Picking up where The Story Girl left off, The Golden Road continues the story of the King cousins and their friends as they begin to grow up, and slowly grow apart. Today we are recapping the final book in the duology, with its many moments of humor, sweetness, and heartache. Inspired by: Kelly’s fancy cookie jar . Kelly is inspired by: Poor Cecily’s hair woes and recommends Angel Rinse by Kevin Murphy for seriously deep conditioning that doesn’t weigh down fine hair. Ragon is inspired by: The S...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 67
A new Anne of Green Gables is coming to the stage! We are delighted to present our interview with Kat Sandler, the playwright behind a new theatrical adaptation of Anne, premiering at the Stratford Festival this month. Kat, Ragon, and Kelly talk about the challenges and delights of adaptations, updating beloved stories, and giving yourself permission to “go full cheese” after spending time with Anne. Go check out Anne of Green Gables at the Stratford Festival ! If you want to get a free logo sti...
May 02, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 66
In a special Podcast Swap episode, we are sharing with you an episode from the fantastic limited series podcast Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery. Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers. Listen to the entire series here . We are sharing Episode 2: The Road To Anne from Story Girl. In this episode, Maud attends teache...
Apr 18, 2025•22 min
Faith and Una Meredith, Mary Vance, Sara Stanley, Felicity and Cecily King – all of these girls have different relationships with housekeeping and cooking, and PhD candidate Ariel Little is here to tell us all about it! We speculate about how the characters might show up on social media, the way that housekeeping reflects power and authority in Montgomery’s work, and why cleanliness was so important to the Victorians. If you want to read some of Ariel Little’s writing, she’s published this artic...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 65
Whether they are giving their own church sermons or looking at a picture of God, whether trying not to giggle in church or debating the ethics of prayer, the kids of The Story Girl engage with religion and morality constantly. Today we get into why religion figures so prominently in their lives, and also discuss the invention of Sunday schools. Digressions include prayer to lesser known saints and our recent experience with a one day choir! Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the Belief-O-Matic qu...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 64
Adolescent identity and values take center stage in this episode. The themes beautiful, clever, and good reappear in The Story Girl as archetypal girls. We talk about beautiful Felicity, good Cecily, and the brilliant Story Girl in today’s episode, and why these girls feel like they can only be one of those things. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the late lamented Bath and Body Works Juniper Breeze and recommends its sophisticated modern counterpart Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt scent . Rag...
Mar 07, 2025•59 min•Season 4Ep. 63
The Story Girl is one of L.M. Montgomery’s most charming books, full of witty dialogue, playful antics, and wistful nostalgia. We are kicking off our discussion of The Story Girl with a recap of all the characters, hijinks, and stories that make this book shine. We also discuss the LA fires, which had a huge impact on the podcast, and recommend some ways to support the girls who inspire us. Inspired by: Ragon is inspired by Girl Scouts! Buy cookies whenever you see a Girl Scout selling them or y...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 62
Kelly and Ragon welcome L.M. Montgomery scholar and curator Emily Woster, Phd to the pod! Emily tells us all about L.M. Montgomery’s reading life–what books she loved growing up, what influenced her books, her active reading style and her unique writing process. And in true kindred spirit fashion we nerd out about our influential reads and Emily’s family legacy of Anne fandom! The Anne Manuscript for high quality scans of LMM’s original handwritten manuscript and notes. The L.M. Montgomery Books...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 4Ep. 61
What’s this? A messy love quadrangle? You know Kelly and Ragon are all over that! We channel our best Normal Gossip podcast inspiration and dive into our discussion of the self-sabotaging lovers of Rainbow Valley! We ask such questions as “What’s Ellen’s deal anyway?” And “Wait, do we agree with Norman Douglas?” And most importantly “Who should we cast in our movie version of this story?” On a more serious note, if you’d like to help Kelly rebuild after losing her home in the terrible Eaton fire...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 4Ep. 60
We are continuing our Rainbow Valley discussion and focusing on the Meredith children’s impulsive hijinks and the way the adults around them react, or don’t react, to their shenanigans. We take John Meredith to task, break down how the patriarchy has helped enable this situation and learn a little about what parentification is and why the Meredith kids are poster children for it! Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by Normal Women by Philippa Gregory. Ragon is inspired by All The Rage by Darcy Lockma...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 4Ep. 59
L.M. Montgomery scholar Maryam Khorasani joins us for a discussion of Rainbow Valley itself as both a physical place and a state of mind, drawing on our own childhood experiences and analyzing the characters' interactions with the natural world. We also discuss themes of childhood, imagination, friendship, and the transition to adulthood and are inspired by books with strong senses of place and third spaces. Inspired by: Ragon is inspired by A Kind Of Paradise by Amy Rebecca Tan and by The Whale...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 58
In preparation for our Rainbow Valley mini-arc, we are recapping this lovely book on today’s episode. We’ll introduce you to the Blythe children’s new friends, the Meredith children and Mary Vance, and tell you all about their adventures and hijinks. We also touch on the historical context of the book, which is set in the years leading up to World War I, wonder where Shirley Blythe is in all this, and share some of our favorite easy recipes! Inspired by: Ragon is inspired by Smitten Kitchen's Pi...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 57
Today’s episode features an interview with an extraordinary L.M. Montgomery scholar, Dr. Laura Robinson. We discuss Robinson's background, her favorite Montgomery books and characters, and her work with the L.M. Montgomery Institute. Then we dive deep into the untold stories of Anne of Ingleside – why this book feels a little darker, and the storytelling risks L.M. Montgomery was able to take in writing this book. You absolutely do not want to miss this fascinating conversation with a leading Mo...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 56
Surprise! In honor of L.M. Montgomery’s 150 birthday, we are releasing a special bonus mini-episode today to share our tribute to Maud. Be sure to check out the other tributes over at the Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies! Links: Find all the tributes to L.M. Montgomery here at the Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies 150 Tributes And Maud's Electronic Birthday Card 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 ...
Nov 18, 2024•4 min
Our discussion of Anne of Ingleside continues, focusing on Anne and the Blythe family as they relate to the Glen St. Mary community. We also chat about Anne revisiting old hobbies like writing and matchmaking, and her marriage to Gilbert. This book opens the door to conversations about class, women’s labor, and finding your place in the world. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the beautiful quilts of Gees Bend Quilts and matching prints from Souls Grown Deep . Ragon is inspired by dancing the ni...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 55
Home and family is the topic of this episode! Ingleside is a symbol of a happy and loving home and today we are discussing the ways that Anne is creating that for her own children. We speculate about whether Anne is the original TradWife, chat about unwanted houseguests, and share the ways that we've made our houses our homes. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by vintage shopping and estate sales to make your home unique! Ragon is inspired by the Nolan Interior Magic Sofa Covers to keep her couch l...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 54
We are kicking off Season Four with a recap of Anne of Ingleside! We'll walk you through the highlights of the sixth Anne book to set up our conversations in the next episodes. We also chat about Ragon's birthday and our favorite dog items. Inspired by: We are inspired by our dogs this week! Kelly is inspired by a dog water bowl that keeps her floors at least semi-dry, the dripless dog water bowl . Ragon is inspired by the Tricky Treat Ball to keep her dog occupied! If you want to get a free log...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 53
We are back with Season 4! Join us as we talk about where we are going this season, where we’ve been, our favorite episodes so far, and a detour into the rebirth of 90’s fashion! 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: [email protected] or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram....
Oct 04, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 52
Just dropping in to let you know that we are hard at work on season 4! Today Kelly and Ragon will be previewing the season ahead and revealing the books we will be discussing, so get your library holds ready!
Sep 13, 2024•3 min•Season 4Ep. 51
We are excited to share this very special crossover episode with the Maudacst and Kindred Spirits Book Club! The Maudcast, hosted by today's guest Brenton Dickieson, is the official podcast of the L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island. Brenton, Ragon, and Kelly sat down in the church L.M. Montgomery attended for a joyful conversation about Montgomery scholarship, tourism, and fandom, and we can't wait for you to listen. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by keeping cool...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 50
Come along to Prince Edward Island and the 2024 biennial L.M. Montgomery conference with Kelly and Ragon! First we raved about our first conference experience and reflected on the brilliant presentations and new perspectives we heard. Then we shared all about our trip to LM Montgomery historical sites, Green Gables Heritage Place, the musicals inspired by the Anne books, and the beauty and splendor of the Island. It was a phenomenal trip and we can’t wait to tell you all about it! Inspired by: K...
Jul 19, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 49
Y’all, this book is wild. Join Ragon and Kelly as they discuss one of LM Montgomery’s lesser-known works, the novella Kilmeny of the Orchard. It’s a sweet, somewhat simplistic summer romance that takes some truly unexpected twists and turns. Although Kilmeny hasn’t stood the test of time like Anne of Green Gables, there are glimmers of L.M. Montgomery’s later writing style in this fairytale-like story that reminded us of The Little Mermaid. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the music of Akiko Su...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 48
Join Kelly, Ragon, and returning special guest Katie Stewart to discuss summer reads! They discuss books that remind them of summer as well as favorite summer reads for middle grade readers, romance and romantasy readers, the best books to survive a long flight, and of course, our ultimate recommendations for fun, breezy books to occupy your lazy summer days. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by sun protection and recommends Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen for Face . Ragon is inspired by keeping...
Jun 21, 2024•59 min•Season 3Ep. 47
Kindred Spirits Book Club is going on the road! Kelly and Ragon are joined by Brenna Clarke Gray to plan for their upcoming trip to Prince Edward Island. We discuss all things PEI, from the award-winning cheese at COWS Creamery to the cheesy souvenirs aimed at Anne of Green Gables tourists. Side chats include Brenna’s survival guide for an academic conference and our ultimate road trip playlists. Inspired By: Road trip entertainment! Ragon is inspired by Get Out The Map and Closer To Fine by Ind...
Jun 07, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 46
In today’s episode, Kelly and Ragon wind up their discussion of Anne’s House of Dreams. In a book that encompasses many emotional highs and lows, we discuss friendship and family as the foundation of a happy life. Ragon explains psychological protective factors, which can help determine how well someone weathers a crisis, and we share our favorite books with found families. What we are reading: Ragon is reading The Eyes And The Impossible by Dave Eggers and The Swifts: A Dictionary Of Scoundrels...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 45
Rejoin Ragon, Kelly, and guest Dr. Brenna Clarke Gray for their discussion about motherhood in Anne’s House of Dreams. Ragon and Kelly are joined by Dr. Brenna Clarke Gray, Canadian literature expert, to discuss the joys and sorrows of Anne’s journey to motherhood in Anne’s House of Dreams. We discuss everything from baby talk to our favorite books and gifts for babies. Content warning: Child loss, pregnancy loss, infertility. Be kind to yourselves, Kindred Spirits! Inspired by: We are inspired ...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 44
Ragon and Kelly are joined by Dr. Brenna Clarke Gray, Canadian literature expert, to discuss the joys and sorrows of Anne’s journey to motherhood in Anne’s House of Dreams. We discuss Victorian attitudes to pregnancy and birth, and we share our own journeys around motherhood. We had so much to say that we are actually making this a two-part episode! Content warning: Child loss, pregnancy loss, infertility. Be kind to yourselves, Kindred Spirits! Inspired by: We didn’t have our usual inspired by ...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Ragon and Kelly are joined by audiobook narrator and voice actor Kelli Tager to discuss the beautiful romance threaded through Anne’s House of Dreams. From Anne and Gilbert’s wedding day to Leslie and Owen’s happily ever after, join us to celebrate all the delicious romance. Kelli also discusses what it’s like to narrate audiobooks and her favorite LM Montgomery books. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by weddings and recommends her favorite anniversary tradition, which is to recreate her wedding b...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 42
In this episode, we are setting sail with Captain Jim! Kelly and Ragon talk about the lighthouse keeper’s gentle guidance, how he embodies and subverts the theme of cleverness, and his deep wisdom, earned over many years of seafaring. Sidebars and digressions include whether Captain Jim is a stealth matchmaker, life at sea in the 1800s, and recommendations for two swashbuckling adventure book series! Inspired By: Both Kelly and Ragon are loving Dashing Diva nail strips . Kelly is inspired by the...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 41
The mysterious beauty Leslie Moore is the subject of this Anne’s House of Dreams character study. Ragon and Kelly discuss the myths and metaphors surrounding Leslie, and whether she is properly humanized in the text. Digressions include Favorite Things parties, how to talk to kids about stereotypes in media, and the tragic beauty trope. Inspired By: Kelly is inspired by Leslie’s style and recommends red flower choker-style necklaces like this gorgeous one from Free People . Ragon is inspired by ...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 40
