Life of Plenty

045 The Benefits of Writing

On the latest episode of Life of Plenty podcast, Ashley and Lisa dive into the benefits of writing and how writing is an important aspect of book culture. They discuss how we are all writers, and the importance of writing by hand, along with the writing tools available at Plenty. 

044 Independent Bookstore Day 2025

On this episode of Life of Plenty podcast, Lisa and Ashley talk about Independent Bookstore Day, happening April 26th, this Saturday! 

043 - Jodi Pitts' Unusual Reading Journey

Life of Plenty host Lisa Uhrik talks with Jodi Pitts on her reading journey, from The Babysitter's Club, the dictionary, and how reading Charlotte's Web led her to steal a pig that would become a pet. Jodi also discusses reading multiple books at once, her favorite reads, and what she'd take on a trip to a deserted island.  
 
 

035 Heather Babcock and The Measure

In this episode of the Life of Plenty Podcast, Lisa and Ashley discuss meaningful books with Heather Babcock, formerly of Whirlwind Book Bar in Oklahoma. When Whirlwind closed, inventory and chairs from the store made their way to Plenty, so the store has lived on here in Cookeville. Heather shared some of the books that have impacted her, starting Nikki Erlick's The Measure, a novel that asks if it was possible, would you want to know exactly how long you had to live? That question of time became more personal after she received a stage four cancer diagnosis.
 
Other books discussed include The Harry Potter series, The Little Prince, The Little Liar,  A Man Called Ove, and Radical Acts of Love, all of which have held meaning to Heather during different aspects of her life.

013 Angie Wells - Plenty Board Member and Enthusiastic Reader

In this Life of Plenty episode, Lisa Uhrik sits down with Angie Wells, who talks about her lifelong love of reading, which she credits partly to the excitement of the Scholastic Book Fairs she attended in elementary school. From the devastating Where the Red Fern Grows to time traveling with Philippa Gregory's historical fiction, Angie discusses books she's loved. 
Angie is a member of the advisory board for Plenty Downtown Bookshop, a nonprofit bookstore in Cookeville, Tennessee. 

012 Chris McMichael - Author of Redemptive Botany of the Bible

This episode of Life of Plenty Podcast welcomes back Ashley Michael as she and Lisa Uhrik host Chris McMichael, author of an 800+ page book focusing on botany and the Bible. This book, which Chris considers a calling, took him years to write and research and dives deep into the remarkable symbology of the plants found in the Bible. 

011 Emily Paton Talks Audiobooks

On this Life of Plenty podcast, Lisa Uhrik is joined by radio host Emily Paton of the The Emily Paton Show and The Forgotten Song project. Emily talks about some of her favorite books, falling asleep to Harry Potter, reading in Braille, and how audiobooks are easier to comprehend. She also discusses how a good narrator can really make an audiobook.
 
Check out Libro.fm to listen to audiobooks and support the Life of Plenty podcast.
 

010 Lifelong Reader Laura Clemons

On this episode of Life of Plenty, Lisa Uhrik and special guest Laura Clemons debate who loves books more. A writer and lifelong reader, Laura talks about the books and authors she loves. She raves about southern writers Silas House, Ann Patchett, Monic Ductan, and Barbara Kingsolver and discusses why a book of poetry would help her get through being stuck on a deserted island. Laura talks about the 28-page rule and how reading has granted her sanity and the ability to understand the people around her, contributing to her life of plenty. 

009 Gifting Brainstorm

This episode may have been made for the holidays, but the books that Lisa recommends make amazing gifts year-round. Join her as she brainstorms gifts that can go to all sorts of people in your life, depending on their interests.
Books make the best gifts with the ability to speak to the recipient's soul. Find your book to gift at Plenty Downtown Bookshop in Cookeville, Tennessee. 

008 Make Time for Reading with Lisa Garcia

Lisa Garcia, the Colon Queen, joins Ashley and Lisa to talk about the importance of detoxing not just the body but the mind. Lisa mentions some of her favorite books including the classics, Where the Wild Things Are and Where the Sidewalk Ends. Then they talk about raising kids, and her best advice for parents who want to raise their kids as readers: Make time for reading.