Books That Make You brings you conversations with both authors and literary folks on the business side of things. We discuss new books, old books, indie books, and all the wonderful themes found within books. Whether you're an author or an avid book reader, this is the show for you.
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Can listening to a book create a richer experience than reading it on the page? Becky Parker Geist, CEO of Amplify Audiobooks and Pro Audio Voices, joins Books That Make You to explore how the human voice can transform a story. She explains why skilled narration does more than read the words—it draws listeners into the characters, atmosphere, emotions, and meaning of a book. Becky also takes us…
What happens when doing the right thing comes at a deeply personal cost? Author Becca Moore joins Books That Make You to discuss her memoir, Angel on a Bridge, a story shaped by childhood trauma, family sacrifice, public criticism, and the courage to stand beside young people who need an advocate. Becca reflects on being adopted by her aunt and uncle at age nine after growing up in an abusive…
Debbie Bishop on PILLYWIGGIN: AWAKENING and Becoming Your Own Hero PILLYWIGGIN: AWAKENING with Debbie Bishop | Fantasy, AI and Resilience Debbie Bishop's PILLYWIGGIN: AWAKENING Blends Fantasy and Real Power Inside PILLYWIGGIN: AWAKENING with Fantasy Author Debbie Bishop Debbie Bishop on Epic Fantasy, Reinvention and PILLYWIGGIN: AWAKENING 2. YouTube video description What if no one is coming to…
Do you have ADHD and not even know it? For many professionals, the answer may be more complicated than they think. In this episode, Dr Jennie Byrne MD PhD joins the show to discuss her book, ADHD in Professionals: Embracing Your Brain, and the hidden ways ADHD can show up in high-achieving adults. From doctors and executives to entrepreneurs and leaders, many people appear successful on the…
What happens when an enlightened society built on intelligence, healing, magic, and pacifism suddenly faces a threat it is not prepared to confront? Author Peter Gribble returns to Books That Make You to discuss The City of the Magicians , his three-book fantasy series exploring what happens when stability begins to crack, ideals are tested, and a culture must decide whether it can survive without…
Most people know Superman as the heroic figure from Krypton, the mild-mannered Clark Kent who fights for truth, justice, and the American way. But as William Bernhardt reveals in The Superman Wars, the story behind Superman's creation is far more complicated, emotional, and dramatic than many fans realize. In this conversation, William Bernhardt joins Books That Make You to discuss the…
What happens when the world is rebuilt after catastrophe and the power structure flips, completely? In this episode, author and tech executive D.A. Murray joins us to unpack her debut dystopian novel, Dominion: Ascension. The conversation starts with the central provocation: a society where women hold leadership across civilization and men are pushed into tightly controlled roles, including a…
What compels someone to walk away from a lucrative Wall Street career and dedicate their life to eradicating generational poverty? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Abraham George , author of Mountains to Cross and founder of Shanti Bhavan , a residential school in India that transforms the lives of children born into extreme poverty. Dr. George shares the deeply personal story behind his life's…
Author and ritual designer Bill Hulseman returns to the show to take us deeper into his profoundly moving and gently humorous essay collection, six to carry the casket and one to say the mass . This time, Bill helps us reimagine the meaning of the holidays—beyond the performative gratitude and commercial frenzy. In this episode, Bill discusses two standout essays from his book: Grateful and How to…
What happens when a cranky humorist and a tech-savvy illustrator team up with some rebellious poodles and launch them into space? You get Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz — the latest wild ride from author Steven Joseph and illustrator Andy Case. In this episode, the duo dives deep into their colorful, noodle-fueled universe. They talk about the imaginative process behind their newest…
What if your stepfather was one of the most misunderstood yet spiritually profound composers of the 20th century—and your mother spent years writing his story? In this episode, Bill Holst shares the extraordinary journey behind Alan Hovhaness: Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century, a memoir built from the poetic writings of his late mother and enriched with his own personal…
How do you go from writing a Star Trek episode to launching rockets, facing crocodiles, and eventually healing through writing? Chester L. Richards returns to the show to share moments from his second memoir, The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist. This lively interview explores how a vivid dream led to a Star Trek script, setting him on a lifelong path filled with science, danger,…
What do a dead goldfish, Pat Boone, and crème de menthe have in common? For acclaimed memoirist Sue William Silverman, they're all part of her deeply personal and poetic exploration in her latest book, Selected Misdemeanors: Essays at the Mercy of the Reader . In this conversation, Sue opens up about the emotional missteps and moments that shaped her—and how writing flash essays allows her to…
What happens when you're diagnosed with breast cancer at 67—just after building your dream home and planning your wedding? For Shelley Malicote Stutchman, you write about it with raw honesty, a whole lot of humor, and just enough sass to make people gasp. In this episode, Shelley joins us to talk about her memoir, Peek-a-Boob , a powerful yet hilarious account of her journey through breast cancer.…
What if your favorite authors weren't just names on book spines, but people you could meet in person? Joe Solari, managing director of Reader Nation and Writer Nation, shares why the upcoming Reader Nation event in Las Vegas is more than just a book signing. It's a real-world book community coming to life. Held at the Horseshoe and Paris Casinos, Reader Nation brings together over 300 authors,…
What happens when your family identity, religious upbringing, and personal truth collide? In this compelling conversation, author Bill Hulseman shares the deeply personal stories that shaped his life and inspired his book six to carry the casket and one to say the mass: reflections on life, identity, and moving forward . Bill opens up about being the youngest of ten children, what it meant to grow…
What happens when love, loss, and music collide in deep space? In this episode, Bram Stoker Award-winner and former Horror Writers Association president John Palisano joins us to talk about his latest book, Requiem . Set aboard a massive mortuary spacecraft called Eden, the novel blends gothic romance, cosmic horror, and speculative science fiction into one unforgettable journey. Eden isn't just a…
How do you go from writing revenge-fueled mystery novels to coaching authors through one of the most misunderstood parts of the publishing process—marketing? Juliet Clark, founder of Author Traffic School and Superbrand Publishing, shares her personal journey from publishing her own novels like Pitch Slapped and Dead by Dawn , to helping other authors find their footing in the often murky world of…
What if the secret to rediscovering your creativity, your empathy, and even your joy was something you were born with—but lost along the way? In this episode, bestselling author Laura Munson talks about her newest book, The Wild Why, and the journey back to wonder. From the forests of Montana to ancient stone circles in Ireland, Laura's personal stories and teachings invite us to pause, reflect,…
Author Kelly O'Hearn joins the show to explore her captivating Arcanum series—a saga that intertwines time, love, and soul contracts across lifetimes. With In the Temple Shadows and Whispers In The Forest , the first two books of the six-part series, Kelly invites readers into a richly woven tale inspired by her own past life regressions and channeled entirely through the language of tarot. In…
What happens when the spotlight fades and the pressure takes over? In this episode, Michele Kwasniewski dives deep into her powerful YA novel, Falling Star , the final installment of the Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart trilogy. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Michele brings an unflinching look at the mental, emotional, and personal toll that fame can…
What if healing your mind and body didn't have to take months? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Paul Corona, author of The Corona Protocol , to discuss his fast-acting, patient-centered approach to mental health. From anxiety and depression to addiction and PTSD, Dr. Corona reveals how his mind-body treatment method delivers real results — often in just weeks. We explore the…
What happens when a peaceful society faces a brutal threat it never saw coming? In this episode, we talk with fantasy author Peter Gribble , creator of "The City of the Magicians" series and author of book one, Threat . Drawing from his background in psychology, history, and education, Gribble explores what happens when complacency meets chaos—and how intellect, strategy, and even a little magic…
Are you dreaming of becoming an author, but unsure where to start? Dale L. Roberts, award-winning author and self-publishing advocate, joins us to talk about Self-Publishing for New Authors and what it really takes to launch a book in today's indie publishing world. Dale shares his journey from reader to writer, the biggest fears new authors face, and how to overcome them. He also dives into the…
What happens when your father creates a cult, and you're left to raise yourself in a decaying mansion filled with spiritual seekers and chaos? That's the world of Naked Girl , the powerful novel by Janna Brooke Wallack. In this conversation, Janna delves into the unconventional childhood that inspired her book, her thoughts on generational parenting shifts, and how she channeled her own emotions…
Can you really publish a book on your own? What does it take to be a successful indie author today? In this episode, we sit down with Jim Azevedo , a key figure in the self-publishing revolution and part of the team at Draft2Digital . Jim shares the fascinating journey from Smashwords to Draft2Digital, and how the industry has evolved since 2008. He discusses how indie authors can take control of…
How do schools shape our understanding of race—intentionally or not? Dr. Laura C. Chávez-Moreno joins us to discuss her groundbreaking book How Schools Make Race , which examines the ways educational systems reinforce racial identities and hierarchies. Through her research in a bilingual education program, Dr. Chávez-Moreno uncovers how schools, often unknowingly, contribute to the racialization…
What if the truth about extraterrestrials and hidden government projects was right in front of us? Author Paul Vecchiet joins us to discuss The Disclosure Paradox , a novel that blurs the line between fiction and reality. Inspired by his experiences with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Paul shares insights into secret underground facilities, the military-industrial complex, and why we may not…
What happens when you blend On the Road with The X-Files ? You get Skunk Ape Semester , a thrilling yet thoughtful road trip through paranormal Americana. Award-winning author Mike Robinson joins Books That Make You to discuss his latest novel, his fascination with Bigfoot, and how speculative fiction can explore humanity's biggest questions. In Skunk Ape Semester , a zoologist embarks on a…
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Sara Winokur, geneticist-turned-author, as she delves into the inspiration behind her thrilling novel, Ivory Bones . Drawing from her ancestry, which traces back to a Barbary pirate, and her extensive career in genetics, Sara weaves together a murder mystery that's as grounded in real science as much as historical intrigue. Learn about the real-life…
Step into a rich, genre-bending world with M.D. House as he introduces Crossroads of Awakening Memory , the first book in his expansive fantasy series. Meet Rayne Barrett, a reluctant young hero thrust into a universe filled with dragons, magical talismans, and interdimensional portals. From medieval-inspired worlds to modern Earth, the story weaves fantasy, history, and spiritual exploration into…
Step into the gripping world of Kaleidoscope of Secrets with author Sandy Clements. In this stimulating interview, Sandy shares the inspiration behind her novel—a fast-paced story of family secrets, a smuggling operation hidden beneath an antique business, and the moral dilemmas faced by the reluctant protagonist, Mia. Learn how Sandy weaves complex family dynamics, suspenseful twists, and a…
Ready to refresh your To-Be-Read list for 2025? In this episode of Books That Make You , we explore 15 remarkable titles that will inspire, captivate, and entertain in the coming year. Whether you're into gripping dystopias like Suzanne Collins' Sunrise on the Reaping , heartfelt memoirs like Terence Ang's The Boy and The Man , or thrilling mysteries like Sara Winokur's Ivory Bones , there's…
Kieren-Paul-Brown is rewriting the rules of storytelling with his novel N-Word , a daring narrative intertwining historical fiction, spiritual exploration, and modern-day social critique. Meet Antonia, an 85-year-old white woman reincarnated as Cara, a young Black social media influencer. The story spans two timelines: the civil rights movement of the 1950s and Cara's tumultuous world in 2024,…
Step into the shadowy world of Black Rose Cocoon , where a female serial killer defies some of the darker norms. 🖤 Award-winning author A.G. Flitcher shares the chilling inspiration behind his latest novel, diving deep into the psychology of fear, love, and madness. What sets female killers apart? How do societal reactions shape stories of crime? A.G. Flitcher explores these haunting questions…
Dive into the world of family secrets, historical depth, and emotional redemption with Barbara J. Taylor, author of the Scranton Trilogy . From coal miners to vaudevillians, her richly crafted characters explore life's complexities in early 20th-century Scranton, Pennsylvania. Discover how tragedy sparks generational stories, how hope persists through Violet's journey, and the mystical elements…
Chelan's poetic journey began at just 21 after a profound, life-altering experience. She describes it as a creative opening—a mystical event where verses flowed through her, bringing comfort, hope, and a newfound sense of wholeness. Her captivating works, including Beloved, Wild Grace, and The Prophetess, The Return of The Prophet from The Voice of The Divine Feminine, serve as pathways for…
Welcome to another exciting episode of Books That Make You. Join us as we dive into the world of podcasting with our special guest, Dave Campbell from True Media Solutions. Dave is a seasoned host and producer of several successful podcasts, and today, he's here to share his insights on how podcasting is revolutionizing storytelling. In this episode, we explore: The transformative impact of…
The United States has a very complex, oft-oversimplified past. Dr. Robin Bernstein—a Dillon Professor of American History and Professor of African and African-American Studies and Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Harvard University—unravels a bit of that past in her new book Freeman's Challenge , a gripping story of murder, greed and race about a young man sentenced to five years of hard…
Books That Make You Consider the Social Dynamics of the South As a place where race and identity exist in centuries-long tension—which, of course, reverberates to this day—the South holds a complex, multifaceted history. The series "Lost and Found in Tennessee" by Stacia Moffett, featuring The Missing Girl and Jessa is Back, offers a gripping portrait of the South's enduring legacy and rich…
Books That Make You Confront Fear—and Embrace Your Spiritual Gifts When she was sixteen years old, Alejandra G. Brady awoke to someone she knew standing at the head of her bed. It was her first visit from someone who had died. It wasn't until she was 50 when someone would give her a name for these unusual experiences. Feeling as if something was missing in life and suffering from cervical…
Books That Make You Select Your Own Ending for Your Life Since no one gets out of life alive, we can at least decide how our own stories should end. Saving KC is the new Historical Fiction novel by Grinelle "Buzz" Desjarlais, who deeply and compassionately explores addiction, and the connections we might find in unexpected places. Set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam America, Saving KC follows…
Books That Make You Enter the World of Hollywood—and Murder This fall, gear up for an emotion-packed thriller, as you shake literary hands with an aging Hollywood horror actor whose wife's death years ago may, in fact, have been murder. Such is the set-up of the new novel, The Salvation of Henry Maxwell , by Lee Lindauer. Lindauer is an award-winning author, whose transition to writing from…
Books That Make You Fall Under the Spell of a Prohibition-era Moonshiner Travel back to the 1920s alongside a troubled boy named Rufus. Watch him leave his family—and a secret—behind, only to find what he hopes is a new home with a new family, the O'Haras. Unfortunately, things don't go too well for Rufus in Whiskey and Old Stogies , a twisting, turning historical literary fiction novel filled…
Books That Make You Understand Your Potential—Through Genre Fiction Very often, so-called "commercial" or genre fiction can speak to us in ways as powerful as "literary" or classic works. Going beyond simply the realm of entertainment, such books can teach us, help us explore possibilities about ourselves and the world. Award-winning author Tina Hogan Grant is a suspense romance novelist, writing…
Books That Make You Think Mellowing Your Money Are you overwhelmed when people discuss investment strategies? Does the roller coaster of the stock market make your head spin? Do you feel pressure, anxiety, and the need to act fast or else—or else? What if, in fact, you could mellow your money, and—likely—make more of it? Mick Heyman, CFA and Founder of Heyman Investment Counseling, has a…
Books That Make You Stimulated by a Fast-Paced, Modern Techno Thriller Mystery, suspense, and technology—what reader doesn't love this combo? With good reason, techno-thrillers are increasingly one of the most captivating genres. The tech world—and all its fruits and unveilings—are pushing limits and outpacing humans' ability to keep up. Here comes The Ransom Enigma , the latest in the "Magnolia…
Books That Make You Rock 'n Roll Back to a Hard Dog's 1950s We often view history—especially our own—through a nostalgic lens, fondly remembering the good things while sometimes forgetting the more challenging, upsetting times we had as a nation and society. Take the 50s era of rock and roll, for example: some of the most revolutionary, influential music was being made, all against a backdrop of…
Books That Make You Go Flying with Snoodles in Space Everyone's favorite crankiness expert and award-winning children's book author, Steven Joseph's latest book, Snoodles in Space Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back ! is the third volume of the beloved "Snoodles" series, which has captivated readers of all ages with its adventure, humor and valuable life lessons. Outside of being an author, Steven…
Discover the powerful insights of Tashena Anderson-Place, author of " Fill Your Cup: Discovering the War Between Life and Faithfulness." Join us as Tashina shares her journey of using coffee as a metaphor for life's ups and downs, and how we can choose what fills our cups. Tashena opens up about her personal struggles, the importance of a heart and mind shift, and practical steps to overcome…
