Explore every episode of the podcast Our State Book Club
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Fountain | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:42:26 | |
New York Times best-selling author Ben Fountain discusses his book Devil Makes Three as well as his time spent in Haiti, Texas and the Carolinas. Each month, New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors (and those writing books set in the state), encouraging listeners to read along and get to know the writers behind the stories. Wiley reviews each book in both the print and digital versions of Our State Magazine - producing two podcast episodes a month. Contact Our State Book Club: podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| Sarah Addison Allen Part 1 | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:21:07 | |
New York Times best-selling author Sarah Addison Allen discusses the challenges of rejection and discovering your true voice as a writer. Each month, New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors (and those writing books set in the state), encouraging listeners to read along and get to know the writers behind the stories. Wiley reviews each book in both the print and digital versions of Our State Magazine - producing two podcast episodes a month. Contact Our State Book Club: podcast@ourstate.com A message from our sponsor, Elon University: The Power of Purpose The 2025-26 Elon University Speaker Series brings purposeful voices to the forefront. Hear from Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky, techno-sociologist Zeynep Tufekci and Army intelligence officer Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert P. Ashley, Jr., as they explore what drives leaders to make a difference. Visit https://www.elon.edu/u/speaker-series/ | |||
| Georgann Eubanks, Part 2 | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:23:58 | |
A Carrboro author's career has been marked by unforgettable experiences in nature and a deep desire to preserve all that shapes the South. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Georgann Eubanks, Part 1 | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:22:56 | |
A Carrboro author's career has been marked by unforgettable experiences in nature and a deep desire to preserve all that shapes the South. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Clyde Edgerton, Part 2 | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:18:09 | |
A professor studied and drew inspiration from the great writers of the South and their fascination with religion, only to become one of the greats himself. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Clyde Edgerton, Part 1 | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:23:19 | |
A professor studied and drew inspiration from the great writers of the South and their fascination with religion, only to become one of the greats himself. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Dan Pierce, Part 2 | 20 May 2025 | 00:24:05 | |
Wiley and North Carolina author and historian, Daniel S. Pierce, discuss Pierce's book Real Nascar. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Dan Pierce, Part 1 | 06 May 2025 | 00:22:35 | |
North Carolina writer and historian Daniel S. Pierce discusses growing up in West Asheville and spending his life in Western North Carolina. Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Bland Simpson, Part 2 | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:18:48 | |
Wiley and North Carolina author, Bland Simpson, discuss Simpson's Clover Garden. A college student in Chapel Hill followed his dreams to be a musician, a professor, and a writer. They always led him back to the southern part of heaven. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Bland Simpson, Part 1 | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:24:46 | |
Wiley and Bland Simpson talk about growing up in North Carolina and Bland's history in the Chapel Hill music scene. A college student in Chapel Hill followed his dreams to be a musician, a professor, and a writer. They always led him back to the southern part of heaven. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Jason Mott, Part 2 | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:17:36 | |
Wiley and bestselling author, Jason Mott, discuss Mott's The Returned and Hell of a Book. Before becoming a National Book Award winner, a Columbus County writer followed his dreams — those he had at night and those he worked toward — to become a celebrated author. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Jason Mott, Part 1 | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:23:26 | |
Before becoming a National Book Award winner, a Columbus County writer followed his dreams — those he had at night and those he worked toward — to become a celebrated author. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Denise Kiernan Part 2 | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:28:24 | |
Kiernan discusses her book "We Gather Together" and the historic precursors to our own Thanksgiving Holiday. Each month, New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors (and those writing books set in the state), encouraging listeners to read along and get to know the writers behind the stories. Wiley reviews each book in both the print and digital versions of Our State Magazine - producing two podcast episodes a month. Contact Our State Book Club: podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| Judy Goldman, Part 2 | 18 Feb 2025 | 00:21:03 | |
One Charlotte author tells the story of her marriage, in good times and in bad, with gratitude for the man with whom she's shared a life. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Judy Goldman, Part 1 | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:20:51 | |
One Charlotte author tells the story of her marriage, in good times and in bad, with gratitude for the man with whom she's shared a life. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Allan Gurganus, Part 2 | 21 Jan 2025 | 00:16:23 | |
One writer's curiosity called him to explore. The perspective he gained drew him back to his familiar eastern North Carolina home. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. Read More | |||
| Allan Gurganus, Part 1 | 07 Jan 2025 | 00:23:01 | |
One writer's curiosity called him to explore. The perspective he gained drew him back to his familiar eastern North Carolina home. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Robert Beatty, Part 2 | 17 Dec 2024 | 00:19:34 | |
An Asheville dad found success in his engineering career, but some sage wisdom from his young daughter helped him realize his lifelong dream of becoming an author. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Robert Beatty, Part 1 | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:20:48 | |
An Asheville dad found success in his engineering career, but some sage wisdom from his young daughter helped him realize his lifelong dream of becoming an author. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Leigh Ann Henion, Part 2 | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:22:50 | |
Through her engaging storytelling, a Watauga County writer has shined a spotlight on many of the world's natural wonders. In her latest book, she illuminates nature's unsung hero: the dark. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Leigh Ann Henion, Part 1 | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:25:08 | |
Through her engaging storytelling, a Watauga County writer has shined a spotlight on many of the world's natural wonders. In her latest book, she illuminates nature's unsung hero: the dark. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Ron Rash, Part 2 | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:32:13 | |
Our hearts are with the families and communities in our beloved North Carolina mountains, who have been devastated by this catastrophic hurricane. These towns, which have always been a source of pride and inspiration for us all, now face a long and difficult path to recovering. Our October issue — traditionally a celebration of the mountains — now serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that is needed in this challenging time. We're especially grateful for the dedication of emergency personnel, first responders, and volunteers who are on the ground, helping in any way they can. We suggest reaching out to these relief and recovery organizations that need our help, including: American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word "HELENE" to 90999 to make a $10 donation; redcross.org North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund – Helene Emergency Disaster Services of The Salvation Army Feeding the Carolinas Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief Other media organizations in North Carolina have also offered suggestions: Blue Ridge Public Radio The Asheville Citizen Times WFAE In addition, check with your local churches and community organizations to see how they are assisting with relief efforts. North Carolinians pull together. And we pull through. This week, and in the weeks to come, we're preparing for the fight ahead. ___________________________________________________________________Before becoming an award-winning author, Ron Rash tended the cemetery near his family's Watauga County farm. His latest novel, inspired by that burial ground, explores the relationship between the living and the dead, and how those who've gone are never forgotten. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Ron Rash - Live in Asheville | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:33:28 | |
Our hearts are with the families and communities in our beloved North Carolina mountains, who have been devastated by this catastrophic hurricane. These towns, which have always been a source of pride and inspiration for us all, now face a long and difficult path to recovering. Our October issue — traditionally a celebration of the mountains — now serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that is needed in this challenging time. We're especially grateful for the dedication of emergency personnel, first responders, and volunteers who are on the ground, helping in any way they can. We suggest reaching out to these relief and recovery organizations that need our help, including:
Other media organizations in North Carolina have also offered suggestions: In addition, check with your local churches and community organizations to see how they are assisting with relief efforts. North Carolinians pull together. And we pull through. This week, and in the weeks to come, we're preparing for the fight ahead. __________________________________________________________________________________ Before becoming an award-winning author, Ron Rash tended the cemetery near his family's Watauga County farm. His latest novel, inspired by that burial ground, explores the relationship between the living and the dead, and how those who've gone are never forgotten. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Denise Kiernan Part 1 | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:28:55 | |
Kiernan discusses her artistic upbringing and curious perspective she's gained from traveling the world. Each month, New York Times best-selling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors (and those writing books set in the state), encouraging listeners to read along and get to know the writers behind the stories. Wiley reviews each book in both the print and digital versions of Our State Magazine - producing two podcast episodes a month. Contact Our State Book Club: podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| Michael Parker, Part 2 | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:19:06 | |
Michael Parker talks about writing his new novel, I Am the Light of This World, and talks about living in North Carolina versus living in Texas. After some 30 years spent writing tales of North Carolina and its people, author Michael Parker moved away to explore a new setting. In an unexpected twist, he returned home, where undiscovered stories await. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Michael Parker, Part 1 | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:25:37 | |
After some 30 years spent writing tales of North Carolina and its people, author Michael Parker moved away to explore a new setting. In an unexpected twist, he returned home, where undiscovered stories await. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Podcraft: The Craft of Writing Prose | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:30:10 | |
In this episode, Wiley returns to interviews with past guests and does a deeper dive into the craft of writing. He covers everything from finding an idea to deciding on a narrator. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Fall Reading Preview | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:24:07 | |
In this month's Our State Book Club episodes, Wiley will give listeners a preview of some exciting books releasing this fall. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Carol Ann Collins | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:11:26 | |
Writer Carol Ann Collins blends genres in her new book The Seafarer's Secret. She met up with Wiley to talk about her favorite beach reads, the plot devices in her new novel, her second career writing romance novels under a pseudonym, and much more! Join us for this special episode of the Our State Book Club podcast! We want to hear from you! Feel free to send us suggestions, questions, and any other feedback to podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| Kristy Woodson Harvey, Part 2 | 16 Jul 2024 | 00:31:29 | |
This episode was recorded live at Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach. Visit ourstate.com/bookclub to discover more book club events. The houses in Kristy Woodson Harvey's life have always fascinated her. Unable to fully uncover their stories, the award-winning novelist dreamed up her own. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. | |||
| Kristy Woodson Harvey, Part 1 | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:34:45 | |
The houses in Kristy Woodson Harvey's life have always fascinated her. Unable to fully uncover their stories, the award-winning novelist dreamed up her own. Email us at podcast@ourstate.com Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast.
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| Jill McCorkle, Part 2 | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:26:39 | |
Before she became a successful novelist, Jill McCorkle was collecting portions of plots, slivers of settings. Her titles blend fiction with bits of reality from the rich catalog of her life.
Email us: podcast@ourstate.com
Works discussed in this episode: Old Crimes - by Jill McCorkle Our Town - by Thorton Wilder Hieroglyphics - by Jill McCorkle Filling Station - by Elizabeth Bishop The Telephone Game - by William Trevor The Caretaker - by Ron Rash Night Watch - by Jane Anne Phillips Life After Life - Jill McCorkle I Am the Light of This World - Michael Parker The Last Ballad - Wiley Cash
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| Jill McCorkle, Part 1 | 04 Jun 2024 | 00:19:16 | |
Before she became a successful novelist, Jill McCorkle was collecting portions of plots, slivers of settings. Her titles blend fiction with bits of reality from the rich catalog of her life. Email us: podcast@ourstate.com Books mentioned in this episode: Old Crimes by Jill McCorkle The Cheer Leader by Jill McCorkle July 7th by Jill McCorkle
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| Lee Smith, Part 2 | 21 May 2024 | 00:19:43 | |
This author based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, has spent a lifetime imagining complex women to star in her novels. Listen as she shares more about how readers can uncover pieces of her own story in between the lines of her award-winning books. Email us: podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| Ghost Stories, Gothic Horror, and Dracula with Best-selling Author Elizabeth Kostova | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:35:16 | |
As a child, an Asheville writer was enthralled by the spooky tales her father told her. Years later, those iconic stories helped her write one of her own. Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author. Email us: podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| Lee Smith, Part 1 | 07 May 2024 | 00:24:03 | |
This author based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, has spent a lifetime imagining complex women to star in her novels. Listen as she shares more about how readers can uncover pieces of her own story in between the lines of her award-winning books. Email us: podcast@ourstate.co | |||
| Charles Frazier, Part 2 | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:27:30 | |
After writing Cold Mountain, Appalachian-born novelist Charles Frazier became one of North Carolina's most celebrated authors. More than 20 years and four books later, his latest release continues to captivate readers.
Email us: podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| Charles Frazier, Part 1 | 02 Apr 2024 | 00:22:57 | |
After writing Cold Mountain, Appalachian-born novelist Charles Frazier became one of North Carolina's most celebrated authors. More than 20 years and four books later, his latest release continues to captivate readers.
Email us: podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| Trailer | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:01:12 | |
Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. Email us: podcast@ourstate.com Learn more at: https://www.ourstate.com/podcast | |||
| Elizabeth Kostova, Part 1 | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:28:53 | |
As a child, an Asheville writer was enthralled by the spooky tales her father told her. Years later, those iconic stories helped her write one of her own. Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author. Email us: podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| De'Shawn Charles Winslow Part 2 | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:23:24 | |
After leaving his coastal hometown for the big city, one author finds his calling writing about the people and places that shaped him. Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. Email Us at Podcast@Ourstate.com | |||
| De'Shawn Charles Winslow, Part 1 | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:33:45 | |
After leaving his coastal hometown for the big city, one author finds his calling writing about the people and places that shaped him. Join The New York Times best-selling author and North Carolina native Wiley Cash as he highlights great writers across the state and their work each month. Listen in on conversations between Cash and his author friends as they discuss how North Carolina inspires them on the Our State Book Club podcast. Email Us at Podcast@Ourstate.com | |||
| Jan Karon, Part 2 | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:26:55 | |
Like the ones in the fictitious village she made famous, helping hands and warm hearts shaped a Foothills writer's journey to becoming one of North Carolina's most prolific authors. Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author. Email us: podcast@ourstate.com | |||
| Jan Karon, Part 1 | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:33:03 | |
Like the ones in the fictitious village she made famous, helping hands and warm hearts shaped a Foothills writer's journey to becoming one of North Carolina's most prolific authors. Each month, New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash handpicks contemporary books by fellow North Carolinian authors and those writing books set in the state, encouraging readers to join in the fun. Wiley will review each book in both the print and digital versions of the magazine and produce two podcast episodes highlighting the selected book and author.
Email us: podcast@ourstate.com | |||