Shows
Behind The StackSecond Quarter Favs with Renee from @itsbooktalkBrett sits down with Renee from @itsbooktalk to talk about our favs from quarter two. A total of ten books including: -Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin-In the Days of My Youth, I Was Told What It Means To Be a Man by Tom Junod-Smile or You're Doing It Wrong by Andy Glaze-Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer-Wonderland by Jennifer Hiller-Fruit Fly by Josh Silver-Kingfisher by Rosie Kelly-Transcription by Ben Lerner-Count the Ways by J...
2026-06-3053 min
Behind The StackMeg Charlton, VoyagersBrett sits down with debut author Meg Charlton to discuss her timely book, Voyagers. They talk about childhood friends and the life events that bond us, choosing character perspective, the human capacity to normalize extraordinary events, writing an ambiguous ending, an alien named Allen, and perhaps the most unique (?) self help book you'll ever hear.Meg's website: https://megcharlton.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/@brettsbookstackB...
2026-06-2339 min
Behind The StackRasheed Newson, There's Only One Sin In HollywoodBrett talks with author Rasheed Newson about his latest book, 'There's Only One Sin In Hollywood.' They discuss dreamers in Hollywood and what it takes to succeed, Diahann Carroll and Sydney Poitier, and writing real life icons into stories, stars and privacy, oppression and creating safe spaces, mixing politics with celebrity, and the double standards that still exist in the industry.Rasheed's website:https://www.rasheednewson.com/Rasheed's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rasheed.newson.author/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast...
2026-06-1639 min
Behind The StackClaire Fuller, Hunger & ThirstBrett talks with Claire Fuller about her new novel, 'Hunger & Thirst'. They discuss writing without a plot, being drawn to dark stories, horror movies, book lists, and find out who became a character in the book. The book anthology Claire talks about:https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Unquiet-Guests-by-Dan-Coxon-editor/9781917792073Claire's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/writerclairefuller/Claire's website:https://clairefuller.co.uk/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind the S...
2026-06-0938 min
Behind The StackNatalie Adler, Waiting On A FriendBrett talks with writer Natalie Adler about her debut novel, 'Waiting On A Friend'. They discuss the inspiration for the book, belief in the paranormal, the AIDS crisis, getting married, caretaking lesbians, and a magical creature named Chester.Natalie's website:https://www.natalie-adler.comNatalie's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/natalie.and.chester/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:
2026-06-0235 min
Behind The StackJohn Glynn, The Lost Book Of LancelotBrett sits down with author John Glynn to discuss his fiction debut, 'The Lost Book Of Lancelot'. They talk about his work as an editor, the massive source material behind this book, queering a legend, staying true to a time period while keeping in mind a modern audience, and the difficulty in writing a love scene. John's website:http://johnglynn.net/John's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/glynner85/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!Watch Behind t...
2026-05-2633 min
Behind The StackDjamel White, All Them DogsBrett sits down with writer Djamel White to discuss his debut novel, 'All Them Dogs'. They talk about early reading and Roddy Doyle's Fighting Words, gangster inspiration, toxic masculinity and feeling like an outsider. Tattoos, gender roles, and the explosive collision of desire and fear. Djamel's Website:https://djamelwhite.com/Djamel's instagram:https://www.instagram.com/djamelwhitewriter/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
2026-05-1929 min
How We Role: A Podcast for Actors by Casting NetworksKeep It Simple: 'Shrinking' Casting Directors on Audition Advice That BooksSubmit a question!What do TV casting directors actually want in a self-tape? We're scrubbing in with acclaimed Casting Directors Debbie Romano and Brett Benner of Romano/Benner Casting. From One Tree Hill to Scrubs to ABC's Scrubs revival to Apple TV’s Shrinking, these two are a true powerhouse pair. Sitting down with host and actor Robert Peterpaul, they break down auditions from a casting perspective and share how actors can make smarter, more grounded choices that actually lead them to getting on set.In this episode for actors, you’ll learn...
2026-05-121h 03
Behind The StackDouglas Stuart, John of JohnBrett sits down with Douglas Stuart for his latest book, 'John of John'. They discuss his transition from designer to writer, what brought him to the books location, the Hebrides, the liberation of writing fathers and sons, living in a place with religious conservatism, queerness in a masculine environment, and returning as an adult to the home you grew up in. Douglas' website:https://www.douglasdstuart.com/Douglas' instagram:https://www.instagram.com/douglas_stuart/If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never m...
2026-05-1240 min
Behind The StackSummer Books 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