Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast

It's a special celebration on the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast! Host Janaya Hernandez welcomes author Lori Miller Kase to celebrate the anniversary of her book, The Accident. We're talking about the inspiration behind the book, Lori's journey as an author, the experiences that have shaped her writing, and what it means to see her story continue reaching readers. From the writing process...

Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read! In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, host Janaya Hernandez welcomes co-authors Kaitlyn Derosiers and Megan McBryde to discuss their children’s book, Wonderfully Made . Together, we explore the inspiration behind their collaboration, the importance of family and identity, and how children’s literature can celebrat...

What if the words we share with children today could shape the confidence they carry tomorrow? In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, host Janaya Hernandez welcomes Tara L. Kay, PharmD, MBA, author of Let the Sun Shine In: A Book of Positive Affirmations for Kids. Together, we explore the power of positive affirmations, children’s emotional well-being, and the importance of helping young...

What if the greatest gifts we have are the ones we’ve carried within us all along? In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, host Janaya Hernandez welcomes Kimberly Heil, children’s author, illustrator, intuitive artist, and creative wellness guide, to explore the beautiful connection between imagination, creativity, and self-discovery. Kimberly shares the inspiration behind her book, Gifts...

What happens when fantasy, technology, and imagination collide? Welcome back to the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast , where stories speak! In this episode, host Janaya Hernandez sits down with author M. J. Rucinski to explore Threads of Aethercode , a story that brings fantasy and technology together in an imaginative world. Inspired in part by the students in his high school classroom, M. J. shares the c...

Adventure, imagination, and a little courage can take young readers a long way! In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, host Janaya Hernandez welcomes children’s author Brittney Traudt, creator of the Shelly series and author of Shelly Goes to Arizona. Brittney shares the inspiration behind Shelly, how real-life experiences find their way into her stories, and why building confidence throu...

Sometimes the best moments happen when things don’t go exactly as planned. On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with children’s author Dina M. Hardt, author of Catch of the Day, for a conversation about storytelling, patience, perspective, and finding joy in the unexpected. Through a day of fishing and discovery, Catch of the Day gives young readers a story th...

What happens when a childhood memory becomes a story worth sharing with a new generation? On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya sits down with author Andrea Velez to talk about The Eggplant Contest, a story rooted in heritage, family, tradition, and the memories that stay with us long after childhood. Andrea shares the inspiration behind the book, the importance of preserving fami...

What happens when a child learns that imagination is only the beginning? On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with award-winning children’s author, freelance editor, and Just Imagine Books, LLC owner Sharon Giannini for a conversation about creativity, persistence, and the power of children’s literature. Sharon is the author of Just Imagine: A Story about Imag...

What can happen when a young girl steps beyond the familiar and discovers a much bigger world? On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with children’s author Teighlor Clare-Kearney, author of From Aspen to Rome. Through the adventures of Jem, young readers are invited on a journey filled with new places, different cultures, discovery, and connection. Teighlor sha...

What happens when a queen would rather lounge than lead? On this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with author and illustrator Paige Lawrence, creator of The Lazy Queen . Paige shares the inspiration behind her fun and heartwarming children’s book, her experience bringing a story to life through both words and illustrations, and the message she hopes young readers...

Some of the most important people in our lives don’t wear capes or carry magic wands. Sometimes, they’re the teachers who show up, believe in us, and leave an impact long after we leave their classroom. In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast , Janaya Hernandez sits down with author Monique C. Butler to talk about Fairy GodTeacher , a story centered on strength, sacrifice, and the often uns...

What happens when the Tooth Fairy is running late? In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast , Janaya Hernandez sits down with children’s author Shauna Farris to talk about The Tardy Tooth Fairy , the inspiration behind the story, and the heart behind creating books for young readers. Shauna shares her journey as an author, how she brings imagination and meaningful messages together, and why...

What happens when discovering the truth about who you are changes everything? Janaya Hernandez sits down with Connecticut author David Decker to discuss his young adult fantasy novel, Kyra of the North. Seventeen-year-old Kyra has spent her life sheltered outside the city of Mountain Side. When she finally steps into the wider world, new friendships and a hidden truth force her to question everyth...

What happens when a girl who has never quite fit in discovers that belonging might be found in the most unexpected place? In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast , I sit down with author Nick Westbrook to talk about Blanc-Labelle and the Troll’s Daughter , Book One of The Labelle Cycle . We dive into the magical world behind the story, the inspiration for Blanc-Labelle’s journey, and the th...

What happens when a simple Nantucket adventure becomes a story about kindness, courage, and helping others? This week on the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast , Janaya Hernandez sits down with author Jeff Verney , the creative mind behind Bunnies to the Rescue! A Nantucket Tail . Jeff shares the inspiration behind his lovable bunny adventure, his journey from storytelling and songwriting to becoming a child...

What happens when mystery meets purpose? This week on the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast , we sit down with mystery and suspense author Liz Bullard , author of Chasing Nightmares , to talk storytelling, suspense, justice, and the inspiration behind her gripping work. Join us as we discuss: • The story behind Chasing Nightmares • Writing mystery and suspense that keeps readers engaged • Themes of justice,...

In this heartfelt episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, we sit down with Vanessa E. Kelman, author of Searching for Home , for a thoughtful conversation about identity, belonging, healing, and the journey of finding yourself through life’s unexpected turns. Vanessa shares the inspiration behind her work, the emotions woven into storytelling, and what “home” truly means beyond a place. During our...

What happens when mythology, identity, and imagination collide? In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, we sit down with author Kelly Jarvis to discuss her enchanting novel Selkie Moon and the deeper themes woven throughout her storytelling. From folklore and self discovery to the emotional power of fantasy, Kelly shares the inspiration behind her writing journey, the importance of creatin...

What makes a mystery story impossible to put down? In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast , we sit down with author Mary Nunn Maki , writer of An Unexpected Death , to explore the craft behind suspense, plot twists, and unforgettable storytelling. Mary shares her journey into mystery writing, how she builds tension that keeps readers engaged, and the creative process behind developing comp...

What happens when imagination meets courage? In this heartwarming episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, we sit down with children’s author Stephanie Villeda Schaedler, the creative mind behind Mighty, Tiny Antony . Stephanie shares the inspiration behind her story, the importance of representation in children’s literature, and how storytelling can empower young readers to see strength in themsel...

What happens when poetry becomes a space for healing, reflection, and truth? In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, host Janaya Hernandez sits down with Sharon Arsego, author of Behind the Blue: Poetry & Prose, to explore the emotional depth and personal power behind her writing. Sharon shares how poetry became more than just words on a page — it became a way to process life, capture...

What happens when curiosity meets storytelling? In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, host Janaya Hernandez sits down with children’s author Kelly Copperthite Ranalli to explore how stories can spark learning, imagination, and confidence in young readers. Kelly is the author of The Tale of the Polka Dotted Tardigrade and Friends, a heartwarming and educational children’s book that introd...

What does it take to turn imagination into impact? In this episode of the Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast, Janaya Hernandez sits down with author and advocate Jordan Lopez to explore the power of storytelling, resilience, and finding your voice through creativity. From building immersive fantasy worlds to navigating personal and professional challenges, Jordan shares the inspiration behind his books Looke...

Where stories speak. The Nutmeg Lit Fest Podcast returns with Season 2, bringing you powerful conversations with authors, creatives, and leaders who are shaping their paths with intention, courage, and voice. Hosted by Janaya Hernandez, this podcast goes beyond surface-level interviews to explore the stories behind the journey — the moments of growth, the pivots, the challenges, and the breakthrou...