The Downtown Writers Jam

One of our favorite authors, Wanda M. Morris, stopped by the Bunker for an After Party storytelling Q&A with Brad. Her latest book, Any Where You Run, is out now. Wanda and Brad swapped stories about their parents, shared their best advice to writers, and talked about how writing helps them make sense of the world. Plus, they had a callback to Brad's favorite Wanda story: how she wrote her first book without anybody knowing until it was done! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Designer David Lee Csicsko dropped by the Bunker for a Jam Session about his latest project, LGBTQ+ Icons: A Celebration of Historical LGBTQ+ Icons in the Arts. David and Brad discussed their strange overlapping experience in the Indianapolis theatre scene, his work as a graphic designer, and the process he and his writing partner went through in narrowing down the 50 stories they wanted to tell in this book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Felice Cohen dropped by the Bunker to talk about her latest book, Half In: A Coming-of-Age Memoir of Forbidden Love. Be warned, Felice came ready with some amazing stories. She and Brad went on a long, winding road through her life. They talked playing sports growing up, her fearless drive to explore, family, and even a little bit about living in that very tiny New York apartment. (But not too much. Just, um, a little.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of Brad's favorite guests, author Sergio Troncoso, dropped by the bunker After Party to talk about his latest novel, Nobody's Pilgrims. The two talked about Sergio's evolution in thinking about "voiceless" characters, the "flow" in writing, and probably other topics we could put in quotes. Oh, and the time Sergio met George W. Bush. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and professor Natalia Molina stopped by the Bunker to talk about her latest book, Place-making at the Nayarit: How a Mexican Restaurant in Los Angeles Nourished its Community. Natalia and Brad has a long, wide-ranging discussion about comedians (Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler in particular), audio books, meeting famous people, and the trauma of academia. Plus, how place intersects with race, class, and gender in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and journalist Keri Blakinger stopped by the Bunker to talk about her memoir, Corrections in Ink, a fascinating examination of the women's prison system told through the lens of somebody who made it to the other side of incarceration. It's a fantastic book, and one you want to read. Of course, Keri and Brad talked about the rest of her life: growing up as a competitive skater, trying to fit in, and navigating her career as a journalist after. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist and author Katie Hafner stopped by the Bunker to talk about her debut novel, The Boys. She and Brad took a stroll through some of the difficult times she had growing up and as a professional, but swerved through the difficulties of switching from nonfiction to fiction. And the joy of writing about goodness. Oh, and we forgot to mention that Katie not only influenced Brad's early career, she also taught a class he took at Berkeley. (There's only a few fanboy moments.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Emi Nietfeld stopped by the Bunker to talk about her memoir, Acceptance, which is—in many ways—a story about the cost of surviving. For that, you can check out the book. She and Brad took a walk through her childhood in Minnesota, her almost modeling career, her search for her own identity, and ultimately the road where she found her own path through...everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Angelique Pesce stopped by the Bunker to talk with Brad about her latest book, American Pastime, and the importance of family. She grew up working in her father's bakery. She went to law school because of her grandfather. She started a nonprofit because of her grandmother. And she watched her mother blazer her own career. All of those forces shaped her journey as a writer, a producer, and filmmaker. It is—in the mythological way that we tell ourselves these stories—the American Dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta came back to the Bunker After Party to talk about her latest book, Awake with Asashoryu and Other Essays. She joined Brad to tell some stories about why it's so hard to sit in the chair to write, why writers only really believe the bad reviews, what it means to be a writer, and the joy of making things (and being in a family that makes things)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Jenny Colgan stopped by the Bunker to talk about her latest book, An Island Wedding, and the conversation was just delightful. She and Brad talked about the weirdness of their respective small towns (Elvis and castles, but not how you think), the circular nature of family dynamics, the impact of class, and the importance of finding your art community! But what they didn't discuss: all of her work with Doctor Who. At least not as much as Brad wanted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Jeevani Charika—who also writes under the pseudonym Rhoda Baxter that was inspired by the bacteria she studied while getting her Ph.D. in Microbiology—stopped by to talk with Brad about romcoms, Legos, science, travel, and basically all things nerdy! In other words, it's a great day in the Bunker. She has a book out now, Playing for Love, and another coming out in September—because she somehow manages to write two books a year! You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Rodrigo Ribera d'Ebre stopped by the Bunker to talk about his latest book, The Displaced. He and Brad talked a lot about finding your home and finding your voice, and the long road it takes to do that. And Rodrigo's journey took him into some hard places. But when he realized he was at a fork in the road, he decided to find his way back to writing, filmmaking, and storytelling (including writing his first book while he was in college!) He's a fantastic storyteller. And if you stick around long enough, you'll get a little Wu-Tang. You can—and should—find him on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Bobi Conn (A Woman in Time) stopped by the After Party to share a little Appalachian storytelling with Brad. Bobi's own story has been filled with a lot of hard times (In The Shadow of the Valley), but that's only one part of her tale. She and Brad talked about the joy of writing, the happiness her children bring her, and importance of finding peace with yourself. Oh, and a bit about the humor that comes out in places we don't expect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Kelly Sokol (Breach) stopped by the Bunker this week to talk with Brad about her journey, which included a stop at the Capitol and a job on the railroad. She's had an interesting ride that has taken her from Nebraska to Virginia Beach, with lots of stops in between. Oh, and she's an ultramarathoner as well. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vermont author Catherine Drake (The Treehouse on Dog River Road) stopped by the Bunker for a wild After Party with Brad to talk about how Christmas card writing led to her writing career, her brush with Bernie (it's Vermont, duh!), a hometown parade that featured a float of her book, and her fiftieth birthday party at Burning Man. And trust me, you don't want to miss her grand-daughter's idea for a BookTok channel because it's brilliant! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Rebecca van Laer (How to Adjust to the Dark) stopped by the Bunker After Party to talk a bit one of our favorite topics: the anxiety of writing and writers! She and Brad also shared stories about patience with your writing, most definitely avoiding people who believe they are gatekeepers, and ghosts in New Orleans. Should have led with the ghosts! You can find her on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer Nicole Exposito stopped by the Bunker this week to talk about her fiction podcast, The Burned Photo, which frankly scared the crap out of Brad. They talked about her awkward childhood, finding her community while working on student films, graduating in a recession, her work at an EMT (yikes!), and how that all led her back to writing. Plus, they took a long digression about the work of Tom Robbins and the writer brain! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Louise Mumford (The Safe House) stopped the Bunker for the After Party! She and Brad discussed why it's important to be less polite (especially if you're a young woman), happiness as nothing, and road tripping across the United States in an RV without really understanding how big this country is. (Louise is from Wales!) Plus, the state of watching movies when you're a writer. Find her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Sophie Flynn stopped by the Bunker this week to talk about her latest book, Keep Them Close. She and Brad explored her transformation from a "mean girl" (not our words, folks!) into the theater and music world where she began to find her own footing. It's a joyous, funny, and thoughtful conversation about how life—and expectations—crash together! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colin Kersey (Swimming with the Angels) joined Brad in the Bunker for an After Party Q&A to discuss how he became a writer (it took some time), the importance of mentors, and the things that make him happiest. He also doled out a bit a wisdom to his younger self, which you might recognize from television: Just do it! You can find him on Facebook and LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Lisa Knopp joined Brad in the Bunker this week for the first Jam Session, a deep dive conversation into her book From Your Friend, Carey Dean. The book is an examination of prison culture, religion, and friendship, and the conversation explores the complexity of writing about a confessed murder who goes through a profound personal evolution while incarcerated before being executed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Louise Mangos joins us in the Bunker this week from her writing retreat in the Swiss Alps (!!!) to talk about her latest book, The Beaten Track. She and Brad spent an hour talking about growing up in a small town in England, an aborted backpacking trip that ended with a 16-year stay in Switzerland, the around the world trip that eventually happened, plus painting and genre fiction. You can find Louise on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Sam Holland (The Echo Man) stopped by Bunker for an After Party Q&A. She talked about her greatest writing epiphany (Post-it Notes!), and she proceeded to tell the grossest story ever told on the program! It's delightfully hilarious, but we don't recommend eating while you listen to this one!  Sam can be found on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Mintie Das stopped by the Bunker to talk about her YA novel, Brown Girl Ghosted. It's rare to meet somebody more extroverted than Brad, but we've found with Mintie, whose journey is amazing. She's truly a child of the world. She was born in India, raised in Illinois, and now lives in Helsinki. She's traveled extensively and has stories that'll knock your socks off. After fifteen years working in public relations, she embarked on her writing career and has found her voice writing about "kickass heroines of color." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Hannah Mary McKinnon (Never Coming Home) stopped by the Bunker to be our first guest on a Q&A show. A master storyteller, Hannah is going to have you riveted as she talks about why she writes, what makes her happiest, and the insane way she met and married her husband, the history of her hometown. Plus, there's a whole lot of talk about the things that drive writers mad. Find Hannah on Facebook and Instagram @hannahmarymckinnon, and on Twitter @HannahMMcKinnon.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Wanda M. Morris stopped by the Bunker to talk about her debut novel, All Her Little Secrets. She and Brad discussed their love of structure and rules (but not in writing), which led her to a career in law, advocating, storytelling, and writing. (They are connected: promise!) Plus, they discussed how Wanda wrote a whole book without anyone knowing. Learn more at wandamorriswrites.com or follow Morris on social media on Instagram: @wandamowrites or Twitter: @WandaMo14. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crime author Gillian McAllister dropped by the Bunker just a few weeks before we went on hiatus. We've been gone so long that her last book, That Night, is now out everywhere and her current book, Wrong Place, Wrong Time just dropped in the U.K. (and comes to the U.S. in August). She and Brad talked about the pressure of success, growing up as a creative kid, and the long, winding road to finding your way in the world. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or over at her website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two-time National Magazine Award winner and author Chris Jones stopped by the Bunker to talk about his latest book, The Eye Test, a treatise on expertise and the art of making decisions. This isn't your typical Jam. Chris and Brad took a deep dive into the ideas in the book. But, they also go back a few years (at least online). So, they also talked about the work men need to do on themselves, Chris' story "The Things That Carried Him," editing and writing, and sports. Plus, a whole bunch of stories about the magazine world that will never make it on air! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A little tired from the holiday season? We've got the cure here in the Ohio Bunker! The fantastic and lovely Elisabeth Sharp McKetta stopped by to talk about her first novel, She Never Told Me About the Ocean. She and Brad talked about life in Texas, fairy tales, Harvard and M.I.T., English living, and the intricacies that make a writer a writer. Pour a little holiday cheer and join them for a high-energy hour of fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and friend of the program Elizabeth B. Splaine stopped by the Bunker to talk about her historical fiction novel, Swan Song. Buckle up for this conversation as Elizabeth and Brad take a deep dive into the events that led to her writing the book and the nuggets of information that she uncovered while doing her research! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and activist Ari Honarvar stopped by the Bunker to talk about her novel, A Girl Called Rumi. She immigrated from Iran when she was young, and she's spent the better part of her adult life using music, dance, and poetry to connect with refugees and people in war-torn regions. She and Brad chatted about empathy and trauma, the importance of art, and the joy that you can find in life through dance and words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Award-winning journalist and author Rachel Krantz stopped by the program to talk about her reporter memoir, Open: An Uncensored Memoir of Love, Liberation, and Non-Monogamy. She and Brad took a deep dive into the difficulty of mining your own life for a story, the stigma that women face when writing—and talking about—sex, and powerful social structures that keep people from talking about their sex life.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friend of the program and author Jacqueline Friedland stopped by the Bunker to talk about her latest novel, He Gets That From Me, a story that mixes her romcom storytelling with her legal training. She and Brad talked about the idea that sparked this book, why she's returning to historical fiction for her next book, and the joy of getting to do some in-person events! You can also check out her Jam interview on Episode 93. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author, comedian, and TV writer Sophie Santos stopped by the Bunker to talk about her memoir, The One You Want to Marry, and her live stage show, The Lesbian Agenda. Since she (mostly) grew up in Alabama so talk naturally turned to college football. (Don't worry, we cut a lot of that out.) But, she talked with Brad about growing up in a military family, musical theatre, surviving two years in a sorority, and finding her voice in NYC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor, anti-death penalty legal advocate, and author Bruce Ledewitz stopped by the Jam Bunker for a very soberting conversation about his latest book, The Universe Is on Our Side: Restoring Faith in American Public Life. Bruce and Brad sit down to discuss whether the United States can build a humane society without religion at the center of life, and the similarities between religion and secularism. You know: just a nice holiday dinner conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Television producer turned author Sophie Cousens joined Brad in the Bunker to talk about her latest book, Just Haven't Met You Yet. Sophie made the career switch from producing comedy to writing where she eventually settled on romcoms, the genre that fit the voices in her head! She and Brad talked about her life on the isle of Jersey, how comedy helped shape her writing, and the insufferable nature of writers at parties! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Clifford Garstang stopped by the Bunker this week to talk about his latest book, Oliver's Travels. Clifford is one of those fascinating people who may slip under the radar because of his understated style, but he and Brad took a trip through his unhappy at times childhood that catapulted him into a world of travel, volunteering, and service. From the Peace Corps to the World Bank to a staple of the literary magazine world, Clifford's story is fantastic. So, pour a glass of holiday cheer and sit down for a great story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and vending machine repair guide writer Dan Sanders stopped by the Bunker to talk about his novella, The Loop. But this turned out to be one of the GenX, West Coast, weird writer connection chats as Dan and Brad covered writing in the Bay Area, McSweeney's, Dave Eggers, and the end of the word processing DIY aesthetic. Oh, and the nostalgia for those times that comes with growing old! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travel writer and author Kia Abdullah stopped by the Bunker to talk about her latest novel, Next of Kin, which was the Times Crime Book of the Month September 2021. She and Brad talked about growing up in a family with eight children, her decision to get a degree in computer science and work in the technology industry, and the leap of faith she took when she started her travel website Atlas & Boots, an award-winning outdoor travel blog covering thrilling activities in far-flung places. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author, archaeologist, and retired National Geographic writer Ann R. Williams stopped by the Bunker to talk with Brad about her latest book, Lost Cities, Ancient Tombs, a beautiful book that explores one-hundred of the most important—and fascinating—archeological finds. In this episode, Brad just sat back and let Ann tell some of the riveting stories you'll find in the book. And, she and Brad discussed how closely connected we are to human history, no matter how far back it stretches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author, TV producer, and Egyptologist Dr. Kara Cooney stopped by the Bunker this week to talk about her latest book, The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World. She and Brad had a fascinating, fun, and funny discussion about her current work researching more than 300 coffins from the ancient world. Along the way, they pulled in feminist and cultural critiques of history as well as the importance of drawing lines from the past to present. Plus, a whole lot about how difficult it is to find your voice when you exist outside the dominant paradigm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and friend of the program Louise Fein is back to talk about her sophomore book, The Hidden Child, which is climbing the best-seller charts! Like her debut, People Like Us (Daughter of the Reich in North America), Louise taps her family's history and weaves it through the late twenties and early thirties in England—with some American flavor. Plus, she and Brad talked about the creative ways she's done research during the pandemic: lots of books and Zoom calls! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renowned economist, politician, and author Yanis Varoufakis stopped by the Bunker to talk about his latest book, Another Now, which is an alternate history in which our world developed into a post-capitalist world after the economic crash in 2008. Yanis shared the story of how he was politicized early after the Greek civil war and his father's imprisonment, and how that helped shape his economic vision that led him to become an accidental politician (he led the bailout talks between Greece and the European Union) and a best selling author. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Playwright Laura Zlatos stopped by the Bunker to talk about her writing journey and her latest play, The Empress of Jupiter, which debuts in December at the New Perspectives Theatre Group. A fascinating writer with a laser-sharp sense of voice, she and Brad talked about finding your way into an idea and a story. But they also talked about Pittsburgh BBQ (Walter's is the best) and her interesting (and amazing) exposure to writing early in her education, and their shared dislike of being on stage (also developed early). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Robert McCaw stopped by the Bunker to talk about the latest in his Koa Kane mystery series, Treachery Times Two. But Robert has led a fascinating life, traveling all over the world first with his military family and later as a U.S. Army lieutenant. He eventually went to law school, became a lawyer, and settled in Hawaii, where he immersed himself in the culture for twenty years. And he took Brad on a brief—but fascinating—dive into the history and politics of Hawaii. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Teresa K. Miller stopped by the bunker to talk about her memoir reflection in poetry, Borderline Fortune. She and Brad talked about the impact of family trauma, healing and therapy, the power of storytelling, and how we think about interacting with the world around us. And, those conversations were grounded in the very real nature of interacting with people, our neighbors, and those with whom we disagree. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introverts: buckle up! Author Nadine Matheson stopped by the Bunker to talk about her debut novel, The Jigsaw Man. But she and Brad got right down to it, discussing the existential melancholy of getting older, pushing their way in to places where others didn't want them, and telling stories all the way. They talked so much, in fact, that Nadine's earbuds ran out of charge! (There may need to be a Part II someday soon.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes Brad has a guest on for personal reasons. Like this week. Author Robbie Bach stops by the Bunker to talk about his debut thriller, The Wilkes Insurrection. However, Brad knew Robbie when he was in charge of developing the Xbox and Brad was writing at Wired. So, they talked about how storytelling in games, cinematic stories, and marketing helped teach him how to write a novel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Samantha Specks has one of the most interesting origin stories: A clinical social worker, she hadn't planned on becoming a writer. But she had a story in her that she couldn't shake, and that became her debut novel, Dovetails in Tall Grass. She and Brad talked about the work it takes to write historical fiction when your story involves cultures and experiences outside of your own, and how her training as a social worker helped her along the way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Ed Davis stopped by the Bunker South (aka, our Birmingham studio) to talk about his latest book, The Last Professional. But he and Brad had so much more than just the book to discuss. They talked about Skywalker Ranch and George Lucas, jumping trains, the joy of traveling, a love of working with their hands (even if Brad is terrible at that), and how writing became a way to both chronicle and make sense of living life outside the box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices