Podcasts about author interviews

Send us a textGuess What? It's officially grey! We are in it. Oh my! It's Fifty shades of May over here on the Besties and the Books podcast. Welcome back to our spring mini episode series all about the extremely popular yet widely discredited book series: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. We're officially into book two and things are not exactly going as planned…If you've been following along and watched our “Dark Romance Enters the Chat” episode then you know, we trace romance novels wayyy back to their origin so we can discuss what societal conditions helped to produce this canon of works mostly written by women, for women, with women's stories, pleasure, and lived experiences at the center. We examine what influence romance books have had on literature and the publishing world as a whole, and then specifically discuss what impact Fifty Shades had on the genre! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley and Liz have never read it before. So this is all new information to us.We think that whether you find these books problematic or not, credit must be given where credit is due. The fact that these books have been stigmatized, criticized, and repeatedly knocked down is indicative (we think) of a larger societal problem: misogyny. Because as a society, it seems we just can't stand it when women are successful… or when they enjoy something. Whether it's objectively “good” or “profitable” or not. Episode 2 covers book 2: Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star and spice ratings. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences (with a special classical surprise!), discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, red flags, problematic elements, and end with a fun piece of Fifty Shades trivia.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! | https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! | https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMLooking for your next murder mystery Romantasy? Preview This Monster of Mine with our interview with debut author Shalini Abeysekara! | https://youtu.be/dMoOSLW1vTE?si=n6z3RXxSutNXN2oShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “The Right Way Isn't The Only Way” Fourth Wing Sweater from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES1Liz is wearing “Praise Me” Tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/praise-me-tee?_pos=2&_sid=81592a902&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textEp 607: The Healing Power of Smut: Part 7, From Pastor to Spicy Pen, Amy W. Vogel's Empowerment Journey.Guest Bio:Amy W. Vogel is an author who writes about feminine empowerment, spicy reverse age gap romance, historical fantasy with romance, urban fantasy with romance, and she's a coach for women authors. She's a former pastor and shares her transformative journey from being a pastor to writing spicy romance. She shares about her venture into spicy storytelling and writing books.Find more about Amy here: https://www.amywvogel.com/Books: Feminine Rising (affiliate links) https://amzn.to/42OoKSyThe Assist: A Spicy Soccer Romance https://amzn.to/3RWQU7KTeleosis https://amzn.to/3ENSwxISummary:  Join Ruan Willow as she dives deep into a spicy conversation with writer Amy W. Vogel, a former pastor turned author, about the transformative journey of embracing sexuality and the healing power of smut in literature. Amy shares her unique experiences navigating the complexities of faith, femininity, and freedom, all while exploring the world of romance and erotic fiction. Together, they discuss the importance of female voices in writing, the liberation that comes from owning one's sexuality, and how the act of reading and writing can serve as a powerful tool for healing and empowerment. Get ready for a candid discussion filled with laughter, insights, and plenty of spicy revelations!Timeline:00:00 - Amy W. Vogel used to be a pastor04:06 - Do you do more non fiction or do you do some fiction06:31 - Sport  themed book07:06 - So what is it do you think that is healing about either reading or writing12:58 - People are trying to censor the spicy romance that people want to read17:16 - When I first started this podcast, I wasn't very judgmental, but now I'm even less so20:27 - What do you think about the fact that there are no female voices in the Bible26:56 - 67% of self published authors are female and most are romance writers32:00 - So I'm working on my sixth book and it's actually speaking of the Bible36:59 - Part of being a human is her sexuality and having sex41:21 - Romance bookstores are popping up all over the place owned by women45:11 - You don't immediately have to dive into dark erotica49:04 - A woman wrote a book about how to strengthen your vagina during sex Bel Di Lorenzo wrote The Goh!dess MethodShow notes created with the assistance of headliner appQuotes from Amy: "The healing for me is... whatever you decide to choose to do with that history allows you to either stay stuck or move forward.""Pleasure is our birthright. We have been given that gift as women.""If you want to explore, start slow and just have fun."Support the showSubscribe for exclusives: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge NO AI TRAINING

Building Bridges: Finding Common Ground in Relational ApologeticsIn this episode of Simple Faith, host Rusty George discusses the vital role of finding common ground in a diverse world as part of relational apologetics. Key points include the significance of shared human longings, bridging cultural and political divides, and using pop culture references for meaningful discussions. Rusty emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding other perspectives, and sharing personal faith stories to create connections without compromising core Christian beliefs. The episode also touches on historical examples like St. Patrick's use of symbols to communicate the gospel and explores the balance needed to address theological differences respectfully.00:00 Introduction to Simple Faith00:36 The Importance of Finding Common Ground01:43 Shared Human Longings as Bridges05:30 The Role of Cultural References08:54 The Power of Personal Stories12:18 Understanding Other Perspectives14:33 Conclusion and Next Steps

From the cradle to the cane, muscles are the invisible engine behind everything we do. They shape our health, our identity, and our independence and yet we take them for granted says author, journalist and contributing editor to Vanity Fair, Michael Joseph Gross. His new book weaves together science, history, and personal stories to show that muscle strength is about far more than appearance, it's the foundation of how we live, move, and endure. The book is called Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives.

Ever wondered what happens when you break the unspoken rules of marriage? Nadine Matheson launches an exciting new segment called "Coffee Breaks" – 20-minute conversations with authors about their latest works that feel as intimate and refreshing as catching up with friends over coffee.In this debut Coffee Break episode, psychological thriller author Helen Monks-Takhar discusses her chilling new release "The Marriage Rule." The premise hooks you immediately: what happens when a woman wakes up disoriented in a hotel room next to a dead man, who isn't even her lover? Helen reveals how she crafted this dual-timeline narrative that explores both the immediate mystery and the events leading to this shocking moment.The episode closes with Helen's passionate call for more open conversations about normalised violence against women, challenging the victim-blaming question "Why did you stay?" through her character Elle's journey. Her hope that readers will not only be entertained but also prompted to reflect makes this thriller's purpose clear, to entertain while illuminating difficult truths.Starting in Season 4, Coffee Breaks will become a regular feature, including listener questions for authors. Send your burning questions to theconversation@nadinematheson.com to have them answered in future episodes!The Marriage RuleWhat's the one thing you need to do to stay married?Elle never dreamed she'd end up with a man like Dom. He's handsome, successful, the perfect father to their baby girl.But Elle doesn't feel the joy she knows she should. She's struggling with being a mum, failing at work, even her post-baby body doesn't feel like her own. Not that Dom cares. He worships Elle and craves intimacy as deeply as troubled Elle wants to shy away from it.Elle starts relying on red wine and the attention of new colleague Gabriel to get through her day. But the morning after a team away day, a bewildered and hungover Elle wakes up with a lifeless body in her bed. She knows devoted Dom is the only person who'll give her any Send us a textSupport the show"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.https://ko-fi.com/nadinemathesonDon't forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you'll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me:www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennadsThreads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooksTikTok: @writer_nadinematheson

Send us a textWelcome to our newest series reading “UnPopular Books by Popular Authors”! Today we're kicking it off with Sarah J Maas and Catwoman: Soulstealer! ***A huge thank you to The Bookish Queen for Sponsoring this episode!*****Check out the ultimate bookish shop and use discount code “BESTIEBOOKS15” to save 15% on your order @ https://bookishqueen.com/discount/BESTIEBOOKS15 Follow and get Inspo from them on Instagram @bookishqueenshop**Have you already read this somewhat “secret” book by Sarah J. Maas and just want to hear more? Or will you now be picking up this book to read it yourself after hearing our reviews?We can't believe booktok and bookstagram forgot to mention this semi secret book by SJM! In this episode we give you our spoiler free reviews and explain why we think this DC Comics collab was a bit of a flop.First we'll set the scene, explaining what type of book Catwoman is, what type of series it's a part of, how the book is rated on Goodreads, and how it stacks up in comparison to SJM's other notoriously successful works. Then we'll get into the deep dive, our 5 sentence book summary, our personal thoughts, some outside reviews, and ultimately if it's worth reading, and if we'll continue the series. You might be surprised at what we found.

No one wants to over-stay their welcome, but it seems that frequently pastors are a little too quick to want to move on to a different pasture. Check out my thoughts about this which I shared on the Leading From Alignment podcast. Check out the video version of this conversation.  The New Testament stories I reference are found in Acts 8:4-8, 26-40; 16:6-10. I blogged about both of these experience in more depth: Philip's story in Don't Try To Grow Your Ministry Paul's story in Interrupted But Not Discouraged If you are in a difficult place in your leadership assignment, I encourage you to check out When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Dominic Hoey, the author of best-selling novels Iceland, and Poor People with Money joins Jesse in studio to discuss his much anticipated third novel - 1985.

Tune in to this week's Monday Minute with Rusty! Have a minute of free time on your drive? Listen in for some encouragement!

In this episode, we talk with Rachelle Bergstein about:Her book The Genius of Judy and the legacy of Judy BlumeLife in Brooklyn and the rhythms of everyday city livingDate nights, and a family night out that will inspire the foodies in all of usHer favorite recent vintage find (spoiler: they're jeans and they're perfect)Writing, motherhood, marriage and how she makes it all workThe mix of style, culture, and real life she brings to her writing Pop Culture, Relationships, Relationship Communication, Marriage Communication, Dating, Podcast Couple #RomComLife #Communicating #Communication #Marriage #ThisRomComLife #RelationshipPodcast #ConnectionMatters #LimorAndDan #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts #LifeAndLove #MenandWomen dating advice for Gen Z, Modern dating tips, Limor and Dan, real talk relationships, dating in your 20s, communication in relationships, cross-generational love advice,

This week I am talking with author Nancy Christie. She got her start in journalism and has written nonfiction, short stories and novels. Nancy's fiction and nonfiction books explore the subject of change — the challenges in transitioning (physically or emotionally) from one place to another, the sense of loss that develops when the landscape of life undergoes a metaphorical shift and the importance of finding the strength and courage to move forward. Find out more about Nancy and her books at https://www.nancychristie.com/books/ Check out Nancy's YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/@midlifemoxienovelseries3804Across the English Channel will be out May 28th! Pre-order it here: https://www.amazon.com/Across-English-Channel-Stepping-Book-ebook/dp/B0F6QGS6M2/ See the reviews coming in here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232279941-across-the-english-channelSign up for my writers' newsletter to learn more about the craft of writing, know when my workshops are and be the first to get exclusive information on my writing retreats. https://katcaldwell.com/writers-newsletterWant more information on my books, author swaps, short stories and what I'm reading? Sign up for my readers' newsletter. https://storylectory.katcaldwell.com/signup You can always ask me writing questions on instagram @katcaldwell_writing

What would you sacrifice to pursue your truest creative calling? For Elaine Garvey, the answer spans decades of her life, multiple career shifts, and countless moments of self-doubt.The Financial Times has already hailed her debut novel "The Wardrobe Department" as the "Best Debut of 2025," but this recognition comes after a twenty-year journey filled with rejections, financial insecurity, and unwavering determination. "If I came home and said to family, I want to be a writer," Garvey laughs, "you might as well say I want to be a horse."This conversation between two passionate writers crackles with authenticity as they explore the hidden realities of creative pursuits. Garvey opens up about the profound financial barriers that keep many working-class voices out of publishing, revealing how she deliberately stepped down from a promotion to create mental space for her writing. Whether you're a creative struggling to find your place, someone fascinated by the hidden dynamics of theatrical workplaces, or simply curious about how stories come to life, this conversation offers both practical wisdom and emotional sustenance. Discover why, despite all obstacles, Garvey believes that "if all the world fell away, we would still be doing this."The Wardrobe DepartmentMairéad works all hours in a run-down West End theatre's wardrobe department, her whole existence made up of threads and needles, running errands to mend shoes, fixing broken zips and handwashing underwear. She must also do her best to avoid groping hands backstage and the terrible bullying of the show's producer.But, despite her skill and growing experience, half of Mairéad remains in her windy, hedge-filled home in Ireland, and the life she abandoned there. In noughties London, she has the potential to be somebody completely new - why, then, does she feel so stuck? Between the bustling side streets of Soho, and the wet grass of Leitrim and Donegal, Mairéad is caught, running from the girl she was but unable to reveal the woman she'd hoped to become.Send us a textSupport the show"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.https://ko-fi.com/nadinemathesonDon't forget to subscribe, download and review. You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you'll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Follow Me:www.nadinematheson.com BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennadsThreads: @nadinematheson Facebook: nadinemathesonbooksTikTok: @writer_nadinematheson

This special author interview pulled from our archives is Part 2 of our conversation with bestselling writer Anthony Doerr, author of Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, as well as best-sellers Cloud Cuckoo Land and Four Seasons in Rome. Be sure to listen to Part 1 if you haven't already! As the conversation continues, Anthony tells the story of finding out he had won the prestigious Rome Prize literally the same day his twin sons were born, and what it took for he and his wife to make the monumental decision to pack up their newborns and move to Rome for a year. He also explains how writing a book set in a foreign city can change your experience of the place.  He also discusses his work as the editor of The Best American Short Stories 2019. Find Anthony on Instagram or at his website. ***The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the air for an impressive 10+ years! In order to help newer listeners discover some of our earlier episodes, every Friday we are now airing an episode from our vast archives! Enjoy!*** ***Katy's sister Dana has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 agressive brain cancer. To help with the staggering medical costs—her specialist is outside her insurance network—as well of the costs of temporarily relocating to San Francsico for her treatments, please consider donating to her GoFundMe. Anything you can contribute will be extremely helpful. Thank you.*** ------------------------------------- COME TO ROME WITH US: For the third year in a row, we are hosting an intimate group of listeners for a magical and unforgettable week in Rome, this October 2025! Discover the city with us as your guides, seeing a side to Rome tourists almost never see. Find out more here. ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. BECOME A PATRON: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life and receive awesome prizes in return for your generosity! Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!

Yael Van der Wouden's first novel The Safekeep is a twisted tale of desire, obsession and loss set in the post-war Netherlands. It was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, and now the 2025 Women's Prize for Fiction. 

Stag Dance, the latest novel from trans writer Torrey Peters, is made up of three short stories and the provocative titular tale of male loggers exploring their sexualities together. 

Send us a textGuess What? It's gonna be grey…It is grey! It's Fifty shades of May over here on the Besties and the Books podcast. Welcome to our spring mini episode series all about the extremely popular yet widely discredited book series: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. If you've been following along and watched our “Dark Romance Enters the Chat” episode then you know, we trace romance novels wayyy back to their origin so we can discuss what societal conditions helped to produce this canon of works mostly written by women, for women, with women's stories, pleasure, and lived experiences at the center. We examine what influence romance books have had on literature and the publishing world as a whole, and then specifically discuss what impact Fifty Shades had on the genre! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley and Liz have never read it before. So this is all new information to us.We think that whether you find these books problematic or not, credit must be given where credit is due. The fact that these books have been stigmatized, criticized, and repeatedly knocked down is indicative (we think) of a larger societal problem: misogyny. Because as a society, it seems we just can't stand it when women are successful… or when they enjoy something. Whether it's objectively “good” or “profitable” or not. Episode 1 covers book 1: Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star and spice ratings. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences (with a special classical surprise!), discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, red flags, problematic elements, and end with a fun piece of Fifty Shades trivia.Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/club/50-shades-of-grey-pod-read-with-bestiesandthebookclub-487898954653Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMLooking for your next murder mystery Romantasy? Preview This Monster of Mine with our interview with debut author Shalini Abeysekara! | https://youtu.be/dMoOSLW1vTE?si=n6z3RXxSutNXN2oShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “I'm a Book Dragon” Clash of Tides tee from the Author Alivia Maar @livesbookshelf (Gifted in PR.)Liz is wearing “Good Girls Read Smut” Crew by *Shop Closed* and “Praise Me” Tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/praise-me-tee?_pos=2&_sid=a2aa935cf&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textSeason 5, Episode 610: Love, sex, and sexuality are the most essential topics to explore in storytelling!Meet Olive Spencer:I'm Olive Spencer, and I write smut. Not just any smut; the kind of smut you have to read one-handed, with a glass of water beside the bed. The kind that leaves you sweating, panting, and begging for more. When you pick up one of my books, you  can expect spice, spice, and more spice! When I'm not writing, I'm watching hockey and talking smack online, listening to country music, or taking photos with any camera I can find. I am not a Gemini vegetarian, but I am a fan of all things Reese Witherspoon, and I can quote Sweet Home Alabama by heart.Author Website: http://www.olivespencer.comAuthor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ospencersmutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ospencersmut/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ospencersmutX/Twitter: https://x.com/misskmagpie**From Pen Names to Steamy Stories: A Journey into Erotic Romance Writing**Step into the sultry world of erotic romance as author Olive Spencer shares her fascinating journey from writing under her real name to embracing a pen name for exploring spicier themes. Discover how she navigates the delicate balance between plot and intimacy, crafting stories that keep the "door open" in romance while maintaining engaging narratives.Learn about her unique writing process, from wearing red lipstick and lighting candles to creating specialized playlists that set the mood. Olive reveals her current projects, including a 35,000-word novel with three prequels and a steamy retelling of "Sweet Home Alabama" set in Colorado.The episode also dives into the business side of erotic romance, covering everything from ghostwriting experiences to audiobook production challenges. Get insights into building an author platform, managing reader expectations, and the importance of exploring themes of love, sex, and sexuality in storytelling.Ready to heat up your writing journey? Listen to this episode for an unfiltered look into the world of erotic romance writing!Key Takeaways:• The authors embrace their identity as "professional smut writers" and the joy of exploring taboo themes in their storytelling.• They discuss the importance of balancing plot and intimacy in their erotic romance novels.• The authors share their writing processes, from "pantsing" to "plotting," and the continuous learning and growth required in their craft.Summary created with the assistance of cleanvoice aiRuan's newest release: Open Door Romantasy Deception's Snare: https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/deceptionssnareSupport the showSubscribe for exclusives: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1599808/subscribeSign up for Ruan's newsletters: https://subscribepage.io/ruanwillowhttps://linktr.ee/RuanWillowI Dare You book https://books.ruanwillowauthor.com/idareyouthesaturdaysexchallenge NO AI TRAINING

Listen in to Week One of our new series, "You Asked for It" where we answer questions YOU have asked! This week, tune in as we answer the question, "How can we trust the resurrection?". Join us as we hear from guest speaker J. Warner Wallace, a cold case detective who sought to disprove Christianity but instead did just the opposite. This is a week you don't want to miss!

In this episode, we are joined by best-selling legal thriller author and fellow podcast host, Aime Austin! Aime's latest thriller, His Last Mistress, is described as a “nail-biting social thriller with a heartbreaking twist.” We spoke to Aime back in 2021, and we were so excited to have her join us on the show again and hear more about what she's been writing since then. We spoke to Aime about her author career, what she's been up to in the last four years, heard more about her move from romance to thriller authors, got some insight into her experience with the indie author community, learned more about His Last Mistress, were given great advice for other thriller and mystery authors, talked about her podcast, A Time to Thrill, and much more! Once more, be sure to listen to our previous episode with Aime as well! Visit Aime's website to learn more, take a listen to her podcast, A Time to Thrill, grab a copy of His Last Mistress, and check out the rest of Aime's books on Kobo!

French author Laurent Binet joins us to talk about his latest novel Perspective(s), translated by Sam Taylor, a murder mystery set in the art world of Renaissance Florence.  Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

A global effort to make communication clearer, kinder, and more meaningful for everyone started in the front seat of Jefferson Fisher's car. He's a Texas trial lawyer who started recording videos from his car during breaks in court.

Big problems don't always need big solutions. Sometimes, it's the small stuff that can break a deadlock at the office, at the dinner table, or in conversations about politics. Listening, letting go of control, and staying present even when things get tense are habits, we should learn says Adam Kahane. He's a conflict and peace negotiator who Nelson Mandela called to help South Africa when apartheid ended. His 6th book is called Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems: The Catalytic Power of Radical Engagement.

We all have dreams we've postponed  and creative passions set aside while we handle life's practicalities. Award winning author Elissa Soave knows this struggle intimately. Having started law school at just 16, she spent decades in a profession that never quite felt right before finally pursuing her writing dreams in her mid-40s."Anybody can say 'not yet, not yet' but at some point you have to say no, I'm actually now going to prioritise what I like to do with my time," Elisa shares in our candid conversation about her journey from law to literature. This powerful sentiment forms the emotional core of our discussion about her new novel "Graffiti Girls" which follows four middle-aged women who decide to break the law by spray-painting feminist messages across their small Scottish town.Elissa also reflects on representation, deliberately centering working-class characters from small towns because "they are not represented enough in literature."  For anyone who's ever thought "someday I'll follow my passion," this episode serves as both inspiration and gentle challenge. Your time is finite. What brings you joy?Graffiti GirlsFollow Elissa Soave

Join us for a special episode of Off The Shelf Book sas we sit down with the incredibly talented Lori Keesey! With over 40 years of experience in journalism—writing for newspapers, regional publications, and trade magazines—Lori brings a wealth of insight and storytelling expertise to the conversation.For two decades, she also played a vital role in public outreach at NASA, blending her passion for communication with science and innovation. A proud graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, Lori holds a B.S. in journalism.Lori is the author of the heartfelt novel Always Think of Me and has published touching short stories like The Note and Robert's Prayer. Don't miss this inspiring books author chat filled with books, stories, entertainment, wisdom, and a behind-the-scenes look at her incredible journey as a writer.

In this very special episode from our archives, we are joined by the award-winning, best-selling writer, Anthony Doerr, author of All the Light We Cannot See, Cloud Cuckoo Land, and Four Seasons in Rome, among others. Anthony shares his writing journey with Katy, from his earliest beginnings as an amateur writer to the challenges of writing from the perspective of a young blind girl in All the Light We Cannot See. He also shares how he got the idea for this book that would go on to become a world-wide sensation, and why it took him a decade to write. Also, don't miss part two of this episode where Anthony delves into his time living in Rome and the memoir that resulted from it. Find Anthony on Instagram or at his website. ***The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the air for an impressive 10+ years! In order to help newer listeners discover some of our earlier episodes, every Friday we are now airing an episode from our vast archives! Enjoy!*** ***Katy's sister Dana has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 agressive brain cancer. To help with the staggering medical costs—her specialist is outside her insurance network—as well of the costs of temporarily relocating to San Francsico for her treatments, please consider donating to her GoFundMe. Anything you can contribute will be extremely helpful. Thank you.*** ------------------------------------- COME TO ROME WITH US: For the third year in a row, we are hosting an intimate group of listeners for a magical and unforgettable week in Rome, this October 2025! Discover the city with us as your guides, seeing a side to Rome tourists almost never see. Find out more here. ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. BECOME A PATRON: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life and receive awesome prizes in return for your generosity! Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!  

In the world of children's literature, the Hans Christian Andersen Award is the highest international distinction awarded to authors and illustrators of children's books. Canadian illustrator Sydney Smith is one of those people. He describes his work as a controlled mess.

Art historian Mary Kisler saw the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on her father, who left for war with one personality and returned with another - after being a prisoner of war in Italy and then Germany from late 1941 to 1945. Mary's search to better understand her father, whom she both loved and feared, lead her to trace his life and war record. She then uncovered the truth behind his harrowing experiences and the stigma that came with being a POW. Mary's memoir Dark Dad: War and trauma - a daughter's tale is a powerful, redemptive story and one of forgiveness.

Relational Apologetics: Connecting Through CommunityIn this special five-part series from Simple Faith, we explore the concept of relational apologetics as an alternative to traditional approaches that can feel argumentative and challenging. Rusty George discusses how genuine human connection and community can make sharing your faith more approachable and effective. By examining historical and modern methods of evangelism, featuring insights from experts, and sharing real-life examples, this series redefines evangelism for those who feel uncomfortable with conventional apologetics. Discover how cultivating trust and understanding can create fertile ground for faith to flourish and make sharing your beliefs a more collective and less daunting endeavor.00:00 Introduction to Apologetics01:47 The Challenge of Sharing Faith03:24 Relational Apologetics: A New Approach03:47 Historical Perspectives on Evangelism04:47 The Celtic Model of Community08:00 Modern Applications of Relational Apologetics09:12 Personal Stories of Faith Sharing11:03 The Power of Christian Community12:03 Balancing Connection and Truth14:12 The Strategic Imperative of Connection14:49 The Parables of Lost Things16:15 Conclusion and Key QuestionsInterview Series with George Hunter - https://bit.ly/4cTnyRmInterview with Greg Koukl - https://bit.ly/3YaWU0e

You may not know her name, but chances are Carol Leifer has made you laugh. 

Related Links:https://www.dreamworldbakes.comhttps://punchmedia.bizhttps://www.raisinggenerationnourished.comhttps://www.pagestreetpublishing.comhttps://lallamitavegana.com

Welcome to the Kobo ReWriting Life Podcast! Alongside your regularly scheduled Kobo Writing Life podcast episode releases, we will also be featuring some highlights from our backlist. In this episode from September 2021, we spoke to Katee Robert, who is a best-selling author of books inspired by myth, fairytales, and folklore, all about how her inspirations influence their writing process! Best-selling author Katee Robert joins us on the podcast to talk about their writing process and why she's drawn to retellings of myths and fairytales. Katee tells us about the research that goes into her reimagined classics and how they keeps them fresh and original, and she talks to us about how her book going viral on TikTok has changed her marketing approach. To learn more, visit Katee's website and follow Katee on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Send us a textLiz and Ashley are locked and loaded and ready to talk about everything This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara. Today's episode is the spoiler-y follow up to our spoiler FREE author interview that dropped last month for Shalini's big romantasy debut! Watch our Author Interview with Shalini Abeysekara here | https://youtu.be/dMoOSLW1vTE?si=5iTgTD7AOw5robs5We discuss the reasons this book is so unique, and unlike any other romantasy we've read… because it's a full-blown murder mystery with an Ancient Rome inspired setting! We also give you a mini summary of the book, our official star and spice ratings, drop some favorite quotes, and discuss our favorite and least favorite plot points and characters. And, don't worry! We've got a Disney / classic children's movie fave and fail and a smash or pass ranking of Prince Charmings and other more furry creatures.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out This Monster of Mine, available now on Kindle and Amazon! | https://amzn.to/4jHpNZYWant MORE author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6____YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: A Hoodie From @TheLastBookstoreLiz is wearing: Fourth Wing “Conscription Day” sweatshirt from @thebeanworkshop | Use code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save!  | * https://thebeanworkshop.store/products/to-the-stars-who-listen-and-the-dreams-are-answered-tee-shirt?_pos=9&_sid=823f6afe6&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

The weekly Monday Minute is here! Tune in to hear some encouragement from Rusty as you begin your week!

Happy Easter! He is Risen! Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 8 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 7 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 6 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

She's starred in Succession and Downton Abbey but Harriet Walter is also one of the world's most accomplished Shakespearean actors. She talks to Susie about her new book which imagines what, with more lines and stage time, we'd have heard the Bard's leading women say. 

Abdulzarak Gurnah's new novel Theft is his first since winning the Nobel Prize for Literature. He talks to Susie Ferguson about this coming-of-age story and the impact of his win. 

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 5 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Meet Marion Taffe, debut Australian author of By Her Hand, an engrossing historical fiction debut, a tale of family, battles and female empowerment.Marion Taffe Instagram Marion Taffe WebsiteBy Her Hand Marion's debut novelBeowulf TranslationThe Wife's Lament Poem Skin by Ilka Tampke Jane Austen's Ink Annie Whitehead To be a Queen   Click to join my mailing listTeachers Pay Teachers StoreGrab a copy of History, Her Story, Our Story from Amazon! If you would like to support the podcast, you and Buy Me a CoffeeWrite a review on Podchaser, Apple or Spotify.The History Detective Season 1 & 2 Album is now available on Spotify and all of your music streaming services.Contact: Instagram @HistoryDetective9, email historydetective9@gmail.comHistory Detective WebsiteAll music written and performed by Kelly Chase.

Trusted financial journalist Mary Holm has a new revised edition of here 2018 bestseller Rich Enough? A Laid-back guide for every Kiwi. 

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 4 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 3 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

We are joined by the brilliant writer Jonathan Coe to discuss his latest novel, The Proof of My Innocence, a pastiche of genre fiction and insightful critique of contemporary politics.Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear, give us a follow at: X: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonInstagram: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers, Sam JordisonFacebook: Across the Pond, Galley Beggar Press, Interabang BooksBluesky: @acrossthepondbooks.bsky.socialThe Big Book Project https://substack.com/@thebigbookprojectTheme music by Carlos Guajardo-Molina

This week at Church360, guest speaker Michael Hinton from Summit Church in Orlando, Florida continues our series “For God So Loved.” Listen in as he dives into what it truly means that Jesus died for us. This is a week you won't want to miss!

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 2 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

Got an extra minute while driving to work or dropping the kids off at school? Join us for day 1 of “Pray On The Way to Easter” as we begin each morning with a prayer going into this upcoming Easter Sunday.

After a ten-year hiatus, activist and award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has released a new novel Dream Count. Set across America and Nigeria, it tells of four women linked by friendship, reckoning with their shared loves, regrets and desires.

Known for his suspense thrillers, Harlan Coben is a #1 Sunday Times bestselling author with more than eighty million books in print worldwide, including the multi-award-winning Myron Bolitar series.

In this episode of Leading Simple, host Rusty George sits down with Jesse DeYoung, the Executive Lead Pastor at Flatirons Church in Colorado, to explore the vital topic of organizational health. Together, they discuss how to create a culture of clarity, collaboration, and simplicity within any organization. Jesse shares practical insights from his experience leading one of the largest churches in the country, offering wisdom on building healthy teams, fostering effective communication, and making complex systems simpler. Whether you're leading a church, business, or team, this conversation will help you navigate the path to a healthier, more streamlined organization.Jesse DeYoung Links:Instagram: Instagram · jesse.deyoung1.8K+ followersJesse DeYoungFacebook: Facebookhttps://m.facebook.comProfile for Jesse DeYoungFlat Irons Website: https://www.flatironschurch.com/leadership/