The Reading Resistance Episode

Hot take: That novel you're "too busy" to read? It might be the most radical act of resistance you can do right now. Amanda Polick is tired of fiction getting a bad rap. You know the types—"I only read TRUE stories" people who act like novels are somehow less valuable than self-help books. But here's the thing: while 40% of Americans didn't crack open a single book in 2025, our leaders are literally telling us not to believe what we see with our own eyes. Coincidence? Amanda doesn't think so. In this episode, you'll learn: Why reading rom-coms and fantasy actually makes you better at spotting BS in real life (hint: unreliable narrators aren't just in books) The surprisingly low bar for literacy in America—and why it matters when propaganda is everywhere How your brain on fiction is like your brain at the gym (30 minutes = stress relief equivalent to yoga, plus you get smarter) Real talk about why that 900-page book is exactly what your shrinking attention span needs Perfect for: Writers, avid readers, anyone concerned about media literacy and critical thinking, people experiencing reading resistance, educators, and anyone feeling guilty about reading for pleasure during hard times. Amanda Polick is a cookbook coach and writer. She believes in the power of fiction, librarians, and that red vs. white wine debates are elitist nonsense. Shownotes: Newsletter: Weekly insights on writing and creativity Connect: Instagram @amandapolick | amandapolick.com Work with Amanda: Apply here

You can listen to The Reading Resistance Episode online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

The Reading Resistance Episode is an episode from Babe Cave by Babe Cave.

This episode is 32:26 long.

This episode was published on Jan 21, 2026.

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