Books, Bites, and Sights

"I sha'n't be gone long. – You come too." – Robert Frost

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About Me

Hi, there! My name is Natalie Ray, and I am the creator of Books, Bites, and Sights.

This blog is space for me to focus more on the things that bring me joy: reading, yoga, spirituality, early mornings, travel, peanut butter, hot coffee, recovery, love, long phone calls, and more. I won’t be gone long— you come too.

Explore my authentic and unsolicited take on different books, bites, and sights from a variety of destinations by clicking on the drop downs. And don’t forget to leave a comment on your take, suggestions, or experiences.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

February 9th – 11th, 2026

Podcasts, Bites, and Sights: Because god forbid I am alone with my own thoughts.

So many yummy bites on the Big Island: Sweet potato smash burger with sprouts and a liliko maca bar from Island Naturals, SPAM Katsu roll from SUSHI COCORO, and local Kombucha from Big Island Booch

Amory and I put many miles on our Jeep rental while on the Big Island. As a girl, I dreaded long scenic drives. Breaking my eyes away from my Nintendo DS in the back of our 1991 suburban only when I would hear the ocassional “wow” from my parents. But now, I love them. And the Hawaiian Big Island offers many with Chain of Craters Road through Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park having been my favorite.

I agree – while on a scenic drive, nothing beats rolling all four windows down, letting the wind whip your hair (in my case an overgrown mullet), and staring out at the vast awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us. But with that same sentiment, I love listening to people blab endlessly about nothing or info-dump about niche things they know lots about. If you’re like me reader and enjoy the white-noise of another’s voice, read on for my favorite podcasts – and if you check one out while taking a drive, let me know what your thoughts were and where you went.

  1. Call Her Daddy with Alex Cooper
    • Honest, often raunchy conversations about sex, dating, relationships, and female empowerment; Alex always has iconic and notable guests, and she isn’t afraid to ask those risky, lucrative, tea-sipping questions.
    • My favorite episodes: Monica Lewinsky: An Intern vs. The President, Jane Fonda; The GOAT, Simone Biles: “I thought America hated me”
  2. The History Channel’s History This Week
    • Explores key historical moments, people, and decisions that reshaped the world; Sally Helms guides listeners through significant, and sometimes under-the-radar, historical moments throughout human history alongside expert guests. I easily fell in love with her comforting voice and clear, slow cadence. Bonus: episodes are short (30 minutes) making it perfect for a quick tune-in.
    • My favorite episodes: The Radium Girls Fight Back, Bill W.’s Last Drink and the Birth of Alcoholics Anonymous, The Mutiny of Henry Hudson
  3. Immersive Spanish with Kav
    • A story based, audio-focused podcast for beginning and intermediate Spanish language learners; I have been listening to this podcast since season 1, and Kav has only improved it with each consecutive season. This podcast is for those looking to learn practical Spanish vocabulary and grammar within a cultural context. Episodes are bite-size (20 – 30 minutes) and interactive. While episodes do follow a bit of a storyline, they can be listened to in isolation.
    • My favorite episode: Season 4, Episode 14 – Adios? (Goodbye?)
  4. Ologies with Alie Ward
    • Interviews of experts (“-ologists”) about their specialized fields; With kid-friendly episodes that I have used in my classroom to in-depth adult deep dive conversations, Ologies is for those like me who regularly find themselves 2 hours deep in those midnight Reddit rabbit holes. Alie gives objective, relevant, and current information all with a side of clever puns and giggle-inducing cliches.
    • My favorite episodes: Smologies #12: EATING BUGS with Julia Lesnik, Strigiformology (OWLS) with R. J. Gutierrez, Discard Anthropology (GARBAGE) with Robin Nagle
  5. Radiolab by WNYC:
    • An award-winning, highly professional podcast that explores complex topics of science, philosophy, and journalism. Lulu Miller and Litif Nasser have provoked, challenged, and changed my way of thinking more times than I can count. With this podcast, I am constantly running into the conundrum of so badly wanting to retell what I learned yet failing miserably – thank goodness for the modern day ability to share and airdrop episodes.
    • My favorite episodes: Inheritance, You v. You, Guts
  6. Your Mom’s House with Christine Pazsitzky and Tom Segura
    • Blunt, slapstick, unapologetic, explicit commentary comedy. Trigger warning. Trigger warning. And incase you missed it, trigger warning. This podcast is not for those easily triggered – and I love Christine and Tom all the more for it. The jokes can be jarring and at times I am left wondering if they are being genuine or doing a bit. While many may critique or cancel YMH, I think the hosts embody the saying, “I only said what everyone else was thinking.”
    • My favorite episodes: Ep. 737 Mugshot Matchmaking w/ Trevor Wallace, Mentalist Oz Pearlman Blows Our Minds, Ep. 780 The Most Anticipated Meal Ever w/ Fancy Chef

Xoxo to my favorite people. Signing off for now.

And if you’re the passenger princess on these scenic drives, you can scroll Amory’s TikTok below for shorts on our 63 in 365 adventures.

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