Shows
Behind The StackBehind the Stack with Tim Ehrenberg of Tim Talks BooksBrett sits down with Tim Ehrenberg of @Timtalksbooks who is also the cohost of the popular book podcast, Books, Beach & Beyond with Elin Hilderbrand, and the President of the Nantucket Book Foundation which produces the Nantucket Book Festival. They discuss his own bookish origin story, his podcast and friendship with Elin as well as the hugely acclaimed book festival. Tim then shares six summer books and one from fall to add to your TBR.Tim's website: www.timtalksbooks.comTim's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timtalksbooks/The Nantucket Book Festival:...
2026-05-0541 min
Behind The StackTJ Klune, We Burned So BrightBrett sits down with author TJ Klune to discuss his latest book 'We Burned So Bright'. They talk books from when they were younger, and find more than one in common. They touch on the Heated Rivalry zeitgeist, where the idea for the book came from, centering a story on older protagonists, age and maintaining curiosity, and the ultimate belief in the goodness of people.TJ's website:https://www.tjklunebooks.com/TJ's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tjklunebooks/If you like what you're hearing on this...
2026-04-2848 min
Behind The StackStephanie Sy-Quia, A Private ManIn this episode Brett sits down with Stephanie Sy-Quia to discuss her debut novel, 'A Private Man'. They talk Catholicism, elder care, writing from real life, being a foodie, male beauty, women ahead of their time, a life of service and having a soul fulfilled. Stephanie's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/c_est_qui77/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstackBookshop.org page:
2026-04-2141 min
Behind The StackKristin T. Lee, We Mend With GoldIn this episode Brett sits down with author Kristin T Lee, to discuss her debut, 'We Mend With Gold'. They talk about the path that led her to writing this, bringing yourself to God, inclusivity and expanding the spiritual circle, raising kids today in Christianity, coming out on social media as a Christian, and what is it that keeps her in the church. Kristin's website:https://kristintlee.comKristin's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ktlee.writes/?hl=enIf you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe s...
2026-04-1437 min
Behind The StackEmma Straub, American FantasyIn this episode Brett sits down with Emma Straub to discuss her new book, "American Fantasy'. They talk cruises (of course) Boy Bands (for sure), MTV, fame, childhood crushes, recapturing memories from your youth, growing older and staying younger, opera, Sondheim, and some special books recs of two debut authors. Emma's website:https://www.emmastraub.net/Emma's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emmastraub/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:h...
2026-04-0745 min
Behind The StackLuke Dumas, Nothing Tastes as GoodIn this episode Brett sits down with author Luke Dumas to discuss his new book, 'Nothing Tastes As Good'. They talk about body image and body shaming, GLP drugs, what led to the moment he decided to write this book, and the book by a horror master that planted the seed to someday write this book. Luke's website:https://www.lukedumas.com/Luke's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thenewdumas/https://bookshop.org/lists/episode-75-luke-dumas/editIf you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe s...
2026-03-3131 min
Behind The StackFirst Quarter Favs with Renee from @itsbooktalkIn this chock full episode, Brett and returning guest Renee from @itsbooktalk discuss some of their top reads from the first quarter of 2026 as well as six books we're looking forward to in quarter two. Get ready to fill up your TBRs! Renee's substackhttps://substack.com/@itsbooktalkRenee's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/itsbooktalk/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstack
2026-03-261h 05
Behind The StackWade Rouse, That's What Friends Are ForIn this episode Brett sits down with Wade Rouse to discuss his Golden Girls inspired book, 'That's What Friends Are For'. They talk age, queer cross pollination, the impact his Grandmother had on his life, spirituality, friendship, and a foodie walk through Palm Springs. Wade's website:https://waderouse.com/Wade's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/authorwaderouse/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstackB...
2026-03-2437 min
Behind The StackLori Inglis Hall, The Shock of the LightBrett sits down with author Lori Inglis Hall to discuss her debut novel, 'The Shock of the Light'. They talk about her passion for history, the photographer Lee Miller, the inspiration for this story, spies and double agents during the second World War, strong female protagonists, and characters with secrets.Lori's website:https://www.loriinglishall.co.uk/Lori's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/loriinglishall/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!...
2026-03-1732 min
Behind The StackJordy Rosenberg, Night Night SwanIn this episode Brett sits down with Jordy Rosenberg to discuss his latest novel, "Night Night Swan". The talk about writing satire and the value of it, Transphobia, Palestine and growing up with Zionist parents, writing female friendship, lesbian and trans sci fi, and how he ended up narrating the book. Jordy's website:https://www.jordy-rosenberg.com/Jordy's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jordyrosenberg/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the S...
2026-03-1038 min
Behind The StackRachel Hochhauser, Lady TremaineIn this epsiode Brett sits down with author Rachel Hochhauser to discuss her debut novel, 'Lady Tremaine'. They talk about the inspiration for the retelling of Cinderella, being a Mother, her approach to writing, updating Happily Ever After, and her company, Piecework. Rachel's website:https://rachelhochhauser.com/Rachel's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hochhauser/Piecework Puzzles:https://pieceworkpuzzles.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=8557565999&gbraid=0AAAAAClnu0SkIvC1TP0qP31EaWMZL4tlQ&gclid=CjwKCAiAh5XNBhAAEiwA_Bu8FeyDHPpj9J_EGYt80wfJqHgbcDbEoruU-ZtgRwd4m1rY0ibG28_1bRoC2VMQAvD_BwE
2026-03-0331 min
Behind The StackChristopher Castellani, Last SeenIn this episode Brett sits down with Christopher Castellani to talk about his new book, 'Last Seen'. They discuss the origins for this mystery that is tinged with magical realism, the magnet and draw of youth, writing flawed characters, faith, anxiety, and the magical connection between author and reader. Christopher's website:https://christophercastellani.com/Christopher's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdcastellani/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:
2026-02-2433 min
Behind The StackGrant Ginder, So Old, So YoungIn this episode Brett sits down with author Grant Ginder to discuss his new book, 'So Old, So Young'. They talk about the challenge of this particular book, moving from politics to prose, a Sondheim musical, the brat pack and The Big Chill, how small decisions accumulate into a life, the intensity of college friendships, and how he's personally handling being so old, so young. Grant's website:https://www.grantginder.com/Grant's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grantginder/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe s...
2026-02-1740 min
Behind The StackPatmeena Sabit, Good PeopleIn this episode Brett sits down with author Patmeena Sabit to discuss her debut novel, 'Good People'. They talk about her path from reader to writer, the unique narrative style of the book, growing up as a young woman in the Afghani community, and the expectations that community and family place on the shoulders of women. If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstackBookshop.org page:https://www.bookshop.org/s...
2026-02-1033 min
Behind The StackAshley Winstead, The Future SaintsIn this episode Brett sits down with author Ashley Winstead to discuss her new book, 'The Future Saints'. They talk about the book's surprising origin, her connection to music and the music industry, what she would want to be if not a writer, music documentaries, and the raw creation of music vs writing. Ashley's website:https://www.ashleywinstead.com/Ashley's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stories/ashleywinsteadbooks/The Future Saints Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2p9jAqTrQucrizB3Rflw78?si=bxjvZ96ESo2ffLO8H-wl_w
2026-01-2741 min
Behind The StackJennifer Niven, Meet The NewmansIn this episode Brett sits down with Jennifer Niven to discuss her book, 'Meet the Newmans'. They talk about antiquated grade school classes, her mother and how she was inspirational for the character of Dinah, working in a male dominated profession, the musicians who inspired key characters in the book, and why she made the decision to set the story in the time period she did. Jennifer's website:https://www.jenniferniven.com/Jennifer's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jenniferniven/If you like what y...
2026-01-2036 min
Behind The StackRosie Storey, Dandelion Is DeadIn the season three premiere Brett sits down with author Rosie Storey to discuss her debut novel, "Dandelion is Dead". They talk about growing up on a farm and later when she began to write. Trying to understand the 'cataclysm of death', the yin and yang of the central sisters, writing men vs women, and her eclectic taste in music. Rosie's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rosiestorey/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch B...
2026-01-1431 min
Behind The Stack4th Quarter Favs with Renee from ItsbooktalkBrett is joined once agin with Renee from itsbooktalk where they discuss their fourth quarter favs as well as giving up one book each they know will be on their best of the year lists. Books discussed:-Running Man by Charlie Engle-Life & Death & Giants by Ron Rindo-Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman-The Director by Daniel Kehlmann-Just Mercy by Brian Stevenson-Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicolas Boggs-The Bird Hotel by Joyce Maynard-Minor Black F...
2025-12-0959 min
Behind The StackJustinian Huang, Lucky SeedIn this episode Brett sits down with author Justinian Huang to talk about his new book, Lucky Seed.They discuss his travel life, his hero growing up, writing Asian LA, Hungry Ghost, why a twist needs to be earned, Chinese Palace Dramas and Jackie Collins. Justinian's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/justinianhuang/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstackBookshop.org page:https://www.bookshop.org/s...
2025-11-2537 min
Behind The StackQuiara Alegria Hudes, The White HotIn this episode Brett sits down with Quiara Alegria Hudes to discuss her fiction debut, 'The White Hot'. They discuss childhood imagination and when writing started for her. Why Daphne Rubin Vega was the best choice for the audio recording, Siddhartha and story book archetypes, Jagged Little Pill, and the differences between being a novelist vs a playright.Quiara's website:https://www.quiara.com/Quiara's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/quiaraalegria/The White Hot playlist:https://open.spotify.com/show/21rEwC8CJyHViJI0fc4Iro?si=vVt_XOgsQSKHbQ5CtsLMLQ...
2025-11-1835 min
Behind The StackLance Garland, Out ThereIn this episode Brett sits down with Lance Garland to discuss his new memoir, 'Out There'. They talk about growing up gay in an ultra conservative home, the Navy SEALS and the physical demands of both that and being a firefighter, why firefighting as a profession, and embracing risk in ones job and in life. Lance's website:https://www.lancegarland.com/Lance's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/outtherewithlance/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack o...
2025-11-1341 min
Behind The StackBrian Schaefer, Town & CountryIn this episode Brett sits down with author Brian Schaefer to discuss his debut novel 'Town & Country'. They delve into his dance history and how that transitioned into writing, what inspired the story, removing outside political influences while writing about politics, and perhaps a favorite musical or two.Brian's website:https://www.brian-schaefer.com/aboutBrian's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/itsbrianschaefer/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https...
2025-11-1141 min
Behind The StackCatherine Newman, WreckIn this episode Brett sits down with author Catherine Newman to discuss her latest book, 'Wreck'. They talk about writing as therapy, kids, empty nesting, growing old, anxiety, long term relationships, and a small casting session on who could play Rocky. Catherine's website:https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com/Catherine's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/catherinewman/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstack
2025-11-0439 min
Behind The StackMax Delsohn, CrawlIn this episode Brett sits down with writer Max Delsohn to talk about his debut collection of short stories, 'Crawl'. They discuss, trans masculine life in Seattle, what dream profession he wished for, a love for music, a dive into Stephen Sondheim, and his stand up past. Max's website:https://www.maxdelsohn.com/Max's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/maxdelsohn/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.c...
2025-10-2844 min
Behind The StackRon Rindo: Life, & Death, & GiantsIn this episode Brett sits down with author Ron Rindo to talk about his new novel 'Life, & Death, & Giants'. They discuss where the giant idea sprang from, the Amish community, his favorite character in the book, and who was the inspiration for that character, the poetry of Emily Dickinson, and they take a run at which actresses could be right for the character of Hannah. Ron's website:https://ronrindo.com/ron's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rrindoauthor/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so y...
2025-10-2140 min
Behind The StackKirsten Miller, The Women Of Wild HillIn this episode Brett sits down with Kirsten Miller to discuss her new book, 'The Women of Wild Hill'. They talk about her early work in advertising, the things that are passed on through generations, the collective power of women, what she would choose as her magical ability, and the advice she'd give to young women today. Kirsten's website:https://www.kirstenmillerbooks.comKirsten's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kirstenmillerbooks/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you n...
2025-10-1436 min
Behind The Stack3rd Quarter Favs and Anticipated Fall Titles with Renee from @itsbooktalkIn this episode Brett is joined with returning guest Renee from @itsbooktalk to discuss some of our favs from quarter three, as well as discuss some titles we're excited about in the final quarter of the year! This episode is avail at the link in my bio or from your podcast platform of choice!Renee’s substack:https://substack.com/@itsbooktalk?utm_source=global-searchIf you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@b...
2025-10-071h 04
Behind The StackSam Sussman, Boy From the North CountryIn this episode Brett sits down with author Sam Sussman to talk about his debut novel, 'Boy From the North Country'. They discuss audio books and narrating his own story, fiction vs non fiction and the way we view both, transforming life experiences into art, and discovering your parent even after their death. Sam's website:https://www.samevansussman.org/Sam's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sam__sussman/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the S...
2025-09-2333 min
Behind The StackAlejandro Varela, Middle SpoonIn this episode Brett sits down with author Alejandro Varela for his book, 'Middle Spoon'. They discuss polyamory, the universality of heartbreak, humor that comes from anxiety, unnamed narrators, playing with biases, and a singer who will be your father figure. Alejandro's website:https://alejandrovarela.work/Alejandro's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drovarela/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstackB...
2025-09-1641 min
Behind The StackJoanne Harris, VianneIn this episode Brett sits down with author Joanne Harris to discuss her latest book, Vianne. They talk about her decision to return the world of Chocolat, her writing shed, the ritual and communion around mealtime and food, and creating art for joy.Joanne's website: https://www.joanne-harris.co.uk/Joanne's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joannechocolat/ Joanne's bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/joannechocolat.bsky.socialIf you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Wa...
2025-09-0935 min
Digital Coffee: Marketing BrewFrom Google to AI: The Future of Local SEO with Bradley BennerReady to supercharge your local SEO game? Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the evolving world of search optimization with expert Bradley Benner. In this episode, we explore how AI and large language models are reshaping the SEO landscape, and what it means for local businesses trying to stand out in their markets.The Shift from Traditional SEO to "Search Everywhere Optimization"Bradley breaks down why the old playbook for local SEO is becoming obsolete. With the rise of AI-powered search and chat platforms, businesses need to think beyond just Google. We discuss:...
2025-09-0335 min
Behind The StackPatrick Ryan, BuckeyeIn this episode Brett sits down with Patrick Ryan to discuss his novel Buckeye. They talk about writing character vs plot, the road to publishing this book, the hardest character to write, and find a common bond over similar childhood book lists. Patrick's website:https://patrickryanbooks.com/Patrick's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/patrickryannyc/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:h...
2025-09-0251 min
Behind The StackSummer Bonus Episode: Leigh Dunlap, Bless Your HeartIn this summer bonus episode Brett sits down with author Leigh Dunlap to discuss her debut thriller, "Bless Your Heart". They talk about her move from Hollywood assistant, to screenwriter, to now author, the three unforgettable scripts she read before they were movies, the Atlanta Buckhead Betties, kids game culture, and which Betty was the only one she had an actress in mind. Leigh's website:https://leighdunlapwrites.com/Leigh's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dunlapwrites/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never m...
2025-08-0531 min
Behind The StackSummer Bonus Episode: Joe Pan, Florida PalmsIn this bonus episode Brett sits down with author Joe Pan to discuss his debut novel, "Florida Palms". They talk about the Florida of the novel, and what real life events precipitated his needing to leave it, his process of leading with character before plot, a confession to his father that led to a surprising response, and the discovery of a genre of animation that will certainly change your google algorithm.Joe's website:https://joepan.com/Joe's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/joepanwrites/If you like what you're hearing...
2025-07-2238 min
Behind The StackSummer Bonus Episode: 2nd Quarter Favs with Renee from ItsBookTalkIn this Summer bonus episode Brett is joined with returning guest Renee from @itsbooktalk to discuss some of our favs from quarter two, and we only had one cross over! This episode is avail at the link in my bio or from your podcast platform of choice!Renee's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbooktalk/Renee's substack:https://substack.com/@itsbooktalk?utm_source=global-searchIf you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack o...
2025-07-1557 min
Behind The StackHonorée Fanonne Jeffers, Misbehaving At The CrossroadsIn this episode Brett sits down with Honorée Fanonne Jeffers to discuss her new book, "Misbehaving At The Crossroads". They talk selling a book, University teaching, Obama and 45, the challenge and vulnerability of writing memoir, Mamas, and Fathers, and being a survivor. Honorée's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/honoree_jeffers/Honorée's website:https://honoreejeffers.comIf you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstackBook...
2025-06-241h 05
Behind The StackChris Chibnall, Death At The White HartIn this episode Brett sits down with writer/producer Chris Chibnall to discuss his debut mystery, 'Death At The White Hart'. They talk around the story, avoiding spoilers, dive into his career as a successful producer on such shows as Dr Who and Broadchurch, and find a mutual admiration for the same bestselling author. Chris' instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chrischibnall/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https://www.youtube.c...
2025-06-2043 min