In this episode, I chat with Edward Humes about his latest book, Total Garbage: How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World.  Humes reveals the surprising depths of waste permeation in everyday life and the power we hold to rectify these issues. By reimagining waste as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, Humes provides a blueprint for collective action toward a cleaner, more responsible future. EDWARD HUMES is a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author whose sixteen previous books include Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair With Trash, The Forever Witness, Mississippi Mud, and the PE ..read more

In this episode, I chat with Celia Sack, founder and owner of Omnivore Books about cookbooks, cooking disasters and achievements, her favorite cookbooks, and the growing geographical scope of cookbooks.  Located in an old butcher shop in Noe Valley, Omnivore Books is a cherished epicurean hub blending a passion for food and the pleasures of reading. As the Bay Area's only culinary bookshop, Omnivore Books specializes in new and vintage books on food and drink. They are open daily and staffed by passionate cookbook lovers who will happily guide you to the perfect book.  When Celia S ..read more

In this episode, I chat with Danielle Trussoni, about her new novel, The Puzzle Master. Danielle Trussoni is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels The Ancestor, Angelology, and Angelopolis, all New York Times Notable Books, and the memoirs The Fortress and Falling Through the Earth, named one of the ten best books of the year by The New York Times Book Review. She writes the monthly horror column for the New York Times Book Review. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and winner of the Michener-Copernicus Society of America Fellowship, Trussoni’s work has been translated int ..read more

In this episode, I chat with Chrissy Ryan, the owner of BookBar, an independent bookshop, cafe and wine bar, events and social space centered around celebrating the social side of reading. Chrissy's tale is not just about the mingling of books and wine; it's a celebration of community, a confluence of conversation starters, and a testament to the connective power of stories. From the unique 'Books and Bangers' DJ nights to the innovative 'Shelf Medicate' program, discover how Bookbar turns the solitary act of reading into a shared cultural experience. Join us as we reflect on our personal na ..read more

In this episode, I chat with Ann Seaton, Co-Executive Director of the California Independent Booksellers Alliance. Anne brings the narrative of indie bookshops to life, highlighting how they serve as cultural hubs in their communities. Discover the steadfast mission of CALIBA to bolster the diverse fabric of independent bookstores, and learn why your choice of where to buy books can be a powerful statement in sustaining local gems. We also delve into the Mosaic Committee's efforts to foster inclusivity and representation in literature, celebrating BIPOC bookstores and their enriching contribu ..read more

When the roots of storytelling are as deep and winding as the Appalachian Mountains themselves, it's no wonder that Melissa Marr has such a profound connection to weaving tales that captivate and enchant. In this episode, we journey through Melissa's life, from her formative years under the influence of her grandmother's stories to her academic pursuits, all of which paved the way to her latest novel, Remedial Magic. We explore how Melissa's narrative prowess transcends genre, her devotion to multiple points of view, and the unmistakable charm of Victorian literature's impact on her storytelli ..read more

From the rain-soaked dreams of a young girl in Manchester, New Hampshire, to swimming in some of the world's most formidable waters, open water swimmer, writer, motivational speaker, and beacon of inspiration, Lynn Cox has lived a tale of endurance. Over the course of more than 35 years, Lynne accomplished swims setting world records, opening borders, contributed to medical research, supported environmental causes, and inspired people to pursue their dreams.  At age 14 she swam 26 miles from Catalina Island to the California mainland. At ages 15 and 16, she broke the men’s and women’s wo ..read more

In this epsidoe, I chat with Deborah Alma, the visionary co-founder of the Poetry Pharmacy, in Shropshire, UK, about how poetic verses can be the balm for our emotional ailments. Our conversation flourishes through Deborah’s inspiring tale of the ‘emergency poet’ and her evolution towards establishing a tranquil sanctuary where poetry is the prescription. The nooks and crannies of this episode are filled with insights into how the vintage ambulance that once delivered urgent poetic care transformed into a physical haven, complete with a coffee shop for contemplative sips and a physic garden wh ..read more

Have you ever wandered into a bookstore and felt like you've come home? That's the magic Ariana Paliobagis, owner of Country Bookshop and her team, weaves in Bozeman, Montana.  In this episode, I speak with store manager Jamie Winter about the rich literary landscape of Montana, where names like Ivan Doig and Betsy Gaines Quammen are as much a part of the territory as the Rocky Mountains.  Country Bookshelf is a local, independent bookstore located in historic downtown Bozeman, Montana. It’s the place where people go to feel part of their community, of something bigger than themselv ..read more

When the roots of storytelling are as deep and winding as the Appalachian Mountains themselves, it's no wonder that Melissa Marr has such a profound connection to weaving tales that captivate and enchant. In this episode, we journey through Melissa's life, from her formative years under the influence of her grandmother's stories to her academic pursuits, all of which paved the way to her latest novel, Remedial Magic. We explore how Melissa's narrative prowess transcends genre, her devotion to multiple points of view, and the unmistakable charm of Victorian literature's impact on her storytelli ..read more