Influencer and model Olivia Ponton, known for her vibrant social media presence, is making waves in the literary world with her new podcast, ‘Booked and Busy.’ In an exclusive interview, Ponton revealed her surprising choice for the author she’d entrust with her life story: none other than bestselling romance novelist Colleen Hoover, a decision that speaks volumes about her unexpected literary tastes and the narrative she envisions for her life.
In the dynamic landscape of social media, influencers often curate meticulously crafted public personas. However, Olivia Ponton, the Sports Illustrated model with nearly 11 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, is now pulling back the curtain to reveal a deeply personal and unexpected facet of her identity: her profound love for books. This passion has culminated in the launch of her new podcast, ‘Booked and Busy,’ which debuted on October 27, 2025.
Speaking exclusively with People, Ponton shared insights into her literary world, including the surprising author she would choose to chronicle her life story. This revelation offers fans a deeper understanding of the influencer’s narrative preferences and her vision for her own unfolding story.
The Genesis of ‘Booked and Busy’: A Literary Retreat
Ponton’s journey into avid reading began amidst the chaos of her burgeoning career. She openly admits that the pressure to read in her younger years initially deterred her. However, a moment of respite in 2021, driven by a need to unplug from her demanding schedule, led her to pick up a novel—a nearly 600-page book she devoured in just three days. This experience sparked a “little love story” with books, as she recounted to People.
The ‘Booked and Busy’ podcast is more than just a media endeavor; it’s a deliberate effort to push back against stereotypes and foster a community for fellow book lovers. Ponton, who is open about having ADHD, views reading as a crucial way to “completely unplug” from the constant demands of her influencer life, often finding solace in books during travel between gigs or red carpet appearances.
Key aspects of the podcast include:
- Styled as a “book club for the gal or guy who loves to escape reality.”
- Offers a space for followers to dive into Ponton’s favorite books and engage with other creators.
- Aims to curate a community where different opinions about books are welcomed and discussed.
- Primarily features books of fiction, challenging the notion that nonfiction is inherently more “intelligent.”
The Unexpected Choice: Colleen Hoover as Life’s Chronicler
Perhaps the most intriguing revelation from Ponton’s interview is her choice of Colleen Hoover to write her life story. Known for her wildly popular romance novels, Hoover might seem an unconventional pick for a biography, but for Ponton, the connection is clear.
“I think genre-wise, I’d want it to be pretty similar to a Colleen Hoover book,” Ponton explained. Her admiration for Hoover runs deep, evidenced by her brief cameo in the movie adaptation of Hoover’s acclaimed novel, ‘It Ends with Us.’ The allure for Ponton lies in Hoover’s signature narrative style.
“There’s always a big twist at the end of the book,” Ponton mused. “I don’t know what my big twist would be, but I’d want her to come up with something crazy.” This desire for dramatic flair and unexpected turns aligns perfectly with the escapist nature of fiction that Ponton champions on her podcast. For her, the essence of storytelling, even if fictionalized, holds immense power for learning and self-discovery.
Ponton’s Broader Literary Landscape
Beyond Hoover, Ponton’s reading list is a vibrant tapestry of popular fiction that resonates with her audience. Her podcast’s inaugural monthly read is Rebecca Yarros’s ‘Fourth Wing,’ a title that has garnered significant attention in the fantasy romance genre.
Other authors she frequently gushes about include Ana Huang, celebrated for her ‘Twisted’ series. Ponton also routinely shares her “haul” style videos on social media, documenting her monthly reads. During a recent trip to New York City, she showcased her diverse literary appetite by picking up several titles, including:
- ‘Murdle’ by G.T. Karber
- ‘The Good Girl Effect’ by Sara Cate
- ‘Bride’ by Ali Hazelwood
- ‘The American Roommate Experiment: A Novel’ by Elena Armas
- ‘Nobody in Particular’ by Sophie Gonzales
- ‘Caraval’ by Stephanie Garber
- ‘Older’ by Jennifer Hartmann
- ‘King of Greed’ by Ana Huang
- ‘Gild’ by Raven Kennedy
This extensive list demonstrates her commitment to exploring various narrative styles and connecting with stories that offer both entertainment and deeper meaning.
Life’s Own Twists: Public Incidents and Personal Growth
Just as she anticipates “big twists” in her hypothetical life story, Ponton’s own life has seen its share of unexpected events. In December 2024, she made headlines when she called the police to report a burglary at NFL quarterback Joe Burrow’s house in Ohio. While initially described as an employee in the police report, insiders later indicated to People that the pair had been “hooking up” casually since early fall.
More recently, Ponton shared a lighthearted “gym uh-oh” moment on Instagram, where a medicine ball bounced back unexpectedly, colliding with her face and drawing blood. She joked about being “humbled by the gym,” an anecdote that adds a relatable, human touch to her otherwise glamorous online persona.
The Evergreen Appeal of Storytelling
Olivia Ponton’s embrace of the literary world, particularly her preference for fiction and her intriguing choice of Colleen Hoover, underscores a universal truth: the enduring power of storytelling. For a new generation, influencers like Ponton are not just trendsetters but also curators of culture, guiding their followers toward passions that transcend superficiality.
Her ‘Booked and Busy’ podcast is poised to become a significant platform for fostering a love of reading, demonstrating that intelligence and depth can be found in all genres, and that true escape often lies within the pages of a well-told story. As Ponton navigates her multifaceted career, her literary endeavors provide a compelling narrative of growth, self-discovery, and the authentic pursuit of connection with her audience.
