Prose before bros is a book podcast hosted by Elizabeth and Ems, where we discuss all things bookish, with a little pop culture, hot takes, and literary gossip thrown in as a treat. Listen to help us become literary media hot girls!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/11/10/18/31f8259a-7853-46f2-b823-2307bd55f216_pbb_64_v1_mixdown.mp3

Greetings loved ones. This week we’re stocking up our shelves and hunkering down with some literary hunks as we share with you our winter reading lists. In many ways, this is a 10 Before The End again, or just the prep work to guide you through a long British Winter. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a> (on Insta &amp; Tiktok!) Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Books To Hunker Down With This Winter

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/11/4/8/0441fd4f-f9ee-4a7a-88ea-ba075a8fce2a_pbb_63_v1_mixdown.mp3

This week we dissect the Elle article that shook the internet: are we existing in a reading monoculture? We also discuss literary Halloween costumes. Let us know if you dressed as the narrator or May We Feed The King or Black Bag. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a> (on Insta &amp; Tiktok!) Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Are we in a reading monoculture?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/27/15/31a32872-dc39-4598-b220-a10b175d9937_pbb_62_v1_mixdown.mp3

This week we read John Green’s novel “Hollywood, Ending” the same way you fall asleep. Slowly, then all at once. Elizabeth recommends Crushed by Margaret Cabourn Smith.Ems recommends some coffee places in Birmingham! :)Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a> (on Insta &amp; Tiktok!) Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Book Club: Hollywood, Ending by John Green

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/20/10/7aea581e-c15d-446e-a252-a189b59eb6a9_pbb_61_v1_mixdown.mp3

This week we turn into a segmented podcast and chat about both the newest Sense and Sensibility adaptation and whether we would go to reading parties. No recommendations as we are simply yapping. In this episode, Ems references an episode of <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1UgNoY0jGBUtkc9ostGOdn?si=hpZewfXBT_2WKuXp_7YOVw&utm_source=copy-link" rel="nofollow">Culture Club</a>. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a> (on Insta &amp; Tiktok!) Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

‘Sense and Sensibility’ & Reading parties!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/13/10/46ef8a69-35dc-4692-8fa9-b4b5cca8254d_pbb_60_v1_mixdown.mp3

As the end of the year is in sight, we bring you 10 books (5 each) we are looking to finish before 2026 ends and a new reading year begins! We also chat about Norwegian black metal, loving returning to beloved authors and a behind the scenes peak at some of our rogue book club suggestions. Elizabeth recommends Kome in BrightonEms recommends obtaining a stick blender and making soup! Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a> (on Insta &amp; Tiktok!) Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

10 Before the End

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/6/8/0bde050f-cc9a-4ce4-a646-e3ea07d6d2db_pbb_59_v1_mixdown.mp3

Call your union reps! We’re heading to our quarterly review. We return to the best books of the last 3 months and chat about what we’ve been reading, including handing in our reading homework! We also chat about loving Sophie Mackintosh, not wanting iPhones in our stories and loving Kingfisher by Rozie Kelly. Elizabeth recommends The Love Hypothesis AND Sense and SensibilityEms recommends Popstar by TinasheListen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: @prosebeforebrospod (on Insta &amp; Tiktok!) Ems: @brattyreadsElizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

Q3 Review

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/29/8/d0b12aae-1402-4203-ac83-8ae9eb73106a_pbb_58_v1_mixdown.mp3

This week we’re getting Switzy with it and reading Booker Longlist nominated Switzy by Emma Cline. We’re big Emma Cline fans, so how will her most critically acclaimed novel go down with us? Find out and read along with us! Elizabeth recommends 70 Up and the other episodes in the Up Series. Ems recommends I Love My Computer by Ninajirachi. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Book Club: Switzy by Emma Cline

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/15/8/373d7cbd-61c7-4932-b37b-3b69e30ca5c5_pbb_57_v1_mixdown.mp3

This week we’re getting a bit niche and want to just yap about things we love in books. Ranging from books themselves, the format of a book and bookish instagram content, we guide you through things we love about books and reading that we can’t talk about anywhere else. We also talk about Ems’ Catholic tendencies, turning 30 and being lover girls. Elizabeth recommends The Guardian&#39;s blackberry and apple pie recipe - <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/oct/02/how-to-cook-the-perfect-apple-and-blackberry-pie-recipe-felicity-cloake" rel="nofollow">www.theguardian.com/food/2019/oct/02/how-to-cook-the-perfect-apple-and-blackberry-pie-recipe-felicity-cloake</a>Ems recommends rewatching films at the cinema (especially Kiki’s Delivery Service). Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Things we love in books

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/8/14/67845d5c-57f2-4bb8-b49a-f029cdf16998_pbb_56_v1.mp3

In a reversey percy switcheroo, Elizabeth takes the lead in this episode to recommend Ems some love stories! Ranging from rom-coms to forgotten literary gems, this episode will give you some great stories to fall in love with. It’s a love story, baby just say “yes”. Elizabeth recommends Seconds, an intervals app. Ems recommends This Mirror Weighs A Ton by Interpol. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Lover girl and rom-com book recs!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/1/15/34494447-8d37-4856-ab05-e8b2e97181e8_pbb_55_mixdown.mp3

That’s right. We’re talking about it. As non-romantasy readers, we’re fascinated by the reading phenomenon that is sweeping women our age and the internet off their feet. We talk about discourse. We talk about all things fairy-wings, bad boys and the moral panic of it all. Cancel us, we dare you. Elizabeth recommends Taskmaster Champion of Champions. Ems recommends Manning Fireworks by MJ Lendermann. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

The Romantasy Episode

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/25/8/f826f057-1d68-4bee-baa6-c70ee7e3e691_pbb_54_v1_mixdown.mp3

We dip into one of the buzziest books of the year and talk about Madeline Cash and Lost Lambs. Join Elizabeth and Ems as they discuss sibling dynamics, blood-sucking billionaires and the culture at large and of course, a gnat problem. Ems recommends Lost Weekend by Phoebe Bridgers. Elizabeth recommends the US version of The Office. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Book Club: Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/17/12/d4a94cbd-c0e3-4ffe-8d8d-75a698ada541_pbb_53_v1_mixdown.mp3

Hola, bonjour and konichiwa! This week we’re talking all things Women In Translation Month. Elizabeth is letting Ems take the reins and recommend 8 beginner friendly translated fiction picks written by women! A fun time to be had! Elizabeth recommends binge watching Celeb Hunted. Ems recommends the Waitrose chocolate cherry ice cream. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Women In Translation Month for beginners!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/11/21/9441144b-c39d-4fbf-a22c-89b7fb710151_pbb_52_v1_mixdown.mp3

Hot girls know it’s Black Bag Summer. Hot girls also gossip about parties they went to and have to edit it out. Hot girls promise it’s all related to the Booker Prize Longlist and this week we’re reacting to it. Ems recommends LUV by CFCF.Elizabeth recommends seeing The Book of Mormon. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Booker Prize Longlist reaction

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/3/11/396062ec-29d3-45a2-b71d-4fc0545b1b4c_pbb_51_v1_mixdown.mp3

We’re so back from our summer of fun. We return to your ears by giving you a very delayed review of our Quarter 2. We give you some highs, some lows and some books that are just fine actually. We are so thrilled to be back! Stay tuned for a very slay Season 2!!Ems recommends Droitwich LidoElizabeth recommends Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

We're back! Q2 Review

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/8/5/d137c359-2a65-4c8e-b271-598058388b7d_pbb_50_v1_mixdown.mp3

We’re one year old! We can walk and have maybe said our first words! And we’re using our skills of talking to answer our viewers’ questions! Thank you to everyone who has made our year of podcasting so special. We’re so lucky to have this tiny little book community! And we’re hoping our second year will bring even more fun and games! See you on the 5th of August after a short holiday &lt;3 Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Our first birthday!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/26/15/3d718585-48d9-4165-9de7-df44dec3dc90_pbb_49_v1_mixdown.mp3

Hot girl beach reads! What makes an ideal beach read? What are some books you consider taking on your summer adventures? We come to you from our summer hiatus to inform you! How could we not!Elizabeth recommends connecting your railcard up to your Oystercard to get ⅓ off off-peak travel! (Not sponsored!) Ems recommends The Middle of Nowhere by Kacey Musgraves! Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

What SHOULD you take on holiday?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/8/5/78ffd21a-413f-483f-bf5f-a0ca28286f6b_pbb_48_v1_mixdown.mp3

The time has come for us to contribute to the discourse. And oh boy do we discourse. This episode we discuss the hottest book of 2026, Yesteryear. We also discuss religion, Nara Smith, and Ems has a rant about billionaires edited out.Elizabeth recommends Elis James and John Robins&#39;s podcast. Ems recommends The Rest Is Science. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Book Club: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/6/2/12/457bf66c-5704-4cda-bbe2-b9267ea73778_pbb_47_v1_mixdown.mp3

Hey, hi, hello! This week, our number one fan Issy Murray jumps on the mic with us to chat all things bookish and answer the devilish questions. Together we also discuss hating Aperol Spritzes, Killing In The Name Of by Rage Against The Machine, their Dad’s reading tastes, Dr Who being a nerd, and men mysteriously growing moustaches for attention. Issy recommends having an hugo spritz or a frozen pineapple margarita! (Or both!)Ems recommends the new Genesis Owusu album “Redstar Wu &amp; The Worldwide Scourge”. Elizabeth recommends Off Campus on Prime Video. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Issy: <a href="https://substack.com/@issymurray" rel="nofollow">https://substack.com/@issymurray</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_justis/" rel="nofollow">@_justis</a> Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

“I am a student of literature!” with Issy Murray

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/26/15/390b0557-11ce-4696-a39e-c8c38decf297_pbb_46_v1_mixdown.mp3

Hey, hi, hello! This week, Internet Hermit Elizabeth is being guided through the bookstagram drama of this year. We thought this would be a funner episode than it probably is. Oops! Oh well! Our time as serious literary critics has come! Elizabeth recommends Rivals Series 2Ems recommends <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6K0OjUbw9BVGyWN5BWAXmq" rel="nofollow">Good Noticings </a>Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Hot gossip

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/5/19/8/6f6c0ea9-1555-4f56-80af-776f4fe797d4_pbb_45_mixdown.mp3

Hello book lovers. Despite our love of literature there are just some books that… do not appeal! We simply… do not want to read… and so we won’t! We take you through 5 books each that we simply are… not going to read! This is all said with love and hopes in our hearts! This episode, Elizabeth recommends <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2U4yGU7AnOHba3KMMM9iOv?si=oSjAPPTSTjmD-ZoSSOGDZQ" rel="nofollow">Novel Idea by Matt and Mollie</a>. Ems mourns her doorstop that was shaped like a highland cow. Listen to make us literary hot girls! Get in touch!Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a>

Books we'll NEVER read

Prose before bros is a book podcast hosted by Elizabeth and Ems, where we discuss all things bookish, with a little pop culture, hot takes, and literary gossip thrown in as a treat. Listen to help us become literary media hot girls!