Behind The Stack

In this episode Brett sits down with author Paul Rudnick to discuss his new book, "What Is Wrong With You?" They talk about the fun of writing a wide variety of characters, tech bros and technology, as well as the best junk food for the sweet tooth in your life. Paul's website: https://paulrudnick.com/about-paul-rudnick/ Paul's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulrudnick/...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Kristen Arnett to discuss her new book, "Stop Me If You've Heard This One". They talk about clowns of course, the great state of Florida, but also following a non traditional writing path that can still be as equally if not more rewarding than a traditional route. Kristen's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristen__arnett/ Kristen...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Syed M. Masood to discuss his new book, The Last Man In Paradise. They talk about religious conservatism in current times, blending comedy and tragedy in writing, and take a nostalgic walk through sitcoms.  Syed's website: https://www.syed-masood.com/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode!...

In this episode Brett sits down with Emily St. James to discuss her debut novel 'Woodworking' They talk about the title of the book and its relevance today, growing up in rural South Dakota, trans people in history, and why a sequel won't happen but what it could be. Emily's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilystjams/ https://www.assignedmedia.org/ If you like what you&ap...

In this episode Brett sits down with Charlotte McConaghy to discuss her new book, 'Wild Dark Shore'. They talk about the island that inspired the fictional one from the novel, the way she visualizes her characters, the far reaching effects of climate change, and what it all affects beyond us.  Charlotte's website: https://www.charlottemcconaghy.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac...

In this episode Brett sits down with Allison Epstein to discuss her new book, Fagin The Thief. They talk about the reimagining of literary characters, her inspiration for taking on Fagin, and agree on a pretty awful song from the musical Oliver. Allison's website:  https://allisonepstein.com/ Allison's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rapscallison/ If you like what you're hearin...

This week Brett sits down with author Alejandro Heredia to discuss his debut novel, 'Loca'. They talk about immigration, the book that made him a reader, creating characters not defined by race, gender or sexuality, and the importance of finding 'your people'. Alejandro Heredia is a writer from the Bronx. He has received fellowships from LAMBDA Literary, Dominican Studies Insti...

In this episode Brett sits down with Olivia Wolfgang-Smith to discuss her new novel, "Mutual Interest" which is an Indie Next Pick for February. We talk about the books third person narrative, gender roles, found families, capitalism, and finding queer joy in historical fiction. Olivia's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/owolfgangsmith/ Olivia's website: http://wolfgangsmith...

In this episode Brett sits down with Kristin Koval to discuss her debut novel, “Penitence” which is the Barnes and Noble Discover pick for February.   She talks about her former career as a lawyer, her path to becoming a writer, empathy for characters, and the journey from tragedy to forgiveness.  Kristin's website: https://kristinkoval.com/ Kristin's instagram: https://www.instagram.com...

In this episode Brett sits down with Cynthia Weiner to discuss her debut novel, A Gorgeous Excitement. They talk about New York in the eighties, the shocking inspiration behind the book, and we learn if Cynthia is more an optimist or pessimist.  Cynthia's Website: www.cynthiaweiner.com Cynthia's instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaweiner If you like what you're hearing on t...

In this episode Brett sits down with writer Tom Lamont to discuss his debut novel, "Going Home". They talk about the all consuming challenges of raising kids, writing as a novelist vs journalist, fathers, faith and being Jewish.  Tom Lamont Website: http://tomlamontjournalist.com/ Tom Lamont instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_lamont_journalist/?hl=en If you like what you're he...

On this first ep of the new year Brett is joined once again by Renee of ItsBookTalk to discuss ten books we're looking forward to in the upcoming year. Join us for a wide range of choices that promise to make 2025 another fantastic year in publishing.  Renee substack: https://substack.com/@itsbooktalk Renee instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbooktalk/ If you like what you're hearing...

In this final episode of season one, Brett discusses his favorite books out of the 145 he read this year. All books discussed can be found on his bookshop.org page listed below. If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brettsbookstack Bookshop.org page: https://www.bookshop.org/sh...

In this episode Brett sits down with Tina of TBR, etc to discuss five of our runner up choices for Best Books of 2024. Between us we cover a variety of genres from thrillers, to literary fiction, and a non fiction book we both think is fantastic!  Tina's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbretc/ Tina's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tbretc Tina's podcast: https://www.booktalke...

In this episode Brett talks with Christopher Bollen about his latest book, "Havoc". They discuss age vs youth, finding a characters voice, and the joys of Venetian glassware.  Christopher Bollen instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christbollen/ Christopher Bollen website: https://www.christopherbollen.com If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never...

As nonfiction November comes to a close, Brett picks six nonfiction titles from his stack this year that were particularly excellent that you can add to yours! As always all the books are avail on my bookshop.org page listed below.  If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the Stack on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brettsb...

In this episode Brett sits down with Frank DeCaro to discuss his new book,  "Disco: Music, Movies and Mania Under The Mirror Ball" They talk about Studio 54, the disco backlash, and the search for the missing Donna Summer interview.  Frank DeCaro instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/frankdecaroshow/ Frank DeCaro X: https://www.x.com/frankdecaroshow Frank DeCaro Facebook: https://www.fac...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Ben Masters to discuss his new memoir about losing his father but finding his fathers love for butterflies in the process. We talk dads, kids, discovering our parents and the love of a good Luther Vandross song.  Ben Masters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benmasters_86 If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you nev...

In this episode Brett sits down with writer Susan Rieger to discuss her latest book, "Like Mother, Like Mother". They talk about family secrets, generations of women, the blessing and the curse of genetics, and a crafty convo about felt art. Susan Rieger instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanriegerwriter/ If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you ne...

In this episode Brett sits down with writer Jean Hanff Korelitz to discuss her latest book, "The Sequel". They talk about crafting a follow up to a successful thriller, finding success later in your career, adaptions, as well as her pop up book group, BookTheWriter.   https://www.jeanhanffkorelitz.com http://www.bookthewriter.com https://www.instagram.com/jeanhanff/ If you like what you&...

In this episode Brett chats with Renee from ItsBookTalk about a treasure trove of mystery and thrillers titles. From series to stand alones there is probably something for everyone here who likes their whodunnits, and the perfect selection for Spooky season!  Renee's Substack:  https://itsbooktalk.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search Renee's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbook...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Luis Jaramillo to discuss, 'The Witches of El Paso'. They talk about the role El Paso plays, the tradition of passing down stories through family, and how magic entered his narrative.  Luis website: https://www.luisjaramillo.com If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an episode! Watch Behind the...

In this episode I sit down to chat with Sarah Hildreth of the FictionMatters Substack, as well as the Novel Parings podcast. We discuss how she started her bookish journey, her own personal tastes, and what goes into curating her sought after and comprehensive Fall Fiction Reading Guide.  The FictionMatters substack: https://fictionmatters.substack.com Novel Pairings Podcast: https://novelpairings...

In this episode, Brett sits down with author Abdi Nazemian to discuss his new book, "Desert Echoes", the importance and power of Y/A books, representation in literature, book bans, and gay music icons. Abdi Nazemian:  https://www.abdinazemian.com Support a Classroom:  https://www.donorschoose.org If you like what you're hearing on this podcast please subscribe so you never miss an e...

In this episode Brett sits down with author Louis Bayard to discuss his latest book, 'The Wildes" based on Oscar Wilde and his wife and children. They talk about  creating fiction from fact, the research behind the project, and the complicated relationship between Wilde and his wife Constance.  Louis Bayard: https://www.louisbayard.com If you like what you're hearing on this podcast...