Welcome to Consider Yourself Hugged! Click below to watch or Click here to listen to Episode 195.
*Disclaimer:
The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources at the end of the show notes, or others in your area.
Welcome back, friends! This week, Michelle and I are recording from the beautiful (and snowy) Orange Beach, Alabama, during our first annual (hopefully) women’s retreat. It’s been an incredible mix of relaxation, brainstorming, and… well, some adventures we didn’t quite plan for. Who knew sticky notes and snow could be so memorable (you’ll have to watch/listen to hear THAT story! 🤣)!
But this episode isn’t just about sticky notes or Alabama snow (the first since the 1800s, by the way!). Today, we’re diving into the latest book from our mini book club: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix.
Our Snowy Retreat!
Episode Overview
In this episode, we:
Reflect on our retreat adventures (snow, brainstorming, and almost destroying our balcony door).
Dive into our thoughts on The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.
Discuss the key themes and lessons we pulled from the book, including community, courage, and self-worth.
Share a sneak peek of what’s coming next in our mini book club.
Book Overview: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
This book tells the story of a group of women in Charleston, South Carolina, who form a book club to read about true crime. Their seemingly ordinary lives are turned upside down when a mysterious stranger, James, arrives in town. Patricia, one of the women, realizes he’s not just bad news—he’s a vampire.
What follows is a mix of suspense, dark humor, and powerful social commentary as these women rally together to protect their families, confront evil, and reclaim their power.
Lessons Learned (Themes from the Book)
The Power of Community
These women were more than a book club—they were a support system. Despite their differences, they showed up for each other when it mattered most.
Favorite Quote: “That’s what the book club was about. We were a support group, and support groups aren’t about doing things perfectly. They’re about doing things together.”
Trust Your Instincts (and Watch for Gaslighting)
Patricia knew something was wrong, but she was constantly dismissed—by her husband, her community, and even herself. Gaslighting can erode confidence, but trusting your gut is critical.
Favorite Quote: “She felt crazy, like she was the only person in the world who saw the truth.”
The Emotional Toll of Unseen Labor
The book highlighted how much women carry behind the scenes, from managing their households to holding their families together, often without recognition.
Favorite Quote: “Every day, she woke up and felt like there was more of her to give. But every day, it wasn’t enough.”
Facing Fear and Building Courage
Bravery doesn’t mean you’re not scared; it means doing what needs to be done, even when fear overwhelms you.
Favorite Quote: “Sometimes bravery is just doing what you have to do, even when you’re scared out of your mind.”
Confronting Social Injustice
The book tackled uncomfortable but necessary topics, including privilege and the invisibility of marginalized communities.
Favorite Quote (from Mrs. Green): “He picks people no one will miss. That’s why he gets away with it.”
Claiming Self-Worth and Agency
By the end, Patricia finally reclaimed her power, standing up for herself and taking control of her life.
Favorite Quote: “For the first time, Patricia felt like she was in control of her own story.”
Our Reflections
While The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires wasn’t always easy to read (there were some dark, graphic moments), it was full of meaningful themes that sparked great conversations. We laughed, we cringed, and we learned a lot about ourselves and the importance of standing up for what’s right.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure about this book at first, but after talking it through with Michelle and reflecting on its lessons, I’m so glad we read it. It reminded me why book clubs—and community in general—are so powerful.
Our Texts!!!!
What’s Next?
Next week, we’ll wrap up our mini book club with Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross. If you’ve ever struggled with negative self-talk or spiraling thoughts, this book is for you. It’s practical, insightful, and… no trigger warnings this time!
Retreat Reflections
Before we go, we also want to encourage you to carve out time for yourself—whether it’s a solo getaway, a friend trip, or even a mini-retreat at home. This weekend has been such a gift for us to reset, refocus, and dream big.
Oh, and we’re dreaming of hosting our own retreats someday. Stay tuned for that!
Let’s Connect
Have you read The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires? What did you think?
What books should we read next (even if we don't keep doing the book club - or should we??)?
What do YOU want out of your year? Let’s brainstorm together!
Engage With Us: What were your key takeaways from this week's book?
Don’t forget to:
Rate and review the podcast.
Download and subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Share with friends who love a good book discussion.
As we've always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. I'd love for you to follow my Tami West Seminars Facebook page as well. If you'd like to know more about my Mental Health First Aid Courses, contact me at 615-497-7714 or tamiwest@tamiwest.com.
And next time, Consider Yourself Hugged (AND warned 😘🤗
Mental Health Resources:
Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC
Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), running (slowly), and Crossfit. Contact Michelle at Silver Lining Psychiatric Solutions, 615-378-7713 or mkixmill@gmail.com.
Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.
Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.
Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.
Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.
Television Interviews
Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com
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