Season 3 is officially HERE, and we are opening the doors with the collab you didn't know you needed. Join Niccara as she welcomes the dynamic duo behind Refined & Ratchet — Charlee and Nisha — to the pod for a conversation that's equal parts unfiltered and essential. We get into what it really means to be a reader in the age of the algorithm, the real difference between community building and networking (because they are NOT the same thing), and why the book community is sometimes harder on...
Apr 16, 2026•53 min•Season 3Ep. 1
She's back. We're back. And this season? We are not playing around. Welcome to Season 3 of ...But Make It Books — the podcast that makes reading cool, celebrates diverse voices, and brings the culture to the literary world. This trailer gives you a taste of everything we've been cooking up, and the lineup is stacked. This season we're sitting down with authors, podcasters, and creatives including She Well Read , TL Martin , BNB Book Designer , Sedona Rose , Leslie Street , Kehinde Winful, Nikesh...
Apr 02, 2026•4 min
Join Niccara as she welcomes Paula Chase, co-founder of The Brown Bookshelf and author of the Heights series, to the pod! We talk about her novel The Balancing Act , the power of reclaiming language around grief, and how young people navigate invisibility within communities fighting over scarce resources in their own neighborhoods. Perfect for readers who appreciate stories centered on Black youth, community resilience, grief and healing, institutional critique, and the courage it takes to be tr...
Jan 08, 2026•51 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Join Niccara as she welcomes Sunday Times Bestselling author Analeigh Sbrana to the pod! We talk about her duology "Lore of the Wilds" and "Lore of the Tides", the power of Black heroines discovering their own magic, and how courage, stewardship of the land, and community create opportunities for freedom and belonging. Fantasy and romantasy lovers, especially those who appreciate stories centered on Black girlhood, identity, and representation, this episode is for you! Lore of the Wilds Lore of ...
Dec 25, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Join Niccara as she welcomes Addie E. Citchens, inaugural recipient of the Farrar, Straus and Giroux Writer's Fellowship and debut author, to the pod! We talk about her novel Dominion , the cost of maintaining false narratives, and how women become the custodians of family reputation and community silence in the Black church. Perfect for readers who appreciate stories centered on Black womanhood, Southern life, faith, complicity, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. Make sure you pick up...
Dec 11, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Join Niccara as she welcomes Arriel Vinson, Reese's Book Club LitUp Fellow and debut author, to the pod! We talk about her novel-in-verse, "Under the Neon Lights", the power of Black girls with big names, and how change—whether it's gentrification, divorce, or growing up—creates opportunities for freedom and belonging. YA lovers, especially those who appreciate stories centered on Black girlhood, identity, and community, this episode is for you! Make sure you pick up "Under the Neon Lights" from...
Oct 09, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Join Niccara as she welcomes Aricka Alexander, Young Adult Romance & Queer Adult Romance writer, to the pod! We talk about her newest release, "Where There's Smoke", growing up in the South, and how love is driving force for what we do and inspiration that we find right in front of us. Romance lovers, especially my sapphic romance lovers, this episode is for you! Make sure you pick up "Where There's Smoke" from where you get your books! Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie Foll...
Sep 11, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Join Niccara as she welcomes K.Powell, a thriller writer you need to know about! We talk about her newest release, Say I Do and explore the lines between love, obsession, possession, and what it means to be the last woman standing. Thriller lovers, this episode is for you! Make sure you pick up "Say I Do" from where you get your books! Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie Follow & Find K.Powell: instagram & website Use my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB. Don't forg...
Aug 29, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Join Niccara as she welcomes Tanvier Peart, social advocate by day and giving us the feels at night! We talk about her newest release, Tender Offer and explore second chances, redemption, growth, social advocacy layered in romances, and cinnamon role main characters. You won't regret listening to this conversation. Make sure you pick up "Tender Offer" from where you get your books! Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie Follow & Find Tanvier Peart: instagram & website Use my ...
Aug 14, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Join Niccara as she welcomes the masterminds behind one of the biggest Black book festivals, the Black Romance Book Festival. We talk about how this amazing event sold out in 30 minutes (30 MINUTES?!), why Black romance, the healing power of community and love and so much more. Lock in to this amazing conversation. Come for the vibes but stay for the healing. Remember tickets go on sale on August 15th. Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie Follow & Find Black Romance Book Festiv...
Jul 31, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Join Niccara as she welcomes USA Today bestselling author Kristina Forest , whose mission centers on writing the books she wished she had as a young Black teenager. In this powerful conversation, we explore how Black romance serves as a source of healing and affirmation for readers across both YA and adult genres. Kristina opens up about her journey of crafting stories that intentionally showcase Black joy, healthy family dynamics, and the transformative power of love through works like her Gree...
Jul 17, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Join Niccara as she welcomes indie thriller writer, Desiree Moodie to discuss her newest novel, "The Perfect Mother". *Some Spoilers* In this conversation, the desperation, the messiness, and the unspoken truths of motherhood through the pages and genre of her newest thriller following Dawn and Evelyn in an idyllic suburban town that hides more within the seemingly perfect lawns and picturesque homes. Make sure you get "The Perfect Mother" as well as her other works! Follow us at: @butmakeitbook...
Jul 03, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Join Niccara as she welcomes a fellow Black book influencer, Lakia Barr at Kia's Korner who mission is focused on how to get people excited about reading, and increasing the visibility and support for Black authors and Black books. In this conversation, we talk hidden truths we find in the pages of our favorite reads, self discovery through literature, and how books have a way to bring squared with the realizations about ones' self. If you are looking for additional reflection through the pages ...
Jun 19, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Join Niccara as she welcomes a fellow Black book influencer, Alexis Milton at Lex Reads who is a passionate literary advocate dedicated to amplifying Black voices in literature. In this conversation, we talk finding home in the pages of our favorite novels as well as community amongst other bookish folks and nurturing the wells of our communities where we are. If you want to find out how to build communities and sanctuaries where you are this is for you and other book lovers who are looking to g...
Jun 05, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Join host Niccara as she welcomes the powerful bicoastal friend duo, Sujeiry Gonzalez and Krista Purnell, of Corner of Press as they continue to pioneer the romance genre for women of color. In this conversation, we talk about our favorite tropes, friendship in unlikely places, and how bar conversations can spark big ideas. Romance lovers this is for you but for anyone with big dreams and bigger hopes dive into this honest conversation. Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie Follow t...
May 22, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 4
Join host Niccara as she welcomes Baltimore native, author and publisher, MultiMind to "...But Make It Books." In this conversation, Niccara and MultiMind dive into her love of fountain pens, traveling, creating and owning your own vision and path and how everything you do in life can lead you to your purpose. With candid reflections on independent publishing, charting your own path, and the newest release of their book "The Harlequin" this is definitely a jam packed episode. Follow us at: @butm...
Apr 03, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Join host Niccara as she welcomes acclaimed multi-hyphenate creative force Felicia Pride to "...But Make It Books." In this conversation, Pride discusses her remarkable journey from literature lover to award-winning filmmaker, TV writer, and founder of HONEY CHILE, her production company dedicated to Black women 40+. Pride, whose impressive credits include writing for "Queen Sugar," "Grey's Anatomy," and her current role as Co-Executive Producer on "Bel-Air," opens up about her creative evolutio...
Mar 20, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Join Niccara as she delves in with LaDarrion Williams, author of "Blood at the Root" to discuss all things magic, Black people, Black life, and the trusting in your own magic even when you are in doubt. As always, rate, subscribe, and review us wherever you are listening. Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie
Mar 06, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 1
We are circling back to come our favorite theme: manhood, fatherhood, and entertainment surrounding Will Smith's autobiography "Will". As always, rate, subscribe, and review us wherever you are listening. Check out our bookish partner over at Charm City Books! Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie @b_rad.books...
Jan 09, 2025•38 min•Ep. 28
Happy New Year, Family! We are jumping back into the New Year with THE Jada Pinkett Smith's memoir, 'Worthy'. We are talking about the definition of worthy to us, what we received from her and the pages of her vulnerability, and so much more. As always, rate, subscribe, and review us wherever you are listening. Check out our bookish partner over at Charm City Books! Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie @b_rad.books...
Jan 02, 2025•32 min•Ep. 27
In this episode, we are doing something new here at BMIB called "Pound for Pound" where Niccara and Brandon give out their suggested recommendations to the other. This episode is centered on Jason Reynolds "Stuntboy, in the Meantime" and the need to read cross generationally, how children are always watching, and what we can learn from them. As always, rate, subscribe, and review. Check out our bookish partner Charm City Books! Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottie @b_rad.books...
Dec 13, 2024•38 min•Ep. 26
In this episode, we are doing something new here at BMIB called "Pound for Pound" where Niccara and Brandon give out their suggested recommendations to the other. This episode is centered on Jason Reynolds "Twenty-Four Seconds from Now...: A LOVE Story" and how can get more young boys to read, the need for more young Black love stories from the male perspective, and so much more. As always, rate, subscribe, and review. Check out our bookish partner Charm City Books! Follow us at: @butmakeitbooks...
Nov 29, 2024•34 min•Ep. 25
Following Brandon and Niccara as they discuss Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, the soon to be film coming to the silver screen. Delve in as we discuss the topics of today as well as the idealism and survivors’ remorse and all the ways we discover ourselves. Books Discussed: Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead Check out the visual discussion here: Get any books discussed here: www.charmcitybooks.com Thank you for listening and sharing!...
Nov 13, 2024•40 min•Ep. 24
In this special live episode, co-host Brandon goes producer mode behind the camera with our audio engineer, Donte at The Trap Factory for a special interview with Niccara and author and Afro Minimalist, Christine Platt . Dive in as we talk about the generational need for ownership, silent identity markers and living for you. Live taping took place at Charm City Books in Baltimore MD Pick up your copy of Christine's The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less at Charm City Books...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Join Brandon and Niccara for special live episode with the plant guru Hilton Carter at the annual Baltimore Book Fest! We talk everything from plants, life, difference between a play with a music and a musical, and the brilliance that is Max Martin. Dive into another great episode! Grab Hilton's latest book "The Propagation Handbook" We can only grow us much as you allow. Rate/Review & Share!...
Oct 10, 2024•55 min•Ep. 22
Authenticity and cultural appropriation... but make it books with Yellowface by R.F. Kuang. Tap in with Brandon and Niccara as they explore all the themes and nuisances in Kuang's work Yellowface. What is authenticity? Who owns what and how do we decide? Get any books discussed here: www.charmcitybooks.com (http://www.charmcitybooks.com/) Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe and share ! Follow us at @butmakeitbookspod @b_rad.books @niccarasbookclub Bookishlyhealing.com...
Sep 26, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome backkkkk to a new season of …But Make It Books! Join Niccara and Brandon as they get back into the groove discussing everything from what they did with their break, what books they are loving, what chapter of this life is called and more. Get any books discussed here: www.charmcitybooks.com Thank you for listening and sharing!
Sep 12, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Loving the return of another episode of…But Make it Books! Join Niccara and Brandon as they dig into their fondness of You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwake Emezi. In this episode, they discuss how grief can be kinda weird, begging v standing, a question men should ask themselves, and what love song that comes to mind when thinking on L-O-V-E. As always you can find all the books they discuss at the But Make It Books indie bookshop of choice Charm City Books...
Mar 14, 2024•37 min•Ep. 21
We are officially back in full swing with your favorite bi-weekly bookish pod…But Make it Books! Join Niccara and Brandon as they discuss the necessity of taking a break, check in on our reading, set forth reading hopefuls, and figure out how we get back into the groove of being a reader. Joining us on our Instagram on March 11h as we chat with The Kitchenista (Angela Davis) on IG Live at noon est.
Feb 29, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 20
After a much needed break, we are back! As a bonus, we have a LIVE episode…But Make it Books! Join Niccara, Brandon, and Sadeqa Johnson, author of the NAACP Image Award nominated The House of Eve , as they discuss how Black women deserve bodily autonomy, the effects of classism, Sadeqa’s writing process, adoption, and dream casting ideas. Welcome back everyone! Books Discussed: The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson Check out the visual discussion here Follow us on Instagram: @butmakeitbookspod Get ...
Feb 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 19
