Bad On Paper
Books & Literature
About
Join Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter every Wednesday for a dose of books and banter, along with interviews with women who inspire us.
Episodes
- Spring 2026 Catch Up
This episode features a catch-up on the hosts' writing, reading, and home updates, along with discussions about their summer plans. They also share book recommendations and sponsor messages. This episode is in English.
- Good People Book Club
The Bad On Paper podcast discusses the book "Good People" by Patmeena Sabit. This episode covers the book's inspiration, structure, different points of view, marketing, and ending, and announces May's book club pick "Into the Blue" by Emma…
- Hidden Gem Reads Redux
This episode of Bad On Paper revisits hidden gem reads. Olivia and Becca share their personal recommendations, and listeners also contribute their favorite underrated books. The episode also includes information on books the hosts are curr…
- April 2026 Three Things
Olivia and Becca discuss their April "things," including juicy reads, grievances, and debunking rumors. They recommend books such as "Strangers" by Belle Burden and "The Lost Book of Lancelot" by John Glynn. They also discuss topics like w…
- 2026 Publishing Trends
Literary agent Alyssa Morris and East City Bookshop Buyer Emilie Sommer join the Bad On Paper podcast to discuss 2026 publishing trends. They share insights on customer shopping behavior, editorial interests, and their book predictions for…
- The 8th Anniversary Episode
The Bad On Paper podcast celebrates its eighth anniversary by reminiscing about their first episode with Olivia as co-host, reflecting on life changes since 2022, and revisiting their initial questionnaire.
- So Old, So Young Book Club
The 'Bad On Paper' book club discusses 'So Old, So Young' by Grant Ginder, covering its structure, the dynamics of friendships with and without children, and the five parties that define adulthood. The episode also includes other book reco…
- Grace Is Back! (With Big Book News!)
Grace Atwood returns to the podcast to discuss her new endeavor: writing a novel. The episode also features book recommendations from the hosts and Grace, and their current obsessions.
- March 2026 Three Things
The March 2026 episode of Bad On Paper features Becca and Olivia discussing topics such as talent versus passion, the state of contemporary romance, and setting writing goals. They also delve into childhood popular culture, recent internet…
- Our Favorite Non-Fiction Reads
The "Bad On Paper" podcast discusses favorite non-fiction reads, sharing book recommendations from both the hosts and their listeners. The episode covers a wide range of non-fiction titles across different subjects.
- Little One Book Club
The "Bad On Paper" podcast features a book club discussion of Olivia Muenter's novel, Little One. The conversation covers the inspiration for the book, the influence of real-world cults, the main character's likability, and the ending.
- February 2026 Three Things
This episode of Bad On Paper features Becca and Olivia discussing bookish topics, pop culture, and relaxing solo days. They share their "three things," which include favorite songs, insights from a book tour, and dream casting for a show c…
- Obscure Erotica 2026
The third annual Obscure Erotica episode from Bad On Paper features comedy erotica. The hosts discuss various picks and obsessions, and promote their book club, sponsors, and social media. This episode contains NSFW content.
- 'Little One' Audiobook Preview
This episode features an audiobook preview of Olivia Muenter's novel, 'Little One.' The episode also provides information on how to order the book and links to the podcast's social media and merchandise.
- The Heated Rivalry Episode
The Bad On Paper podcast presents "The Heated Rivalry Episode." The hosts discuss their thoughts on the show and share their current reads, including "The Long Game" by Rachel Reid and "Let's Not Go Overboard" by Erica Hendry.
- Best Offer Wins Book Club
The Bad On Paper podcast reviews Marisa Kashino's novel "Best Offer Wins," discussing themes such as house hunting, character portrayal, and class dynamics. They also mention other books and provide listener engagement opportunities.
- 2026 Reading Preview
The Bad On Paper hosts and several guests share their anticipated book releases for 2026. They highlight numerous titles and authors, providing recommendations for listeners' reading lists.
- January 2026 Three Things
This episode of Bad On Paper, titled "January 2026 Three Things," covers romance adaptations, medium joys, events, moving quandaries, and 2026 mood boards. Becca shares her "things" including "Heated Rivalry" and "People We Meet on Vacatio…
- 2026 Goals
The hosts of Bad On Paper discuss their accomplishments from the previous year and outline their personal and professional goals for 2026. These goals include various writing projects, home renovations, and personal development.
- Best Books of 2025
This episode of the Bad On Paper podcast features Becca and Olivia discussing their favorite books of 2025. They provide a list of recommended titles from various authors.
- A Very Festive Three Things
The Bad On Paper podcast episode "A Very Festive Three Things" features discussions about holiday events, white elephant gifts, and holiday movie rankings. The hosts also share their weekly obsessions and recent reads.
- Best of 2025
Olivia and Becca from the "Bad On Paper" podcast review their favorite moments and discoveries of 2025. They discuss their top picks in various categories, including artists, songs, movies, purchases, and books.
- The Correspondent Book Club
The Bad On Paper podcast discusses "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans, examining its popularity, the mother/daughter relationship it portrays, and how it relates to epistolary novels and retirement. This is the final book club episode o…
- Our 2025 Gift Guide
This episode of Bad On Paper presents the 2025 Gift Guide, offering a variety of gift suggestions. The guide includes picks for those who love NYC, hobbies, travel, and hosting, as well as curated items for thrifters, Pisces, Real Housewiv…
- What's A Portfolio Career?
This episode of Bad On Paper explores portfolio careers, featuring discussions with Leigh Stein and Ali LaBelle. They cover work strategies, time management, and advice for those considering a transition to a portfolio career.
- November 2025 Three Things
This episode of Bad On Paper, titled "November 2025 Three Things," includes discussions on podcast recommendations, the supernatural, and a guessing game. The hosts also share their current reading and obsessions.
- Heart the Lover Book Club
The Bad On Paper podcast episode focuses on a book club discussion of "Heart the Lover" by Lily King, covering various aspects of the novel, alongside "The Diplomat Season Three" and "Twinless" as obsessions. Hosts Olivia and Becca also sh…
- 2025 Debut Author Anthology
This episode features four debut authors who discuss their experiences and surprises while publishing their books in 2025. They also share pitches for their books.
- Nic Stone on making the jump from YA to adult fiction
Nic Stone joins Good On Paper to discuss her journey as an author, her move from YA to adult fiction, and her adult debut "Boom Town." She also shares insights into her research process.
- A Deep Dive Into Our Reading Lives
The "Bad On Paper" podcast discusses the hosts' reading lives, covering how they select books, ideal reading times, and their approach to not finishing books. They also share books they are currently reading or have read recently.
- October 2025 Three Things
This episode of "Bad On Paper" features discussions on underrated books of 2025, impactful plot twists, and the role of mood in writing. The hosts also share their personal reading lists and book club picks.
- Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance Book Club
The Bad On Paper podcast reviews "Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance" by Alison Espach. The hosts discuss their expectations, the balance of dark themes with humor, and the relationships within the book.
- Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham on Their New Mother/Daughter Book Collab
Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, join the Bad On Paper podcast to discuss their new collaborative book, "The Academy." They share insights into their writing process and the inspiration behind the story.
- September 2025 Three Things
The "September 2025 Three Things" episode of Bad On Paper covers pop culture, focus tools, and fall expectations. It includes discussions on Taylor Swift, Q4 radar, their fall TBR lists, Elizabeth Gilbert's new memoir, and recent reads.
- How A Book Cover Gets Made with Molly von Borstel
Molly von Borstel, an Art Director and Book Cover Designer, talks about her career in book design, how book covers are created, and current cover trends. She also shares her experiences with feedback and discusses current reads and "obsess…
- The Knight & The Moth Book Club
This episode of the Bad On Paper podcast features a book club discussion on "The Knight and The Moth" by Rachel Gillig. The hosts discuss the book's setting, characters, romance, and its fit within the romantacy genre.
- E. Jean Carroll on writing, grabbing joy, and beating Donald Trump in court
E. Jean Carroll joins Bad On Paper to discuss writing her book about her court experience, her 30-year career as an advice columnist, and her five published books. The conversation also covers her New York Times bestselling book, NOT MY TY…
- August 2025 Three Things
This episode of the Bad on Paper podcast covers a variety of topics including AI, face shapewear, and Labubus. The hosts also discuss articles on AI and creative writing, summer obsessions, and books they are currently reading.
- Chelsea Bieker on Comparison & Competition in Publishing
In this episode, Chelsea Bieker shares her experiences with comparison and competition in the publishing industry. She discusses strategies she has learned to manage these emotions. The episode continues a previous discussion on the same t…
- Chatting About Comparison & Competition
The hosts of Bad On Paper discuss their personal histories with comparison and competition. They explore how it manifests in their personal and professional lives, including their experiences as authors and within the podcast, and whether…
- Atmosphere Book Club
The Bad On Paper podcast hosts a book club discussion on "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid, exploring listener-selected aspects of the novel set during the 1980s space race. They share their thoughts on the main characters, memorable par…
- Desert Island Picks - Part 2
In this episode, Olivia and Becca share their desert island picks, focusing on clothing and travel items. They discuss specific brands for jeans, bras, underwear, and shoes, along with their current obsessions and reading lists.
- Navessa Allen on writing Spicy Romance
Navessa Allen joins Bad On Paper to discuss her career as a spicy romance author. She shares insights on her writing process, navigating taboo subjects, achieving viral success, and her journey from self-publishing to working with a tradit…
- Desert Island Picks
This episode of Bad On Paper features the hosts sharing their desert island picks across different categories such as entertainment, food, clothing, and beauty. They discuss various recommendations, including specific books, jeans, shoes,…
- July 2025 Three Things
The July 2025 "Three Things" episode of Bad On Paper covers various topics, including books (like "One Golden Summer" and "Wild Dark Shore"), writing processes, and dream summer dinner parties. The hosts also share their current obsessions…
- All the Other Mothers Hate Me Book Club
The Bad On Paper podcast discusses their June Book Club Pick, "All the Other Mothers Hate Me" by Sarah Harman. They also share their current obsessions, announce the next book club selection, and feature sponsors.
- 2025 Reading Preview Part 2
The Bad On Paper podcast presents part two of its 2025 reading preview. Hosts and guests share books they are excited to read, featuring titles from various authors.
- 2025 Mid-Year Goals Check In
The Bad On Paper podcast hosts review their 2025 mid-year goals. They discuss their progress on writing goals and personal challenges like reducing screen time and giving up "Jarlic."
- June 2025 Three Things
This episode of Bad On Paper discusses Taylor Jenkins Reid's Time magazine profile, the state of indie podcasting, and a book battle mini-game. The hosts also share their favorite books and reader obsessions.
- Katie Kitamura on Writing Audition
Katie Kitamura, author of May Book Club Pick Audition, joins for a bonus episode. She discusses the book's inspiration, experimental writing process, plot, and scene origins. This month's book club pick is All the Other Mothers Hate Me by…