The Inside Flap

We're joined by Melinda Leigh for a chat all about her book You Can Tell Me, Mixed Martial Arts training, being a math nerd, and how she didn't start writing until her thirties. Plus – Laura's work boundaries are tested and Andrew is sentimental over graduations. We also recommend: Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth, Seascraper … Continue reading Ep. 330 Higher Math and MMA With Melinda Leigh

A fun chat with Eloisa James all about her new book The Last Lady B, Taylor Swift, Shakespeare, and her editor's overzealous red pen. Plus- Dave misses out on a grand entrance, Laura endures a hot job site, and Andrew gets a smoker. We also recommend: The Radiant Dark by Alexandra Oliva, Short Cuts by … Continue reading Ep. 329 Swifties and Shakespeare With Eloisa James

A fun chat with Christina Baker Kline all about her new book The Foursome, conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker, North Carolina, Civil War historians, and fact checkers. Plus- Dave's students throw him under the bus, Laura can't have cinnamon rolls in the house, and Andrew's old dog is learning some new tricks. We also … Continue reading Ep. 328 Twinning With Christina Baker Kline

A fun chat with Alexandra Andrews all about her new book The Fine Art of Lying, celebrity sightings, bunnies, and the insidious Candy Land board game. Plus- Dave is officially Unc to his students, Laura goes tub hopping in Georgia, and Andrew's new neighbor is a Denver Broncos player. We also recommend: This Story Might … Continue reading Ep. 327 Bunnies & Board Games With Alexandra Andrews

We're joined today by John Twelve Hawks for a fun chat all about his new book Certainty, stuffed animals, talking dogs, and resurrection bots. Plus – Dave accidentally sets off a stink bomb at his school, Laura goes to a concert and is amazed at how many people know all the lyrics, and Andrew is … Continue reading Ep. 326 Next Level Stuffies With John Twelve Hawks

We're joined by Anthony Horowitz for a fun chat all about his new book A Deadly Episode, his time spent on film sets, adapting his own work, and his use of fountain pens. Plus – Dave and Laura recap the cardboard box boat races and Andrew calls in from Boston. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

We're joined by Willy Vlautin for a fun chat all about his new book The Left and the Lucky, true grit, how his experiences as a house painter helped informed the book, and the importance of eating a good lunch. Plus – Dave recaps a harrowing highway experience, Laura gets infected by a tick, and … Continue reading Ep. 325 Eating A Good Lunch With Willy Vlautin

We're joined by Evelyn Clarke (Cat Clarke and V.E. Schwab) for a fun chat all about their book The Ending Writes Itself, the publishing industry, working with editors, and their dream of being a traitor. Plus – Dave and Laura go on vacation and can't stop eating sweets, and Andrew hopes the new family pet … Continue reading Ep. 324 How To Be A Traitor With Evelyn Clarke

A fun chat with Benjamin Stevenson all about his new book Everyone in this Bank is a Thief, fair play mysteries, writing a portion of the book in public on a big screen, and the word he cannot spell. Plus – Dave recaps his trip to L.A., Laura waits in the longest line of her … Continue reading Writing In Public With Benjamin Stevenson

With our hosts scattered across the country this week and Project Hail Mary in theaters now, enjoy a best of episode from 2021 – It’s Andy Weir and a delightfully fun chat about the book, defending Shemp, his hatred for flashbacks, and why he would never go into space. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Daniel Kraus all about his new book Partially Devoured: How Night of the Living Dead Saved My Life and Changed the World, his obsession with the movie, independent video rental stores, and the best thing about black and white movies. Plus – Dave is heavily invested in Senior Assassin. ITUNES – … Continue reading Braaaains With Daniel Kraus

A fun chat with Shelley Noble all about her new book The Sisters of Book Row, the Comstock Laws, rare books, and her unique approach to visualizing her settings. Plus – Dave is gearing up for opening night for Mamma Mia! ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Elizabeth Day all about her new book One of Us, her favorite reality TV shows (all of them), her interesting journaling technique, and the greatness that is The Cheesecake Factory. Plus – Dave witnesses shocking behavior in the men's bathroom at the gym, Laura questions her chosen profession, and Andrew strays … Continue reading How To Tend Bar For Andy Cohen With Elizabeth Day

A fun chat with Kate Quinn all about her new book The Astral Library, living inside of books, dream libraries, and dragons. Plus – Dave & Laura have an interesting lunch with friends, and Andrew almost passes out while teaching. We also recommend: All Involved by Ryan Gattis, It's Not Her by Mary Kubica, and … Continue reading How To Live Inside A Book With Kate Quinn

A fun chat with Will Dean all about his new book Adrift, the importance of first lines, chopping wood for exercise, and his unique writing process. Plus- Dave finally has someone comment on his work email icon after 10 years, Laura has to quit listening to self help podcasts because they were NOT HELPING, and … Continue reading Ep. 320 Chopping Wood With Will Dean

We're joined by James Rollins for a fun chat about his new book Trust No One, the importance of routines, witches, talking to strangers, and writing off vacations. Plus- Dave's co-worker infiltrates a rehearsal, Laura complains about Dave's hiking, and Andrew's student demands a grade of 100%. We also recommend: Box Full of Darkness by … Continue reading Ep. 319 How To Write Off A Vacation With James Rollins

A fun chat with Saundra Mitchell all about her new book This Side of Gone, culture shock, and scary highways. Plus – Dave's not showering and his classroom smells, Laura is looking at points north, and Andrew takes a trip to the ER. We also recommend: The Cut by Chris Brookmyre, The Unselected Journals of … Continue reading Ep. 318 Culture Shock and Freaky Freeways With Saundra Mitchell

We're joined by Lynn Cullen for a fun chat all about her book When We Were Brilliant, the allure of Marilyn Monroe, her photographer Eve Arnold, and her intriguing relationship with Joe DiMaggio. Plus – Dave has a panini adventure, Laura hits the gym with a friend, and Andrew's students find out about his snoring … Continue reading Ep. 317 Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite Photographer With Lynn Cullen

A fun chat with Jenna Blum all about her new book Murder Your Darlings, Tuesdays, stalkers, and what it's really like being a writer. Plus – Dave records Andrew's snoring, Laura is puzzled by a machine at the gym, and Andrew's students go crazy with paper airplanes. We also recommend: Angel Down by Daniel Kraus, … Continue reading Ep. 316 Tuesdays With Jenna Blum

A fun chat with Wendy Walker all about her new book Blade, her experience as a competitive figure skater, fear training, and pushy skate parents. Plus – Dave is a big loser, Laura talks Dave's mother into getting a self driving car, and Andrew's dog breaks out of their hotel room. We also share our … Continue reading Ep. 315 Wendy Walker Is On Thin Ice & We Share Our Favorite Books of 2025

We're joined by Ruth Mancini for a fun chat all about her new book The Day I Lost You, her career in the law, Ally McBeal, and her obsession with Frasier. Plus- Dave doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut, Laura gets an unexpected house tour, and Andrew and his son dress like elves … Continue reading Ep. 314 Ruth Mancini Can’t Stop Watching Frasier

We're joined by Connie Berry for a fun chat all about her new book A Grave Deception, writing 14th century poetry, and her inability to remember people's names. Plus – Dave hurts his back at school, Laura visits family back East, and Andrew is disappointed at the Denver Nature and Science Museum Christmas event. We … Continue reading Ep. 313 How To Write Fourteenth Century Poetry With Connie Berry

A fun chat with Rachel Van Dyken all about her new book Fallen Gods, her Norse heritage, the mafia, and sweater wearing cats. Plus – Dave once again embarrasses himself in class (several times), Laura is at Brassfest to support Dave and Sylvia, and Andrew’s students are complaining to the dean. We also recommend: What … Continue reading Ep. 312 Mythology & The Mafia With Rachel Van Dyken

We're joined by Tod Goldberg for a fun chat all about his book Only Way Out, baseball memorabilia, the importance of book titles, and the time he got pulled over for singing. Plus – Dave has a freshman fiasco story and Laura has a parade critique.  We also recommend: Everything Matters! by Ron Currie Jr., … Continue reading Ep. 311 Tod Goldberg Chooses His Titles Wisely

A fun chat with Matthew Pearl all about his new book The Award, hot chocolate, astronauts, and the trouble with being surrounded by writers. Plus – Dave pays tribute to his Dad, Laura gets pulled over, and Andrew is spending more time working on his garage. We also recommend: Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber, … Continue reading Ep. 310 Matthew Pearl Drinks Hot Chocolate

A fun chat with Elle Marr all about her new book The Lie She Wears, how she uses her theater background for writing, defending psychopaths, and her favorite musicals. Plus – Dave and Laura go to the theater. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Ann Packer all about her new book Some Bright Nowhere, why she has no problem doing awful things to her characters, avoiding small talk, and the secret to her butterscotch pudding. Plus – Dave don't get dressed up for no one. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

We're joined by Karen White for a fun chat about her new book The Lady on Esplanade, creepy dolls, ghost encounters, and New Orleans potholes. Plus – Laura has a celebrity sighting at a Nuggets game, Dave gets feedback from his Principal, and Andrew has a massive Halloween. We also recommend: Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei, … Continue reading Ep. 309 – Dodging Potholes With Karen White

A fun chat with Mia Sheridan all about her new book The Fix, man-eating bears, and how DIYing helps her writing. Plus – Dave's school has too many fire drills, Laura is on the lonely girl diet, and Andrew's got his hands full with middle schoolers. We also recommend: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison, Unbound … Continue reading Mia Sheridan: Sometimes A Bear’s Gotta Eat

A fun chat with Kelley Armstrong all about her new book The Haunting of Paynes Hollow, folklore, audiobook narrators, and bears.  Plus – Dave has some wacky stories from his play. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Trilina Pucci all about her new book One Killer Night, the San Francisco 49ers, Capri Suns, and gummy worms. Plus – Dave's students struggle with 80s music. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

We're joined by Christa Carmen for a fun chat all about her new novel How to Fake a Haunting, ghost tours, horror movies, and how her husband falling asleep while watching TV gave her the idea for the book. Plus – Dave gets an unexpected gift, Laura learns the hard way she's not a sourdough … Continue reading Ep. 307 How To Write A Book By Pranking Your Husband With Christa Carmen

We're joined by Sarah Hawley for a fun chat all about her new book Princess of Blood, her intricately detailed world building process, and her experience in stage combat. Plus – Dave avoids small talk at all costs, Laura shares embarrassing stories about her family, and Andrew gets a new truck. Again. We also recommend: … Continue reading Crossing Swords With Sarah Hawley

A fun chat with Jane Hamilton about her new book The Phoebe Variations, big families, housing Sigourney Weaver, and possums. Plus – Dave and Andrew have an eventful weekend in Baltimore, and Laura spends quality time with Sylvia at school. We also recommend: One Dark Night by Hannah Richell, The Wrong Hands by Mark Billingham, … Continue reading Ep. 305 Playing Possum With Jane Hamilton

We're joined by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado for a fun chat all about their new book The Grave Artist, their prodigious output, and upping the serial killer game. We also recommend: The Lottery Ticket by CJ Williams, How Bad Things Can Get by Darcy Coates, and The King of Video Poker by Paolo Iacovelli.  … Continue reading Ep. 304 Jeffery Deaver & Isabella Maldonado Can’t Stop Writing

A fun chat with Lou Berney all about his new book Crooks, seeing the world through a criminal lens, the OKC Thunder, and Judge Reinhold. Plus – Dave and Laura hit the Ikea for meatballs and more and Andrew takes too many kids to the Weird Al concert and there is a major incident. We … Continue reading Ep. 303 Lou Berney Is A Smooth Criminal

A fun chat with Joanne Harris all about her new book Vianne, why she wanted to revisit the Chocolat series, magic, and her least favorite thing about chocolate. Plus – Dave is smelly. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Claire Douglas all about her new book The Wrong Sister, driving in England, creating twists, and how she uses an alarm to stay distraction free while writing. Plus – Dave learns a lot of names, Laura breaks down a marching band incident, and Andrew attends a monster mash. Again. We also … Continue reading Driving In England With Claire Douglas

We're joined by Gareth Brown for a fun chat about his new book The Society of Unknowable Objects, competing against himself, his inability to focus on audiobooks, and the uncomfortable comment he overheard at a book club. Plus – Dave is mocked at his back to school faculty meeting, Laura sees a movie she will … Continue reading Ep 301 Eavesdropping With Gareth Brown

A fun chat with M. W. Craven all about his new book The Final Vow, why he reads his one star reviews, serial killer tropes, and Snakes & Ladders. Plus – Dave finds an ingenious way to avoid small talk with other teachers, Laura takes her daughter to lunch, and Andrew kicks off his new … Continue reading Ep. 300 Dungeons & Dragons With M. W. Craven

Another fun chat with Karin Slaughter all about her new book We Are All Guilty Here, the joy of world building for a new series, the trouble with citizen detectives, and the Cowboy Junkies. Plus – Dave recounts some silly theater teacher trainings. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Scott Carson all about his new book Departure 37, the other famous Vonnegut, the race to build the first nuclear bomb, and Doomtown. Plus – Dave has a run-in at the landfill, Laura is thrifting, and Andrew prepares for his first week of teaching. We also recommend: The Recruiter by Gregg … Continue reading Ep. 299 A Visit To Doomtown With Scott Carson

A fun chat with J.T. Ellison all about her new book Last Seen, sociopaths, growing in a tiny town, and how she parlays her dreams into material. Plus- Dave has visitors from out of town, Laura helps facilitate a pet adoption, and Andrew has issues with his cruise. We also recommend:  These Summer Storms by … Continue reading Ep. 298 Sweet Dreams With J.T. Ellison

A fun chat with Brian Freeman all about his new book The Bourne Escape, writing three books a year, the importance of dogs (in books), and how he got the job writing the Bourne series. Plus – Dave and Laura have a bear encounter while on vacation, and Andrew attends a concert featuring The Weekend. … Continue reading Ep. 297 Meet Bitey The Alligator With Brian Freeman

A fun chat with Lynn Painter all about her new book Maid for Each Other, the genius of Pretty Woman, how she makes her wavering attention work for her as a writer, and her struggles to create conflict. Plus – Laura stays at a most confusing hotel in Crested Butte. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with J. Randy Taraborrelli all about his new book JFK: Public, Private, Secret, the truth behind Rose's cottage, what Jack's war hero status tragically meant for the family, and the amazing source he talked to for the book. Plus – Dave and camping cannot see eye to eye. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Giano Cromley all about his new book American Mythology, woodworking, scopaesthesia, and his lifelong obsession with writing about Bigfoot. Plus- Dave and Laura have company. ITUNES – SPOTIFY

We're joined by Dana Elmendorf for a fun chat about her new book Ghost Birds, bears, and a spine tingly real life ghost story. Plus – Dave gets Tom Sawyered… AGAIN! ITUNES – SPOTIFY

A fun chat with Victoria Helen Stone all about her new book Bald-Faced Liar, the Satanic Panic, and paranoia run amok. Plus – Dave does not want your discounts, Laura is amused by the police, and Andrew witness a disturbing Mom on the street. We also recommend: My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni, Daughter of … Continue reading Ep. 296 Revisiting The Satanic Panic With Victoria Helen Stone

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