Burke Allen's Big Time Talker Podcast — by SpeakerMatch

On this episode of the Big Time Talker podcast, Burke Allen broadcasts live from the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, North Carolina, joined once again by returning guest Richard V. Battle. At the Headline Books exhibit, Richard shares the inspiration behind his celebrated “American” book series—collections of powerful stories highlighting unique figures from the 18th and 19th centuries who h...

In this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with Ron Stone, a legendary figure behind the scenes of the music industry. From growing up in the Bronx to working alongside iconic artists like Neil Young, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and David Crosby, Ron shares unforgettable stories from a transformative era in music. Hear how a love for jazz, R&B, and folk music—p...

On this episode of the Big Time Talkers podcast, Burke Allen broadcasts live from the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, North Carolina, joined by author and educator Rick A. Shockey. Rick discusses his powerful WWII book series Hardy’s Heroes, which chronicles the 33 fallen soldiers from tiny Hardy County, West Virginia—and reveals how their stories trace the entire arc of the war from North A...

In this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, host Burke Allen sits down with award-winning author Dan E. Hendrickson live from the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hendrickson shares the inspiration behind his latest book, Magi Apprentice—a fresh and historically grounded look at the wise men who visited the Christ child. Together, they explore why so little has been writte...

Join host Burke Allen live from the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte, NC for a fun and heartwarming episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast. Today’s guest, author Buckleigh Kernodle, takes us inside the unexpected world of Pickle Nation—a thriving community of pickle lovers who helped turn her first children’s book, “I Would Love You Even If You Were a Pickle,” into an award-winning bestseller....

Step inside the unpredictable, hilarious, and heartfelt world of ventriloquist April Brucker. In this episode, April shares her journey from discovering her unique talent at 13 to performing on major stages—and surviving wild adventures along the way. Hear how she overcame doubts, ended a relationship to follow her passion, and built unforgettable characters like May Wilson. From catching on fire...

In this special holiday episode of the Big Time Talkers Podcast, host Burke Allen broadcasts from sunny Florida and sits down with singer-songwriter Delnora, the special guest on Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.’s 15th Annual “Home for the Holidays Tour.” Delnora shares her heartfelt Appalachian roots, her deep musical upbringing, and the family traditions that shaped her into the artist she is today. Fro...

Join Burke Allen at the American Library Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia as he talks with award-winning author Gracie Lynne. From Texas to Philly, Gracie shares her journey from nurse and single mother to bestselling Christian author, her unique approach to spiritual and children’s fiction, and how her new series inspires readers to transform life’s hardships into strength. Discove...

In this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast with host Burke Allen, we sit down with R.L. Akers, author of Prometheus Rebound and two vastly different book series that blend creativity, discipline, and imagination. Akers shares how he transformed his lifelong love of stories into a writing career — from his early inspiration through Star Wars author Timothy Zahn, to his participation in NaNoWriM...

Live from the American Library Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia, host Burke Allen sits down with author and attorney Marc Ross to talk about his new political thriller Attacking the Dragon. Already earning honors at the Beach Book Festival and San Francisco Book Festival, the novel explores global terrorism, China’s rise, and the Americans caught in the crossfire. Ross shares how hi...

Join host Burke Allen live from the American Library Association’s annual conference in Philadelphia as he sits down with award-winning author Johnny Tan. Johnny shares the inspiring journey behind his 15th anniversary edition of From My Mama’s Kitchen: Food for the Soul, Recipes for Living. Discover how his nine moms shaped his life, the lessons they passed down, and why unconditional love, integ...

In this episode of The Big Time Talker Podcast, host Burke Allen sits down with international best-selling author, attorney, pilot, and astro photographer Glenn Sturm. From his early days in small-town Montana to a remarkable career spanning the military, law, and literature, Glenn shares inspiring stories of resilience, purpose, and passion. Discover how his life experiences shaped his writing an...

At the American Library Association’s summer conference in Philadelphia, host Burke Allen sits down with debut author Krista Beggan to talk about her new romantic suspense novel A Life Saving Bullet. Krista shares the five-year journey of bringing her story to life, her love of thrillers and spy movies, and how she weaves action, mystery, and heartfelt romance into her writing. She also opens up a...

Award-winning mystery author Nancy A. Hughes joins host Burke Allen live from the American Library Association conference in Philadelphia. They discuss her newest novel The Point of the Bodkin, her love of puzzles and storytelling, and her journey from journalism and business writing to becoming a celebrated novelist. Discover how Nancy builds unforgettable characters and compelling plots that kee...

In this special episode of the Big Time Talker live from the American Library Association conference in Philadelphia, host Burke Allen sits down with attorney-turned-author Howard Langer. At 70, Howard traded a remarkable legal career for a new journey as a novelist. He shares the inspiration behind his debut book The Last Dekrepitzer, how a single short story evolved into a powerful novel, and th...

In this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, Burke Allen sits down with author Andy Ross to discuss his gripping new thriller, Attacking the Dragon. Drawing from years of legal work and firsthand experiences in China, Ross weaves a story of espionage, power, and survival where China is not the aggressor but the target. Listeners will gain insight into China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the delic...

Live from the American Library Association’s summer conference in Philadelphia, Burke Allen sits down with Scott Feld — international bestselling children’s book author and Mom’s Choice Award winner. Scott shares the story behind Dax to the Max, a fun and empowering book series that helps kids turn negative “stink think” into positive “power pods.” Drawing from over 30 years of experience coaching...

Live from the American Library Association’s annual summer conference in Philadelphia, the Big Time Talker podcast welcomes Tammy Gerhard, award-winning author of Coco Hugs and Coffee Mugs. Tammy shares her journey from 22 years as a school counselor to inspiring readers of all ages with her picture books about kindness, empathy, and community. Discover how her stories — and companion activity boo...

Southern rock legend Greg T Walker shares his journey—from playing with Blackfoot and early Lynyrd Skynyrd to leading his latest band, Two Wolf. He opens up about what drives him to keep creating music after all these years, the powerful chemistry behind Two Wolf’s lineup, and the passion poured into their debut album on Cleopatra Records. Greg also reflects on his Native American roots, the impor...

In this heartfelt episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, host Burke Allen sits down with singer-songwriter and pianist John McAndrews, a true artist whose journey through addiction, mental health struggles, and musical perseverance is as powerful as his songs. Broadcasting from Washington, DC, Burke explores John's beginnings in a deeply musical family, his brush with self-destruction, and his ro...

In this lively episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, award-winning children's author and illustrator Ashley Belote joins us live from the American Library Association's annual summer conference in Philadelphia. Ashley shares her creative journey from being the “designated art kid” to becoming a successful author-illustrator with a passion for humor and heart in children’s books. She dives into t...

Award-winning author Dan Hendrickson returns to the Big Time Talker Podcast, live from the American Library Association’s conference in Philadelphia, to unveil his latest action-packed historical novel, "Brandy: Dame of the Caribbean." Host Burke Allen dives into Dan’s inspiration behind this thrilling saga, rooted in the real-life abolitionist movement in the Caribbean during the 1830s–1860s. Hen...

Live from the American Library Association Conference in Philadelphia, Burke Allen sits down with author and lifelong educator Hazell Thomas to talk about her powerful children’s book Money Moves a Nation: A Civil Rights Lesson for Children. Inspired by the tragic story of Emmett Till and told through the eyes of her own family, Hazell’s book offers young readers a meaningful look at America’s civ...

In this special episode of the Big Time Talker, recorded live at the American Library Association Conference in Philadelphia, Burke Allen sits down with Patricia Miller—Headline Books author and master of middle-grade mysteries. Patricia shares how her love for Agatha Christie inspired her to create spooky, twist-filled tales for young readers. From collaborating with student illustrators to turni...