Shows
Books with BetsyEpisode 92 - Characters Having a Bad Time with Rachel LarkinsOn this episode, Rachel Larkins, a listener of Books with Betsy, talks about her project to read all the winners of the Hugo award, so we talk about a lot of really great sci-fi books. We also dish about how great the Book Riot podcast universe is and we might convince you to pick up Dune.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Ring by Michele Lerner
You Wanna Be On Top? by Sarah Hartshorne
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
The Rest of...
2026-02-091h 02
UnravellingShred Sisters: Understanding Bipolar Disorder through Literature and Lived ExperienceIn this episode of Unravelling, recorded at the 2025 Brattleboro Literary Festival, Mary Wilson sits down with author and literary agent Betsy Lerner for an intimate conversation about writing, mental illness, and family dynamics.Betsy shares how she began keeping diaries as a child after reading Anne Frank, using journaling to process secret feelings and a sense of being different within her family. She discusses her early diagnosis of bipolar disorder at 15, years of ineffective treatment, and how finally finding the right care in her 30s allowed her to live stably and write clearly for decades.The...
2026-01-2836 min
Poured OverAlia Hanna Habib on TAKE IT FROM ME Take It from Me by Alia Hanna Habib is a riveting deep-dive into the publishing industry from an agent's perspective. Alia joins us to talk about curiosity, reading nonfiction, literary agenting, social media, building community and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): Take It from Me: An Agent's Guide to Building a Nonfiction Writing Career from Scratc...
2026-01-2453 min
The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Author & Literary Agent Betsy Lerner Writes: ReduxListen to a replay of 2025's other 3rd most popular episode (it was a statistical tie)!
Bestselling author and literary agent Betsy Lerner spoke with me about being a “late bloomer,” what 35 years in publishing has taught her, and portraying mental illness in her debut novel SHRED SISTERS.
Betsy Lerner is the author of the popular advice book to writers, The Forest for the Trees, and the memoirs Food and Loathing and The Bridge Ladies. With Temple Grandin, she is the also co-author of the New York Times bestseller Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of Peop...
2026-01-1436 min
Bedside ReadingShred SistersSend us a textShred Sisters, the debut novel by Betsy Lerner, was a real highlight of my summer reading this year. It is fabulous novel about a family, particularly about two sisters, Amy and Ollie, and the effect that Ollie's mental illness has on her, on her sister, and on the wider family.It's been a great joy today to be talking to the author, Betsy Lerner. This is Betsy's first novel, written in her 60s, suggesting that it's never too late to become a novelist. Betsy is also, unexpectedly, a TikTok s...
2025-12-0931 min
Strong SongsThe Jazz Pianist's Perspective, with Peter MartinKirk sits down with jazz piano legend Peter Martin to talk about Peter's musical background, his momentous early encounters with Wynton Marsalis and Kenny Kirkland, the jazz scene of the 1990s, how the Suzuki method works, and why jazz students today should be less shy about talking to their heroes. Check out Peter's online jazz education program Open Studio, as well as You'll Hear It, the music podcast he co-hosts with Adam Maness. DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:“Variations Sur ‘Le Carnaval de Venise” feat. Wynton Marsalis and the Eastman Wind Ensemble from Carnival, 1987“Path Adjacent” Peter Martin w/ Gr...
2025-11-281h 26
Strong SongsThe Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad AbumradWriter, composer, and Peabody Award-winning podcaster Jad Abumrad joins Kirk to talk about Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, his new 12-part series on the life, music, and legacy of Afrobeat superstar Fela Kuti.DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:“Miryea’s Death” by Jack Nitzche from Revenge, 1990“Prologue” by Alexandre Desplat from Birth, 2004Excerpt from Port(al), music by Paola Prestini and Jad Abumrad, performed by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus“It’s Highlife Time” and “Amaechi’s Blues” by Fela Kuti and his Koola Lobitos, ca. 1963-69“Jeun Ko Ku,” “Eko Ile,” and “Je’nwi Temi” by Fela Kuti from Afrodesiac, 1973“Zombie” by Fela Kut...
2025-11-141h 56
S* Your Therapist ReadsShred SistersFor this week's episode, May and Erica discuss the novel, Shred Sisters, by Betsy Lerner. We talk about how families deal with mental illness, what it's like for the child who goes unnoticed in the family, and how these earlier dynamics impact us later in our adult lives. Take a listen and let us know what you think in the comments!
2025-10-3052 min
Strong SongsOur Favorite TV Themes, with Leigh SalesIt's fun to talk about TV theme songs, so that's what Kirk and special guest Leigh Sales did. Does this episode need any more introduction than that? Probably not.Check out Leigh's wonderful podcast Chat 10 Looks 3A YouTube Playlist of many of the themes discussed (and some they didn't get to)DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:The Office Theme - “Handbags and Gladrags” - 1967 by Mike D’Abo, perf. Big George Webley -US theme 2005 by Jay FergusonParks & Recreation - 2009, by Gaby Moreno and Vincent JonesWelcome Back Kotter - by John Sebastian (1974 - 1979)“Suicide is Painless” by Johnny...
2025-10-171h 18
Booked & Busy✿ An interview with Betsy Lerner (Shred Sisters) ✿Shred Sisters is perfect for fans of Coco Mellors and Hanya Yanagihara... And, Betsy is 65 and has written her first ever fiction novel - I just love her!
2025-10-0327 min
Strong SongsStrong TV Songs: HBO Edition [Recast]Originally Aired October 20, 2020The Wildlings are south of the wall, the robots are rising up, Seventh Kavalry's on the move, and two percent of the world's population has vanished. Time for another edition of Strong TV Songs!This time around the focus is on HBO, a network that has defined much of the broader TV landscape over the past couple of decades. So let's dig into a bunch of great music from a bunch of good shows, with themes for Dothraki raiders, Alethiometers, robot farmgirls, nuns with guns, monstrous moguls, and lost souls....
2025-10-031h 08
HAYVN HubcastSay Yes to the Work: Betsy Lerner's Path from Editor to Agent to Bestselling NovelistNancy Sheed, host of HAYVN Hubcast talks with author Betsy Lerner, and she takes us from blue pencils and slush piles to BookTok and bestsellers. She shares how she moved from editorial roles at major houses to agenting for the flexibility publishing didn't offer at the time, and how that entrepreneurial leap paid off. We get her "discoverability" playbook (from magazine racks on the streets of New York to TikTok), candid advice on today's path to publication, the backstory of Shred Sisters, and her refreshingly practical mindset on rejection: don't dwell on no, keep looking for the...
2025-09-0832 min
First Draft: A Dialogue on WritingBetsy LernerBetsy Lerner is the author of the recently released novel, Shred Sisters. She is also the author The Bridge Ladies, The Forest for the Trees and Food and Loathing. With Temple Grandin, she is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns and Abstractions. She received an MFA from Columbia University in Poetry where she was selected as one of PEN’s Emerging Writers. She also received the Tony Godwin Publishing Prize for Editors. After working as an editor for 15 years, she became an agent and is currently a...
2025-09-011h 01
Strong SongsTalkin' Tower of Power, with Adam Maness and Peter Martin [You'll Hear It]Back in May, Kirk joined pianists Adam Maness and Peter Martin of the You'll Hear It podcast to talk about what makes Tower of Power great. It was a very fun conversation, so he asked if he could run their episode in the Strong Songs feed. And here we are!Listen to You'll Hear It anywhere you find podcasts, and find both Adam and Peter (and many others) teaching jazz lessons at OpenStudio.com.ORIGINAL SHOW NOTESMay 19, 2025We hand the mic to Kirk Hamilton from the Strong Songs podcast to help u...
2025-08-221h 12
The Shift with Sam BakerBetsy Lerner is on a mission to destigmatise mental health in her 60sMy guest this week is the novelist Betsy Lerner.
Now Betsy is here to talk about her critically acclaimed debut novel, Shred Sisters, which takes us from the 1970s to the 90s and tells us the story of two troubled sisters, Amy and Ollie. No less a legend than Patti Smith described it as “moving like a souped up pick up truck” - and who am I to argue with Patti, it does! I loved it.
Betsy only turned to fiction in her early sixties. Before that she had a pro...
2025-08-1950 min
Strong SongsA Song For My FatherTHE APOCALYPSE WERE:Tony Capuano - Guitar, Lead VocalsJohn Shorb - Alto SaxGene Meros - Tenor SaxGreg Novik - Bass, Backing Vocals (guitar on Stormy Monday)Oggie Hamilton - Drums, Backing VocalsFeaturing The Apocalypse playing:“Good Good Lovin’” and “Try Me” by James Brown“Hi-Heel Sneakers" by Tommy Tucker“The Shadow of Your Smile” by Mandel & Webster"I Don't Want To Cry" by Dixon/Jackson“Sack of Woe” by Cannonball Adderley“Think” by Lowman Pauling"The Midnight Hour" by Steve Cropper & Wilson Pickett"Shout" by The Isley Brothers“Stormy Monday”...
2025-08-0839 min
Sarah's Bookshelves LiveEp. 202: 2025 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits)In Episode 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they've loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category. With over 80 books mentioned, this is another year of niching down for some great book recommendations! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK...
2025-08-0652 min
Book Cougars Podcast: Two Middle-Aged Women on the Hunt for a Good ReadEpisode 238 - Author Spotlight with Clare BeamsWelcome to Episode 238 which features an Author Spotlight with the wonderfully creepy Clare Beams! To clarify: it’s her work that’s creepy, in a good way. As you’ll hear in the interview, Clare is lovely, smart, feminist, and fun. We both enjoyed her latest book, THE GARDEN, which is part historical fiction, part ghost story, and part pregnancy horror story all wrapped up in a novel about a woman who finds herself in a place she never imagined with results that . . . well, you’ll have to read it yourself to find out.
We also talk about what we’re current...
2025-07-151h 59
The Creative Penn Podcast For WritersFinding Your Voice, Writing Across Genre And Loving Book Marketing With Betsy LernerHow can you find your voice through writing in different genres and mediums over the years? How can you shift your mindset around book marketing, whatever your age? Betsy Lerner shares her experience of writing and books over decades in the publishing industry.
In the intro, Going Local: Authors on the payoffs and pitfalls of hometown sales and promotion [Self-Publishing Advice]; Selling Books in Person at Live Events; Artist = Entrepreneur [Steven Pressfield]; Ecosystems come and go [Seth Godin]; 1000 True Fans [Kevin Kelly].
Plus, Exeter Cathedral, Death Valley, a Thriller; Successful Self-Publishing Fourth Edition; and...
2025-06-1655 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 52 - My Entire Life is Words with Hannah GordonOn this episode, Hannah Gordon, a fellow CPS teacher and I discuss the importance of the library as a public service, how your reading life can turn around from what people expect of you as a child, and she brings some really great books to the show that haven’t been talked about yet.
Find Hannah on TikTok
Book Talk and Signing for The Kat Bunglar with Tanima Kazi
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Are You Happy? By Lori Ostlund...
2025-05-0559 min
Memoir NationWrite What You Know, featuring Betsy LernerThis week we’re featuring longtime agent and publishing pro Betsy Lerner on her debut novel, Shred Sisters. We talk about being an industry insider and whether that gives you a leg up, as well as the old adage to write what you know. Betsy shares with us how her lived experience shows up in this book, noting that Freud would have a field day—and before it’s all over, she offers generous and tactical marketing tips for authors. This episode has got it all!On this week’s Substackin, we’re giving a shoutout...
2025-04-1443 minMemoir NationWrite What You Know, featuring Betsy LernerThis week we’re featuring longtime agent and publishing pro Betsy Lerner on her debut novel, Shred Sisters. We talk about being an industry insider and whether that gives you a leg up, as well as the old adage to write what you know. Betsy shares with us how her lived experience shows up in this book, noting that Freud would have a field day—and before it’s all over, she offers generous and tactical marketing tips for authors. This episode has got it all!On this week’s Substackin, we’re giving a shoutout...
2025-04-1440 min
Burned By BooksBetsy Lerner, "Shred Sisters" (Grove Press, 2024)It is said that when one person in a family is unstable, the whole family is destabilized. Meet the Shreds. Olivia is the sister in the spotlight until her stunning confidence becomes erratic and unpredictable, a hurricane leaving people wrecked in her wake. Younger sister Amy, cautious and studious to the core, believes in facts, proof, and the empirical world. None of that explains what’s happening to Ollie, whose physical beauty and charisma mask the mental illness that will shatter Amy’s carefully constructed life.As Amy comes of age and seeks to find her place—first...
2025-04-1439 min
New Books in LiteratureBetsy Lerner, "Shred Sisters" (Grove Press, 2024)It is said that when one person in a family is unstable, the whole family is destabilized. Meet the Shreds. Olivia is the sister in the spotlight until her stunning confidence becomes erratic and unpredictable, a hurricane leaving people wrecked in her wake. Younger sister Amy, cautious and studious to the core, believes in facts, proof, and the empirical world. None of that explains what’s happening to Ollie, whose physical beauty and charisma mask the mental illness that will shatter Amy’s carefully constructed life.As Amy comes of age and seeks to find her place—first...
2025-04-1441 minThe Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and NeuroscienceHow Bestselling Author & Literary Agent Betsy Lerner WritesBestselling author and literary agent Betsy Lerner spoke with me about being a “late bloomer,” what 35 years in publishing has taught her, and portraying mental illness in her debut novel SHRED SISTERS.Betsy Lerner is the author of the popular advice book to writers, The Forest for the Trees, and the memoirs Food and Loathing and The Bridge Ladies. With Temple Grandin, she is the also co-author of the New York Times bestseller Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns and Abstractions.Her debut novel, Shred Sisters, is described as “... an int...
2025-02-2836 min
About Your MotherExploring Shame After Mass Media Humiliation With Melissa Petro What if you wrote something, something that was true and significant to you, and those words launched a media attack of shame and judgment that rendered you nearly silent - how would you feel? What would you do? Melissa Petro is a writer, a mom, and a wife. Her book, Shame on You, How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, is a brilliant examination of how society, and people in general, mortify women that we don't understand.It happens every day. Taylor, JLo, Britney, to name a few well-known ones. Artists living in...
2025-02-2559 min
Bad On PaperHow Realistic is "Younger"'s Portrayal of the Publishing Industry?This week, we were inspired by a thread in our Facebook group and are looking back on season 1 of the TV show Younger! This is Olivia's first watch and a rewatch for Becca, and we're very excited to break down how it reflects the publishing industry, discuss how it portrays authors, talk about the fashion, share if we are on Team Josh or Team Charles, and more! Obsessions Olivia - Severance Season 2 + Reddit Becca - Lost re-watch What we read this week Olivia - Nothing Se...
2025-02-191h 03
Unlock Your Potential with Jeff LernerWhy 85% Hate Their Jobs—And How to Break Free | BETSY WILLS and ALEX ELLISON #336Discover the hidden genius within you in this inspiring episode of Unlock Your Potential! I’m joined by Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison, two experts on uncovering aptitudes and aligning them with fulfilling careers.
We dive into the fascinating science behind aptitudes, why they are fixed by age 17, and how they shape the way we think, learn, and work. Betsy and Alex share insights into why 85% of people are dissatisfied with their jobs and how understanding your unique attributes can lead to greater career satisfaction.
We also discuss the ex...
2025-01-3053 min
Happier with Gretchen RubinEp. 519: College Freshman Advice, Night Snacking & a Hack for Being a Good GuestWe explore how advice meant for college freshmen—from practical packing tips to strategies for making friends—can benefit all of us. (Special guest: Gretchen’s daughter, currently a college freshman.) We also offer suggestions for a Rebel who struggles with late-night snacking, and share hacks for being a considerate houseguest and for getting more pleasure of reading. Resources and links related to this episode: Happier in Hollywood Substack newsletter Happiness Project shop "Five Things" newsletter Four Tendencies quiz Elizabeth is reading: Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (Amazon, Bookshop) Gretchen is reading: The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves ...
2025-01-2939 min
bookfareBest Books of 2024Katherine and Ashley discuss their top books of 2024.
Ash Reads:
Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner
Hum by Helen Philips
Evenings and Weekends by Oisin McKenna
Foster by Claire Keegan
Invisible Woman by Katia Lief
Kat Reads
Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar
O Pioneers by Willa Cather
Lazarus Man by Richard Price
Exciting Upcoming Releases
Gliff by Ali Smith
Show...
2025-01-0953 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 35 - Best of 2024 Part 2On this episode, past guests of Books with Betsy and I share our favorite books of 2024! Listen to hear about lots of great 2024 books and the excellent backlist we got to this year.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Betsy’s Top 11 Books (in no particular order):
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpe
My Friends by Hisham Matar
Punk Rock Karaoke by Biana Xunise
2025-01-061h 27Burned By BooksBooksellers’ Best 2024Lisa Swayze has been the General Manager at Buffalo Street Books for 7 years and will transition to becoming the Executive Director of the bookstore’s new literary nonprofit in 2025. Lisa is on the board of directors of the American Booksellers Association and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.Jessica Stockton-Bagnulo is the owner and co-founder of Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, New York, where she also currently serves as the Events & Marketing Manager (because she loves hosting parties). She has worked in independent bookstores in New York City since 2000, has served on the board of NAIBA and various other book indust...
2024-12-2047 min
New Books in Literary StudiesBooksellers’ Best 2024Lisa Swayze has been the General Manager at Buffalo Street Books for 7 years and will transition to becoming the Executive Director of the bookstore’s new literary nonprofit in 2025. Lisa is on the board of directors of the American Booksellers Association and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.Jessica Stockton-Bagnulo is the owner and co-founder of Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, New York, where she also currently serves as the Events & Marketing Manager (because she loves hosting parties). She has worked in independent bookstores in New York City since 2000, has served on the board of NAIBA and various other book indust...
2024-12-2049 minNew Books in LiteratureBooksellers’ Best 2024Lisa Swayze has been the General Manager at Buffalo Street Books for 7 years and will transition to becoming the Executive Director of the bookstore’s new literary nonprofit in 2025. Lisa is on the board of directors of the American Booksellers Association and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance.Jessica Stockton-Bagnulo is the owner and co-founder of Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn, New York, where she also currently serves as the Events & Marketing Manager (because she loves hosting parties). She has worked in independent bookstores in New York City since 2000, has served on the board of NAIBA and various other book indust...
2024-12-2049 min
Beyond the Shelves: A Podcast from the Des Moines Public LibraryBeyond the Shelves: Best of 2024Jes and Sarah are discussing the best of 2024 in the last Beyond the Shelves episode of the year! They go through some of books mentioned on several best of lists, and then give their own top 3 books of the year. Watch on YouTube Show Notes What they're reading The Vegetarian, by Han Kang Make the Season Bright, by Ashley Herring Blake Clean, by Alia Trabucco Zerán A Fire Endless, by Rebecca Ross The Love of My Afterlife, by Kristy Greenwood On the Best Of Lists and other mentioned books James, by Percival Everett All Fours, b...
2024-12-0946 min
The Readheads Book ClubShred SistersThe final Readheads episode of 2024 is here and it's very exciting! We are discussing this month's book, Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner while also wrapping up The Readheads Year in Review. The girls are ranking their favorite Readheads books of the year and we're anointing our #1 book of the year!The next book is Margo's choice and she chose The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean.The overall Readheads rating for Shred Sisters is 4.75,Submit a question or comment to us at thereadheadsbookclub@gmail.com.See Privacy...
2024-12-061h 16
Patti SmithMiami updateHello everyone,I accidentally left my little speech on the podium during the book fair but someone caught the tail end so I’m posting it for you. Right now my editor Betsy Lerner is speaking of her new book Shred Sisters, then I have another duty. Meantime I took a walk and got a few palm tree shots. Oh, last night I did bump into a couple of celebrated figures. I will include them. Now I have to get prepared for my next task. Sending good wishes to all….Patti Smith is a...
2024-11-2303 min
Freelance Writing Direct with Estelle: Conversations with authors, journalists, agents, novelists, memoirists, niche writers, publishers, writing teachers, assigning editors and media experts.#114 Spotlighting Sibling Friction in Fiction Featuring Betsy LernerBetsy Lerner is the author of the recently released novel, Shred Sisters (Grove Press, October 2024). She is also the author The Bridge Ladies, The Forest for the Trees and Food and Loathing. With Temple Grandin, she is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns and Abstractions. She received an MFA from Columbia University in Poetry where she was selected as one of PEN's Emerging Writers. She also received the Tony Godwin Publishing Prize for Editors. After working as an editor for 15 years, she became an agent...
2024-11-2138 minBook Cougars Podcast: Two Middle-Aged Women on the Hunt for a Good ReadEpisode 221 - Trial by Ambush with Marcia Clark and John ValeriWe had the good fortune to talk with Marcia Clark and John Valeri about TRIAL BY AMBUSH, Marcia’s first foray into the true crime genre, for which John served as her researcher. TRIAL BY AMBUSH is an investigation into the 1953 trial of Barbara Graham, a petty criminal whose life took a hard turn the night of a home burglary that ended in murder.
Graham’s trial was sensational, and the press coverage was a circus. Who better than famed prosecutor Marcia Clark to be the first to dig into the records to find out what really happened during the tria...
2024-11-191h 51The Readheads Book ClubThe God of the WoodsIt's time for our quintessential spooky Readheads read of the year and this month's book did not disappoint! This month we read The God of the Woods by Liz Moore and in this episode the girls are talking about all of their thoughts on the book. They're breaking down their favorite characters, storylines and the things they never saw coming!The next book is Dana's choice and she chose Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner.The overall Readheads rating for The God of the Woods is 4.45.Submit a question or comment to us at...
2024-11-071h 09
The Unspeakeasy With Meghan DaumPremium: How To Get A Book Deal The Easy Way - Leigh Stein's secrets for book publishing success.In this premium episode, writer, editor, and friend of the pod Leigh Stein returns to talk about the state of book publishing, including the importance of promotion via digital platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Leigh may be the Jane Goodall of BookTok. She has spent countless hours in the wild, studying the platform's users and creators for insights into its addictive magic. As a book coach who helps authors sell their manuscripts to publishers and then (hopefully) sell lots of copies, she understands the changing landscape of publishing and sees endless potential and opportunity. Where many authors and editors...
2024-10-2917 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 25 - Be a Dear, Unflip Your Dogears with Jennifer MoeOn this episode, Jennifer Moe, a professor and former bookseller, discusses her love for books that fully envelop the reader in a setting. We reminisce about our adventures with Twilight, our shared love for library magazines, and when it might be ok to leave a note or two in a library book. She also gives some
Preorder Nobody’s Perfect, the book in which Jennifer has a chapter.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
My Friends by Hisham Matar
Shred Sisters by B...
2024-10-281h 01Book Cougars Podcast: Two Middle-Aged Women on the Hunt for a Good ReadEpisode 219 - Exploring Picture Book ArtWelcome to Episode 219! In this episode, we recap some exciting Biblio Adventures, including trips to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the Montague Book Mill, the Montague Center Library, and an author event at RJ Julia Booksellers with Betsy Lerner.
Chris talks about a handful of picture books she read:
The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs – written by Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Susan Gal
The City Tree – written by Shira Boss, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez
I Am Bat – written and illustrated by Morg Hood
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt...
2024-10-221h 10
As Told ToEpisode 75: Betsy Lerner"Lots of ambitious books announce themselves," writes Lauren Christensen in The New York Times Book Review of podcast guest Betsy Lerner's debut novel Shred Sisters. "This one doesn't need to." High praise for a first-time novelist, but that's not surprising considering Betsy's long and distinguished career as an editor and literary agent. A born storyteller (and, story-sharer), Betsy has helped to shape our literary landscape, as the guiding hand behind such cultural touchstones as Patti Smith's Just Kids and Elizabeth Wurtzel's Prozac Nation. She's also earned her As Told To stripes as the co-author of...
2024-10-221h 19
Patti SmithObsolete UpdateHello everybody,I was doing so many things at the same time that I accidentally neglected to send this post. So here it is. Just a lot of this and that. And I remembered the third big event for 2025. My new book will be published. Feels like a miracle.Below is a shot of Betsy Lerner’s new book. And a harried shot of me racing toward my deadline, heating coffee and plowing away. Taken in my kitchen by my great friend the Artist Steven Sebring. Sending good wishes to all and prayers fo...
2024-10-1910 min
Otherppl with Brad ListiBetsy LernerBetsy Lerner is a longtime literary agent and the author of the debut novel Shred Sisters, available from Grove Press. Lerner's other books include The Bridge Ladies, The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers, and Food and Loathing. She received an MFA from Columbia University in Poetry where she was selected as one of PEN’s Emerging Writers. She also received the Tony Godwin Publishing Prize for Editors. After working as an editor for 15 years, she became an agent and is currently a partner with Dunow, Carlson and Lerner Literary Agency.
2024-10-151h 45
Totally Booked with ZibbyLonglisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize! Betsy Lerner, SHRED SISTERSPurchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4erBgdYShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-10-0329 min
Embark On: This Edge-Of-Your-Seat Full Audiobook For Thriller Fans.Shred Sisters by Betsy LernerPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/142264to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Shred Sisters
Author: Betsy Lerner
Narrator: Rebecca Lowman
Format: mp3
Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 10-01-24
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 1 rating
Genres: Coming of Age
Publisher's Summary:
Shred Sisters has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.
2024-10-017h 30
Access Essential Full Audiobooks in Fiction, DramaShred Sisters: A Novel by Betsy LernerPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/818057 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Shred Sisters: A Novel Author: Betsy Lerner Narrator: Rebecca Lowman Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 7 hours 31 minutes Release date: October 1, 2024 Genres: Drama Publisher's Summary: From Betsy Lerner, celebrated author of The Bridge Ladies, comes a wry and riveting debut novel about family, mental illness, and a hard-won path between two sisters. It is said that when one person in a family is unstable, the whole family is destabilized. Meet the Shreds. Olivia is the sister in the spotlight until her stunning confidence becomes erratic and unpredictable, a hurricane leaving...
2024-10-0103 min
Fully Booked by Kirkus ReviewsBest October Books with Betsy LernerOn our Best October Books episode, sponsored by Flying Eye Books, Kirkus’ editors share their top titles for the month. Then Betsy Lerner joins us to discuss her distinctive debut novel, Shred Sisters (Grove, Oct. 3). Kirkus: “A seamlessly constructed and absorbing fictional world, full of insight about how families work” (starred review).
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2024-10-0145 min
What to Read Next Podcast l Book Recommendation ShowBibliolifestyle's Fall 2024 Reading Guide - Minimalist ListThis post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.In this What to Read Next podcast episode, we welcome Victoria from Biblio Lifestyle back to discuss her Minimalist Fall Reading Guide. Victoria shares six to eight top picks for the fall season, offering a preview of her full reading guide, which includes 33 books across eight categories, from literary fiction to gothic horror.Books Mentioned:Literary Fiction:Entitlement by Rumaan Alam https://amzn.to/4gL6r5MNonfiction:Roman Year by André A...
2024-09-2617 min
Raging Romantics#82 Virginal MythsCONTENT WARNING: We will be discussing snakes and similar slithery creatures in this episode, as well as dubious consent through legends and myths.Dragons and Unicorns and Virgins, oh my! Ever wonder why virgins keep getting tied to mythical beasts? don't worry, Jackie's got you.Questions/comments/concerns/recommendations? Email us at ragingromantics@nopl.org!Unicorn images!Unicorn tapestriesElasmotherium, 1878 reconstructionElasmotherium reconstruction on XBroken horn unicornUnicorn and maidenOther episodes to listen to:#57 Dragon Shifters #54 Witches#71 Chivalry and medieval pt. 2Books...
2024-01-2657 min
Word DocsEpisode 59: ‘The Ambivalent Casanova’ (Types of Writers, Part Two)Sean and Alex are sickly and disgusting (in that order), but Amy is here to save the day with research and cogent thoughts. This week, the Docs explore the wisdom of Betsy Lerner and unpack the various writer archetypes Lerner describes. Who among them is the Natural? The Ambivalent Writer? The Wicked Child? Well, some things are painfully obvious... join the gang as they embark on free, unqualified therapy! #FeelingGood #OnTheCouch #BetsyLerner #PostGrads #ComplexProblems #Research #TheForestForTheTrees #AmbivalentWriter #LarryMcMurtry #Slog #ThePerfectThing#RomanticDream #MessyPeople #Love #Hate #CoreValues #SharedVision #ImaginaryCaleb#Motivation #YoungPadawan #Frozen #Risk #SlingsandArrows #Haunted #B...
2023-12-0333 min
Auscast Literature ChannelEpisode 59: ‘The Ambivalent Casanova’ (Types of Writers, Part Two)Sean and Alex are sickly and disgusting (in that order), but Amy is here to save the day with research and cogent thoughts. This week, the Docs explore the wisdom of Betsy Lerner and unpack the various writer archetypes Lerner describes. Who among them is the Natural? The Ambivalent Writer? The Wicked Child? Well, some things are painfully obvious... join the gang as they embark on free, unqualified therapy! #FeelingGood #OnTheCouch #BetsyLerner #PostGrads #ComplexProblems #Research #TheForestForTheTrees #AmbivalentWriter #LarryMcMurtry #Slog #ThePerfectThing#RomanticDream #MessyPeople #Love #Hate #CoreValues #SharedVision #ImaginaryCaleb#Motivation #YoungPadawan #Frozen #Risk #SlingsandArrows #Haunted #B...
2023-12-0333 min
Superhuman Public RadioTo Catch a SpeedsterJoin our show discord to ask questions, share theories, and tell us nice things about the show: https://discord.gg/a4jD6NJRwT Apoorva Singh catches up with the speedster. The Heroic Legion announces new leadership. 100% Invisible interviews the woman behind the Heroic Legion call system. These American Supers investigates why villains seem to have so many PHDs. Credits:Written by Tony Assande, John Dorsey IV and Maximilian ClarkDirected and edited by Maximilian ClarkSPR Theme composed by Roc LeeStarring:
Al Pagano - Crimson T...
2023-11-2931 minWord DocsEpisode 58: ‘The Ambivalent Casanova’ (Types of Writers, Part One)A promise delivered! Bookmark this. The Word Docs are back with the second half of their self-diagnoses, once again working from Betsy Lerner’s examples to whittle away at their artistry and categorise their quirky habits. Maybe this week they’ll each discover what kind of writers they really are. Along the way they’ll explore rejections, chutzpah, sportsball and poor old Missus Heartwig... #LonelyCorner #CancelledPilot #SixKindsofWriters #TheForestFortheTrees #BetsyLerner #TheAmbivalentTheNatural&Me #Detention #MissusHeartwig #StupidDeadBoy #TheSelfPromotor #TheNeurotic #TouchingFire #NewYork #Chutzpah #ShyandWeird #Moxie #RomanticIdeals #IvoryTower #WeNeedtoTalkAboutKevin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-11-2633 minAuscast Literature ChannelEpisode 58: ‘The Ambivalent Casanova’ (Types of Writers, Part One)A promise delivered! Bookmark this. The Word Docs are back with the second half of their self-diagnoses, once again working from Betsy Lerner’s examples to whittle away at their artistry and categorise their quirky habits. Maybe this week they’ll each discover what kind of writers they really are. Along the way they’ll explore rejections, chutzpah, sportsball and poor old Missus Heartwig... #LonelyCorner #CancelledPilot #SixKindsofWriters #TheForestFortheTrees #BetsyLerner #TheAmbivalentTheNatural&Me #Detention #MissusHeartwig #StupidDeadBoy #TheSelfPromotor #TheNeurotic #TouchingFire #NewYork #Chutzpah #ShyandWeird #Moxie #RomanticIdeals #IvoryTower #WeNeedtoTalkAboutKevin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-11-2633 min
The Lesbian Historic Motif PodcastLesbian Gothics, Gothic Lesbians - The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast Episode 268The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast - Episode 268 with Heather Rose Jones
In this episode we talk about:
The history and definition of the gothic genre
Features of female-centered gothics
Sapphic characters as protagonists and antagonists
A selection of lesbian gothicsThe Marquise and the Novice by Victoria Ramstetter
Shadows of the Heart by Patty G. Henderson
The Wife in the Attic by Rose Lerner - Interview with the author
Lily of the Tower by Elizabeth Hart
Reader, I Murdered Him by Betsy Cornwell
The Secret of Matterdale Hall by Marianne Ratcliffe - Interview with the author
Beulah Lodge by...
2023-09-2426 min
Real Science Exchange-DairyLegacy Series: Dr. Temple Grandin; Colorado State UniversityGuests: Dr. Temple Grandin, Betsy Lerner and Kari Estes. Gathering for another Legacies Series to honor a true industry leader and pioneer are, Dr. Temple Grandin, Betsy Lerner and Kari Estes. Dr. Grandin, an animal science professor at Colorado State University and a well-known author and speaker, has been featured on national public radio stations, Time Magazine, The New York Times, Discover Magazine, Forbes, USA Today and others. In fact, her movie titled Temple Grandin sharing much of her life story is an Emmy Award-winning movie. While Dr. Grandin’s career has been nothi...
2023-02-281h 03
Page CountQuery Critiques with Erin HosierLiterary agent, author, and podcaster Erin Hosier discusses the current publishing landscape, challenges and opportunities in the industry, the author-agent relationship, and what aspiring writers can do to develop their writing. Finally, she and Laura critique three query letters submitted by Ohio writers.
Erin Hosier is a literary agent with Dunow Carlson & Lerner in NYC, specializing in narrative nonfiction (music biography, memoirs by artists, history, science and untold true stories of all kinds) and select literary fiction. She is the author of the memoir DON'T LET ME DOWN (Atria, 2019), and the coauthor of HIT SO HARD by Pat...
2023-01-031h 08
The Lerner PodcastGraphic Novels: Teaching Up to Their Potential | A Webinar RebroadcastGraphic novels have come a long way since their debut, being embraced by kids, librarians, and many teachers. The stigma about graphic novels not being “real” books is (almost) gone. But are educators using graphic novels to their full potential? What literacy skills can be practiced and honed using graphic novels? Which books are best for which purposes? Who still needs to be convinced that graphic novels have a role in promoting literacy—and how? As a follow up to our popular webinar “Not Just for Kids: How to Use Picture Books with Tweens and Teens,” we are hosting...
2022-12-121h 02
OUTSIDER, the amazing story of Henry DargerThe discoveryWhen Henry Darger moved into a nursing home a few months before he passed away in 1973, his landlords, Kiyoko and Nathan Lerner, found over 30 000 pages of writing and 300 paintings in his apartment. Not only did this discovery save Henry Darger’s life’s work from destruction, it also changed the Lerners’ life forever. In this episode, Philippe Cohen Solal invites Kiyoko Lerner to reminisce about her former tenant, the uncovering of his art and to reflect on the many ways it impacted her and her late husband’s lives. Betsy Fuchs, who used to be Henry Darger’s neighbor also joins...
2021-04-1427 min
Good News To Go: AuthorsLadysitting- My Year with Nana at the End of Her CenturyLadysitting: My Year with Nana at the End of Her CenturyBy Lorene CaryPublisher: W. W. Norton & Companywww.lorenecary.com“Radiant.” ―O, The Oprah MagazineFrom cherished memories of childhood weekends with Nana to the reality of the year she spent “ladysitting,” Lorene Cary journeys through stories of their time together and five generations of their African American family. Weaving a narrative of her complicated relationship with Nana―a fiercely independent and often stubborn woman whose family fled the Jim Crow South and who managed her own business until 100―Cary captures the...
2021-01-2322 min
The Story Seeds PodcastBonus Q&A: Betsy Bird Interviews Susan Muaddi DarrajListen along as The Story Seeds Podcast host Betsy Bird chats with Susan Muaddi Darraj (author of the debut middle grade series Farah Rocks and a 2014 AWP Grace Paley Award, 2016 American Book Award, and 2016 Arab American Book Award winner). They go behind the scenes and talk about what it was like working with 12 year old Sulaf on Episode 8 “A Girl Who Looks Like Me” and grow her story seed about a young Arab-American girl who finds herself at the center of a mystery at the theatre where she works. Susan talks about how Agatha Christie, Edgar Allan Poe a...
2020-06-1822 min
#AmWriting#BeforeYouStartthatNonFictionProjectEvery nonfiction book starts out as a glimmer of an idea. A topic. An area of interest or expertise. But you can’t just pitch a book about beekeeping, kids. You need to know a whole lot more. Is it a beekeeping memoir? A beekeeping how-to? A meditation about the relationship between bees and humanity?
In this episode, we dish about how to answer those questions, because—spoiler—that’s exactly how Jess, who just finished the draft of her second nonfiction book, has been spending her time. Well, not thinking about beekeeping, or at least, I don’t think so...
2019-11-0835 min
#AmWritingEpisode 184 #BeforeYouStartthatNonFictionProjectEvery nonfiction book starts out as a glimmer of an idea. A topic. An area of interest or expertise. But you can’t just pitch a book about beekeeping, kids. You need to know a whole lot more. Is it a beekeeping memoir? A beekeeping how-to? A meditation about the relationship between bees and humanity?In this episode, we dish about how to answer those questions, because—spoiler—that’s exactly how Jess, who just finished the draft of her second nonfiction book, has been spending her time. Well, not thinking about beekeeping, or at least, I...
2019-11-0835 min
Uploft Interior DesignHGTV Insights and Budget Travel Tips with Meredith LernerBetsy Helmuth is joined by Meredith Lerner to discuss her experiences on House Hunters International and her travel adventures. They share tips for traveling outside the Western world, budget travel advice for the holiday season, and recommend Thailand as an affordable destination. 0:00 Become a premium member for $5.99 a month 1:26 Introduction of guest Meredith Lerner 3:18 Meredith's travel bug and House Hunters International 5:23 Meredith's role on House Hunters International 8:47 Tips for traveling outside the Western world 12:02 Favorite international and national travel locations 19:12 Budget travel tips for holiday season 26:22 Booking hotels like a pro 32:30 Recommended budget travel destination: Thailand 36:35 Outro...
2019-10-0741 min
Affordable Interior DesignEpisode 213: HGTV Insights and Budget Travel Tips with Meredith LernerBetsy interviews HGTV's Meredith Lerner!
2019-10-0736 minUploft Interior DesignHGTV Insights and Budget Travel Tips with Meredith LernerBetsy Helmuth is joined by Meredith Lerner to discuss her experiences on House Hunters International and her travel adventures. They share tips for traveling outside the Western world, budget travel advice for the holiday season, and recommend Thailand as an affordable destination. 0:00 Become a premium member for $5.99 a month 1:26 Introduction of guest Meredith Lerner 3:18 Meredith's travel bug and House Hunters International 5:23 Meredith's role on House Hunters International 8:47 Tips for traveling outside the Western world 12:02 Favorite international and national travel locations 19:12 Budget travel tips for holiday season 26:22 Booking hotels like a pro 32:30 Recommended budget travel destination: Thailand 36:35 Outro...
2019-10-0741 min
#AmWriting160: #10MonthsfromStarttoDeadlineParkland author Dave Cullen on everything you ever wanted to know about pitching and writing a topical nonfiction book at top speed (and going broke doing it).We talked to Dave Cullen, (https://www.davecullen.com/) about writing Parkland: Birth of a Movement (https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062882943) , in ten months while he was 3 years overdue on his current book. "I'm just not gonna tell Gail," he said of his editor when he took the first assignment from Vanity Fair--but there was something going on with the Parkland students that grabbed him, and he--with the help of his a...
2019-05-2440 min
#AmWriting160: #10MonthsfromStarttoDeadline
Parkland author Dave Cullen on everything you ever wanted to know about pitching and writing a topical nonfiction book at top speed (and going broke doing it).
We talked to Dave Cullen, about writing Parkland: Birth of a Movement, in ten months while he was 3 years overdue on his current book.
"I'm just not gonna tell Gail," he said of his editor when he took the first assignment from Vanity Fair--but there was something going on with the Parkland students that grabbed him, and he--with the help of his agent, Betsy Lerner--grabbed it.
"I ju...
2019-05-2440 min
MODERN ATHENASMODERN ATHENAS Episode 30: More than a Game, A Sisterhood / The Bridge LadiesThis episode is the first of a series that focus on women that contribute to our personal toolkit: ways to navigate life’s challenges, tips on how to find those people who you can lean on and guide you, inspiration to persevere through challenges, how to be brave, courageous, and never quit.In The Bridge Ladies, Betsy Lerner brings us into her mother's bridge group, a group of women who have been playing bridge together every week for fifty-five years. The women have crossed through the decades together, watching each other's children be born, grow up, and have fa...
2017-09-2654 min
PEN AmericaNew Writers Evening, 2/19/1987Four emerging writers—Betsy Lerner, Eugene Richie, Susan Pliner, and Donald Pizzarello—read from their work.
2017-01-051h 10
2016-11-3000 min
Cook Memorial Public Library PodcastEp. 25: Thanksgiving Special EditionAdult Services Staff members Jocelyn, Becky, and Cyndi discuss the books that they are thankful for this year.
Click to view slideshow.
http://traffic.libsyn.com/cooklib/Ep._25__Thanksgiving_Special_Edition.mp3
Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin
The Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
2016-11-2300 min
Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach#70: What to Do When You're Unsure How to BeginOnce upon a time...
In the beginning…
Call me Ishmael...
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation...
Beginnings are inevitable, but good beginnings—are essential. And challenging. We’re told we must hook the reader in the first few words and that effective introductions will make or break our story, our message.
We need the attention grabber, and we’re told to use something like a startling fact, a quippy quotation, a top-of-mind question, or suspenseful narrative. The first line, we’re told, is everything: draw the reader in within seconds or you’ve...
2016-09-2706 min
Full Trial Audiobooks in Biography & Memoir, WomenThe Bridge Ladies: A Memoir by Betsy LernerPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/263016 to listen full audiobooks. Title: The Bridge Ladies: A Memoir Author: Betsy Lerner Narrator: Orlagh Cassidy Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 8 hours 52 minutes Release date: May 3, 2016 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 4 of Total 3 Ratings of Narrator: 4 of Total 1 Genres: Women Publisher's Summary: A fifty-year-old Bridge game provides an unexpected way to cross the generational divide between a daughter and her mother. Betsy Lerner takes us on a powerfully personal literary journey, where we learn a little about Bridge and a lot about life. After a lifetime defining herself in contrast to her mother’s “don’t ask...
2016-05-0305 min
Enjoy Selection of Full Audiobooks in Fiction & Literature, GeneralBridge Ladies: A Memoir - Betsy LernerListen to this audiobook in full for free onhttps://epod.spaceTitle: Bridge Ladies: A MemoirAuthor: Betsy LernerNarrator: Orlagh CassidyFormat: UnabridgedLength: 8:52:00Language: EnglishRelease date: 05-03-2016Publisher: Harper WaveGenres: Biography & Memoir, LiterarySummary:A fifty-year-old Bridge game provides an unexpected way to cross the generational divide between a daughter and her mother. Betsy Lerner takes us on a powerfully personal literary journey, where we learn a little about Bridge and a lot about life.
After a lifetime defining herself...
2016-05-038h 52
Audiobooks in Biography & MemoirThe Bridge Ladies: A Memoir by Betsy LernerPlease visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/263016 to listen full audiobooks. Title: The Bridge Ladies: A Memoir Author: Betsy Lerner Narrator: Orlagh Cassidy Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 8 hours 52 minutes Release date: May 3, 2016 Ratings: Ratings of Book: 4 of Total 3 Ratings of Narrator: 4 of Total 1 Genres: Memoirs Publisher's Summary: A fifty-year-old Bridge game provides an unexpected way to cross the generational divide between a daughter and her mother. Betsy Lerner takes us on a powerfully personal literary journey, where we learn a little about Bridge and a lot about life. After a lifetime defining herself in contrast to her mother’s “don’t ask...
2016-05-0305 min
Tablet StudiosFree AgentsThis week on Unorthodox: Broad City skewers Birthright. Our Jewish guest is literary agent and author Betsy Lerner, whose latest book, The Bridge Ladies, tells the story of the women in her mother’s bridge group, which has been meeting weekly for 50 years. Our Gentile of the Week is CNN political reporter Nia-Malika Henderson, who covers the 2016 election with a special focus on identity politics, exploring the dynamics of demographics, race and religion. We love to hear from you! Email us at Unorthodox@tabletmag.com. Sign up for our weekly newsletter at http://bit.ly/UnorthodoxPodcast. Come see us l...
2016-04-2840 min
The New School at Commonweal2015.09.01: Betsy Stroman with Michael Lerner - The Sausalito Village ExperienceBetsy Stroman
The Sausalito Village Experience: Will this help us in West Marin?
Join TNS Host Michael Lerner for a conversation with Betsy Stroman—founder and former director of Sausalito Village, a volunteer-based non-profit organization that has been offering services to support independent senior living since October 2010. Their mission is to enhance the ability of members to live independently, remaining active and integral to their community as they age.
Betsy Stroman
Betsy is a founder and former president of the board of Sausalito Village. She stepped down from the board presidency in spring 2015, but remains vice president of the board. Sa...
2015-08-291h 19
The New School at Commonweal2014.08.15: Betsy MacGregor - "In Awe of Being Human"Betsy MacGregor, MD
In Awe of Being Human
~Part of the End-of-Life Conversation Series~
Join TNS Host Michael Lerner for a conversation with Dr. Betsy MacGregor, cancer survivor, retired medical doctor, author, and founding board member of Enso House, a hospice residence providing compassionate, holistic care for terminally ill patients and their families.
From decades of work as a hospital-based physician and end-of-life researcher, and from her own experience as a cancer patient, Dr. MacGregor has come to view illness and death as profound teachers that carve out in us a deeper understanding of what it means to be human...
2014-08-132h 02