The Inside Flap

A fun chat with Kendra Elliot all about her new book Her First Mistake, the trouble with analyzing books, and the right time to explode things. Plus – Dave and Laura attend the No Kings rally and Andrew is fascinated by submarine shows. We also recommend: Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura Lippman, The Tale … Continue reading Ep. 295 Blowing Stuff Up With Kendra Elliot

We're joined by Peter Swanson for a fun chat all about his new book Kill Your Darlings, backwards storytelling, the Exorcist steps, and the reason why halfway through writing his books it's all he can do not to quit them. Plus – Dave and Andrew are Tom Sawyered and Laura hits up a swanky country … Continue reading Ep. 294 Peter Swanson Writes Backwards

A fun chat with Mark Stevens all about his new book No Lie Lasts Forever, classical music, baseball, and his fascinating connection to They Might Be Giants. Plus – Dave’s strange persona lends itself for some strange first impressions. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

We're joined by Bradeigh Godfrey and Alison Hammer for a fun chat all about their new Ali Brady book Battle of the Bookstores, the genius of You've Got Mail, having fun with tropes, indie bookstores, and cannoli taste tests. Plus – Dave expounds on his running > cycling theory. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Maggie Stiefvater all about her new book The Listeners, fancy hotels, capital letter conversations, and the (shockingly small) number of pages she gives a book before deciding whether or not to keep reading it. Plus – Dave & Laura move Sylvia into her first apartment, Dave has some end of the … Continue reading Ep. 293 The Page Sixteen Rule With Maggie Stiefvater

A fun chat with Chris Pavone all about his new book The Doorman, an unforgettable doorman he once knew, why he was wearing a tuxedo on the subway, and his quest to visit every major league ballpark. Plus – Dave faces a moral dilemma after going to the movies with a friend who wouldn't stop … Continue reading Wearing Tuxedos In Subways With Chris Pavone

A fun chat with Linwood Barclay all about his new book Whistle, taking the leap into the supernatural, train derailments, fish guts, and why he will never wear tan khakis when he has to read in front of an audience again. Plus – Dave acts the fool on FOX45 in Baltimore, Laura is dog training, … Continue reading Ep. 292 Linwood Barclay And The Trouble With Khakis

A fun chat with Anthony Horowitz all about his new book Marble Hall Murders, Bond music, why he writes with pen and ink, and the creative manner in which he exacts revenge on his old teachers. Plus – Dave gets a MAJOR AWARD, Laura has a time of it moving Sylvia out of her dorm, … Continue reading Ep. 291 How To Exact Revenge On Your Teachers With Anthony Horowitz

A fun chat with Robert Bailey all about his new book The Boomerang, Julio Jones, the problems with Big Pharma, and the healing power of yellow legal pads. Plus- Dave is disciplined by his Principal (again), Laura recaps the African Dance Final at CU, and Andrew's son is writing speeches. We also recommend: Arcane Artificer … Continue reading Robert Bailey And His Soothing Legal Pads

A fun chat with Paulette Kennedy all about her new book The Artist of Blackberry Grange, speakeasies, time portals, and finding inspiration from portrait paintings. Plus – Dave gets screamed at in his school's bathroom. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Nat Cassiday all about his new book When the Wolf Comes Home, the importance of content warnings, shapeshifters, and his Lovecraftian one man show. Plus – Dave bungles PSAT proctoring, Laura has the best seat in the stadium (for once), and Andrew's kid is the Easter Bunny. We also recommend: Dungeon … Continue reading Ep. 289 Dirtbag Facial Hair With Nat Cassidy

We're joined by Abbi Waxman for a fun chat all about her new book One Death at a Time, unnecessary birthing scenes, crying at Instagram reels, and why she loves a good Irish goodbye. Plus – Dave is shocked at his fellow teachers' attitudes concerning AI, Laura goes under the knife, and Andrew has concerns … Continue reading Ep. 288 Having A Good Cry With Abbi Waxman

We're joined by Belinda Bauer for a fun chat all about her new book The Impossible Thing, her habit of wearing watches that don't work, her Call of Duty skills (or lack thereof), and making sure the bird doesn't talk. Plus – Dave and Laura share more horror stories from Greece including another student injury … Continue reading Belinda Bauer Knows Why The Bird Shouldn’t Talk

We're joined by Bryan Gruley for a fun chat all about his new book Bitterfrost, hockey fights, Zambonis, and how he turned a bad reader review into an amazing T-shirt. Plus: Dave and Laura recap their disastrous Greek cruise ship experience and Andrew takes his kids to the movies. We also recommend: Tilt by Emma … Continue reading Hockey Fights and Plenty of Cursing With Bryan Gruley

We're joined by Jesse Q Sutanto for a fun chat all about her new book Vera Wong's Guide To Snooping (on a Dead Man), rage watching tradwife videos, village cooking, and how her mom getting scammed helped inspire the book. Plus – Dave & Laura take 64 students to Greece and have a LOT to … Continue reading Mom Scams & Tradwives With Jesse Q. Sutanto

A fun chat with Steve Cavanagh all about his book Witness 8, eccentric characters, New York City police gangs, and his fondness for the late great TV Guide. Plus – Dave and Laura prepare for their trip to Greece with 64 students. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS

Susan Meissner joins us for a fun chat all about her book A Map To Paradise, the beginnings of the Cold War, McCarthyism, and the millions of people displaced by WWII. Plus: Dave misunderstands why he's protesting, Laura raves about Sylvia's African Dance class midterm, and Andrew is on vacation in Mexico. Again. We also … Continue reading Trouble In Paradise With Susan Meissner

This week we recommend: Isola by Allegra Goodman,  Stranded by A. K. Duboff, and Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morisson. Audiobook of the Week is What in the World by LeAnne Morgan. Plus – Dave's students mistake wig glue for styling mousse, Laura spies Sylvia reading her Kindle while playing … Continue reading Wig Glue Shenanigans

We have a best of episode from March 12, 2022.  C. J. Box joins us to chat about Joe Pickett, why he doesn't save plot points for future books, the reason he spent some time as a food critic, and the delicacy that is the Rocky Mountain oyster.  Plus – Dave gets no respect from … Continue reading Best Of!

A fun chat with Gillian McAllister all about her new book Famous Last Words, negotiating with hostages and toddlers, Mars bars, writing at night, and the insane amount of words that end up in the trash while she's writing. Plus – Dave is heckled by several comedians, Laura takes a tumble, and Andrew negotiates with … Continue reading Ep. 283 Mars Bars, Coca-Cola and Hostage Negotiations With Gillian McAllister

A fun chat with Charlotte Wood all about her new book Stone Yard Devotional, the appeal of escaping society, mice plagues, and learning to sit in silence. Plus – Dave's music struggles, Laura's puppy struggles, and Andrew is on holiday in Mexico. Woo. Hoo.  We also recommend: The Mayors of New York by S. J. … Continue reading Ep. 282 Mice Plagues! With Charlotte Wood

We're joined by Gregg Hurwitz for a fun chat all about his new book Nemesis, his favorite Orphan X commandment, how writing is like an illness, and the two things you can never do in your novel. Plus – Dave is shocked by what his doctor does in the examination room, Laura is getting knocked … Continue reading Why You Can’t Kill A Cat With Gregg Hurwitz

We're joined by Christopher Farnsworth for a fun chat all about his new book Robert B. Parker's Buried Secrets, nicknames, hoarding, and what it was like discovering a dead body. Plus – Dave is almost run over by an officer on the go. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS

A fun chat with Carter Wilson all about his new book Tell Me What You Did, creative uses of tuba cases, talk radio, and how to be anonymously famous. Plus – Dave has a shower incident, Laura receives some poorly timed scary news, and Andrew brings gold into his classroom. We also recommend: Tom Savage … Continue reading Ep. 280 How To Pack A Tuba Case With Carter Wilson

A fun chat with Joseph Finder all about his new book The Oligarch's Daughter, survival techniques, axe throwing, hitchhiking, and the secret power of the space blanket. Plus – Dave recaps his travels to Spain, Laura is shocked by Dave's reaction to her face, and Andrew has a new congressperson. We also recommend: Skin Deep … Continue reading Ep. 279 How To Use A Space Blanket With Joseph Finder

A fun chat with Brad Meltzer all about his new book The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy―and Why It Failed, JFK as war hero, Jacqueline Kennedy's friendship with her secret service agent, and the monster who almost killed Kennedy. Plus – Dave's students have to undo all the “work” the actors did, … Continue reading Ep. 278 How To Buy Dynamite In Bulk With Brad Meltzer

We're joined by Heather O'Neill for a fun chat all about her new book The Capital of Dreams, why writers are dangerous, and the surprising reaction her daughter had to the mother character in the book. Plus – Dave takes multiple pies to the face, Laura's father battles his Alexa, and Andrew is back and … Continue reading Ep. 277 What Makes A Writer Dangerous With Heather O’Neill

A fun chat with Barbara Nickless all about her new book The Drowning Game, Singapore slings, and why she was compelled to hire a fact checker. Plus – Dave & Laura battle their coffee pot and lose to vinegar. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS

We unveil our favorite reads of 2024! Plus – Dave and Laura's neighbors cut off their WiFi for a week, Dave fails in front of the Heisman, and Andrew's on vacation with a ton of spiders.  Laura's picks: The Women by Kristin Hannah Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera The Bright Sword by Lev … Continue reading Ep. 276 Our Favorite Books of 2024

A fun chat with Jane Corry all about her new book I Died on a Tuesday, swimming in the sea, where the title came from, and her experiences teaching writing to prison inmates. Plus – Dave is rattled while getting observed while teaching, Laura has a slight case of road rage, and Andrew visits and … Continue reading Ep. 275 Giving Back With Jane Corry

A fun chat with Darby Kane all about her new book What the Wife Knew, writing in first person for the first time, and the surprising assist she got to start her career. Plus – Dave and Andrew recap their trip to Las Vegas and Laura's dog brings her an unexpected “present.” We also recommend: … Continue reading How To Use Titles To Scare Your Husband With Darby Kane

A fun chat with Victor Methos all about his new book The Silent Watcher, doing standup, Joseph Campbell, and his obsession with Batman. Plus – Laura has a bizarre encounter at the vet's office. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS

We're joined by T. J. English for a fun chat all about his new book The Last Kilo: Willy Falcon and the Cocaine Empire That Seduced America, how the anti Castro movement started it all, and how he scored exclusive interviews with Willy Falcon. Plus – Dave watches his team get destroyed live, Laura recaps … Continue reading Ep. 273 It All Started With Castro With T. J. English

A fun chat with G. T. Karber all about his new book Murdle: The School of Mystery, being asked to solve puzzles by strangers, bingo daubers, the fallacy with constellations, and the ineptitude of the Hardy Boys. Plus – Dave & Laura recap their Big Noon experience. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS

A fun chat with Graham Brown all about his new book Clive Cussler Desolation Code, merging human intelligence with machines, the Eagles, and the shark attack capital of the world. Plus – Dave & Laura take in a CU basketball game and Andrew is FED UP with Apple. We also recommend: A Deadly Education by … Continue reading Ep. 272 Fly Eagles Fly With Graham Brown

A fun chat with Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White all about their new book The Author's Guide to Murder, pantaboots, prosecco, and why they will never divulge who wrote for which characters. Plus – Dave possibly commits election fraud while striking his set, Laura nurses their daughter, and Andrew is outraged at StubHub. … Continue reading Ep. 271 Fifty Shades Of Plaid With Lauren Willig, Beatriz Williams & Karen White

A fun conversation with Lou Berney all about his new book Double Barrel Bluff, short shorts, bats, and which actor is the king of sports movies. Plus – Dave's production of Sweeney Todd gets interrupted by a fire alarm. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS

A fun chat with Peter James all about his new book One of Us is Dead, hanging out with Queen Camilla, getting detained by police in Moscow while out for a run, and what it was like to get an idea from someone he could actually use. Plus – Dave recaps the misadventures of building … Continue reading Peter James Lunches With The Queen

We're joined by CJ Leede for a fun chat all about her new book American Rapture, viruses and spending lots of time in church as a kid. Plus – Dave recaps his family's visit, Laura encounters some unruly football fans, and Andrew is setting up a haunted house. We also recommend: Nothing But the Bones … Continue reading Ep. 270 Chatting In Church With CJ Leede

A fun chat with Jason Rekulak all about his new thriller The Last One at the Wedding, pestering his UPS driver, wasting fire extinguishers, and his propensity for watching people. Plus – Dave’s building engineer is snooping around his sets again…. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS

A fun chat with Rose Carlyle all about her new book No One Will Know, whale songs, swimming with sharks, and last minute epilogues. Plus – Dave rails against cyclists, Laura can't rely on painters, and Andrew is just very busy. We also recommend: The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl, The Artifact by David … Continue reading Ep. 269 How To Write A Last Minute Epilogue With Rose Carlyle

A fun chat with Alison Gaylin all about her new book Robert B. Parker's Buzz Kill, energy drinks, and crashing David Hasselhoff's wedding for Star Magazine. Plus – Dave is back on the picket line, Laura gets competitive at puppy kindergarten, and Andrew sinks even more money into his ill-fated clarinet collection. We also recommend: … Continue reading Ep. 268 How To Crash A Wedding With Alison Gaylin

A fun chat with Matt Murphy all about his book The Book of Murder, surfing, being there for the victims, and what it's like having to work closely with serial killers in the courtroom. Plus – Dave's late, Laura's early, and Andrew keeps copious quantities of booze on his kitchen counter. We also recommend: The … Continue reading Ep. 267 Catchin’ Some Tasty Waves With Matt Murphy

A fun chat with Janice Hallet all about her new book The Examiner, the Arts, writing bios, grading, and getting hooked on ASMR. Plus – Dave's students (basically) do the hokey pokey with his work keys. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS

A fun chat with TJ Klune all about his new novel Somewhere Beyond the Sea, breaking stereotypes, the importance of learning Queer history, and who his favorite character in the book is.  Plus – Dave turns musical auditions into a gambling game, Laura's a dog walker extraordinaire, and Andrew's learning the teaching ropes. We also … Continue reading How To Take Over The Family Name With TJ Klune

We chat with David Daley all about his new book Antidemocratic: Inside the Far Right’s 50-Year Plot to Control American Elections, why we should care about the Courts, gerrymandering, and how a minority can win in a democracy. Plus – Dave & Laura recount a harrowing gameday experience as they attempt to get to the … Continue reading When The Minority Rules With David Daley

We're joined by Fiona Barton for a fun chat all about her new book Talking to Strangers, the dangers of dating apps, victim blaming, and the reason why she uses multiple narrators. Plus – Dave is in over his head after just one week of school, Laura recaps puppy kindergarten, and Andrew throws away $3000 … Continue reading Ep. 265 Writing in Secret With Fiona Barton

We're joined by Jesse Q Sutanto for a fun chat all about her new book You Will Never Be Me, momfluencers, her habit of bullying gamers, her insanely unique writing routine, and why she had to change her attitude while out and about in public. Plus – Dave is convinced his administration is spying on … Continue reading Ep. 264 How To Bully An Eight-Year-Old With Jesse Q. Sutanto

A fun chat with Karin Slaughter all about her new book This is Why We Lied, why she'll never hike the Appalachian Trail, meeting Carol Burnett, and the reason her summer camp experience as a kid was traumatic. We also recommend: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, The Caretaker by Ron Rash, &  Ascendant: A … Continue reading Ep. 263 Why You Should Never Meet Your Heroes With Karin Slaughter

We're joined by Rick Jervis for a fun conversation all about his new book The Devil Behind the Badge: The Horrifying Twelve Days of the Border Patrol Serial Killer, putting the victim first, and understanding addiction. Plus- Dave recounts a bizarre story from the local year-round Halloween shop, Laura joins a new Facebook group and … Continue reading Ep. 262 No Badges Needed With Rick Jervis

We chat with Marc Guggenheim all about his new thriller In Any Lifetime, parallel universes, the Mets, and what it was like writing for David E. Kelley. Plus – Dave is most displeased with his gym and NBC's Olympics coverage. ITUNES – SPOTIFY – GOOGLE PODCASTS