Books and Beyond With ThatGuyJae

This week I'm joined by my BookTok friend Melly for a conversation that goes beyond just books, we're talking about the future of independent bookselling and why it matters more than ever. Melly shares her reading journey and her exciting new venture: Casa Luna Books. Currently 18 years into her Navy career, Melly is planning to open a brick-and-mortar bookstore after retirement, but she's getting started now with an online bookstore to learn the ropes of the bookselling industry. We dive deep into why independent bookstores are so crucial, how they advocate for free speech, serve diverse communities, and provide spaces that corporate chains simply don't. We also tackle the ongoing banned books crisis and discuss why accessible books for all readers, regardless of background or identity, isn't just important, it's essential. Whether you're a bookstore lover, curious about indie bookselling, or passionate about book accessibility and fighting censorship, this conversation offers meaningful insight into why supporting independent bookstores matters in 2026. Check out Casa Luna Books and support Melly's journey into bookselling!Melly's Links:https://www.tiktok.com/@casa.luna.bookshttps://www.tiktok.com/@soulfulvidadailyhttps://casa-luna-books.myshopify.com/https://www.instagram.com/casalunabooks/

Sam Boyd Reads returns to Books & Beyond for episode 50! Sam and I are kicking off 2026 by discussing our reading and content creation goals for the new year. We dive into our more laid-back approach to reading this year. Moving away from number focused goals and really leaning into reading what we want to read. I share my main 2026 reading goal: finally finishing more series instead of leaving them incomplete on my shelves! Beyond books, we get real about social media goals, our plans to grow on different platforms, navigating TikTok's ever changing landscape, and what we're hoping to achieve as content creators in the year ahead. Whether you're setting your own 2026 reading goals or curious about the realities of being a BookTok creator, this conversation offers honest insights and relatable takes on balancing what we love with what we're trying to build. Here's to a great reading year ahead!Sam's Socialshttps://www.tiktok.com/@samboydreadshttps://www.instagram.com/samboydreads/https://www.youtube.com/@SamBoydReads

What better way to close out the year than with a reading wrap-up? I'm joined once again by Supportive Dad Reads for a fun year-end conversation about our 2025 reading journeys. We start by reflecting on how our reading years went overall, then dive into our top 3 reads across four different genres (fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and other). We compare picks, explain why certain books made our lists, geek out over shared favorites, and discuss our takes on some titles. Whether you're building your 2026 TBR or just love hearing people talk about books they're passionate about, this conversation delivers. Here's to a fantastic reading year and many more to come!Supportive Dad's Socialshttps://www.tiktok.com/@supportivedadreadshttps://www.instagram.com/supportivedadreads/

This week in a post Christmas solo episode, I'm mourning the death of the mass market paperback. After being tagged by a mutual on TikTok about this news, I did some research and confirmed the sad truth. After December 2025, mass market paperbacks will be mostly gone from publishing. In this episode, I dive into why this devastating news hits me so personally as a reader, especially since many of my first adult books were mass markets. Beyond my own nostalgia, I discuss the broader concerns about how this will negatively impact the publishing industry, debut and midlist authors who often launched in this format, used bookstores that rely on mass market inventory, libraries that stock affordable editions, and readers who depend on cheap books as reading becomes increasingly expensive. Join me in saying goodbye to the beloved, pocket-sized, dog eared mass market paperback. The most accessible format for readers everywhere!

It's the holiday season and you want to buy something special for the book lover in your life, but here's the truth: giving someone a book is actually pretty risky unless you know their reading taste inside and out AND what's already on their bookshelf. In this quick holiday episode, I'm sharing a practical gift guide with better alternatives to blindly buying books. I cover special editions of their favorite titles (a safe option if you know what they love), bookish merchandise and accessories, reading lights and cozy reading essentials, e-readers and Kindle accessories, and other thoughtful gifts that any reader would genuinely appreciate. Whether you're shopping for the book lover in your life or looking to share ideas with family about what YOU want this season, this guide takes the guesswork out of bookish gift-giving and helps you find something they'll actually use and love.

Episode 46One year of podcasting! In this anniversary episode, I'm reflecting on what I've really learned over 40+ episodes. I dive into the challenges, promotion struggles, technical learning curves, starting with zero editing experience. I also celebrate the wins, especially how podcasting has helped me work through social anxiety and led to incredible conversations. I also look ahead to year two and share how I hope to keep growing both technically and personally. An honest retrospective on what the first year of podcasting actually looks like for a small creator.

This week's solo episode tackles something I don't see discussed enough, the real, frustrating struggles of being a small content creator in 2025. After posting a question on TikTok asking fellow creators about their roadblocks, I received dozens of responses that revealed common patterns we're all dealing with. I share my own struggles with over-moderation, like receiving multiple community guideline violations during my reading sprint week simply for holding a book while reading on camera. I talk about the endless cycle of videos being deemed ineligible for the FYP, winning appeals, but still watching those videos flop because the momentum is lost. Beyond my own experiences, I dive into the trends I noticed from other creators' responses. Algorithm suppression, burnout, the mental toll of inconsistent results, promotional content being buried, and the feeling that platforms are actively working against small creators. Whether you're a content creator feeling frustrated and isolated, or you're curious about what goes on behind the scenes of the content you consume, this episode offers honest perspective on the current state of content creation. You're not alone in these struggles, and it's not just you, the system is genuinely difficult right now.

It's CRPS Awareness Month, so I'm getting vulnerable and sharing my chronic pain story. In this solo episode, I explain what CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) is, how a work injury in 2017 led to my diagnosis, and the realities of living with an invisible chronic illness. I dive into things I wish people understood about chronic pain, why I stopped being honest about how I'm doing, why unsolicited advice feels like reopening wounds, and how chronic conditions affect everything from work to relationships to mental health. This is the most personal episode I've recorded, and it explains the "why" behind this podcast and my content creation journey. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, supporting someone who is, or just want to learn about a rarely-discussed condition, this episode offers honest perspective on living with CRPS.

This week I'm joined by fellow BookTok creator Supportive Dad Reads for a wide-ranging conversation about reading, community, and breaking genre expectations. We dive into his journey back to novels after years of exclusively reading comics and graphic novels, and explore his reading journey that spans all the way back to his teenage years. As two content creators and girl dads, we discuss what drew us to BookTok, the genuine community we've found through creating content, and how both our reading lives and online presence have evolved. We get real about being newer to romance and spicy genres. How they're completely different than what we expected, and why people who judge these genres often do so from a place of insecurity. This conversation covers everything from parenting to content creation, reading habits to genre exploration, with plenty of laughs and honest reflection along the way. Perfect for anyone curious about romance, interested in the BookTok creator experience, or just wants to hear two dads geek out about books.Linkshttps://www.tiktok.com/@supportivedadreadshttps://www.instagram.com/supportivedadreads/

This week's solo episode tackles something we all struggle with: screen time and phone addiction. After recognizing how much of my life was being consumed by scrolling, I'm making intentional changes to reclaim my time and attention. I dive into the negative impacts of excessive screen time and share the analog shifts I'm implementing . From physical journals and a commonplace notebook I carry everywhere, to switching from Google Calendar to a physical planner. We talk about the benefits of reading physical books (for vocabulary and comprehension), and I share changes I'm working toward like printing physical photos instead of keeping them trapped on devices, potentially getting an iPod to separate music from my phone, and going unplugged during family time like dinners and movie nights. I also get real about how algorithms are designed to keep us scrolling, not for our benefit, but for the companies profiting from our attention. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by screen time or curious about adding more analog elements to your life, this conversation might be the wake-up call you need.

Mid-fall check-in time! In this solo episode, I'm updating you on my fall reading (spoiler: IT by Stephen King took over my life), explaining my TBR jar system, sharing photography updates including my new lens and fall projects, and discussing horror movies with a request for your B-level horror recommendations. A cozy autumn chat covering books, photography, and spooky season vibes!

This week I was joined by my BookTok mutual Abe, a creator who takes seasonal reading seriously. Abe spent his entire summer curating the perfect fall reading list ! Yes, reading autumn books in the heat so you don't have to guess what to pick up this season! We discuss the art of intentional reading and how Abe creates the perfect atmosphere with scented candles, flavored coffees, and all the cozy touches that make reading even more immersive. Whether you're looking for fall book recommendations, want tips on setting the mood for seasonal reading, or just love the idea of being more intentional about your reading experience, this conversation delivers all the cozy autumn vibes. Perfect timing as we head into spooky season!Abe's Linkshttps://www.tiktok.com/@italianwitchbooks?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/italianwitchbooks?igsh=MTZibTRkbjM4MTk0Zg%3D%3D&utm_source=qrhttps://www.etsy.com/shop/ItalianWitchco

This week I was joined by Bloodfirejeff, a fellow BookTok creator who's also a touring musician in multiple bands. We dove deep into Jeff's reading journey, his longtime passion for fantasy, and his current complicated relationship with romantasy. But this conversation goes far beyond books, we explored the art of content creation, what it means to be a multi-faceted creative, and even geeked out about gear and videography techniques. Jeff also shared insights about his music career, touring life, and how he balances being both a musician and BookTok creator. Whether you're interested in fantasy books, curious about the creative process across different mediums, or love hearing from people who refuse to be put in just one box, this conversation offers fascinating insights into living a truly creative life. Perfect for anyone juggling multiple creative passions or wondering how different art forms can influence each other.Jeff's Socials https://www.tiktok.com/@bloodfirejeffhttps://www.instagram.com/hammerheartbooks/?hl=en

This week I was joined by Sean (aka Grainshift_), a photography-focused TikTok creator who's become one of my favorite follows this year. We dove into our surprisingly similar photography journeys and how we both got started, plus explored how social media has transformed the art of photography. Sean shared insights that really made me think differently about art and creativity. Whether you're into photography, interested in the intersection of art and social media, or just love hearing passionate creators discuss their craft, this conversation offers plenty to consider about creativity in the digital age.Sean's Socialshttps://www.tiktok.com/@grainshift_https://www.instagram.com/grainshift_/

This week I'm joined by Claude Kelly, one of my BookTok mutuals and an incredibly successful songwriter in the music industry! We dive into how BookTok has positively transformed our reading lives and explore our shared passion for slice of life books. Those beautiful, everyday moments that make stories feel so real and relatable. Claude shares fascinating insights about finding slice of life elements woven throughout different genres, from fantasy to contemporary fiction and even Horror.What makes this conversation even more interesting is learning about Claude's intentional choice to keep his music career separate when he started on TikTok. He was simply looking for a space to geek out about fantasy and sci-fi books and build genuine connections within the bookish community. We talk about the importance of finding your tribe, the authentic community that BookTok can provide, and why sometimes the quiet, slice of life moments in books hit us harder than any big plot twist. Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories, BookTok community discussions, or is curious about how creative professionals find inspiration across different mediums.Claudes Linkshttps://www.tiktok.com/@santaclaude7https://www.instagram.com/claudekelly/

This week I sit down with watch content creator and industry professional Connor, aka 10 Past 10, for an in-depth conversation about watch collecting, the luxury watch market, and content creation. As someone who works in a jewelry store selling both watches and jewelry, Connor brings unique insider perspective to our discussion about how he discovered his passion for watches and built his current collection.We dive deep into grail watches, those dream timepieces we're all chasing, And share our personal wish lists. But the real highlight is our fascinating analysis of Rolex's strategic transformation over the past 15 years, examining how they deliberately positioned themselves as the ultimate luxury watch brand and what that means for collectors today.Whether you're a seasoned watch collector, curious about getting into watches, interested in luxury brand strategy, or follow watch content on TikTok, this episode delivers insider insights you won't find elsewhere. Connor's dual perspective as both content creator and industry professional makes for compelling conversation about the current state of the watch world and where it's headed.Perfect for watch enthusiasts, luxury brand fans, and anyone curious about how industries evolve and brands build prestige.Connors Socials Connors Socialshttps://www.tiktok.com/@10_past_10https://www.instagram.com/10_past_10watches/

This week I'm switching things up with my first Q&A solo episode! I asked for questions on TikTok and got some great responses covering all my different interests and hobbies. From books to watches, photography to unexpected topics. I had a blast answering everything you threw at me. Some questions were easy, others really made me think and reflect on my passions in new ways. If you've been curious about any of my hobbies or wanted to get to know the person behind the podcast a bit better, this episode gives you exactly that. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions! This was such a fun format and I loved getting to dive into all these different topics!My Socialshttps://www.tiktok.com/@thatguyjaehttps://www.instagram.com/booksandbeyond_thatguyjae/

It's solo episode time! I'm using this opportunity to wrap up what was honestly a pretty uneventful summer and share my massive excitement for the upcoming fall season. While summer was quiet, I am absolutely living for what's ahead, cool weather, changing leaves, and all the cozy fall vibes. I dive into my fall photography project ideas and get really excited talking about my seasonal reading plans. While I'm usually a mood reader who picks up whatever calls to me regardless of season, spooky season is the one exception to that rule! This fall I'm planning to dive deep into horror and thriller reads, and this year I'm adding dark academia to the mix for the first time. If you're someone who gets as hyped about fall as I do, or if you're looking for some spooky reading inspiration, this episode is pure autumn anticipation energy. Consider this your official fall hype session!

This week I'm joined by New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author Ruth Cardello! This was such a fun conversation diving into Ruth's impressive writing career that spans over a decade. We explore her origins in self-publishing back in 2011 and her journey into traditional publishing, getting the inside scoop on both sides of the industry. Ruth shares candidly about the changes she's witnessed in publishing over the years, as well as the inevitable ups and downs that come with any creative career. Whether you're an aspiring author or any kind of creative entrepreneur, you'll love Ruth's practical advice about writing, the business side of publishing, and marketing strategies that apply far beyond just books. Her insights into navigating a long-term creative career are invaluable, and her perspective on the evolving publishing landscape is fascinating. A must-listen for anyone curious about the writing life or building a sustainable creative career!Ruth Cardello's Linkshttps://ruthcardello.com/https://www.facebook.com/ruthcardellohttps://www.tiktok.com/@author.ruthcardello

This week I'm joined by fellow TikToker C.Dotcentral! She's a BookToker, anime fan, history enthusiast, and so much more. Her content focuses on reading diversely, both in terms of authors and genres. Bringing variety and representation to her book recommendations. We dive into our reading journeys, swap bookish stories, and get into the nitty-gritty of content creation, how we both got started and what keeps us passionate about creating. C.Dotcentral also shares her excitement about expanding into longer-form content on YouTube, and we chat about the challenges and opportunities that come with growing across platforms. This was such a fun, casual hang filled with bookish conversations and creator insights. Perfect for anyone who loves hearing about diverse reading or is curious about the content creation journey!https://www.tiktok.com/@c.dotcentral