
Show overview
Bring Your Own: A Bookish Podcast for Romance Readers has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 139 episodes, alongside 16 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 150 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 6th season.
Episodes typically run an hour to ninety minutes — most land between 56 min and 1h 17m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. Roughly 63% of episodes carry an explicit flag from the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Arts show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 days ago, with 20 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 52 episodes published. Published by Brandi, Kendra, & Kayla.
From the publisher
Bring Your Own is a bookish podcast hosted by three besties who met via the internet. Each week join Brandi, Kendra, & Kayla as they chat (and sometimes fight) about their favorite books, authors, the bookish community, and more! Follow the pod on Instagram: @bringyourownpod Follow the hosts: Brandi: @brandos.books Kendra: @kendra.readz Kayla: @kaylas.bookshelf
Latest Episodes
View all 139 episodesTier Ranking Your Favorite Book Couples
Books to Define a Year: Celebrating Kendra
13 Going on 30: Revisiting Books We Loved as Tweens
Reader Rot: Breaking Down the New York Times & Kindle Best-Sellers Lists
Reading 1-Star Review of our Favorite Books
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez Deep Dive
Three hosts, one book, and very different opinions. In this week’s episode of Bring Your Own, we break down The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez. What worked, what didn’t, and why we couldn’t agree - and don’t worry, we start spoiler free before we jump into the details! The conversation goes deeper than we expected, and the disagreements lead to great conversations. Whether you hate this book with a passion, feel meh, or liked The Night We Met, you’ll find an ally here! Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our April 2026 pick is The Name Game by Beth O'Leary! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Romance Author Rose & Thorn
This week we got REAL about our favorite romance authors. In this week’s episode, listeners called in to share their “roses and thorns,” the best and worst parts of authors they love. Some of these hot takes had us nodding our heads, others had us busting out laughing. Kendra, Kayla, and Brandi react LIVE to your submissions, share their own opinions, and dive into the highs, lows, and spicy debates happening in the romance book community right now. If you’ve ever loved an author but still had thoughts… this episode is for you. Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our April 2026 pick is The Name Game by Beth O'Leary! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mismatched Book Comps
We’ve all seen those “For fans of…” and “Perfect for readers who love…” blurbs on romance novels, but what happens when the comps make absolutely no sense together? This week, Brandi, Kendra, and Kayla are putting that idea to the test. In this episode the girls take two books with completely different vibes and mash them up to imagine a story that somehow works for fans of both. Will it be a chaotic mess or a surprisingly perfect match? Tune in, play along, or just sit back and enjoy the ride. Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our March 2026 bookclub is No Matter What by Cara Bastone! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One Last Trip to the Windy City: A Windy City Series + In Her Own League Deep Dive
In this episode of Bring Your Own, we take a look back at the Windy City Series by Liz Tomforde and the moments, characters, and stories that made the journey through Chicago so memorable. We also take a deeper dive into the Windy City spinoff In Her Own League, talking about what we loved, what stood out to us, and a few things we found ourselves being a little more critical of along the way. Be sure to share YOUR rankings of the Windy City series and your thoughts on In Her Own League with us! Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our March 2026 bookclub is No Matter What by Cara Bastone! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Which Book Did It Better?
In this episode of Bring Your Own, we put books head-to-head and ask the question every reader secretly argues about: which book actually did it better? Kayla, Kendra and Brandi compare books with similar tropes, oddly specific details, and sometimes completely ridiculous overlaps to decide which book did it better. From big plot ideas to the most niche, random things readers notice, we’re here to make the call. Some debates are serious. Some are… deeply unserious. Either way, a winner must be chosen. Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our March 2026 bookclub is No Matter What by Cara Bastone! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026 Spring Book Releases To Have On Your TBR
In this episode we’re spotlighting the most anticipated romance and fantasy releases of the spring season. From heavy-hitting, big name romance releases, to debut authors we can’t wait to read, these are the books about to take over your TBR. Whether you’re here for romance, fantasy, or romantasy recommendations, this Spring Book Release Radar has you covered. Drop the romance or fantasy title you’re most excited about in the comments, and let us know what we should read next! Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our March 2026 bookclub is No Matter What by Cara Bastone! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bookish Game Night: AU Meet Cutes, Bookish Matchmaker, and Name That Book
Bookish Game Night is BACK! In this week’s episode, Kayla, Kendra & Brandi put their reader brains to the test with: AU Meet-Cutes; the cutest alternate universe scenarios you never knew you needed Bookish Matchmaker; who ends up with which fictional characters? Name That Book; trying to name the book from just the first line. Can you guess before we do?! Grab your favorite drink, play along, and comment your results! Be sure to tell us which game was your favorite. Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our February 2026 pick is This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stephanie Archer Talks Vancouver Storm Series, Hockey Romance, and What Comes Next
Bestselling author Stephanie Archer joins us to talk hockey romance and the conclusion of the Vancouver Storm series. We dive into how The Wild Card, Coach Ward, and Jordan came to life, behind-the-scenes series secrets, fan reactions, and the emotional journey of wrapping up a beloved series. Stick around and see Stephanie teases what’s coming next. Check out Stephanie's website here! Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our February 2026 pick is This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Greatest Love Stories of All Time
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we break down the greatest fictional romances of all time across books, television, and film. From timeless classics to modern favorites that still have a grip on us, we’re covering it all! We share our personal picks and react live to voicemails from our listeners who called in with their own passionate takes. Which is YOUR favorite fictional love story? Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our February 2026 pick is This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tier Ranking: Judging Books by Their Cover
We’re judging books by their covers with no shame. From covers we think belong in the Louvre to ones that made us say “burn it.” No plots, no spoilers, just vibes. Which covers made you buy instantly? Which ones lied? Drop YOUR hot takes. Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our February 2026 pick is This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Future of the Romance Genre with Iman Hariri-Kia
In this week’s episode, author Iman Hariri-Kia joins us to discuss the future of the romance genre and how contemporary romance is evolving. We talk about romance novels we love (including her own!), the wins and woes of modern romance publishing, and what today’s readers are looking for in romantic fiction. Follow Iman on Tiktok and Instagram Subscribe to Iman’s Newsletter! Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our January 2026 pick is Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2026 Reading Goals and Plans
In this week’s episode we’re looking forward and discussing our goals for 2026, both bookish and beyond! Join Kayla, Kendra, and Brandi as we think intentionally about our reading in the coming year, what we hope to change from the last few year, and some personal hopes for 2026. Be sure to tell us your goals as well! Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our January 2026 pick is Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Readers Review the People We Meet on Vacation Movie 👀
This week, we’re discussing the highly anticipated People We Meet on Vacation movie starring Tom Blythe and Emily Bader on Netflix! We share our initial reactions to the film, what we loved, what we hated, and what changed from book to screen. Have you watched yet? Be sure to tell us your thoughts on the movie! Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our January 2026 pick is Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Worst Books of 2025 (According to Our Listeners)
We asked our listeners to share their LEAST FAVORITE reads of 2025 and we are reacting live! Some submissions make us giggle, some break our hearts, and some make our inner defense attorneys come to life. Tune in now to find out which books made the list! Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our January 2026 pick is Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi! Watch on YouTube! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Best Books of 2025
This week Kendra, Kayla, and Brandi kick off Season 6 of Bring Your Own by sharing their top ten reads of 2025, some honorable mentions, and their favorite shows and music thrown in to round it out! This is also BYO’s first full video episode - watch on Youtube now! Join the BYO book club on Patreon! Our January 2026 pick is Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi! Follow us on Instagram @BringYourOwnPod Follow Brandi @Brandos.Books Follow Kendra @Kendra.Readz Follow Kayla @Kaylas.Bookshelf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices