Shows
The Bookshop PodcastWonderland Books: How Two Friends Built A Beloved Indie BookstoreSend us a textHi, this week I'm chatting with Amy Joyce and Gayle Weiswasser, co-owners of Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Maryland.What turns a bookstore into a place where people feel part of a community? We asked Wonderland Books co-owners Amy Joyce and Gail Weiswasser, whose Bethesda shop blends sharp curation, joyful whimsy, and real community care—right down to a wall of Polaroids featuring every visiting dog.We trace their unlikely routes into bookselling—Amy from nearly three decades at the Washington Post and Gail from law and corporate communications—and how th...
2025-11-0543 min
The Bookshop PodcastVinny Browne and the Magic of Charlie Byrne's BookshopSend us a textIn this episode, I’m chatting with Vinny Browne from Charlie Byrne's Bookshop in the heart of Galway City, Ireland. At Charlie Byrne’s, you can explore their labyrinthine maze of over 100,000 books: new, second-hand, bargain, and antiquarian. Vinny takes us behind the scenes of this beloved institution, revealing how its organic growth mirrors the evolution of Irish literary culture itself. "Books have a continuous life," he explains, describing the shop's mission to connect forgotten volumes with new readers who might not yet know they're searching for these exact stories. ...
2025-05-0538 min
The Bookshop PodcastTom Muckian & Roe River Books: The shortest river stands against the Amazon tideSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with Tom Muckian about Roe River Books, a thriving independent bookshop in Dundalk, Ireland. The name itself carries a powerful story of resistance. Tom deliberately named his shop after the world's shortest river as a symbolic counterpoint to Amazon, the world's longest. "I want to be the polar opposite of what Amazon represents," he explains. "I want to be about people and community and recommending books, not algorithms."Most compelling is Tom's perspective on what makes a great bookseller—understanding that it's not about ind...
2025-04-2141 min
The Bookshop PodcastAuthor and Playwright Lucy Caldwell on Identity, Art, and BelongingSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with Lucy Caldwell about contemporary Irish literature's vibrant yet complex landscape, her latest novel, These Days, and profound philosophical insights. Growing up in Belfast during the Troubles in a "mixed marriage" family—Protestant father, Catholic mother—Caldwell developed a unique perspective that informs her award-winning writing. Lucy describes writing during the pandemic and experiencing "a portal between worlds" as she researched the Blitz while living through COVID lockdowns. Lucy Caldwell was born in Belfast in 1981. She is the author...
2025-04-0754 min
The Bookshop PodcastLiterary Visionary: Aina Marti of Héloïse PressSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with Aina Marti, founder of Heloise Press, who shares her journey from academia to independent publishing and how she's created a home for contemporary female voices from around the world.• From academic roots studying Spanish and English literature to completing a PhD in comparative literature• How reading Rachel Cusk's Arlington Park became an epiphany moment that inspired her to start a publishing company• The clear vision behind Heloise Press: publishing contemporary female voices telling women's stories that other women can relate to• Working across l...
2025-03-3134 min
The Bookshop PodcastPaul Rudnick's Latest Novel, What Is Wrong With You? Is A Laugh-Out-Loud Look At Modern LoveSend us a textIn this episode, Mandy welcomes Paul Rudnick back to the show to discuss his hilarious new novel What Is Wrong With You?SynopsisA tech billionaire and the flight attendant he’s marrying. A TV superhero who used to be married to the flight attendant. A Manhattan book editor and the sensitivity associate who got him fired. A twenty-three-year-old wild child prodigy who’s perhaps the savior of American literature. A vengeful Arkansas sheriff who sells a vitamin-enriched, ten-pounds-off-today demulsifier. A Wall Street bro...
2025-03-241h 07
The Bookshop PodcastFrom Bookshop to Publishing House: Jean-Paul L. Garnier's Literary JourneySend us a textIn this episode, I speak with sci-fi writer, editor, and publisher Jean-Paul L. Garnier, who shares his journey from avid reader to the owner of Space Cowboy Books, a thriving indie bookstore and publishing house in Joshua Tree, California. He reveals how science fiction offers writers complete creative freedom to explore human psychology through fantastical settings.More than just a desert bookstore, Space Cowboy Books represents a multifaceted literary ecosystem. Starting in 2016 as a modest shed, it quickly expanded into a proper storefront near Joshua Tree National Park – where the stunning la...
2025-03-1731 min
The Bookshop PodcastThe Layers of Legacy in Nayantara Roy's Debut Novel The Magnificent RuinsSend us a textDiscover the intricate layers of family dynamics and cultural identity in The Magnificent Ruins, the debut novel by Nayantara Roy. Set against the vibrant backdrops of Brooklyn and Kolkata, the story centers around Lila, a millennial who inherits her grandfather's crumbling mansion, unleashing a wave of family secrets and legacies that challenge her understanding of self and history. Nayantara enriches our conversation with her multicultural experiences, navigating the dual identities of a television executive and novelist. Her reflections on the cultural nuances of silence in familial relationships...
2025-03-0332 min
The Bookshop PodcastKett's Books: A Community's Triumph in Wymondham, UKSend us a textThe story of Kett's Books reveals how a community rallied to keep a beloved local bookshop in their town. Through the values of collaboration and empathy, the bookshop has become a thriving center for readers and volunteers alike, bridging the gap between literature and community.• Discussion of the closure of the original local bookshop • Formation of a community-led initiative to open Ketz Books • Tracy's background as a story strategist and its relevance to bookselling • The significance of the name Ketz Books and its historical roots • Community involvement in curating th...
2025-02-1728 min
The Bookshop PodcastFrom Journalism to Novels: Marissa Stapley on Writing, Grunge, and Creative SuccessSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with Marissa Stapley about her novel The Lightning Bottles. The story navigates the intertwined paths of love, fame, and addiction through the lens of the 90s music scene. The episode explores themes of identity, media scrutiny, and the struggle for redemption, highlighting the complex dynamics between its characters.• Discussion on the transition from journalism to fiction writing • The role of deadlines in fostering creativity • Key themes of addiction and codependency in relationships • Exploration of media representations of women in music • The significance of fan relatio...
2025-02-0331 min
The Bookshop PodcastInnovative Bookshop Strategies Unveiled With Rosebud Book Barn's GM Matt LupicaSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with Matt Lupica, General Manager of Rosebud Book Barn, a family-run independent bookstore in Victoria, Australia. We explore the unique relationship between the bookstore and its community, the importance of customer feedback, and the innovative tools that help independent bookstores thrive in today's digital age.We also discuss:• Insights into Matt's unconventional journey into bookselling• The role of community in shaping the offerings at The Book Barn• Exploring the integration of art supplies to cater to local artists• The significance of YourBookstore.io in co...
2025-01-0637 min
The Bookshop PodcastTranslating Italian Literature: A Journey with Oonagh StranskySend us a textIn this episode, I chat with translator Oonagh Stransky about her love of the Italian language, the importance of small presses, Héloïse Press, and the art of translating books to English. Oonagh Stransky has translated a range of fiction and nonfiction writers, including Roberto Saviano, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Giuseppe Pontiggia, and Carlo Lucarelli. Her work has received important prizes and nominations. Born in Paris, Stransky grew up in the Middle East, London, and the United States and attended Mills College, Middlebury College, and Columbia University. A member of...
2024-12-2335 min
The Bookshop PodcastJennifer Clement: From Dance to Writing, Advocacy, and the Power of StorytellingSend us a textJennifer Clement is President Emerita of the human rights and freedom of expression organization PEN International and the only woman to hold the office of President (2015-2021) since the organization was founded in 1921. Under her leadership, the groundbreaking PEN International Women’s Manifesto and The Democracy of the Imagination Manifesto were created. As President of PEN Mexico (2009-2012), Clement was instrumental in changing the law to make the crime of killing a journalist a federal crime. Clement is the author of the novels A True Story Based on Lies, The Poison Tha...
2024-12-1641 min
The Bookshop PodcastThreads of History and Fiction with Kimberly BrockSend us a textHi, In this episode, I chat with Kimberly Brock about her novel, The Fabled Earth.Kimberly Brock is the bestselling author of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Townsend Prize for Fiction, and The River Witch, recipient of the Georgia Author of the Year Award. Kimberly, a former actor and special needs educator, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of West Georgia in 1996. She founded Tinderbox Writers Workshop, a transformative creative experience for wo...
2024-12-0926 min
The Bookshop PodcastFrom Corporate Hustle to Cottagecore and Books: Ova Ceren's Journey of Literary PassionSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with Ova Ceren about her highly popular social media channels excusemyreading, her upcoming debut novel, and reading.Ova Ceren is a creative spirit nestled in the heart of Cambridge, sharing the magic of books, reading, and cottagecore. With a passion for cozy living, Ova has cultivated a unique space on Instagram and TikTok that radiates positivity and the simple joys of everyday life, delving deeper into the art of living beautifully and mindfully amidst the chaos of the modern world.Her platform is a...
2024-11-2524 min
The Bookshop PodcastMadeline Martin's Journey from Corporate Life to AuthorSend us a textMadeline Martin, bestselling author of historical fiction and romance, joins us for an intriguing discussion on her journey from business analyst to full-time writer. Her childhood experiences as an army brat in Germany ignited a fascination with history, leading to meticulously researched novels. Set against the backdrop of World War II in Nottingham, this novel captures the emotional turmoil of a mother's decision to send her daughter away for safety. Whether you're an aspiring writer or simply a lover of historical narratives, Madeline's story is a testament to the transformative power o...
2024-11-1125 min
The Bookshop PodcastExploring Nostalgia, Friendship, and Creativity with Joyce Carol OatesSend us a textHi, and welcome to The Bookshop Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Joyce Carol Oates about the 2024 republication of her novel Broke Heart Blues by Akashic Books. We explore how nostalgia and adolescent pressures shape her storytelling, with John Reddy Hart at the center—a character in Broke Heart Blues who encapsulates the dual nature of high school fame and the journey from family protector to solitary adult. Joyce lends her unique perspective, rooted in her rural upbringing and experience navigating more affluent circles, to re...
2024-11-0443 min
The Bookshop PodcastExploring the American Book Center: Martijn Mertz on Bookstore Leadership and Amsterdam's Literary SceneSend us a textIn this episode, I'm in conversation with Martijn Meerts, the co-director of the American Book Center in Amsterdam. Martijn's anthropology background subtly colors his approach to this role, and he shares how it adds a unique perspective to his daily work. We also uncover the enchanting history of the American Book Center, originally founded by Lynn Kaplanian-Buller and her husband, and how it has joyfully remained in the family for generations. Martijn shares his love of The Hague and Amsterdam, capturing the essence of these cities' book culture and vibrant atmosphere...
2024-10-2822 min
The Bookshop PodcastFrom Paralegal to Rom-Com Author: Danica Nava's Journey of Native American Representation in LiteratureSend us a textWhat drives a paralegal to switch gears and pen a rom-com novel? Discover the inspiring journey of Danica Nava, an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, as she shares her transition from the corporate world to the literary scene. We delve into her academic achievements, the barriers she overcame as a first-generation college graduate, and the significant impact of her Indigenous Native American identity on her career and personal life. This compelling conversation sheds light on her perseverance, the critical role of mentorship in her journey, and the real-life experiences that...
2024-10-1430 min
The Bookshop PodcastUnlocking Ancient Puzzles: A Journey with Danielle Trussoni on The Bookshop PodcastSend us a textWhat if unlocking the secrets of an ancient puzzle could take you on a thrilling journey across continents? Welcome back to The Bookshop Podcast, where we sit down with New York Times bestselling author Danielle Trussoni to uncover the mysteries behind her latest novel, The Puzzle Box. As the second installment in the Mike Brink series, this book showcases Danielle's meticulous research and the fascinating world of savant puzzle-solving. Follow along as we explore Brink's adventure from New York to Japan, unraveling enigmatic characters and deadly puzzles....
2024-09-3027 min
The Bookshop PodcastClare Beams: Magical Realism, Maternal Suffering, and Her New Novel The GardenSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with author Clare Beams about her new novel The Garden, earning her MFA from Columbia University, her surprising stint as a high school English teacher on Cape Cod, and how these experiences have informed her writing career. Claire's work is renowned for its enchanting touch of magical realism, earning comparisons to literary greats like Shirley Jackson. We discuss the history of diethylstilbestrol (DES). This synthetic non-steroidal estrogen was historically widely used to prevent potential miscarriages by stimulating the synthesis of estrogen and p...
2024-09-1630 min
The Bookshop PodcastExploring Mental Health and 80s High School Life with Author and Poet, David EbenbachSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with author and poet David Ebenbach about Possible Happiness, his latest teen and YA novel set in Philadelphia in the 80s.What can a high school journey in the late 80s tell us about today's struggles with mental health and sexuality? Acclaimed author and academic David Ebenbach explores this question through the lens of his latest novel, Possible Happiness. Discover how David's personal experiences shape his characters and narrative, providing a deeply relatable and insightful look into the complexities of teenage life. Unpack the surprising classification...
2024-09-0928 min
The Bookshop PodcastT.J. Klune on Writing, Advocacy, and Somewhere Beyond The SeaSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with one of my favorite authors, TJ Klune, about his much-awaited sequel to The House In The Cerulian Sea, titled Somewhere Beyond The Sea. TJ discusses the characters in the story, how he refills his creative cup, and how he uses his platform to speak about the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. In Somewhere Beyond The Sea, T.J. Klune sheds light on what it's like to parent children who don't fit into societal norms and what it's...
2024-09-0245 min
The Bookshop PodcastFrom Cult to Community: Dr. Kate Gale's Journey in Nonprofit Publishing and AdvocacySend us a textIn this episode, I chat with the accomplished author, editor, educator, speaker, and prominent figure in contemporary American literature, Dr. Kate Gale, Dr. Gale is the Publisher, Co-founder, and Managing Editor of Red Hen Press, one of the largest independent literary publishers in the United States. Under her stewardship, Red Hen Press has earned a reputation for championing diverse voices and publishing high-quality literature that challenges and inspires readers worldwide. As an author, Kate has penned numerous acclaimed works, including poetry collections such as ...
2024-08-2637 min
The Bookshop PodcastJames R. Hansen: Exploring the Depths of Human Spirit and AchievementSend us a textHave you ever wondered what it takes to document the most pivotal moments in air, space, and exploration history? Join us for an exclusive conversation with renowned historian James R. Hansen as he shares his remarkable journey from an academic in the history of science and technology to a leading NASA historian. We'll uncover the meticulous efforts behind his acclaimed works, including the authorized biography of Neil Armstrong, First Man, and the probing investigation into the Challenger disaster, Truth, Lies, and O-Rings. Hansen's narrative is not just...
2024-08-191h 00
The Bookshop PodcastFrom Teacher to Bookshop Owner: Lizzie Moss's Journey and The Magic of LiteratureSend us a textWhat drives someone to leave behind the familiar comforts of a stable career and leap into the unknown waters of entrepreneurship? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Lizzie Moss, the heart and soul behind Heron Books in Bristol, UK. From teaching classics and working at Waterstones, Lizzie's story is one of resilience and passion, culminating in establishing her dream bookshop amidst the charming Clifton Arcade. Listen to her recount the hurdles and triumphs of launching a business during economically turbulent times and the vibrant, supportive community that makes Bristol a...
2024-08-1227 min