chat about our recent re-watch, how the movie strayed from the book, and the things we still love – the costumes! the scenery! Gilbert! Digressions include favorite movie musicals and how the kids are doing their hair these days. 

    Feb 17,2023 01:01:53
17. 

    17. Episode 14: ”Carrots” and Slates; Anne’s Pride

    Anne Shirley, “all spirit and fire and dew,” is notorious for her temper and her pride. Ragon and Kelly explore why this is such a challenging character trait for Anne, and how she overcomes it. Side quests include TikTok, duels of honor, and whether Jo March, Mary Lennox or Pippi Longstocking is Anne’s spiritual sister. 

    Feb 03,2023 01:01:17
18. 

    18. Episode 13: Dryads, Ghosts and Lily Maids: Anne’s Imagination

    Wherein our heroine invents ghosts and dryads, fairies and snow queens, and we discuss how her imaginings very likely saved her spirit. We talk about whether embellishments are the same as lies, which Romantic poets Anne was reading, and how Anne made Prince Edward Island iconic with her imaginative descriptions.  

    Jan 20,2023 54:53
19. 

    19. Episode 12: Red Hair and Puffed Sleeves: Anne’s Vanity

    New Year, New Anne! We discuss Anne’s preoccupation with her appearance – she’s perfect just the way she is and so are you, listener! – and why Marilla was so worried about Anne’s vanity. We discuss Victorian fashion as well as the terrible haircuts, skincare, and diets we tried in the name of vanity.

    Jan 06,2023 01:00:46
20. 

    20. Episode 11: Gilbert Blythe, Everyone’s First Crush

    The podcast episode that is at least 20 years in the making . . .  We gush about why Gilbert was our first imaginary boyfriend, what the heck was wrong with Anne, and contemporary successors to Gilbert’s true good guy prototype.  We also discuss our year in reading and where we stand on the “rivals to lovers” trope.  

    Dec 23,2022 01:08:10
21. 

    21. Episode 10: The Girls of Avonlea

    It turns out that kids are kids even a century apart: opaque social hierarchies, dares gone wrong, mean-girl passive aggressive relationships, gossip and dramatics!  We talk about Anne’s friends and their antics, what we all got wrong about The Lady Of Shalott and how we are coping with the holiday season.  

    Dec 09,2022 57:52
22. 

    22. Episode 9: Miss Josephine Barry, Rich Auntie Supreme

    Everyone knows that single, child-free, and mysteriously wealthy woman with immaculate clothes and a gorgeous home – and for Anne, it’s Diana’s Aunt Josephine! We tag along with Aunt Jo and the girls on a lavish trip to the big city and speculate about where her money came from.  Bonus content includes Aunt Jo fan fic!

    Nov 25,2022 58:10
23. 

    23. Episode 8: The Ladies of Avonlea

    Upsets, accidents, and apologies – how do the adult ladies of Avonlea respond to Anne’s escapades, and what does that tell us about who Anne is becoming? We discuss busybodies, eating medicine flavored cake to be polite, and politics in Avonlea.

    Nov 11,2022 01:02:53
24. 

    24. Episode 7: Miss Stacy and Education

    How do you educate a whole village of children in one room? Why was Mr. Phillips such a creep and Miss Stacy so wonderful? We ask these questions and share some embarrassingly hilarious stories from our own school days in this episode.

    Oct 28,2022 01:00:11
25. 

    25. Episode 6: Matthew and Masculinity

    Do you love Matthew Cuthbert as much as we do? In this episode we celebrate this legend of gentle masculinity, and talk about how his capacity for unconditional love nourished and sustained Anne. Digressions include: why gifts are our favorite of the five love languages, fatherly pride, the delight of grubs in the cucumbers, and David Lynch.  

    Oct 14,2022 01:00:09
26. 

    26. Episode 5: Diana and Friendship

    What is a bosom friend, exactly? In this episode, we take on that question and talk all about the wonderful girl who became Anne’s dearest friend and most ardent supporter. Come for the raspberry cordial, stay for our thoughts on long-standing childhood friendships, Diana’s “dark side,” and whether Anne and Diana’s intimacy can be read as something more.

    Sep 30,2022 48:16
27. 

    27. Episode 4: Marilla and Motherhood

    We start our series of character studies and dive deep into Marilla Cuthbert, her journey in non-traditional motherhood and how her sarcasm covers up her inner softness.  We explore how Marilla's religion has shaped her parenting and give our own Marilla inspired recommendations!

    Sep 16,2022 01:03:51
28. 

    28. Episode 3 Plot Recap Continued

    In this episode, Kelly and Ragon discuss the second half of the book, how Anne's hair dyeing incident affected them, and one of the saddest death's in children's literature.  

    Sep 02,2022 01:01:06
29. 

    29. Episode 2: Plot Recap

    In Episode 2, Ragon and Kelly begin our plot recap of Anne of Green Gables, taking us through the first year of Anne's life in Avonlea, her many iconic scrapes and encounters, and share some "Inspired by Anne" recommendations!  

    Aug 01,2022 58:29
30. 

    30. Episode 1: Introduction

    Welcome to Kindred Spirits Book Club!  In this episode your hosts Ragon Duffy and Kelly Gerner introduce themselves, discuss why Anne of Green Gables is so influential in their lives, and talk about what makes a kindred spirit!  

    Jul 30,2022 35:26