Bookish Flights

Send us Fan MailToday, I'm joined by bestselling author Annie Barrows to talk about her journey from editor to author, why she loves writing for children, and her Stella & Marigold series, including the newest book, Past and Presents. We also talk about the joy of getting lost in a story, writing with the reader in mind, and, of course, I couldn't let Annie go without asking about one of my favorites, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.Episode Highlights:Annie's journey from editor to author and the moment she realized the writers were having more funWhy she loves writing for children and believes kids are “the most interesting people on earth”The Stella & Marigold series and writing stories that entertain and respect young readersWhy Annie believes a writer's first loyalty should be to the readerThe pleasure of slowing down with a book and how reading can make us better writersThe joy of stepping outside yourself and living in someone else's world through a storyThe Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and why Annie believes the book continues to connect so deeply with readersConnect with Annie:WebsiteInstagramFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:David Copperfield by Charles Dickens Ivy and Bean by Annie BarrowsThe Best of Iggy for Annie Barrows (series for boys)Like by Annie BarrowsThe Magic Half by Annie BarrowsIndigo's Star by Hilary KayBook FlightThe Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall (Middle Grade)Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Klan, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall (Picture book)Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (Fairy tale - early chapter book, read aloud)The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:One chapter book for growing readersOne picture book for our littlest readersA few family conversation starters + a simple activityThree books. One common theme.→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamilySupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailToday's episode features Alex Alexander, author of Are We Friends Yet: How to Deepen Your Relationships and Create the Community You Need and host of the Friendship IRL podcast. Alex and I talk about writing her first book, what surprised her about the process, and her experience navigating self-publishing versus traditional publishing. We also explore the ideas at the heart of her work: how reframing the way we think about friendship can make connection feel much more accessible. Her book flight features books about friendship and connection.Episode Highlights:How Friendship IRL and Are We Friends Yet? complement each otherWhat surprised Alex most about writing her first bookSelf-publishing versus traditional publishingWhy continuing to “put in the reps” matters as a writerReframing what friendship and community can look likeSimple ways to connect with the people already in our livesHow sharing something as simple as a favorite book can build connectionConnect with Alex:InstagramWebsiteFriendship IRL PodcastSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Good Friends by Priya VulchiBook FlightModern Friendship by Anna GoldfarbHow We Show Up by Mia BirdsongThe Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerThe BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:One chapter book for growing readersOne picture book for our littlest readersA few family conversation starters + a simple activityThree books. One common theme.→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamilySupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week, I'm joined by Zibby Owens—bestselling author, host of Totally Booked with Zibby, and founder of Zibby Media—to talk about her new memoir, Between Chapters. We talk about motherhood, reinvention, the emotions that come with telling your own story, and what she discovered looking back over a decade of her life. After interviewing more than 2,300 authors herself, Zibby also shares what all of those conversations have taught her about people, stories, and books.Episode Highlights:How reflecting on a decade of her life became Between ChaptersThe uncertainty of not always knowing when one chapter is ending and another is beginningReal-life motherhood and the messy moments that come with itWhat writing this memoir helped Zibby learn about herselfWhy we don't need to compare our hard things to someone else'sWhat she has learned from interviewing more than 2,300 authorsBuilding a life and career around books, stories, and connectionAnd, of course, how she manages to find time to read!Zibby's Book Flight: Memoirs from debut authors coming out this fall, each centered around overcoming something.Connect with Zibby:InstagramWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Slow Motion by Dani ShapiroThe Things You'll Never Know by Ashley Audrain (Pub date 01/12/27)Book FlightDownhill by Juana LibedinskyTell Me About Joy by Kara KavenskyDesire Feeds the Feast by Tarajia Morell (Pub date 11/03/26)Dessert PairingBetween Chapters by Zibby OwensThe BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:One chapter book for growing readersOne picture book for our littlest readersA few family conversation starters + a simple activityThree books. One common theme.→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamilySupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailToday's episode features Gordon Jack, author of Poppy Montgomery Gets Even. After 30 years as a high school librarian and writing two young adult novels, Gordon is turning his attention to adult fiction with a cozy mystery featuring an unforgettable octogenarian crime fighter. He talks about how his years surrounded by books shaped him as a writer, finding humor in complicated characters, and bringing two generations experiencing loneliness together on the page. His Book Flight features funny books that influenced his own writing and sense of humor.Episode HighlightsOn the natural pairing of librarians and writers: “You are in a world of books and surrounded by them.”How rereading taught Gordon to notice “the craft of a sentence and word choice”Why “the most important thing about being a writer is that you are interesting to yourself”Finding humor in the fact that “people are complicated and have faults”Why Gordon considers himself “more a tinkerer than a creator”Exploring loneliness among young men and older adults and bringing those generations together through fictionConnect with Gordon:InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. SalingerHercule Poirot series by Agatha ChristieSheila Grau booksTranscription by Ben LernerNothing to See Here by Kevin WilsonCountry People by Daniel MasonNest of Tongues by Randy RibayBook FlightJoy in the Morning by P.G. WodehouseToday Will Be Different by Marie SempleCivilWarland in Bad Decline by George SaundersDessert PairingBirds of America by Lorrie MooreEpisode Sponsor - The Future Lab with Lee SchneiderThe BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:One chapter book for growing readersOne picture book for our littlest readersA few family conversation starters + a simple activityThree books. One common theme.→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamilySupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailNew York Times bestselling author Penn Cole joins me to celebrate Burn of the Everflame, the fourth book in her Kindred's Curse Saga. We talk about her journey from self-publishing to hybrid publishing, building her community one reader at a time, and the growing influence readers have on the publishing landscape. Penn also shares what it takes to write both sides of romantasy well, how fantasy creates space for political and social commentary, and why she stood behind her work when traditional publishing came calling.Episode Highlights:Penn's lifelong love of reading and writingBuilding a community one reader at a timeHow readers are influencing the publishing landscapePenn's journey from indie to hybrid publishingWriting both the romance and fantasy sides of romantasy wellFinding fresh ways to approach the romance formulaUsing fantasy to explore political and social issuesWhy writers should take their time before publishingHer Book Flight includes books that gave her “lightbulb moments” in her own writingConnect with Penn:WebsiteInstagramFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Lore of the Wilds / Heir of the Prophecy by Analeigh SbranaBook FlightKushiel's Dart by Jacqueline CareyChildren of the Star by Sylvia EngdahlZodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Suzanne ValentiThe BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:One chapter book for growing readersOne picture book for our littlest readersA few family conversation starters + a simple activityThree books. One common theme.→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamilySupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailToday's guest is Hank Phillipi Ryan, the USA Today bestselling author of seventeen thrillers, including the Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning All This Could Be Yours. A true powerhouse in the mystery and suspense world, she won every major award in the genre and has captivated readers around the globe with her twist-filled novels. Before becoming one of today's most celebrated thriller writers, Hank spent decades as an award-winning investigative reporter in Boston, earning an incredible 37 Emmy Awards for journalists that changed lives and even helped shaped new laws. Today, we're celebrating her latest thriller, Mother Daughter Sister Stranger. Her book flight includes timeless novels she has re-read many times in the crime genre.Episode Highlights:Hank's 40-year career as a reporter and investigative journalist—and how it shaped her as a storytellerMaking the career leap from reporting true crime to writing fictional crimeWhy learning to make something up was one of the biggest challenges of becoming a novelistThe idea of a “you never know day”and staying open to the unexpectedWhat Hank has learned from years of interviewing other writersHow different people can experience the exact same family history and remember it completely differentlyThe family secrets, perspectives and questions of truth at the heart of Mother, Daughter, Sister, StrangerWhy Hank says she still learns something every single day she writesThe power of watching fictional characters triumph—and how their victories can give readers hope, tooConnect with Hank:WebsiteInstagramFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Prime Time by Hank Phillipi RyanNancy Drew novels by Carolyn Keene Sherlock Holmes novels by Sir Arthur Conan DoyleNgiao Marsh booksJosephine Tey booksDorothy Sayers booksBookish Flights Narrative Non-Fiction ListWinter's Tale by Mark HalprinYou'll Be Sorry by Lisa GardnerThe Unknown by Riley SagerBook FlightThe Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha ChristieIn Cold Blood by Truman CapoteThe Stand by Stephen KingThe BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:One chapter book for growing readersOne picture book for our littlest readersA few family conversation starters + a simple activityThree books. One common theme.→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamilySupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Andre Hardy, a former NFL player turned writer and author of the debut crime novel Tear the City Down. Set in San Diego against the high-stakes world of professional football, the novel draws on Andre's own experiences in the NFL while exploring the darker sides of the sport and the city. We also talk about his path to writing, the role of jazz throughout the Coltrane series, and the experiences that shaped his storytelling.Episode HighlightsAndre's journey from professional football to writing and what led him to put his own NFL experiences on the pageLooking beyond the glitz & glamour of professional football to the physical toll on players, particularly their bodies and brainsExploring the contrasts of San Diego and what lies beneath the beautiful version of the city most people seeWhy Andre believes writing about books challenges us to slow down, think more deeply, and examine what we believeThe influence of John Coltrane & how pairing the novels with Coltrane's music creates a bigger, broader experience for readersAndre's book flight of atmospheric mysteries and thrillers, including stories featuring male protagonists navigating fatherhood and relationships with their daughtersConnect with Andre:InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Edgar Allen Poe booksThe Blue Flame by George PelecanosRecord Lows by CJ GreenJames McBride booksPercival Everett booksMiddle Passage by Charles JohnsonThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldDarktown by Thomas MullenGhalen by Walter MosleyBook FlightDevil in a Blue Dress by Walter MosleyPegasus Descending by James Lee BurkeShe Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's BFF Book Club episode, I'm chatting with romantic suspense author Natalie Walters about our August pick, Spies, Lies, and Alibis. Natalie takes us behind the scenes of this Mr. & Mrs. Smith-inspired story and shares how she found her way to romantic suspense, what makes an idea worthy of becoming a novel, and why authenticity matters even in a story filled with spies, secrets, and high-stakes situations.Episode Highlights:How Natalie found her way into writing romantic suspense and the inspiration behind Spies, Lies, and Alibis.Why “not every idea is a story and not every story idea works,” and how she determines which ideas are worth pursuing.Her desire to create stories that feel authentic and believable, even when the circumstances are larger than life.Why “there has to be a cost to the decisions a character makes, one way or the other.”Balancing suspense, romance, and humor to create the kind of escape that makes readers think, “That was so fun, let's do it again.”Trusting readers to fill in the“Not every idea is a story and not every story idea works.”Connect with Natalie:InstagramWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I am chatting with Jessica Guerrieri, an award-winning novelist and essayist whose literary fiction explores the complexities of motherhood, identity, family, and the ways our past continues to shape us. She is the author of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, winner of the 2023 Maurice Prize for Fiction, and her newest novel, Both Can Be True. Beyond her fiction, Jessica is a passionate voice in essays on sobriety and mental health communities. Her book flight includes books that explore alcoholism and addiction. Episode Highlights:How writing became a form of escapism for Jessica as a new mom and in early sobrietyGiving ourselves permission to have an identity outside of motherhoodSobriety, identity, and figuring out what comes next in recoveryHow alcohol can numb both the difficult and joyful parts of lifeWhy reaching for our phones and doomscrolling doesn't actually give us the recharge we're looking forWriting complex women and allowing two conflicting truths to exist at onceWhy Jessica wants to write book club fiction that creates feelings, opinions, and conversationsThe intimacy of reading and how books allow us to experience someone else's life from the safety of our ownA book flight exploring alcoholism, addiction, motherhood, and family dynamicsConnect with Jessica:InstagramWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Dare to Lead by Brene BrownNothing Hurt and Everything Was Beautiful by Ben ReevesBook FlightBoth Can Be True by Jessica GuerrieriThe Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (also The Burning Side)The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I am chatting with Alli Dyer. Alli was born in Tennessee and raised in the mountains of Virginia. Alli is the author of Strange Folk and her latest novel, Night Songs. For the last decade, she worked in the entertainment and book publishing, bringing a unique perspective to the stories she tells. We dive into Night Songs and the inspiration behind its story of family legacy, music, and discovering where we come from. Alli shares how growing up in the mountains of Virginia shaped her writing and why sensory details are so important when bringing a setting to life. We also talk about the stories that expand our understanding of the world and the special place audiobooks hold in Alli's reading and writing life.Episode Highlights:The childhood fantasy of discovering there is something special hidden in your family historyHow place, memory, and sensory details find their way into fictionWriting about family legacy and the stories we inheritAlli's love of audiobooks and how listening influences her storytellingThe books that have expanded her understanding of the worldHer book flight includes audiobooks that have influenced her writing and storytellingConnect with Alli:WebsiteInstagramFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:The Coal Miner's Daughter by Loretta Lynn & George VesceyThe Real Americans by Rachel KuongHeart Food album - Judee SillHamnet by Maggie O'FarrellThe Witches by Roald DahlThe Children by Melissa AlbertYesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeBook FlightPriestdaddy by Patricia LockwoodThe Knockout Queen by Rufi ThorpeAll the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailToday's episode features Thao Thai, bestselling author of Banyan Moon. She joins us to discuss her latest novel, The Seekers of Deer Creek, a captivating story of two estranged sisters whose search for a lost painting uncovers long-buried family secrets stretching across generations and continents.In our conversation, we explore the many ways art preserves history and memory, the fascinating world of art conservation, and what it truly means to be an artist. Thao shares how her travels inspired the settings in the novel, why creativity is essential even in the busiest seasons of life, and how motherhood has shaped her writing. We also discuss the joy of reading physical books, the importance of making space for creativity, and why everyone has an inner artist waiting to be discovered.Episode HighlightsThe inspiration behind The Seekers of Deer CreekWhy art is one of history's greatest storytellersThe unseen work of preserving paintings and cultural artifactsVietnamese identity and artistic legacyBalancing motherhood and a creative careerThe value of reading physical booksWhy everyone should embrace their inner artistThao's book flight includes books about art and artistsConnect with Thao:InstagramWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine ArdenAll the Beauty in the World by Patrick BringleySula by Toni MorrisonClutch by Emily NemensBook FlightAlmost Life by Kiran Millwood HargraveSirens & Muses by Antonia AngressAnita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen to discuss her latest novel, The Castle in the Glen. We explore the inspiration behind the story, why the Isle of Skye was the perfect setting, and how Rhys layers mysteries "like peeling away the layers of an onion."Rhys also shares why she always travels to every location she writes about, how switching between her beloved mystery series and standalone novels keeps her creatively energized, and why returning to longtime characters feels like attending a high school reunion with old friends. Rhys' book flight includes dual-timeline novels.Episode Highlights:The inspiration behind The Castle in the Glen and writing a novel in another author's voiceWhy the Isle of Skye became the perfect settingHow traveling to each setting shapes her storytellingThe differences between writing standalone novels and a long-running seriesWhy revisiting recurring characters feels like reconnecting with old friendsWhy she believes she'll always have more stories than she can writeConnect with Rhys:WebsiteFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Tony Hillerman booksAgatha Christie booksThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienMolly Murphy series by Rhys BowenJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteThe Chateau on Sunset by Natasha LesterBook FlightThe Book of Lost and Found by Lucy FoleyThe Restoration Garden by Sara BlaydesHomecoming by Kate Morton✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week on Bookish Flights, internationally bestselling author Anna Johnston of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife and she  returns to discuss her heartfelt new novel, When Lemons Give You Life. Inspired by her years working in aged care, Anna shares why she loves writing older characters who remind us that every stage of life still has purpose, dignity, and the capacity for joy. Episode Highlights:The inspiration behind When Lemons Give You Life and why she calls it "an antidote to despair"Writing Lisa's character from her own experience of receiving an adult ADHD diagnosisThe misconceptions surrounding ADHD in women and why she hopes readers feel seenResearching the unique challenges older LGBTQ+ adults can face in aged careWhy cooking can become its own love language and a powerful way to care for othersHow stories help us build empathy and compassion—especially for older generationsAnna's book flight features 3 memoirsConnect with Anna:InstagramFacebookWebsiteBooks and authors mentioned in the episode:Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North / The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel JoyceMy Friends by Fredrik BackmanBook FlightDon't Buy What I'm Selling by Lu ChekowskyImogen in Waiting by Lindsay BartelsThe Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie JakuThis episode is sponsored by Baker Book House, they brought a sweet, summer contemporary book flight. Enjoy 30% off and free shipping on any books ordered directly through their website.Bookmarked for Love by Sarah MonzonIn a Word, Yes by Kit ToselloAlmost by Design by Jenny Erlingsson✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Ginny Kochis, author of Quirky Catholic Kids. Ginny shares what inspired her to write a practical guide for parents raising neurodivergent children through the lens of faith, while reminding us that many of these lessons apply to parenting children of all ages.We discuss what neurodivergence really means, why emotional regulation begins with us as parents, and how learning to respond instead of react can transform our homes. Ginny also offers practical next steps for families who suspect their child may be experiencing developmental or learning differences, including resources available through schools, Child Find, and neuropsychological evaluations.Above all, this conversation is an encouraging reminder to celebrate the unique children God has entrusted to us rather than comparing them to someone else's expectations.Episode Highlights:What inspired Ginny to write Quirky Catholic KidsWhat neurodivergence is—and what it isn'tWhy emotional regulation can't be taught in the middle of a meltdownPractical ways parents can respond instead of reactLearning to embrace your child's unique giftsFinding evaluations and support through schools, Child Find, and neuropsychologistsParenting with faith, grace, and confidence instead of comparisonConnect with Ginny:WebsitePurchase Quirky Catholic KidsInstagramSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Episode 46: A Book Flight Representing Neurodivergent Teens with Ginny KochisRaising Your Spirited Child by Mary Scheedy KurcinkaA Million Junes by Emily HenryAnnabel Monaghan's booksAshley Poston booksKatherine Center booksBook FlightPhysica by Hildegaard van BingenA Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus by Louis and Zelie MartinGod Loves the Autistic Mind by Father Matthew Snyder✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailAs a physical therapist, I spent years helping people build habits that would improve their lives long after they left the clinic. Those experiences taught me that lasting change doesn't happen in one big moment—it happens through small, consistent choices.Lately, I've found myself asking that same question about reading.What makes someone a reader?As a lifelong reader and mom of three, I wanted to know what the research actually says about why some people develop a lifelong love of books while others struggle to make reading a habit.In this solo episode, we're diving into the science behind reading habits and the practical ways we can create environments where reading becomes a joyful, natural part of everyday life.In this episode, we discuss:Why enjoyment matters more than pressure when it comes to lifelong readingThe powerful role parents and caregivers play by modeling readingHow your environment influences your reading habits more than motivation aloneWhy giving children—and adults—the freedom to choose their own books makes all the differencePractical ways to encourage a lifelong love of reading at any ageWhether you're hoping to read more yourself or you're raising the next generation of readers, this episode is filled with encouraging, research-backed ideas that you can start putting into practice today.Books MentionedAtomic Habits by James ClearI'd Love to Hear From You - What made you a reader?Come join the conversation on Instagram and Threads @bookishflights, and let me know the book, person, or moment that sparked your love of reading.If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a fellow book lover.Happy reading, my friends!✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week, I'm joined by Erin Kirschenmann—lifelong reader, wine educator, and founder of Novel Pairings, an online book and wine membership that brings together thoughtfully curated books, wine pairings, playlists, community, and in-person events.Whether you're a wine enthusiast or someone who has no idea what to order, Erin makes wine feel approachable and fun. We talk about why books and wine pair so naturally and how to take the intimidation out of choosing a bottle. Erin and I also issued a challenge for all of us: a few times each day, reach for your book instead of your phone. Slow down. Be intentional. And maybe even pour yourself a glass of wine while you're at it.Special OfferErin is generously offering Bookish Flights listeners their first month of Novel Pairings completely free. Use the code BOOKISHFLIGHTS when you join.Whether you're looking for your next great read, your next favorite bottle of wine, or simply an excuse to slow down and enjoy both, I think you're going to love this conversation.Connect with Erin:InstagramWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:The Hunting Party by Lucy FoleyThe Ex Hex by Erin StirlingAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidRites of the Starling by Devney PerryLands of Lost Borders by Kate HarrisThe Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate FaganPlot PendingSense and Sensibility by Jane AustenJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteThe Historian by Elizabeth KostovaMaine Characters by Hannah OrensteinThe Astral Library by Kate QuinnThe Wedding People by Alison EspachBook FlightThe Science of Wine by Jaime GoodeBig Macs and Burgundy by Vanessa PriceWine and War by Don & Petie Kladstrup✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week, I'm joined by Julie Carrick Dalton, journalist, former organic farmer and beekeeper, and author of The Forest Becomes Her. Julie's novels are deeply rooted in the natural world, exploring the relationship between people, place, and the communities we build together.Inspired by her own experience watching a beloved forest disappear to development, The Forest Becomes Her is ultimately a story about what a community loses when a forest is gone. Through the lives of three women navigating grief, motherhood, and identity, Julie invites readers to consider our connection to the land beneath our feet and the lasting impact of the choices we make.In this episode, we talk about how Julie's years running an organic farm shaped every one of her novels, the decision to purchase a 220-acre forest to preserve it, why fiction allows her to explore life's biggest truths, and the joy of listening to audiobooks while tending her gardenEpisode Highlights:How Julie's years running an organic farm continue to inspire her writing & real-life experience behind The Forest Becomes HerParenting, motherhood, and raising children with a connection to natureHow fiction helps us understand the world in ways journalism sometimes cannotJulie's love of gardening with an audiobook playing in the backgroundJulie's Book Flight and fictional books that help us see the world differentlyConnect with Julie:WebsiteInstagramFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:The Last Beekeeper by Julie Carrick DaltonRed Clocks by Leni ZumasThe Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John MandelJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteThe Afterlife Project / The Gatepost by Tim WeedBook FlightStation Eleven by Emily St. John MandelA Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghySalvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by beloved children's author Kate DiCamillo for a conversation about something much bigger than writing. We explore what it means to be a reader, why stories shape us long after childhood, and how a love of books can become one of the greatest gifts we pass from one generation to the next.Kate's stories, including Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and Flora & Ulysses, have become treasured companions for millions of readers and families. As The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane celebrates its 20th anniversary with a beautiful collector's edition this fall, Kate reflects on the enduring power of children's literature and the stories that continue to find us at every stage of life.Together, we talk about reading aloud, protecting time to read in a busy world, why literature helps us tell and bear the truth, and how simply showing up each day can transform both our reading lives and our creative lives.Whether you've loved Kate's books since childhood, are discovering them with your own children, or simply want to rekindle your love of reading, this conversation is a beautiful reminder of why stories matter at every age.Episode Highlights:Why Kate has always identified first and foremost as a reader.The magic of reading aloud and why it allows us to meet one another without our armor.The children's books every adult should revisit.Kate's daily reading habit, including putting her phone on Airplane Mode.The surprising lesson she's learned from showing up to write every day.Kate's Book Flight includes books she routinely re-reads and she wants everyone to readConnect with Kate:WebsiteFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Ribsy by Kate DiCamilloCharlotte's Web by E.B. WhiteThe Once and Future Kingby T.H. WhiteTheo of Golden by Allen LeviIsak Dinesen by Judith ThurmanSame as it Ever Wasby Claire LombardoDeath at the Sign of the Rook by Kate AtkinsonBook FlightFoster by Claire KeeganGilead by Marilynne RobinsonOld Filth by Jane Gardham✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bookish Flights, I'm joined by middle grade author and podcaster Becca Wierwille. She is the author of the Road Trip Rescue series and the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries. Becca writes stories that help kids embrace what makes them unique and discover the adventures waiting for them. Together, we discuss the power of children's books, how stories help build empathy, the importance of reading aloud, and why the middle grade years are such a pivotal time in a reader's life. We also chat about her podcast, Ice Cream with Authors, and the books that helped shape her journey from young reader to published author.Episode Highlights:Why “work-life harmony” matters more than work-life balanceThe power of small actions and intentional pausesCareer reinvention and starting over in different seasons of lifeHow burnout often disconnects us from our own needsRecognizing the through-lines in your personal and professional journeyBuilding a life that prioritizes flexibility, family, and fulfillmentConnect with Becca:WebsitePurchase:Road Trip Rescue series (ages 8-12 years old)Scout and Barnaby (ages 6-10 years old), Kickstarter campaign for Book 4InstagramSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Writing Off Social podcastThe Read-Aloud Family by Sarah MackenzieSecrets at Sparhawk Point by Anna Rose JohnsonInto a Golden Era by Gabrielle MeyerTo Love a Lady by Gabrielle MeyerBook FlightBecause of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Contemporary Realistic Fiction, ages 9-12)Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence (Fairy Tale Fantasy, ages 8-12; featured on Ep. 4 of Ice Cream with Authors) The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson (Historical, ages 8-12; featured on Ep. 38 with Ice Cream for Authors)✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by award-winning author Martha Engber for a thoughtful conversation about storytelling, curiosity, and the power of fiction to help us better understand ourselves and others. We chat about her Mary Donahue Chronicles, including Winter Light and Scattered Light, and explore themes of trauma, healing, self-worth, and the experiences that shape us throughout our lives. Drawing from her background in journalism, Martha shares how observation and asking questions have shaped her writing, why curiosity matters more than judgment, and how stories can offer readers a safe space to explore difficult topics. Episode Highlights:Martha's journey from journalism to novelist and screenwriterHow journalism taught her the art of observation and asking better questionsWhy curiosity is essential for both writers and readersThe role fiction plays in helping us understand our own lives and experiencesWriting about trauma, healing, and the hard things we face as humansThe conversation around trigger warnings in booksGiving ourselves grace and letting go of unrealistic expectationsReading what you love instead of what you think you should readMartha's book flight featuring small press books and authentic human storiesConnect with Martha:InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererBook FlightPerfect Little Worlds by Clifford Mae HendersonA Little Lifeby Hanya YanagiharaThe Outsiders by S.E. HintonDessert PairingThe Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Bookish Flights, I am joined by author and podcaster Landis Wade. A recovering trial lawyer, Landis is the author of the award-winning Indie Retirement Mystery series, including his newest release, Deadly Gold Rush. He is also the founder of the Charlotte Readers Podcast, where he has interviewed more than 500 authors.Our conversation goes beyond mystery writing as we discuss finding a meaningful "third act" after a successful career, the surprising similarities between law and storytelling, the value of writing communities, and why it's never too late to learn something new. Landis shares wisdom from both sides of the microphone and offers encouragement for writers at every stage of the journey.Episode Highlights:Transitioning from trial lawyer to author and podcasterBuilding a creative "third act" after a successful careerWhy lawyers often make strong writersLessons learned from interviewing more than 500 authorsThe importance of finding a writing group and literary communityWhy rejection is a shared experience among all writersHow persistence can help writers navigate setbacksEmbracing lifelong learning and new challengesA look at Deadly Gold Rush and the history that inspired the novelConnect with Landis:WebsiteInstagramFacebookGet Landis' books:The Writing LifeIndie Retirement seriesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:David Baldacci booksSteve Berry booksA Time to Kill by John GrishamOld Schoolby Gordon KormanThe Thursday Murder Club by Richard OsmanThe Eighteenth Green by Webb HubbellRevelation by Robert ParkerBook FlightLonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryThe Sackett Family saga by Louis L'AmourAll the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Joanna Davidson Politano to discuss her latest novel, The Life She Forgot. Known for her atmospheric historical fiction and layered mysteries, Joanna shares the inspiration behind the novel, the first in a new series set around a house built into the cliffs of Cornwall. We talk about her love of creating immersive settings and why she believes there's a difference between a romance and a true love story.We also talk about writing while raising young children, the twists and turns of crafting a mystery, and how books allow us to travel the world without ever leaving home.Episode Highlights:Why Joanna believes "it is fun to travel through fiction"The difference between a romance and a love storyWhat it means to truly love someone well How she builds twists and surprises into her novelsBecoming a "naptime novelist" while raising young childrenConnect with Joanna:InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester to discuss her latest novel, The Chateau on Sunset, a feminist reimagining of Jane Eyre set within the legendary walls of the Chateau Marmont.Natasha shares the fascinating history behind one of Hollywood's most infamous hotels, where generations of actors, musicians, writers, and dreamers have lived, worked, and occasionally gotten into trouble. We talk about her research process, what it was like staying at the Chateau herself, and how the hotel's rich history inspired the atmosphere of the novel.Episode Highlights:The fascinating history of the Chateau Marmont and its connection to Hollywood legends and why it makes the perfect summer readThe enduring appeal of Gothic storytelling and Jane EyreThe themes of ambition, identity, and independence woven throughout Natasha's novelsWhy women should never feel the need to make themselves smaller to get aheadThe importance of turning dreams into actionNatasha's book flight includes some of her favorite readsConnect with Natasha:InstagramWebsiteFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Demon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverHello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoEnid Blyton booksYesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeBook FlightThe Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'FarrellThe Night Circus by Erin MorgensternRomantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn this latest installment of our Year of the Military Spouse series, Kara sits down with Kirst, co-founder of Wives of the Armed Forces (WAF), a community created to help military significant others feel less alone in the unpredictability of military life.What began as a small Air Force spouse community built by Kirst and her co-founder Jen has grown into a welcoming space for military spouses across all branches — one centered on encouragement, resilience, and meaningful connection. Together, Kara and Kirst discuss the realities of military spouse life, including the career sacrifices and overqualification many spouses experience while constantly rebuilding community and identity through moves and transitions.They also explore the role online spaces can play in helping military spouses feel seen and supported, while encouraging people to turn those digital connections into lasting, in-person friendships and local community. Kirst also shares how reading has become a meaningful way for her to step away from screen time and create household rhythms in everyday life.Episode Highlights:Why military spouses are often incredibly overqualified yet underrecognized professionallyThe fast and deeply rooted nature of military friendshipsHow WAF was created to foster positive, solution-oriented community for military spousesReplacing screen time with reading time and building healthier daily habitsWhy meaningful in-person relationships still matter deeply in military lifeConnect with Wives of the Armed Forces:InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. MaasHarry Potter series by J.K. RowlingMagic Tree House books by Mary Pope OsborneMy Friends by Fredrik BackmanBook FlightA Mother's Rule for Life by Holly PierlotMy Sisters the Saints by Colleen Carroll CampbellThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerDessert PairingThe Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Virginia Pye, author of Marriage and Other Monuments, to discuss writing stories set in what she calls “the recent past” and why she's drawn to exploring moments of cultural and personal change through fiction. We talked about the emotional balance of writing difficult subjects while still leaving space for hope, the surprising role the river played while shaping the novel, and her path to becoming a novelist after raising young children. Virginia also shares a book flight featuring three recent reads she's loved lately.Episode Highlights:Why twists and surprises matter in her storytellingHer favorite character to write in Marriage and Other MonumentsHow setting can evolve into its own presence within a storyThe marathon-like reality of writing book-length fictionBalancing literary work with teaching, editing, and readingA reading life centered around curiosity and craftConnect with Virginia:InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann by Virginia PyeHistorical Fiction: Remarkable Women and the Rich History of the South with Katherine Scott Crawford (Ep. 203)Lad: a Dog by Albert Payson TerhuneBlack Beauty by Anna SewellGood Dirt by Charmaine WilkersonI Felt My Life with Both My Hands by Jessica TreadwayKin by Tayari JonesBook FlightDream State by Eric PuchnerThis is Not About Us by Allegra GoodmanSmall Town Girls by Jayne Anne Phillips✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailThis week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Lindsay Barnett, workplace experience strategist, coach, speaker, and author of Working Hell to Working Well: Making Your Company Work For You. We talk about career reinvention, burnout, identity, and what it looks like to create a life where work supports you instead of consuming you. Lindsay shares her journey from moving to Australia without a clear plan to discovering the through-line that connected all the different chapters of her career. Together, we explore why so many people, especially military spouses and anyone navigating seasons of change, can feel stuck in constant reinvention and how small intentional actions can begin creating meaningful change.This conversation is practical, encouraging, and full of reminders that work is only one part of a full life.Episode Highlights:Why “work-life harmony” matters more than work-life balanceThe power of small actions and intentional pausesCareer reinvention and starting over in different seasons of lifeHow burnout often disconnects us from our own needsRecognizing the through-lines in your personal and professional journeyBuilding a life that prioritizes flexibility, family, and fulfillmentConnect with Lindsay:LinkedInOur Kind of Club websitePurchase Working Hell to Working Well: Making Your Company Work for YouSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Isabel Allende booksDan Brown booksLeadership Embodiment by Wendy PalmerMeditations for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver BurkemanBook FlightThe Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerThe Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier, and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness by Dr. Kelly HardingThe Midnight Library by Matt Haig✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I'm joined by Michelle Maryk to discuss her debut novel, The Found Object Society—an atmospheric speculative suspense story that blends grief, curiosity, addiction, and the supernatural into a wholly original reading experience.Michelle shares her journey back to fiction after careers in acting, comedy, and voice work, and how those experiences helped shape her confidence and voice as a writer. We talk about her lifelong love of horror and speculative fiction, the emotional themes underneath the story, and the kind of reading experience she hopes to create for readers. This conversation explores storytelling, creativity, grief, and learning to trust yourself on the page—all while diving into a novel built around a mysterious society where members can relive the final moments of someone else's life.Episode Highlights:How Michelle's background in improv, acting, and comedy shaped her writing voiceWhy speculative fiction and horror have always felt like home to her as a storytellerWhat she hopes readers take away from The Found Object SocietyConnect with Michelle:InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Margaret Atwood booksMidnight in the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew SullivanMidnight at Soap Lake by Matthew SullivanLou Berney booksMegan Abbott booksOn Writing by Stephen KingTime and Again by Jack FinneyKing of Ashes by S.A. CrosbyThe Doorman by Chris PavoneBook FlightThe Paradox Hotel by Rob HartThe Dream Hotel by Laila LalamiGood Neighbors by Sarah Langan✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailEmily Lynn Paulson joins us on Bookish Flights to talk about her latest novel, The Revenge Party, a dark and twisty psychological thriller about power, manipulation, revenge, and the masks people wear behind polished lives. Known for exploring the tension between image and reality in both her fiction and nonfiction, Emily shares what it was like stepping into thriller writing after writing so personally in memoir and investigative nonfiction.We also talk about creativity, motherhood, online identity, and the freedom, and the vulnerability that comes with different forms of storytelling. Plus, Emily brings a fascinating book flight centered around influencer families and curated lives.Episode Highlights:Transitioning from nonfiction into fictionWriting thrillers with emotional and thematic depthThe freedom of fictional storytellingWhy writing unlikeable characters can be difficultBalancing writing with motherhood and everyday lifeConnect with Emily:InstagramWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Strangers by Belle BurdenAmerican Fantasy by Emma StraubBook FlightLike, Follow, Subscribe by Fortesa LatifiA Well-Trained Wife by Tia LevingsYesteryear by Caro Claire Burke✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Bookish Flights, where we tell our stories through the books that shape us. Today's episode is a celebration of libraries and the magic that happens inside them. I'm joined by Gigi Howard — librarian of 15 years and host of Drinks in the Library, the only library where drinks aren't just allowed, they're required.We talk about her librarian heart, the unwritten (and very real) rules of librarianship, and why protecting a reader's experience matters so deeply. Gigi shares what it's really like working in a library, why she started her podcast, and how books can meet us exactly where we are.Whether you're a lifelong library lover or someone trying to find your way back to reading, this conversation is a reminder that there truly is a book for everyone.So grab your library card — or your favorite drink — and let's dive in.Episode Highlights:What 15 years in libraries has taught Gigi about readersThe “rules” of librarianship (and why they matter)The brilliance of graphic novels and raising kids who love books and storiesThe question every librarian asks to find the right bookHow Drinks in the Library came to lifeWhy diminishing a reader's experience does more harm than goodA full Xochitl Gonzalez book flightConnect with Gigi:InstagramDrinks in the Library PodcastSubstackSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Gingko Season by Naomi Xu ElegantThe Thirteenth Tale by Diane SetterfieldOnce Upon a River by Diane SetterfieldBird by Bird by Anne LamottOn Beauty by Zadie SmithXochitl Gonzalez Book FlightAnita de Monte Laughs LastOlga Dies DreamingLast Night in Brooklyn✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailToday I'm joined by author Chawna Schroeder, a fantasy writer who describes herself as a “boundary stretcher,” someone who explores what it means to live beyond the boxes we often place around ourselves, our faith, and even our imagination. After more than two decades studying the craft of writing, Chawna creates richly layered stories that blend faith, philosophy, and speculative worldbuilding.In this episode, we're talking about Perplexity, the second book in her Sceptre & the Stylus series. This story weaves together political intrigue, hidden dangers, and characters navigating loss, responsibility, and purpose. We also dive into the books that shaped her as a reader, featuring a book flight centered on ensemble casts and found family.Episode Highlights:What it means to be a “boundary stretcher” in both life and writingWhy she's drawn to large, interconnected character castsA simple breakdown of the difference between science fiction and fantasyHow faith, purpose, and identity show up in her storiesWhy stories allow us to step into someone else's life in a meaningful wayConnect with Chawna:FacebookWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. TolkienA Little Princess by Frances Hodgson BurnettAngela Bell's episodeFirebird by Kathy TyresSharon Hinck booksThe Bandit of Ashley Downs by Dave & Neta JacksonGeorge Muller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans by Janet & Geoff BengeBook FlightRecorder by Cathy McCrumb (adult sci-fi)The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud by Jenny Cote (middle grade historical fantasy)Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens (contemporary adult suspense)✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Rachel Linden for the latest installment of the BFF Book Club, all about her novel The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake. This was such a fun conversation. Rachel shares the inspiration behind the story, why she loves weaving food into her writing, and the “research loophole” she's fully embracing—traveling, wandering, and eating her way through her settings.We also talk about the deeper themes of the book, including healing, second chances, and what it looks like to live a fulfilled life in different seasons. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming novel A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity (releasing 05/19) and hints at a new genre she's stepping into next.Episode Highlights:The inspiration behind The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake.Why Rachel keeps coming back to food as a storytelling thread.Her perspective on “research” and how it shapes her books.Exploring what a fulfilled life looks like in different seasons.The heart behind writing stories rooted in healing and growth.Connect with Rachel:InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Holly Gutwillinger, a heartfelt writer born and raised in a small town in northern Ontario. Holly is a proud dog mom to two rescue dogs and one cat, and her love for animals shines through in both her life and her storytelling. We talk about her podcast and debut book, North of Broken and Furever Home, and the creative journey that led her there. Holly shares what it looked like to build a creative life over time, the seasons of trying different paths, and what it finally felt like to land on writing as her true passion.Episode Highlights:The journey of trying different paths before finding writing.The inspiration behind her stories and connection to her own animals.Writing anthropomorphic characters and asking readers to see the world through a dog's perspective.The mindset shift from “rescuing” her dogs to truly accepting them.Why creativity doesn't have to be rushed and can evolve over time.Connect with Holly:InstagramRamblings from the Little Shed PodcastWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Too Good to be Real by Melanie JohnsonAnnie Hartnett's episode (Ep. 199)Animals in Fantasy Book Flight with Books Are Magical Podcast (Ep. 54)The Red Tent by Anita DiamantBook FlightLily and the Octopus by Steven RowleyThe Road to Tender Hearts by Annie HartnettFaking Christmas by Cindy Steel✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Jennifer van der Kleut (née McBride). Jennifer is an award-winning former journalist of both print and digital publications, including the D.C. affiliate of ABC7 News. A graduate of San Jose State University, she spent most of her life in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to the Norther Virginia suburbs of D.C., where she currently lives with her husband and two sons. When she is not writing, she loves going to the beach with her family, going to concerts with her girlfriends, and getting lost in the pages of a book. We are here today to discuss her debut psychological thriller, The Better Mother.Episode Highlights:How journalism trained her to write with clarity, focus, and purposeThe shift from reporting facts to creating fictional worldsWhy she's drawn to writing from a villain's perspectiveWhat she loved most about writing The Better MotherHow understanding “why” drives both journalism and fictionConnect with Jennifer:InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Lucy Foley booksCarol Goodman booksKaira Rouda booksRobyn Harding booksAshley Winstead booksDream Harbor book series by Laurie GilmoreElin Hilderbrand booksThe Storyteller by Jodi PicoultThe Locked Ward by Sarah PekkanenThis is Not a Game by Kelly MullenBook FlightThe Last Celebrity by Madeleine HenryTell Me What You Did by Carter WilsonThe Only One Left by Riley Sager✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Jennifer N. Brown. Jennifer is the Dean of Arts & Sciences at Bentley University, where she is also Professor of English and Media Studies, with a specialization in medieval literature written for and by women. She has published a lot on this topic but The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is her first novel. She lives in the Boston area with her husbnad, their two children, and two miniature dachshunds. Episode Highlights:The real history behind Elizabeth Barton and the lost manuscriptWriting as both a historian and a novelistThe freedom fiction offers compared to academic writingBalancing historical accuracy with compelling storytellingWriting across dual timelines (historical + modern)How present-day perspectives shape historical fictionThe role of empathy in both history and readingLetting go of perfection and knowing when to finish a bookConnect with Jennifer:InstagramWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Orlando by Virginia WoolfHeart the Lover by Lily KingFlashlight by Susan ChoiBook FlightThe French Lieutenant's Woman by John FowlesThe Weight of Ink by Rachel KadishWolf Hall by Hilary Mantel✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailToday I'm thrilled to welcome back Janyre Tromp. If her name sounds familiar, that's because she previously joined us on Episode 106, where we talked about her novel Darkness Calls the Tiger. Janyre is an award-winning, bestselling historical suspense novelist known for weaving together rich history, myth, and stories that search for beauty—even when it isn't pretty. Her newest book, The Scorpion Thief, takes readers into a Cold War political game involving a cursed Egyptian artifact, two estranged sisters on opposite sides of a dangerous heist, and a mystery that stretches from the streets of Cairo to Washington D.C. and even New Orleans. Episode Highlights:The fascinating real-life history behind the Cold War setting—and why it almost feels too wild to be fiction.How Janyre balances being a self-proclaimed “history nerd” with writing fast-paced, gripping suspense.The inspiration behind The Scorpion Thief and weaving Egyptian myth into a political thriller.Her creative process, including sketching her book covers before they're ever designed.What it looks like to make space for writing in a full and busy life.Why she describes herself as an eclectic reader and how that shapes her recommendations.Her three-word description of the book: noir, mystery, and Egyptian.Connect with Janyre:InstagramFacebookWebsiteBooks and authors mentioned in the episode:Brene Brown booksThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkDeath Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni Walsh (publication date 06/16/26)Burning the Raven Tree by Janyre Tromp (coming 09/08/26)The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter WohllebenThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisBeautiful Ugly by Alice FeeneyBook FlightThe Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie BostwickRebecca by Daphne du MaurierVera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Chelsea Bobulski, author of A Deal with a Debutante, her latest release with Haven Fiction and the first book in her London's Most Eligible series. Chelsea is also the author of the YA fantasy novels The Wood and Remember Me, and brings her background in history into the heart of every story she writes. In this conversation, we talk about what it looks like to step into the past through research, how storytelling connects us across time, and why romance novels might just make us better at loving the people in our real lives.Episode Highlights:Chelsea's love of history and how research becomes a doorway into another world.Writing A Deal with a Debutante and bringing Edwardian England to life.What it looks like to “live inside” the stories you're writing.The balance between historical accuracy and creating a story that feels alive.How good stories—especially romance—can shape the way we show up in our own lives.Why romance novels remind us to slow down and be intentional in our relationships.The idea that dreams can evolve over time—and that's not failure, it's growth.Finding joy in storytelling, creativity, and building a life you actually want to live.Connect with Chelsea:InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Harry Potter series by J.K. RowlingThe Girl of Fire and Thorns by Ray CarsonThe Berenstain Bears books by Jan & Mike BerenstainTheo of Golden by Allen LeviBook FlightConsuelo & Alva Vanderbilt by Amanda Mackenzie StewartA.K.A. Lucy by Sarah RoyalEven After This by Deborah Clack✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Amy Schweizer. Amy is a USMC military spouse of 15 years, mom to three boys, and an expert in youth sports development. She has played soccer for over 20 years, culminating with being a member of the Cincinnati Ladyhawks of the USL. She is the Founder and Owner of Tiny Troops Soccer, a developmental program for children ages 2-5 with 35 locations worldwide. She loves creating physical activity programs that benefit the overall well-being of military children, families, and the surrounding communities. She is also a passionate advocate for military spouse employment. Her first book - I Will Be Okay - Adventures of a Military Kid - was selected as the 2021 Inspirational Leader of the Year by The Rosie Network. If you are interested in grabbing a copy or a few of I Will Be Okay - Adventures of a Military Kid, please connect with Amy at info@tinytroops.com. Episode Highlights:Navigating frequent moves while trying to build and maintain a career.The reality of parenting without nearby family support.How Tiny Troops Soccer started from a personal need.Why early childhood movement and play matter so much.Building a business that can move with military life.Supporting military kids through transition and change.Advocacy for military spouse employment and flexible career paths.Encouragement for military spouses trying to build something of their own.Connect with Amy:InstagramFacebookWebsiteBooks and authors mentioned in the episode:Winter Garden by Kristin HannahBook FlightTraction by Gino WickhamProfit First by Mike MichalowiczA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. MaasNever Lie by Freida McFadden✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Carmela Dutra, a Bay Area–based writer who loves food trucks, family, and cozy mysteries. With a love for quirky characters and humor-filled storytelling, Carmela draws inspiration from everyday life, farmers' markets, and the unexpected moments that make a story memorable.In our conversation, we talk about the inspiration behind her food-truck-centered mystery, A Murder Most Fowl, writing sibling dynamics, and how she balances humor with high-stakes crime. Carmela also shares what readers can expect next in the series—including book two, Hot Wings and Homicide.Episode Highlights:The inspiration behind a food truck–centered mystery, including brainstorming sessions with her husband.Writing twins and the dynamic between Beth and Seth.Why food and cozy mysteries are such a perfect pairing.Balancing humor with suspense in a murder mystery.A peek into book two: Hot Wings and Homicide. If you've pre-ordered a copy of the book, make sure to email, marketing@crookedlanebooks.com for your exclusive recipe cards. Connect with Carmela:InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send us Fan MailToday's conversation is a tender one. I'm joined by Sheila Hamilton — journalist, speaker, and author of All the Things We Never Knew, a memoir she wrote in the aftermath of her late husband's descent into mental illness. This book is part story, part resource — and it captures the confusion, grief, hope, and fierce love that come with navigating a fractured mental health system while trying to hold a family together.If you've ever loved someone who was struggling…this episode is for you. We talk resilience, motherhood, sisterhood — and the powerful books that shaped Sheila along the way.Episode Highlights:Why Sheila felt compelled to write All the Things We Never Knew after her husband's mental health crisis.How her background in journalism shaped the book into both memoir and resource.The realities of navigating the mental health system while trying to support a family.Why honesty about struggle can help people find connection and community.What resilience really looks like in the middle of grief and uncertainty.The role motherhood played in helping her move forward.Connect with Sheila:InstagramPodcastWebsiteBooks and authors mentioned in the episode:Virginia Woolf booksThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldThe Chronology of Water by Lidia YuknavitchMcGlue by Ottessa MoshfeghBook FlightThe Year of Magical Thinking by Joan DidionWild by Cheryl StrayedThe Bell Jar✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send a textIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Wendy Hively—a Navy spouse, retired scientist, and entrepreneur who has spent more than a decade building a business that supports military families. After giving up two jobs in her career field during her husband's service, Wendy experienced firsthand the employment challenges many military spouses face. That experience led her to entrepreneurship as a way to create both stability and purpose.She is the founder of Charliemadison Originals, a lifestyle brand named after her daughters and inspired by three generations of military service in her family. The brand not only celebrates military life but also gives back—5% of every purchase is donated to organizations supporting servicemembers and their families. Wendy also shares about her newest venture, Charliemadison Labs, a women-led coaching community that helps entrepreneurs get out of their own way and grow their businesses.Episode Highlights:Starting a business with $200 in the bank.The employment challenges military spouses often face.Why entrepreneurship can be a powerful alternative career path.Skills military spouses develop that translate to business success.Building community through Charliemadison Originals.Wendy's newest venture: Charliemadison Labs women-led coaching for entrepreneurs.Her book flight celebrating women who empower women.Connect with Wendy:InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness OrczyThe Alchemist by Paolo CoelhoKills Well with Others by Deanna RaybourneBook FlightThe Red Tent by Anita DiamantThe Queens of Crime by Marie BenedictKillers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourne✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!InstagramFacebookWebsite

Send a textToday on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Katherine Scott Crawford, award-winning author of The Miniaturist's Assistant and Keowee Valley, history enthusiast, and self-proclaimed recovering academic. An eleventh-generation Southerner, Katherine directs writing retreats at a remote mountain lodge in Western North Carolina, where she lives with her family and would much rather be in the woods with her dog than anywhere else. A former backpacking guide and adjunct professor, her writing has appeared in newspapers across the country and abroad. If you love historical fiction, this conversation is for you.Episode Highlights:The deep, layered history of the American SouthHer novel The Miniaturist's Assistant, set in Charleston and the research and imagination behind bringing 1804 and 2004 to lifeWhy historical fiction is the best form of time travelHer writing process and the rhythms of a creative lifeThe idea that reading is a hobby you actively choose above all elseHow living in Western North Carolina means you can't “trip over a rock without tripping over history”Katherine describes herself as a history nerd, and it shows in the best way. We talk about time as something mysterious and porous,  how the past presses into the present, and how fiction allows us to experience that overlap in deeply human ways. Her biggest hope for readers? A truly transportive experience into both 1804 and 2004 Charleston.Connect with Katherine:InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Anne of Green Gables by L.M. MontgomeryThe Black Wolf by Louise PennyThe Everlasting by Alix E. HarrowThe Electricity of Every Living Thing by Katherine MayBook FlightThe Frozen River by Ariel LawhonThe Lost Book of Eleanor Dareby Kimberly BrockThe Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann by Virginia Pye✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send a textIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Tracie Peterson, often called the Queen of Historical Christian Fiction. An ECPA, CBA, and USA Today bestselling author of more than 110 books, Tracie has spent decades weaving together faith, history, and romance for readers around the world. Her guiding motto in both life and writing is Soli Deo Gloria — For God Alone the Glory. A Kansas native now living in the mountains of Montana with her husband, Jim, Tracie joins me to discuss her latest novel, Faithful of Heart, part of the Minnesota Legacy series.Episode Highlights:Her deep research process, especially her love of firsthand historical accounts.Why setting functions almost like a secondary character in her novels.The heart behind Faithful of Heart and what's ahead for the Minnesota Legacy series.Balancing reading and writing, and how deadlines shape her reading life.The themes of hope and forgiveness that thread through her stories.Her book flight includes historical Christian romances that beautifully blend faith, perseverance, and love.This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and rooted in a lifetime of faithful storytelling.Connect with Tracie:InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Jane Austin booksTom Clancy booksJaime Jo Wright booksBook FlightA Song in the Dark by Kimberley WoodhouseMail Order Duchess / Mail Order Baroness by Misty M. BellarChristy by Catherine Marshall✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send a textIn today's episode, I sit down with USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and internationally bestselling author Wade Rouse. Many readers know Wade by his pen name, Viola Shipman, his grandmother's name chosen to honor the woman whose stories and heirlooms inspire his fiction. But this novel marks something new. That's What Friends Are For is the first book he has published under his own name. Inspired by The Golden Girls, the novel follows four gay men “of a certain age” who have built a vibrant chosen family in Palm Springs, until an unexpected family arrival begins to unravel long-held secrets.Episode Highlights:Why Wade chose his grandmother's name as his pen nameWhat publishing under his own name represents at this stage of his lifeThe Golden Girls inspiration behind “The Golden Gays”Writing about aging in AmericaThe power of found family and chosen friendshipHumor as a doorway to deeper emotional truthThe legacy behind his beloved Viola Shipman novelsIf you have ever built family beyond blood, navigated reinvention, or believe friendship carries us through life's hardest seasons, this episode is for you.Connect with Wade:WebsiteInstagramFacebookShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Erma Bombeck booksDavid Sedaris booksI Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora EphronRunning with Scissors by Augusten BurroughsThe Last of the Savages by Jay McInerneyCatcher in the Rye by J.D. SalingerSo Old, So Young by Grant GinderBook FlightAwake by Jen HatmakerThe Forget-Me-Not Library by Heather WebberHazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send a textI'm chatting with Matt Mattson, a writer, speaker, social mystic, & spiritual leader dedicated to cultivating sacred human connection. Matt is the founder of BETWEEN, an innovative and deeply inclusive global faith community that invites people into curiosity, conversation, and shared moments of meaning. His work blends ancient wisdom with modern insight, helping people notice and name the sacred woven into everyday encounters. We are here today to celebrate the release of his newest book, Cathedrals of Connection.Connect with Matt:InstagramFacebookWebsiteBooks mentioned:Kitchen Confidential by Anthony BourdainHow to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale CarnegieEverything is a Story by Kaitlin B. CurticeBook FlightAflame by Pico IyerThe Healing Power of the Santuario de Chimayó by Brett HendricksonHoly Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send a textToday is our latest BFF Book Club. This month, we're joined by by Annie Harnett, author of The Road to Tender Hearts. Annie is the award-winning author of two additional novels, Rabbit Cake and Unlikely Animals. Episode Highlights:The inspiration behind The Road to Tender Hearts and how Annie transformed personal anxiety into sharp, heartfelt fiction.Her writing process of “going for the joke first” and then layering in what she calls the “emo copy” to bring emotional depth.Why humor is her entry point into heavier themes.How her experience as a former bookseller shaped her storytelling and reading life.Annie's book flight featuring four of her all-time favorite books.Connect with Annie:InstagramWebsite

Send a textIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Lindsay Marie Morris, a novelist and journalist based in Los Angeles whose work is deeply rooted in her Sicilian-American heritage. Lindsay's debut novel, The Last Letter from Sicily, was inspired by her grandmother's story and explores love, resilience, and long-held family secrets during World War II. Her second novel, Beneath the Sicilian Stars, returns to this era, following a family divided between California and Sicily as the war forces them to confront questions of loyalty, belonging, and sacrifice.Episode Highlights:The often-overlooked history of Sicilians and Italian Americans during World War II, including the impact of the Alien Enemy Act and the internment of Italian Americans, history rarely taught in American schools.How family stories are often passed down in fragments, and the role fiction can play in uncovering the fuller, more complicated truth.Exploring Sicilian culture through food, including why arancini are shaped differently depending on where you are on the island.A Sicily-focused book flight, plus additional reading recommendations on Italian and Italian-American history.How Lindsay connects with readers through her newsletter, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, upcoming events, and travel notes from the road.Connect with Lindsay:WebsiteFacebookInstagramShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Una Storia Segreta by Lawrence DiStasiLaura Ingalls Wilder booksNeopolitan Quartet by Elena FerranteEternal by Lisa ScottolineRenata Tebaldi: The Voice of an Angel by Carlamaria CasanovaBook FlightThe Peoples of Sicily by Louis Mendola & Jacqueline AlioThe Leopard by Giovanni Di LampedusaSicily on My Mind by Joseph Cione✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send a textIn today's episode, I am chatting with Ashlee Sullivan. Ashlee, CEO and founder of woman + warrior®️THE first OFFICIAL APPAREL BRAND line of it's kind, made for the military family! Because we deserve to be seen, look good, and feel great while doing this thing called the military. This episode is part of our Military Spouse Series, and Ashlee shares her journey transitioning from a Coast Guard Reserve family to an Active Duty Army family. We talk about starting a business rooted in representation, using creativity and humor to cope during hard seasons, and the challenge of finding support in a transient military lifestyle.Resources MentionedMilitary One SourceInDependent, for military spouse wellnessStronghold Food Pantry, to help military families facing food insecurity. Episode Highlights:Starting a mission-driven business as a military spouse.Using creativity and humor to cope during difficult seasons.Why finding military resources can feel so hard.Building real community in a constantly changing lifestyle.Mental health, burnout, and giving yourself permission to rest.Reading as both a luxury and a necessity.Showing up online with intention and influence.Her book flight is for those with big dreams and how to get you there.Connect with Ashlee:InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan HolidayOriginals by Adam GrantBook FlightSteal Like an Artist by Austin KleonDiscipline is Destiny by Ryan HolidayCourage is Calling by Ryan HolidayThe Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us a textIn today's episode, I am chatting with Joan Fernandez. Joan is a brings to light brilliant women's courageous deeds in history. She is a former senior marketing executive general partner of the financial powerhouse Edward Jones. In 2018, she retired from a 30+ year career to be a full-time writer. In April 2020, she founded a Historical Fiction affinity group within WFWA that grew from a handful of people to nearly two hundred authors. Her short story, “A Parisian Daughter,” is published in the anthology, Feisty Deeds: Historical Fiction of Daring Women. Her debut novel, Saving Vincent, A Novel of Jo Van Gogh, published in April 2025. Joan calls both St. Louis and Sedona, Arizona home, enjoys foodie meals with her Cuban husband and antics with grandkids.Episode Highlights:How Joan's first career shaped her writing life and the confidence that comes from starting something new after years of expertise.Applying the skills, discipline, and mindset from a long, successful career to the creative work of writing.Discovering the story of Jo van Gogh and what inspired Joan to center her debut novel on a woman often overlooked in art history.The realities of raising a child while running a business—and advocating relentlessly for Vincent van Gogh's work.Using personal letters and historical documents as research, including the powerful reminder that “art must touch your soul.”A book flight focused on characters searching for identity and learning how to live authentically, carrying who they are into every part of life.Connect with Joan:InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow LindberghSong of Belonging by Michelle St. Romain (coming 04/21/26)Book FlightThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasSuch a Fun Age by Kiley ReidOona, Out of Order by Marguerite Mortimer✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us a textIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Theory Knight—a sci-fi lover, aspiring pilot, and thoughtful storyteller with a deep love of humor, humanity, and connection. Theory dreams of flying someday, loves Hawaii, and believes in the therapeutic value of road trips. She's only organized because of technology, is thankful for good vacuum cleaners, and would absolutely rent an apartment inside Canadian Tire if they'd let her.We're here today to discuss her new book, Jingle Bells, Sasquatch Smells, and the stories that help reset our nervous systems—especially during hard seasons. Theory's reading life leans toward what she calls scary, funny books: stories that hold darkness with humor and leave you feeling more grateful for what you have.Episode Highlights:What Canadian Tire is (for those of us who didn't grow up with it).Why being among others during hard times can be incredibly grounding.How humor helps us sit with scary or uncomfortable moments.Setting boundaries with dark books and knowing your limits.The sci-fi stories that shaped Theory's reading life.Writing with intention and bringing only what you truly love into a book.Working creatively with a spouse (her husband is her cover designer, go check them out).Connect with Theory:InstagramWebsiteBook Playlists (how fun!)Buy Tiger in My TankBooks and authors mentioned in the episode:Ender's Game by Orson Scott CardThe Complete Works of Oscar WildeDungeon Crawler Carl by Matt DinnimanBook FlightThe Street Lawyer by John GrishamAll My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews Jingle Bells, Sasquatch Smells by Theory KnightThe 2026 Bookish Flights Reading Challenge is here - a simple, nostalgic way to be intentional with your reading. One book per month, with options for individuals and families. Download it at https://www.bookishflights.com/read/2026readingchallengeSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us a textIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Susan L. Combs. Susan is the President of Combs & Company, a full-service insurance brokerage firm based in New York City. She started the company at just 26 years old with a drive to “do more, do better.” A self-described Missouri girl in a New York world, Susan draws on the lessons of her Midwestern upbringing and more than two decades in NYC in her book, Pancakes for Roger. The insights in these pages come from family, friends, colleagues, and life in general—but the most important teachings are from her late father. When she's not running her business or helping others navigate challenges, you can find her flipping tires at her CrossFit gym, cheering on the Missouri Tigers, KC Chiefs, and Royals, or slaying the dragons that have come her way.Episode highlights:What it really looks like to own four businesses and manage them with intention.How a book that began with one chapter about her father became a collection of his wisdom—“Dad-isms”Why writing Pancakes for Roger pushed Susan far outside her comfort zone and how that stretch sparked growth and change.The importance of having creative outlets, even (and especially) for high-achieving business owners.Growing up in a family that believed if you have good advice, it's your duty to share it.Reflections on legacy, gratitude, and being able to say she has no regrets about her relationship with her father.Susan's book flight of impactful reads that have shaped her leadership, creativity, and perspective.This episode is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, courage, creativity, and the enduring influence of the people who shape us most.Connect with Susan:WebsiteInstagramBooks and authors mentioned in the episode:Crescent City by Sarah J. MaasPhillip Margolan booksThe Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsThe Rose Code & The Alice Network by Kate QuinnThe Library Book by Susan OrleanGone Before Good by Harlen Coben and Reese WitherspoonVerity by Colleen HooverBook FlightSigns: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne JacksonAmerican Sirens by Kevin HazardPancakThe 2026 Bookish Flights Reading Challenge is here - a simple, nostalgic way to be intentional with your reading. One book per month, with options for individuals and families. Download it at https://www.bookishflights.com/read/2026readingchallengeSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website

Send us a textIn today's episode, I'm chatting with Karen Winn. Karen is the author of two novels: The Society (Dutton, 2026), and Our Little World (Dutton, 2022). She earned her MFA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. For her undergraduate studies she attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she may or may not have belonged to a secret society. Writing is her first love and second career; she worked as a nurse for many years. Karen lives in the charming Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston with her husband, two children, and their 100-pound Bernedoodle.  Karen and I chatted about all this things - including switching careers and how her nursing skill set translated into her novel writing. Her book flight includes books about secret society and outsider protagnoists who get access.Episode Highlights:Transitioning from nursing to fiction writing—and navigating a second career.How medical training shapes character development and emotional realism.Writing as a “secret identity” before stepping fully into the role of author.The influence of place and setting, especially Boston's Beacon Hill, on creativity.Exploring secret societies in fiction.Outsider protagonists who suddenly gain access to hidden worlds.Connect with Karen:InstagramFacebookWebsiteShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Lucy Foley booksAnne of Green Gables by L.M. MontgomeryThe Found Object Society by Michelle MarykBook FlightThe Cloisters by Katy HaysNinth House by Leigh BardugoThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe 2026 Bookish Flights Reading Challenge is here - a simple, nostalgic way to be intentional with your reading. One book per month, with options for individuals and families. Download it at https://www.bookishflights.com/read/2026readingchallengeSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website