Erin Jardine, an Oakdale native, has turned her love for reading into a burgeoning podcast called “I Read It For The Plot,” where she discusses spicy books, romance tropes, and everything in between.
Jardine’s journey into podcasting began with a joke during a livestream with friends.
“I’m a major punner,” she explained. “I love making puns, and that’s part of my media, especially for my comedy skits where I just make really bad dad jokes and pun videos.”
What started as a lighthearted suggestion to create a podcast about puns evolved into something more aligned with Jardine’s true passion: books.
“I started considering what kind of niche I could focus on if I was to create a book talk podcast,” Jardine recalled. “And one of the things that booktok has really gotten me into was reading spicy books.”
The podcast’s clever name, “I Read It For The Plot,” is another jest that resonates with avid readers. Jardine explained, “It was a joke amongst us book readers, focusing on the plot instead of all just the sexy scenes.”
Since its launch earlier this year, “I Read It For The Plot” has grown to include 13 episodes, with Jardine covering topics ranging from romance tropes to author spotlights. She’s particularly drawn to works by authors like Jennifer L. Armentrout and Sarah J. Maas.
But Jardine’s podcast isn’t just about discussing books. She’s creating a platform for writers, readers, and content creators to share their perspectives.
“I’m also reaching out to content creators and other cosplayers and fantasy ball organizers, so that I can help promote the events that they create,” she said.
One such event Jardine is excited about is the Paravelle ball, a fantasy-themed gathering inspired by the popular book series by Sarah J Maas.
“I’m going to my first fantasy ball in November, later this year, down in LA,” she shared enthusiastically. “It’s ACOTAR-themed. It’s going to be for the seasonal courts, for spring, summer, autumn and winter.”
Despite the challenges of learning the technical aspects of podcasting, Jardine remains positive.
“I honestly love the challenge, because then it’s a learning experience for me,” she said. “Then I was like, ‘Okay, now I know how to do this. This is an achievement unlocked’.”
Looking to the future, Jardine’s goals are modest but meaningful.
“Pie in the sky goal is to entertain as many book readers as possible,” she shared. “The only thing I could ever hope for is to reach an audience of fellow book lovers, and just provide a space where people can not only come and listen to book talks but feel that they can come on as guests and express their opinions.”
When she’s not podcasting or reading, Jardine enjoys embroidery, a skill she’s been honing since childhood.
“I embroider pillows. I’ve been embroidering … actually, since I was like, 10 or 11 years old when my grandma first showed me,” she said.
Jardine offers this advice for the next generation of kids who were like her growing up: “It’s okay to branch out and see more of the world, try to get a bit more culture, and it’s okay if you only so far at a young age feel like experiencing that through books. Books are a safe place.”
As “I Read It For The Plot” continues to grow, Jardine is proving that even in small-town Oakdale, big literary dreams can take flight. Whether she’s discussing the latest romantic fantasy or planning her next embroidery project, Jardine is weaving a rich tapestry of storytelling that reach far beyond the boundaries of her alma mater, the Cowboy Capital.
