Shows
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
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/@brettsbookstack
2025-06-1737 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/@brettsbookstack
2025-05-3044 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