New Zealand, Murder Mysteries and 5-Star Reads with Sara E. Johnson (E81)

Bookish Flights: Books, Author Interviews & Must-Read Recommendations

#Books #Lifestyle #Arts #Kara Infante #Society #Today I

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying mathematical concepts that power modern machine learning, to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives–even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

рік тому 42:24

MP3•Головна епізоду

Send us a text

In today’s episode, I am chatting with Sara E. Johnson. Sara lives in Durham, North Carolina. She worked as a middle school reading specialist and local newspaper contributor before her husband lured her to New Zealand for a year. Her first novel, Molten Mud Murder, is the result. The fifth book in the series, The Hungry Bones, comes out on June 11th, 2024.

I had so much fun chatting with Sara. Sara chatted about living in New Zealand, how fun it has been to write her character, Alexa Glock, who is entirely different than herself. She talks about the connections she has made through the writing process to help her research and write her novels. Lastly, Sara totally understood the book flight! Tune in to hear the fun approach she took. Happy listening!

You can connect with Sara at the links below:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Purchase Sara’s books HERE.

You can find the show notes for this episode with links to the books mentioned in the episode right HERE.

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

137 епізодів

New Zealand, Murder Mysteries and 5-Star Reads with Sara E. Johnson (E81)

Bookish Flights: Books, Author Interviews & Must-Read Recommendations

published рік тому

Поширити

MP3•Головна епізоду

Send us a text

You can connect with Sara at the links below:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Purchase Sara’s books HERE.

You can find the show notes for this episode with links to the books mentioned in the episode right HERE.

Support the show

Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!

137 епізодів

#Books #Lifestyle #Arts #Kara Infante #Society #Today I

Усі епізоди

1
Love, Loss and the Power of Grace in Storytelling with Melody Carlson (E135) 32:13

5 днів тому32:13

32:13

Send us a text In today’s episode, I sit down with award-winning author Melody Carlson, whose prolific career includes over 250 books with more than 7.5 million copies sold. Best known for her beloved Christmas novellas, young adult fiction, and contemporary romances, Melody’s latest novel, Welcome to the Honey B&B , explores themes of family, second chances, and the power of community—all in the face of dementia. This conversation is especially personal, as Melody shares her own experience of losing her husband to Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD), a rare and early-onset form of the disease. We discuss how book serendipity plays a role in her writing journey, how faith and storytelling intersect, and the ways humor and classic films have helped her navigate grief. Melody also offers heartfelt advice for caregivers and widows, drawing from her own journey with loss and healing. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming novel, All Booked Up , and shares her current TBR picks in a special book flight segment. Key Highlights: 📖 The Inspiration Behind Welcome to the Honey B&B – A personal journey through dementia and family resilience. 💡 The Role of Faith and Book Serendipity – How the right books and writing projects come into our lives at the perfect time. 🎥 Healing Through Humor and Classic Films – Finding joy in tough times. ❤️ Advice for Caregivers and Widows – Lessons learned from love, loss, and resilience. 📚 Melody’s Book Flight – A glimpse into her TBR and what’s next in her writing journey. Connect with Melody Carlson: Instagram Facebook Purchase Melody’s books Books and authors mentioned: Caring for Carol by Caring by Caring for Me by Andrew P. Mauro, Sr. The Glass Lake by Maeve Binchy The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher Elizabeth Berg books L.M. Montgomery books A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall Christy by Catherine Marshall Book Flight A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barrett Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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BFF Book Club - Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller (E134) 41:05

10 днів тому41:05

41:05

Send us a text Welcome to today’s episode of Bookish Flights ! This episode is the latest installment in the BFF Book Club ! If you love books, author meet-and-greets, and in-depth conversations, the BFF Book Club is for you. Each month, we dive into a new book, and this month’s selection is Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller. Nicole lives in Southwest Washington state with her husband and three sons, along with her two purebred Arabian horses, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and guinea pigs. When she is not writing or tending to her animals, she works in human resources. Episode Highlights: Nicole shares what it’s like to have both a book baby and a human baby in the same year. A deep dive into the journey to publication for Until Our Time Comes , including the pitching process and the years spent crafting her novel. Fascinating insights on what happened to horses, animals, and the land in countries ravaged by WWII. A sneak peek into what she is currently working on. This was such a fun BFF Book Club discussion, and we loved hearing from Nicole about her writing journey and historical research. If you’d like to join us next month, we are switching gears to a contemporary domestic suspense novel, What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange. This poignant novel explores family resilience, community, and the unexpected magic of middle school hockey. When Kyle McCray returns to his hometown after his father’s debilitating stroke, he must face the consequences of his sudden departure years ago, including fractured relationships and unresolved emotions. Stepping into the role of coaching the struggling local hockey team, Kyle embarks on an unexpected path to redemption. But can he and his estranged wife, Casey, finally confront their past and find peace? Register here to join us on March 23rd at 130 pm PST! Connect with Nicole M. Miller: Instagram Facebook Website Purchase Until Our Time Comes Book Flight The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M. White Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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From Lawyer to Novelist: James Arnett’s Path to Historical Fiction (E133) 40:53

12 днів тому40:53

40:53

Send us a text In today’s episode, I am chatting with James Arnett. James was born and raised in Winnipeg in Canada and graduated in Arts and Law at the University of Manitoba and Harvard Law School. He has been a senior partner of a major Canadian law firm, CEO of a prominent Canadian public company and Chair of an Ontario utility. Along the way, he wrote articles for law review journals, newspapers and magazines, but recently has turned to writing historical fiction. He enjoys trekking, Kayaking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. He lives with his wife, Alix, in Toronto and has 4 children and 5 grandsons. His latest novel, The Monmouth Manifest, was published in September last year. In this episode, we chatted about the high percentage of author guest who have been lawyers and then have turned to writing. The importance of good writing while practicing law. His path to getting into writing that started with writing a treatment for a movie. It did not get picked up but then it was suggested he turn it into a novel. He realized he enjoyed and was actually good at writing dialogue. One thing he loves about writing is you get a piece or nugget of history and then you build the plot around it. Key Highlights: The high percentage of former lawyers who transition into writing careers The role of writing in law and how it helps develop storytelling skills James’s journey from legal writing to historical fiction The experience of writing a movie treatment and transitioning it into a novel The joy of discovering historical nuggets and weaving them into engaging narratives How James realized he enjoyed and was good at writing dialogue The thrill of taking a historical event and building a plot around it Connect with James Arnett: Website Purchase James’ books: The Monmouth Manifesto Bean Fate Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Graham Greene books Anthony Trollope books The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr The Howe Dynasty by Julie Flavell Book Flight For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway Bleak House by Charles Dickens A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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A Literary Feast: Sweet Foodie Rom-Coms & Flash Fiction with Jordan Millsaps (E132) 45:30

19 днів тому45:30

45:30

Send us a text In today’s episode, I am chatting with Jordan Millsaps. Jordan is a wife and mama of two little girls living in East Tennessee. When she’s not writing romance, she enjoys reading, baking, working 1000-piece puzzles, and traveling with her family. She never gets tired of talking about books and connecting with other readers and writers. Key Highlights: Food & Fiction – From baking bread to making pasta, Jordan shares her love for food and how it inspires her writing. Book Flight: Foodie Romance Novels – If you love books with delicious descriptions and swoon-worthy romance, this one’s for you! All of Jordan’s books and book flight are sweet, clean closed door rom-coms. Flash Fiction 101 – Writing stories in 1,000 words or less? Jordan explains how this helped her discover her favorite genres. Thrillers That Won’t Keep You Up at Night – Love suspense but need your sleep? We’ve got recommendations! Indie Publishing Insights – Jordan talks about the journey of self-publishing and what it really takes to be an indie author. Why listen? ✔️ Get delicious book recommendations ✔️ Learn how to start writing flash fiction ✔️ Find thrillers that balance suspense with sleep ✔️ Discover the indie author journey Connect with Jordan Millsaps: Website Instagram Facebook Purchase Jordan’s books Books and authors mentioned: The Wedding Date Deal by Jordan Millsaps The Gratitude Guarantee by Jordan Millsaps The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos Book Flight Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish by Bethany Turner How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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Fake Dating & Full-Cast Audiobooks: Creating Know Your Newlywed with Heather Taylor and Hillary Nussbaum (E131) 40:47

26 днів тому40:47

40:47

Send us a text In today’s episode, we have not only one guest but two! I am chatting with HEATHER TAYLOR and HILLARY NUSSBAUM . Together they wrote Know Your Newlywed , a full-cast audio production starring Mary Mouser of Cobra Kai and Tyler Posey of Teen Wolf . Know Your Newlywed is set between Boston and Chicago, and the female main character is an anthrozoologist—how cool is that? Heather writes and directs TV, film, and audio projects about complicated family relationships. She strives to destigmatize mental illness, disabilities, and poverty in her work. Hillary is a writer, director, and producer with a background in television development. Episode Highlights: Writing Exclusively for Audio – The challenges of storytelling without visual descriptions. Creating Connection Through Sound – How to portray emotions & chemistry using audio. Sound Environments – Using sound design to transport listeners between settings. Casting & Voice Acting – The fascinating process of selecting voice actors and how they create authentic relationships despite recording separately. Collaboration in Audiobook Production Book Flight: Rom-Coms with the Fake Dating trope. Connect with Heather Taylor and Hillary Nussbaum: Instagram Heather Hillary Heather’s Website Purchase Know Your Newlywed Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Ann Patchett books L.M. Montgomery books The Shennara Series by Terry Brooks The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Kitchen Science Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White Population: 485 - Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time by Michael Perry The Night Shift by Dr. Brian Goldman Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Aknar Book Flight The Spanish Love Decepetion by Elena Armas Funny Story by Emily Henry Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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Leading with Purpose: Military Medicine, Mental Health and Shaping Future Leaders with Dr. (Colonel) Josh McConkey (E130) 40:21

5 weeks тому40:21

40:21

Send us a text In today’s episode, I am chatting with Dr. Josh McConkey. Dr. (Colonel) Josh McConkey is an award-winning/best-selling author and esteemed Emergency Physician with over two decades of clinical experience. He served as a professor at Duke University and maintains Board Certification in Emergency Medicine. With 22 years of military service, Dr. McConkey now commands the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron in the US Air Force Reserves, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication. He is a devoted father of three and his greatest passion lies in shaping future American leaders alongside his wife, Elsa. Key Highlights: Josh’s Career: Serving as an air transport/CCAT doctor in the Air Force Reserves, where he provides critical care during medical evacuations. Insights into his work as a flight surgeon and how his perspective on adrenaline and risk-taking has evolved since becoming a father. The Weight Behind the Spear: Discussion on his book, which encapsulates his leadership ethos and was inspired by the increasing mental health challenges he has witnessed as an emergency room physician. Despite the divide in our country, his books talks about empowering and equipping the next generation. Taking Action on Mental Health: The importance of community engagement, personal empowerment, and leveraging individual strengths to make a meaningful impact. Personal Development & Leadership: A deep dive into his book flight, featuring titles that have shaped his leadership philosophy and personal growth. This conversation is packed with wisdom, experience, and actionable insights—don’t miss it! Connect with Dr. Josh McConkey: Website Instagram Twitter/X LinkedIn Purchase The Weight Behind the Spear Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis ( The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ) Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough Book Flight Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis and Bing West An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield Everything is F*cked by Mark Manson Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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BFF Book Club - Champagne Widows with Rebecca Rosenberg (E129) 53:13

5 weeks тому53:13

53:13

Send us a text Welcome to today’s episode of Bookish Flights ! This one is our latest installment in the BFF Book Club! This month features Champagne Widows with Rebecca Rosenberg. Rebecca is an award-winning novelist, champagne geek and lavender farmer. Rebecca first fell in love with methode champenoise in Sonoma Valley, CA. Over decades of delicious research, she has explored many wine cellars in search of fine champagne. When Rebecca discovered the real-life stories of the Champagne Widows of France, she knew she’d dedicate years to telling the stories of these remarkable women who made champagne the worldwide phenomenon it is today. Welcome to the show, Rebecca! Episode Highlights How Rebecca discovered the stories of the Champagne Widows Her writing journey and how she brings history to life Her experience as a lavender farmer and how it complements her writing lifestyle French history and how she distilled it into fascinating tidbits for readers The title of Champagne Widows and the incredible strength of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot. Connect with Rebecca: Instagram Facebook Website Purchase Rebecca’s books Books Mentioned in Show Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver The Widows of Champagne by Renee Ryan Madame Pommery by Rebecca Rosenberg Lavender Fields of America by Rebecca Rosenberg Silver Echoes (Rebecca’s newest book, will be up for pre-sale in late February 2025) Book Flight A Welcome Misfortune by Kay Bratt A Beautiful Rival with Gill Paul The Last Fashion House in Paris by Renee Ryan If you’d like to join us next month, we will be discussing another fantastic historical fiction/romance novel, Until Our Time Comes by Nicole M. Miller. This book is an unforgettable WWII novel inspired by true events. Follow American horse trainer Adia Kensington and British intelligence agent Bret Conway as they fight to save 250 prized Arabian horses from the invading German army in war-torn Poland. This epic tale of courage, love and resistance is a page-turner you will not want to miss! Regist Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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Exploring Dark Urban Fantasy with Author Elle Kaelee (E128) 40:01

6 weeks тому40:01

40:01

Send us a text We're chatting with Elle Kaelee today. Elle has always been a student of storytelling, and her career over the years has involved theater, photography, and, of course, writing. She released Glass Wings , a dark urban fantasy, as initially a way of coping with the death of family members, but it turned into something much bigger—a full trilogy that will be fully released by the end of Fall 2025. The second book of the trilogy, Burning Glass , was released in late December 2024. She lives with her family, a mother of two little boys, in Seattle and can often be found at farmers' markets and breweries. This episode covers adult themes, so you may want to pop in a pair of headphones. Either way, this episode is a must-listen! Episode Highlights: Elle’s Creative Career Journey : From theater to costume design to photography, Elle shares stories from her fascinating creative career, including how she perfected getting people to "do with their face what she needed them to do" during photoshoots. The Origin of Glass Wings : Elle talks about how her writing journey began during childhood (sometimes being grounded sparks creativity!) and how her dark urban fantasy trilogy grew from personal grief into a full immersive world. Parenting Adventures : Hear Elle's perspective on parenting, plus insights from her unique experience living van life for a year. Books, Hoarding and Trigger Warnings : We discuss our shared love for books and how Elle navigates all the books she wants to read with her van lifestyle. She also explains the importance of trigger warnings and why she includes them at the start of her books. Connect with Elle Kaelee: Instagram Website Purchase Elle’s Books Books and authors mentioned: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling Gild by Raven Kennedy A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadband Book Flight Belladonna by Adalyn Grace One Dark Window / Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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The Influence of Childhood Reading and Writing with Author Tyler Snure (E127) 24:49

7 weeks тому24:49

24:49

Send us a text In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Tyler Snure, an incredible young author whose journey is as inspiring as his books. Tyler published his debut novel, The Jewels of Fate , when he was just 17 years old. With a lifelong passion for reading and storytelling, Tyler began writing creatively at the age of seven, and his first book took over five years to complete. What started as a short story in elementary school blossomed into a captivating trilogy that fans of fiction, fantasy, and adventure will love. The second novel in the series, The Sword of Sorenth , followed a few years later, solidifying Tyler’s talent for crafting engaging and action-packed stories. His books are perfect for all ages, especially readers aged 12-18, with themes of found family, community, and thrilling adventures akin to the Percy Jackson series. Tyler is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English and resides in Ontario, Canada, with his family and dog. Episode Highlights Tyler’s early love for reading and writing stories The creative process behind The Jewels of Fate and the trilogy’s evolution Themes of found family and community in his books The tone and audience for his books and their similarity to the Percy Jackson series Insights into Tyler’s writing inspirations and journey Connect with Tyler Snure: Instagram Youtube Facebook Website Purchase Tyler’s books Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Divergent by Veronica Roth The Maze Runner by James Dashner The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus The Guest List by Lucy Foley The Rose Code by Kate Quinn Book Flight Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1 by Rick Riordan Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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Ace, Marvel, Spy: Serving Up Untold Stories with Author Jenni L. Walsh (E126) 38:53

8 weeks тому38:53

38:53

Send us a text Welcome to today’s episode of Bookish Flights ! I’m delighted to be joined by Jenni L. Walsh, USA Today bestselling author of thirteen captivating books for adults and children. Jenni spends her days immersed in storytelling from her home in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where she masterfully balances her busy writing career with being a mom to two spirited kids—a soulful ten-year-old and a dinosaur-loving eight-year-old—alongside caring for six needy furbabies and cheering on her beloved Philly and ‘Nova sports teams. Episode Highlights Mental Sanity and Parenting Tips for maintaining mental health while navigating the beautiful chaos of parenting. Balancing life as a professional writer and an active volunteer in her kids’ classrooms. Behind the Pages of Ace, Marvel, Spy The incredible inspiration behind her latest historical fiction novel, Ace, Marvel, Spy . Uncovering the life of Alice Marble: world tennis champion, spy, and unsung hero. The Writing Life How Jenni uncovers and breathes life into the untold stories of unique women in history. Book Flight A curated selection of historical fiction by women authors who have inspired Jenni’s writing journey. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a tennis fan, or someone who loves powerful stories of resilience, this episode promises inspiration, insight, and a touch of history’s hidden gems. Connect with Jenni: Instagram Website Purchase Ace, Marvel, Spy Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Side by Side: A Novel of Bonnie and Clyde by Jenni L. Walsh Letters to Rifka by Karen Hesse Operation Happy by Jenni L. Walsh (Middle Grade novel) Sonora by Jenni L. Walsh (Coming October 2025) The Bug Bandits by Jenni L. Walsh (Coming May 2025 - Middle Grade novel) Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Publish Date 06/03/25) The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict (Publish Date 02/11/2025) The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter Book Flight The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict Kate Quinn’s books Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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How to Recover and Protect Your Instagram Account After Being Hacked (E125.5) 9:38

8 weeks тому9:38

9:38

Send us a text 🚨 I didn’t want to make this episode, but here we are. 🚨 In this solo episode of Bookish Flights , I’m sharing my story about how my Instagram account was hacked and the valuable lessons I learned along the way. Tune in to hear how to get it back and make sure this doesn’t happen to you! I’m sharing actionable tips to secure your online accounts so you don’t have to go through the frustration, stress, and lost time I did. I’ve spent at least 5 hours on it so far and it is still not totally resolved! From enabling two-factor authentication to recognizing phishing attempts, these simple steps can make a huge difference in keeping your personal information safe. We’re also talking about the importance of community and how many of you have asked how you can help. Whether it’s sharing your favorite episode or joining our newsletter for exclusive updates, every little bit helps keep this podcast growing and thriving. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What the hackers did and how QUICKLY they gained access to my account. Essential tips to protect your Instagram and other online accounts. How you can help. Tips to Protect Your Accounts: Enable two-factor Authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. Literally STOP and go do this right now! Be cautious with links—never click on unsolicited or suspicious ones. Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Verify official messages—Instagram will never ask for your password or send DMs to verify your account. Update your account recovery info regularly. Act quickly….if you can! Ways to Stay Connected Join our email list : Stay connected, get exclusive updates, and be the first to know about new episodes. [Insert link] Spread the word: Many of you have asked how you can help, honestly the best way to help is to share an episode you have loved with a friend or on social media. A trusted recommendation from a friend is gold! Thank you for tuning in and for being part of this incredible community. I hope these tips help you from making the same mistakes I did. Happy reading my friends! Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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Teetering TBR Piles & a Historical French Fiction Book Flight with Author Debra Borchert (E125) 35:53

9 weeks тому35:53

35:53

Send us a text In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Debra Borchert. Debra’s career journey is as fascinating as the stories she writes. From her beginnings as a clothing designer to acting, hosting TV shows, working in high-tech marketing, and technical writing for Fortune 100 companies, she has truly done it all. As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, Debra infuses her expertise in textiles and clothing design into her historical French fiction, earning accolades such as the Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice and Publishers Weekly Booklife Editor’s Pick. Join us as we delve into a multifaceted career journey, contrasting life in Seattle and New York and the inspiration drawn from traveling to story settings. Discover the creative process of connecting with characters through recipes, and enjoy a humorous anecdote about a speeding ticket linked to her favorite author. Plus, don't Debra’s curated book flight featuring novels set during the French Revolution. Episode Highlights: Debra’s Diverse Career Path: From fashion design to acting and more, explore how varied experiences shape a writing journey. Authentic Storytelling: The role of travel in bringing vivid detail and imagination to her stories. A Writer’s Favorite: The book closest to Debra’s heart and why it stands out among her works. Getting Into Character: How recipes help Debra step into the shoes of her characters. Book Flight: Debra’s book flight features captivating stories set during the French Revolution. Connect with Debra Borchert: Instagram Website Facebook Purchase Her Own War Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Janet Evanovich’s books The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale Pockets by Hannah Carlson Book Flight Annette Vallon by James Tipton Pure by Andrew Miller Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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Book Club Fiction | Realistic Motherhood with Author Hadley Leggett (E124) 49:10

10 weeks тому49:10

49:10

Send us a text In today’s episode, I am chatting with Hadley Leggett. Hadley writes layered book club fiction exploring truth in shades of gray. Her winding career path has included degrees in medicine, biochemistry, Spanish, and science journalism, as well as a ten-year stint as a stay-at-home mom. After moving all over the United States during her childhood, she now lives in Seattle with her husband and three children, as well as her parents, three cats, and an ever-rotating troop of foster kittens. Hadley’s first novel, All They Ask Is Everything , is her love letter to the messiness of motherhood and will be published by Lake Union in August 2024. Episode Highlights: Hadley's Career Journey: Learn how Hadley transitioned into medical writing and how thinking outside the box helped her leverage her unique skillset. Motherhood’s Messiness: We discuss the societal pressures on mothers, emphasizing that while we ask more of them, basic support systems are often lacking. We also explore realistic motherhood, the highs and the lows. Finding Community: Hadley shares the importance of creating a supportive network, whether it’s among friends or within writing communities. Book Flight of Book Club Fiction: Discover Hadley’s perspective on book club fiction—books that strike a balance between genre/mainstream writing and literary fiction. Her book flight features 3 books in this genre that focus on portraying realistic motherhood. This is such a fantastic episode on the reality of motherhood, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Connect with Hadley Leggett: Instagram Substack Website Purchase All They Ask is Everything Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene The Babysitter’s Club by Ann M. Martin Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult Book Flight If I Lose Her by Brianne Sommerville Cutting Teeth by Chandler Baker Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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How to Make 2025 Your Best Reading Year Yet | Tips, Goals and a Challenge (E123) 11:47

10 weeks тому11:47

11:47

Send us a text In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing actionable tips, personal goals, and an exciting new reading challenge to help you make 2025 your best reading year yet. Whether you’re aiming to read more, discover new authors, or simply have your best reading year yet, this episode is packed with inspiration for all readers. Episode Highlights: Why reading matters. Set reading intentions: What genres or topics are you curious to learn more about? Is there an author’s backlist you were hoping to explore? Do you want to read to relax? To learn? To challenge yourself? Practical strategies for building a consistent reading habit. How audiobooks can transform your reading life. The value of joining a reading community like the BFF Book Club. 😉 Tracking your progress. Details about the 2025 Bookish Flights Reading Challenges for adults and kids. Join the 2025 Reading Challenge: This year, we’ve created a fun and flexible challenge to inspire your reading journey. Adults: Complete 12 prompts for 12 books. Kids : Complete 8 prompts with a fun coloring progress tracker! Resources Mentioned: The BFF Book Club – Join here . Episode 116: Do Audiobooks Count as Reading? StoryGraph and Goodreads Bookish Flights’ book flight database with fiction , non-fiction , and children’s book recommendations . Get Involved: What’s your reading goal for 2025? Share your plans with me on social media Instagram Facebook Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more bookish inspiration and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode! Thank you for tuning in to Bookish Flights! Let’s make 2025 your best reading year yet! Ready for a monthly literary adventure? We now have the BFF Book Club. Join us each month to explore a new book. After reading, connect with fellow book lovers and meet the author in a live interview! Can’t make it live? Don’t worry—we’ll send you the recording. You can find all our upcoming book club selections HERE . Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! Instagram Facebook Website…

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The Art of Intentional Living: Cultivating Resilience and Personal Growth with Desiree Petrich (E122) 39:52

11 weeks тому39:52