In this bonus episode, Sara and Noelle sit down with debut author Heather Colley to talk about her dark, emotionally rich campus novel The Gilded Butterfly Effect. They dive into the Shakespeare-inspired title, the messy realities behind the “cool girl” trope, and why Stella and Penny function as two sides of the same messy, brilliant coin.

Heather breaks down real dark academia vs the TikTok aesthetic version, how Greek life shapes the power dynamics in the book, and why she chose to write some chapters like a play. She also shares what it’s really like to publish a first novel in 2025 while juggling a PhD at Oxford — the patience required, the surprises, and the soft-life moments that make the process worth it.

If you love a BookTok podcast that blends dark academia vibes with career advice for millennials, this conversation is going to be your new favorite.

#paperbackspod

Season 2 kicks off with real talk on fresh starts at work and on the page. Sara lands a new role with AI-assisted resume magic while Noelle opens up about layoffs, networking, and rebuilding. From smart interview prep to comforting reads like The Wedding People and The Gunkle, this episode is your compassionate, bookish pep talk for new beginnings. #paperbackspod

Join us: Comment with your own “new beginnings” and tag #paperbackspod so we can shout you out next episode.

booktok podcast, career advice for millennials, spicy fantasy books, feminine book podcast, soft life corner.


It’s the Paperbacks and Paychecks Season One finale, and Sara and Noelle are getting sentimental—but not too serious. In this wrap-up episode, your favorite bookish besties reflect on what surprised them most about launching a podcast (hint: it involves editing fatigue and friendship joy), what they’ve learned about creative partnership, and what’s next for Season Two.

From AI anxiety to spicy book boyfriends, this season had it all—and the hosts aren’t holding back in this inaugural Paycheck or Pay Cut Awards segment. Expect swoon-worthy himbos, cozy witch novels, and one too many rom-coms that forgot the spice.

They also get real about what it’s like to job hunt during a volatile market, how books became their soft life safe space, and why this podcast has meant more than either of them expected. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the career catharsis, or the TikTok chaos—they’re just getting started.

✨ Mentioned: Lessons in Chemistry, Big Magic, Broken Country, Born a Crime, and a shoutout to you—yes, you, the listener.

🎧 Subscribe now and stay tuned for merch drops, guest announcements, and more career meets book talk next season.