The Stacks

Dec 20 2024 407 ep. 55 mins 766
The Stacks Podcast artwork

The Stacks is your one stop shop to talk books and reading. Guests will join the host, Traci Thomas for lively discussions about books and the ways they have shaped their lives, and they way we all understand culture, race, politics, and more. The last Wednesday of each month Traci and guest will break down a book in detail as part of The Stacks Book Club. 

Make sure to check the website www.thestackspodcast.com for more details, including upcoming The Stacks Book Club picks.

  Arts  Society & Culture
RSS feed Share
Copy RSS


Subscribe on Podcast Addict


Unabridged: 2024 Pop Culture Superlatives with Chelsea Devantez & Sam Sanders

Dec 20 2024 11 mins  
*Patreon- and Substack-only bonus episode teaser* In this episode of The Stacks Unabridged, we’re closing out 2024 with a lively recap of the year in pop culture. Chelsea Devantez and Sam Sanders join the show to hand out superlatives for this year’s biggest moments—from breakout performances to the villain of the year, and the stories that defined 2024. You can find eve

Ep. 350 The Best Books of 2024 with Greta Johnsen & MJ Franklin

Dec 18 2024 78 mins  
It’s time to pick the best books of 2024! Joining me for this year-end celebration are two longtime friends of the show, podcast host Greta Johnsen and MJ Franklin, editor at The New York Times Book Review. In today’s episode, we share our top 10 books of 2024, reflect on the trends that defined this year in reading, and look ahead to the titles we’re most excited for in 2025

Ep. 349 Testing Humanity with Mosab Abu Toha

Dec 11 2024 56 mins  
This week, we’re joined by Mosab Abu Toha, Palestinian poet, activist, and author of the new collection Forest of Noise. In today’s episode, Mosab shares why he feels compelled to write during the ongoing genocide in Gaza and reflects on the urgent questions his work poses about Palestinian rights. He also discusses the meaning behind his book’s title and what he hopes reader

Ep. 348 I Will Always Be a Grief Enthusiast with Nora McInerny

Dec 04 2024 58 mins  
This week, we’re joined by Nora McInerny—author, podcaster, and founder of the Hot Young Widows Club. In today’s episode, we discuss Nora’s approach to grief and why she rejects the label of “grief person.” She also shares the books about grief that have meant the most to her, as well as the genre that never fails to make her rage. The Stacks Book Club pick for Decembe

Unabridged: Nonfiction Book Generator

Nov 29 2024 7 mins  
*Patreon- and Substack-only bonus episode teaser* In this episode of The Stacks Unabridged, Traci wraps up Nonfiction November by pairing audience-submitted books, moods, snacks, TV shows, and songs with 15 nonfiction book recommendations. This episode is packed with fresh titles to add to your TBR and inspire your next great read. You can find everything we discuss on today's

Ep. 347 Luster by Raven Leilani — The Stacks Book Club (Justine Kay)

Nov 27 2024 70 mins  
It’s The Stacks Book Club Day, and we’re diving into Luster by Raven Leilani with returning guest Justine Kay of 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose. This darkly funny and provocative novel explores race, desire, and messy human connections through the story of Edie, a young Black woman who becomes entangled with a white family. In today’s episode, we dive into the shifting power dynamics

Ep. 346 Curating Climate Conversations with Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Nov 20 2024 65 mins  
This week, we’re joined by marine biologist and author Ayana Elizabeth Johnson to discuss her new book, What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futurism. Ayana shares her approach to curating a wide range of ideas and solutions for climate action, including her climate action Venn diagram. We also explore why profit hasn’t been enough to drive progress and how American cult

Ep. 345 The Fear of Vulnerability with Jason Reynolds

Nov 13 2024 65 mins  
This week, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds joins us to discuss his latest book, Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . .: A Love Story. Jason shares why he chose to tell the story of a young Black boy on the brink of a life-changing moment and reflects on vulnerability, intimacy, and the power of connecting with audiences. We also explore Jason’s unique approach to

Ep. 344 Unstable Attachment to Realism with Justine Kay

Nov 06 2024 61 mins  
This week, we’re joined by Justine Kay, one of the hosts of the reality TV show podcast, 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose. We talk about our thoughts and feelings around optimism in the face of political anxieties and how reading has shaped our thinking about what is possible. We also dive into Justine’s newfound love of romance novels and revisit some of our favorite reality TV memories.

Ep. 343 The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead — The Stacks Book Club (Franklin Leonard)

Oct 30 2024 68 mins  
It’s The Stacks Book Club Day, and we’re diving into The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead. Franklin Leonard returns as our guest to examine this powerful novel set in a brutal Jim Crow-era reform school. In today’s conversation, we discuss the ways Nickel Academy serves as a metaphor for America, exploring themes of good versus evil and the resilience required to confront syst