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about the show
The Hosts
Who are your hosts? Get to know the guys who run the Side Quest Book Club Podcast.
Slava
Slava, the dashing and utterly unpredictable co-host of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, is a lifelong reader who loves scary and speculative stories. His academic and research background helps the guys dissect and explore the deeper layers of every story featured on the show. When he's not navigating the realms of literature or crafting strategic digital campaigns, Slava enjoys channeling his creativity into the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and flavors. His cookbook is banned in 37 countries, primarily for its chapter on how to turn your dinner guests into the main course. He reads by candlelight, claiming it enhances the flavor of the words, and has been known to summon characters from classic horror novels just to critique their fashion sense.
Slava’s passion for storytelling, both in books and in life, brings a unique depth to every episode.
Caution: Cross him, and you might find yourself on the menu—or worse, starring in his next paranormal cooking experiment.
Jonathan
Legend whispers that Jonathan emerged from the pages of an unwritten novel, fully formed and clutching a quill made from a phoenix feather. As co-host of The Side Quest Book Club Podcast, he claims to have read every book ever written—including those from parallel universes. The validity of these statements is unknown. However, it is known that Jonathan has a flair for grandiose storytelling. When he is not hassling Slava, reading books, or concocting marketing experiments for the corporate bourgeoisie, you will find him murder boarding his next journey to make a million dollars.
Caution: Engaging Jonathan in conversation may result in spontaneous verbal jousting and adventures you were unprepared for, along with a potential 4 AM run to improve self-awareness.
How Did The Side Quest Book Club Podcast Start?
The Side Quest Podcast was created out of a shared passion for storytelling and a desire to create something meaningful. Slava and Jonathan first discussed the idea in 2021, each having independently considered launching a podcast. After comparing notes, they decided to build it together. This project quickly became an exciting opportunity to refine their marketing skills while learning the ins and outs of podcast creation. They established outlines, segment formats, and a straightforward workflow that could be repeated.
After a year and a half of careful planning, learning, and refining, The Side Quest Book Club Podcast officially launched its first episode on January 10, 2023. From the beginning, the goal has been to grow the podcast organically and connect with listeners who share a love for books and stories. Today, The Side Quest Book Club Podcast is more than just a hobby; it's a labor of love. Slava and Jonathan are committed to providing fresh, insightful content to their audience and look forward to continuing this journey with you. Regardless of your reason for listening, we’re glad you’ve joined us on this quest.
The Guests
Get to know the guests who joined Slava and Jonathan on the show.
Spenser
Spencer is a programmer with a passion for reading, especially fiction. When he’s not lost in a book, you can find him on the pickleball courts or playing volleyball. Although he doesn’t have a cat, he’d adopt one if he could. However, as an expert in procrastination, he’ll do it next week.
Matt
A Marine whose biggest achievement is convincing Deborah to marry him. A close second was instructing 300 Korean marines in urban maneuvers. Matt can usually be found immersed in books by Ted Dekker, running DND sessions, or playing video games.
Deborah
Deborah is happiest riding her horses after a hearty meal of cottage cheese, which she swears was instrumental in winning the arena classic at the Detroit Polo Club. An avid fan of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Mere Christianity, she cultivates discipline when not re-reading one of those books. It's the only way you get anywhere in life, she told us, and only you can create it for yourself. Never half-ass. Use your whole ass.
Jess
Jess is the hostess with the mostess at the local "Cheers." If she had to pick two favorite books, she would pick Less Than Zero by Brett Easton Ellis and Jesus’ Son by Denis Johnson. She is an avid and varied reader. When not reading, she binges 90s TV shows like Twin Peaks.
Zubair
Zubair is an overthinking writer (aren’t they all). He enjoys reading, running, watching films, and watching baseball. If running three marathons has taught him anything, it is that if you see a horse shitting right before the race, bet on him.
Casey
Casey is a nerd of all trades, a master of fun, and an aspiring IT/Cybersecurity professional with a passion for fiction of all kinds. A great source of trivial knowledge on obscure novels and games, with a love for comedy and a particular soft spot for dry British humor and absurdism.
Jeremy “JT”
JT is an engineer who loves to talk and think about technology and the way things work. He is a huge fan of fantasy and science fiction genres, but has learned to love nonfiction more as he’s gotten older. Like Slava, he loves cooking and baking and is very adventurous with food, both eating and making it.
Kris
Upon entering the foyer of Kristopher’s estate, you will see a lectern with three open books displayed: The Count of Monte Cristo, Dune, and Crime and Punishment. Rumor has it that Kris is an eternal being, and these books are biographies of his past. Elusive though he may be, Kris is known for his eclectic taste in the artifacts of years-long lost.
Abby
Abby is a writer of dark, experimental fiction and enjoys incorporating poetry in her work. Her first book is slated for publication in 2028 by Twenty Hills Publishing. By day, she manages websites for a non-profit. She also started graduate school for Library and Information Science this fall. Abby lives in Ohio with her husband, three step kids, a pit bull, and a blue-tongued skink. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her crafting or replaying Returnal for reasons even she doesn’t fully understand. You can follow her journey on Instagram.
New Guests...
Coming in Fall of 2025 & 2026