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Books That Make You brings you conversations with both authors and literary folks on the business side of things. We discuss new books, old books, indie books, and all the wonderful themes found within books. Whether you're an author or an avid book reader, this is the show for you.
278 Episodes
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What happens when the world is rebuilt after catastrophe and the power structure flips, completely? In this episode, author and tech executive D.A. Murray joins us to unpack her debut dystopian novel, Dominion: Ascension. The conversation starts with the central provocation: a society where women hold leadership across civilization and men are pushed into tightly controlled roles, including a "breeder class" shaped by fertility and status. From there, we go deeper into what the book is really examining—how power changes people, how systems enforce obedience, and what gets lost when identity becomes something managed rather than lived. We also talk about Danny Matthews, the 29-year-old protagonist whose emotional development makes sense inside a world where information is restricted and self-exploration is contained. At the heart of Danny's experience is her relationship with her mother, giving the story a pulse that goes beyond the dystopian frame. D.A. Murray shares why technology in Dominion isn't a sleek promise but a "jagged edge of progress," and how today's AI boom raises real questions about privacy, guardrails, and what it means to stay human while moving fast. Plus, a glimpse at what's coming next in the trilogy, including the second book, Anarchy.
What compels someone to walk away from a lucrative Wall Street career and dedicate their life to eradicating generational poverty? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Abraham George, author of Mountains to Cross and founder of Shanti Bhavan, a residential school in India that transforms the lives of children born into extreme poverty. Dr. George shares the deeply personal story behind his life's mission, from surviving a dynamite blast as a young officer in the Himalayas to building a financial foundation with a single goal: to serve. His philosophy, the 50/50 life model—spend half your life creating wealth, the other half giving back—is more than theory. It's the driving force behind Shanti Bhavan's global impact. We dive into the school's powerful success stories, including graduates attending Ivy League schools, and the wider social change sparked by a single opportunity. Dr. George also reveals how his mother's resilience and generosity helped carry his vision through the 2008 financial crisis. If you've ever questioned how one person can make a difference—or wondered when the right time is to start—this conversation will inspire you to act.
Author and ritual designer Bill Hulseman returns to the show to take us deeper into his profoundly moving and gently humorous essay collection, six to carry the casket and one to say the mass. This time, Bill helps us reimagine the meaning of the holidays—beyond the performative gratitude and commercial frenzy. In this episode, Bill discusses two standout essays from his book: Grateful and How to Put Up a Christmas Tree. Through personal stories of family, grief, queerness, and complicated traditions, Bill reveals how the holidays can be both beautiful and deeply painful. From hand turkeys and Lincoln's Thanksgiving proclamation to moments of heartbreak behind a glowing Christmas tree, Bill invites us to hold space for both memory and renewal. Whether you're someone who dreads the season or seeks to find new meaning in old rituals, this conversation will offer you perspective, comfort, and maybe even inspiration to create your own traditions. This is a raw, honest, and reflective episode for anyone who's ever felt out of place during the holidays—and for those looking to reconnect with what matters most. #six tocarrythecasket #BillHulseman #holidaygrief #ritualdesign #queerauthors #BooksThatMakeYou
What happens when a cranky humorist and a tech-savvy illustrator team up with some rebellious poodles and launch them into space? You get Snoodles in Space: Escape from Zoodletraz — the latest wild ride from author Steven Joseph and illustrator Andy Case. In this episode, the duo dives deep into their colorful, noodle-fueled universe. They talk about the imaginative process behind their newest book, from musical jailbreaks to intergalactic dance battles and zany characters like Coolio the Grand Rudel. But it's not just about the laughs. Steven and Andy explore the deeper themes woven into their story, including creativity, environmentalism, teamwork, and even the importance of museums and public spaces for inspiring young minds. We also get a peek behind the curtain into their one-of-a-kind working relationship—think less "formal author and illustrator" and more "creative soulmates on a rocket ship." Plus, Andy talks about the real-world educational challenges kids face today, especially the growing imagination deficit from too much screen time. And yes, there's a full original soundtrack. Because why shouldn't a book about dancing poodles come with a banger of an album?
What if your stepfather was one of the most misunderstood yet spiritually profound composers of the 20th century—and your mother spent years writing his story? In this episode, Bill Holst shares the extraordinary journey behind Alan Hovhaness: Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century, a memoir built from the poetic writings of his late mother and enriched with his own personal reflections. Alan Hovhaness was known for his deeply mystical, culturally diverse compositions, drawing from Armenian roots, Eastern music traditions, and nature itself. Bill shares how Hovhaness faced rejection early in his career—even from names like Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland—yet stayed true to his vision, ultimately creating over 500 pieces of music that defied genres and resonated with artists like Carlos Santana and Ravi Shankar. We dive into the soulful relationship between Bill's mother and Hovhaness, the spiritual lens through which he viewed life and art, and the thousands of unpublished and rediscovered works that are still being archived today. From midnight storytelling sessions to mysterious reincarnated cats, this conversation uncovers the composer's otherworldly spirit and the love that defined his final decades. Discover how Bill Holst is carrying forward the legacies of both his mother and Alan Hovhaness—one page, and one note, at a time. #AlanHovhaness #BillHolst #ComposerLegacy #MysticalMusic #BooksThatMakeYou #Memoir
How do you go from writing a Star Trek episode to launching rockets, facing crocodiles, and eventually healing through writing? Chester L. Richards returns to the show to share moments from his second memoir, The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist. This lively interview explores how a vivid dream led to a Star Trek script, setting him on a lifelong path filled with science, danger, love, and self-discovery. Chester takes us behind the scenes of his early writing journey, reveals the high-stakes world of aerospace engineering, and shares stories of rafting down wild rivers and facing wild animals. But it's not just about adventure. At the center of his story is Sarah, his late partner and creative muse. Her memory continues to inspire his work and helped him through the most difficult chapter of his life. From humorous mishaps to moments of deep emotion, Chester explains how writing helped him rediscover joy. He also reflects on the importance of failure, how it shaped his career, and why it's never too late to write your own story. This is a conversation about creativity, courage, and the human spirit. Chester's journey shows that the real final frontier might just be the stories we choose to tell. #StarTrek #Memoir #RocketScience #AuthorInterview #BooksThatMakeYou #ChesterLRichards
What do a dead goldfish, Pat Boone, and crème de menthe have in common? For acclaimed memoirist Sue William Silverman, they're all part of her deeply personal and poetic exploration in her latest book, Selected Misdemeanors: Essays at the Mercy of the Reader. In this conversation, Sue opens up about the emotional missteps and moments that shaped her—and how writing flash essays allows her to capture the weight of fleeting experiences. Sue shares her unique approach to writing: mining small, seemingly mundane memories and transforming them into meaningful metaphors. From walking on hands with her sister to confronting childhood trauma and the aftermath of emotional scars, each essay in Selected Misdemeanors reveals a shimmering truth beneath the surface. We also explore the challenges of memoir writing, why metaphors matter, and how women can claim their voices through storytelling. Sue also discusses her childhood obsession with Pat Boone—and the extraordinary real-life full-circle moment that followed decades later. If you're a writer, reader, or anyone fascinated by how truth becomes art, this episode is for you.
What happens when you're diagnosed with breast cancer at 67—just after building your dream home and planning your wedding? For Shelley Malicote Stutchman, you write about it with raw honesty, a whole lot of humor, and just enough sass to make people gasp. In this episode, Shelley joins us to talk about her memoir, Peek-a-Boob, a powerful yet hilarious account of her journey through breast cancer. A nurse, mental health advocate, and first-time author at 70, Shelley opens up about being diagnosed in 2022 and how she used Facebook posts to process her experiences and help others—ultimately turning them into a 432-page book. Shelley shares deeply personal moments, from the fear of biopsies to the emotional weight of losing friends during treatment. She also reflects on unexpected joys, like finding love later in life and how her husband wrote the final chapter for the men who support survivors. Her advice is practical, heartfelt, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, or someone who simply wants to better understand the emotional toll of breast cancer, Shelley's story will resonate. #BreastCancerAwareness #PeekABoob #ShelleyMalicoteStutchman #CancerSurvivor #WomenWriters #MentalHealthMatters
What if your favorite authors weren't just names on book spines, but people you could meet in person? Joe Solari, managing director of Reader Nation and Writer Nation, shares why the upcoming Reader Nation event in Las Vegas is more than just a book signing. It's a real-world book community coming to life. Held at the Horseshoe and Paris Casinos, Reader Nation brings together over 300 authors, from legendary names like James Patterson to debut indie writers. It's a rare chance for readers to get signed books, limited editions, and most importantly, personal conversations with the storytellers themselves. This isn't just an author event. It's a fan-first experience that invites book lovers to connect with each other, explore new genres, and build lifelong reading habits through authentic community. Joe explains why Vegas is the perfect location, since it combines easy access, amazing food, and an unforgettable atmosphere. If you're passionate about books, this is your tribe. Come for the signings, stay for the panels, the swag, and the chance to discover authors you never knew you'd love. Use Coupon Code: BookFest25 at checkout https://reader-nation-2025.thesigningstore.com/
What happens when your family identity, religious upbringing, and personal truth collide? In this compelling conversation, author Bill Hulseman shares the deeply personal stories that shaped his life and inspired his book six to carry the casket and one to say the mass: reflections on life, identity, and moving forward. Bill opens up about being the youngest of ten children, what it meant to grow up feeling ornamental in his family, and how he found his voice amid the chaos of family dynamics and personal struggle. He talks about the power of reflective practices, what it means to question the identities we're born into, and how 2020 forced many of us to confront who we are—and who we want to become. Bill also discusses the evolution of Pride, the influence of pop culture icons like Madonna on his queer identity, and the balancing act of being an openly gay man in Catholic education. His reflections are thoughtful, nuanced, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating questions of belonging and selfhood. Tune in for an honest conversation about life, faith, queerness, and finding purpose in unlikely places.
What happens when love, loss, and music collide in deep space? In this episode, Bram Stoker Award-winner and former Horror Writers Association president John Palisano joins us to talk about his latest book, Requiem. Set aboard a massive mortuary spacecraft called Eden, the novel blends gothic romance, cosmic horror, and speculative science fiction into one unforgettable journey. Eden isn't just a final resting place—it's a monument to memory, haunted by the preserved dead and a creeping entity named Animus. As musician Tessa tries to compose a new Requiem, she unwittingly opens a doorway for something dark and hungry. What follows is a chilling descent into hallucination, grief, and moral questions about memory, identity, and technology. John reveals the inspiration behind Eden, the emotional weight of grief, and how love—both lost and remembered—fuels the characters and narrative. He also teases real music he composed for the novel and the real science behind some of its more terrifying concepts. This isn't just another haunted spaceship story—Requiem explores the kind of horror that lingers, that haunts your thoughts long after the final page.
How do you go from writing revenge-fueled mystery novels to coaching authors through one of the most misunderstood parts of the publishing process—marketing? Juliet Clark, founder of Author Traffic School and Superbrand Publishing, shares her personal journey from publishing her own novels like Pitch Slapped and Dead by Dawn, to helping other authors find their footing in the often murky world of platform building. In this candid and practical conversation, Juliet breaks down why writing the book is just the beginning. She opens up about the frustrations of early self-publishing, how she realized traditional models didn't support authors or their readers, and why she created her own path to empower writers with real tools—from Author Alchemy journals to innovative book ad strategies across thousands of mobile apps. We also get into her philosophy on gratitude and manifestation, how she sees author success as a long-term journey, and why becoming a successful author also means embracing entrepreneurship. Whether you're about to publish your first book or looking to scale your author brand, Juliet's insights are both inspiring and actionable. #AuthorMarketing #SelfPublishing #JulietClark #BookPromotion #IndieAuthors #PlatformBuilding #SuperbrandPublishing #AuthorTrafficSchool
What if the secret to rediscovering your creativity, your empathy, and even your joy was something you were born with—but lost along the way? In this episode, bestselling author Laura Munson talks about her newest book, The Wild Why, and the journey back to wonder. From the forests of Montana to ancient stone circles in Ireland, Laura's personal stories and teachings invite us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our inner voice. She shares the truth behind our creative blocks and the myth that we're "not creative"—stories we've absorbed over time but don't have to believe. We also explore why wonder matters, not just for personal fulfillment but for building empathy and a more compassionate society. Laura opens up about her own challenges, including divorce and life transitions, and how they shaped her understanding of inner kindness, creativity, and self-expression. Whether you're juggling work, parenting, or just trying to get through the day, The Wild Why offers a compassionate call to stop in the moment, take a breath, and ask "what if?" again. #TheWildWhy #LauraMunson #BooksThatMakeYou #SelfHelp #Creativity #WritingLife #Wonder
Author Kelly O'Hearn joins the show to explore her captivating Arcanum series—a saga that intertwines time, love, and soul contracts across lifetimes. With In the Temple Shadows and Whispers In The Forest, the first two books of the six-part series, Kelly invites readers into a richly woven tale inspired by her own past life regressions and channeled entirely through the language of tarot. In this episode, Kelly breaks down how tarot goes beyond fortune-telling and becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery. She shares how the Arcanum series grew from visions of her former lives, where she played the roles of muse and mistress to powerful men—and how those soul contracts echo through time to shape the heroine's modern-day life in New York City. We also dive into the deeper themes of the series: the seductive pull of power, the quest for freedom, the emotional impact of soulmates, and the transformation women experience in midlife. Whether you're a tarot enthusiast, skeptic, or just curious about metaphysical fiction, this episode offers something unique and inspiring. #Tarot #FantasyBooks #SpiritualFiction #ArcanumSeries #KellyOHearn @MagicalRealism @SpiritualJourney #BooksThatMakeYou
What happens when the spotlight fades and the pressure takes over? In this episode, Michele Kwasniewski dives deep into her powerful YA novel, Falling Star, the final installment of the Rise and Fall of Dani Truehart trilogy. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Michele brings an unflinching look at the mental, emotional, and personal toll that fame can take—especially on young stars. Dani Truehart, once a teen pop sensation, is caught in the aftermath of a tragic decision. Fame, fortune, and pressure to perform have led her to a breaking point. As Michele explains, this isn't just fiction—it mirrors real-life stories from the likes of Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and other young talents who've had their lives dissected by the public eye. This book and conversation offer more than just drama. They ask real questions: Who are we when no one is looking? What happens when unconditional love is replaced by applause? And how do young people find their identity amid the noise? Whether you're a fan of YA fiction or fascinated by the world behind the red carpet, this episode pulls back the curtain.
What if healing your mind and body didn't have to take months? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Paul Corona, author of The Corona Protocol, to discuss his fast-acting, patient-centered approach to mental health. From anxiety and depression to addiction and PTSD, Dr. Corona reveals how his mind-body treatment method delivers real results — often in just weeks. We explore the controversial but effective use of off-label medications, his thoughts on men's mental health, and why early intervention matters more than ever. Dr. Corona also opens up about his transition from family medicine to psychiatry, and how he blends both disciplines to treat patients holistically. Dr. Corona's insights are reshaping the conversation around wellness. He doesn't shy away from addressing school violence, trauma, and the mental health crisis facing today's youth. Plus, we learn about The Doctor Paul Show, his reality-style series on Roku and Amazon Fire, which features real patients and real stories of transformation. If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode could be a game-changer. This is not medical advice and you should seek help and advice from a Dr.
What happens when a peaceful society faces a brutal threat it never saw coming? In this episode, we talk with fantasy author Peter Gribble, creator of "The City of the Magicians" series and author of book one, Threat. Drawing from his background in psychology, history, and education, Gribble explores what happens when complacency meets chaos—and how intellect, strategy, and even a little magic might be the keys to survival. Set in a richly imagined world, Threat follows characters like Lilia, who finds herself drawn into an underground movement while searching for her mother's manuscript. Set in a society that must adapt or fall, the story explores themes of pacifism, unity, and hidden resistance. Gribble also shares personal stories from his time growing up in postwar France, studying figures like Gandhi, and what magic means in both fantasy and real life. We also dive into his experience writing for gardening magazines, working in bookstores, and his views on how memory and awareness shape our lives and our stories. Whether you love fantasy with a psychological twist, or you're curious about the intersection of intellect and imagination, this conversation is for you.
Are you dreaming of becoming an author, but unsure where to start? Dale L. Roberts, award-winning author and self-publishing advocate, joins us to talk about Self-Publishing for New Authors and what it really takes to launch a book in today's indie publishing world. Dale shares his journey from reader to writer, the biggest fears new authors face, and how to overcome them. He also dives into the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, offering practical advice on formatting, editing, marketing, and avoiding industry pitfalls. Whether you're working on your first book or looking to refine your publishing strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Learn why confidence, persistence, and community are key to making it as an independent author. Plus, Dale gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his YouTube channel, where he helps aspiring writers navigate the ever-changing world of self-publishing.
What happens when your father creates a cult, and you're left to raise yourself in a decaying mansion filled with spiritual seekers and chaos? That's the world of Naked Girl, the powerful novel by Janna Brooke Wallack. In this conversation, Janna delves into the unconventional childhood that inspired her book, her thoughts on generational parenting shifts, and how she channeled her own emotions into compelling fiction. Set in 1980s Miami Beach, Naked Girl follows siblings Sienna and Siddartha as they navigate life within their father's bizarre, cult-like commune. Through their eyes, we experience the beauty, danger, and loneliness of growing up in an unpredictable world. With rich metaphors and immersive storytelling, Janna brings this unique setting to life, showing both the allure and the peril of freedom. We also dive into parenting, spirituality, and the generational cycle of raising children differently than we were raised. Janna shares insights from her own life as a mother of five, reflecting on how much of our past shapes our choices. Join us for this fascinating discussion and discover why Naked Girl has received critical acclaim, becoming a semifinalist for the 2024 Publishers Weekly Book Life Prize in Fiction. #JannaBrookeWallack #NakedGirl #BooksThatMakeYou #ComingOfAge #WritingCommunity #Parenting #CultSurvival
Can you really publish a book on your own? What does it take to be a successful indie author today? In this episode, we sit down with Jim Azevedo, a key figure in the self-publishing revolution and part of the team at Draft2Digital. Jim shares the fascinating journey from Smashwords to Draft2Digital, and how the industry has evolved since 2008. He discusses how indie authors can take control of their publishing careers, avoid scams, and build a sustainable platform. From digital publishing to print-on-demand, Jim reveals how tools like Draft2Digital empower writers to distribute their books worldwide—with no upfront costs. We also explore how indie authors support each other, why community matters, and the surprising ways AI is shaping the publishing world. Whether you're a new author or an experienced one looking to expand your reach, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss. Drop a comment below if you're an indie author or thinking about becoming one!
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