{"podcast":{"title":"Book Lounge by Libby","slug":"book-lounge-by-libby-544985","podcast_index_feed_id":544985,"rss_url":"https://feeds.megaphone.fm/probooknerds","website_url":"https://www.libbylife.com/booklounge","image_url":"https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/fedf3b38-af3f-11ea-808b-2f096c3aee2e/image/412cf45b684d678f688469c337a1377e.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress","author":"OverDrive, Inc.","episode_count":937,"summary":"Book Lounge by Libby is your cozy reading corner of the internet. Hosted by Joe Skelley, each episode invites you into candid and thoughtful conversations about books, writing, publishing and the trends shaping what we read (plus reading recommendations you won't want to miss). Brought to you by ⁠Libby⁠, the library app. Find more at: https://pages.libbylife.com/BL-Links Book Lounge airs year-round, with two 10-week seasons each year, featuring publishing conversations on Mondays and paired book recommendations on Thursdays- plus monthly Book Release Radar episodes. We release 1–3 episodes per month between seasons. Reach out to us at bookloungebylibby@overdrive.com. Happy Reading!","last_synced_at":null,"page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-lounge-by-libby-544985"},"episode":{"title":"Reading as Healing: Mental Health, Self-Care & the Power of Libraries","slug":"reading-as-healing-mental-health-self-care-the-power-of-libraries","published_at":"2026-05-11T07:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-lounge-by-libby-544985/reading-as-healing-mental-health-self-care-the-power-of-libraries","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-lounge-by-libby-544985","url":"https://www.libbylife.com/blog/reading-as-healing-mental-health-self-care-the-power-of-libraries-book-lounge-by-libby-season-3","audio_url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/swap.fm/track/2IMk17EdnEqyRhJTIpIU/traffic.megaphone.fm/FPMN7253290204.mp3?updated=1778176803","summary":"This week, we’re reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Month. Today, Joe sits down with two mental health professionals to explore the powerful connection between reading, emotional well-being, and community. Split into two thoughtful segments, this episode invites listeners to reflect on how books, libraries, and small daily habits can support healing, growth, and a sense of stability in an often-overwhelming world. In the first segment, Joe is joined by Monica Hobson (aka: @thebookeduptherapist), a therapist and licensed clinical social worker whose work centers on the role of reading in our healing journeys. Together, they explore the idea that distraction isn’t avoidance; it's a meaningful part of processing and recovery. They discuss the importance of self-care, how books can act as connectors between people and experiences, and how to quiet the pressure of “what should I read” in favor of what truly serves you. In the second segment, Joe speaks with Dr. Suzan Song, MD, PhD, about the broader impact of reading on both individuals and communities. Their conversation touches on personal and collective agency, building stability in uncertain times, and what Dr. Song wishes more people understood about mental health. She also shares why one of her first priorities in any new place is getting a library card and what that represents beyond just access to books. This episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and consider the role stories play in our lives; not just as entertainment, but as tools for connection, understanding, and healing. We hope this conversation offers a sense of comfort and possibility. You are not alone. If you are seeking support, please find a list of resources below: Psychology Today Find a Therapist tool: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/…","meta_description":"This week, we’re reflecting on Mental Health Awareness Month. Today, Joe sits down with two mental health professionals to explore the powerful connection…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":5740,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/book-lounge-by-libby-544985/episodes/reading-as-healing-mental-health-self-care-the-power-of-libraries/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/book-lounge-by-libby-544985/reading-as-healing-mental-health-self-care-the-power-of-libraries.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}