🎧 The Reader's Heart Podcast | Guest: Rex Ogle
- Jennifer LaGarde
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read

I often joke that I didn't start The Reader's Heart, because I thought the world needed more podcasts. Rather, just like every other project I tackle, I started this podcast because, with all my heart, I believe the world does need more readers. With that goal in mind, the thing I *always* hope for when someone agrees to chat with me, is that our conversation will be authentic and that it will tackle important things (note: important doesn't have to mean heavy or sad!) What I didn't realize, going into this journey, was just how much this podcast would prove to be a balm for my own heart. I'll be honest, there are a lot of days when I find myself wondering what the point of my work is - particularly in the face of *gestures wildly at all the things.*
And then... someone like Rex Ogle accepts my invitation and it's like my internal compass magically recalibrates.
If you've read any of Rex's books, you already know he doesn't shy away from sharing his heart - scars and all. In fact, I would say that at least part of why his books are so popular (and critically acclaimed!) is because Rex is infinitely respectful of his readers: he tells them the truth. And he does it in a way that, while not sugar coated, is wrapped in the kind of care that can only come from someone who hasn't forgotten what it's like to live in the moments he writes about. I've said this before, but it's worth repeating here: kids are capable of carrying heavy things, but gosh... it sure is easier if you've got friends and allies around to help. Rex Ogle writes in a way that makes him feel like both. I'm so grateful for the work he does and I absolutely loved chatting with him for this episode. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.
ABOUT THIS WEEK'S GUEST

Rex Ogle is an award-winning author of more than a hundred books, comics, graphic novels, and memoirs—most notably Free Lunch (winner of the ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction), Abuela Don’t Forget Me (ALA/YALSA award for Excellence in Non-Fiction finalist), Road Home (a Micheal Printz Honor and Stonewall Honor book), and middle grade graphic novels Four Eyes and Pizza Face.
Under his pseudonym Rey Terciero, he also re-imagines classics as modern and diverse graphic novels, including Meg, Jo, Beth, & Amy, Northranger (nominated for both Harvey and GLAAD Media Awards), and Dan in Green Gables (coming in June 2025).
Born and raised in Texas, Rex now lives in Los Angeles where he writes every day—when he’s not reading X-Men, gaming with friends, or chasing his dog, Toby, trying to score a hug.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
Note: episode transcripts are generated by AI and are likely imperfect. Still, I hope you find them useful.
RESOURCES & LINKS
Please enjoy a special discount of 20% off the titles mentioned in this episode (or others of your choice) by visiting Bookelicious and using the code JENNIFERLAGARDE. Note: I do not make any money from these sales, but I am delighted that you get to save some!
Free Lunch by Rex Ogle
Four Eyes by Rex Ogle
Pizza Face by Rex Ogle
The Supernatural Society (Supernatural Society #1) by Rex Ogle
Curse of The Werewolves (Supernatural Society #2) by Rex Ogle
Rise of the Undead (Supernatural Society #3) by Rex Ogle
Connect with Rex
MORE ABOUT THE READER’S HEART
Rooted in the belief that our world needs the magic of children’s literature now more than ever, the Reader’s Heart podcast captures conversations with authors and illustrators about children's literature as a vehicle for empathy and joy in a dark world. I'm so excited about this project and it's my wish that it brings you as much light and hope as it has brought me.
Special thanks to Corinna Luyken for creating the beautiful illustration that will serve as the show's logo. I've always found Corinna's art so moving and she perfectly captured the spirit of what I am trying to do, which is to put warmth and love into the world during a time when so many are working to limit kids' access to the warmth and love inherent in children's literature. (Also, don't forget, you can use the discount above to buy Corinna's books from Bookelicious, too!)
If all goes to plan, episodes will drop on the 1st and the 15th of the month. Once you've had a chance to listen, I hope you will consider leaving The Reader's Heart a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review! Podcast reviews are one of the best ways to support your favorite shows and help others find these conversations.
WHERE TO LISTEN:
Wherever you listen to podcasts!