RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e -- Rendered At Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:48:39 +0000 Prose before bros https://redcircle.com/shows/prose-before-bros en-US All rights reserved. Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson 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! cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e 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!

]]> episodic no Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson emsandelizabeth@gmail.com no full Q1 report Q1 report Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Welcome to the prose before pros quarterly report. This episode we go over some KPIs, our stats and our highs and low points of our reading. You are entitled to a union representative. We also discuss Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars and the glorious nations of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. 

Elizabeth recommends The Ballad Of Wallis Island. 

Ems recommends Project Hail Mary.

Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>Welcome to the prose before pros quarterly report. This episode we go over some KPIs, our stats and our highs and low points of our reading. You are entitled to a union representative. We also discuss Taylor Swift, The Civil Wars and the glorious nations of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. </span></p><p><span>Elizabeth recommends The Ballad Of Wallis Island. </span></p><p><span>Ems recommends Project Hail Mary.</span></p><p><span>Listen to make us literary hot girls!</span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 2167e2fd-3600-4082-ad8a-497da57634ca https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/be22e04c-995d-45af-81b0-4f3cbddad670 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:24 +0000 3374 no full A Podcast, A Podcast, A Kingdom for Podcast! A Podcast, A Podcast, A Kingdom for Podcast! Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson If book podcasts be the food of love, play on. This week, we discuss arguably the literary love of our lives, William Shakespeare. Together we discuss the first plays we read and saw, our favourite adaptations and reimaginings, Glen Powell, Heath Ledger, and the secret league of husbands and boyfriends that Ems has adopted.

Ems recommends the Boots Recycling Scheme. 

Elizabeth recommends ‘How To Make A Killing’.

Things mentioned:

Elizabeth’s article about reading all of Shakespeare’s plays: https://substack.com/home/post/p-188652561

The book ‘30 Great Myths about Shakespeare’ by Emma Smith and Laurie Maguire

Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>If book podcasts be the food of love, play on. This week, we discuss arguably the literary love of our lives, William Shakespeare. Together we discuss the first plays we read and saw, our favourite adaptations and reimaginings, Glen Powell, Heath Ledger, and the secret league of husbands and boyfriends that Ems has adopted.</p><p>Ems recommends the Boots Recycling Scheme. </p><p>Elizabeth recommends ‘How To Make A Killing’.</p><p>Things mentioned:</p><p>Elizabeth’s article about reading all of Shakespeare’s plays: https://substack.com/home/post/p-188652561</p><p>The book ‘30 Great Myths about Shakespeare’ by Emma Smith and Laurie Maguire</p><p>Listen to make us literary hot girls!</p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Pod: @prosebeforebrospod</p><p>Ems: @brattyreads</p><p>Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth</p> 2cb45c7a-7dcf-49f1-bd1b-63b8614adac2 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/ab7f55c3-58ac-45ca-84d7-0d9b3b685b3e Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:56 +0000 3454 no full Book Club: Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy Book Club: Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson In this week's episode, we attempt to discuss this book without getting cancelled. Jennette spellbound us both with her memoir I’m Glad My Mum Died, but will her fiction book meet our high expectations? We also discuss weird character names, shopping addiction and men leaving their wives. 

Elizabeth recommends Run Better With Ash’s stretching videos. 

Ems recommends It Was Just An Accident. 

Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>In this week&#39;s episode, we attempt to discuss this book without getting cancelled. Jennette spellbound us both with her memoir I’m Glad My Mum Died, but will her fiction book meet our high expectations? We also discuss weird character names, shopping addiction and men leaving their wives. </p><p>Elizabeth recommends Run Better With Ash’s stretching videos. </p><p>Ems recommends It Was Just An Accident. </p><p>Listen to make us literary hot girls!</p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 9876ff5e-d920-4200-b512-ab625b4f6c25 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/b35229d4-95a0-496d-8966-20ae45c09cce Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:04 +0000 3459 no full Boo boo the fool! Reacting to the Women’s Prize Longlist Boo boo the fool! Reacting to the Women’s Prize Longlist Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Call us Sabrina Carpenter because this week we’re keeping it short and sweet with our reaction to The Women’s Prize Longlist. No recommendations, just us clowning on how wrong we are and how happy Ems is for Alice Evelyn Yang. 

Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>Call us Sabrina Carpenter because this week we’re keeping it short and sweet with our reaction to The Women’s Prize Longlist. No recommendations, just us clowning on how wrong we are and how happy Ems is for Alice Evelyn Yang. </span></p><p><span>Listen to make us literary hot girls!</span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 971a9f5d-c545-438c-befe-24901da93dd9 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/ab6059f3-8dc4-4c2b-a4bb-b14685ef38f7 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:00:35 +0000 2395 no full Our auto-buy authors Our auto-buy authors Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Greetings loved ones, today we’re being lover girls again and talking about our auto-buy authors, or authors we’ve read every book from, or whatever you want to call it. Together we take you through 5 authors each and chat about The Guardian, wet weird girl fiction and of course, the Baz Luhrman adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. 

Elizabeth recommends 'The Latest' on the Today in Focus podcast by The Guardian. 

Ems recommends Fallen Leaves (dir. Aki Kaurismäki). 

Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>Greetings loved ones, today we’re being lover girls again and talking about our auto-buy authors, or authors we’ve read every book from, or whatever you want to call it. Together we take you through 5 authors each and chat about The Guardian, wet weird girl fiction and of course, the Baz Luhrman adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. </span></p><p><span>Elizabeth recommends &#39;The Latest&#39; on the Today in Focus podcast by The Guardian. </span></p><p><span>Ems recommends Fallen Leaves (dir. Aki Kaurismäki). </span></p><p><span>Listen to make us literary hot girls!</span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 685c5d72-3e14-4826-9e17-1d0dcc590a8e https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/0d30d6ca-6905-4e9b-953e-de2ac7d5c4be Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:11 +0000 3490 no full Book Club: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (with special guest, Ross Kelly) Book Club: Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (with special guest, Ross Kelly) Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Surprise divas! Book Club is back with a very special guest and returning friend of the podcast, Ross Kelly! Together we unpack Wuthering Heights, both the book and Emerald Fennell’s recent feature length film. Prepare for cackling, vigorous literary discourse and getting overly emotional about Emily Brontë. 

Ross recommends Lost Lambs by Madeleine Cash. 

Elizabeth recommends Eric and Anna’s Women’s Prize prediction video. 

Ems recommends seeing live music (and MØL’s album DREAMCRUSH). 

Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

Ross: @readsbyross

]]> <p>Surprise divas! Book Club is back with a very special guest and returning friend of the podcast, Ross Kelly! Together we unpack Wuthering Heights, both the book and Emerald Fennell’s recent feature length film. Prepare for cackling, vigorous literary discourse and getting overly emotional about Emily Brontë. </p><p>Ross recommends Lost Lambs by Madeleine Cash. </p><p>Elizabeth recommends Eric and Anna’s Women’s Prize prediction video. </p><p>Ems recommends seeing live music (and MØL’s album DREAMCRUSH). </p><p>Listen to make us literary hot girls!</p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Ross: <a href="http://instagram.com/readsbyross" rel="nofollow">@readsbyross</a></p> d0c833e7-f8c5-4077-afe5-ac53ca3dfe5f https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/92601252-4f59-469f-8f70-8f2b7ec5d5df Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:13 +0000 3632 no full Arguing over our Women’s Prize Predictions | BONUS Arguing over our Women’s Prize Predictions | BONUS Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Surprise, divas. We’re giving you one hour of unedited behind the scenes content of us choosing our Women’s Prize predictions. Enjoy us bickering and Ems’ Julia Gillard impression. 

Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>Surprise, divas. We’re giving you one hour of unedited behind the scenes content of us choosing our Women’s Prize predictions. Enjoy us bickering and Ems’ Julia Gillard impression. </p><p>Listen to make us literary hot girls!</p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 8f3e2c60-0d13-43c5-8776-2a6a71eb0339 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/dbfffee1-9f60-4351-88d0-8afea7585c4c Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:26 +0000 2865 no full Our Women’s Prize Predictions Our Women’s Prize Predictions Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Let’s go girls. It’s nearly time for the Women’s Prize, and in anticipation Ems and Elizabeth give you 16 books that they think will (or should) appear on the Women’s Prize Longlist. Join them as they talk through their picks, their Women’s Prize knowledge and general literary gossip; with a very special treat revealed at the end. 

Ems recommends Sorry Baby (film)

Elizabeth recommends Britons Protection (pub)

Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>Let’s go girls. It’s nearly time for the Women’s Prize, and in anticipation Ems and Elizabeth give you 16 books that they think will (or should) appear on the Women’s Prize Longlist. Join them as they talk through their picks, their Women’s Prize knowledge and general literary gossip; with a very special treat revealed at the end. </p><p>Ems recommends Sorry Baby (film)</p><p>Elizabeth recommends Britons Protection (pub)</p><p>Listen to make us literary hot girls!</p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 7016004e-19af-4079-8bc1-bd0d6a45ff78 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/2bfdf1c5-0dbe-46b4-95b8-0532012bbcc6 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:11 +0000 3438 no full “Gatsby, Heathcliff, and Edward Cullen” with Sophia Nash “Gatsby, Heathcliff, and Edward Cullen” with Sophia Nash Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Proving we can have long standing friendships, Ems and Elizabeth invite Sophia Nash, a long time friend of the podcast to discuss books by answer the devilish questions. Together they explain to Elizabeth the lore and mythology of The Warrior Cats series, Ancient Egypt, Sylvia Plath and their dead philosophy teacher. (Yes, Ems and Sophia went to school together). 

Listen to make us literary hot girls!!!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Sophia: bsky.app/profile/0ldoini.bsky.social

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>Proving we can have long standing friendships, Ems and Elizabeth invite Sophia Nash, a long time friend of the podcast to discuss books by answer the devilish questions. Together they explain to Elizabeth the lore and mythology of The Warrior Cats series, Ancient Egypt, Sylvia Plath and their dead philosophy teacher. (Yes, Ems and Sophia went to school together). </p><p>Listen to make us literary hot girls!!!</p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Sophia: <a href="http://bsky.app/profile/0ldoini.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">bsky.app/profile/0ldoini.bsky.social</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 8e0c3de0-d6d9-444d-a8d2-3e68ba38720c https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/91b4d209-1081-4846-846a-36bd10b528ef Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:36 +0000 3383 no full LGBT Book Recs LGBT Book Recs Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Hello girls, gays and theys. This week on the podcast Ems and Elizabeth guide you through some of their favourite queer books to celebrate LGBTQ history month. Together they also chat about jury service, visiting Greenland and Jack Edwards. 

Elizabeth recommends the TV show Industry. 

Ems recommends an episode of A Bit Fruity: She Had Elon’s Baby. Then The Leopards Ate Her Face. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dYkdxANlgRfQ9vDNg3ZNo?si=dMM_qzgHSH2y9uih6_yu3A

Listen to make us literary hot girls

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>Hello girls, gays and theys. This week on the podcast Ems and Elizabeth guide you through some of their favourite queer books to celebrate LGBTQ history month. Together they also chat about jury service, visiting Greenland and Jack Edwards. </span></p><p><span>Elizabeth recommends the TV show Industry. </span></p><p><span>Ems recommends an episode of A Bit Fruity: She Had Elon’s Baby. Then The Leopards Ate Her Face.</span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dYkdxANlgRfQ9vDNg3ZNo?si=dMM_qzgHSH2y9uih6_yu3A" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dYkdxANlgRfQ9vDNg3ZNo?si=dMM_qzgHSH2y9uih6_yu3A" rel="nofollow">https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dYkdxANlgRfQ9vDNg3ZNo?si=dMM_qzgHSH2y9uih6_yu3A</a></p><p><span>Listen to make us literary hot girls</span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> d739e271-071c-43fe-9e8f-f7569c1f776c https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/f5ec1025-196a-4307-b647-2035071dcb3b Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000 3042 no full Explaining our star ratings Explaining our star ratings Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson For one week only, drive bys are back. This week, Ems and Elizabeth bare all and expose now they rate books and give you some scandalous star ratings. A good time had by all. They also chat about blue slushies, the Hamnet adaptation and men naming footballers as a form of hanging out. 

Elizabeth recommends Hamnet

Ems recommends Blanket’s new album True Blue. 

Listen to us to make us literary hot girls. 

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>For one week only, drive bys are back. This week, Ems and Elizabeth bare all and expose now they rate books and give you some scandalous star ratings. A good time had by all. They also chat about blue slushies, the Hamnet adaptation and men naming footballers as a form of hanging out. </span></p><p><span>Elizabeth recommends Hamnet</span></p><p><span>Ems recommends Blanket’s new album True Blue. </span></p><p><span>Listen to us to make us literary hot girls. </span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> b3fbc82d-2186-474c-8c68-ecd9869f2226 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/613c5d04-5952-4e0d-98c3-f2bbb6239eb1 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:59 +0000 3510 no full Book Club: Flesh by David Szalay Book Club: Flesh by David Szalay Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Our first book club episode of 2026 is here! This month we’re tackling Booker Prize winner Flesh by David Szalay which has been recommended by many of our favourite people (including Dua Lipa)! Together, we chat about our history of the booker prize, upcoming albums, People We Meet on Vacation and launch next month’s very special book club pick! 

Elizabeth recommends the film People We Meet on Vacation

Ems recommends some albums to look forward to, including Sunlight Echoes by Whitelands and Cold 2 The Touch by Angel Du$t

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>Our first book club episode of 2026 is here! This month we’re tackling Booker Prize winner Flesh by David Szalay which has been recommended by many of our favourite people (including Dua Lipa)! Together, we chat about our history of the booker prize, upcoming albums, People We Meet on Vacation and launch next month’s very special book club pick! </span></p><p><span>Elizabeth recommends the film People We Meet on Vacation</span></p><p><span>Ems recommends some albums to look forward to, including Sunlight Echoes by Whitelands and Cold 2 The Touch by Angel Du$t</span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> cb8cb420-b368-45fe-be78-26344dd03ae2 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/4befee02-bab7-4c62-aa38-68e10ac0e8ab Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:46 +0000 3603 no full “Groundbreaking seminal novels” with Amy Buck @a.m.y.buck “Groundbreaking seminal novels” with Amy Buck @a.m.y.buck Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Elizabeth and Ems are joined by close personal friend of the podcast Amy to answer the devilish 8 questions. Amy is best known for being the PBB’s guide to Edinburgh, but what bookish secrets will the questions reveal? Together, they chat a lot about Jilly Cooper, greek mythology and recommending things on the podcast that Elizabeth won’t enjoy.

Elizabeth recommends the television show Amandaland. 

Amy recommends the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. 

Ems recommends the film Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier. 

Get in touch!

Amy: @a.m.y.buck

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>Elizabeth and Ems are joined by close personal friend of the podcast Amy to answer the devilish 8 questions. Amy is best known for being the PBB’s guide to Edinburgh, but what bookish secrets will the questions reveal? Together, they chat a lot about Jilly Cooper, greek mythology and recommending things on the podcast that Elizabeth won’t enjoy.</p><p>Elizabeth recommends the television show Amandaland. </p><p>Amy recommends the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. </p><p>Ems recommends the film Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier. </p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Amy: <a href="http://instagram.com/a.m.y.buck" rel="nofollow">@a.m.y.buck</a></p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> b4b0f511-98be-473f-af78-0e36c356d19a https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/f069325d-0955-432f-884c-960d0ba212f1 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:05 +0000 2917 no full How To Read More How To Read More Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson We are so back, baby. In our first episode of 2026, Ems and Elizabeth guide you through their top tips on how to read more in 2026. Whether you’re seasoned readers or just starting out, we hope you find this advice useful. Together they talk about phone addiction, celebrating New Years Eve, Denis Johnson, and retiring their hater behaviour on the podcast.

Elizabeth recommends TJ Power on Jamie Laing’s podcast Great Company (‘PHONE ADDICTION IS REAL & HERE’S HOW WE BEAT IT’)

Ems recommends Train Dreams (2025, dir. Clint Bentley) which you can stream on Netflix. 

Listen to make us literary hot girls. 

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>We are so back, baby. In our first episode of 2026, Ems and Elizabeth guide you through their top tips on how to read more in 2026. Whether you’re seasoned readers or just starting out, we hope you find this advice useful. Together they talk about phone addiction, celebrating New Years Eve, Denis Johnson, and retiring their hater behaviour on the podcast.</span></p><p><span>Elizabeth recommends TJ Power on Jamie Laing’s podcast Great Company (‘PHONE ADDICTION IS REAL &amp; HERE’S HOW WE BEAT IT’)</span></p><p><span>Ems recommends Train Dreams (2025, dir. Clint Bentley) which you can stream on Netflix. </span></p><p><span>Listen to make us literary hot girls. </span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 22daa68b-87ef-4804-906d-7555805f0684 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/274a7154-c94e-48b4-b98e-44b205275a40 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000 3553 no full Our Best Books of The Year!!! Our Best Books of The Year!!! Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Elizabeth and Ems have made it to the end of the year and to celebrate, bring you their Top 5 books of the year (and some extra bonuses). Together, they beg for a sponsorship from Dead Ink books (not sponsored), getting into post hardcore band Thursday, and Elizabeth’s very earnest love of romcoms. 

One of Ems’ recommendations is a book that was very kindly sent to her by Dead Ink Books in exchange for a review. She received no payment to talk about it. A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang is out in February. 

Thank you for a brilliant year of podcasting with us! We’ll be back on the 7th January! 

Elizabeth recommends Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy + Ems recommends friendship <3 

Get in touch:

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

]]> <p>Elizabeth and Ems have made it to the end of the year and to celebrate, bring you their Top 5 books of the year (and some extra bonuses). Together, they beg for a sponsorship from Dead Ink books (not sponsored), getting into post hardcore band Thursday, and Elizabeth’s very earnest love of romcoms. </p><p>One of Ems’ recommendations is a book that was very kindly sent to her by Dead Ink Books in exchange for a review. She received no payment to talk about it. A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang is out in February. </p><p>Thank you for a brilliant year of podcasting with us! We’ll be back on the 7th January! </p><p>Elizabeth recommends Bridget Jones Mad About The Boy + Ems recommends friendship &lt;3 </p><p>Get in touch:</p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p> 20b1f082-be29-42d3-9be9-a5480f490c6f https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/1cdcc0d6-0320-4f93-a3f7-14a4b54d0c02 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:52 +0000 3849 no full Book Club: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Book Club: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson In our final book club of the year, Ems and Elizabeth delve into Mary Shelley’s seminal horror-sci-fi spectacular Frankenstein. Ems, a long time fan and Frankenfreak guides Elizabeth, a novice, through this classic and its impact on pop culture. Together they talk about visiting Mary Shelley’s grave when they were 17, building your boyfriend, and whether Jacob Elordi is babygirl. 

Ems recommends The Holdovers

Elizabeth recommends Wicked: For Good

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>In our final book club of the year, Ems and Elizabeth delve into Mary Shelley’s seminal horror-sci-fi spectacular Frankenstein. Ems, a long time fan and Frankenfreak guides Elizabeth, a novice, through this classic and its impact on pop culture. Together they talk about visiting Mary Shelley’s grave when they were 17, building your boyfriend, and whether Jacob Elordi is babygirl. </span></p><p><span>Ems recommends The Holdovers</span></p><p><span>Elizabeth recommends Wicked: For Good</span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> d9b99cb7-2bee-441b-8117-e062e0851f22 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/e0b60a32-d174-4a08-a595-f9a141527645 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:03 +0000 3376 no full “Orwell, what are you doing man?” with Chloe Hutchinson @biblichloteca “Orwell, what are you doing man?” with Chloe Hutchinson @biblichloteca Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson We continue the non-fiction November celebrations by inviting long-time friend of the podcast Chloe to share some non-fiction love and answer the devilish 8 questions. Together they talk about organ donation, Matilda by Roald Dahl, the Women’s Non-Fiction Prize and praying on the downfall of George Orwell. 

Chloe recommends The Woman Who Poked the Leopard

Elizabeth recommends I Poured My Blood, Sweat and Savings into my Restaurant. Dumbest Thing I’ve Ever Done (Toronto Life) https://torontolife.com/food/restaurant-ruined-life/ 

Ems recommends Soft Spot by Honningbarna 

Get in touch!

Chloe: @biblichloteca 

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>We continue the non-fiction November celebrations by inviting long-time friend of the podcast Chloe to share some non-fiction love and answer the devilish 8 questions. Together they talk about organ donation, Matilda by Roald Dahl, the Women’s Non-Fiction Prize and praying on the downfall of George Orwell. </p><p>Chloe recommends The Woman Who Poked the Leopard</p><p>Elizabeth recommends I Poured My Blood, Sweat and Savings into my Restaurant. Dumbest Thing I’ve Ever Done (Toronto Life) <a href="https://torontolife.com/food/restaurant-ruined-life/" rel="nofollow">https://torontolife.com/food/restaurant-ruined-life/</a> </p><p>Ems recommends Soft Spot by Honningbarna </p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Chloe: <a href="http://instagram.com/biblichloteca" rel="nofollow">@biblichloteca</a> </p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 488787b7-0b7a-4dc3-81bf-25868c2bd67b https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/0c178656-97c9-44fe-a9c9-23eb4d88265d Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:58 +0000 3599 no full Christmas Gift Guide Christmas Gift Guide Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Step into Christmas! It’s ho-ho-ho’s before bros and we are giving you our best books to gift this year. Whether you’re searching for a mum, a dad, a child or even an illiterate boyfriend, Ems and Elizabeth put on their santa hats and help you out. Together they also discuss Catholicism, Anthony Bourdain and The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd. 

Elizabeth recommends The Hack on ITV

Ems recommends Divine Intervention https://open.spotify.com/show/0mDNL8NTn75psFwcti5gkr?si=S9FXRdEWR5SU5WDp83jvhQ

Listen to make us literary hot girls x

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>Step into Christmas! It’s ho-ho-ho’s before bros and we are giving you our best books to gift this year. Whether you’re searching for a mum, a dad, a child or even an illiterate boyfriend, Ems and Elizabeth put on their santa hats and help you out. Together they also discuss Catholicism, Anthony Bourdain and The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd. </span></p><p><span>Elizabeth recommends The Hack on ITV</span></p><p><span>Ems recommends Divine Intervention </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0mDNL8NTn75psFwcti5gkr?si=S9FXRdEWR5SU5WDp83jvhQ" rel="nofollow">https://open.spotify.com/show/0mDNL8NTn75psFwcti5gkr?si=S9FXRdEWR5SU5WDp83jvhQ</a></p><p><span>Listen to make us literary hot girls x</span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 459840d4-13a1-40a1-857c-19be5b83b8b4 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/5bcd7adc-f6e8-4e82-8e10-4210f4125010 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:11 +0000 3417 no full Our non-fiction November recs Our non-fiction November recs Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson This week, we continue with the unbearably chic non-fiction November by offering you our non-fiction book recommendations. We try to offer some books that you may not have heard of or may have forgotten that will help you learn more about the world. Together, Ems and Elizabeth also discuss Catholic mysticism and 90 minute films.

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

Ems: @brattyreads

]]> <p>This week, we continue with the unbearably chic non-fiction November by offering you our non-fiction book recommendations. We try to offer some books that you may not have heard of or may have forgotten that will help you learn more about the world. Together, Ems and Elizabeth also discuss Catholic mysticism and 90 minute films.</p><p>Get in touch!</p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span><span></span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p> baea036e-e03a-4fb0-bbd5-0382bf5cacae https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/5ea294e5-f8d6-45ce-a92d-575ec3219718 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:00:11 +0000 3579 no full Book club: Love in Exile by Shon Faye Book club: Love in Exile by Shon Faye Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Celebrating the unbearably chic non-fiction November, Elizabeth and Ems delve into their first non-fiction book club pick, Shon Faye’s Love In Exile. Recommended by not one, but two former guests of the podcast Ross and Georgie, will it meet their high expectations? Together they discuss love, heterosexuality, Catholic mysticism and a bunch more as they unpack what love and this book is to them. 

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>Celebrating the unbearably chic non-fiction November, Elizabeth and Ems delve into their first non-fiction book club pick, Shon Faye’s Love In Exile. Recommended by not one, but two former guests of the podcast Ross and Georgie, will it meet their high expectations? Together they discuss love, heterosexuality, Catholic mysticism and a bunch more as they unpack what love and this book is to them. </span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> a590dda6-59d8-4d4b-b195-07bd2a1c5375 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/4c321e03-5a21-4673-8d8b-938d88057c83 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:23 +0000 3463 no full “We all need some wildness” with Adam @chaosofcold “We all need some wildness” with Adam @chaosofcold Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson A belated spooky season celebration awaits as Elizabeth and Ems interview Adam, Ems’ first bookstagram friend and favourite horror fiend. Together they unpack the 8 fiendish questions and discuss uncanny literary fiction, Deafheaven, Steven King, the opioid crisis and why they hate Butter by Asako Yuzuki. 

Get in touch!

Adam: @chaosofcold 

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>A belated spooky season celebration awaits as Elizabeth and Ems interview Adam, Ems’ first bookstagram friend and favourite horror fiend. Together they unpack the 8 fiendish questions and discuss uncanny literary fiction, Deafheaven, Steven King, the opioid crisis and why they hate Butter by Asako Yuzuki. </span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Adam: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/chaosofcold" rel="nofollow">@chaosofcold</a><span> </span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> e74c0e4a-aca7-4b67-b32a-78666b1af493 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/1b52b912-740e-4f66-a0a7-c7c3781610d2 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:44 +0000 3878 no full What’s going on with the literary prizes What’s going on with the literary prizes Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Returning from their musical hiatus, Ems and Elizabeth delve into the drama of this year's literary prizes. Together they discuss the prizes they love, the prizes that they miss and the prizes that have let them down. They also discuss Adam Leslie’s Lost In The Garden, Tess Gunty’s The Rabbit Hutch, 2 hour podcast episodes and how much £50,000 would change their lives. 

Listen to make us literary hot girls.

Get in touch!

Podcast - @prosebeforebros

Elizabeth - @reads.elizabeth

Ems - @brattyreads

]]> <p><span>Returning from their musical hiatus, Ems and Elizabeth delve into the drama of this year&#39;s literary prizes. Together they discuss the prizes they love, the prizes that they miss and the prizes that have let them down. They also discuss Adam Leslie’s Lost In The Garden, Tess Gunty’s The Rabbit Hutch, 2 hour podcast episodes and how much £50,000 would change their lives. </span></p><p><span>Listen to make us literary hot girls. </span></p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Podcast - <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebros" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebros</a></p><p>Elizabeth - <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Ems - <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p> b4dcec1f-3961-4a0d-b3d8-c4fe0b2f6551 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/bc9c50a3-d37b-4a1f-aa8e-13ca90aab556 Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:59 +0000 3423 no full The Life of A Showgirl review The Life of A Showgirl review Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson On this week’s episode, the Prose Before Bros team step into the spotlight and transform into a music podcast to review Taylor Swift’s Life of A Showgirl. Both Elizabeth and Ems are avid swifties, but how does the album and discourse around it stack up? Fashionably late, they bring hot takes, in depth musical analysis (what else) and ultimately unpack what Taylor Swift means to them as young women. 

Listen to make us the internet’s busiest music nerds!

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Ems: @brattyreads

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>On this week’s episode, the Prose Before Bros team step into the spotlight and transform into a music podcast to review Taylor Swift’s Life of A Showgirl. Both Elizabeth and Ems are avid swifties, but how does the album and discourse around it stack up? Fashionably late, they bring hot takes, in depth musical analysis (what else) and ultimately unpack what Taylor Swift means to them as young women. </span></p><p><span>Listen to make us the internet’s busiest music nerds! </span></p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p> 84575754-1b48-4c1d-a21f-135e324f0b58 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/6bd7df8c-6786-42be-a3b7-9e1d194c9fb4 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:35 +0000 3494 no full Book club: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer Book club: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson It’s hoa hoa hoa season at Prose Before Bros, and coinciding with its 20th Anniversary, Ems and Elizabeth delve into the misty world of Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Together they return to this staple of teenage girlhood and ask: Is Charlie Swan the only good cop? Why does the film adaptation’s soundtrack slap so hard? Why is Mormonism like that? And of course, does Twilight hold up to readers in their twenties? 

Listen to turn us into 107 year old sparkly Mormon Vampires. 

Robert Pattinson hates Twilight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFA6Ycch1EM 

Get in touch!

Pod: @prosebeforebrospod

Elizabeth: @reads.elizabeth

Ems: @brattyreads

]]> <p>It’s hoa hoa hoa season at Prose Before Bros, and coinciding with its 20th Anniversary, Ems and Elizabeth delve into the misty world of Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Together they return to this staple of teenage girlhood and ask: Is Charlie Swan the only good cop? Why does the film adaptation’s soundtrack slap so hard? Why is Mormonism like that? And of course, does Twilight hold up to readers in their twenties? </p><p>Listen to turn us into 107 year old sparkly Mormon Vampires. </p><p>Robert Pattinson hates Twilight: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFA6Ycch1EM" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFA6Ycch1EM</a> </p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p> a511a562-dc7c-4039-a922-6de483e3f32c https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/7403df42-43f8-4e0d-afae-5757f103edea Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:19 +0000 3341 no full “Horrible Histories changed my life” with Yasmin Mills @yasminl.mills “Horrible Histories changed my life” with Yasmin Mills @yasminl.mills Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Elizabeth and Ems open up their studio and are joined by Elizabeth’s partner in crime, podcasting extraordinaire and 365 party girl Yasmin Mills to answer the devilish eight questions. Together, they chat about Malory Towers, Lady Jane Grey, World War II evacuation and the Bridgerton Brothers. Listen to make us literary hot girls. 

Get in touch!

Yasmin - @yasminl.mills

Ems - @brattyreads

Elizabeth - @reads.elizabeth

Pod - @prosebeforebrospod

]]> <p><span>Elizabeth and Ems open up their studio and are joined by Elizabeth’s partner in crime, podcasting extraordinaire and 365 party girl Yasmin Mills to answer the devilish eight questions. Together, they chat about Malory Towers, Lady Jane Grey, World War II evacuation and the Bridgerton Brothers. Listen to make us literary hot girls. </span></p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Yasmin - <a href="http://instagram.com/yasminl.mills" rel="nofollow">@yasminl.mills</a></p><p>Ems - <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth - <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Pod - <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p> f7f2a32f-631a-4fc2-a411-0b414fcea94f https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/ac3bd7fb-b405-451d-9fdc-e3ee07a685ca Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:38 +0000 3487 no full One hit wonders One hit wonders Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson For one episode and one episode only, Ems and Elizabeth talk about one hit wonders in the literary world. Whether it’s an author who has only written one book or we have only enjoyed one book by them, controversial takes ensue. Together, they chat about the discarded Nick Clegg Carly Rae Jepsen parody video, the Fratellis, the Oceangate submersible incident and not fancying Andrew Garfield. 

Listen to make us literary it girls. 

Get in touch!

Elizabeth - @reads.elizabeth

Ems - @brattyreads

Pod! - @prosebeforebrospod

]]> <p>For one episode and one episode only, Ems and Elizabeth talk about one hit wonders in the literary world. Whether it’s an author who has only written one book or we have only enjoyed one book by them, controversial takes ensue. Together, they chat about the discarded Nick Clegg Carly Rae Jepsen parody video, the Fratellis, the Oceangate submersible incident and not fancying Andrew Garfield. </p><p>Listen to make us literary it girls. </p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Elizabeth - <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Ems - <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Pod! - <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p> a835b01a-5b5f-4228-9cca-3820e17e56dc https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/46262241-c2f2-4b26-a344-ada82d1f397b Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:27 +0000 3637 no full Our bookish pet peeves Our bookish pet peeves Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Haters rise up. This week Elizabeth and Ems release their professional haters and discuss the things in books that really irk them and grind their bookish gears. Armed with five grievances each, they also chat about Knoops, browsing for perfume in Space NK, their writing projects, doing drugs, The Mountain Goats and ghost writers. 

Get in touch!

Ems - @brattyreads

Elizabeth - @reads.elizabeth

Pod - @prosebeforebrospod

]]> <p>Haters rise up. This week Elizabeth and Ems release their professional haters and discuss the things in books that really irk them and grind their bookish gears. Armed with five grievances each, they also chat about Knoops, browsing for perfume in Space NK, their writing projects, doing drugs, The Mountain Goats and ghost writers. </p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Ems - <a href="http://instagram.com/bratty.reads" rel="nofollow">@brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth - <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">@reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Pod - <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">@prosebeforebrospod</a></p> 75c33852-0f06-4dcc-b36d-d6a062e13679 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/3cae076d-ba75-488a-90e7-0a5b0703bd9c Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:23 +0000 3543 no full Book Club: Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney Book Club: Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson On a hotly anticipated episode of Prose Before Bros, Elizabeth and Ems dissect Sally Rooney’s debut novel for bisexual awareness week. Together they chat about Joe Alwyn and the phenomenon of blonde men, Marxism, board games, Nine Inch Nails and whether all we really are is the relationships we make (one may say, the friends we made along the way). 

Listen to make us literary hot girls! 

Get in touch!

Pod: instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod

Ems: instagram.com/brattyreads

Elizabeth: instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>On a hotly anticipated episode of Prose Before Bros, Elizabeth and Ems dissect Sally Rooney’s debut novel for bisexual awareness week. Together they chat about Joe Alwyn and the phenomenon of blonde men, Marxism, board games, Nine Inch Nails and whether all we really are is the relationships we make (one may say, the friends we made along the way). </span></p><p><span>Listen to make us literary hot girls! </span></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p><span>Pod: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p><span>Ems: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p><p><span>Elizabeth: </span><a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p> 5d79a860-256d-45c7-9fbf-74422bc6b7ce https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/bf30cd6c-2334-40a6-9324-570d568c4b07 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:15 +0000 3719 no full "Somebody's not a fan" with Ross Kelly @readsbyross "Somebody's not a fan" with Ross Kelly @readsbyross Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson This week, Ems and Elizabeth are joined by bookstagram royalty Ross Kelly (readsbyross) to ask him our fiendish questions about his reading habits. Together, they discuss The Kings Norton Stop Lock, Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events, Meryl Streep, Rachel Berry from Glee, books about the AIDS crisis, their public beef with authors, and Atticus Finch ruining their relationship with capitalism.

Listen to make us literary hot girls! 

Get in touch!

Ross: instagram.com/readsbyross and readsbyross.substack.com

Pod: instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod

Elizabeth: instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

Ems: instagram.com/brattyreads

]]> <p>This week, Ems and Elizabeth are joined by bookstagram royalty Ross Kelly (readsbyross) to ask him our fiendish questions about his reading habits. Together, they discuss The Kings Norton Stop Lock, Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events, Meryl Streep, Rachel Berry from Glee, books about the AIDS crisis, their public beef with authors, and Atticus Finch ruining their relationship with capitalism.</p><p>Listen to make us literary hot girls! </p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Ross: <a href="http://instagram.com/readsbyross" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/readsbyross</a> and <a href="http://readsbyross.substack.com" rel="nofollow">readsbyross.substack.com</a></p><p>Pod: <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p> 62fb55bf-eee9-4e63-8f07-cc90d6751265 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/0070338d-c1ef-4069-b862-32c318130e08 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:00:10 +0000 3469 yes full Our favourite bookshops Our favourite bookshops Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson In this episode, we detour away from books and take you on a journey to where we buy them. Elizabeth and Ems take you through their Top 5 bookshops and discuss James Daunt, the tallest bookshelf in the UK and the importance of a gorgeous, gorgeous cathedral.

Listen to make us literary hot girls. 

Get in touch!

Pod - instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod

Elizabeth - instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

Ems - instagram.com/brattyreads

]]> <p>In this episode, we detour away from books and take you on a journey to where we buy them. Elizabeth and Ems take you through their Top 5 bookshops and discuss James Daunt, the tallest bookshelf in the UK and the importance of a gorgeous, gorgeous cathedral.</p><p>Listen to make us literary hot girls. </p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Pod - <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/prosebeforebrospod</a></p><p>Elizabeth - <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Ems - <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p> 75234d65-9c54-4dbd-bd67-0a8faa1b8bd7 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/4bb8d032-bc12-41c2-a4b0-d33cb184622c Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:00:25 +0000 3620 no full Exposing ourselves: books we have not read Exposing ourselves: books we have not read Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Elizabeth and Ems expose themselves over the books that are both important to the culture yet remain unread in their libraries. 10 books total. Scandals and serious chats ensue. 

Listen to make us literary hot girls.

Get in touch!

Ems: instagram.com/brattyreads

Elizabeth: instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

]]> <p><span>Elizabeth and Ems expose themselves over the books that are both important to the culture yet remain unread in their libraries. 10 books total. Scandals and serious chats ensue. </span></p><p><span>Listen to make us literary hot girls. </span></p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p> 994ce639-6cbd-466f-aebf-8eaf0c0e733d https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/c4e05e75-a27f-4d07-8731-6b31071e6d3d Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:00:50 +0000 3577 no full Book Club: Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis Book Club: Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson This week we delve into the world of peace-making, nationbuilding and questions on who deserves second chances by reading and discussing Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis. Ems and Elizabeth also reveal their parasocial rivals, discuss Hayley William’s solo project and announce Elizabeth’s workplace’s podcast. 

Listen to make us literary hot girls. 

PODCAST INSTA!!!! instagram.com/prosebeforeprospod

Ems: instagram.com/brattyreads

Elizabeth: instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

Elizabeth's new podcast: podfollow.com/first-up-football

]]> <p>This week we delve into the world of peace-making, nationbuilding and questions on who deserves second chances by reading and discussing Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis. Ems and Elizabeth also reveal their parasocial rivals, discuss Hayley William’s solo project and announce Elizabeth’s workplace’s podcast. </p><p>Listen to make us literary hot girls. </p><p>PODCAST INSTA!!!! <a href="http://instagram.com/prosebeforeprospod" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/prosebeforeprospod</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Elizabeth&#39;s new podcast: <a href="http://podfollow.com/first-up-football" rel="nofollow">podfollow.com/first-up-football</a></p> 3dc18cba-010a-4c25-9d44-6a4cf3ed8ab2 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/4ba789a9-160c-43ee-9d0e-b542a0552e5b Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:00:59 +0000 3382 no full “It’s Christmas morning and I’m reading filth” with Georgie Day @reading.georgie “It’s Christmas morning and I’m reading filth” with Georgie Day @reading.georgie Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson This week, the girlies are joined by your favourite bookfluencer’s favourite bookfluencer, Georgie Day (reading.georgie) to answer our 8 unhinged book themed questions and put Ems and Elizabeth to shame over what they have not read. Together they discuss the film adaptation of Angus Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, Eve Babitz, Caroline Calloway, ACOTAR, and borrowing books from friends whenever they go to house parties. 

Get in touch!

Georgie: instagram.com/reading.georgie

Ems: instagram.com/brattyreads

Elizabeth: instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>This week, the girlies are joined by your favourite bookfluencer’s favourite bookfluencer, Georgie Day (reading.georgie) to answer our 8 unhinged book themed questions and put Ems and Elizabeth to shame over what they have not read. Together they discuss the film adaptation of Angus Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, Eve Babitz, Caroline Calloway, ACOTAR, and borrowing books from friends whenever they go to house parties. </p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Georgie: <a href="http://instagram.com/reading.georgie" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reading.georgie</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p> 9521bba1-dc09-4829-a515-70c7f6677c7b https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/ee7486a1-907a-47cd-bb66-380f08050ca4 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000 3401 no full Our summer reads Our summer reads Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson In what can only be described as poor planning on our part, we sit down to discuss our summer reading. Elizabeth brings five tried and tested summer reads, while Ems discusses her upcoming summer tbr. Together, they also touch on pretending to read Wolf Hall, wanting to be Dua Lipa, Ozzy Osbourne and their mums reading Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Tune in to find inspiration for your summer reading and why we need to communicate better as a duo to bring you content.

Ems recommends a piece in The Guardian by Dan Cave about the state of working class arts in the UK. 

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/10/oasis-black-sabbath-stadiums-working-class-rock-stars-music 

Get in touch!

Elizabeth: instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

Ems: instagram.com/brattyreads

]]> <p><span>In what can only be described as poor planning on our part, we sit down to discuss our summer reading. Elizabeth brings five tried and tested summer reads, while Ems discusses her upcoming summer tbr. Together, they also touch on pretending to read Wolf Hall, wanting to be Dua Lipa, Ozzy Osbourne and their mums reading Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Tune in to find inspiration for your summer reading and why we need to communicate better as a duo to bring you content. </span></p><p><span>Ems recommends a piece in The Guardian by Dan Cave about the state of working class arts in the UK. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/10/oasis-black-sabbath-stadiums-working-class-rock-stars-music" rel="nofollow">https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/10/oasis-black-sabbath-stadiums-working-class-rock-stars-music </a></p><p><span>Get in touch!</span></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p> 7e0acbd0-84ec-45e9-aeb3-8d94b44b9827 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/f2a7107a-d151-4969-8873-b5f5bfedb64f Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:00:22 +0000 3493 no full Bratty Books Bratty Books Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson What’s up, 365 Party Girls. This week on the prose before bros podcast Ems and Elizabeth discuss the brat green phenomenon in publishing and whether brat is leaving a legacy in the books we read. They also discuss the Oasis reunion, Ems’ bratwurst girl summer and how hedonism is here to stay. 

We’re just living that life, Von Dutch. Subscribe to help us become literary hot girls. 

Get in touch!

Ems: instagram.com/brattyreads

Elizabeth: instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>What’s up, 365 Party Girls. This week on the prose before bros podcast Ems and Elizabeth discuss the brat green phenomenon in publishing and whether brat is leaving a legacy in the books we read. They also discuss the Oasis reunion, Ems’ bratwurst girl summer and how hedonism is here to stay. </p><p>We’re just living that life, Von Dutch. Subscribe to help us become literary hot girls. </p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p> 2cd3a422-857f-4694-b25f-15293075843d https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/7ab9cfbe-7ae9-461e-a5fe-37e232eb0198 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:00:40 +0000 3186 no full Book Club: Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar Book Club: Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson In our first ever book club ep, Ems and Elizabeth discuss Kaveh Akbar's debut novel 'Martyr' - settle in for our hot takes + a bunch of spoilers as we discuss the lovable and flawed characters, a mega plot twist, and whether it has a happy ending. Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Pls get in touch x

Elizabeth: instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

Ems: instagram.com/brattyreads

]]> <p>In our first ever book club ep, Ems and Elizabeth discuss Kaveh Akbar&#39;s debut novel &#39;Martyr&#39; - settle in for our hot takes + a bunch of spoilers as we discuss the lovable and flawed characters, a mega plot twist, and whether it has a happy ending. Listen to make us literary hot girls!</p><p>Pls get in touch x</p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p> 420d713a-1bb0-4383-9749-0f46468a3602 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/64b2af4e-ba88-4f4a-969d-5ff53a5f9c3c Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:00:23 +0000 3514 no full "Okay the rant's coming" with Amy Gaskin @gaskin.reads "Okay the rant's coming" with Amy Gaskin @gaskin.reads Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson In the very first Prose Before Bros Guest Episode we are joined by BESTIE of the podcast, Amy Gaskin and ask her some fun bookish questions. Together, we chat about Jerry Spinelli’s Stargirl, our shared dislike of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, Fern Brady, and adding a 400 year old ghost to your nightmare blunt rotation. Listen to make us literary hot girls!

Pls get in touch!

Elizabeth: instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

Ems: instagram.com/brattyreads

Anddd Amy: instagram.com/gaskin.reads

]]> <p>In the very first Prose Before Bros Guest Episode we are joined by BESTIE of the podcast, Amy Gaskin and ask her some fun bookish questions. Together, we chat about Jerry Spinelli’s Stargirl, our shared dislike of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, Fern Brady, and adding a 400 year old ghost to your nightmare blunt rotation. Listen to make us literary hot girls!</p><p>Pls get in touch!</p><p>Elizabeth: <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>Ems: <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p><p>Anddd Amy: <a href="http://instagram.com/gaskin.reads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/gaskin.reads</a></p> 21834e0c-dd20-4c2f-bc15-04cb1ba59056 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/448fbb57-635e-4242-89bf-1f351b802156 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:40 +0000 3447 no full The Women’s Prize The Women’s Prize Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson In this episode of Pros Before Bros, your favourite haters, Ems and Elizabeth explore the Women’s Prize shortlist, longlist and snubs. Elizabeth also discusses her love of books with main characters called “Elizabeth” and Ems discusses her academic love of terrorism; please do not put her on a Prevent watchlist. 

Listen to make us literary, hot, media girlies.

Get in touch!

Ems - www.instagram.com/brattyreads

Elizabeth - www.instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

]]> <p>In this episode of Pros Before Bros, your favourite haters, Ems and Elizabeth explore the Women’s Prize shortlist, longlist and snubs. Elizabeth also discusses her love of books with main characters called “Elizabeth” and Ems discusses her academic love of terrorism; please do not put her on a Prevent watchlist. </p><p>Listen to make us literary, hot, media girlies.</p><p>Get in touch!</p><p>Ems - <a href="http://www.instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">www.instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth - <a href="http://www.instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">www.instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p> c2f5deb2-1de5-4bd7-b607-80960f2392f7 https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/64737d10-0cd2-4c3a-90bd-85389cae138e Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:00:42 +0000 3468 no full Welcome to Prose before Bros! + Top Fives Welcome to Prose before Bros! + Top Fives Elizabeth Barnard / Ems Simpson Hi and welcome to episode one of Prose before Bros, your new favourite book podcast with Ems and Elizabeth!

In today's episode, we let you know what to expect from Prose before Bros and introduce you to us as readers. Plus, we tell you our top five books of the year so far.

Please get in touch!

Ems - instagram.com/brattyreads

Elizabeth - instagram.com/reads.elizabeth

See you next Wednesday x

]]> <p>Hi and welcome to episode one of Prose before Bros, your new favourite book podcast with Ems and Elizabeth! </p><p>In today&#39;s episode, we let you know what to expect from Prose before Bros and introduce you to us as readers. Plus, we tell you our top five books of the year so far. </p><p>Please get in touch!</p><p>Ems - <a href="http://instagram.com/brattyreads" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/brattyreads</a></p><p>Elizabeth - <a href="http://instagram.com/reads.elizabeth" rel="nofollow">instagram.com/reads.elizabeth</a></p><p>See you next Wednesday x</p> 3e6986cc-75d6-44b5-a00b-e8813cba42be https://redcircle.com/shows/cf4f0763-f7c9-43d5-8ba9-5bbf527b297e/episodes/68dc8391-ff3d-4697-8504-339303442a00 Wed, 25 Jun 2025 06:00:54 +0000 3597 no