Dialogues with Creators

In this episode of Dialogues with Creator, Barbara talks with new friend Joyce McPherson, a resident of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, who wears many creative hats. Joyce writes biographies of historical persons for middle-grade students, writes fiction for young readers, teaches college English, and directs a Shakespeare camp. Joyce is a person you should know about. Links: https://joyce-mcpherson.blogspot.com/https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00665Z6NY?ccs_id=8837662c-caa0-4200-9f14-2a90aa6542bb https://www.barbaragrahamtucker.net

On this solo podcast, Barbara explains why she writes fiction, specifically novels, and what the value of fiction is to all of us.

Host Dr. Barbara Tucker welcomes Dr. Forrest Blackbourn for a lively exploration of one of his favorite novels, Junot Díaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Their conversation traces the novel’s layered narrative, from the shadow of Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship to the Dominican diaspora in New Jersey. Blackbourn examines themes of fukú and zafa, hypermasculinity, race, and the reclamation of Blackness, while highlighting Díaz’s inventive footnotes and genre-bending style. Together, they consider why Oscar’s tragic story is also “wondrous,” and how literature helps students confront history, identity, and belonging across cultures and generations.Barbara Tucker’s website:www.barbaragrahamtucker.netThe show’s GoFundMe page:https://www.gofundme.com/manage/keep-our-nonprofit-podcast-alive

Dr. Jennifer Randall, Professor of English at Dalton State College, joins Barbara to provide insight into the value of the world’s foundational philosophical work, Plato’s Republic. Find out why this 2400-year-old book is relevant in today’s world. It’s a lively discussion! Barbara Tucker’s website:www.barbaragrahamtucker.netThe show’s GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/manage/keep-our-nonprofit-podcast-alive

For the first interview on Dialogues with Creators for 2026, Barbara talks to Dr. Margaret Roblyer, known to her friends as Peggy, on writing a memoir and on Peggy’s soon-to-be-published memoir, Strong Glass (June). This is for everyone who has thought about writing about their own personal stories. Peggy also shares vital information about publishing.As a former textbook author and professor of instructional technology, Peggy brings a wealth of wisdom to this episode. Links:https://mdroblyer.com/www.barbaragrahamtucker.nethttps://authorsguild.org/advocacy/artificial-intelligence/

Here Barbara lets her opinions be known about the writers she considers the guiding stars. Trigger warning: She may not like the popular ones!

Here are some recommendations and counter-recommendations on books, based on Barbara's reading patterns in 2025. She talks about 26 or so fiction and nonfiction books read over the past year, not to mention a lot of shorter works. Standouts are In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez, The Digital Delusion by Jason Horvath, I am a Georgia Girl by Ann Hite, and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. There is a pause at the beginning--just a bit. This is a straight-from-me solo recording. GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/55f16ff27Barbara's website: www.barbaragrahamtucker.net

Here I go solo in my low-key way to discuss the book Astounding (about the history of pulp science fiction) and the shows Plur1bus and Severance, which stand out as "Twilight Zone"-based speculative fiction.

This episode is a chat with Ufuk Özalp, a native and citizen of Turkey, who owns a tourism agency, Mosaics of Turkiye. He started the company because of his passion for his country’s culture and history. After all, he loves traveling because he wants to share Turkey with new friends from other countries. I can attest to how he provides a 100% quality experience for travelers. You can find more information at the Website: https://mosaicsofturkiye.com GoFundMe page:Barbara’s website: https://www.barbaragrahamtucker.net/

Join host Dr. Barbara Tucker this week as she sits down with acclaimed Southern novelist Ann Hite, a renowned storyteller whose debut novel Ghost On Black Mountain was a finalist for the Townsend Prize and won the Georgia Author of the Year award. Ann shares her journey crafting haunting Appalachian tales that breathe life into characters dictating their own stories, her love of a library that spans a thousand books, and the inspiration behind her latest works. Tune in for a rich conversation on heritage, voice, and the power of place in story.

In this inspiring conversation, host Barbara Tucker welcomes Dr. Jeevani Sammeta, assistant professor of communication at Dalton State College, whose journey spans from Hyderabad, India, to northwest Georgia. Dr. Sammeta shares how she transitioned from engineering to filmmaking and academia, reflects on the cultural shifts between India and the U.S., and explains her research on the growing national influence of South Indian cinema. She also discusses her creative process, her new documentary projects, and the joy of teaching film. Together, they explore storytelling, creativity, and the beauty of carrying one’s culture across continents.See more of Barbara's work: barbaragrahamtucker.netSupport the podcast: https://gofund.me/7d99cd70

Discover the creative heart of Northwest Georgia in this episode of Dialogues with Creators. Host Barbara Tucker chats with Matthew Gramling, director of the Bandy Heritage Center at Dalton State College, about his journey into historical preservation and the center’s mission to collect, protect, and celebrate regional culture. From Cherokee heritage to textile arts and global connections through local stories, Matthew shares how archives spark creativity and community engagement. Plus, learn how you can get involved in preserving history that shapes the future.Bandy Heritage Center of Northwest Georgia: https://www.bandyheritagecenter.org/ (706) 272-4587Email: bandyheritage@daltonstate.eduMy website: barbaragrahamtucker.netGoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7d99cd70

Ms. Jeanne Cahill, a native of Georgia, sits down with Barbara Tucker to talk about her new book, Call Me Jeanne: From Outhouse to the White House, A Journey of Family, Loss, and the Power of Love. They discuss her time working for the election of Governor and then President Jimmy Carter, her time in their administrations helping women and families, and what it is like to write a memoir.Get Jeanne's book here!More on Jeanne's legacy: https://research.library.gsu.edu/c.php?g=115725&p=750836

Host Barbara Tucker tackles the promises and perils of generative artificial intelligence in this thought-provoking conversation. Drawing on years of teaching and writing, she reflects on how AI tools are reshaping communication, creativity, and even the human brain. Barbara explores questions of accuracy, ethics, and social responsibility. Whether you’re curious or cautious, this episode challenges you to stay human, think critically, and keep writing in your own voice.Resources mentioned:https://thedispatch.com/article/artificial-intelligence-morality-honesty-pattern-engines/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ch4a6ffPZY&t=39shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixgunKpy61shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fPUWSv2JCIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MbD_KdPgZ0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixgunKpy61shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWpg1RmzAbc&t=4shttps://news.mit.edu/2025/explained-generative-ai-environmental-impact-0117 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7pgdDBu8z4

On this episode, host Barbara Tucker reunites with Amber Nagle, a freelance writer with published articles in Grit, Mother Earth News, Points North, and many other magazines. They discuss the compelling world of generative AI and how it relates to writing and creativity in general. Join as they discuss the uses as well as the dangers of this fascinating new tool.

Host Barbara Tucker takes listeners on an exclusive guided tour of Montpelier Mansion with assistant manager Don Graham. As they wander through the grand halls and shadowy corridors, Graham shares expert insights into the mansion’s colonial architecture and storied past. Perfect for history buffs, this episode seamlessly blends rich historical context with a slightly spooky atmosphere. Tune in as Barbara and Don bring Montpelier Mansion to life—one creaky floorboard at a time.

On this special Fourth of July episode, host Barbara Tucker takes the podcast on the road to Dickenson County, Virginia—a place deeply tied to her family roots and the setting of her novel Lying In. She visits the Dickenson County Historical Society during their writers' event, speaking with local authors and historians who preserve Appalachian heritage through storytelling, genealogy, and community service. Barbara shares heartfelt reflections on her ancestors, creativity, and the region’s enduring spirit. Join her as she explores how memory, place, and hard work inspire the stories we tell—and honor those who came before us.

In this episode, Barbara Tucker welcomes award-winning author and educator Eliot Parker for an in-depth conversation about the craft of writing, the power of storytelling, and inspiring the next generation of writers. With a background in fiction, journalism, and teaching, Eliot shares how his Appalachian roots influence his work and how he balances suspense, character, and place in his novels. He and Barbara discuss the intersection of creativity and discipline, the evolving landscape of publishing, and what aspiring writers need to succeed in today's world. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or educator, this episode delivers valuable insights from one of today’s most thoughtful literary voices.CHECK OUT MORE OF TUCKER AND PARKER'S WORK HERE:https://www.eliotparker.com/https://www.barbaragrahamtucker.nethttps://gofund.me/7d99cd70https://www.rabbitvalleyfarmersmarket.com/https://acworthtourism.org/events/acworth-book-storytelling-festival/

In this episode, Barbara Tucker sits down with accomplished theater director and educator Josh Ruben for a conversation brimming with creativity, collaboration, and behind-the-scenes insights. With decades of experience directing high school and community theatre, Josh shares how he fosters ensemble-based productions that empower young performers and elevate storytelling. He and Barbara explore the role of mentorship in the arts, the challenges and rewards of directing educational theatre, and how theatre builds lifelong skills both on and off the stage. Whether you’re an educator, artist, or theatre enthusiast, this episode offers an inspiring look at the transformative power of the stage.

In this episode, host Barbara Tucker sits down with Tulasi Acharya—author, educator, and passionate advocate for cultural understanding. Born and raised in Nepal, Acharya brings a unique global perspective to the conversation as he shares his journey from South Asia to the United States, navigating identities and storytelling along the way. With a PhD in Public Administration and a powerful voice in both creative and academic writing, Tulasi reflects on the power of language, the immigrant experience, and how literature can foster empathy across borders. Listeners will gain insight into his acclaimed novel Running from the Dreamland, as well as from his academic and nonfiction works, such as Sex, Gender and Disability in Nepal, and his commitment to promoting inclusive narratives. Whether you're an aspiring writer or someone interested in cross-cultural dialogue, this conversation offers both depth and heart. Don’t miss this meaningful exchange about resilience, representation, and the transformative power of words.Links: https://tulasiacharya.wordpress.com/about/barbaragrahamtucker.netGo Fund Me for this podcast; https://gofund.me/7d99cd70