Podcasts about novels

In this week's “Throwback Thursday” segment, we hear from an incredibly productive author who writes novels in the morning and makes online courses in the afternoon. Lots of lessons here! Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of people who earn extra money without quitting their job. This year, the show includes free guided lessons and listener Q&A several days each week.Show notes: SideHustleSchool.comEmail: team@sidehustleschool.comBe on the show: SideHustleSchool.com/questionsConnect on Instagram: @193countriesVisit Chris's main site: ChrisGuillebeau.comRead A Year of Mental Health: yearofmentalhealth.comIf you're enjoying the show, please pass it along! It's free and has been published every single day since January 1, 2017. We're also very grateful for your five-star ratings—it shows that people are listening and looking forward to new episodes.

Attention Anglophiles (and lovers of clever, engrossing books): This episode is for you! Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist explore the themes of four new novels all set in or around England's capital city. Buckle up: Two are riveting, contemporary page-turners, including the latest from the author of 2012's Capital. The other two are period pieces laced with mystery and romance. The hosts delve into the perception of reality and seeing it through a media lens. The novels discussed:Look What You Made Me Do: John LanchesterThe Kindness of Strangers: Emma GarmanFive: Ilona BannisterA Perfect Hand: Ayelet Waldman

Brooke and Tyler call in @LiteraryTrope to help push past the brink of sanity with the wildest theories in the Cosmere. Is Nahadon a soup? Are mushrooms everywhere? Is Mare alive? We'll explain and you be the judge. #AllSpoilers Follow LiteraryTrope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literarytrope/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@literarytrope Substack: https://literarytrope.substack.com/ Support this podcast by becoming a Patron on Patreon Original music by David Gruwier. "Radiant" by David Gruwier.

After recording in studio for The Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan and Maria Semple went next door to The Painted Porch to talk about the Stoic-themed novels everyone should read.

680. Celebrate a milestone with us! In this episode, we are marking the 13th anniversary of the podcast and the 14th anniversary of the Anthology project as a whole. To honor the occasion, we are sitting down with legendary local historian and author Ed Branley, the NOLA History Guy, to reflect on another  year of storytelling. Tune in as we look back at what we and Ed have accomplished over the last 12 months, dive into our favorite recent discoveries, and discuss the ever-evolving history of the Crescent City. Thank you for being part of our journey for over a decade! Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Pisatuntema. Myths of the Louisiana Choctaw. II    Soon after the earth (yahne) was made, men and grasshoppers came to the surface through a long passageway that led from a large cavern, in the interior of the earth, to the summit of a high hill, Nan' chaha. There, deep down in the earth, in the great cavern, man and the grasshoppers had been created by Aba, the Great Spirit, having been formed of the yellow clay.    For a time the men and the grasshoppers continued to reach the surface together, and as they emerged from the long passageway they would scatter in all directions, some going north, others south, east, or west.    But at last the mother of the grasshoppers who had remained in the cavern was killed by the men and as a consequence there were no more grasshoppers to reach the surface, and ever after those that lived on the earth were known to the Choctaw as eske ilay, or 'mother dead.' However, men continued to reach the surface of the earth through the long passageway that led to the summit of Nan' chaha, and, as they moved about from place to place, they trampled upon many grasshoppers in the high grass, killing many and hurting others.    The grasshoppers became alarmed as they feared that all would be killed if men became more numerous and continued to come from the cavern in the earth. They spoke to Aba, who heard them and soon after caused the passageway to be closed and no more men were allowed to reach the surface. But as there were many men remaining in the cavern he changed them to ants and ever since that time the small ants have come forth from holes in the ground. This week in Louisiana history. May 29, 1948. The Desire streetcars stopped running. This week in New Orleans history. May 29, 1985: Businessman Tom Benson officially purchased the New Orleans Saints, preventing the team from potentially relocating to another city. This week in Louisiana. French Market Creole Tomato Festival June 7'8 (traditionally the first weekend of June) French Market District, 1008 N. Peters Street New Orleans, LA 70116 Website: frenchmarket.org Email: info@frenchmarket.org Phone: (504) 636‑6400 The French Market Creole Tomato Festival celebrates the arrival of Louisiana's beloved Creole tomatoes with food booths, cooking demonstrations, live music, and family activities throughout the historic French Market: Creole Tomato Dishes: Chefs and vendors showcase tomato‑based specialties and seasonal favorites. Live Music: Performances across multiple stages in the French Market and Dutch Alley. Family Activities: Kids' crafts, second‑line parades, and interactive food‑themed events. Postcards from Louisiana. Brass-a-holics play at Lundi Gras. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

I met Rob Ellis at the Lawless convention to talk about a recent Image comic by James Tynion IV and Fernando Blanco. Find it on Image or in your local bookstore. You can also head to Dynamite comics for details of Silvia Califano's book Elvira in Horrorland.You can find a list of all the upcoming books on the Facebook page, follow the podcast on instagram, Threads, Mastodon, and BlueSky. And email me comments and suggestions to MCBCpodcast@gmail.comMusic used in this episode is Circuit Breaker by the artist Robodub. Click here to listen to the episode online. Or Download here Right click and choose save link as to download to your computer.

With both Brad and Dave nominated for awards this year, the guys spiral into a surprisingly deep conversation about awards, marketing, ego, and whether creators should plaster “award nominee” stickers all over their books. Later, they tackle a listener question about using 3D models, digital sets, and reference material in comics production — leading to a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how both creators actually build comics pages in tools like Clip Studio Paint and Photoshop. Along the way, they discuss why imperfections matter in cartooning, how typography affects visual storytelling, and why “cheating” is often just another word for “working smarter.” Today's Show Should you put an award nomination on a book cover? UPDATE: Hugo Award voter packet "WSFS Membership"  Using sets and other pre-made background materials  UPDATE: Patreon Quips is now available on desktop You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Colm Tóibín is one of Ireland's most renowned living authors. Novels like Brooklyn, The Master and Nora Webster have firmly placed him on the literary map. Now, he is back with a new short story collection, The News from Dublin. He joins Tom Power in the Q studio to talk about how the loss of his father at age 12 prompted him to write, and why he needs to start a story with an image.

Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda conclude their coverage of "Rites of the Starling," book 2 in Devney Perry's Shield of Sparrows series. So if you listened to part 1, then you know there were questions about the timelines between Caspia and Odessa, and we promise that we got answers to how they're connected so listen now. But SPOILER WARNING: There may be tears involved.  Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe

Why should you still read classic literature? Author and Woman of Letters newsletter writer Naomi Kanakia discusses her new book, What's So Great About the Great Books? Why You Should Read Classic Literature (Even Though It Might Destroy You). Plus, listeners share the works of classic literature they enjoy. PS. Classic literature is a category in the 2026 All Of It Summer Reading Challenge. Click here to learn more and sign up! Cover art courtesy of Princeton University Press Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you always remember to wash?! Would you use magic to do it if you could? Check out the latest episode to find out what AniTAY thinks.This episode's members: DoctorKev, Hybridmink, Marquan & Raitzeno, with Marquan handling the editing duties.The AniTAY Podcast is a bi-weekly podcast brought to you every other Wednesday. It is available on all your favorite podcast services! If you like us, be sure to subscribe to your favorite service and give us 5 stars! Your support is much appreciated and will help us grow and continue to provide this style of content.Intro: 0:00:00–0:02:22Dr. Stone Final Season: 0:02:23–0:07:30Pardon the Intrusion: 0:07:30–0:08:54Agents of the Four Seasons: 0:08:55–0:12:38Even A Replica Can Fall In Love: 0:12:39–0:16:25Dorohedoro: 0:16:29–0:22:33Liar Game: 0:22:37–0:23:20Iruma-kun: 0:23:21–0:25:42Daemons of the Shadow Realm: 0:25:42–0:29:12Kirio Fan Club: 0:29:13–0:31:30Needy Girl Overdose: 0:31:31–0:34:14MAO: 0:34:16–0:34:16–0:35:10 News: 0:35:23–0:43:51Question of the Week: Favorite Magic System: 0:43:52–01:04:21 Outro: 01:04:22 — End

What makes a fantasy novel truly great?Is it sales? Awards? Goodreads ratings? Cultural impact? Influence on the genre? Today, Jim and Zach tackle one of the biggest — and most dangerous — topics in fantasy fandom as they each reveal their personal Top 10 Greatest Fantasy Novels of the Past 30 Years!From epic fantasy giants from series like A Song of Ice and Fire, The First Law, and The Stormlight Archive, to genre-shifting modern classics like The Name of the Wind, Mistborn, and more, this episode dives into the books that didn't just succeed — they changed fantasy forever.Expect disagreements, hot takes, passionate defenses, and probably at least a little chaos.What fantasy novels do you think belong on the list? Let us know in the comments!Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Ring the Notification Bell so you never miss future fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and other nerdy content from Fantasy for the Ages!A huge thank you to our Patreon supporters for helping make the channel possible. If you'd like to support the channel and get extra perks, consider joining us on Patreon!: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges#Fantasy #FantasyBooks #EpicFantasy #BrandonSanderson #GeorgeRRMartin #HarryPotter #TheNameOfTheWind #JoeAbercrombie #Malazan #BookTube #FantasyForTheAges⸻Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?Assassin's Fate: https://t.ly/x8x9jBattle Ground: https://t.ly/e_gvhThe Blade Itself: https://t.ly/LSDn2Blade of Tyshalle: https://t.ly/11Z1GBlood Over Brighthaven: https://t.ly/oNJNqThe Burning White: https://t.ly/d4WGmConan the Barbarian: https://t.ly/cxzd5The Devils: https://t.ly/USE7IThe Fifth Season: https://t.ly/FzjKpA Game of Thrones: https://t.ly/oxs6IGardens of the Moon: https://t.ly/_OQsuHarrow the Ninth: https://t.ly/3_w4SHarry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: https://t.ly/V4NuvJade Legacy: https://t.ly/r3jl3Last Argument of Kings: https://t.ly/jsLgzA Memory of Light: https://t.ly/HvE8CMistborn, The Final Empire: https://t.ly/ErX1KThe Name of the Wind: https://t.ly/ndJbgPeace Talks: https://t.ly/ObDsbThe Poppy War: https://t.ly/d6CIFA Storm of Swords: https://t.ly/FEoNcThe Stormlight Archive: https://t.ly/x2NkJThe Sword of Kaigen: https://t.ly/xn5mgThe Way of Kings: https://t.ly/WSI9CWind and Truth: https://t.ly/eB-MXWords of Radiance: https://t.ly/PmZF4Ways to connect with us:Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.socialFollow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheagesJim's Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4 Jim's Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n 0:00 - Opening / Episode Explanation2:58 - Defining “Greatness”8:41 - How These Get Revealed9:17 - Honorable Mentions11:51 - The Top 10 Lists!44:46 - Final Thoughts46:30 - Wrap-up & Conclusion————————————————————————————Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:https://elements.envato.com/

Summer has returned. That often brings seasonal vacations that give you downtime in a car or airplane, maybe on a nice beach somewhere. You already know that's a great opportunity to catch up on reading. So what are some tips and tricks to refocus on reading, finding the best fantastical novels and gaining the most from these worlds? Episode sponsors All that Glows by Lauren Smyth Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Author Media The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder Mission update New at Lorehaven: reviews have entered a pre-summer hiatus Use the super Library search to find your family's next favorite Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 1. Value quality books over quantity of books. Alas, I can't make this year's FPEA with Realm Makers Bookstore. But if I had, I'd have heard this line repeated: “My kid reads fast!” This is of course a great problem to have in homeschool families. Many want books “without agenda,” that is, obvious bad ideas. Yet fewer parents ask for books “without ugly,” that is, excellent. In some cases, this may feel like a luxury belief. Kids may not care. Many kids, for example, will read at scale—good books and bad. When I was a late teenager, I began learning some books are ugly. My first truly bad novel was [Title Redacted] by [Author Redacted]. But in my family, I had to learn a “language” for describing this. I was helped by reading newspaper reviews of books and films. Then later, early 90s internet taught me better (and bad) reviews. The Pop Culture Parent shares some guides for evaluating beauty. Yet one clear sign—the book asks questions leading you to Jesus. That's why we host the Lorehaven Library and review some titles. 2. Still, focus on reading many quality books! Stephen has a unique struggle: holding onto pleasure reading. As publisher of Lorehaven, it's hard to read without some “goal”! But read we must, “for its own sake,” that is, for our Author's sake. Still, as we age, perhaps every book gains more “practical” value. Stephen often hyper-schedules every working and resting day. This seems a great way to set goals. “The calendar made me do it.” And then, five or fifteen minutes in, momentum alone takes over. You may also need to turn off your phone or use “airplane mode.” Stephen keeps it on, but keeps all social-media notifications muted. Distracted by chatter? Try a free white-noise generator (or an app). Kindles and other devices also help with distraction-free reading. Don't forget classic printed books. There's nothing like real pages! 3. Join other readers to share great novels. Obviously your family and friends can be your first fellow readers. Ask your kids what they're reading, and share what you read too! Take natural interest in their stories, the ideas, and what they love. Stephen's siblings and him often joined in reading and even writing. Now, he and his wife Lacy frequently read, often aloud, with voices. If possible, join (or start?) physical book clubs at your local church. Focus on quality, classic, and/or Christian-made fantastical titles. Sure, you might use sites or social media to find matching books. Stephen isn't sure that AI (or AI-driven apps) prove best for this. Lorehaven features monthly book quests to help us read together. We believe humans, made in Christ's image, can best find books. Subscribe free to join the Guild and talk about all manner of titles. Com station Top question for listeners What are your top tricks for reading the best and most books? Next on Fantastical Truth Now that Zack and Stephen are taking turns, next week's episode just might cover a new genre that dares to suggest faithful priests and other religious heroes of the future may not be (gasp) wicked villains. In fact, they may be kind of awesome—and potentially wear powerful mech armor. What is this subgenre some creators call incensepunk?

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.If you loved YA but drifted away — or if you're a YA fan wondering where to start in adult fiction — this episode is your permission slip to do both. School librarian and book lover Kelly Mayfield joins Laura to talk about the YA authors crossing over into adult fiction, and why the YA genre has been ahead of the curve on diversity, representation, and storytelling for years.From Rainbow Rowell's slow-burn adult romances to Jesse Q. Sutanto's cozy mysteries with unforgettable ensemble casts, Kelly shares four authors you'll want on your radar — whether you're coming from YA or discovering them fresh. It's also National Library Week, so we're talking about why school libraries matter more than ever and the real-world impact they have on literacy and access.

Thank you so much for all your questions for episode 150 of ‘Tea or Books?’! Because we had so many questions, we’re doing it over two episodes – so today’s is the first half. Watch out for part 2, next

679. Can love and trust survive amid ethnic cleansing and imperial warfare? This week, we talk to Marianne Rabalais Sulser about her new novel, Like Snow Before Sun. Set in 1755 Acadia, it is the gripping tale of a woman torn between worlds, a desperate rescue mission, and an unlikely bond forged in the deep wilderness. Listen in for our full breakdown of this historical romance. Marianne Rabalais Sulser is a historical fiction author who specializes in bringing forgotten voices and histories to light. Drawing deeply from meticulous research, she writes narratives that explore shifting loyalties, survival, and the human spirit under the pressure of war. Like Snow Before Sun is her latest novel. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Jennifer Reeser. The Lalaurie Horror.    A red, infernal light glowed, magnified By lachrymosal glass and tavern fume As I awaited my belated guide;    So tired of his delay ' though to resume My life within the world, without the wait Would seem like flight away, upon a broom.    I did not wonder why my guide was late. Instead, I pondered life's approaching fringe, To close the life in back of me: a gate.    Of iron this gate was wrought, pronged, with a hinge Constructed clean, but rusted through the springs And screeching, so to make a deaf man cringe;    The kind to carve a stone floor, when it swings, Embedded in its plate, an oval brooch, The numerals of French and Spanish kings. This week in Louisiana history. May 22, 1873. U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant finally offically recognizes Gov. Wm. Kellogg's Republican administration. This week in New Orleans history. May 22, 1873: The "Battle of Liberty Place" occurred as the White League attempted to overthrow the integrated Reconstruction government in the city. This week in Louisiana. Lake Claiborne State Park 225 State Park Road Homer, LA 71040 Open year‑round; ideal for late‑spring swimming, hiking, and lakeside recreation Website: lastateparks.com Email: info@crt.la.gov Phone: (318) 927‑2976 Lake Claiborne State Park offers rolling pine forests, sandy beaches, and one of North Louisiana's clearest lakes, making it a perfect early‑summer getaway for families, paddlers, and anglers: Swimming & Beaches: A designated swimming area with a wide sandy shoreline. Trails & Wildlife: Miles of forested hiking paths with birding and nature‑watching opportunities. Boating & Fishing: Clear water ideal for kayaking, water‑skiing, and bass, crappie, and bream fishing. Postcards from Louisiana. The Rock Block Band at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

On this Wednesday Night Live from 20 May 2026, philosopher Stefan Molyneux weighs getting back into politics after deplatforming and audience capture pushed him toward parenting, novels, and long-term philosophy work instead. He notes how COVID coercion and past protests exposed weak real support, and says credibility only holds when words match actions in the present.GET FREEDOMAIN MERCH! https://shop.freedomain.com/SUBSCRIBE TO ME ON X! https://x.com/StefanMolyneuxFollow me on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@freedomain1GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Adaptation is a tricky thing no matter the source in cinema. Novels, life stories, historical events, original ideas, short stories. Adapting live theater plays is an especially tricky business. Something written to be performed live, often in 1 location/set, with concentrated poetic dialogue, plays different as a movie. Secret Movie Club founder.programmer Craig Hammill takes a look at everything from Sidney Lumet's adaptations of 12 Angry Men and Long Day's Journey into Night to all the various Shakespeare adaptations to experimental one location minimalist adaptations like Richard Linklater's 2001 Tape. His conclusion? It might help moviemakers to direct some plays to be better prepared to adapt them to the big screen.

[REBROADCAST FROM May 1, 2026] The May "Get Lit with All Of It" book club selection is the new novel from bestselling author Tom Perrotta, Ghost Town. The story follows an eighth grader named Jimmy growing up in suburban New Jersey in the 1970s. Devastated by a tragic loss, he seeks comfort where he can... including with an older girl who happens to own a Ouija Board. Tom Perrotta previews our May 27th Get Lit event.  Cover art courtesy of Simon and Schuster Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A book discussion on Forest Imaginaries: How African Novels Think by Ainehi Edoro. Moderated by Bhakti Shringarpure.About the book: Forests in fiction are often understood simply as settings, symbols, or remnants of a premodern past. Yet many African novelists have turned to the forest to experiment with worldbuilding and to imagine new futures. This groundbreaking book explores the life of the forest in African fiction, showing how writers have used it to reinvent the novel's formal, aesthetic, and political possibilities.About the author: Ainehi Edoro is a Nigerian literary scholar who focuses on African literature and digital culture. She is the founding editor of Brittle Paper, a leading platform for African literary culture, and faculty of English and African cultural studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.Buy the book here: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/forest-imaginaries/9780231565073Subscribe | Follow www.radicalbookscollective.com

Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda give you part 1 of "Rites of the Starling," book 2 in Devney Perry's Shield of Sparrows series, one of their favorite books from 2025. Book 2 in the trilogy does give us new main character POV chapters, so the biggest question our hosts have is how does Caspia's timeline fit with Odessa's? And are they able to figure this out by reading the first 50% of the book ... or will they hae to wait until part 2 to figure it out?  Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe

In today's episode, we're digging into the archives! You're going to hear from a guest from the first season of Beer with Nat, who I initially recorded with way back in December 2018. Today's guest is drinks educator, author, and founder of the School of Booze, Jane Peyton. We'll start by hearing what Jane has been up to over the past 8 years (wow!), then re-run our initial conversation. You'll learn how a Venn diagram helped Jane to discover her perfect career path after she left behind her previous role as a documentary film producer, what it took to set a Guinness World Record, the aspect of her work she's most proud of, and more.   What stuck with me from this conversation: On establishing a national beer day for the UK: "Beer is Britain's national drink and has been for thousands of years. We do beer really well in this country… We have this history and heritage, we have our amazing pubs, we have real ale, we have a vibrant brewing scene here, but we didn't have a national beer day… so I said, I'll start one!"   Links & things: Jane's business The School of Booze And some of her many accomplishments Her qualifications The Guinness World Record she set Beer Day Britain, which she founded Jane's books Non-fiction Novels   Recording info: December 2018 in London + March 2026 voice note   ––– Subscribe | Follow on Instagram | Email

If you've been eagerly awaiting the latest from the authors of The Help or The Guncle, this is a don't-miss episode! Host Ellison Weist weighs in on Kathryn Stockett's long-awaited novel, and Sarah Bowen Shea details Steven Rowley's new set-in-Palm-Springs book. Ellison also raves about the latest Oprah's Book Club pick. And Sarah goes wild for a novel adaptation on Netflix! The books discussed:The Calamity Club: Kathryn StockettA Deadly Episode: Anthony HorowitzJohn of John: Douglas StuartTake Me with You: Steven RowleyJoin AMR at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code AMR20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Wahoo Kickr Run: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Brooke and Tyler use illumination to look into the future of the Cosmere to understand the gamebreaking potential of Renarin Kholin. We try to comprehend his strange nature as an Enlightened Truthwatcher and whether his powers are more connected to Sja-anat or Odium. #AllSpoilers Support this podcast by becoming a Patron on Patreon Original music by David Gruwier. "Radiant" by David Gruwier.

TVC 736.4: While we're on the subject of TV tie-in novels, we thought we'd bring you an encore presentation of our August 2011 conversation with New York Times bestselling novelist and Edgar Award-nominated television writer and producer Lee Goldberg (Spenser: For Hire, Diagnosis Murder, Monk). Lee's latest novel, Murder by Design, becomes available in bookstores everywhere on Monday, June 1 and has been described as "James Bond meets Adrian Monk." At the time we spoke to Lee in 2011, he had just released the latest in his series of original tie-in novels based on the Monk television series. Tony Figueroa co-hosts.

TVC 736.5: From August 2011: New York Times bestselling novelist Lee Goldberg talks to Ed and Tony about the popularity of his Monk novel series; why he ended the Diagnosis Murder novel series after eight books; and how he and William Rabkin came to write Successful Television Writing. Lee's latest novel, Murder by Design, becomes available in bookstores everywhere on Monday, June 1 and has been described as "James Bond meets Adrian Monk."

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Jessica Steinberg speaking with author Yishay Ishi Ron. Ishi Ron's award-winning 2023 book, "Dog," is about an Israeli combat officer returning from Gaza, grappling with PTSD and heroin addiction until a stray dog enters his life and helps save him. The novel became a bestseller in Israel, was long-listed for the Sapir Prize, and is currently being adapted into a film by director Eran Ricklis. After "Dog" was translated into English, it won two 2026 National Jewish Book Awards, in the Book Club and Hebrew Fiction in Translation categories. A former commando in the elite Duvdevan unit fictionalized in the Netflix series "Fauda," Ishi Ron wrote "Dog" before he was diagnosed with PTSD, while he was self-medicating with alcohol and drugs. Ishi Ron talks about writing books as part of his healing process and what has become his mission to help others in his situation. He also discusses his latest book, a Holocaust drama called "The Girl Who Rode the White Lion," inspired by his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor. What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Yishai Ishi Ron, author of the award-winning novel 'Dog,' appears on the May 19 What Matters Now podcast (Courtesy)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate was born in Crosby and now lives in Totnes. She's a 60+ very late-diagnosed Audhd, which has been life-changing. She's written & published over 15 novels, many of them hard-hitting as well as short stories, flash fiction & poems, between writing memoirs. She loves singing, music, cats & photography & the smell of geraniums. Other chronic health conditions including M.E., fibromyalgia, hyperhidrosis & lifelong anxiety coexist with her creativity Website: https://kjrbooks.yolasite.com/Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/authorrigbyBlogs: https://authisticwords.blogspot.com/http://bubbitybooks.blogspot.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/kate_jay_rTikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJTtmSAk/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheBubbityAmazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Kate-Rigby/author/B001KDR9GEThis podcast is for you if you're looking to;Listen to unique stories that inspire.Join a community for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone who thinks ‘outside the box.'Find conversations on Neurodiversity, Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD, even Otrovertism.Learn how to use your unique wiring for a purposeful life.Please Support:Your donations directly fuel the growth of this podcast! They allow Caroline to bring in even more wonderful and inspiring guests, expanding her reach to uplift even more listeners. Please show your support and become part of the magic! Donations of any amount are deeply appreciated. You can make a secure donation through PayPal using the link below. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference! paypal.me/carolinecarey60 Visit Middle Earth Medicine to learn more and connect with Caroline. www.middleearthmedicine.com#AutisticExperience#Neurodivergent#HighlySensitivePerson#Neurodiversity#InnerWorld#SelfDiscovery#ANeurodivergentSoul Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have a need for a plucky pugilist princess protagonist? You're in luck, this season has a show for you as well other great shows. This episode's members: Requiem, Marquan, Raitzeno, and Doctorkev with Thatsmapizza handling the editing duties.The AniTAY Podcast is a bi-weekly podcast brought to you every other Wednesday. It is available on all your favorite podcast services! If you like us, be sure to subscribe to your favorite service and give us 5 stars! Your support is much appreciated and will help us grow and continue to provide this style of content.Intro: 0:00 - 2:44House Keeping (DocKev's Manga/Light Novel Reviews): 2:45 - 10:10Spring 2026 Seasonal Shows:I'm Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in Class: 10:11 - 15:12Gals Can't Be Kind to Otaku: 15:13 -  21:01Akane Banashi: 21:02 - 27:06Wistoria Wand and Sword: 27:07 - 35:55There's Always a Catch: 35:56 - 40:33Akira - 4K Restoration: 40:34 - 46:30Marika's Love Meter Malfunction: 46:31 - 51:35Kill Blue: 51:36 - 54:46Ascendance of a Bookworm: 54:47 - 59:15The Strongest Job Is Apparently Not a Hero or a Sage, but an Appraiser (Provisional): 59:16 - 1:02:01Petals of Reincarnation: 1:02:02 - 1:04:14News: Ministry of Japan and AI Regulation: 1:04:15 - 1:07:44Black Clover: 1:07:45 - 1:13:22Quintessential Quintuplets: 1:13:23 - 1:19:41Question of the Week - What Book Series/Author You Wish More People Read: 1:19:42 - EndMissed the previous episode of the AniTAY Podcast? Check it out here:https://medium.com/anitay-official/anitay-podcast-s11-e8-chicken-pugilist-d2a85e191fec

Episode 678. Emily Zobel Marshall comes on the podcast to discuss her research on trickster characters, particularly the ones in her book, American Trickster: Trauma Tradition and Brer Rabbit. Trickster characters. Emily Marshall's concept of the American Trickster explores a unique archetype that evolved from the fusion of diverse cultural folklore—primarily African, Indigenous, and European—into a distinctly American figure. Unlike traditional European tricksters who often serve as moral foils or agents of chaos, Marshall's American trickster is defined by survival and subversion. This figure often operates within systems of extreme oppression, using wit, "masking," and linguistic dexterity to outsmart more powerful adversaries. Emily is a Professor of Postcolonial Literature at Leeds Beckett University. She is of French-Caribbean and British heritage and grew up in the mountains of Snowdonia in North Wales. An expert on the trickster figure in the folklore, oral cultures and literature of the African Diaspora, she has published widely in these fields, including her books Anansi's Journey: A Story of Jamaican Cultural Resistance (2012, UWI press) and American Trickster: Trauma Tradition and Brer Rabbit (2019, Rowman and Littlefield). She develops her creative work alongside her academic writing and her collection Bath of Herbs was published by Peepal Tree Press in 2023. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Louis Charles Roudanez. 'Is the Black Code Still in Force?'     'Sec. 9. If any slave shall strike a white person, for the first and second offense he shall receive such punishment as the jury shall think proper, but for the third offence the said slave shall suffer death; and whenever any slave shall have grievously and willfully wounded any white person, although it prove to be the first offense, such slave shall suffer death; provided the blow, wound, mutilation or bruises are not made or committed in defense of the person or property of his master.'     Does any sane person living in New Orleans today believe that such a law would, could or should be enforced by any civil power in this city under existing circumstances? Yet there it stands, printed in the 'Revised Statutes of Louisiana,' under the head of the 'Black Code,' and if we are to be guided by 'high authority' in legal matters, a judge in one of our anomalous courts would be derelict in his duty not to pronounce the sentence of death on a colored person, convicted under this statute, who had heretofore been held as a slave, and had never been manumitted according to the laws of Louisiana. This week in Louisiana history. May 15, 1915. Huey Long admitted to the Louisiana Bar as "a full fledged lawyer."  This week in New Orleans history. May 15, 1921: The first scheduled commercial flight arrived in New Orleans, marking the beginning of the city's modern aviation era. This week in Louisiana. Gonzales Jambalaya Festival May 15, 2026 Lamar‑Dixon Expo Center, 9039 S. St. Landry Avenue Gonzales, LA 70737 Held annually on Memorial Day Weekend; the 2026 festival is coming up later this month Website: jambalayafestival.net Email: info@jambalayafestival.net Phone: (225) 647‑9569 The Gonzales Jambalaya Festival is a South Louisiana tradition featuring world‑champion jambalaya, live music, carnival rides, and cooking competitions throughout the long Memorial Day weekend: World Champion Jambalaya: Daily servings from top cooks competing for the festival title. Live Music & Entertainment: Multiple stages with regional bands and family‑friendly performances. Carnival Rides & Activities: A full midway, games, vendors, and community events across the festival grounds. Postcards from Louisiana. Molly Ringwalds. My Sharona. Kenner Italian Festival.  Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

Back in the UK! Conrad Leiden from the wonderful Space Spinner 2000 podcast joins me at the Lawless convention to celebrate ten years of podcasting about the galaxy's greatest comic. And then we count down our personal top ten Judge Dredd epics. Send me your own lists to MCBCpodcast@gmail.comYou can find a list of all the upcoming books on the Facebook page, follow the podcast on instagram, Threads, Mastodon, and BlueSky. And email me comments and suggestions to MCBCpodcast@gmail.comMusic used in this episode is Circuit Breaker by the artist Robodub. Click here to listen to the episode online. Or Download here Right click and choose save link as to download to your computer.

Today's show is sponsored by Huion, makers of the Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) — a 21.5" pen display with a gorgeous 2.5K screen and really smooth performance. Bottom line: it feels great to draw on — and it punches way above its price. • Check it out at https://comiclabshop.com • Use code COMICLAB5 for an exclusive 5% discount! (Valid through June 14th) Brad and Dave tackle a listener question that gets to the heart of creative careers: Can you make a living telling shorter stories, or does success demand long-form work? As always, the answer is equal parts practical advice and creative philosophy — grounded in real-world experience and delivered with ComicLab's signature mix of humor and honesty. TODAY'S SHOW • Can you build a career on individual short stories? • Market expectations around story length (comics, film, TV) and perceived value • Creative problem-solving as a business tool — making unconventional formats work • Strategies for packaging short stories (genre consistency, shared setting, through-lines) • Examples of experimental storytelling formats (anthologies, vignette structures) • PROMO: Huion Kamvas 22 (Gen 3) — features, workflow integration, and discount code ComicLab5 at https://comiclabshop.com • Estate planning for cartoonists — what happens to your IP after death? • Debate: Should creative work become public domain sooner? • Should kids continue your comic… or make their own work? • The reality of legacy comics vs. modern independent publishing You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Some novels should have been novellas. In this episode, we get into the latest publishing and book trend news, and we talk about why shorter forms can create stronger stories. If you've ever wondered whether your manuscript is actually a novella in disguise, this episode is for you.

Kristy Woodson Harvey spotlights NICU nurses, sports coaches, and a small town in her annual summer novel, this time Summer State of Mind. If you've ever wondered “how something like this could happen in a town like theirs,” Kristy will pull back the curtain. But don't worry: as Kristy says, “There are some secrets that come to light through the course of (the book), but you know, it's me, and I love a happy ending.” Hear how Kristy learned everything she needed to on the tennis court, how decisions aren't black and white, and how this book stretched her talent. Mikki Brammer's novel Good Joy, Bad Joy is this month's Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick — and it's clear why. By delving into the lives of two elderly women, Joy and Hazel— who truly don't see themselves that way — Mikki paints a delicate portrait of female friendship, the secrets we keep, and how we cope when a loved one falls ill. Plus it's a little devious. The real question, according to Mikki? “What is a life well lived and have I lived it fully?” Dive in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 109 of "Philosophy from the Front Line," host Rob Robinson welcomes author, poet, and entrepreneur Peter Gunn for an in-depth conversation about his multifaceted journey from military service to creative entrepreneurship.The episode begins with Gunn sharing his origin story, including his early awakening after a near-death experience at age seven, which profoundly shaped his worldview and later inspired his book, "The Ascension Paradox." Gunn explains that the book is both a personal map of internal transformation and a philosophical exploration of how adversity and suffering can catalyze growth, particularly for veterans transitioning to civilian life. He critiques modern notions of perfection and the tendency for society to seek shortcuts, emphasizing instead the value of resilience, hard work, and honest self-reflection.The discussion delves into the challenges veterans face when leaving the military, including unrealistic expectations for civilian employment and the loss of structure and purpose. Gunn and Robinson discuss the importance of developing marketable skills, maintaining a growth mindset, and preparing for the emotional and practical realities of transition. Gunn shares his experience of being forced into retirement for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting the personal and professional difficulties that can arise from standing by one's principles.Gunn also discusses his creative projects, including Linked Lyrical Poetry (LLP), which fuses elements of rap and traditional poetry to engage younger audiences, and his efforts to write epic poetry with strong female protagonists, inspired by his desire to create empowering stories for his daughter. He describes the process of developing the graphic novel series "Sigma Squad," which uses the accessible format of graphic novels to address societal issues and encourage readers to question reality and awaken from complacency.The conversation touches on the importance of continuous personal growth, the dangers of over-identifying with external labels (such as sports fandom or social media personas), and the need for veterans to find new purpose and community after leaving the military. Gunn shares practical advice for aspiring veteran entrepreneurs, such as forming an LLC and leveraging tax deductions for creative projects, and describes his collaborative approach to producing audiobooks and music, including working with international partners to create immersive, high-quality content.Throughout the episode, Robinson and Gunn emphasize the value of challenging oneself, building networks, and pursuing creative and entrepreneurial endeavors to achieve fulfillment and make a positive impact. Gunn concludes by encouraging listeners to choose the "pain of discipline" over the "pain of regret," underscoring the episode's central themes of resilience, self-discovery, and purposeful action.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/philosophy-from-the-front-line--4319845/support.Disclaimer: The content of the "Philosophy From the Front Line" podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This podcast does not offer legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult appropriate professionals before making decisions based on the content presented. "Philosophy From the Front Line" assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content or for actions taken based on the information provided during the podcast episodes. Fair Use Statement: This podcast may contain copyrighted material not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. "Philosophy From the Front Line" is making such material available to educate, inform, and provide commentary under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. copyright law (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act). We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as it is:Used for non-commercial, educational, or research purposes.Critically analyzed, reviewed, or discussed.Used in a transformative way that adds new meaning or message to the original work.If you own any content used and believe it infringes on your copyright, please contact us directly, and we will address the matter promptly. 

Iona Whishaw dreamed of being a writer since she was a child. It may have taken longer than she had expected, but by her mid sixties she had fulfilled that childhood dream. Inspired by the true stories of her family's connection to secret intelligence services such as MI6, she's written a fan favourite mystery series set in B.C. just after the Second World War. Plus, book content creator Ainara Alleyne drops by to talk about her journey as a youth reading advocate, and talk about the upcoming Forest of Reading Festival. Books discussed on this week's show include:A False and Fatal Claim: A Lane Winslow Mystery by Iona WhishawThe Chambermaid's Key by Genevieve GrahamI, Medusa by Ayana GrayCheck us out on Instagram @cbcbooks and TikTok @cbcbooks

677. This week, we talk to Dustin Granger about  Louisiana politics. As a seasoned financial advisor with over two decades of experience, Dustin Granger has built his career helping Louisiana families navigate the turbulent waters of the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recurring hurricanes that shape life on the Gulf Coast. A lifelong resident and LSU alumnus, Granger now serves as the Treasurer of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Granger is a leading voice for economic reform and climate resilience. He advocates for a "New Louisiana" that breaks away from traditional corporate-heavy investments to embrace renewable energy, fair taxation, and sustainable infrastructure. In this interview, we discuss his recommendations for the current voting season, his strategies for stabilizing property insurance, his commitment to strengthening the state's middle class, and his ongoing work to revitalize the Democratic infrastructure across the Bayou State. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Charles Asbury Stephens. The Ark of 1803.     It was a voyage of untold perils. Every year an increasing number of white outlaws, hidden in the caves along the river, harried and robbed the boatmen who floated down from the upper settlements. There were lurking bands of hostile Indians. And there was the river itself with its treacheries; its snags; its mud bars and its floods. It was no unusual thing for an ark to set out as this one was about to do, provided against all foreseeable disasters, and never be heard from afterward. Some were wrecked, some were robbed and their crews obscurely murdered. But no tidings of their fate came back to the solitary homes on the upper Ohio.     To set out on such a voyage with a single man or boy who could not be trusted, might mean the loss of the boat or even of every life on board of her. This week in Louisiana history. May 8, 1823. First gas lighting used in the American Theater of New Orleans. This week in New Orleans history. May 8, 1884: The World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition opened in what is now Audubon Park, showcasing New Orleans as a global trade hub. This week in Louisiana. Creole Nature Trail All‑American Road Louisiana Highway 27 & Highway 82 Corridor Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes, LA Open year‑round; ideal for spring wildlife viewing and coastal drives Website: creolenaturetrail.org Email: info@visitlakecharles.org Phone: (337) 436‑9588 The Creole Nature Trail is one of America's first National Scenic Byways, offering 180 miles of Gulf Coast marshes, beaches, wildlife refuges, and birding hotspots throughout the year: Scenic Wildlife Drives: Alligators, wading birds, and migratory species visible from roadside pull‑offs. Gulf Beaches: Access to quiet stretches of shoreline along the Cameron coast. Refuge Access: Connects to Sabine, Cameron Prairie, and Lacassine National Wildlife Refuges. Postcards from Louisiana. The Rock Block Band at Felix's Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

“Angel Down,” a grisly novel about World War I told in a single, almost 300-page-long sentence, was awarded this year's Pulitzer Prize for fiction. In a review for The New York Times, Ben H. Winters described it as a “thunderous gallop” that captures the “cruel and self-perpetuating logic of war.” (It was also one of the Book Review's Top 10 books of 2025.) The day after the Pulitzers were awarded, the book's author, Daniel Kraus — who has written horror, fantasy and young adult novels — spoke to the Book Review's editor, Gilbert Cruz, about putting together his semi-experimental story. Cruz also spoke with Patricia Cornwell, a best-selling author who rose to prominence in the 1990s with novels about the character Kay Scarpetta, a chief medical examiner. A Scarpetta series starring Nicole Kidman debuted this year on Amazon. Cornwell has released a new memoir, “True Crime,” in which she tells the surprising story of her childhood and the events that led her to become a novelist. Listen to and Follow ‘The Book Review' Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. We Want to Hear From You We would love to hear your thoughts about this episode, and about the Book Review's podcast in general. You can send them to thebookreview@nytimes.com. Credits The “Book Review” podcast is hosted by Gilbert Cruz and produced by Amy Pearl, Sarah Diamond and Patricia Sulbarán. The show is edited by Larissa Anderson and mixed by Pedro Rosado. Special thanks to Dahlia Haddad and Brooke Minters. Illustration by The New York Times; Inset cover: via Grand Central Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please enjoy this preview of our upcoming conversation with David Spencer, the author of The Novelizers: An Affectionate History of Media Adaptations and Originals, Their Astonishing Authors, and the Art of the Craft—a deep dive into the world of tie-in fiction that not only introduces readers to many of the people who have adapted film and TV screenplays into original tie-in novels, but makes the case that tie-in writing is an honorable tradition with artistry of its own. The Novelizers is available through our friends at Bear Manor Media as well as Amazon.com. Our complete conversation with David Spencer will air in a few weeks on TV Confidential. 

A listener asks whether some words are inherently funnier than others—and it opens the door to a deep dive on word choice, dialogue, and how to make jokes land harder. Brad and Dave break down why shorter, punchier words tend to win, how sound and rhythm affect comedy, and why you should always end on the funniest word. They also walk through their real-world writing process—cutting aggressively, reading dialogue out loud, and constantly swapping in better word choices. From there, the conversation expands into how to write strong dialogue (hint: it's not about realism—it's about impact), plus a list of pitfalls to avoid, including gimmicky accents, overstuffed word balloons, and writing that slows the reader down. They also revisit a past take on political cartoons (turns out, they're thriving on Reddit), talk about the return of Web 1.0 strategies like guest comics, and reinforce a core principle: own your platform and your audience. TODAY'S SHOW • Writing funny words: Why word choice makes or breaks a joke • Psychologist vs. psychiatrist — choosing the funnier word (it's "shrink") • How to edit your way to stronger, tighter dialogue • Dialogue pitfalls: accents, gimmicks, and readability traps • Political cartoons are thriving on Reddit (and what that means) • The return of Web 1.0 tactics: Guest comics and cross-promotion • Reclaiming your platform: Why websites still matter You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

The novelist, essayist, and short-story writer George Saunders—widely celebrated for his novel Lincoln in the Bardo (2017), which won the Man Booker Prize, and book of short stories Tenth of December (2013)—has made it his mission to “de-dullify” the world through his clear-eyed, empathic, often-puckish prose. There's an unwavering spirit of generosity embedded in the way Saunders tells stories and teaches his craft that ensures his readers and students alike stay along for the ride. Saunders's curiosity about the afterlife, a recurring motif in his writing, rises to the fore in his latest novel, Vigil, which follows a pair of ghostly figures as they visit the deathbed of a prideful, climate-change-denying Texas oil tycoon. On this episode, he shares how practicing meditation has shifted his approach to writing and his outlook on life, the underlying importance of humor in his work, and why to be a good storyteller is akin to being a good host.  Special thanks to our Season 13 presenting partner, Van Cleef & Arpels. Show notes: George Saunders [04:34] Vigil (2026) [04:34] Lincoln in the Bardo (2018) [19:18] Master and Man and Other Stories (1895) [19:18] Tolstoy [27:41] CivilWarLand in Bad Decline (1996) [30:22] Esther Forbes [30:22] Johnny Tremain (1943) [35:03] John Steinbeck [35:03] The Grapes of Wrath (1939) [36:58] Kurt Vonnegut [36:58] Slaughterhouse-Five (1969) [42:13] Terry Eagleton [42:30] Mary Karr [42:43] Jack Handey [47:19] Jimi Hendrix [53:13] Aldous Huxley [56:11] Tobias Wolff [59:22] A Swim in a Pond in the Rain (2021)

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT THIS EPISODE!!! That's right, folks! We're letting the cat out of the bag at the top of this week's episode, and you're not going to want to miss the fantastic news! After we explain a few things, Steve, Bob, and Aaron hold down the fort with some comic book sales talk, lightning rounds, and more! Comic Books: The FLorida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre #1-3, Wiccan: The Witches Road #2-5, Haryley & Ivy: Life of Crimes #5, Harley Quinn x Elvira #6, Panet She-Hulk #6, Zatanna #1, Red Roots #1, If Destruction Be Our Lot #1, The Exorcism of Buckingham Palace #1 Other Stuff: Pragmata (video game) The Comic Book Podcast is brought to you by Talking Comics (talkingcomicbooks.wordpress.com). The podcast is hosted by Steve Seigh, Bob Reyer, Joey Braccino, Aaron Amos, John Burkle, and Bronwyn Kelly-Seigh, who weekly dissect everything comics-related, from breaking news to new releases. Our Instagram handle is @TalkingComicsPodcast, and you can email us at podcast@talkingcomicbooks.com.

Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda finish their recap and review of "Cinder Vale," book 3 in Caroline Peckham and Suzanne Valenti's Sins of the Zodiac series. So you know what that means ... they got to the end so they can discuss THAT ENDING. They now understand all the DMs and texts they got about it. So don't listen just yet if you haven't finished or don't want to be spoiled. As to the rest of you: Let the happy squeals begin! Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe

Anyone looking for riveting reads (or audiobooks) need to listen to this episode: Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Ellison Weist rave about an incredibly smart, cleverly crafted debut novel; a new novel by a beloved author; a quirky paperback; and the latest brilliant page-turner from a hot writer. Listen all the way through, then dash off to get these books and start reading!Yesteryear: Caro Claire BurkeMore Than Enough: Anna QuindlenThe Road to Tender Hearts: Annie HartnettLondon Falling: Patrick Radden KeefeJoin AMR at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code AMR20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themotherrunner/Momentous: Use code AMR for up to 35% off your first order at https://www.livemomentous.com/Wahoo Kickr Run: Use the code FEISTY2026 to get a free Headwind Smart Fan (value $300) with the purchase of a Wahoo KICKR RUN at https://shorturl.at/WVhdr

Brooke and Tyler sit down for a cozy chat with Jess, host of Fantasy Fan Reads and instagram phenom @thelostbooksofjess. We discuss our collective love of fantasy, what it's like to join the Cosmere community, and what theories a new reader has to offer. #AlmostAllSpoilers Jess has only read some of Stormlight and Mistborn Era 1 with a few other one-off Sanderson novels. This entire conversation is safe for followers of Jess to enjoy. Follow Jess on Instagram Follow Fantasy Fan Reads Support this podcast by becoming a Patron on Patreon Original music by David Gruwier. "Radiant" by David Gruwier.

The May "Get Lit with All Of It" book club selection is the new novel from bestselling author Tom Perrotta, Ghost Town. The story follows an eighth grader named Jimmy growing up in suburban New Jersey in the 1970s. Devastated by a tragic loss, he seeks comfort where he can get it... including with an older girl who happens to own a Ouija Board. Tom Perrotta discusses the novel ahead of our May 27th Get Lit event! Click here to find out more. Cover art courtesy of Simon and Schuster

This episode examines a Bluesky thread where cartoonists self-reported their financial realities. While the original question was thoughtful — seeking insight into full-time and part-time comic careers — the resulting discussion revealed a common problem: an echo chamber of discouragement. Brad and Dave emphasize that these threads often skew negative due to self-selection bias. Many successful creators don't participate—either because they're busy, uncomfortable sharing income, or wary of backlash. The result? A distorted picture where it appears that no one is succeeding, even though many are. TODAY'S SHOW Nobody makes a living in comics ComicLab LIVE at the NCS Conference and Reuben Awards, Aug. 6-8, Columbus, Ohio — nationalcartoonists.com Tattoos Baby Blues and Zits announce retirement Death of syndication   You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.