Black Authors Network Talk Show

Reap: The Bible Belt Series by Tiffani Quarles Sanders  ALABAMA 1931: Annie Lawson thanked the Lord every day for the life she and her husband, Sam, had made for themselves as sharecroppers on the Moore plantation. They were even more blessed to raise their granddaughter Liz, a bright, observant, book-loving girl who longed to continue her education past the primary grades. However, when Mary Moore decides she wants Liz to drop out of school and become her private maid, Annie calls on her friends, the Miller siblings, to save Liz without risking eviction for her family. As they work out a plan to free Liz from Mary Moore's clutches and secret her off the plantation, the Millers reach deep into the pain of their past, harkening back to the 1870s and confronting the moment when Bill Moore altered their lives forever. As an influential and powerful white man in the Deep South, Bill was never charged with his crimes, leaving the Millers devastated and forever caught in the shadow of his vile act. Discover how decades of simmering evil come to a boil in Reap, Tiffani Quarles-Sanders' latest book. For Bill Moore, the lesson is clear: A man will reap what he has sown. About Tiffani Quarles Sanders  A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Tiffani Quarles-Sanders is an author of historical and modern African-American fiction, and the owner of Hollow Bridge Publishing. Quarles-Sanders holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Alabama State University and has been teaching as an elementary school teacher for 25 years. Reap: The Bible Belt Series by Tiffani Quarles Sanders  https://www.amazon.com/Reap-Bible-Tiffani-Quarles-Sanders-ebook/dp/B0CJLT4HGF

Vanessa Miller is a best-selling, award-winning author and playwright. Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has received numerous awards, including the 2022 Best Christian Fiction award for her novel Something Good at the African American Literary Awards Show. She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on promoting The American Queen with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins).   The American Queen by Vanessa Miller In 1869 a kingdom rose in the South. And Louella was its queen. Over the twenty-four years she was enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation, Louella learned to feel one thing: hate. Hate for the man who sold her mother. Hate for the overseer who left her daddy to hang from a noose. Hate so powerful there’s no room in her heart for love, not even for the honorable Reverend William, whom she likes and respects enough to marry. But when William finally listens to Louella’s pleas and leads the formerly enslaved people off the plantation, Louella begins to replace her hate with hope. Hope that they will find a place where they can live free from fear. Hope that despite her many unanswered prayers, she can learn to trust for new miracles. Soon, William and Louella become the appointed king and queen of their self-proclaimed Kingdom of the Happy Land. Though they are still surrounded by opposition, they continue to share a message of joy and goodness and fight for the freedom and dignity of all. Grab your coy of The American Queen by Vanessa Miller https://a.co/d/2T64MUI

No Reservations by Sheryl Lister. Learn more: https://a.co/d/inN3OQk True friendship never ends. Best friends forever. That’s the vow Joy, Diane, Rochelle and Yvette made when they were children, and even in their mid-thirties, the friends have always been there for each other—through the highs and lows of life and love. Until forever comes up against a terminal cancer diagnosis. Nothing could have prepared them for what life would look like when four became three. But Yvette was prepared. The Jamaican getaway seems to come at the perfect time as the remaining friends deal with their grief, dashed hopes, and unexpected relationship drama. Sick of putting her dreams to open a spa on hold, not to mention her husband’s lack of support, Joy decides she’s moving forward with her new business—with or without him. . . Tristan's Choice by Savannah Jackson. Learn more: https://a.co/d/5mQIgSj Tristan's Choice follows the life of Shiloh, and his son Tristan fifteen years after Tristan's birth. Shiloh, along with his wife Moselle is doing a great job of raising Tristan and his sisters. Although Moselle is not Tristan's birthmother, anyone observing from the outside would never know, because she loves and treats him as her own. All is going well for Shiloh, Tristan, and their family until one day when a knock on the door changes everything. Tristan opens the front door, and finds himself standing face to face with a stranger who turns out to be his birthmother, Angela. Angela returns after fifteen years to claim her son after the prompting of her boyfriend Leroy, who has recently been released from jail and believes that he is Tristan's father. Will Angela succeed at uprooting Tristan's life, or will Shiloh prevail at keeping his family together?

Fake It Till You Make It (The Calvary Brothers Book 1) https://a.co/d/3h6jpmb Debbie Mason meets Lizzie Shane in this small-town romance where a burned-by-love veterinarian arranges a fake partnership with a down-on-her-luck city girl in order to save his family business. When Amarie Walker goes for something, she goes big—including starting over. Leaving her cheating ex and entire D.C. life in the rearview, she crash lands in a small town with no plan, no money, and no job. An opening at the animal clinic is the only gig for miles, no surprise considering the vet is a certified grump. If Eli Calvary ever cracked a smile, Amarie might faint on sight from shock. At least his adorable golden retriever appreciates her fabulousness…and shares her love of daily treats! When Eli took over his late father’s practice, he quickly discovered the clinic was facing foreclosure. So there’s no time for social niceties, especially not flirting, even with someone as gorgeous, bubbly, and business-savvy as Amarie. Yet when Eli needs to invent an investor on the fly, it’s her name that comes to his lips. Now, for the sake of their furry clients, Eli and Amarie hustle to save the clinic, trying to ignore the nonstop sparks between them. Because while their partnership may be fake, their connection already feels way too real. . . Cousins: All We Got Is Us https://a.co/d/5XcC7YW In this coming-of-age story, the Walker cousins face their own individual challenges while growing up in Washington, DC, during the 80s and 90s. In a world where it's easy to feel alone and lost, they lean on each other and vow to stick together. But one day, a tragic event tests the bonds of their unity, as family secrets begin to unravel. Soon they discover that their enemies were never those on the outside but the ones within their midst.

Ella D. Curry hosts the 15th Black Books Weekend Opening Ceremony Listen to the Black Books Weekend Opening Ceremony -  http://tobtr.com/12289058    Follow Our Black Books Weekend Events Black Books Weekend - Day 1:  Fiction, Poetry, Romance, Thriller Books - http://tobtr.com/12289060  Black Books Weekend - Day 2:  Business Discussions with Entrepreneurs & Creators - http://tobtr.com/12289061 Black Books Weekend - Day 3:  Non-fiction/Self-help/Motivational/Children's Books - http://tobtr.com/12289063 Black Books Weekend - Day 4:  Crown Holders Celebrity Spotlight and Giveaways -  http://tobtr.com/12289067 Black Books Weekend is an annual event that plays a pivotal role in the literary community. It brings together thousands of individuals from various walks of life. These participants dedicate their time and resources to presenting society with great books that have the potential to uplift and inspire our communities. Despite the abundance of outstanding literary projects and talented authors, many do not receive the attention and support they rightfully deserve. Black Books Weekend aims to address this gap in recognition and appreciation. The event serves as a platform for introducing amazing authors to readers, ensuring that deserving works get the spotlight they need to reach a wider audience. This initiative is more than just a celebration of books; it's a movement towards enriching our communities with diverse voices and stories. Black Books Weekend is committed to making a difference by highlighting the works of authors who bring valuable perspectives and narratives to the forefront of our society.

Ella D. Curry hosts the 15th Black Books Weekend Opening Ceremony Listen to the Black Books Weekend Opening Ceremony - http://tobtr.com/s/12289058   Follow Our Black Books Weekend Events Black Books Weekend - Day 1:  Fiction, Poetry, Romance, Thriller Books - http://tobtr.com/12289060 Black Books Weekend - Day 2:  Business Discussions with Entrepreneurs & Creators - http://tobtr.com/12289061 Black Books Weekend - Day 3:  Non-fiction/Self-help/Motivational/Children's Books - http://tobtr.com/12289063 Black Books Weekend - Day 4:  Crown Holders Celebrity Spotlight and Giveaways -  http://tobtr.com/12289067   Black Books Weekend is an annual event that plays a pivotal role in the literary community. It brings together thousands of individuals from various walks of life. These participants dedicate their time and resources to presenting society with great books that have the potential to uplift and inspire our communities. Despite the abundance of outstanding literary projects and talented authors, many do not receive the attention and support they rightfully deserve. Black Books Weekend aims to address this gap in recognition and appreciation. The event serves as a platform for introducing amazing authors to readers, ensuring that deserving works get the spotlight they need to reach a wider audience. This initiative is more than just a celebration of books; it's a movement towards enriching our communities with diverse voices and stories. Black Books Weekend is committed to making a difference by highlighting the works of authors who bring valuable perspectives and narratives to the forefront of our society.

Ella D. Curry hosts the 15th Black Books Weekend Opening Ceremony Listen to the Black Books Weekend Opening Ceremony - http://tobtr.com/s/12289058   Follow Our Black Books Weekend Events Black Books Weekend - Day 1:  Fiction, Poetry, Romance, Thriller Books - http://tobtr.com/12289060 Black Books Weekend - Day 2:  Business Discussions with Entrepreneurs & Creators - http://tobtr.com/12289061 Black Books Weekend - Day 3:  Non-fiction/Self-help/Motivational/Children's Books - http://tobtr.com/12289063 Black Books Weekend - Day 4:  Crown Holders Celebrity Spotlight and Giveaways -  http://tobtr.com/12289067   Black Books Weekend is an annual event that plays a pivotal role in the literary community. It brings together thousands of individuals from various walks of life. These participants dedicate their time and resources to presenting society with great books that have the potential to uplift and inspire our communities. Despite the abundance of outstanding literary projects and talented authors, many do not receive the attention and support they rightfully deserve. Black Books Weekend aims to address this gap in recognition and appreciation. The event serves as a platform for introducing amazing authors to readers, ensuring that deserving works get the spotlight they need to reach a wider audience. This initiative is more than just a celebration of books; it's a movement towards enriching our communities with diverse voices and stories. Black Books Weekend is committed to making a difference by highlighting the works of authors who bring valuable perspectives and narratives to the forefront of our society.

Ella D. Curry hosts the 15th Black Books Weekend Online Book Festival Listen to the Black Books Weekend Opening Ceremony - http://tobtr.com/s/12289058   Follow Our Black Books Weekend Events Black Books Weekend - Day 1:  Fiction, Poetry, Romance, Thriller Books - http://tobtr.com/12289060 Black Books Weekend - Day 2:  Business Discussions with Entrepreneurs & Creators - http://tobtr.com/12289061 Black Books Weekend - Day 3:  Non-fiction/Self-help/Motivational/Children's Books - http://tobtr.com/12289063 Black Books Weekend - Day 4:  Crown Holders Celebrity Spotlight and Giveaways -  http://tobtr.com/12289067    Black Books Weekend is an annual event that plays a pivotal role in the literary community. It brings together thousands of individuals from various walks of life. These participants dedicate their time and resources to presenting society with great books that have the potential to uplift and inspire our communities. Despite the abundance of outstanding literary projects and talented authors, many do not receive the attention and support they rightfully deserve. Black Books Weekend aims to address this gap in recognition and appreciation. The event serves as a platform for introducing amazing authors to readers, ensuring that deserving works get the spotlight they need to reach a wider audience. This initiative is more than just a celebration of books; it's a movement towards enriching our communities with diverse voices and stories. Black Books Weekend is committed to making a difference by highlighting the works of authors who bring valuable perspectives and narratives to the forefront of our society.

ONE BLOOD. THREE GENERATIONS OF WOMEN, LEGACY, AND SURVIVAL. Join New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner as she explores the lives of three generations of women tied together by love, hope, dreams, ambition...and family secrets in this epic novel. Meet Grace: raised by her beloved grandmother in tension-filled, post-segregation Virginia, Grace is barely a teenager when she loses her grandmother. Shellshocked, she is shipped up North to live with her formidably ambitious Aunt Hattie. Feeling like a fish out of water in the high society world filled with fancy teas and coveted debutante balls, Grace’s only place of comfort is with the smart, handsome son of one of the society’s grand dames. Meet Delores: intelligent and fierce, Delores a.k.a. Lolo has never had it easy. Once she makes it north, she puts aside her dream of being a model to do what she has to do to survive as a woman with little money and no mooring: get married and have a family of her own. When secrets start to spill out and she and her family slowly begin to unravel, Lolo is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her dream intact. Meet Rae: when Lolo’s headstrong daughter, Rae discovers that she is adopted, it’s just one secret among others that her family is keeping. When Rae finds out that she’s about to become a mother herself, she knows that there is an important reckoning that must be faced about herself and her two mothers.  Purchase here: https://a.co/d/2oeyw61

Praise for The Personal Librarian, a Good Morning America Book Club pick! “Historical fiction at its best…The Personal Librarian spins a complex tale of deceit and allegiance as told through books.” —Good Morning America   The First Ladies Editorial Reviews “This book will expand your perspective and keep you reading late into the night." —Dolen Perkins-Valdez, New York Times bestselling author of Take My Hand   Victoria Christopher Murray's Books https://victoriachristophermurray.com/books About the Author Victoria Christopher Murray is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 30 novels. Her novels, The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies, which she co-authored with Marie Benedict were both Instant New York Times bestsellers and her novel, Stand Your Ground won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction. Five of her novels, Lust, Envy, Wrath, Pride and Greed have been made into TV movies for Lifetime.

Clairvoyance - Poetic Vault Series (7 books) Clairvoyance – Insightful Lyrical Musings from the Poetic Vault Series. Clairvoyance is a collection of poetic works from speaker, writer, and producer, Marc Lacy. This publication is what Lacy is deeming the “ultimate discernment” of his deepest thoughts and contemplations. Clairvoyance is comprised of over 500 previously unreleased poems from Lacy’s sacred vault. These poetic gems are contained within 5 books, plus 2 bonus books of love poetry…for a total of 7. The books are: Crescendo Ammunition Expose Requiem Geometry With 2 Bonus Love Poetry Books: Beatific Ambrosia Enraptured Felicity.   Marc Lacy releases the highly anticipated final installment of The Whiskey House Trilogy, Ghost of Ace Honeycutt. This last installment bears similar characteristics of its predecessors (Curse of the Whiskey House and Viral XGressions) in that it's action-packed and full of surprises.  Download Ghost of Ace Honeycutt (Kindle Edition) by Marc Lacy https://a.co/d/gBXZvyq

Afro-Bougie Blues: A Collection of Short Fiction by Lauren Wilson Step into the world of Afro-Bougie Blues and walk in the shoes of different protagonists as they struggle to move through the world. Ordinary black women and men develop tenacity when they have to deal with the reality of their choices.  Alexis finally finds love after seventeen years of a lonely existence, but life throws a curveball. Watch as she overcomes the challenge despite her past still looming over her head.  Walk with Rodney, a gulf war veteran who tries to drown the war memories with alcohol. See Bessie, overweight & stuck in life, make a decision that sets her on a journey that transforms her life in ways she never imagined.  Thirteen-year-old Aisha wants answers to her complicated question about love. And this sets her father on the task of reflecting on what the word "love" really means. Listen to Lenore & her sisters recount stories from their father’s life after he succumbs to cancer. From depression, abortion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse,& extramarital affairs to colorism. Each short story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. Afro-Bougie Blues is about characters with stories that are relatable because it captures struggles people deal with in everyday life. The author’s captivating prose and incredible storytelling will plunge the reader into fascinating worlds and challenge them to take on new perspectives that inspire, move & entertain. Lauren's website: afrobougieblues.com

THE JULIUS KANE TRIFECTA PACKAGE Explore:  https://juliuskane.org/trifecta-package Select your option. Get all three of these great Julius Kane novels for one low price!  Option 1:  $17.00 Paperbacks (3) Option 2:  $25.00 E-books (3) Option 3:  $35.00 Audiobooks (3) (Available 4/20/23) Connect with Julius Kane Julius Kane is the author of dozens of titles. His resume boasts an eclectic array of genres and categories including, fiction, non-fiction, stageplays, essays, poetry, and most recently, sci-fi. Julius Kane is a community activist and social reform advocate who currently resides in the DMV area.  Website: https://juliuskane.org

Leadership in Action: 5 Key Principles of Racial Justice Work by Kofi Annan More about the book:  42fightingwords.com   As painful and upsetting as George Floyd’s murder was, it was encouraging to witness not just the intense condemnation–and ultimate prosecution–of the officers involved but the almost universal recognition that that incident was a mere symptom of a greater problem, systemic racism.   In the subsequent months, more resources and energy were invested into fighting systemic racism than ever before. America experienced the largest and longest-running protests in its history, and corporate America pledged over $200 billion to racial justice initiatives.   Unfortunately, according to research conducted by Forbs Magazine, as of late 2022, the majority of that money either went unspent while the rest was spent on efforts that had little systemic impact. The problem is that even individuals and organizations that have the best of intentions are clueless about how to craft an effective strategy to conduct racial justice activism. This work can be daunting, and even seasoned veterans can become overwhelmed or burned out.   In this book, Kofi, a nationally recognized racial justice activist and award-winning author, lays out his five key guiding principles for conducting efficient and effective racial justice work. The guide serves as a tool for individuals, corporations, or non-profit organizations whose heart is in the right place but could use help crafting a strategy. Purchase your copy today, click here.

Author Discussing the Lucy Mason Series Letrise Carter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Financials Management & Accounting.  Letrise works in corporate America by day as a Fund Manager while building her small business as CEO of Sistah’s Place & Sistah’s Creative Media.  Letrise is a writer, podcaster, and magazine editor, and media manager. She published her first novella in 2017 titled Deceitful Secrets. After a 2-year break to focus on her health, Letrise published her first short story series Lucy Mason series with the first release Lucy’s Worth.  Letrise resides in the suburbs outside of Chicago with her daughter.  Website: www.letrisecarter.com   Summary of the Lucy Mason Series Lucy Mason will go on a journey in a 3-part short story series to discover her self-worth, finding her faith, and learning how to forgive and open up her heart to true love.  She starts at the age of 16 years old and will go through growing pains along her journey to finding who she is as a young black woman.   Lucy Mason: Lucy's Worth, Part 1 Lucy’s Worth is part one of a young woman's desperate journey to find herself while trying to make it on her own. Faced with her first true relationship, Lucy's long battle with low self-esteem will cause her to fall down a path with a dangerous man. Will Lucy be able to escape the trap that's been set for her? She's going to have to make the most important decision of her life -- because her life depends on it!   Purchase Lucy's Worth by Letrise T Carter https://www.amazon.com/Lucys-Worth-Letrise-T-Carter/dp/B094H23872

New authors Mbinguni and Carol E. Massey will read from their books and discuss their journey to publication.     Looking for Hope by Mbinguni   Birth Days by Carol E. Massey     Mbinguni is a natural storyteller. An avid reader, she began composing her own narratives as a small child in grade school. With roots in West Africa and the Gullah-Geechee region of Georgia's barrier islands, Mbinguni began writing, Looking for Hope, as a labor of love. She has a background in education and has channeled her technical know-how into her creative passion. Looking for Hope is her debut novel.     Carol E. Massey comes to writing after a successful 30+ career in the leadership of academic, governmental and community-based nonprofit organizations, serving as board member, chief administrative officer, program manager and management consultant/technical assistance provider.   She is also a forty-five year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and an active member of the Marietta Roswell Alumnae Chapter. Birth Days is her first collection of short stories about women who turned difficult beginnings into glorious lives. The she-roes in Birth Days overcome many challenges in the times of Jim Crow, the Great Migration, big-city life on both coasts and the pursuit of higher education. Carol hopes these stories will encourage readers to “press on to their higher calling” as the face the obstacles life puts on their paths.

I watched in awe as Miz Rosa stopped those men on the bus with her clear, calm “no” and I thought about that word. What if I said no? What if I refused to follow the path these White folks wanted for us? What if I kept this precious baby? Montgomery, Alabama, 1955 On a cold December evening, Mattie Banks packs a suitcase and leaves her family home. Sixteen years old and pregnant, she has already made the mistake that will ruin her life and disgrace her widowed mother. Boarding the 2857 bus, she sits with her case on her lap, hoping that the driver will take her away from disaster. Instead, Mattie witnesses an act of bravery by a woman named Rosa Parks that changes everything. But as Mattie strives to turn her life around, the dangers that first led her to run are never far away. Forging a new life in a harsh world at constant risk of exposure, Mattie will need to fight to keep her baby safe. Atlanta, Georgia, present day Ashlee Turner is going home. Her relationship in ruins, her career held back by prejudice, she is returning to the family who have always been her rock. But Ashlee’s home is not the safe haven she remembers. Her beloved grandmother is dying and is determined to share her story before she leaves… When Ashlee finds a stack of yellowing letters hidden in her nana’s closet, she can’t help the curiosity that compels her to read, and she uncovers an old secret that could wreak havoc on her already grieving family. As she tries to make sense of what she has learned, Ashlee faces a devastating choice: to protect her loved ones from the revelations, or honor her grandmother’s wishes and follow the path to the truth, no matter where it may lead. Order your Amazon Books:   https://amzn.to/38UnkIP

Never Close Your Heart (Book 2) by Monica F. Anderson All Faith Henry wanted was peace. She gave up almost everything to have it. She resigned from her position as mayor, filed for divorce, and sold her dream home, vowing no job or man would ever control her again.  Ten years later, her self-made perfect life is changing directions without her consent. Her popular podcast is bringing unwanted attention from a superfan. Her millennial daughter, Sloane, has returned to the nest with an electronic ankle monitor, a gender-fluid child, a meek husband, and a bad attitude. And, worst of all, her almost perfect manfriend is fed up. Since she won’t marry him, he’s moving on. They’ve become good friends who never cross the line. She hates that line more than anything.  Out of ideas, Faith drags her daughter to group counseling with the seasoned Saints at their church. Can their collective wisdom help this mother and daughter tear down the walls and open their hearts before it’s too late? In this riveting ten-year anniversary sequel to the Essence Bestseller When A Sistah's Fed Up, we revisit the Henry family (Faith, Preston, Trey, Sloane, and Junior). The kids are grown and some bridges burned, but the ties that bind this All-American family don't break--even when they wish they would. Monica F. Anderson weaves a tale of what happens when relationships are broken and a legacy of unforgiveness is passed from one generation to the next. Dr. mOe Anderson is a survivor and serial entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to promoting the power of owning one’s choices, personal empowerment, and achieving multiple streams of happiness. She is the author of seven books and hundreds of articles for journals, anthologies, and a major daily newspaper.

Your Honor, Your Honor: A Journey Through Grief to Restorative Justice by Judge Leonia J. Lloyd   In 1949, twin sisters came into this world surprising everybody including their parents and the doctor because he heard only one heartbeat. On a path ordered by God, the twins touched the lives of many in their roles as teachers, attorneys, and judges. The rocky road the twins followed to achieve these professions was God's way of preparing them for life.  In Your Honor, Your Honor, author Judge Leonia J. Lloyd tells the story of this dynamic duo whose professional careers led them to become models, schoolteachers, and entertainment lawyers. Eventually, with their unique moniker, Twins for Justice, they became the first identical-twin district court judges to sit on the same bench at the same time in the country.  Focusing on restorative justice, their careers were on a meteoric rise until the unexpected and sudden death of Judge Leona Lloyd put an abrupt halt to their successful lives together. Lost and alone, Leonia was in the storm of her life; despair had an iron clad grip around her. She turned to God for guidance, and her prayers were answered.  Your Honor, Your Honor chronicles her life experiences including her relationship with her twin, her struggles against racism, her account of the grieving process, and her stride toward justice.   Purchase Your Honor, Your Honor: A Journey Through Grief to Restorative Justice by Judge Leonia J. Lloyd  https://www.amazon.com/Your-Honor-Journey-Through-Restorative/dp/1663201846

Crown Holders Unplugged:  How We Love, Heal & Empower Women How does writing and telling your story heal old wounds? We are discuss living single & saved, life after divorce, how to become your own woman when it seems as if the world is crumbling. Do long distance relationships work? Why do mothers and daughters struggle in their bonds? How do you make blended families work, especially when it's a biracial partnering? Conquering bi-polar disorder, depression and the feeling of isolation during this pandemic.    Featured Speakers and Authors Terri D. Martinez  Patricia Saunders  Joan Vassar   Janet Autherine   Antoinette R. Davis  Patricia A. Bridewell  Cheryl Mattox Berry  How do you make a way out of no way? We will discuss current affairs, how we have fought against life's obstacles and won! We will also discuss WHY we write about the subjects that form our body of work. This will be a fun, high energy conversation with  NO holds barred.