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In Episode 227, Sarah talks with book industry analyst Brenna Connor about the behind-the-scenes world of book sales, bestseller lists, and publishing trends. Brenna shares insight into how sales data is gathered and used across the publishing industry, from tracking pre-orders and audiobooks to measuring the impact of celebrity book clubs and award recognition. They also discuss what makes a book commercially "successful," what current reading trends are revealing about 2026 so far, and what Brenna is watching for in the second half of the year. Plus, Brenna shares her own book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Why tracking book sales is far more complicated than most readers realize — including what Circana can and can't actually measure. A behind-the-scenes look at bestseller lists and the role Circana data plays in lists like the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly. The famously secretive methodology behind the New York Times Bestseller List. The impact celebrity book clubs and reading lists from Reese, Oprah, and Obama have on book sales. What current sales data is revealing about 2026 reading trends — and how the economy may be shaping book buying habits. Brenna shares the books she recommends — and the trends she's watching for the rest of the year. Brenna's Book Recommendations Two OLD Books She Loves The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13] Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:00] Other Books Mentioned The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [40:22] Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [40:23] Two NEW Books She Loves Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keane (November 3, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:07] Joyride by Susan Orlean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:01] Other Books Mentioned Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [45:12] The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane (2023) [45:14] The Library Book by Susan Orlean (2018) [46:12] One Book She DIDN'T Love Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:29] Other Books Mentioned The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [47:51] These Precious Days by Ann Patchett (2021) [47:57] Whistler by Ann Patchett (2026) [48:55] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:25] Other Books Mentioned The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) [49:37] Books From the Discussion Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 6) by Sarah J. Maas (October 27, 2026) [9:38] Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 7) by Sarah J. Maas (January 12, 2027) [9:38] Strangers by Belle Burden (2026) [11:54] Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) [15:35] The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [15:45] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) [15:53] The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [25:52] No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (2026) [31:38] London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (2026) [31:53] Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [33:35] Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [33:40] Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [36:58] Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) [37:00] Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [38:39] *Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published. Other Links Publishing Confidential, on Substack | "A Tale of Three Bestseller Lists" by Kathleen Schmidt
“The hyperreal is the real. The surreal is the real in The United States. We've reached that point. The absurd is the real. And so that's what I was trying to capture in the book.” — Ben Fountain Our absurdist-in-chief wants a $250 banknote with his face on it. But the satirist Ben Fountain gives the President something even more valuable. In his new novel Rasputin Swims the Potomac, Fountain delivers something quite priceless: a book that Trump deserves. In Fountain's novel, a sitting president, running for a third term, enlists a world champion professional wrestler, Grigory Yefimovich Rasputin, to help secure his re-election. Born Patrick Walsh Strickland in Buffalo, New York, Rasputin served in special forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, spent six years in a monastery, became fluent in Russian, and claims to be a real Russian monk. Evangelicals start defecting to Rasputin. A pandemic of “weeping sickness” sweeps the nation. It's almost as unbelievable as a sitting President wanting a $250 banknote glowing with his orange face. Fountain's parallels with late Tsarist Russia are hard to miss — the chasmic wealth inequality, the impossible get-rich schemes, the quack religions, the gilded decadence, the dying social classes, the mad politicians. It's scary stuff. Fountain says that we should even be careful taking his summer novel to the beach. Rather than Jaws-dropping, Rasputin Swims the Potomac, he warns, might bite us back. Maybe we should put Ben Fountain's face on that $250 bill. Five Takeaways • The Hyperreal Is the Real: America Has Beaten Its Satirists: When Fountain sat down to write the book in early 2023, he was thinking about the blurring of the line between reality and fantasy in American life. Trump, throughout his career, has blurred that line to masterful effect. Fountain's question: what would be the next step on that continuum? His answer: professional wrestling — famously fake, scripted, and yet real, happening in real flesh and blood. Suppose a wrestler ran for president as his wrestling persona, with the fake baked in and everyone knowing it's fake. Suppose the country buys it. Because the hyperreal is the real. The surreal is the real. America has already reached that point. • Why Wrestling, Not Politics: Jesse Ventura — “Jesse the Body” — ran for governor of Minnesota and won. But he ran as Jesse Ventura himself. Fountain's innovation: a wrestler who runs as his or her wrestling persona, with the character fully intact. Rasputin — born Patrick Walsh Strickland in Buffalo, special forces veteran, six years in a Russian monastery, world champion wrestler in Japan, legally changed name — never breaks character. He is the historical Rasputin, back from the dead, a holy man of the Russian Orthodox Church. Evangelicals start defecting to him because he's speaking their language. The fake is the real. • Late Tsarist Russia and Contemporary America: Striking Parallels: Fountain read three or four biographies of the historical Rasputin. The deeper he got, the more striking the parallels. Late Tsarist Russia: extreme wealth inequality, get-rich schemes everywhere in St Petersburg and Moscow, quack religions and spiritualists plying their trade, extreme decadence among the upper classes. A social structure that could not be maintained. People's emotional responses to chaos. Fountain: not just in material terms but in terms of how people were feeling, the parallels to the United States are really striking. Gogol, not Baudrillard, is his natural ancestor. • The Satirist as Realist: Andrew raises Baudrillard and hyper-realism. Fountain's response: he is a realist down to his bones. Whatever he does, it has to be anchored in some fundamental sense in the real world, as he understands it. American life has become such that the surreal is the real, the comical is the real, the absurd is the real. He didn't set out to write satire. He set out to write the story as genuinely and authentically as he could. The question of genre came afterwards, asked by other people. He is just a realist. It's just that American reality is Rasputin swimming the Potomac. • Living in the Belly of the Beast: Dallas and North Carolina: Fountain lived in Dallas, Texas for forty-one years — what he calls the most American city of all, better and worse. In Dallas, the free market and capitalism are so much a part of daily consciousness that there's very little awareness that there might be different ways of living. Fountain: it's very conservative and very conservative. For someone to the left of Gandhi, his assumptions are always being challenged. He has to think about how he's thinking about things. That productive discomfort — not Brooklyn, not Los Angeles — is where this book comes from. About the Guest Ben Fountain is the author of Rasputin Swims the Potomac (Flatiron Books, June 9, 2026), Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (National Book Critics Circle Award winner, National Book Award finalist), Beautiful Country Burn Again, and Brief Encounters with Che Guevara (PEN/Hemingway Award). He is the recipient of the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, the Thomas Wolfe Prize, and a Whiting Writers Award. He lives in New Bern, North Carolina. References: • Rasputin Swims the Potomac by Ben Fountain (Flatiron Books, June 9, 2026). Named a Best Book of Summer by the LA Times, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Boston Globe, Newsday, and New York Post. • Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain (2012) — the predecessor referenced throughout. • Beautiful Country Burn Again: Democracy, Rebellion, and Revolution by Ben Fountain (2018) — his 2016 election nonfiction, referenced in the conversation. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,900 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting. WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotify Chapters: (...
Kimberly explores the surprising science of sun exposure with Rowan Jacobsen, challenging common fears about sunlight and revealing its profound health benefits. Learn how to balance sun safety with the need for natural light to improve health, mood, and longevity.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sunlight and Health02:52 The Historical Perspective on Sunlight06:00 Understanding Skin Cancer and Sun Exposure08:50 The Benefits of Sunlight Beyond Skin Cancer12:02 Sensible Sun Exposure and Aging14:56 Circadian Rhythms and Sunlight17:56 Alternatives to Natural Sunlight20:58 Vitamin D and Its Importance24:41 The Vitamin D Dilemma29:59 Sunlight and Fertility33:40 In Defense of Sunlight38:53 The Impact of Light on Children43:44 Sunscreen InsightsSponsor: ANIMA MUNDI OFFER: Anima Mundi is giving Feel Good Podcast listeners they're largest discount of the year. It's a great opportunity to treat yourself or a friend to some soothing self-care by going to AnimaMundiHerbals.com and use the code: SOLLUNA20 for 20% off your purchase. USE LINK: AnimaMundiHerbals.com Code: SOLLUNA20 for 20% off your purchase.Rowen Jacobsen Resources: Book: In Defense of Sunlight: The Surprising Science of Sun Exposure (June 16th, 2026) (Simon & Shuster) Website: rowanjacobsen.com Social: @unrealrowanjacobsen Email: rowanjacobsen@gmail.comBio: Rowan Jacobsen writes about science and nature and the less-explored corners of the world for Harper's, Outside, The Atlantic, Scientific American, Smithsonian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, MIT Technology Review, Businessweek, and others, and his work has been anthologized in The Best American Science & Nature Writing and other collections. He has received awards from the James Beard Foundation, the Society of American Travel Writers, and the Overseas Press Club. He is the author of nine books, including A Geography of Oysters, Fruitless Fall, and Truffle Hound, which have been named to Best Book of the Year lists by the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, NPR, and Publishers Weekly. He has performed with Pop-Up Magazine, lectured at Harvard and Yale, and appeared on CBS, NBC, and NPR. He has been an Alicia Patterson Foundation Fellow, writing about endangered diversity on the borderlands between India, Myanmar, and China; a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT, focusing on the environmental and evolutionary impact of synthetic biology; and a Nova Media Fellow, researching the science of sun exposure. His new book, In Defense of Sunlight: The Surprising Science of Sun Exposure, will be published by Scribner on the Summer Solstice, 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Every standout book has one thing in common: a strong editorial process behind it. In this episode of “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA),” the Editorial Freelancers Association's Director of Professional Development Asher Rose Fox demystifies what it really takes for independent publishers, author-publishers, and authors to transform a manuscript into a market-ready book—covering every stage of editing, what you can expect to invest, and how to collaborate effectively with editors. If you're serious about publishing a book that readers—and reviewers—take seriously; this is an episode you can't afford to miss. PARTICIPANTS Asher Rose Fox (they/them) has been an editor and activist for over 30 years. A longtime member of the Editorial Freelancers Association, Asher is proud to serve the freelance editing community as the EFA's Director of Professional Development. They've held staff editorial roles at Publishers Weekly, About.com, PCMag, and The Annals of Improbable Research; freelanced for innumerable clients, including Strange Horizons, Popular Mechanics, nonsense nyc, Anesthesiology News, and many individual authors; and volunteered with 10%+, Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, Arisia, Readercon, and Kolot Chayeinu/Voices of Our Lives. Asher has also co-edited the groundbreaking and award-shortlisted anthology Long Hidden, delighted Twitter as GRAMMARHULK, and played a human aerodrome for paper airplanes at the Ig Nobel Awards. They make things better. Independent Book Publishers Association is the largest trade association for independent publishers in the United States. As the IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services, Christopher Locke assists the 4,000 members as they travel along their publishing journeys. Major projects include managing the member benefits to curate the most advantageous services for independent publishers and author publishers; managing the Innovative Voices Program that supports publishers from marginalized communities; and hosting the IBPA podcast, “Inside Independent Publishing (with IBPA).” He's also passionate about indie publishing, because he's an author publisher himself, having published two novels so far in his YA trilogy, The Enlightenment Adventures. LINKS Learn more about the Editorial Freelancers Association at https://www.the-efa.org/ Follow the EFA on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EFAFreelancers Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/efafreelancers/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/efafreelancers.bsky.social YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@efa1970/featured?themeRefresh=1 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/efafreelancers/ Follow IBPA on: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IBPAonline Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ibpalovesindies/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/independent-book-publishers-association This episode is presented by Friesens Corporation. Learn more at https://www.friesens.com/
Join hosts J.D. Barker, Christine Daigle, Jena Brown, and Kevin Tumlinson as they discuss the week's entertainment news, including stories about Bloomsbury, Minotaur, and subscription addiction. Then, stick around for a chat with Lori Foster! Lori Foster is a New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 100 titles. She's known for her fun, very sexy contemporary romance novels revolving around alpha males who meet (and fall in love with) strong, independent women. Lori's been a recipient of the prestigious RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Fantasy, and for Contemporary Romance. Even more fun, Lori's been a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle, a clue in the USA Today Quick-cross puzzle, and the sensual and sexy Too Much Temptation was Amazon's 2002 top-selling title in Romance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this week's episode of The Beet, Jacques chats with backyard chicken expert Lisa Steele about why chickens might just be the hardest-working members of the garden team. From weed patrol to soil-scratching benefits, they discuss how chickens can boost your growing space while earning their keep. Plus, Lisa shares practical tips for getting started with a backyard coop without getting in over your head. Connect with Lisa Steele: Lisa Steele is the O.G. of backyard chicken keeping, sharing expert flock advice since 2009. From her farm in Maine, she's built a trusted resource with hundreds of practical articles on raising chickens, ducks, and geese, as well as gardening and DIY coop projects. She's also the author of The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook, a Publishers Weekly starred pick and Amazon Editors' Pick for Best Cookbooks, Food & Wine. Find more from Lisa on her website: https://www.fresheggsdaily.blog/ Find more from Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fresheggsdaily/ Support The Beet: → Shop: https://growepic.co/shop → Seeds: https://growepic.co/botanicalinterests Learn More: → All Our Channels: https://growepic.co/youtube → Blog: https://growepic.co/blog → Podcast: https://growepic.co/podcasts → Discord: https://growepic.co/discord → Instagram: https://growepic.co/insta → TikTok: https://growepic.co/tiktok → Pinterest: https://growepic.co/pinterest → Twitter: https://growepic.co/twitter → Facebook: https://growepic.co/facebook → Facebook Group: https://growepic.co/fbgroup → Love our products? Become an Epic affiliate! https://growepic.co/3FjQXqV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Explore the inspiring journey of author Sara Driscoll/Jen J. Dana from infectious diseases research to successful writing career, including overcoming personal loss, managing deadlines, and navigating the publishing industry. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey from Science to Storytelling 05:03 Navigating Loss and Continuing a Legacy 09:56 The Discipline of Writing: Deadlines and Word Counts 14:59 Persistence in Publishing: Finding the Right Fit 19:58 The Evolution of Publishing: Choices and Control 24:08 Upcoming Releases and Connecting with Readers Author's Website: https://jenjdanna.com Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/JenJDanna/ https://www.instagram.com/jenjdanna/ https://bsky.app/profile/jenjdanna.com https://www.threads.com/@jenjdanna Author Bio: Sara Driscoll is the pen name of Jen J. Danna, coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries and author of the FBI K-9 Mysteries and NYPD Negotiators series. After over 30 years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books at saradriscollauthor.com. Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Countdown-NYPD-Negotiators-Sara-Driscoll-ebook/dp/B0FKX56VXK Love this episode? Rate it ⭐️ Thumbs Up
Explore the inspiring journey of author Sara Driscoll/Jen J. Dana from infectious diseases research to successful writing career, including overcoming personal loss, managing deadlines, and navigating the publishing industry. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey from Science to Storytelling 05:03 Navigating Loss and Continuing a Legacy 09:56 The Discipline of Writing: Deadlines and Word Counts 14:59 Persistence in Publishing: Finding the Right Fit 19:58 The Evolution of Publishing: Choices and Control 24:08 Upcoming Releases and Connecting with Readers Author's Website: https://jenjdanna.com Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/JenJDanna/ https://www.instagram.com/jenjdanna/ https://bsky.app/profile/jenjdanna.com https://www.threads.com/@jenjdanna Author Bio: Sara Driscoll is the pen name of Jen J. Danna, coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries and author of the FBI K-9 Mysteries and NYPD Negotiators series. After over 30 years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books at saradriscollauthor.com. Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Countdown-NYPD-Negotiators-Sara-Driscoll-ebook/dp/B0FKX56VXK Love this episode? Rate it ⭐️ Thumbs Up
What if picking up a book could become a form of prayer? In this conversation, host John Terrill sits down with Jeff Crosby — publisher, author, and lifelong champion of the written word — to talk about his book World of Wonders: A Spirituality of Reading (Paraclete Press, 2025).Jeff brings more than four decades in bookselling and publishing to a deeply personal question: why should we read? His own reading life began with Sunday comics in the Indianapolis Star and baseball biographies, until one book — The Admiral's Daughter, heard about on Good Morning America — “flipped a switch” and opened, in his words, “this idea of a world of wonder.” From there, a career took shape: 13 years as a bookseller, 24 years at InterVarsity Press (ultimately as its publisher), and now as president of ECPA, the trade association of Christian publishing.In this episode, John and Jeff discuss:How a liturgy before reading — drawn from Douglas McKelvey's Every Moment Holy — can transform how we approach any bookWhy reading diverse voices (across gender, ethnicity, and genre) is a pathway toward becoming more human and more ChristlikeThe practice of rereading: how books like Markings by Dag Hammarskjöld and Kent Haruf's novels serve as lifelong companionsThree practical strategies for becoming a wiser reader — including the one question Jeff asks almost everyone he meetsWhy Jeff's bookstore friend was counseled to fast from books — and what that revealed about his relationship to scriptureHow reading together (from team check-ins at ECPA to hosting 75–100 person “Books in Nature” dinners) transforms communityJeff's next book: The Spirit in the Sky — on music, spirituality, and 17 artists from Paul Simon to Marvin Gaye (Bloomsbury, October 2025)Jeff recorded this conversation the day before his mother's memorial service, turning to the Psalms and a poetry collection called Joy (edited by Christian Wiman, Yale University Press) as companions in grief. His witness here is as much lived as written.Guest BioJeff Crosby is the president and CEO of ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) and has worked in bookselling and publishing for more than 40 years — from running a Lagos bookstore near Indiana University to 24 years at InterVarsity Press to leading the trade association of Christian publishing. He is the author of World of Wonders: A Spirituality of Reading (Paraclete Press, 2025) and The Language of the Soul. His writing has appeared in Publishers Weekly, Books & Culture, CRUX Journal, and other publications. He lives in the Chicago area with his wife, author Cindy Crosby. Resources MentionedJeff's website: jeffreycrosby.netWorld of Wonders: A Spirituality of Reading — Jeff Crosby (Paraclete Press, 2025)The Spirit in the Sky: The Power of Music and Our Search for Graceland — Jeff Crosby (Bloomsbury, October 2025)Every Moment Holy — Douglas McKelveyMarkings — Dag HammarskjöldReading for the Love of God — Jessica Hooten Wilson (Brazos Press)Joy (poetry anthology) — edited by Christian Wiman (Yale University Press)The Meaning of Your Life — Arthur C. BrooksSend us Fan MailCONNECT WITH USSubscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave ConourEdited by Dave Conour
Photo by Michael Lionstar Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built is the latest book by veteran journalist and author Gayle Feldman. Published by Random House in January 2026, this biography explores the life of a driven young man who vowed to become a great publisher – and did. Feldman has served as a senior staff editor for Publishers Weekly and a U.S. correspondent for The Bookseller. Her features, reviews, and essays have appeared in a wide range of periodicals, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Times of London, The Nation, and The Daily Beast. Feldman's previous books were You Don't Have to Be Your Mother and Best and Worst of Times: The Changing Business of Trade Books. Fellow biographer and BIO member Lisa Napoli interviewed Gayle Feldman.
International and New York Times bestselling author, and recipient of a CBE for his services to literature, Anthony Horowitz, discusses the new release in his Hawthorne and Horowitz series, A DEADLY EPISODE. The actor playing Hawthorne in the film adaptation of the first Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery novel is murdered. But was the actor the intended target, or is the real Hawthorne caught in the cross hairs of a killer? “…delicious dry humor with a rigorous fair-play whodunit…This series is in peak form.”―Publishers Weekly, (starred review) Listen in as we chat about the distinction between the bonds we have and those we wish to have, the danger of becoming a pressed flower, and the moment when Antony comes up with a new plot idea for a future story! (And yes, it was a huge challenge to refrain from devolving into fangirl pudding throughout.) https://www.mariesutro.com/twisted-passages-podcast https://anthonyhorowitz.com ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ANTHONY HOROWITZ is one of the UK's most prolific and successful writers, unique in being active in both adult and YA fiction, TV, theatre, and journalism. Several of his novels have been instant New York Times bestsellers. His Alex Rider spy series for young adults has sold more than twenty million copies worldwide and has become a hugely successful show on Amazon Prime Video. Marble Hall Murders, the third part of his Susan Ryeland series, has just been filmed for PBS. He lives in London and was recently awarded the CBE for services to literature.
International and New York Times bestselling author, and recipient of a CBE for his services to literature, Anthony Horowitz, discusses the new release in his Hawthorne and Horowitz series, A DEADLY EPISODE. The actor playing Hawthorne in the film adaptation of the first Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery novel is murdered. But was the actor the intended target, or is the real Hawthorne caught in the cross hairs of a killer? “…delicious dry humor with a rigorous fair-play whodunit…This series is in peak form.”―Publishers Weekly, (starred review) Listen in as we chat about the distinction between the bonds we have and those we wish to have, the danger of becoming a pressed flower, and the moment when Antony comes up with a new plot idea for a future story! (And yes, it was a huge challenge to refrain from devolving into fangirl pudding throughout.) https://www.mariesutro.com/twisted-passages-podcast https://anthonyhorowitz.com ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ANTHONY HOROWITZ is one of the UK's most prolific and successful writers, unique in being active in both adult and YA fiction, TV, theatre, and journalism. Several of his novels have been instant New York Times bestsellers. His Alex Rider spy series for young adults has sold more than twenty million copies worldwide and has become a hugely successful show on Amazon Prime Video. Marble Hall Murders, the third part of his Susan Ryeland series, has just been filmed for PBS. He lives in London and was recently awarded the CBE for services to literature.
Joe Biel is an independent publisher who draws origins, inspiration, and methods from punk rock to sell millions of books. He is the founder and CEO of Microcosm Publishing, a Publishers Weekly's fastest-growing publisher from 2022-2024. Biel has been featured in Time, Esquire, Forbes, Bulletproof Radio, Spectator (Japan), G33K (Korea), as well as NPR and PBS. He is the author of A People's Guide to Publishing (and cohost of the podcast by the same name), Autism Relationships Handbook, Unfuck Your Business, Enduring Legacy of Portland's Black Panthers, (and dozens more), and the director of five feature films, including Aftermass: Bicycling in a Post-Critical Mass Portland, $100 & a T-Shirt, and hundreds of short films. Joe joined us from the floor of the London Book Fair to discuss Microcosm's 30-year anniversary and what makes them stand out from other publishers. He also discusses their move from traditional publishing distribution to independent self-distribution, touching on how it has positively impacted their book sales and improved the company as a whole.To learn more about Microcosm Publishing, visit their website. Also, check out their People's Guide to Publishing podcast on any of your favorite podcast apps. You can find Joe on substack and LinkedIn.
Emilio Pucci: The Astonishing Odyssey of a Fashion Icon . The book has received glowing reviews from The New York Times, Vogue, Publishers Weekly, and more.When people think of fashion designer Emilio Pucci, it is of his bright, swirling colors and easy, freeing fabrics, and everyone from Sophia Loren to Jackie Kennedy donning the eye-catching dresses that personify La Dolce Vita. What few know about Pucci, however, is that before creating his world-famous fashions, he played a critical role in the war against the Nazis, risking his life to smuggle out to the Allies one of the most important documents of World War II.The authors bring to life Italy's darkest and brightest days, with the extraordinary Emilio Pucci at its center. Italy at the end of the war was broken, and Florence, which the Pucci family had called home for seven centuries, lay in ruins. Pucci returned home bruised in body and soul, having endured trials that would have broken many, but, like Italy itself, rose from the ashes, and went on to design some of the most exuberant fashion of all time. He helped usher in a new era of creativity in Italy, which again became a mecca of fashion, art, design, film, and more.About the authors:Idanna Pucci is the author of The Lady of Sing Sing and The World Odyssey of a Balinese Prince. Idanna grew up in the Pucci palace, eyewitness to her uncle's extraordinary work. She and Terence have had far flung lives, from Iran to Indonesia. They live in Florence.Terence Ward is the author of Searching for Hassan: A Journey to the Heart of Iran and The Guardian of Mercy: How an Extraordinary Painting by Caravaggio Changed an Ordinary Life.#speakingofwriterspodcast #authorpodcast #authors #stmartinspublishing #italy #florenceitaly #emiliopucci#bookpodcast
We're bringing back yet another MTAC Another World OSMinterview! Today, we've got our interview we did for Ed Chavez! Here's what MTAC had on their webpage about him: Ed Chavez is the President and Publisher of DENPA Books. A twenty year veteran of the manga industry, Ed started his manga career as a journalist, writing for publications such as Comic Book Resources, Animate and Publishers Weekly. He would eventually do editorial work for Seven Seas and DC Comic's manga line CMX. In 2007 he began working with Japanese manga publisher Kodansha. He split time doing marketing and translation for their new manga and light novel imprints (Morning 2 and Kodansha BOX respectively). Prior to his move to Oregon, Ed was the Sales & Marketing Director and Licensing Manager for Vertical Comics (2009-17), where he released numerous New York Times Best Sellers and Eisner Award winners/nominees. Ed is unique in the North American manga industry as someone with experience on both sides of the Pacific as well as someone with translation, editorial, marketing, sales and acquisition experience. https://mtac.net/guests/ed-chavez OSMnotes We want to thank Ed and once again for taking the time to chat with us! And you can find all the places where Ed is by checking out him online at: Denpa's website: https://denpa.pub/ Denpa on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/denpabooks.bsky.social Denpa on Twitter: https://x.com/denpa_books Ed on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/mangacast.bsky.social Plus, a big thank you to MTAC for both letting us have the chance to chat, but also credit for the convention logo used. We also have YouTube Channels now! Both for OSMcast proper and The Carbuncle Chronicle! Please subscribe, hit the bell, and share amongst your friends. And as always, feel free to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Oh, and if you still use Spotify, go ahead and get on that mobile device and throw us some five stars there too. Tell your friends! As well, just like we mentioned when we do the OSMplugs, you can also join the Discord and support us on Patreon! PS If you have ever wanted some OSMmerch, feel free to check out our TeePublic page! PPS We appreciate you.
Our next episode drops on April 7th! In our off weeks, we air episodes of The Gaily Show. It's the only daily LGBTQ radio news and talk show in the US. John conducts a lot of author interviews on there!In this episode, Skylar Lyralen Kaye (of the hit web series Assigned Female at Birth) joins us to discuss their new memoir: Bachelorx. THEN: For Bobuq Sayed's debut novel No God But Us, Publishers Weekly named Bobuq one of PW's Spring 2026 Writers to Watch. They join us to talk all about No God But Us. Connect with Skylar and order Bachelorx here: https://lyralenkaye.com/writing/downloadable-books/Watch all of Skylar's web series here: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnotherCountryTVConnect with Bobuq here: https://bobuqsayed.com/homePre-order No God But Us: https://bookshop.org/a/82376/9780063419469Watch on YouTubeWe're in video too! You can watch this episode at youtube.com/@thegailyshowCreditsHost/Founder: John Parker (learn more about my name change)Executive Producer: Jim PoundsProduction and Distribution Support: Brett Johnson, AM950Marketing/Advertising Support: Chad Larson, Laura Hedlund, Jennifer Ogren, AM950Accounting and Creative Support: Gordy EricksonSupport the show
About the Author Tessa Afshar's award‑winning novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists and have been translated into thirteen languages. A recipient of the ECPA Bronze Milestone Award, the Christy Award, the INSPY Award, and the ECPA Christian Book Award for her Bible study The Way Home, Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she served as co‑chair of the Evangelical Fellowship. Born in the Middle East to a nominally Muslim family, Tessa came to faith in Christ in her twenties. She is a devoted wife, a self‑proclaimed mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes. Questions: Let's start with something fun. Would you rather read a book series out of order, or watch the movie adaptation before reading the book? What practices help keep you grounded when life gets crazy? Do you keep a journal? If so, what journaling practices work for you? If not, what reflective practices do you use instead? Is there anything especially meaningful you haven't shared in other interviews—perhaps something God has laid on your heart that you'd like to share with readers? About the Book Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman's sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place. Yet her troubles are not over. Haman's sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover that the queen's agent is Jadon—the man who once left her heart in ruins. But danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, far more than their hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission. A story of intrigue, romance, and faith set within Queen Esther's royal domain—perfect for fans of ancient history, The Chosen, House of David, Francine Rivers, and Angela Hunt. Questions Your novel is set during the Persian period when Esther is queen. How did you research the historical and cultural details of Susa to create an authentic backdrop, and what discoveries surprised you most? Your book blends biblical events with romantic and suspenseful plotting. What challenges did you face in balancing faithfulness to the source material with crafting an engaging fictional narrative that includes mystery? What do you hope readers take away from this blend of biblical history, romance, and intrigue? What's next for your writing? Tessa, where can listeners learn more about you? You can connect with Tessa on her Newsletter and on Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram.
This episode is the third installment in our book club, we're doing well guys. The Troublemaker: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kong's Greatest Dissident, and China's Most Feared Critic certainly tries to live up to its name. It covers the “‘extraordinary life story' (Publishers Weekly) of the billionaire businessman Jimmy Lai, a leading Hong Kong democracy activist fighting for freedom of speech who became China's most famous political prisoner.”My review of this book is very, very mixed. All will become clear when you listen! Please do leave your own thoughts in the way of comments, I'd love to hear what you thought about the book.Oh and I forgot to mention in the review that Lai also blocks a state pension law using his media outlets to push anti-pension propaganda. And that's probably why you still see old men and women picking up cardboard for pennies every morning. Enjoy!Buy bookclub books hereBuy me a coffeeLatest Substack postLinks to everythingSupport the showSign up for Buzzsprout to launch your podcasting journey: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=162442Subscribe to the Sinobabble Newsletter: https://sinobabble.substack.com/Support Sinobabble on Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Sinobabblepod
Maya C. Popa joins Kevin Young to read “Artless,” by Brenda Shaughnessy, and her own poem “The World Was All Before Them.” Popa is the author of “Wound Is the Origin of Wonder” and “American Faith,” the latter of which won the North American Book Prize. Her third collection, “If You Love That Lady,” will be published by W. W. Norton this July. Popa serves as the poetry editor of Publishers Weekly, and teaches in the undergraduate and M.F.A. programs at New York University. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Join hosts J.D. Barker, Christine Daigle, Jena Brown, and Kevin Tumlinson as they discuss the week's entertainment news, including stories about BookTok, book output topping four million, and Tracy Wolff. Then, stick around for a chat with Karen Robards! Karen Robards is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than fifty books and one novella. Karen published her first novel at age 24 and has won multiple awards throughout her career, including six Silver Pens for favorite author. Karen was described by The Daily Mail as one of the most reliable thriller....writers in the world." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this conversation, Gayle Feldman discusses her book 'Nothing Random,' which explores the life of Bennett Cerf, the founder of Random House. She delves into Cerf's early life, his career in publishing, his relationships with authors, and the impact of his television presence on his reputation. Feldman also addresses the challenges Cerf faced, including anti-Semitism in the publishing industry, and reflects on the evolution of Random House and Cerf's legacy.Get your copy of Nothing Random by Gayle FeldmanAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gayle Feldman and Her Book02:55 The Life and Legacy of Bennett Cerf05:52 Bennett Cerf's Early Years and Career Path09:00 The Making of a Great Publisher12:00 Bennett Cerf's Influence on Literature14:59 The Impact of Television on Cerf's Reputation18:01 Navigating Anti-Semitism in Publishing20:48 The Evolution of Random House23:52 Reflections on Bennett Cerf's HappinessGuest InformationGayle FeldmanGayle Feldman has written for Publishers Weekly for forty years, including as a senior editor. Since 1999, as U.S. correspondent for The Bookseller, she has analyzed the American book business for U.K. readers. She has contributed features, reviews, and essays to The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Times of London, The Nation, The Daily Beast, and others. She is the author of the cancer memoir You Don't Have to Be Your Mother, first published by W.W. Norton, and of Best and Worst of Times: The Changing Business of Trade Books, published through a National Arts Journalism Program fellowship at the Columbia Journalism School. The National Endowment for the Humanities has supported her work on Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built with a Public Scholar award. Feldman lives in New York City.WebsiteRon BlakeSocial:| Facebook | Instagram | Tik tokFor more intriguing and engaging interviews each week, subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts. and now on YouTube
Today on Let Fear Bounce, I'm so happy to welcome back K.T. Anglehart!K.T. is an award-winning Canadian author of YA urban fantasy inspired by Celtic folklore, modern mysticism, and the magic of the natural world.Her debut novel won an international paranormal fiction award, was named an Editor's Pick by Publishers Weekly, and grew into The Scottish Scrolls trilogy, featured at literary festivals including the South Dakota Festival of Books.Her work explores identity, belonging, and those beautifully complicated gray areas of life — all through rich, character-driven storytelling.When she's not writing or leading workshops, she runs a metaphysical supplies shop and is happily bossed around by her rescue dog and two bunnies.Instagram: @kt_anglehartFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ktanglehartktanglehart.com#KTAnglehart #ScottishScrolls #YAUrbanFantasy #YAFantasyAuthor#CelticFolklore #IrishFolklore #ScottishFolklore #FantasyBooks#YoungAdultFantasy #FantasyAuthor #MagicalWorlds #UrbanFantasyBooks#NatureMagic #FantasyReaders #BookTube #AuthorInterview#FantasyBookSeries #WomenWhoWrite #CreativeWritingLife #IndieAuthorLife #ReadersOfFantasy #WritersCommunitywww.kimlenglingauthor.com
“If we don't fight, then what are we doing?” — Jeff BoydHow do you write fiction about contemporary America when reality itself is stranger than fiction? A country in which “alternative facts” is policy rather than satire. Where “truth” has been nationalized.Jeff Boyd, an acclaimed young American novelist, sees fiction as refuge. For both writer and reader, it gets us inside the heads of people who both inflict and endure pain. And it enables the senseless to make sense. The news cycle can't do that. A novel can.Boyd's second novel, Hard Times, out today, is his latest attempt to make sense of the senseless. No, the title isn't Dickensian — it's from Curtis Mayfield. The song on the 1975 “There's No Place Like America Today” album, with its cover juxtaposing some happy Americans in a car with others waiting miserably in the unemployment line. America might be great — but for whom, exactly? That dichotomy shapes Hard Times, which is set in a school on the South Side of Chicago where an innocent student gets shot and nobody can agree on what happened or why.Is the American Dream over? Boyd isn't quite sure. “As much as it feels impossible,” he says, “some part of me always wants to believe.” His characters fight — backs against the wall, cards stacked against them, but they don't give in. That's what Curtis Mayfield was singing about in 1975 and it's what Jeff Boyd is writing about in 2026. The times are hard. A time, once again, for novelists to seize back reality. Five Takeaways• How Do You Make Stuff Up When Reality Is Already Unbelievable? Boyd admits he sometimes wonders what the point of being a novelist is when the headlines are stranger than fiction. His answer: fiction is a refuge. It lets you get inside the heads of people who inflict pain or endure it, and try to make sense of what in reality remains senseless. The novelist can provide an answer. The news cycle can't.• Not Dickens — Curtis Mayfield: The title comes not from the 1854 novel but from the 1975 song on There's No Place Like America Today. The album cover says it all: happy people in the car, desperate people in the unemployment line. America is great — but great for whom? That dichotomy drives the book.• A Policeman's Son on George Floyd: One of the officers who stood by while George Floyd died was black — a man whose family had been proud of him for getting the job, who went in wanting to do good. Boyd can't write off an entire category of people. His black cop character in Hard Times exists to show the complexity of wanting to do right and getting caught up in wrong.• Fate vs. Agency on the South Side: Boyd's grad school friend — not religious but deterministic — argued you could draw a line from where someone starts to where they'll end up. Boyd's characters fight against that line. A kid from a broken home on food stamps doesn't have to end where you think. The novel asks whether the line holds or breaks.• The Fight Goes On: Is the American Dream over? Boyd isn't quite sure. His characters have their backs against the wall and the cards stacked against them, but they don't give in. That's what Curtis Mayfield was singing about in 1975. It's what Boyd is writing about in 2026. The times are hard. The fight goes on. About the GuestJeff Boyd is the author of The Weight (Simon & Schuster, 2023) and Hard Times (Flatiron Books, 2026). A former Chicago public school teacher and graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, where he received the Deena Davidson Friedman Prize for Fiction, he lives in Brooklyn with his family.References:• Hard Times: A Novel by Jeff Boyd (Flatiron Books, 2026) — the book under discussion, out today. Starred review from Publishers Weekly.• The Weight by Jeff Boyd (Simon & Schuster, 2023) — Boyd's acclaimed debut novel, set in Portland.• Curtis Mayfield, “Hard Times” from There's No Place Like America Today (1975) — the song that gives the novel its title.• Charles Dickens, Hard Times (1854) — the Dickensian social realist tradition Boyd consciously works within.• Studs Terkel, Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression (1970) — referenced in the conversation.About Keen On AmericaNobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,800 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting.WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotify Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction: Hard Times from Dickens to today (01:19) - Not Dickens — Curtis Mayfield (02:44) - The Obama era and the fall back into hard times (05:32) - How do you fictionalize a reality stranger than fiction? (08:44) - Autobiography: teaching in a Chicago school (10:18) - Fate, predestination, and fighting the line (12:49) - The novelist as God — do your characters surprise you? (15:02) - A student is shot: the journalist-novelist (15:33) - Social realism in the Dickensian tradition (18:45) - Chicago stereotypes and the beauty between blocks (22:19) - A policeman's son on George Floyd and the black cop who stood by (25:27) - Teaching as the most underappreciated job in America (27:57) - Money, class, and Black Chicago beyond the stereotype (29:43) - Trump, alternative facts, and who controls the truth (32:19) - The American Dream: is it over?
Jeff Crosby is the president and CEO of ECPA, the trade association of Christian publishers and has worked in bookselling and publishing roles for more than four decades. He is also an author of several books, including World of Wonders: A Spirituality of Reading (Paraclete Press, 2025), The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts (Broadleaf, 2023) and Days of Grace Through the Year (IVP, 2007).His next book, titled The Spirit in the Sky: The Power of Music in Our Search for Graceland, will be published in September by Bloomsbury. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and trade journals, including CRUX, Conversations Journal, Living Lutheran, Publishers Weekly, and CRA Today.Jeff joined us on the Booksmarts Podcast to discuss the history and mission of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), as well as their three annual publishing events they host to bring Christian publishers, leaders, and speakers together. He also discusses the emerging challenges and opportunities facing Christian publishing—from AI and market consolidation to global growth in regions like Brazil. To learn more about ECPA, visit their website.
In this episode of SciDish, we sit down with Bruce Friedrich, founder and president of the Good Food Institute, to unpack his new book MEAT: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity's Favorite Food—and Our Future, recently named one of Publishers Weekly's Top Ten New Releases in Science. Rather than arguing against meat consumption, Friedrich explores a pragmatic question: if global demand for meat continues to rise, can science help us produce it more efficiently, safely, and sustainably? We dig into the food science and biotechnology behind plant-based and cultivated meat, the real-world bottlenecks to scaling these innovations, why conventional meat companies are investing in alternative proteins, and how policy decisions today could quietly shape the future of protein production. Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT FIRST – Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. Join the leading food science and innovation expo, IFT FIRST, at McCormick Place in Chicago, July 12th through the 15th, for the industry’s premier event connecting innovation, science, and business. Learn more at ift.org.
With fasting at an all-time high in popularity, here is an enlightening exploration into the history, science, and philosophy behind the practice—essential to many religions and wellness routines. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine. Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, John Oakes The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and the Promise of Doing Without (Avid Reader Press, 2024) illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice—and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies anyone curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. In recent years, fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons—from weight loss to detoxing, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as protest. Notable fasters include Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Cesar Chavez, and a long list of others who have drawn on its power over the ages and across borders and cultures. The Fast looks at the complex science behind the jaw-dropping biological changes that occur inside the body when we fast. Metabolic switching can prompt repair and renewal down to the molecular level, providing benefits for those suffering from obesity and diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. Longer fasts can both reinvigorate the immune system and protect it against damage. Beyond the physical experience, fasting can be a great collective unifier, and it has been adopted by religions and political movements all over the world for millennia. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent (Christianity), Ramadan (Islam), Yom Kippur (Judaism), Uposatha (Buddhism), and Ekadashi (Hinduism). On an individual level, devout ascetics who master self-deprivation to an extreme are believed to be closer to the divine, ascending to enlightenment or even sainthood. Fasting reminds us of the virtues of holding back, of not consuming all that we can. “Broad in scope and rich in insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about taking control of your life in new and empowering ways and reconsidering your place in the world. John Oakes is the publisher of The Evergreen Review and the editor at large of OR Books. The Fast is his first book. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in World History from James Madison University, where he currently works as an administrative staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
With fasting at an all-time high in popularity, here is an enlightening exploration into the history, science, and philosophy behind the practice—essential to many religions and wellness routines. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine. Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, John Oakes The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and the Promise of Doing Without (Avid Reader Press, 2024) illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice—and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies anyone curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. In recent years, fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons—from weight loss to detoxing, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as protest. Notable fasters include Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Cesar Chavez, and a long list of others who have drawn on its power over the ages and across borders and cultures. The Fast looks at the complex science behind the jaw-dropping biological changes that occur inside the body when we fast. Metabolic switching can prompt repair and renewal down to the molecular level, providing benefits for those suffering from obesity and diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. Longer fasts can both reinvigorate the immune system and protect it against damage. Beyond the physical experience, fasting can be a great collective unifier, and it has been adopted by religions and political movements all over the world for millennia. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent (Christianity), Ramadan (Islam), Yom Kippur (Judaism), Uposatha (Buddhism), and Ekadashi (Hinduism). On an individual level, devout ascetics who master self-deprivation to an extreme are believed to be closer to the divine, ascending to enlightenment or even sainthood. Fasting reminds us of the virtues of holding back, of not consuming all that we can. “Broad in scope and rich in insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about taking control of your life in new and empowering ways and reconsidering your place in the world. John Oakes is the publisher of The Evergreen Review and the editor at large of OR Books. The Fast is his first book. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in World History from James Madison University, where he currently works as an administrative staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/medicine
With fasting at an all-time high in popularity, here is an enlightening exploration into the history, science, and philosophy behind the practice—essential to many religions and wellness routines. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine. Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, John Oakes The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and the Promise of Doing Without (Avid Reader Press, 2024) illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice—and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies anyone curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. In recent years, fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons—from weight loss to detoxing, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as protest. Notable fasters include Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Cesar Chavez, and a long list of others who have drawn on its power over the ages and across borders and cultures. The Fast looks at the complex science behind the jaw-dropping biological changes that occur inside the body when we fast. Metabolic switching can prompt repair and renewal down to the molecular level, providing benefits for those suffering from obesity and diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. Longer fasts can both reinvigorate the immune system and protect it against damage. Beyond the physical experience, fasting can be a great collective unifier, and it has been adopted by religions and political movements all over the world for millennia. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent (Christianity), Ramadan (Islam), Yom Kippur (Judaism), Uposatha (Buddhism), and Ekadashi (Hinduism). On an individual level, devout ascetics who master self-deprivation to an extreme are believed to be closer to the divine, ascending to enlightenment or even sainthood. Fasting reminds us of the virtues of holding back, of not consuming all that we can. “Broad in scope and rich in insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about taking control of your life in new and empowering ways and reconsidering your place in the world. John Oakes is the publisher of The Evergreen Review and the editor at large of OR Books. The Fast is his first book. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in World History from James Madison University, where he currently works as an administrative staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science
With fasting at an all-time high in popularity, here is an enlightening exploration into the history, science, and philosophy behind the practice—essential to many religions and wellness routines. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine. Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, John Oakes The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and the Promise of Doing Without (Avid Reader Press, 2024) illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice—and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies anyone curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. In recent years, fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons—from weight loss to detoxing, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as protest. Notable fasters include Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Cesar Chavez, and a long list of others who have drawn on its power over the ages and across borders and cultures. The Fast looks at the complex science behind the jaw-dropping biological changes that occur inside the body when we fast. Metabolic switching can prompt repair and renewal down to the molecular level, providing benefits for those suffering from obesity and diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. Longer fasts can both reinvigorate the immune system and protect it against damage. Beyond the physical experience, fasting can be a great collective unifier, and it has been adopted by religions and political movements all over the world for millennia. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent (Christianity), Ramadan (Islam), Yom Kippur (Judaism), Uposatha (Buddhism), and Ekadashi (Hinduism). On an individual level, devout ascetics who master self-deprivation to an extreme are believed to be closer to the divine, ascending to enlightenment or even sainthood. Fasting reminds us of the virtues of holding back, of not consuming all that we can. “Broad in scope and rich in insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about taking control of your life in new and empowering ways and reconsidering your place in the world. John Oakes is the publisher of The Evergreen Review and the editor at large of OR Books. The Fast is his first book. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in World History from James Madison University, where he currently works as an administrative staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion
With fasting at an all-time high in popularity, here is an enlightening exploration into the history, science, and philosophy behind the practice—essential to many religions and wellness routines. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine. Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, John Oakes The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and the Promise of Doing Without (Avid Reader Press, 2024) illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice—and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies anyone curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. In recent years, fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons—from weight loss to detoxing, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as protest. Notable fasters include Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Cesar Chavez, and a long list of others who have drawn on its power over the ages and across borders and cultures. The Fast looks at the complex science behind the jaw-dropping biological changes that occur inside the body when we fast. Metabolic switching can prompt repair and renewal down to the molecular level, providing benefits for those suffering from obesity and diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. Longer fasts can both reinvigorate the immune system and protect it against damage. Beyond the physical experience, fasting can be a great collective unifier, and it has been adopted by religions and political movements all over the world for millennia. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent (Christianity), Ramadan (Islam), Yom Kippur (Judaism), Uposatha (Buddhism), and Ekadashi (Hinduism). On an individual level, devout ascetics who master self-deprivation to an extreme are believed to be closer to the divine, ascending to enlightenment or even sainthood. Fasting reminds us of the virtues of holding back, of not consuming all that we can. “Broad in scope and rich in insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about taking control of your life in new and empowering ways and reconsidering your place in the world. John Oakes is the publisher of The Evergreen Review and the editor at large of OR Books. The Fast is his first book. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in World History from James Madison University, where he currently works as an administrative staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/spiritual-practice-and-mindfulness
With fasting at an all-time high in popularity, here is an enlightening exploration into the history, science, and philosophy behind the practice—essential to many religions and wellness routines. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine. Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, John Oakes The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and the Promise of Doing Without (Avid Reader Press, 2024) illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice—and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies anyone curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. In recent years, fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons—from weight loss to detoxing, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as protest. Notable fasters include Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Cesar Chavez, and a long list of others who have drawn on its power over the ages and across borders and cultures. The Fast looks at the complex science behind the jaw-dropping biological changes that occur inside the body when we fast. Metabolic switching can prompt repair and renewal down to the molecular level, providing benefits for those suffering from obesity and diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. Longer fasts can both reinvigorate the immune system and protect it against damage. Beyond the physical experience, fasting can be a great collective unifier, and it has been adopted by religions and political movements all over the world for millennia. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent (Christianity), Ramadan (Islam), Yom Kippur (Judaism), Uposatha (Buddhism), and Ekadashi (Hinduism). On an individual level, devout ascetics who master self-deprivation to an extreme are believed to be closer to the divine, ascending to enlightenment or even sainthood. Fasting reminds us of the virtues of holding back, of not consuming all that we can. “Broad in scope and rich in insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about taking control of your life in new and empowering ways and reconsidering your place in the world. John Oakes is the publisher of The Evergreen Review and the editor at large of OR Books. The Fast is his first book. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in World History from James Madison University, where he currently works as an administrative staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hi Everyone! I had return guest Ali Terese, MG author chat about her new book and how she infuses humor, heart, and disability into her writing.Here is more about Ali:Ali Terese writes funny and heartfelt middle grade and YA stories like FREE PERIOD (Scholastic 2024) and VOTE FOR THE G.O.A.T. (Aladdin / Simon & Schuster 2025). Her work has been honored on the National Book Award longlist, Kid's Indie Next list, starred reviews in School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, state and ALA reading lists.Visit her site:https://aliterese.com/Thank you for listening!
We know what fate befell Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 B.C., but how does ancient Rome's treatment of its adversaries and allies and compare to the current American “excursion” in Iran and overall US foreign policy? Barry Strauss, the Hoover Institution's Corliss Page Dean Senior Fellow and a military historian specializing in the rise and fall of Rome, separates fact from fiction regarding Caesar's the events leading up to his assassination, as well as Rome's belief in “preventive” wars, strategic alliances and great-powers competition. Also discussed: Hollywood's fascination with all things Rome; similarities between Caesar and Donald Trump (communicative skills, strategic risk-taking, neither suffering from a lack of self-esteem); how the history of the republic differs (or doesn't) if Caesar hadn't met up with a horde of knife-wielding senators on that fateful day in mid-March. Recorded on March 10, 2026. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Barry Strauss is the Corliss Page Dean Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He is also the Bryce and Edith M. Bowmar Professor of Humanistic Studies Emeritus at Cornell University, where he taught for over four decades. Strauss is a military and naval historian with a focus on ancient Greece and Rome and their lessons for today. “No one presents the military history of the ancient world with greater insight and panache than Strauss,” wrote Publishers Weekly. His books have been translated into twenty languages and include several bestsellers, The Battle of Salamis (2004), Masters of Command (2012), The Death of Caesar 2015), Ten Caesars (2019), The War that Made the Roman Empire (2022), and Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire (2025). Strauss is a winner of the 2025 Bradley Prize, honoring his lifelong dedication to the study and teaching of Western civilization and classical and military history. Follow Barry Strauss on social media: LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram Bill Whalen, the Virginia Hobbs Carpenter Distinguished Policy Fellow in Journalism and a Hoover Institution research fellow since 1999, writes and comments on campaigns, elections, and governance with an emphasis on California and America's political landscapes. Whalen writes on politics and current events for various national publications, as well as Hoover's California On Your Mind web channel. Whalen hosts Hoover's Matters of Policy & Politics podcast and serves as the moderator of Hoover's GoodFellows broadcast exploring history, economics, and geopolitical dynamics. RELATED SOURCES Masters of Command (2012) The Death of Caesar (2015) Ten Caesars (2019) The War that Made the Roman Empire (2022) Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire (2025) ABOUT THE SERIES Matters of Policy & Politics, a podcast from the Hoover Institution, examines the direction of federal, state, and local leadership and elections, with an occasional examination of national security and geopolitical concerns, all featuring insightful analysis provided by Hoover Institution scholars and guests. To join our newsletter and be the first to tune into the next episode, visit Matters of Policy & Politics.
My talk with National Book Award-nominee Andrew Krivak, discussing his latest novel, Mule Boy, a book that Publishers Weekly called "flawless." We covered (1) the importance of wrestling with the old, hard, elemental questions through words; (2) the pride of 20th century coal miners, who loved their treacherous work; and (3) how Andrew learned to tell stories from his grandmother, the one who really made him into a writer. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm and Writer's Bone.
This week we are joined by Wade Rouse! Wade Rouse is a USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and #1 internationally bestselling author of 21 books, whose work has been translated into nearly 30 languages and celebrated worldwide. His novel That's What Friends Are For, inspired by The Golden Girls, marks his first book published under his own name and has already been named one of 2026's Most Anticipated Books, praised as both hilarious and deeply poignant. Wade previously wrote novels under the pen name Viola Shipman, chosen to honor his grandmother, an Ozarks seamstress whose sacrifices continue to inspire his fiction. He also hosts the popular weekly Facebook Live literary happy hour Wine & Words with Wade, and for more information, visit www.violashipman.com or www.waderouse.com. In the episode, Wade Rouse shares his journey from growing up in the Missouri Ozarks to becoming a celebrated author. He discusses the pivotal role his grandmothers played in his acceptance and upbringing, the complexities of his family dynamics, and the importance of finding love and support. Wade reflects on the impact of media representation, particularly through shows like The Golden Girls, and how these experiences shaped his writing. His latest novel, 'That's What Friends Are For,' tackles ageism and queer issues, emphasizing the need for visibility and unconditional love in the LGBTQ+ community.Recommendations From This Episode: The Guncle Alone at a Big Gay Wedding with Byron Lane Designing Women Hot In Cleveland Follow Wade: @authorwaderouse Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Send a textIn today's episode, I sit down with USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and internationally bestselling author Wade Rouse. Many readers know Wade by his pen name, Viola Shipman, his grandmother's name chosen to honor the woman whose stories and heirlooms inspire his fiction. But this novel marks something new. That's What Friends Are For is the first book he has published under his own name. Inspired by The Golden Girls, the novel follows four gay men “of a certain age” who have built a vibrant chosen family in Palm Springs, until an unexpected family arrival begins to unravel long-held secrets.Episode Highlights:Why Wade chose his grandmother's name as his pen nameWhat publishing under his own name represents at this stage of his lifeThe Golden Girls inspiration behind “The Golden Gays”Writing about aging in AmericaThe power of found family and chosen friendshipHumor as a doorway to deeper emotional truthThe legacy behind his beloved Viola Shipman novelsIf you have ever built family beyond blood, navigated reinvention, or believe friendship carries us through life's hardest seasons, this episode is for you.Connect with Wade:WebsiteInstagramFacebookShow NotesSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.Books and authors mentioned in the episode:Erma Bombeck booksDavid Sedaris booksI Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora EphronRunning with Scissors by Augusten BurroughsThe Last of the Savages by Jay McInerneyCatcher in the Rye by J.D. SalingerSo Old, So Young by Grant GinderBook FlightAwake by Jen HatmakerThe Forget-Me-Not Library by Heather WebberHazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster.Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmapSupport the showBe sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website
The Writing Community Chat Show is back! This week, we were joined by the brilliant Linda Wilgus, author of the enchanting debut novel, The Sea Child.Ranked #3 in the UK's top writing podcasts for 2025, we pride ourselves on bringing you the stories behind the stories. Linda's journey is one of incredible persistence, from writing during two-hour nap times to securing a “Big Five” publishing deal and a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly.Whether you're a fan of atmospheric historical fiction or an aspiring author looking for the “secret sauce” to publishing success, this episode is a goldmine.Watch or Listen to the Full Interview on this article!The Story of The Sea Child.Set against the rugged, windswept cliffs of 1800s Cornwall during the Napoleonic Wars, The Sea Child follows Isabel, a widow who returns to the village where she was found as a child—dripping wet, alone, and unable to speak.The locals believe she is the daughter of a seboka (a Cornish sea spirit), but Isabel's life takes a swashbuckling turn when a wounded smuggling captain named Jack is carried into her cottage. It's a tale of high-stakes adventure, folklore, and a romance that feels as timeless as the ocean itself. BUY IT HERE.The Journey: 21 Years in the Making.One of the most inspiring parts of Linda's story is her path to publication. After putting her writing on hold for 21 years to raise three children and move around the world for her husband's Navy career, she finally reclaimed her creative spark.She didn't start with a masterpiece; she started with persistence. The Sea Child was actually her fourth adult novel. Her “overnight success” was built on a foundation of daily habits and a refusal to throw in the towel after previous rejections.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson's books have been translated into a dozen languages, won SIBA's Novel of the Year award, three times been the #1 Book Sense Pick, twice been the #1 Indie Next Pick, twice won Georgia Author of the Year, been a top ten finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards, been the Target Book Club Pick, three times been a Books-A-Million Book Club Pick, four times been shortlisted for the Townsend Prize for Fiction, been a finalist for the Willie Morris Award for Southern Fiction, and won the Patricia Winn Award for Southern Fiction.A former actor, Jackson reads the audio versions of both her own novels and other writers' books. Her work in this field has been nominated for the Audie Award, included on AudioFile Magazine's best of the year list, won three Earphones Awards, made the Audible All-Star list for highest listener ranks/reviews, and garnered three Listen Up Awards from Publishers Weekly. She lives in upstate New York with her family and a motley crew of black and white animals. Her latest novel is Missing Sister. Learn more at Joshilynjackson.comSpecial thanks to NetGalley.Intro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Outro RecordingFollow the Writing Table: @writingtablepodcastEmail questions or tell us who you'd like us to invite to the Writing Table: writingtablepodcast@gmail.com.
What if your darkest chapter wasn't the end of your story—but the beginning of something new?In this honest and hope-filled episode of The Collide Podcast, we sit down with Leeana Tankersley to talk about what it looks like to hope in the middle of devastation, rebuild when life falls apart, and welcome new possibilities after loss, disappointment, or unraveling. Leeana shares wisdom from her own journey as a writer and woman of faith, inviting us to release our grip on hoping for specific outcomes and instead learn how to hope in God—especially when the future feels uncertain.Whether you're walking through your darkest chapter, piecing your life back together, or standing on the edge of something unknown, this conversation offers a gentle reminder: beginning again is holy work, and you're not behind.Meet LeeanaLeeana Tankersley is a writer, editor, university writing professor, and the author of six books including Brazen, Breathing Room, Begin Again, and Hope Anyway. With two English degrees and over two decades of experience in faith-centered storytelling, Leeana helps women step out of hiding, reclaim their voice, and live fully. Her work has been featured in CNN, Huffington Post, and Publishers Weekly. She lives in Central Virginia with her three teenagers and her mischievous Labradoodle, Rosie.In This Episode, You'll LearnHow to hold hope in the face of your darkest chapterWhat rebuilding your life can look like after everything falls apartWhy letting go of hoping for can open the door to hoping inHow to welcome new possibilities when the future feels fragileWhy beginning again is not failure—but faithHow This Episode Will Encourage YouIf your life feels like it's in pieces—or you're wondering how to keep going when hope feels thin—this episode will meet you with compassion and clarity. You'll be reminded that God is still at work, even here, and that no matter how many times your story has been rewritten, always, we begin again.Connect with Leeana - Website | Instagram | FacebookConnect with Willow - Website | Instagram | FacebookPre-Order Willow's New Book! Collide: Running into Healing When Life Hands You HurtFollow and Support Collide
Amy Meyerson is the acclaimed author of the internationally bestselling The Bookshop of Yesterdays, The Imperfects, and The Love Scribe. Her books have been translated into eleven languages and are frequently chosen for best-of lists, including lists from Good Morning America, Publishers Weekly, The Christian Science Monitor, Library Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Texas Library Association's Lariat List, among others. Meyerson completed her graduate work in creative writing at the University of Southern California, where she now teaches in the writing department. Her latest novel is The Water Lies. Learn more at amymeyerson.com Special thanks to NetGalley for early preview copies. Intro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Outro RecordingFollow the Writing Table: @writingtablepodcastEmail questions or tell us who you'd like us to invite to the Writing Table: writingtablepodcast@gmail.com.
In Episode 8 of High Stakes, Tracey Devlyn sits down with author Janice Hadlow to discuss RULES OF THE HEART, her beautifully evocative historical novel inspired by a real-life eighteenth-century love affair. “Sweeping and gorgeous tearjerker.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review Show Notes: https://traceydevlyn.com/podcast Love this episode? Rate it ⭐️ Thumbs Up
This week we are joined by Virginia Kantra. New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra is a big believer in the power of stories—the ones we grow up with and the ones we tell ourselves. She has written over thirty novels about strong women, messy families, and the journey to find yourself. Her books have received numerous awards as well as starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and praise in People and USA Today.In this episode, Virginia discusses her journey as a writer and the importance of imagination in storytelling. She reflects on her childhood experiences that shaped her love for writing, the influence of her family, and the evolution of the publishing industry. Virginia also shares her thoughts on daily writing routines and the power of storytelling to connect with others. Give this episode a listen!Recommendations From This Episode: Pepper AnnCluelessAnne of a Different IslandFollow Virginia: Insta: @virginiakantra ; Facebook; SubstackFollow Carly: @carlyjmontagFollow Emily: @thefunnywalshFollow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpodPlease rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
"It's off the record until it's on the page." That's a line from our As Told To podcast conversation with award-winning author/ghostwriter Joanne Gordon, reflecting on the level of trust that exists between author and subject in a successful book collaboration. A former staff writer and contributing editor at Forbes, where she wrote about management, career, and workplace issues, Joanne is the author of more than a dozen books, with a focus on helping business and thought leaders elevate their voices and share their stories. She is the co-author, most recently, of Bag Man: The Story Behind the Improbable Rise of Coach, written with former Coach CEO Lew Frankfort—"an illuminating behind-the-scenes look at a global brand's success," according to Publishers Weekly. Joanne has also helped to write books for Ginni Rometty, the former Chairman and CEO of IBM, and Howard Schultz, the founding Chairman and CEO of Starbucks. Her first collaboration, Roadtrip Nation: A Guide to Discovering Your Path in Life, written with Mike Mariner and Nathan Gebhard, grew out of an assignment for Forbes and became the basis for a film documentary and a PBS series. Her own book, Be Happy at Work: 100 Women Who Love Their Jobs and Why, explores how women pursue fulfilling careers. In 2024, Joanne was named by The Information as a "Top Five" ghostwriter of business books and was honored by Gotham Ghostwriters and the American Society of Journalists and Authors with an Andy Award for "Best Business and Thought Leadership Collaboration." for her work on the Rometty memoir, Good Power. Learn more about Joanne Gordon: Website LinkedIn Please support the sponsors who support our show: Gotham Ghostwriters' Gathering of the Ghosts Ritani Jewelers Daniel Paisner's Balloon Dog Daniel Paisner's SHOW: The Making and Unmaking of a Network Television Pilot Heaven Help Us by John Kasich Unforgiving: Lessons from the Fall by Lindsey Jacobellis Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Libro.fm (ASTOLDTO) | 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 when you start your membership Film Freaks Forever! podcast, hosted by Mark Jordan Legan and Phoef Sutton Everyday Shakespeare podcast A Mighty Blaze podcast The Writer's Bone Podcast Network Misfits Market (WRITERSBONE) | $15 off your first order Film Movement Plus (PODCAST) | 30% discount Wizard Pins (WRITERSBONE) | 20% discount
Join the Theology in the Raw Patreon for bonus content, extra episodes, and more! This is our first in-person episode from my trip to NYC. Jonathan Merritt joined me to talk about his journey from his conservative Southern Baptist upbringing, to what he now describes as post-evangelicalism. We talked about deconstruction, navigating family dynamics, and why he doesn't describe himself as an "exvangelical." Jonathan currently serves as a Vice President and Executive Editor for Simon & Schuster, where he oversees the acquisition of books in the faith / spirituality category as well as select general market non-fiction. authored several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. He has worked as a collaborator or ghostwriter on dozens of books, with several titles landing on The New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestsellers lists.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 8Episode Overview:Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to helping you reach your highest professional potential. Today, we're talking about the ultimate business credential: the high-impact non-fiction book.Our guest has mastered the art of turning expertise into intellectual property. He's a #1 national bestselling author himself, a Harvard-trained scholar, and the CEO of a firm that helps public figures and top professionals land deals with major publishers. He is the person leading literary agents and corporate leaders call when the message must be perfect.Kevin Anderson is here to reveal the secrets to leveraging your knowledge. He'll show you why a quality book is the single most effective way to elevate your authority, attract premium clients, and transform your business model.If you have a powerful message that needs to be heard, Kevin is the bridge between your expertise and the bestseller list. Let's learn how to make your book the foundation of your legacy. Join me for my conversation with Kevin Anderson.Guest Bio: Kevin is an accomplished ghostwriter, #1 national-bestselling author, editor, and entrepreneur with a wealth of industry knowledge and professional experience. He has worked with numerous bestselling and award-winning authors, prominent literary agents, Big-5 publishers, and a long list of public figures, successful professionals, and aspiring authors. He is also a contributing author by invitation to Publishers Weekly's Book Publishing Almanac 2022: A Master Class in the Art of Bringing Books to Readers and the author of the #2 Wall Street Journal, #1 Barnes & Noble, and #1 Amazon bestseller, PhDone: A Professional Dissertation Editor's Guide to Writing Your Doctoral Thesis and Earning Your PhD.Both a creative writer and a scholar, Kevin earned his master's degree at Harvard University with a concentration in literary theory and criticism. While at Harvard, he studied under Poet Laureate and critical theorist, Professor Michael D. Jackson, and honed the literary criticism skills upon which he built his career in the book-writing and editing business.As CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Kevin oversees all operations at our firm. He enjoys working closely with clients and makes himself readily available by
Amy Meyerson is the acclaimed author of the internationally bestselling The Bookshop of Yesterdays, The Imperfects, and The Love Scribe. Her books have been translated into eleven languages and are frequently chosen for best-of lists, including lists from Good Morning America, Publishers Weekly, The Christian Science Monitor, Library Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Texas Library Association's Lariat List, among others. Meyerson completed her graduate work in creative writing at the University of Southern California, where she now teaches in the writing department.Killer Women Podcast is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network#podcast #author #interview #authors #KillerWomen #KillerWomenPodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #killerwomen #killerwomenpodcast #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #books #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #daniellegirard #daniellegirardbooks #amymeyerson #amazonpublishing #thomasandmercer
We read from Matthew's newest book and also the poem My Father's Locker by James Ciano.Matthew Nienow's recently released collection, If Nothing (Alice James Books, 2025), has been recommended by the New York Times Book Review, the Washington Post Book Club, Publishers Weekly, and Poetry Northwest. He is also the author of House of Water (Alice James Books, 2016) and three earlier chapbooks. His poems and essays have appeared in Gulf Coast, Lit Hub, New England Review, Ploughshares, and Poetry, and have been recognized with fellowships from the Poetry Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, and Artist Trust. He lives in Port Townsend, Washington, with his wife and sons, where he works as a mental health counselor.
Dr. Avi Loeb visits for the 4th time -- this time around the sun to discuss 3I/Atlas, the 3rd, and most notable interstellar object observed in our galaxy. Anomaly, "Dark Comet", or Alien Intelligence? The World is watching. You decide!In addition to audio, you can now watch the episode on The Signal Network channel on Youtube.BIOAbraham (Avi) Loeb is the Frank B. Baird, Jr., Professor of Science at Harvard University and a bestselling author (featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, Die Zeit, Der Spiegel, L'Express, and more). He earned his PhD in Physics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem at age 24, led the first international project supported by the Strategic Defense Initiative, and was a long-term member of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton. Dr. Loeb has written 9 books, including Extraterrestrial and Interstellar, and published over a thousand papers on black holes, the first stars, extraterrestrial life, and the future of the Universe. Loeb directs the Institute for Theory and Computation at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and heads the Galileo Project. He was the longest-serving Chair of Harvard's Astronomy Department and founding director of the Black Hole Initiative. Loeb is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, the American Physical Society, and the International Academy of Astronautics. He has served on the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, chaired the Board on Physics and Astronomy of the National Academies, and currently advises “Einstein: Visualize the Impossible” at the Hebrew University. He also chaired the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative and directed theory for the Breakthrough Prize Foundation. His latest TED talk ranked among the ten most popular of 2024.Professional website: https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/~loeb/$10 Afraid of Nothing merch - and more - at the Afraid of Nothing Shopify store. Visit afraidofnothingpodcast.com or use this url:https://www.afraidofnothingpodcast.com/p/shopify-store/Never be afraid to look good and have cool merch! Support the showSUPPORT THE PODCAST NEW: SHOP OUR STORE ON SHOPIFY!Never Be Afraid to Look Good at https://383e86-d1.myshopify.com/.FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE/REVIEW...On our website at afraidofnothingpodcast.com.SUBSCRIBE...Your gracious donation here helps defray production costs. Beyond my undying gratitude, you will also will be shouted out in an upcoming episode.WATCH ON YOUTUBE...We are uploading past episodes on our Youtube channel. WATCH THE DOC… VIMEO ON DEMAND: Rent the Afraid of Nothing documentary here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/aondoc. TUBI: watch for free with ads on tubitv.com. REVIEW OUR FILM ON ROTTEN TOMATOES...Write your five-star review here.
A new series on the podcast called Story Time, featuring an author reading aloud from her work. In this debut episode, Jessica Gross reads from her new novel, Open Wide, available from Abrams Books. Open Wide was the November 2025 pick of the Otherppl Book Club. Gross is also the author of the debut novel Hysteria (2020), which Publishers Weekly declared "every bit a page-turner as it is a descent into sexual madness." Hysteria has been optioned for TV development, and Open Wide for film development. Gross's nonfiction has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Lilith, and the Los Angeles Review of Books, among other publications. She has taught writing at The New School and Texas Tech University and currently lives in West Texas. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Get How to Write a Novel, the debut audio course from DeepDive. 50+ hours of never-before-heard insight, inspiration, and instruction from dozens of today's most celebrated contemporary authors. Subscribe to Brad's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Instagram TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jessica Gross is the author of the novel Open Wide, available from Abrams Press. It is the official November pick of the Otherppl Book Club. Gross is the author of Hysteria (2020), which Publishers Weekly declared "every bit a page-turner as it is a descent into sexual madness." Hysteria has been optioned for TV development, and Open Wide for film development. Gross's nonfiction has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Lilith, and the Los Angeles Review of Books, among other publications. She has taught writing at The New School and Texas Tech University and currently lives in West Texas. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Get How to Write a Novel, the debut audio course from DeepDive. 50+ hours of never-before-heard insight, inspiration, and instruction from dozens of today's most celebrated contemporary authors. Subscribe to Brad's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Instagram TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices