The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: The Book, Part 1
This week Alexis and Suzanne start covering the prequel Hunger Games book series in a discussion of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. Alexis talks about initially feeling jaded when the book was announced, and Suzanne describes the appeal of the music-heavy movie adaptation version of the story. Both look forward to discussing villains as narrators, third versus first person narration, the role of prequels, and more, in their themes episode next week. Then onto their highly anticipated movie rewatch and conversation!
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts! Send us your kernels of thought to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) and join us on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
6 Oct 2026
Mockingjay: Part 2, The Movie
This week Alexis and Suzanne cover Mockingjay: Part 2, the final movie in the original Hunger Games adaptations. They discuss how breaking the last book into two movies impacted the momentum of the plot and changes they liked and disliked. They end by ranking their favorites of the books and movies.
The podcast will take a break next week and then be back with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts. Send in your thoughts to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) and join the conversation on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
29 Sept 2026
Mockingjay: Part 1, The Movie
This week, Alexis and Suzanne discuss Mockingjay: Part 1. They talk about the effect of splitting the book into two movies, how Coin is characterized, and casting choices that they liked.
Send your thoughts to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) or on Instagram @popcornreadingpod. And rate and review on Apple Podcasts!
22 Sept 2026
Mockingjay: The Book, Part 2
This week Alexis and Suzanne dive deep into Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins. They discuss how the book reflects the times Collins' was writing in as well as our own moment. They talk about Gale and his actions. They also discuss Coin and her efforts to gain power.
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Send us your thoughts to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) and join us on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
15 Sept 2026
Mockingjay: The Book, Part 1
This week Alexis and Suzanne discuss Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins. They start off with a quick review of other adaptations they are consuming, including Slow Horses and the upcoming Yesteryear adaptation. Then, they go over the recurring motifs that come full circle in Mockingjay and contemplate how Katniss has changed over the three books.
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts! Send us your kernels of thought to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) and join us on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
8 Sept 2026
Catching Fire: The Movie
This week, Alexis and Suzanne discuss The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013). They first check in about the adaptations they've read and watched recently, which leads to Alexis sharing her wish to time travel to see Breaking Dawn Part Two in theaters (if you know, you know). Then, Alexis explains the behind-the-scenes director change-up between the first and second movies. They get into the most significant changes between the source and adaptation. Next, Suzanne shouts out stand-out casting and performances including Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jenna Malone (as well as an important feline recasting). Finally, they rate Catching Fire as an adaptation and as a movie.
Check in next week for the first episode covering Mockingjay, the book.
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen!
Send us your kernels (comments, questions, etc.) to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) or on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
1 Sept 2026
Catching Fire: The Book, Part 2
This week, Alexis and Suzanne continue discussing Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins by focusing on the themes of the book. Alexis continues her analysis of trauma and PTSD symptoms in the series, especially with Haymitch and the other surviving victors. Suzanne highlights a new theme, rebellion and mass movements. Her insights on different roles people play in rebellious movements prepares us well for Mockingjay, where this all comes to a head.
Join Popcorn Reading next week for our discussion of the movie adaptation, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The following week, we'll be on to Mockingjay!
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and where you listen! Share us with your friends! And send your kernels (ideas) to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) and join us on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
25 Aug 2026
Catching Fire: The Book, Part 1
This week, Alexis and Suzanne discuss Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. In this episode, they question the role of the second book in a trilogy and wonder about how book twos so often go wrong. They continue their analysis of the three-part book structure and Katniss's first-person narration. Then, following a brief summary of the book, they chat about the characterization of Katniss, Haymitch, Gale, and briefly touch on some of the other notable characters introduced in this book, like Finnick, Joanna, and Plutarch.
Join Popcorn Reading next week for a thematic discussion of Catching Fire, and the week after that for a discussion of the film adaptation, before moving on to Mockingjay!
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen! Share us with your friends! And send your kernels to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) and join us on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
18 Aug 2026
The Hunger Games: The Movie
This week, Alexis and Suzanne discuss The Hunger Games movie (2012). They talk about how they feel about reading the book before seeing the movie and vice versa. They also discuss what they think makes a good adaptation. Then, they get into how they feel about The Hunger Games adaptation, talking about casting, added or removed plot lines, and filming style.
Check in next week for the first episode covering Catching Fire, the book.
Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen!
Send us your kernels to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) or on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
11 Aug 2026
The Hunger Games: Book, Part 2
This week, Alexis and Suzanne discuss themes in The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. They talk about the narration style and what that brings to the experience of the book. And, they dip their toes into a conversation about trauma and how it shows up for Katniss and other characters.
Tune in next week to hear their thoughts on The Hunger Games movie adaptation. After that, Alexis and Suzanne will move on to discuss Catching Fire.
Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen!
And send us your kernels to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) or on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
4 Aug 2026
The Hunger Games: Book Part 1
This week Alexis and Suzanne discuss The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. In this episode, they reminisce about the first times they read the book and the YA dystopian genre of the late 2000s. They give a brief synopsis of the plot and an overview of Panem. And then they get into a discussion about Katniss and Peeta.
Join Popcorn Reading next week for a thematic discussion of The Hunger Games, and the week after that for a discussion of the film adaptation before moving on to Catching Fire.
Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen!
Share us with your friends!
And send us your kernels to popcornreadingpod@gmail.com (mailto:popcornreadingpod@gmail.com) and join us on Instagram @popcornreadingpod.
30 Jul 2026
Introducing Popcorn Reading
Alexis and Suzanne (formerly of Talking Fast Podcast) begin a new venture! Follow along as they read books, discuss them, and then watch their on-screen adaptations.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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