Shows
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
Behind The StackJess Walter, So Far GoneIn this episode Brett sits down with author Jess Walter to discuss his new book, "So Far Gone". They talk about which character he's written he relates to the most, the backdrop of Spokane Washington, and the eternal battle we all currently face.Jess Walter's website:https://www.jesswalter.comJess Walter's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesswalterbooks/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/@brettsbookstack2025-06-1737 min
Behind The StackRob Franklin, Great Black HopeIn this episode Brett sits down with Rob Franklin to discuss his debut novel, "Great Black Hope". They talk about the intersection of race, class and queerness, Black respectability politics, blending fact and fiction to create a vibrant New York City, and his non for profit initiative Art for Black Lives .Rob's website:https://www.robert-michael-franklin.comRob's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/robfrank__/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:2025-06-1339 min
Behind The StackV.E. Schwab, Bury Our Bones In The Midnight SoilIn this episode Brett sits down with author V.E. Schwab to discuss her latest book, Bury Our Bones In The Midnight Soil. They talk about when heroes disappoint, tackling multiple projects at once, generosity to fans, and paying homage to Anne Rice and her world of vampires. V.E.'s website: https://www.veschwab.com/V.E.'s instagram:https://www.instagram.com/veschwab/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on Yo...2025-06-1042 min
Behind The StackJonathan Park-Ramage, It's Not The End Of The WorldIn this episode Brett sits down with author Jonathan Parks-Ramage for his novel, "It's Not The End of he World". They discuss the incident that inspired this, children in the story and in life, and the central question he asked himself while writing the book.Jonathan's website:https://www.jonathan-p-r.comJonathan's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jprampage/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...2025-06-0641 min
Behind The StackLucas Shaeffer, The SlipIn this episode Brett sits down with Lucas Shaeffer to discuss his debut novel,'The Slip'. They talk about the wide range of characters inhabiting the story's boxing gym, the town of Austin, the many facets of identity, and a possible fascination with clowns. Lucas Shaeffer's website:https://www.lucasschaefer.comLucas' instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lucaseschaefer/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/@brettsbookstack2025-05-3044 min
Behind The StackNicola Dinan, Disappoint MeIn this episode Brett sits down with Nicola Dinan to talk about her sophomore book, "Disappoint Me". They discuss identity and assimilation, what good fiction can do, food writing, and a serendipitous episode of "The White Lotus".Nicola's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nicoladinan/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/shop/brettsbookstackBrett's instagram:https://www...2025-05-2752 min
Behind The StackSummer Book Vibes With Bernie Lombardi & Christopher MettsIn this episode Brett is joined again by bookstagram favs Bernie Lombardi & Christopher Metts to discuss books that play with the idea of summer whether as a vibe, an escape, or something you just might not be able to put down. Christopher's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/christophermetts/Bernie's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bernie.lombardi/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/@b...2025-05-2031 min
Behind The StackJemimah Wei, The Original DaughterIn this episode Brett sits down with Jemimah Wei to talk about her debut book, "The Original Daughter". They discuss the competitive Singapore educational system, the currency of self in social media, and the importance of telling your own stories. Jemimah's website:https://jemmawei.com/Jemimah's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jemmawei/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:h...2025-05-1351 min
Behind The StackMilo Todd, The Lilac PeopleIn this episode Brett sits down with Milo Todd to talk about his debut book, "The Lilac People". They discuss Berlin in the 30s before the ascension of Hitler, The Institute for Sexual Science, Hitler's enemy number one, and the explanation of what was known as a transvestite card. Milo's website:https://www.milotodd.comMilo's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/todd_milo/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...2025-05-0646 min
Behind The StackVirginia Evans, The CorrespondentIn this episode Brett sits down with Virginia Evans to talk about her new book, "The Correspondent". They discuss a trip that changed her life, the gift of correspondence, and the absolute perfect actress to play Sybil. Virginia's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/virginia.l.evans/Virginia's website:https://www.virginiaevansauthor.com/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:h...2025-04-2944 min
Behind The StackJo Harkin, The PretenderIn this episode Brett sits down with author Jo Harkin for her novel, "The Pretender". They discuss her jump from speculative to historical fiction, bawdiness in the Tutor age, and the books that inspired her while writing this.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/shop/brettsbookstackBrett's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bretts.book.stackBehind the...2025-04-2528 min
Behind The StackSarah Damoff, The Bright YearsIn this episode Brett sits down with author Sarah Damoff for her debut novel, "The Bright Years" The discuss her work as a social worker, her unique path to publishing the book, the challenge of loving someone with an addiction, and finding grace in our children and the generosity of childhood.Sarah's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sarahdamoff/Sarah's website:https://www.sarahdamoff.comthe cover art artist:https://www.instagram.com/youngparkartist/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you...2025-04-2238 min
Behind The StackDenne Michele Norris, When The Harvest ComesIn this episode Brett sits down with Denne Michele Norris to discuss her debut novel, "When The Harvest Comes". They discuss introverts vs extroverts, finding freedom within the form of writing, fathers and their queer children, and the perfect actor to cast for a key role in the book.Denne's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thedennemichele/Denne's website:https://www.dennemichele.com/food 4 Thot:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/food-4-thot/id1200684765If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so...2025-04-1839 min
Behind The StackSeán Hewitt, Open HeavenIn this episode Brett sits down with writer Seán Hewitt to talk about his debut fiction novel, "Open Heaven". They discuss the power of longing, the rite of passage of first crushes, and examine the relationship between gay and straight men. Seán's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/seanehewitt/Seáns website:https://www.seanehewitt.com/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/@bret...2025-04-1538 min
Behind The StackRay Nayler, Where the Axe Is BuriedIn this episode Brett sits down with writer Ray Nayler for his new book, "Where The Axe is Buried". They discuss what fiction does well, the success in getting a book to engage you and parallels with current events, and what helps him stay hopeful when the world can feel pessimistic. Ray's website:https://www.raynayler.net/Ray's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/raynayler/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:2025-04-0836 min
Behind The StackBonus EP! First Quarter Favs with Renee from ItsBookTalkIn this bonus episode Brett sits down with returning guest, Renee from ItsBookTalk where we discuss some of our first quarter favs as well as revisit books we spoke about at the beginning of the year we were looking forward to. Renee's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/itsbookstalkRenee's substack: https://itsbooktalk.substack.comOther accounts mentioned: Katie @: https://https://www.instagram.com/stories/basicbsguide/Sarah @: https://fictionmatters.substack.com/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!...2025-04-0357 min
Behind The StackPaul Rudnick, What Is Wrong With You?In this episode Brett sits down with author Paul Rudnick to discuss his new book, "What Is Wrong With You?" They talk about the fun of writing a wide variety of characters, tech bros and technology, as well as the best junk food for the sweet tooth in your life.Paul's website:https://paulrudnick.com/about-paul-rudnick/Paul's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/paulrudnick/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:...2025-04-0143 min
Behind The StackKristen Arnett, Stop Me If You've Heard This OneIn this episode Brett sits down with author Kristen Arnett to discuss her new book, "Stop Me If You've Heard This One". They talk about clowns of course, the great state of Florida, but also following a non traditional writing path that can still be as equally if not more rewarding than a traditional route.Kristen's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kristen__arnett/Kristen's substack:https://kristenarnett.substack.com/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!2025-03-2537 min
Behind The StackSyed M Masood, The Last Man In ParadiseIn this episode Brett sits down with author Syed M. Masood to discuss his new book, The Last Man In Paradise. They talk about religious conservatism in current times, blending comedy and tragedy in writing, and take a nostalgic walk through sitcoms. Syed's website:https://www.syed-masood.com/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/shop/b...2025-03-1829 min
Behind The StackEmily St. James, WoodworkingIn this episode Brett sits down with Emily St. James to discuss her debut novel 'Woodworking' They talk about the title of the book and its relevance today, growing up in rural South Dakota, trans people in history, and why a sequel won't happen but what it could be.Emily's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emilystjams/https://www.assignedmedia.org/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/@brettsbookstack2025-03-1342 min
Behind The StackCharlotte McConaghy, Wild Dark ShoreIn this episode Brett sits down with Charlotte McConaghy to discuss her new book, 'Wild Dark Shore'. They talk about the island that inspired the fictional one from the novel, the way she visualizes her characters, the far reaching effects of climate change, and what it all affects beyond us. Charlotte's website:https://www.charlottemcconaghy.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macquarie_IslandIf you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the S...2025-03-0431 min
Behind The StackAllison Epstein, Fagin The ThiefIn this episode Brett sits down with Allison Epstein to discuss her new book, Fagin The Thief. They talk about the reimagining of literary characters, her inspiration for taking on Fagin, and agree on a pretty awful song from the musical Oliver.Allison's website: https://allisonepstein.com/Allison's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rapscallison/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/@brettsbookstack2025-02-2530 min
Behind The StackAlejandro Heredia, LocaThis week Brett sits down with author Alejandro Heredia to discuss his debut novel, 'Loca'. They talk about immigration, the book that made him a reader, creating characters not defined by race, gender or sexuality, and the importance of finding 'your people'.Alejandro Heredia is a writer from the Bronx. He has received fellowships from LAMBDA Literary, Dominican Studies Institute, UNLV’s Black Mountain Institute, and elsewhere. He received an MFA in fiction from Hunter College. Loca is his debut novel.Alejandro's website:https://www.aleheredia.com/Alejandro's instagram:ht...2025-02-1130 min
Behind The StackOlivia Wolfgang-Smith, Mutual InterestIn this episode Brett sits down with Olivia Wolfgang-Smith to discuss her new novel, "Mutual Interest" which is an Indie Next Pick for February. We talk about the books third person narrative, gender roles, found families, capitalism, and finding queer joy in historical fiction.Olivia's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/owolfgangsmith/Olivia's website:http://wolfgangsmith.squarespace.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...2025-02-0434 min
Behind The StackKristin Koval, PenitenceIn this episode Brett sits down with Kristin Koval to discuss her debut novel, “Penitence” which is the Barnes and Noble Discover pick for February. She talks about her former career as a lawyer, her path to becoming a writer, empathy for characters, and the journey from tragedy to forgiveness. Kristin's website:https://kristinkoval.com/Kristin's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kristinkovalwriterIf you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube:https...2025-01-2831 min
Behind The StackCynthia Weiner, A Gorgeous ExcitementIn this episode Brett sits down with Cynthia Weiner to discuss her debut novel, A Gorgeous Excitement. They talk about New York in the eighties, the shocking inspiration behind the book, and we learn if Cynthia is more an optimist or pessimist. Cynthia's Website:www.cynthiaweiner.comCynthia's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaweinerIf 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 pa...2025-01-2132 min