Meet Miss Cornelia and her signature phrase “Just like a man!” Miss Cornelia is the great comic relief in Anne’s House of Dreams, an otherwise serious and emotional book. Ragon and Kelly do a deep dive into the contradictions that make up this memorable woman: she’s charitable, loving, and neighborly; and she’s judgmental, prejudiced, dogmatic and an unapologetic gossip. Sidebars include the Oscars, Methodists versus Presbyterians, and one of our favorite sitcoms. Inspired By: Ragon is inspired ...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 39
Anne’s House of Dreams is one of L.M. Montgomery’s most mature and emotional books, and Ragon and Kelly are thrilled to devote season three of Kindred Spirits Book Club to it. In this episode, we recap Anne’s House of Dreams, discuss what we’ve been reading lately, revisit our own weddings, and brainstorm Miss Cornelia-inspired fanfic. We didn’t do any inspired bys this episode but we did check in on what we are each reading these days! Ragon is reading: A cozy witchy mystery, In The Company of ...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Welcome back, Kindred Spirits! Ragon and Kelly kick off a third podcast season by re-introducing themselves and the podcast, giving a behind the scenes look at how we make the pod, and discussing some of what’s to come in Season Three. This is a great place to dive in if you’re new to the podcast, and for longtime listeners, enjoy the deep friendship lore! Inspired by: Both Ragon and Kelly are inspired by podcasts this week. Most of the podcasts are available on a variety of podcast players but ...
Feb 02, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 37
It’s our last episode of Season 2 and the last episode of 2023! Editor Katie Stewart comes back to debate the most important of issues: who is the best romantic hero: Barney Snaith or Gilbert Blythe? We had a blast discussing the way the themes in The Blue Castle compare with Anne’s themes, as well as discussing Hallmark movies and holiday traditions! Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the perfumes of Imaginary Authors , especially Cape Heartache for a perfect Blue Castle scent. Katie is inspired...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 36
We briefly leave the Anne series to discuss one of our very favorite LM Montgomery books, The Blue Castle! Many of the elements we love in the Anne series – romance, selfhood, family, and community – play out differently but just as satisfyingly in this book. Come along as we recap this gorgeous fairy tale of a book. Inspired By: Kelly and Ragon are inspired by the Muskoka area of Canada and recommend checking it out for a Blue Castle vacation of your own! If you want to get a free logo sticker ...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Canadian literature expert Brenna Clarke Gray joins Ragon and Kelly to recap the bonkers 1987 miniseries: Anne of Green Gables, the Sequel! Are we making the best use of Dr. Gray’s expertise and insight into Anne? Probably not, but we sure had fun. Join us for an irreverent look at Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel – and stick around for a very special KSBC Holiday Gift Guide! Holiday Gift Guide Inspiration: Plum Jam like from Sqirl LA or Bonne Maman Fancy dog treats from Polkadog Size inclusive ...
Nov 24, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 34
Now engaged to be married, romantic Anne can’t help but get involved in other people’s love lives, and her meddling has hilarious results! Join Ragon and Kelly as they discuss matchmaking – and matchbreaking! – gone wrong, Anne’s love letters to Gilbert, epistolary novels, and our favorite advice column. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg and by This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. Ragon is inspired by Griffin and Sabine by Nick...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Anne loves a thrilling tale, and there are a few in Anne of Windy Poplars that are perfect for a very spooky Halloween episode of Kindred Spirits Book Club. Ragon and Kelly examine Anne's years on Spook's Lane through the lens of graveyard stories and haunted mansions. Highlights include Kelly's discussion of Gothic literature, and Ragon's upcoming Halloween party! Inspired by: Ragon is inspired by spooky games like Betrayal At House On The Hill and Gloom . Kelly is inspired to make decisions ab...
Oct 27, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Anne has a special gift for winning over misfits and misanthropes, but in Anne of Windy Poplars, even her skills are put to the test! Ragon and Kelly discuss how Anne won over the Pringles and Katherine Brook, Kelly teaches us about comedies of manners, and they both marvel at the miracle of buttermilk and pumpkin preserves. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the kids baking on the spin-off of The Great British Bake Off, Junior Bake Off . Ragon is inspired by Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Lat...
Oct 13, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 31
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 p...
Sep 29, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 30
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 of...
Sep 15, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 29
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: [email protected] or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram....
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 28
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 Cal...
Aug 18, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 27
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 Libra...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 26
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 | Stationer...
Jul 21, 2023•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 25
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•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 24
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 Henry Ragon recommends: Smitten Kitchen's Strawberry Su...
Jun 23, 2023•57 min•Season 2Ep. 23
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 min•Season 2Ep. 22
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, Margaret Kelly is inspired by celebrity memoirs written by women including: We...
May 26, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 21
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 market...
May 12, 2023•57 min•Season 2Ep. 20
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•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 19
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 Pottery Kelly is in...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 18
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 chalk Kelly recommends Kindred Candle Company Ragon 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 min•Season 1Ep. 17
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 Belt Ragon is inspired by the Kindred Spirit sweatshirt from Splendid Bohemians on Etsy....
Mar 03, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 16
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•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 15
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•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 14
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•55 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 12
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•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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•58 min•Season 1Ep. 10
