Explore every episode of the podcast The Bookshop Podcast
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Unlocking Ancient Puzzles: A Journey with Danielle Trussoni on The Bookshop Podcast
What if unlocking the secrets of an ancient puzzle could take you on a thrilling journey across continents? Welcome back to The Bookshop Podcast, where we sit down with New York Times bestselling author Danielle Trussoni to uncover the mysteries behind her latest novel, The Puzzle Box. As the second installment in the Mike Brink series, this book showcases Danielle's meticulous research and the fascinating world of savant puzzle-solving. Follow along as we explore Brink's adventure from New York to Japan, unraveling enigmatic characters and deadly puzzles.
Danielle takes us behind the scenes of her character development process, particularly focusing on Dr. Gupta and Ume. From taking classes on cryptocurrency and encryption to drawing inspiration from historical female warriors known as onna-bugeisha, Danielle's dedication to authenticity is nothing short of impressive.
Danielle Trussoni is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels The Ancestor, Angelology, and Angelopolis, all New York Times Notable Books, and the memoirs The Fortress and Falling Through the Earth, named one of the ten best books of the year by The New York Times Book Review. She writes the monthly horror column for the New York Times Book Review. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and winner of the Michener-Copernicus Society of America Fellowship, her work has been translated into more than thirty languages.
In this episode, I chat with author Clare Beams about her new novel The Garden, earning her MFA from Columbia University, her surprising stint as a high school English teacher on Cape Cod, and how these experiences have informed her writing career. Claire's work is renowned for its enchanting touch of magical realism, earning comparisons to literary greats like Shirley Jackson.
We discuss the history of diethylstilbestrol (DES). This synthetic non-steroidal estrogen was historically widely used to prevent potential miscarriages by stimulating the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone in the placenta. Claire’s thoughtful insights provide a deep dive into the complex issues surrounding the use of DES and how they are intricately woven into The Garden.
Clare reflects on her childhood in Newtown, Connecticut, and reveals how her early fascination with magical realism was sparked by the historic house she grew up in. We touch on the generational impact of maternal suffering and resilience, and Claire shares her current reading recommendations alongside a sneak peek into her upcoming project.
What drives a woman to reinvent herself in her 40s and open a thriving bookshop championing strong women and diverse voices? Join me as I sit down with Diane Park, the remarkable owner of Wave of Nostalgia in Hayworth, UK. Diane’s journey is anything but conventional. From leaving school at 16 and facing early adult responsibilities after her mother's passing to a career in banking and achievements in indoor rowing, Diane’s path has been full of twists and turns. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience as she navigates her roles as a mother, local councilor, and now a bookstore owner.
In this episode, Diane transports us to the charming village of Hayworth, famous for the Bronte sisters, where she has created a haven for book lovers who enjoy reading feminist, LGBTQ+, and environmental literature. Diane shares the joys of community life, the challenges and triumphs of running an independent bookshop, and the importance of inclusivity. This episode is a celebration of literature’s power to transform lives and bring communities together.
In this episode, I’m chatting with Jacqui Delbaere, the owner of The Little Green Bookshop, and bookseller, and in-store pianist Tim Jenkins about Herne Bay, literary events, and where to visit, dine and explore in the seaside town on the north coast of Kent in southeast England.
In this episode, I’m chatting with David Rocklin about his novels, creativity in Los Angeles, Roar Shack, and books!
David Rocklin grew up in Chicago and graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Literature. After attending law school, he pursued a career as an in-house attorney and continues to serve as a mediator. David is the author of The Night Language and The Luminist. He lives in California with his wife and children.
In this episode, I chat with Bob Keefe, executive director of E2 and author of CLIMATENOMICS: Washington, Wall Street and the Economic Battle to Save Our Planet, about his life as a journalist, the effects of capitalism on the climate crisis, phytomining, how and why Bidenomics morphed into climatenomics, and his new book Climatenomics.
Bob Keefe is executive director of E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) a national, nonpartisan group of business owners, investors and professionals who leverage economic research and their business perspective to advance policies that are good for the environment and good for the economy. E2’s national network includes more than 11,000 business leaders spread across nine chapters stretching from New York to Los Angeles, and a staff of advocates who work on climate and clean energy policies at the federal and state levels. As part of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), one of the world’s biggest environmental groups with more than 3 million members and online supporters, E2 is the foremost business voice on issues at the intersection of the environment and economy, and the leading authority on clean energy jobs in America.
Previously, Keefe spent nearly 25 years as a journalist, reporting for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Cox Newspapers chain, the St. Petersburg Times, and the Austin American-Statesman.
In this episode, I’m in Whitby, North Yorkshire, chatting with Fiona Duncan, manager of The Whitby Bookshop, about gothic novels, their extensive selection of vampire books, the housing crisis, and what sites to visit in Whitby!
The Whitby Bookshop is a much-loved independent, family-run bookshop known for its eclectic choice of books, friendly, knowledgeable staff, quirky gifts, unforgettable staircase, and unique building in Whitby's historic old town.
Whitby is also home to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s iconic novel Dracula
In this episode, I'm chatting with Abdulzarak Gurnah about how his life has changed since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, 2021, his new novel, Afterlives, colonialism in Africa, and what drew him from Tanzania to the county of Kent in the UK and a life dedicated to teaching.
Abdulrazak Gurnah is the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2021. He is the author of ten novels: Memory of Departure, Pilgrims Way, Dottie, Paradise (shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the Whitbread Award), Admiring Silence, By the Sea (longlisted for the Booker Prize and shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Award), Desertion (shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize) The Last Gift, Gravel Heart, and Afterlives, which was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Fiction 2021 and longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize. He was Professor of English at the University of Kent, and was a Man Booker Prize judge in 2016. He lives in Canterbury.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Maddalena Fossombroni and Pietro Torrigiani, the co-owners of Todo Modo, about the innovative steps they took to keep afloat during lockdowns, how the current Italian government supports independent bookshops, the Uqbar Cafe, and Florence's newest hub, Manifattura Tabacchi!
Todo Modo is a bookshop and café located in the heart of the Santa Maria Novella district in Florence. The bookshop carries over 20,000 titles, including new fiction and non-fiction books in Italian and English and a selection of used books.
In this episode, I'm chatting with author David Pepper about his new novel A Simple Choice, independent bookshops, his non-fiction book Laboratories Of Autocracy: A Wake-Up Call From Behind The Lines, and the importance of strengthening democracy at the state level.
David Pepper is a lawyer, writer, political activist, former elected official, and adjunct professor, and served as the Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party between 2015 and 2021.
In that role, he was engaged in numerous fights and extensive litigation over voter suppression and election laws in the Buckeye State. Stemming from that work, David appeared in "All In"—the documentary highlighting Stacey Abrams' nation-wide fight for voting rights.
Pepper has written four novels that bridge real-world politics and fiction—including A Simple Choice (released in August 2022)). His first novel, The People's House, earned praise for having "predicted the Russia scandal." The Wall Street Journal named Pepper "one of the best political-thriller writers on the scene."
Born and raised in Cincinnati, David is a fifth-generation Cincinnatian. David earned his B.A. magna cum laude from Yale University, where he was Phi Beta Kappa, and later earned his J.D. from Yale Law School.
David finished first out of 26 candidates in his first run for political office, and served on Cincinnati City Council from 2001-2005. In 2006, he flipped Hamilton County blue for the first time in 40 years when he ousted the incumbent commissioner; he then served on the Commission from 2007-2010, including as its president in 2009-2010. David was the Democratic candidate for Ohio Auditor in 2010 and Ohio Attorney General in 2014. He was elected chair of the Ohio Democratic Party in December 2014.
In 1999, David clerked for the Honorable Nathaniel Jones of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. After 2000, David also worked in the Cincinnati offices of major law firms Squire Sanders and Blank Rome, focusing his practice on commercial and business litigation, and appellate litigation. David also teaches election and voting rights law as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Between his undergraduate and law school years, David spent three years doing international work in St. Petersburg, Russia. Based out of the Center for Strategic and International Studies—a Washington D.C. think tank—he served as a research intern for Zbigniew Brzezinski for part of 1993, followed by several years as the assistant director of a project providing technical assistance to the City of St. Petersburg as it underwent economic reform. In that role, David interacted with international figures such as Henry Kissinger, Paul Bremer, ambassadors, members of Congress, business leaders, and Vladimir Putin, who was then Vice Mayor of St. Petersburg.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Mary Callopy Mollman, owner of Madison Street Books in Chicago's West Loop, about small publishers and imprints, sites to see in Chicago, what to consider when opening an indie bookshop, and books!
Madison Street Books is an independent bookshop in Chicago's West Loop owned by Mary Collopy Mollman. Its focus and vision are to be a community-minded space with something in store for everyone.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Bruce Holsinger about his latest novel,The Displacements, emotional fatigue brought on by the climate crisis, the socioeconomic disparity in the United States, and choosing names for characters.
Bruce Holsinger is a novelist and literary scholar based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship. He is the author of the USA Today and Los Angeles Times-bestselling novel The Gifted School, which won the Colorado Book Award and was named one of the Best Books of 2019 by NPR and numerous publications. The novel is currently in development as a TV series with NBC/Universal Television. He is also the author of A Burnable Book and The Invention of Fire, award-winning historical novels published by William Morrow. His essays and reviews have appeared in The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, Vanity Fair, The Washington Post, Slate, and many other publications.
Since 2005 Bruce has taught in the Department of English at the University of Virginia, where he specializes in medieval literature and modern critical thought and serves as editor of the quarterly journal New Literary History. His nonfiction books have won major awards from the Modern Language Association, the Medieval Academy of America, and the American Musicological Society, and his academic work has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Council of Learned Societies.
Today I'm chatting with Emma Corfield-Walters, co-owner of Book-ish in Crickhowell, Powys, Wales, about diversifying your library, Welsh writers, the beauty of Wales, and what it takes to open an indie bookshop.
Book-ish is an independent bookshop in Crickhowell, Powys, in the UK. The bookshop thrives because it’s more than a bookshop: it’s a community endeavor.
Besides hosting book clubs, discussion groups, game nights, and quizzes, owners Emma and Andrew Corfield-Walters co-run the Crickhowell Literary Festival and led the charge in setting up Totally Locally Crickhowell, supporting the other independent business on the high street with marketing, e-commerce, and mutual support online.
In 2020, Book-ish was awarded the British Book Awards’ Independent Bookshop of the Year.
Hi, This week, I'm in conversation with one of my favorite authors, Jan Carson. We talk about her latest release, Quickly, While They Still Have Horses, how growing up during the Troubles in Ireland fueled her passion for reaching across divided communities through writing and the arts, and how the Irish writing community supports fledgling writers.
Enjoy, Mandy xo
Jan Carson is a writer and community arts facilitator based in Belfast. She is the author of several short story collections and novels, including Malcolm Orange Disappears, The Raptures, The Last Resort, and The Fire Starters, winner of the EU Prize for Literature. She has won the Harper’s Bazaar short story competition and been shortlisted for many awards, including the BBC National Short Story Award, the Seán Ó Faoláin Short Story Prize, and the Irish Book Awards Novel of the Year. Jan is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and her writing has been translated into over a dozen languages, appeared in numerous journals, and been frequently broadcast on BBC Radio. Quickly, While They Still Have Horses is her first book to be published in North America.
In this episode, I chat with Sophie Irwin about her new novel, A Ladies Guide To Fortune Hunting, women finding autonomy in Regency England, character arcs, and Bridgerton!
Sophie Irwin grew up in Dorset before moving to south London after university. She spent several years working as an assistant editor before going freelance.
Sophie has spent years immersed in the study of historical fiction, from a dissertation on why Georgette Heyer helped win World War Two to time spent in dusty stacks and old tomes doing detailed period research when writing her debut novel A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting. Her love and passion for historical fiction bring a breath of fresh air and contemporary energy to the genre. Sophie hopes to transport readers to Regency London, where ballrooms are more like battlegrounds.
In this episode, I chat with Meg Prince, owner of The Ironbridge Bookshop in Shropshire, England, about buying an indie bookshop at age 18, Penguin Books, coffee and cakes, and what she's currently reading!
The Ironbridge Bookshop is located in the main square of the historic town of Ironbridge, with views over the River Severn and the Ironbridge, set right in the heart of Shropshire, England.
The bookshop specializes in Penguin Books and has an extensive collection displayed on their very own ‘Penguin Wall.’ These books hold a special place in Meg's heart, as not only are they iconic with their striking color-coded covers and the many series that were published, but they are a wonderful piece of bookish history.
When first published 82 years ago, Penguin Books were delivered to service men and prisoners of war camps. Few of these early copies survive and have become highly collectible.
In this episode, I chat with author KJ Dell'Antonia about her new novel In Her Boots, her podcast #amwriting, and books!
KJ Dell'Antonia is the author of The Chicken Sisters, a New York Times bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, and a timely, humorous exploration of the same themes she has long focused on in her journalism: the importance of finding joy in our families, the challenge of figuring out what makes us happy, and the need to value the people in front of us more than the ones in our phones and laptops, every single time.
Her new novel, In Her Boots, is about the gap between the adults we think we have become, the child our mother will always see, and our horrible fear that our mother is right.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Carrie Morris, co-owner of Booka Bookshop in Oswestry, UK, about bookish events, the stunning county of Shropshire, the future of indie bookshops, and books!
Booka Bookshop is an award-winning independent bookshop located in the center of Oswestry, a thriving UK market town on the border where Shropshire meets Wales.
Since opening in October 2009, Booka quickly established a reputation as a destination shop, renowned for the quality of its book stock and its strong community focus. They host a wide and varied range of author events and work closely with schools, libraries, and other organizations to promote a passion for books and reading.
In 2015, 6 years after opening, Booka was named UK & Ireland Independent Bookshop of the Year and is now recognized as one of the leading independent bookshops in the UK.
BookaBookshop is owned and run by ‘wife and husband team’ Carrie and Tim Morris.
In this episode, I chat with Tamar Haspel about her new book, To Boldly Grow, eating for a healthier planet and you, the beef industry, and getting your hands in dirt!
Tamar Haspel writes the James Beard Award-winning Washington Post column Unearthed, which tackles food from every angle: agriculture, nutrition, obesity, and the environment. She is the author of the book To Boldly Grow. If she tells you a wild mushroom is OK to eat, you can believe her.
Along with Michael Grunwald, Tamar co-hosts Climavores, a podcast for eaters who don’t want to cook the planet. It cuts through the hype and ideology, explores the stories behind our perceptions of food, and empowers listeners to make food choices that are actually good for the planet.
In this episode, I chat with Mary Ellen Hartje, the owner of Old Town Books, about reinventing retirement, the San Angelo community, the ASU Writers Conference, and books!
Old Town Books came about, as most independent bookstores do, as a labor of love—love of books, love of bookstores, and love for the “book community.” This labor of love also includes a love for the broader community since we believe that no town should be without the joys that a bookstore brings.
In addition to offering books for all ages in a wide range of interest areas, Old Town Books strives to be a community center, a gathering place where people can share their common ideas, concerns, interests, passions, and dreams.
In this episode, I'm chatting with author Ashley Poston about her new novel The Dead Romantics, ghostly encounters, and switching from writing Young Adult to adult fiction.
Ashley Poston is a national best-selling author who writes stories about true love and found families for both teens and adults. She studied English at the University of South Carolina and now lives with her bossy cat and a mountain of books in her hometown.
In her latest novel, The Dead Romantics, Ashley brings humor to the dirge of death. The Dead Romantics is the perfect read for anyone wanting to escape the news and step into the heads of a few quirky, lovable characters.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Anne Holman and Calvin Crosby, co-owners of The King's English Bookshop, about diversity in Salt Lake City, what led them both to bookselling, the food scene in Salt Lake City, and Books!
Over the bookshop's 33 years of existence, the staff has created a welcoming environment for readers, a carefully selected inventory, a staff-wide ability to match books with readers, and active engagement with both their local community and the larger community of independent booksellers. The King's English philosophy has always been simple: pick good books, pass them on.
Calvin Crosby My reading was happily never curtailed by peers, grown-ups, or anyone that felt I should be reading something else or something more appropriate for boys. Today I still read across genres and look for strong characters—male, female, and transgender (read Real Man Adventures by T Cooper, a book that speaks of the trans experience from an intimate, honest, and humorous perspective.)
I am glad that I didn't listen to "what I should be reading" as a boy, and I know I am a better man for having been able to read books that appealed to me because they are well written with intriguing characters and not because of my gender.
Anne Holman My mom used to tell me to get out of bed, go outside, and play with my friends! It wasn't that I didn't want to play; it was just that a book—pretty much any book—caught my attention and carried me away.
A reader since I was old enough to hold a book, it never occurred to me that a person could have a job where books and people could come together, and one could earn money doing it. A brief stint at Waldenbooks at the old Crossroads Mall in Salt Lake City cemented my love for working in a bookstore. Even processing "returns" was fascinating to me. Next came a job at the circulation desk at the Salt Lake City public library, which was fun but not the same as retail. Many years and two kids later, I found myself back in Salt Lake. The King's English has been my home away from home for over 20 years, and I can't imagine doing anything else.
In this episode, I'm chatting with author Lucy Clarke about her becoming story, writing in notebooks, Tasmania, and her new novel One Of The Girls.
Sunday Times bestseller, Lucy Clarke, is the author of seven psychological thrillers - THE SEA SISTERS, A SINGLE BREATH, THE BLUE/NO ESCAPE, LAST SEEN, YOU LET ME IN, THE CASTAWAYS, and ONE OF THE GIRLS. Her debut novel was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick, and her books have been sold in over 20 territories. THE BLUE is currently being filmed for a seven-part television series for ParmountPlus, due for release in 2023.
Lucy is a passionate traveler, beach hut dweller, and fresh air enthusiast. She's married to a professional windsurfer, and, together with their two children, they spend their winters traveling and their summers at home on the south coast of England. Lucy writes from a beach hut, using the inspiration from the wild south coast to craft her stories.
In this episode, I’m chatting with Jennifer Caspar, the owner of Village Well Books & Coffee, about community, books, and moving through tragedy.
Village Well Books & Coffee is a community-focused & impact-driven bookstore-café in the heart of Downtown Culver City, California. Supporting the community is part of their DNA as they regularly explore various social causes and encourage the community to learn, share ideas, and lend a hand.
Owner Jennifer Caspar says Village Well Books & Coffee is a third place to go for rest and nourishment between home and work. A place where neighbors have surprise encounters and people who might otherwise feel lonely at home can be surrounded by the comfort of lively, friendly human interaction.
In this episode, I'm in conversation with Kathleen Caldwell, the passionate owner of A Great Good Place for Books in Montclair Village, Oakland, who opens up about her incredible journey in the book industry.
From her college days navigating aisles at Crown Books to orchestrating author events at prestigious bookstores like Shakespeare and Company, Kathleen’s story is one of resilience, community, and an unwavering love for books. She shares the heartfelt tale of taking over the store after the unexpected passing of her dear friend and previous owner, Debi Echlin. Hear about the thoughtful changes Kathleen has made, including expanding the children's section and the deep-rooted connections she’s built through fundraisers and school donations.
Get ready to discover the essence of Montclair's literary heartbeat and the importance of building relationships with independent booksellers. Kathleen offers invaluable insights for authors, highlighting the significance of community support and engagement. Learn about memorable author events, including a thrilling encounter with Buzz Aldrin, and get Kathleen’s inside scoop on her favorite reads from authors like Matt Haig and Taylor Jenkins Reid.
This episode not only celebrates the magic of finding the perfect book but also underscores the ongoing efforts to keep Montclair’s literary community thriving. Plus, don’t miss our recommendations for must-visit local spots, from the scenic Redwood Park to the delightful dishes at Daughter Thai Kitchen in Montclair Village.
In this episode, I chat with author Fiona Barton about her life as a journalist, volunteering in Sri Lanka where she worked with journalists facing exile, and her latest novel, Local Gone Missing.
Fiona Barton is the New York Times bestselling author of The Widow, The Child, and The Suspect. She has trained and worked with journalists all over the world. Previously, she was a senior writer at the Daily Mail, news editor at the Daily Telegraph, and chief reporter at the Mail On Sunday, where she won Reporter of the Year at the British Press Awards. Fiona lives in England, and her latest novel, Local Gone Missing is about Detective Elise King and her investigation into a man’s disappearance in a seaside town where the locals and weekenders are at odds.
In this episode, I chat with Deon Stonehouse about books, dogs, the magic of writing with an exquisite pen, and the beauty of Sunriver, Oregon.
Sunriver Books & Music is located in Sunriver, Oregon, about 17 miles from the city of Bend. The bookshop is owned by Deon and Rich Stonehouse, who believe books are a wonderful way to experience the world through someone else's perceptions and that reading is a fabulous way to expand your horizons from the serious to the silly to the sublime. Fencing with the King, Diana Abu-Jaber
In today's episode, I'm chatting with Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script about switching from writing YA to adult fiction, what it's like living with a house of males, getting back to in-person book tours, and her publishing story!
Annabel Monaghan grew up in Los Angeles and attended Duke University, where she studied English. She has an MBA from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania and a brief history as an investment banker. She also taught novel writing at The Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Annabel now lives in the suburbs of New York City with her husband, three sons, and a little dog who sheds.
In this episode, I chat with Diane Castro, owner of Sweet Home Books, about her dedicated customer base, the skills she's learned since opening her indie bookshop, places to visit in Wetumpka, and local authors.
Diane Castro opened Sweet Home Books in downtown Wetumpka, Alabama, in May 2021. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and previously worked as a therapist for a non-profit organization. Diane feels blessed to be surrounded by a supportive family, including her husband Tim and their amazing kids, Tyler ( 20) and Ellie (18). Her favorite days are spent at the bookstore--sometimes working alongside Ellie, sometimes with one of her fantastic employees, and occasionally with her high-maintenance Goldendoodle named Bagel.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Melodie Edwards, host of The Modern West podcast, about how locals are being outpriced in the Wyoming real estate market, the evolving identity of the American West, and fun things to do if you find yourself in Laramie, Wyoming.
Melodie Edwards is the recipient of the Public Radio News Director award for her investigation of the reservation housing crisis, several regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, and two Hopwood Awards for fiction and nonfiction. She hosts the Edward R. Murrow Award-winning and Peabody-nominated podcast The Modern West and co-owns Night Heron Books and Coffeehouse with her husband in Laramie, WY.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Jhoanna Belfer, the owner of Bel Canto Books in Long Beach, California.
Bel Canto Books, is a proud woman- and BIPOC- owned independent bookstore. Founded by Jhoanna Belfer, a Filipina-American poet and former hospitality executive, Bel Canto Books offers a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, and children's books, organized around a theme of the month, in particular celebrating books by women and people of color.
In this episode, I chat with Hillary S. Webb, PhD. about her new book, The Friendliest Place In The Universe: Love, Laughter, and Stand-up Comedy in Berlin, what led her to Berlin, and grappling with depression, fear, and anger after the election of Donald Trump.
Hillary S. Webb, PhD. is a cultural anthropologist, author, and mixed-media storyteller. Her work explores how we human beings make meaning of this wonderful, terrible, ecstatic, startling, and often absurd world in which we live.
Hillary gained an undergraduate degree in Journalism from New York University, an MA in Consciousness Studies from Goddard College, and a Ph.D. in Existential-Humanistic Psychology from Saybrook University.
She’s worked professionally as a college professor, a journalist, and research director for an institute dedicated to studying the link between sound and altered states of consciousness.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Ben Gunter, the owner of Dave's Olde Bookshop in Redondo Beach, California, about the pros and cons of gentrification in the South Bay, what he enjoys most about being an indie bookshop owner, and how he's evolving his business.
In this episode, I caught up with Stephanie Stillo Ph.D. and Emily Moore from the Library of Congress about what's new with the Aramont Library, the definition of "modern book," what they've discovered about themselves while working with the collection, and an exciting symposium taking place next year!
Stephanie Stillo is the Curator of the Lessing J. Rosenwald Graphic Arts Collection in the Rare Book and Special Collection Division at the Library of Congress. After receiving her Ph.D. in the Early Modern Atlantic World from the University of Kansas, Stillo served as the Mellon Professor of History and Digital Humanities at Washington and Lee University. There she taught classes on digital exhibition and design, public history, and digital storytelling. She also served as a CLIR/Mellon fellow in the Library of Congress’ Preservation, Research and Testing Division researching how preservation technology can reveal important historical information about the Library of Congress's rare book collection.
Emily Moore is the Assistant Curator of the Aramont Library in the Rare Books and Special Collections Division at the Library of Congress. With a BA in Art History and Cinema from the University of Toronto and an MLIS from the University of Maryland, Moore brings her passion for art into the world of archives, examining how production and process intersect with memory and object. At RBSC, you will find her processing the archive of book artist and publisher Walter Hamady or in the stacks, dreaming over the livre d’artistes of the Aramont Library.
In this episode, I chat with Tom Nissley owner of Phinney Books in Seattle, about his book A Reader's Book of Days, what he learned from being an eight-time champion on Jeopardy!, living in the Pacific Northwest, and what he loves about indie bookshops.
Phinney Books in Seattle is a general-interest independent book store selling a carefully chosen selection of new books across a variety of categories. Owner Tom Nissley is an eight-time champion on Jeopardy! and a former editor at Amazon, where he launched their books blog, Omnivoracious. He holds a Ph.D. in English literature and has written for the Paris Review Daily, The Millions, and The Stranger. He blogs, mostly about books, at Ephemeral Firmament, and he lives in Seattle with his wife and two sons (and, half the year, his mother-in-law).
What happens when a lifelong love of literature leads to a storied 44-year career in the publishing industry?
Join me for an intimate conversation with Andy Hughes, the recently retired Senior VP and Director of Production and Design at Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. From his earliest role at Cornell University Medical Library to responding to a "must love books" job ad in the New York Times, Andy offers an enthralling look at the pre-digital era of book manufacturing and his pivotal move to Knopf. This episode is packed with captivating stories and insights into the evolution of book production and the publishing industry over the decades.
Andy discusses the complexities of merging corporate cultures and computer systems and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of implementing new systems across Knop's imprints. We discuss the resilience shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surprising surge in book sales, adding to the compelling narrative of an industry in flux.
Our discussion also celebrates the nuances of book production, from the meticulous editorial process to the significance of cover design. Andy shares memorable projects, including collaborations on graphic novels for Pantheon and the prestigious Everyman’s Library series. Reflecting on his career and deep connection to literature, Andy leaves us with a renewed appreciation for the intricate art of creating high-quality books and the enduring love of literature that binds us all. Whether you're a bibliophile or simply curious about the book publishing world, this episode offers a heartfelt tribute to the people and processes that bring stories to life.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Abbigail Nguyen Rosewood, a Vietnamese and American writer and author of If I Had Two Lives from Europa Editions and Constellations of Eve.
Abbigail holds an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University. After spending over 20 years in the U.S, she is now a reverse immigrant living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Constellations of Eve isthe inaugural title forthcoming from DVAN/TTUP, a publishing imprint founded by Isabelle Thuy Pelaud, a scholar of Asian American history and literature, and Pulitzer winner Viet Thanh Nguyen to promote Vietnamese American literature.
She has written for TIME Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar,Salon, Cosmopolitan, Lit Hub,Electric Lit,Catapult, Pen America, and BOMB. In 2019, her hybrid writing was featured in a multimedia art and poetry exhibit at Eccles Gallery. Her fiction has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, and Best American Short Story 2020, and she was a finalist for the 49th New Millennium Writing Award. She won first place in the Writers Workshop of Asheville Literary Fiction contest.
She currently serves on the graduating thesis committee at Columbia University. She is the founder of Neon Door, an immersive art exhibit.
In this episode, I chat with Ben O'Connell about running a third-generation bookshop, his love of Australian historic architecture, and the magic ingredients that make indie bookshops thrive.
O'Connell's Bookshop is Adelaide's Oldest Secondhand & Antiquarian Bookshop. The bookshop was established in 1957 by Reg O'Connell and is now run by his grandson, Benjamin. The shelves are filled with a vast selection of books, including classics, popular fiction, art, history, Aboriginal culture, military, Australiana, music, philosophy, 'Beat' writers, children's, first occult, esoteric & attractive Folio editions.
In this episode I chat with Irish author Sara Baume about her visual artwork, writing, the financial difficulties of living as a creative, and her new book, Seven Steeples.
SARA BAUME studied fine art before earning a master's in creative writing. Her first novel, Spill Simmer Falter Wither, won the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, the Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year Award, the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize, and was short-listed for the Costa First Novel Award. She is also the recipient of the Davy Byrnes Short Story Award and the Hennessy New Irish Writing Award. Sara’s latest novel Seven Steeples is about a couple, Bell and Sigh, who move with their dogs to the Irish countryside, immersing themselves in nature and attempting to disappear from society. Sara lives in Cork, Ireland.
In this episode of the Bookshop Podcast, I'm chatting with Alexander Schneider and Christina Rosso-Schneider, from A Novel Idea on Passyunk, Philadelphia, about cultivating community, the Passyunk neighborhood, their "forever moment' in the bookshop, and the fascinating events and classes they offer in=person and on-line.
A Novel Idea on Passyunk is a community-minded bookstore and event space in East Passyunk, Philadelphia. Alexander Schneider and Christina Rosso-Schneider make up the two halves of A Novel Idea--Alexander brings over a decade of graphic design experience to the shop, and Christina, as a writer and open mic host, with her experience and dedication to literary events in support of Philadelphia artists. Their goal is to cultivate community and create and foster a space of diversity and inclusivity while helping customers fall in love with books, either for the first time or the millionth!
Lucy Holland is the author of The Times bestselling SISTERSONG, a reimagining of the folk ballad ‘The Twa Sisters’ published by Pan Macmillan in April 2021.
As Lucy Hounsom, she wrote The WORLDMAKER Trilogy. Her first book, STARBORN, was shortlisted in the 2016 Gemmell Awards for Best Fantasy Debut. She works for Waterstones Booksellers and co-hosts the intersectional feminist podcast ‘Breaking the Glass Slipper,' which won Best Audio in the 2019 British Fantasy Awards. Lucy lives in South-West England on the red shores of the Jurassic Coast.
Today I'm in Manly, New South Wales, Australia, chatting with Geoff Burgess, a co-owner of Desire Books & Records.
Desire Books first opened its doors in 2002 with the vision to build a "sell and buy community" for books and create more sustainability.
In 2014, stand-up comedian Julia Wilson and a few friends became the new owners of Desire Books, and in 2015, they added vinyl to their offerings, becoming known as Desire Books & Records.
In this episode, I chat with singer-songwriter, author, actress, and publisher, Kasey Lansdale about her new publishing company, Pandi Press, her first love—music, books, and growing as a creative.
Produced by Grammy award-winner John Carter Cash, Kasey Lansdale is a “Jack of all trades.” From a country blues singer and songwriter to actress and author, the small-town girl from Nacogdoches, Texas, dreams big. Now a Los Angeles, California resident, Lansdale is a regular performer at the famed Hotel Café in Hollywood.
Her music was featured in the film Cold in July, starring award-winning actor Michael C. Hall of Showtimes’ hit series Dexter, Animal Planet, IFC Channel, and the award-winning Sundance TV Channel series, Hap and Leonard, where Lansdale can also be spotted as an actress.
As an author, Lansdale was first published at the tender age of eight by Random House and is the author of several short stories and novellas, including publications from Harper Collins, Titan Books, & others.
Lansdale is the editor of assorted anthology collections, including Subterranean Press’ Impossible Monsters. Her new collection, Terror Is Our Business, was lauded by Publisher’s Weekly as “storytelling that delightfully takes on a lighter and sharper edge.”
Most recently, her collaboration with her father and brother, The Companion, was adapted to episode 4 of the television remake of Shudder’s Creepshow, produced by Walking Dead producer Greg Nicotero.
In this episode, I chat with Cori Cusker, the assistant book buyer and literary matchmaker at Bright Side Bookshop.
Long held as a crucial community resource and gathering space for locals and visitors alike, the independent bookstore has dwindled in recent years in the shadow of impersonal and sterile "chain bookstores." The owners of Bright Side Bookshop have taken it upon themselves to uphold the mantle of a "community hub" for every resident and traveler looking for a place to find quality products, books, events, and regional information.
Located in the heart of Downtown Flagstaff, Bright Side Bookshop is a must-see destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves deeper into the soul of Flagstaff.
My guest today is Mary Laura Philpott. We chat about parenting, indie bookshops, meditation, and her latest memoir, Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives.
Mary Laura Philpott is the author of the brand-new memoir, Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives(April 2022), which has been called a “masterwork” and named an Editor’s Choice by the New York Times Book Review, an Indie Next pick by booksellers nationwide, an Amazon Editor’s Choice selection, and a best book of the spring or most anticipated book of the year by publications ranging from the Washington Post to the Read with Jenna community on TODAY.com, among others. She is also the author of the national bestseller I Miss You When I Blink — which was named one of NPR’s Favorite Books of 2019 and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Her writing has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and other publications. Additionally, Mary Laura is a former bookseller and was an Emmy-winning co-host of A Word on Words, the literary interview program on Nashville Public Television. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her family.
In this episode, I'm chatting with Rachel Person, events manager at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Northshire Bookstore has two locations, Manchester, Vermont, and Saratoga Springs, New York. They were founded in 1976 by Edward and Barbara Morrow, who recently sold to Clark and Lu French, also of Manchester.
Rachel Person is the events manager for Northshire Bookstore. She spent six years curating and producing literary programming at Symphony Space in New York City, and served as Associate Director of the series Selected Shorts: A Celebration of the Short Story, heard nationwide on public radio. In Saratoga Springs, Rachel served in the Community Relations Office at Skidmore College, where she acted as Art Partner Liaison for SaratogaArtsFest. She is on the Executive Board of Saratoga Reads and the Board of Directors of the Adirondack Center for Writing. A graduate of Albany High School and Princeton University, Rachel lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband, writer Steve Sheinkin, and their two children.
Discover the transformative power of book ownership with Kate Bowersox, the passionate Executive Director of Books in Homes USA. In this heartfelt episode, Kate opens up about her personal journey, academic achievements, and her mission to ignite a love for reading among children. She shares touching stories of raising her own kids to cherish books, aligning perfectly with the organization's goal of ensuring every child has the joy of owning books. From her strategic initiatives to her unwavering dedication, Kate reveals how Books in Homes USA is making a significant impact on children's literacy nationwide.
Concerned about the alarmingly low literacy rates across the United States? Learn how Books in Homes USA is addressing this critical issue by providing free books to students in low-income districts. Discover their innovative programs—Books for Ownership, Book Bridge, and Culture of Literacy—that empower children to choose their own books and develop a lifelong love for reading. We also discuss how strategic partnerships, donations, and community support fuel these efforts. Tune in to find out how you can contribute to this noble cause and support The Bookshop Podcast in celebrating the literary community.
LitFest Pasadena begins Saturday, April 30, through Saturday, May 14, and marks the festival’s10th Anniversary. To celebrate, the organizers are embracing a dynamic new format, expanding locations, and returning to known favorites. LitFest Pasadena brings acclaimed authors and new voices together to engage in a variety of powerful and inspiring literary and social conversations.
This year's in-person event is, as always, free to the public, and no registration is required. Photographer and author Kat Ward is the event manager and special projects manager for Light Bringer Project, the organization behind LitFest Pasadena.
Join me in conversation with Hamish Alcorn and Dawn Albinger, owners of Archives Fine Books in Brisbane, Australia. We chat about the climate crisis, books, things to do in Brisbane, and where to get a great cup of coffee!
Archives Fine Books is the largest second-hand bookstore in Queensland and is located in a heritage-listed building in the heart of Brisbane.
Due to their size, they carry a vast array of titles, and as one customer states, “Everything you want a bookstore to be really; crowded, quiet, and scented with that wonderful smell that says great ideas have been captured in pages that are stored here.”
In this episode, I chat with author Joe R. Lansdale about his new novel Born For Trouble: The Further Adventures of Hap and Leonard, Texas life, his creative family, political correctness, and martial arts. Join us; it's a fun episode!
Joe R. Lansdale is the internationally bestselling author of more than fifty novels, including the popular, long-running Hap and Leonard series. Many of his cult classics have been adapted for television and film, most famously the films Bubba Ho-Tep and Cold in July and the Hap and Leonard series on Sundance TV and Netflix. Lansdale has written numerous screenplays and teleplays and has won the Edgar Award and ten Stoker Awards. He has also been designated a World Horror Grandmaster. Lansdale, like many of his characters, lives in East Texas, with his wife, Karen, and their pit bull, Nicky.