Shows
Chatter on BooksRebecca Lehmann "The Beheading Game""Bad ass." Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and COB fave Louis Bayard. They revel in the Olympics glow and mourn again Washington Post layoffs, the loss of "Book World" in particular. Poet, teacher, and inspired author Rebecca Lehmann zooms in to share "The Beheading Game." Few are brave enough to tackle the well-trod ground of Anne Boleyn, the first of Henry the Eighth's six wives to lose her head. Lehmann does so with imagination, empathy, and provocative thinking. Could not put it down.
2026-02-2436 min
Inside Influence: The Evolution of Corporate AffairsInside Influence #11 with Torie ClarkeOn this week’s edition of Inside Influence, David Castagnetti and Brody Mullins talk with Victoria “Torie” Clarke — a powerhouse communications strategist with an impressive career spanning both the public and private sectors.
Torie tells us about what she learned working inside the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001 – and how those lessons apply to corporate strategy.
She also talks about the importance of building a clear strategy, making sure every team member understands their role, and maintaining transparency when delivering tough messages.
And she tells us how Sean Penn taught her that life is just a blip.
2026-02-1137 minChatter on BooksMatthew Delmont "Until the Last Gun is Silent: A story of patriotism, the Vietnam War, and the fight to save America's soul.""Protest and patriotism" Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and COB fave David Maraniss. In light of Washington Post layoffs David A shares his George Solomon (sports god) story. David M would have given a sneak peek at his next work, the life of Jack Johnson, first Black heavyweight boxing champion. Award winning civil rights historian Matthew Delmont zooms in to share "Until the Last Gun is Silent," his meticulously researched and compellingly written look at Black activism during the Vietnam War. Coretta Scott King and Medal of Honor winner Dwight "Skip" Johnson get their rightful place in history.
2026-02-1023 minChatter on BooksMark Medley "Live to See the Day: Impossible Goals, Unimaginable Futures, and the Pursuit of Things That May Never Be""In the DNA." Chatter rolls through snowmageddon with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. Nancy Baenen of Arcadia Books returns to nominate their first author for "The Pitch", James DeVita and his book "Sanctuary," post-apocalyptic yet scarily current. Then Mark Medley zooms in to share "Live to See the Day," his empathetic search to answer the question: what keeps people going against insurmountable odds? Over five years, multiple continents, and hundreds of interviews Mark finds the true meaning of hope against the odds. It's fun, inspirational, and we want to take all of Mark's people to dinner!
2026-01-2754 minChatter on BooksWilliam Rankin "Radical Cartography: How Changing Our Maps Can Change Our World""Challenge the status quo." Chatter rolls (fast) into 2026. Torie, Claude, and COB's favorite Mayor Jud Ashman catch up and look ahead to the Gaithersburg Book Festival in May. Elaine Katzenberger of City Lights Booksellers and Publishers introduces Rae Alexandra, first nominee for "The Pitch," the writing contest in which independent book stores nominate an author from their region with a new book out in 2026. Rae's is "Unsung Heroines: 35 Women Who Changed the Bay Area," untold stories of ground breaking women in every walk of life that shaped California. Professor and world renowned cartographer William Rankin zooms in to share "Radical Cartog...
2026-01-1344 minChatter on BooksSteve Israel & Steve VogelSteve Israel - "The Einstein Conspiracy" & Steve Vogel - "A Task Force Called Faith: The Untold Story of the U.S. Army Soldiers Who Fought for Survival at Chosin Reservoir — and Honor Back Home" Chatter rolls into the holidays with Claude, David, Torie, and icon James Grady. They pre-sneak Jim's book out in 2026 and rave about two COB alums, Charlotte Wood and Tevi Troy. Both make major "best of 25" lists. Then it's time for the two Steves. First up is Steve Israel, former Congressman and current author and owner of Theodore's Books. His latest, "...
2025-12-1739 minChatter on BooksEugenia Cheng "Unequal: The Math of When Things Do and Don't Add Up"Group Therapy Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. Torie pitches Rob Dundon's wonderful cause in honor of his mother Cathy (go to: alt.org/goto/CathysLegacy/2025. The gang makes holiday gift recommendations. Scientist in Residence at the School of Art Institute in Chicago Eugenia Cheng zooms in to share "Unequal — The Math of When Things Do and Don't Add Up," It's about so much more than numbers and certainty. It's about nuance and perspective and understanding.
2025-12-0236 minChatter on BooksThomas Dann "Midnight in Memphis""Unfinished Business" Chatter rolls live in an undisclosed secure location in the DMV with Claude, David, Torie, and Renaissance man Rodney. It's "boy time" as Rodney extols the virtues of his men's book club. Charter member Thomas Dann joins to share "Midnight in Memphis," a mystery set in 1950s Memphis. A Southern noir "Midnight" is a nuanced look at race, political turmoil, and relationships in both. As Scott Turow put it, Dann uncovers the "enticing, sometimes lurid, mysteries that always seemed to lurk beneath the surface of the old south."
2025-11-2537 minChatter on BooksDeMaurice Smith "Turf Wars: The Fight For the Soul of America's Game""More than football." Chatter goes live at Caddies on Cordell, the DMV's premier sports bar, with Claude, David, Torie, S.L. Price and DeMaurice Smith, longtime head of the National Football League Players Association. They break down the latest sports gambling scandal (nobody's shocked and all are worried about the impact). Smith shares "Turf Wars," the ultimate insiders look at the biggest battles between football owners and players.
2025-11-1158 minChatter on BooksAnn E. Butler "Wife, Mother, Spy: An Extraordinary Life Filled With Ordinary Days""Extracting information." Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. They cover Claude's equine role and the NBA cheating scandal. (Who knew the mob was still so active!). Nancy Baenen of Arcadia Books joins to chat up her iconic Wisconsin book store and dispense advice on "The Pitch," the 2026 Chatter on Books writing competition. Ann E. Butler zooms in to share "Wife, Mother, Spy," her exceptional book about an extraordinary life. CIA operative and mother of five, Butler juggled parenting around the globe AND recruited spies, gleaned intelligence and protected the country. We're in awe.
2025-11-0741 minChatter on BooksMary Roach "Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy""An interesting planet." Chatter rolls with Claude, David and Torie. They reveal Claude's latest acting role in the mansion murders podcast and continue working on "The Pitch," Best selling, wicked smart, and very funny Mary Roach zooms in to share "Replaceable You." Forget what you think you know about human anatomy and how we replace/fix/grow new body parts. "Replaceable You" means never looking at a pig the same way again. It's terrific!
2025-10-1439 minChatter on BooksHannah Pittard "If You Love It, Let It Kill You"Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie and Jamie (fresh from Vegas). Get wells for Dolly the Goddess kick things off, and the gang shares thoughts on the Ryder Cup and boisterous American fans. The award winning, best selling, and very funny Hannah Pittard zooms in to share her latest novel, "If You Love It, Let It Kill You." Drop the couples therapy and buy this book. Pittard nails relationships, artistic expression, and making ordinary things profound. Not to mention the best talking cat ever.
2025-09-3046 minChatter on BooksSusan Morrison "Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live""The definitive biography." Chatter rolls back with Claude, David, Torie, and COB fave James Grady. They hit summer highlights, why Barnes & Noble is on a roll, and ideated Chatter's soon-to-be writing competition (working title: The Pitch). Susan Morrison zooms in with "Lorne," a decade long look at the man at the center of Saturday Night Live. It's the ultimate "fly on the wall" experience and a walk through fifty years of entertainment, and culture, and politics, and life.
2025-09-1643 minChatter on BooksJames Grady "American Sky""All the old ghosts are leaving town…" Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie and COB fave Lou Bayard. Lou goes playwright, and David sheds a tear (a happy one) over TNT. Award winning, best selling and all around cool guy James Grady zooms in to share his latest, "American Sky." Epic and sweeping and so much more significant than your average coming of age story. Grady's portrait is, as Lou puts it "…indelibly, the portrait of a nation — an epic canvas that always feels intimate…"
2025-07-1558 minChatter on BooksS.L. Price "The American Game: History and Hope in the Country of Lacrosse" "History and hope." Chatter rolls live at Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Maryland. Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie chat with Wonderland owner Gayle Weiswasser. She gives the lowdown on how the store is doing; foot traffic, sales, and community hub all flourishing. S.L. Price (aka Scott) takes a seat to share his latest "The American Game — History and Hope in the Country of Lacrosse." Revered by many as one of the all time great sportswriters, Scott examines the history, culture and geopolitics of the game. Meticulously researched, "The American Game" is a fascinating look at a sport whose evolution explains so much...
2025-07-0855 minChatter on BooksKyra Davis Lurie "The Great Mann" "Better than Gatsby." Chatter rolls with Claude, Torie, and Jamie as David recovers from NBA finals. They break down DOD events, and Rocco's shot contest beats all. Best selling author and screenwriter Kyra Davis Lurie zooms in the share "The Great Mann." Describing it as a reimagining of "The Great Gatsby," as many do, doesn't do justice to this deeply researched look at class and wealth and Black identity in postwar Los Angeles. It's Lurie's first turn at historical fiction; hopefully not her last.
2025-06-2438 minChatter on BooksLing Ling Huang "Immaculate Conception"To the Jealous." Chatter rolls with Kevin Stanfield filling in for Claude (in Hershey), Jamie, and Torie as David rocks the NBA finals. Horses rule as Torie raves about her rare win betting on the ponies, and they discuss the perils of gambling. They preview Chatter's live show in Bethesda om July 7 at Wonderland Books. A violinist and author, Ling Ling Huang zooms in to share "Immaculate Conception." Her second novel, it blows ones mind with the possibilities — good and bad — when technology and art and friendship collide.
2025-06-1041 minChatter on BooksTed Genoways "Tequila Wars: Jose Cuervo and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico""Untold" Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, Torie, and COB alum Mike Croley. All agree that Charlotte Bronte was more talented at 13 than any of us as adults. Mike explains tenure — liberating. David wins the pop quiz "name the book by the quote." Award winning (as in James Beard) and best selling author Ted Genoways zooms in to share "Tequila Wars," his massively researched and compellingly written take on the unsung and underreported Jose Cuervo, a real person with untold impact on Mexican history.
2025-05-2051 minChatter on BooksVictoria Christopher Murray "Harlem Rhapsody""So many firsts." Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, Jud, and Torie. After discussing Kaitlyn/Colin nuptials and cars they shockingly move quickly to book topics. Is "The Great Gatsby" the great American novel? Is there really a great American novel? COB alum and fave Victoria Christopher Murray zooms in to share "Harlem Rhapsody," the story of Jesse Redmon Fauset, the "literary midwife" of the Harlem Renaissance. Victoria's the perfect person to write about the woman at the heart of a cultural renaissance.
2025-05-0747 minChatter on BooksJack Fairweather "The Prosecutor""Of a culture." Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, Torie, and Jud Ashman. Chatter on Sports kicks things off — Final Four, Ovi, and the Masters. A hard turn to award winning author Jack Fairweather. He zooms in to share "The Prosecutor." Meticuous research and beautiful writing make this true story about a Jewish lawyer prosecuting Nazi war crimes a book that can't be put down once you start. Sebastian Junger called it "..a tour de force of both historical research and absolutely terrific writing. It reads like the best sort of cloak-and-dagger novel." Yep. And it's hIghly relevant these days.
2025-04-161h 04Chatter on BooksKristen Arnett "Stop Me If You've Heard This Before""Wild, luxurious, and absurd." Chatter rolls into March madness with David, Jamie, and Torie. All eyes on David's beloved American Eagles, but Jamie's Gators look good. Torie's beloved CAPs are on a roll, and Ovi's on the march to break Gretzky's record. The show gets back to books (sort of) with a review of reviews of the Moby Dick opera. Best selling author and former librarian Kristen Arnett zooms in to share "Stop Me If You've Heard This One." As the Washington Post put it, it's all kinds of funny. Ostensibly about a retail employee turned clown, it's a truly original...
2025-03-1847 minChatter on BooksCharlotte Wood "Stone Yard Devotional""Mice — whatever it means to you." Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. They break down the CAPs resurgence and a great 2018 moment — off the ice and in the water. They debate what's behind the resurgence of brick and mortar book stores. Award winning author Charlotte Wood zooms in from down under to share "Stone Yard Devotional." Released in Australia in 2023 and a Booker Prize finalist in '24, Wood tells the story of a disillusioned conservationist who moves into a convent. Beautifully spare, it's "extraordinary" as WashPost critic Ron Charles said. And it makes you work — a good thing!
2025-02-2555 minChatter on BooksN.L. Holmes "Melody of Evil""Seeking something." Chatter rolls with Lauren filling in for Claude, Jamie, and Torie. They once again go down the memory lane of journalism. No contest in the Super Bowl but a good debate over Tom Brady. Torie and Jamie try to tackle Ed Butt's daughter's sorority sister's list by which to curate reading and epically fail. N.L. Holmes zooms in to share her remarkable career paths and latest in the Hani's Daughter Mystery series, "Melody of Evil." Set in the time of King Tutankhamun, the book weaves a page turning mystery in a mosaic of the politics, family dynamics, and c...
2025-02-1240 minChatter on BooksDavid MaranissChatter rolls with David, Jamie, and Torie. They go deep on DeepSeek and AI more generally. No Super Bowl for the Commanders but all rave about rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and a remarkable season. The group goes dark on the current state of journalism (was there a golden age?) and its future. Pulitzer Prize winner and best seller several times over David Maraniss zooms in to share work on his next book about Jack Johnson, boxer and inspiration for the Great White Hope. Like much of his work, the book will examine important history through an athlete's life.
2025-01-2852 minChatter on BooksDavid Wright Falade "The New Internationals""Young people in Paris, 1948" Chatter rolls into the new year with Claude, Jamie, and Torie. David's off covering the Commanders' big win over Tampa Bay. Even without David, Claude and Jamie break down the big game (something about 4th downs). Following "Chatter on Sports," COB alum David Wright Falade zooms in to share his latest, "The New Internationals." Focused on an often over simplified chapter in history, "The New Internationals" explores the complex and intertwined lives of young people imagining a better world. David goes "Going Local" with the Twin Oaks branch of the Austin Public Library system, down the stree...
2025-01-1451 minChatter on BooksDavid Aldridge "The Basketball 100: The Story of the Greatest Players in NBA History""It's a David Aldridge moment." Chatter rolls Thanksgiving week with a very special show – live and in person: Claude, David, Torie, Jamie, and Jud. They shed a tear for Ovi's injury, marvel (again) at Taylor Swift's reach, and declare their picks for the Mt. Rushmore of sports books. Award winning, hall of faming, and legacy leaving journalist David Aldridge takes the featured author chair. He shares "The Basketball 100," fascinating stories about the League's legendary figures. As Charles Barkley says, "Let the debate being."
2025-01-0248 minChatter on BooksTripp Whetsell "Norman Lear – His Life and Times"Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and Jamie. They break down the Washington Capitals and answer listener email about favorite books beyond Chatter (who has time?). Nobody wins the pop quiz on banned books but all agree none should be (banned, that is). According to PEN America, this year over 10,000 books were banned in public schools, nearly triple the number from 2023. Author, historian, journalist, ghostwriter Tripp Whetsell zooms in to share "Norman Lear – His Life and Times." It's an intense look at the depth and breadth of one of television's most important figures.
2024-11-1952 minChatter on BooksWright Thompson "The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi" "Power of persuasion." Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and our favorite writer/author/entrepreneur Michael Croley. Claude's going all in on the horses. Mike, David, Claude, and Torie (not her really) break down the chaos of NIL in college sports. Wright Thompson zooms in to share "The Barn," his truly groundbreaking work on the 1955 murder of Emmett Till in Money, Mississippi. Growing up 23 miles from the site of the killing, Thompson revisits the murder, the decades long cover up, and his own past.
2024-10-2255 minChatter on BooksLouis Bayard "The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts""Read it out loud." Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. They break down Vanderbilt over 'Bama and do emails. The perennial "what are good books about politics?" is back, of course. Jamie wins the pop quiz – guess the book by the bad NYT review. COB alum and all time favorite Lou Bayard zooms in to share his latest, "The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts." Only Lou has the guts to bring Oscar Wilde back to life and the talent to do so with empathy and insight and through the lives of Wilde's family.
2024-10-0844 minChatter on BooksTommy Tomlinson "Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show."Happiness" Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and her sister from another mother Liz Clarke. Manny's rocking: check out Foxden Fairways for awesome kids' golf attire and more. Make sure you use promo code: MannyGolf15! Recovering lawyer Gayle Weiswasser joins to talk about the soon-to-be-open independent Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Maryland. Writer, reporter, and podcaster Tommy Tomlinson zooms in to share "Dogland." Think Christopher Guest's "Best in Show," but with more history, insights, and fabulous stories about man's best friends and their fascinating humans. And yes, the dogs are happy.
2024-09-2557 minChatter on BooksTevi Troy "The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of IndustryChatter rolls into fall with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. David debriefs his epic Parisian Olympic adventures. DC Public Library Foundation head Rob Hartman shares the Library back story and teases the October 5 "Battle of the Banned" in which DC librarians battle it out for title of "Best Banned Book Display." Author Tevi Troy zooms in to share his fact filled "The Power and the Money," a meticulously researched look at how commanders in chief and corporate titans have collaborated and clashed throughout history.
2024-09-1046 minChatter on BooksErica Wright "Hollow Bones"Chatter rolls with Torie and Jamie. David's in Paris and Claude is golfing, so Lauren fills in with the important work. They break down the Olympics (Lauren's not a watcher), read a couple of emails and ponder the huge influence of women on all things books. COB alum and fave Erica Wright zooms in from Knoxville to share her latest, "Hollow Bones." Snakes figure prominently again, but so do orphans and psychics and reporters. Totally gripping. Erica goes local with Union Avenue Books her favorite haunt in the heart of Knoxville.
2024-07-3133 minChatter on BooksErik Larson "The Demon of Unrest: A saga of hubris, heartbreak, and heroism at the dawn of the civil war.""Political horror story." Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and man about town Rodney Ferguson. They break down Wimbledon, rave about "James" by Percival Everett, and marvel at BookTok. David shares the back brief on his upcoming book "The Basketball 100," a celebration of the best players in NBA History. Award winning, best selling and all around cool guy Erik Larson zooms in to chat about "The Demon of Unrest: A saga of hubris, heartbreak, and heroism at the dawn of the civil war." With his usual meticulous research and riveting writing, Larson brings new perspective on the m...
2024-07-0950 minChatter on BooksKaren Valby "The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History.""Long overdue" Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie and Torie. They do "Chatter on Weddings" (they used to be a lot less complicated), contemplate a live show, share father's day experiences, and somehow veer into what makes elite athletes so dedicated. Karen Valby zooms in from Austin to share "The Swans of Harlem." Until now, not many outside the world of ballet (heck, even inside that world) knew about five pioneering Black ballerinas and their remarkable friendship that has survived fifty years.
2024-06-1850 minChatter on BooksBen Rothenberg – "Naomi Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power and Her Voice""Revealing" Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Torie's sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They do email (keep them coming!), share "worst ever injuries," and marvel at the late great, Bill Walton's Grateful Dead obsession. Bill Gates' summer reading list has few takers; Torie's most into "The Women," historical fiction by Kristin Hannah. Multi-talented and trivia superstar Ben Rothenberg zooms in with "Naomi Osaka," his remarkably revealing bio of a superstar tennis talent whose influence went well beyond the courts on which she played.
2024-06-0552 minChatter on BooksLive at the Gaithersburg Book Festival with Anne Foster "The Long War on Drugs""It's important." Chatter rolls at the Gaithersburg Book Festival with David, Torie, and Jamie. They rave about now Pulitzer Prize winning author Ilyon Woo whose "Master Slave Husband Wife" was featured on Chatter over a year ago. COB alum Anne Foster joins under the tent to share (again) "The Long War on Drugs," her 360 degree look at decades of efforts to combat drugs. And she shares what it's like to be one of David's oldest and earest friends.
2024-06-0333 minChatter on BooksAbraham Chang "888 Love and the Divine Burden of Numbers""Let's get busy living!" Chatter rolls with David, Claude and Torie. They debrief the Gaithersburg Book Festival and speculate on why whales attacks (aka "Chatter on Whales"). Bobby Gottfried got things going, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently signed a law banning book banning. They debate signs you should give up on a book. Award winning, poetry writing and publishing guru Abraham Chang zooms in to share his debut novel. Packed with pop culture and blistering dialogue, "888 Love and the Divine Burden of Numbers" covers love, identity, and Chinese culture in a completely unique way. And he had fu...
2024-05-2154 minChatter on BooksElizabeth O'Connor "Whale Fall"Chatter rolls into May with David, Torie, and America's favorite book festival founder Mayor Jud Ashman. They rave about the Derby, bemoan the celebrification (is that a word?)) of sporting events, and claim to be good sports parents. Jud debriefs on the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Over one hundred authors, events, and workshops – not to mention it's free and offers free parking. Chatter will be there at 12:15 pm with Anne Foster and "The Long War on Drugs". Award winning and debut novelist Elizabeth O'Connor zooms in from across the pond to share "Whale Fall". Glowing reviews on both sides of the ocean applaud...
2024-05-0744 minChatter on BooksSusan Page "The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters""Relentless." Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and Claude. Jamie's just back from Costa Rica – a definite yes for travel. They bid a fond farewell to the iconic Eddie Sands, father of David, Steve, and Michael and patriarch of the iconic Calvert Woodley Fine Wines and Spirits. Joe Drape joins to debrief on "Broken Horses," the NYT expose on horse racing and its darker side. Award winning, best selling, COB alum Susan Page zooms in to share "The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters." Forget everything you thought you knew about the iconic journalist, Walters overc...
2024-04-301h 00Chatter on BooksEric Blehm "The Darkest White""You never know about tomorrow." Chatter rolls with Torie and COB's favorite Mayor, Jud Ashman. The eclipse eclipses March Madness. Shout outs to Rob Dundon, Jake, and COB authors in Middleburg Books. They debate the funniest novels (sort of), and Jud briefs the May 18 Gaithersburg Book Festival. Over a hundred authors and events and good weather guaranteed. Plus it's free. Award winning and thrill seeking author Eric Blehm zooms in with "The Darkest White." Harrowing and inspiring, his gripping account of the short life of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly mesmerizes and inspires.
2024-04-091h 00Chatter on BooksJames Grady "The Smoke in Our Eyes""The book he was meant to write." Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. March Madness rules and inspires book ideas. Torie spots COB authors in airports and on The Atlantic's best novels list. Best selling, award winning, and all around cool guy James Grady zooms in to share "The Smoke in Our Eyes." With his typically brilliant writing and imagination, Grady captures a very modern coming of age story. In Going Local, he chats up the Toole County Library, his favorite place in Shelby, Montana.
2024-03-2654 minChatter on BooksLiza Mundy "The Sisterhood""Secrets that should be told." Chatter rolls in like a lion with David, Torie, Jamie, and special guest Ann Hornaday. In addition to the usual, they're talking about non-books things like Caitlin Clark – awesome. Award winning Wash Post movie critic Ann Hornaday joins for Oscar buzz and what makes a good book into a good movie (or not!). NYT bestseller Liza Mundy zooms in to share "The Sisterhood," her revelatory history of the role of women in the CIA. With meticulous research and wonderful storytelling, Liza tells important stories unheard for too long. As part of COB's "Go Loca...
2024-03-0557 minChatter on BooksLouis Ferrante "Borgata: Rise of Empire – A History of the American Mafia.""It's really life lessons." Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson. They break down the Super Bowl and marvel at the life well lived by remarkable publisher (think "Jaws,: "The Exorcist," and "Catcher in the Rye"). Student of life and former Mafia associate Louis Ferrante zooms in to share "Borgata: Rise of Empire, a History of the American Mafia." Ferrante blends personal anecdotes with a remarkable grasp of history to track the rise of organized crime in America. This is part one of a trilogy – he will be back!
2024-02-131h 05Chatter on BooksMark Wish – "Necessary Deeds""Ferrari Brain" Chatter rolls with Claude, Torie, and Jamie. They hope the best for King Charles, and Torie gets to rave about Pebble Beach. The "most checked out books" includes "The Snowy Day," and Jamie's all over it. Prolific writer and book doctor Mark Wish zooms in to share his (according to Torie) somewhat autobiographical "Necessary Deeds." Wish's protagonist is a literary agent turned convict, imprisoned for a crime of passion. "Necessary Deeds" quickly goes down a twisting and wonderful mind path of revenge and redemption.
2024-02-0640 minChatter on BooksChip Reid "Battle Scars""Effects that last a lifetime." Chatter rolls into 2024 with David, Torie, and Jamie. They praise Tara VanDerveer, the winningest NCAA basketball coach, break down self-publisher Beatrix Potter, decide that dogs rule and we all have a ton of books. Longtime journalist Chip Reid zooms in to share "Battle Scars." Twenty years after embedding with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in the Iraq War, Chip tells their stories of bravery, comradeship, and how the war changed their lives. Terrifying and inspiring all at once.
2024-01-241h 01Chatter on BooksRebecca Renner "Gator Country: Deception, Danger and Alligators in the Everglades""Empathy" Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie, Marc Sterne and our favorite Mayor Jud Ashman. Book news (COB authors continue to crush "best of" lists) and holiday gift ideas start things off. Jud pitches us all on poetry – Billy Collins might just be the exception (and who knew Marc was a fan?). Rebecca Renner zooms in with "Gator Country," her fascinating and beautifully written look at the complex intertwining of people, creatures, and plants all struggling to survive.
2023-12-1950 minChatter on BooksDoug Melville "Invisible Generals: Rediscovering family legacy, and a quest to honor America's first Black Generals.""They fought." Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie, and Jamie. They do their own version of "deserted island" (some go practical) and all are conflicted on book recommendations for holiday gift buyers. Just peruse Chatter on Books and you'll find so many good ones. Business leader, Tommy Hilfiger pal, and former Wienermobile ambassador Doug Melville zooms in to share "Invisible Generals," his deeply moving story of family, race, and indomitable will. It's an important story and a fabulous read.
2023-12-121h 03Chatter on BooksAnne Foster "The Long War on Drugs"Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. Favorite childhood toys start things off. They all rave about COB alums who continue to crush "best of 23" lists. It turns out high school students are stealing and reading books — is that a good thing? Historian, teacher and longtime DA friend Anne Foster zooms in to share "The Long War on Drugs." Beautifully written and meticulously researched, Anne's book takes a 360 degree and highly illuminating journey around the decades old efforts to combat drugs.
2023-12-0854 minChatter on BooksKarin Tanabe "The Sunset Crowd""Glamour bomb." Chatter's annual family Thanksgiving show rolls with David, Torie, renaissance man Nevin Martell, and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson. They catch up on book news as COB alums Ilyon Woo and David Von Drehele crush "best of 2023" lists. COB fave Karin Tanabe zooms in to share "The Sunset Crowd." Any time a review has you and Gatsby in the same sentence you know you've got something good. Karin's searing prose and uncanny cultural instincts capture Hollywood fantasies and the American dream. And the gang goes deep on imposter syndrome.
2023-11-2150 minChatter on BooksJen Golbeck and Stacey Colino "The Purest Bond – Understanding the Human-Canine Connection""They're just the best." Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and her sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They agree no one really understands sign stealing. Of course the Puritans were the first book banners! Dr. Jen Golbeck, creator of the Golden Ratio, and award winning writer Stacey Colino zoom in to share "The Purest Bond – Understanding the Human-Canine Connection." Golbeck and Colino put the science behind the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits that come with having a dog in the house. With research and real-life stories they demonstrate how dogs help us live better lives.
2023-11-1547 minChatter on BooksLena Andrews "Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II.""Making it possible." Chatter rolls with Torie and Jamie as David cheers on his beloved American Eagles at their season opener. Torie and Jamie kick around some book news, sort of but mostly talk about gambling. CIA military analyst Lena Andrews zooms in to share "Valiant Women: The extraordinary American servicewomen who helped win World War II." She tells long neglected stories of the women from every race, creed, and walk of life who served and fought in every service, combat theater, and nearly two-thirds of all occupations. Without them, the war would not have been won, and...
2023-11-0752 minChatter on BooksEdward Carey "Edith Holler""Wasn't worth the pencil." Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. Claude recounts his weekend covering the "triathlon of equestrian sports" in Maryland. They review status of the Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried books (Musk still beating SBF), and Torie revels gently about Jann Wenner's book not doing well. They kick around the latest AI debate: Okay to use authors's work to "train" AI? Nobody likes it, but nobody knows how to fix it either. Author Edward Carey zooms in to share "Edith Holler." Truly original, it draws upon his writing, illustrating, and playwrighting experience. Fantastical and current al...
2023-10-2454 minChatter on BooksBruce Schoenfeld "Game of Edges: The Analytics Revolution and the Future of Professional Sports""There is no learning without love." Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Chuck Culpepper. They revisit the women's world cup in New Zealand and Australia and catch up on the Michael Lewis book about Sam Bankman-Fried (maybe not his best yet?). In the spirit of the baseball playoffs they pick best baseball books ever. Journalist Bruce Schoenfeld zooms in to share "Game of Edges: The Analytics Revolution and the Future of Professional Sports." He combines masterful storytelling with extraordinary insider access to tell the fascinating stories about the tech savvy people who are transforming every a...
2023-10-1058 minChatter on BooksAngie Kim "Happiness Falls""What makes us human?" Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jud Ashman. David wins the Faulkner birthday pop quiz. They break down new books on Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried (two good authors but the subjects?). They cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of blurbs (do they sell books?). COB fave and award winning, best-selling author Angie Kim zooms in to share "Happiness Falls." Angie combines beautiful writing with a truly original story that prompts thought-provoking insights into what's really important in life. And please check out Rob Dundon's 3rd Annual Alzheimer's Fundraiser R...
2023-09-261h 03Chatter on BooksBrando Skyhorse "My Name is iris""Choices." Chatter rolls with David, Torie and Jamie. They rave about Deeshaw Philyah (seven figure deal for two new books) and Nane Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (nominated for National Book Award) and pile on Jann Wenner (what a jerk). Award winning author and teacher Brando Skyhorse zooms in to share "My Name is Iris." It starts out as one thing and subtly shifts to a searing take on family, identity, and intolerance. Washington Post critic Ron Charles calls it "ominous social satire" and asks "could there be a more incisive diagnosis of our era?" It's terrific.
2023-09-1952 minChatter on BooksMarie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray "The First Ladies""The best of friends." Chatter rolls into fall with favorite alums and powerful friendships. David, Torie, and Louis Bayard share their summer vacations. COB listener Bobby Gottfried has rare good news on book banning. The best of friends and award winning writers to boot, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray zoom in to share "The First Ladies" about the extraordinary partnership between civil rights activist Mary Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt. As COB alum Sadeqa Johnson said in her blurb: "The timely story encapsulates the unmovable power of when two strong minds come together in the name of...
2023-09-1248 minChatter on BooksPhilip Jett "Stranded in the Sky: The Untold Story of Pan Am Luxury Airliners Trapped on the Day of Infamy" "Harrowing." Chatter rolls with Torie, Jud Ashman, Marc Sterne, and Lily Martin. Jud and the Gaithersburg Book Festival team already looking ahead to 2024. Marc schools the gang on big generational changes in tennis and the graciousness of a runner up. Lawyer turned writer Philip Jett zooms in to share "Stranded in the Sky – The Untold Story of Pan Am Luxury Airliners Trapped on the Day of Infamy." Jett combines meticulous research with deft storytelling. "Stranded in the Sky" brings vivid accounts of the most luxurious airliners in the world trapped in the vast Pacific Ocean as the Japa...
2023-08-011h 03Chatter on BooksLisa Cornwell "Troublemaker – A memoir of sexism, retaliation, and the fight they didn't see coming.""Fearless." Chatter rolls with David, Claude, Torie, and newly promoted Content Manager Lily Martin. They kick around more book banning (really? The Bible now?) and more on Threads (we're there). Lily breaks down YA for the more mature Chatterers and names Leah Johnson as one her favorites in the genre. Award winning athlete and long-time on air host and reporter, Lisa Cornwell zooms in to share "Troublemaker." She reveals details of her childhood success as an athlete, her battles with personal demons, and friends in very high places. As a veteran voice at Golf Channel she fearlessly t...
2023-07-2648 minChatter on BooksAndrew Hoehn & Thom Shanker "Age of Danger – Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons, and New Threats""The future needs a seat at the table." Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and Content Manager Lily. Lily wins the pop quiz on best sellers. Unlikely TikTok star gets the best seller treatment. Lily enlightens again, this time on TikTok's new publishing arm. Big brains Andy Hoehn and Thom Shanker zoom in to share "Age of Danger – Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons, and New Threats." National security veterans of many years, Hoehn and Shanker break down the major challenges the U.S. faces and what should be done about them. The...
2023-07-1855 minChatter on BooksDavid Von Drehle - The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the remarkable American life of a 109-year-old man"Keep making friends." Chatter rolls into July with Torie, Claude, Renaissance man Nevin Martell and Intern/Content Manager Lily Martin. They marvel at Legos and Nevin's status as the "Anthony Bourdain of foraging." Award winning David Von Drehle zooms in from the heartland to share "The Book of Charlie." David's neighbor, Dr. Charlie White, thrived through more than a century of change with resilience, grit and ever present stoicism. There are epic journeys, medical innovations, heartaches, and loves.
2023-07-1156 minChatter on BooksIris Yamashita "City Under One Roof""Isolation." June races by as Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and Intern/Content Manager Lily Martin Current events is up first as they break down subs, Russia and NBA phenoms. Hard to tell who will do better as a presidential candidate – David or Jamie. Academy award nominee Iris Yamashita zooms in to share "City Under One Roof." Yamashita's story telling prowess is obvious in her tantalizing and sometimes dark look at a murder in a small town with complex relationships.
2023-06-2857 minChatter on BooksNana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah – "Chain Gang All-Stars""A different path." Chatter rolls with David, Torie and NYT writer Joe Drape. They praise the Goddess (aka Dolly), read email (only the good ones), and bemoan the state of horse racing. Award winning and truly original author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah zooms in to share "Chain Gang All-Stars." His debut novel, "Chain Gang" pits two women gladiators against each other in a fight for freedom that's about so much more than you think. Read the footnotes. Adjei-Brenyah's stunning writing makes every page a delight to read.
2023-06-131h 01Chatter on BooksLaura Scalzo "American Arcadia" "Transendence." Chatter rolls with David, Jamie, and Torie. They break down the best of children's books, the amazing Michael Lewis, and finally get to the loss of lit majors nationwide. Adding significantly to the conversation is Lily Martin, COB's new intern (or title to be determined). Author Laura Scalzo zooms in the share "American Arcadia." Ostensibly about four young New Yorkers in 1985, Scalzo's novel weaves compelling characters and life-changing themes in a truly original way.
2023-06-0654 minChatter on BooksCheryl A Head "Time's Undoing""Truth and hope." Renaissance man Nevin Martell joins David and Torie to talk food, foraging, and the Gaithersburg Book Festival. They answer emails and talk about life in Washington without Dan Snyder. Award winning writer Cheryl A. Head zooms in to share "Time's Undoing." Based on her family's history, Cheryl expertly weaves one family's tragedy into a searing portrait of institutional racism and the hope that honesty can produce.
2023-05-1653 minChatter on BooksSusan Wels "An Assassin in Utopia: The true story of a nineteenth-century sex cult and a president's murder""Worlds colliding." Jamie McIntyre and Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman join Torie as Chatter rolls into spring. They bemoan what's happening in horse racing, learn why Gaithersburg is America's most diverse city, preview the May 20 Gaithersburg Book Festival, and guess famous authors' day jobs (Jud kind of wins). Best-selling author, journalist, and historian Susan Wels zooms in to share "An Assassin in Utopia: The true story of a nineteenth-century sex cult and a president's murder." In a six degrees of separation way, Wels weaves the fascinating true stories of sex-crazed utopian societies, a banished member and the brutal...
2023-05-0955 minChatter on BooksDennis Lehane "Small Mercies""Hell-bent." It's a Chatter hall of fame as David and Torie are joined by Angie Kim, Tope Folarin, and Lou Bayard. They bemoan book banning and admit to acceptance speeches never given. Angie previews "Happiness Falls" coming out in September, and Lou raises the curtain on the upcoming PEN/Faulkner Awards. Award winning and best selling author several times over Dennis Lehane zooms in to share "Small Mercies." Set in Boston during the explosive desegregation of public schools, "Small Mercies" is unflinching. Lehane's masterful storytelling grabs you with its deep dive into power, racism, and the love of...
2023-04-251h 03Chatter on BooksMatthew Salesses – "Sense of Wonder""Navigation" Torie and David welcome back Mike Croley, award winning author, teacher and golf fanatic. They break down the sale (thank heaven) of the Washington football team, guess who the best-seller on Time's most influential list is, and play "Can we save this classic?" Cannibalism always helps. Thanks to his friendship with Mike, PEN/Faulkner finalist Matthew Salesses zooms in to share "Sense of Wonder," his fictional take on the triumphs and challenges of NBA star Jeremy Lin's ascendancy. Ron Charles of The Washington Post describes it as "a remarkable feat of artistic prowess." We call it a...
2023-04-1852 minChatter on BooksIlyon Woo: "MASTER SLAVE HUSBAND WIFE" An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom""Love" Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and our favorite Mayor – Jud Ashman. They break down the Masters (sadly good for LIV), and Jud updates everybody on The Gaithersburg Book Festival. Think dozens of authors (including Chatter alums), events, free admission and free parking! It's May 20 at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. NYT best selling author Ilyon Woo zooms in to share the remarkable story of Ellen and William Craft, two enslaved people who fled to freedom disguised as a white man and his slave. "MASTER SLAVE HUSBAND WIFE" is filled with illuminating details, historical precision and...
2023-04-1155 minChatter on BooksEmily St. John Mandel "Sea of Tranquility""Time, being and perspective." Chatter rolls with a packed house as Angie Kim, Michael Kornheiser and Rodney Ferguson join David, Torie and Claude. Rodney's just back from Senegal and updates the gang on his men's book club. The countdown's on for Angie's new book "Happiness Falls," out in September. Michael gives an update on the offspring (books are big with them!) and recalls Chatter's first take on "Station Eleven." Speaking of, author Emily St. John Mandel zooms in to share "Sea of Tranquility," her stunning novel about time travel, love, and the very existence of life as...
2023-03-281h 01Chatter on BooksAlma Katsu "Red London""Seductive." March madness is underway with Torie, David, and returning author (and secret sports fan) Ana Reyes. Chatter welcomes its youngest author, 10 year old Manny Jennings, author of "It's OK to be Me." It's an inspiring book about how he stutters and how he lives his best life every day. COB's favorite intel author Alma Katsu returns, this time with "Red London," the gripping and entirely plausible story of spies, turncoats, and post-Putin Russia. And a reminder: Chatter will be back at the Gaithersburg Book Festival 2023 on May 20. Dozens of authors and events, it's at Bor...
2023-03-2146 minChatter on BooksEd Aymar "No Home For Killers""Families!" Chatter rolls into March with David, Torie and Jud Ashman. Jud debriefs the 2023 Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 20 with dozens of authors and hopefully a special Chatter on Books taping. David shares his Union Station Colleen Hoover experience, and they all marvel at her staying power. Four leaders of the Child2ChildFoundation join in. Inspired by a shared love for books and a desire to help others, these remarkable young women have sent over 60,000 books to children in Nigeria and Ghana. Finally, COB favorite Ed Aymar zooms in to share "No Home for Killers," his latest...
2023-03-0759 minChatter on BooksTiffany McDaniel "On the Savage Side""Disturbing and inspiring." Chatter wraps up February with betting, debates and a deeply provocative book. David, Torie, and Jamie revisit Super Bowl betting – the most ever – and its societal impact. They agree on the Roald Dahl censorship debate (it's all about context). Award winning and brilliantly original Tiffany McDaniel zooms in to share "On the Savage Side." Called "exceptionally inventive" by the New York Times, McDaniel weaves a magical tapestry of lives connected by addiction but defined by much more.
2023-02-281h 01Chatter on BooksAna Reyes "The House in the Pines""Total page turner" Chatter rolls with a Feb 14 special – sort of. David, Torie and Jamie break down the Super Bowl. All the guys say no romance in their reading history. They cover book recommendations for Valentine's Day, some are serious, and some are not. Best selling and creative writing teacher of older adults Ana Reyes zooms in. She shares her deeply disturbing and "can't put it down" "The House in the Pines." At turns troubling and always mesmerizing, it's about friendships and memory and is the definition of psychological thriller.
2023-02-1454 minChatter on BooksDavid Wright Falade – "Black Cloud Rising""Commonality" David briefs the Super Bowl. Jamie breaks down the "balloon incident." Torie, David and Jamie play "if you liked this book on Chatter, get this one," aka book recommendations. They fawn over COB alums Brendan Slocumb and Silas House, both finalists for the 2023 Southern Book Awards. Writer, teacher and semi-pro football player, David Wright Falade zooms in to share "Black Cloud Rising," about a brigade of Black soldiers in the Civil War. The New York Times calls it "a straight-up page turner." Yes, and even more it's a highly nuanced focus on race, identity and family.
2023-02-0740 minChatter on BooksAmita Parikh "The Circus Train""The fragility of life." Claude kicks things off with big literary news. Manny has a book! "It's Okay to Be Me!" , his uplifting story of how he doesn't let stuttering hold him back. Jamie breaks down ChatGPT for Torie and David with real-life examples from the world of Chatter. Amita Parikh zooms in to share "The Circus Train," her profoundly moving and entertaining saga of a European circus train under the shadows of war and persecution. Based in World War II, the questions of discrimination, bravery and love are timeless.
2023-01-2551 minChatter on BooksAndrew Maraniss "Inaugural Ballers – The True Story of the First US Women's Olympic Basketball Team""Changing women's sports for the next twenty-five years." Chatter rolls with David, Torie and Torie's sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They break down "Spare" – who lets somebody put some of that in print? Award winning Andrew Maraniss zooms in to talk about "Inaugural Ballers," the story of the first U.S. women's Olympic basketball team. Praised for writing stories with larger social messages, Maraniss uses meticulous research and extensive interviews to tell the story of the unknowns who paved the way for generations to come.
2023-01-1852 minChatter on BooksBuzz Bissinger "The Mosquito Bowl – A Game of Life and Death in World War II""They were boys." David, Torie and Jamie ring in the new year with chatter about resolutions, reading's health benefits and the incredible Robert Caro. They talk with Heidi Powell and Hope Harrod of An Open Book Foundation, a terrific DMV organization that connects students with authors, illustrators and their books to foster a lifelong love of books. Iconic writer Buzz Bissinger zooms in to share "The Mosquito Bowl," superbly researched and passionately written, it's about brotherhood and bravery and country. John Grisham says it's destined to be a classic. Yep.
2023-01-1055 minChatter on BooksSilas House – "Lark Ascending""Hope." Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie and COB fave Michael Croley. Mike shares his piece in Esquire, a tribute to his late brother and the healing power of golf. Award winning and multi-talented author Silas House zooms in to share his latest, "Lark Ascending." Ostensibly about a boy in a not too distant future dystopia, it's really about grief and survival and humanity. It's unlike anything else out there.
2022-12-2054 minChatter on BooksKate Anderson Brower – "Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit and Glamour of an Icon"Don and Petie Kladstrup – "Champagne Charlie: The Frenchman Who Taught Americans to Love Champagne." COB has a double header. Wash Post editor and writer and author of the Miss America history "There She Was," Amy Argetsinger joins David and Torie. They break down Christmas movies and books and the women crushing best sellers lists. Award winning journalists who love wine, baseball and France, Don and Petie Kladstrup, zoom in from Paris to share "Champagne Charlie," the remarkable story of the 1850s Frenchman who stormed America, drove sales and almost died when charged with spying for the Confederacy. Then...
2022-12-131h 03Chatter on BooksAndrew Sean Greer – "Less is Lost""You don't get a Pulitzer!" Torie, David and Jamie break down the World Cup, gaslighting, goblin mode and Dylan. Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Sean Greer zooms in to share "Less is Lost." On the road with Arthur Less, a "minor American novelist," who's trying to pay down bills, reconcile relationships and find himself. Along the way there's a pug named Dolly, an Rv called Rosina and a litany of almost literary events. It's like Chris Buckley and Hunter Thompson – but better.
2022-12-0652 minChatter on BooksBob Brush "The Piazza – Stories from Piazza Santa Caterina Piccola""It takes courage to be an adolescent." It's the annual Thanksgiving Chatter family special! Renaissance man Nevin Martell and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson join Torie for talk about twitter, drinks, and even a few book related topics. Multiple award winner and multi-talented Bob Brush zooms in to share "The Piazza – Stories from Piazza Santa Caterina Piccola." Lovers, beggars, royalty and more share hopes, desires and fears in the shadow of impending catastrophe. Beautiful writing enhanced with stunning illustrations by Scott Howard.
2022-11-2258 minChatter on BooksNghi Vo "Into the Riverlands""Intimate and profound." Torie, David, "Bath Haus" author P.J. Vernon, and awesome storyteller Nghi Vo kick around Dan Snyder selling the Commanders (finally!), whither Twitter and the future of social media. Torie shares yet another Dolly tribute, this time a $100 million award for courage and civility. Then they (finally) turn to books. Hugo award winner and epic storyteller, Nghi shares "Into the Riverlands," her physically small but thematically huge novella.
2022-11-1546 minChatter on BooksSusan Coll - "Bookish People""More than you think." David, Torie and Jamie kick things off with> Dolly, and November notables. They debate "Gone With the Wind's Pulitzer status. Author Susan Coll zooms in to share "Bookish People." Think books, relationships, cancel culture gone bad, and appliances with lives of their own. It's terrific!
2022-11-0840 minChatter on BooksMark Leibovich "Thank You for Your Servitude: Donald Trump's Washington and the Price of Submission""Enablers" Chatter welcomes back the one and only Jeanne McManus. She joins David and Torie to talk painting and scary stories.COB Hall of Famer Mark Leibovich zooms in to share "Thank You for Your Servitude," his searing account of how once seemingly respectable politicians lost their way, joined a cult and enabled the unthinkable. If you read only one book on politics, this is the one.
2022-10-1859 minChatter on BooksLaToya Watkins "Perish""The silence was the problem." Chatter kicks off October with David, Torie and Jamie. Book news covers Maggie Haberman's new book on Trump (probably won't buy) and Tom Hanks' first novel. The pop quiz is on required reading for first years in college. David wins! LaToya Watkins zooms in with "Perish," her debut novel about family, trauma, race, class, and dysfunction. As many have said, it's hard to read but impossible to put down.
2022-10-0447 minChatter on BooksDawnie Walton and Deesha Philyaw"All things short fiction" Claude, David and Torie go a mile wide and an inch deep. They cover COB housekeeping, listener emails, and career advice from David. COB faves Dawnie Walton ("The Final Revival of Opal and Nev") and Deesha Philyaw ("Secret Lives of Church Ladies") zoom in. In addition to writing, publishing, and teaching, they've launched "Ursa", a podcast dedicated to all things short fiction and underrepresented writers. Take a listen; it's really good!
2022-09-2736 minChatter on BooksDavid Maraniss – "Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe""Complicated" Marc joins David and Torie for a breakdown on the U.S. Open, the Queen's funeral, and should we all know who Collen Hoover is? David Maraniss zooms in with "Path Lit By Lightning," another remarkable book in the Pulitzer Prize winner's collection of definitive biographies. He goes beyond Thorpe's legendary athletic accomplishments to capture in riveting detail the story of a complex cultural icon and the broader American Indian experience.
2022-09-2044 minChatter on BooksAnn Leary – "The Foundling""Like an otter...." David, Torie and Jamie talk back-to-school, but David's drop off of the first born went well. They talk Dolly, of course, and Claude has a great spinoff idea for the goddess. Best selling author Ann Leary Zooms in to share "The Foundling". Its back story is as fascinating as the book itself, a fast-paced story of friendships, loyalty and the all-too real institutions that embraced eugenics as a widely accepted practice in the 1920s.
2022-09-1352 minChatter on BooksJackie Higgins – "Sentient"Torie, David and Jamie kick off Chatter's last show until after Labor Day. DiCaprio, Reeves and Scorsese team up to bring COB fave Erik Larson's book "Devil in the White City to Hulu. David wins the pop quiz on early female authors. They finally get to Alec Wilkinson's "A Divine Language" -- revisiting academic failure makes Torie break out in hives. Zoologist, filmmaker and brilliant writer Jackie Higgins Zooms in from the UK to discuss her wonderful "Sentient: What Animals Reveal About Our Senses." Extraordinary and diverse animal senses reveal much about how we experience the world around us. T...
2022-08-0947 minChatter on BooksZain Asher – "Where the Children Take Us""A love story." Chatter kicks off August with David, Torie and Chatter's favorite Mayor, Jud Ashman. They talk about Barack Obama's summer reading list – it includes three COB books. David breaks down Spike Lee's decision to make a docuseries of COB author Chris Herring's book "Blood in the Garden," and Jud pitches local author Anthony Marra. CNN star Zain Asher zooms in to talk about "Where the Children Take Us," the remarkable tribute to her mother who overcame tragedy and seemingly insurmountable odds to raise four highly successful children.
2022-08-021h 02Chatter on BooksAlex Kershaw – "Against All Odds""Serving other people." Marc Sterne joins David and Torie as Chatter rolls through a very hot July. Marc debriefs the upcoming Citi Open. Torie predicts another best seller for Michelle Obama, and everyone talks self-help. Best selling author Alex Kershaw zooms in with "Against All Odds," his gripping account of four of the most decorated soldiers of World War II. A master of detail and the battle narrative, Kershaw knows why soldiers fight and what's important.
2022-07-2659 minChatter on BooksShane Ryan: "The Cup They Couldn't Lose – America, The Ryder Cup, and The Long Road to Whistling Straits."Temperatures soar as David, Torie and COB fave Michael Croley tackle the disturbing news of best-selling author Delia Owens. Best selling author Shane Ryan zooms in to share "The Cup They Couldn't Lose." Ostensibly about the historic Ryder Cup, Shane's book is an eye opener on the psychology of golf, team building and international competition. He takes "inside the ropes" to new levels.
2022-07-191h 04Chatter on BooksZain Asher: "Where the Children Take Us""Resked." David's on the road, and featured author Zain Asher is under the weather, so Jamie McIntyre and Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman join Torie for a mid-summer chat. They gush about COB fave Deesha Philyaw and debate the so-called best sellers of all time. Jud debriefs the epic Gaithersburg Book Festival, and they discuss – happily -- the growth in independent book stores. Zain will be back in August to talk about her memoir, "Where the Children Take Us," that is tribute to a love story, a phenomenal mother and profoundly important culture.
2022-07-1241 minChatter on BooksVauhini Vara "The Immortal King Rao""Hat trick." Chatter goes all books with David, Torie and Jamie. They answer listener emails and agree they would generally not read anything by or about Harvey Weinstein. Debut novelist Vauhini Vara zooms in to share "The Immortal King Rao." It's really three novels in one, expertly intertwined to tell the stories of an immigrant's rise to world power and the consequences of his inventions.
2022-06-2857 minChatter on BooksJohn Branch "Sidecountry: Tales of Death and Life from the Back Roads of Sports"Favorite sister Liz Clarke joins Torie and David for a breakdown on the French Open (Rafael and Coco rock!) and more. Pulitzer Prize winner John Branch zooms in to share "Sidecountry," his amazing collection of essays about the unique and funny and sometimes tragic stories on the edge of sports. COB fave Susan Orlean says John writes "the best of American portraiture." Yep.
2022-06-1448 minChatter on BooksLouis Bayard "Jackie and Me""It's about choices." Chatter rolls into summer. David kicks things off with a report on the NBA and Torie's future trophy husband. NYT star Joe Drape joins (who knew he wrote "In the Hornets' Nest?) for a Belmont preview and chat about "Black Maestro," his wonderful book about the last Black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. COB fave Louis Bayard zooms in to share "Jackie and Me," his fascinating take on Jack and Jackie Kennedy's courtship through the eyes of Lem Billings, lifelong JFK friend.
2022-06-0753 minChatter on BooksBrendan Slocumb: "The Violin Conspiracy""Thank you." A very special edition of Chatter kicks off at the Gaithersburg Book Festival in blistering heat and wonderful book fans. Torie and David have a great chat with Brendan Slocumb, classically trained and internationally acclaimed violinist. He also weaves a great mystery tale of ambition and resilience in "The Violin Conspiracy."
2022-05-2433 minChatter on BooksSusan Straight "Mecca""Put on earth to write." Torie kicks off the show with David and Washington Post book critic Ron Charles. Ron debriefs on the rise in book banning efforts and people fighting back. Award winning author of eight novels Susan Straight zooms in to talk about her latest, "Mecca." A sweeping saga of intertwined lives, race, history and family, "Mecca" sets a high bar for anything about California and American culture.
2022-05-1758 minChatter on BooksJack Carr "In the Blood""Vengeance and forgiveness." Torie kicks off the show with Mayor Jud Ashman. Jud gives the back story on the Gaithersburg Book Festival and how he got into public service. Former Navy seal and multiple best selling author (and very forgiving) Jack Carr zooms in to talk about his latest, "In the Blood." Over 20 years in Naval Special Warfare inform Carr's fast paced and highly believable novel about tracking down a Mossad agent's killer and walking into a highly sophisticated trap with global implications. Come for the action; stay for the smart geopolitical thinking.
2022-05-1153 minChatter on BooksLan Samantha Chang – "The Family Chao""Riveting." Torie kicks off the show with David and COB fave Angie Kim with – yes – another Dolly update. Angie shares her next book, and Angie and Torie score kid points by grilling David on the NFL. Lan Samantha Chang, award-winning author and first female director of the Iowa Writers' Workshop zooms in to talk about "The Family Chao." It's an unforgettable look at an immigrant family tackling emotions, rivalries and ambition in small-town America.
2022-05-0359 min