The Bookshop Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I chat with Ova Ceren about her highly popular social media channels excusemyreading, her upcoming debut novel, and reading. Ova Ceren is a creative spirit nestled in the heart of Cambridge, sharing the magic of books, reading, and cottagecore. With a passion for cozy living, Ova has cultivated a unique space on Instagram and TikTok that radiates positivity and th...

Send us Fan Mail Madeline Martin, bestselling author of historical fiction and romance, joins us for an intriguing discussion on her journey from business analyst to full-time writer. Her childhood experiences as an army brat in Germany ignited a fascination with history, leading to meticulously researched novels. Set against the backdrop of World War II in Nottingham, this novel captures the emot...

Send us Fan Mail Hi, and welcome to The Bookshop Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Joyce Carol Oates about the 2024 republication of her novel Broke Heart Blues by Akashic Books . We explore how nostalgia and adolescent pressures shape her storytelling, with John Reddy Hart at the center—a character in Broke Heart Blues who encapsulates the dual nature of high school fame and the journey from...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm in conversation with Martijn Meerts, the co-director of the American Book Center in Amsterdam. Martijn's anthropology background subtly colors his approach to this role, and he shares how it adds a unique perspective to his daily work. We also uncover the enchanting history of the American Book Center, originally founded by Lynn Kaplanian-Buller and...

Send us Fan Mail What drives a paralegal to switch gears and pen a rom-com novel? Discover the inspiring journey of Danica Nava , an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, as she shares her transition from the corporate world to the literary scene. We delve into her academic achievements, the barriers she overcame as a first-generation college graduate, and the significant impact of her Indigen...

Send us Fan Mail What if unlocking the secrets of an ancient puzzle could take you on a thrilling journey across continents? Welcome back to The Bookshop Podcast, where we sit down with New York Times bestselling author Danielle Trussoni to uncover the mysteries behind her latest novel, The Puzzle Box . As the second installment in the Mike Brink series, this book showcases Danielle's meticul...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I chat with author Clare Beams about her new novel The Garden , earning her MFA from Columbia University, her surprising stint as a high school English teacher on Cape Cod, and how these experiences have informed her writing career. Claire's work is renowned for its enchanting touch of magical realism, earning comparisons to literary greats like Shirley Jacks...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I chat with author and poet David Ebenbach about Possible Happiness, his latest teen and YA novel set in Philadelphia in the 80s. What can a high school journey in the late 80s tell us about today's struggles with mental health and sexuality? Acclaimed author and academic David Ebenbach explores this question through the lens of his latest novel, Possible Hap...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I chat with one of my favorite authors, TJ Klune , about his much-awaited sequel to The House In The Cerulian Sea , titled Somewhere Beyond The Sea . TJ discusses the characters in the story, how he refills his creative cup, and how he uses his platform to speak about the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. In Somewhere Beyond The Sea , T.J. Klune sheds light on what...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I chat with the accomplished author, editor, educator, speaker, and prominent figure in contemporary American literature, Dr. Kate Gale , Dr. Gale is the Publisher, Co-founder, and Managing Editor of Red Hen Press , one of the largest independent literary publishers in the United States. Under her stewardship, Red Hen Press has earned a reputation for championing...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what it takes to document the most pivotal moments in air, space, and exploration history? Join us for an exclusive conversation with renowned historian James R. Hansen as he shares his remarkable journey from an academic in the history of science and technology to a leading NASA historian. We'll uncover the meticulous efforts behind his acclaimed works...

Send us Fan Mail What drives someone to leave behind the familiar comforts of a stable career and leap into the unknown waters of entrepreneurship? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Lizzie Moss, the heart and soul behind Heron Books in Bristol, UK. From teaching classics and working at Waterstones, Lizzie's story is one of resilience and passion, culminating in establishing her d...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how the historical floods of the past can shape our future defenses against natural disasters? In this latest episode, I chat with Tim Palmer , an award-winning author and photographer. Tim shares his profound insights on rivers, conservation, and the urgent need to rethink our approach to flood management. Tim recounts his formative years growing up in Penn...

Send us Fan Mail Hi Fellow Booklovers! In this episode, I chatted with community organizer, author coordinator, and interviewer Corey Roskin about how literature can shape and uplift communities. Corey dives into his rich background in psychology and social services, detailing his work on the West Hollywood Book Fair, Lambda Lit Fest, and Pride on the Page. He discusses the complexities of fosteri...

Send us Fan Mail Hi there! In this week's episode, Irish author Alan Murrin tells us about his childhood as an "author," his teen life ensconced in rigorous piano practice, and mastering the art of creative writing at the University of East Anglia. Learn how his varied career in the art world and as a bookseller in London shaped his unique voice, making his debut novel, The Coast Ro...

Send us Fan Mail What drives a woman to reinvent herself in her 40s and open a thriving bookshop championing strong women and diverse voices? Join me as I sit down with Diane Park, the remarkable owner of Wave of Nostalgia in Hayworth, UK. Diane’s journey is anything but conventional. From leaving school at 16 and facing early adult responsibilities after her mother's passing to a career in b...

Send us Fan Mail Hi, This week, I'm in conversation with one of my favorite authors, Jan Carson. We talk about her latest release, Quickly, While They Still Have Horses , how growing up during the Troubles in Ireland fueled her passion for reaching across divided communities through writing and the arts, and how the Irish writing community supports fledgling writers.  Enjoy, Mandy xo Jan Cars...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I'm in conversation with Kathleen Caldwell, the passionate owner of A Great Good Place for Books in Montclair Village, Oakland, who opens up about her incredible journey in the book industry.  From her college days navigating aisles at Crown Books to orchestrating author events at prestigious bookstores like Shakespeare and Company, Kathleen’s story is one of...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a lifelong love of literature leads to a storied 44-year career in the publishing industry? Join me for an intimate conversation with Andy Hughes , the recently retired Senior VP and Director of Production and Design at Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. From his earliest role at Cornell University Medical Library to responding to a "must love books" job...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative power of book ownership with Kate Bowersox, the passionate Executive Director of Books in Homes USA. In this heartfelt episode, Kate opens up about her personal journey, academic achievements, and her mission to ignite a love for reading among children. She shares touching stories of raising her own kids to cherish books, aligning perfectly with the org...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I chat with Chris Steib, owner of Transom Bookshop in Tarrytown, New York. Chris takes us on his career journey from a literature student to a high school English teacher, transitioning into the corporate world as a speechwriter and tech entrepreneur, and finally realizing his dream of opening an indie bookshop. Chris shares how he leveraged technology to create u...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how a whimsical idea could transform into a vibrant literary hub? Join me as I chat with Sheridan Swinson, owner of Aardvark Books and Cafe in Herefordshire, UK. Sheridan takes us through his serendipitous journey from an initial plan of being a book wholesaler to becoming an adored independent bookshop, complete with a café and live music events. Discover t...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how a blogger's musings can morph into the pages of a novel? Join us on The Bookshop Podcast as we sit down with Jessie Rosen , who's done just that. From the East Coast to Los Angeles, Jessie shares her journey through blogging, scriptwriting, and now, novel writing. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic that happens...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the heart and soul of Script Haven Ltd. as the remarkable Leena Batchelor, former Worcestershire Poet Laureate, takes us on a journey through the evolution of her dream. From her early days seeking solace in poetry to nurturing a community bookshop that blooms as a sanctuary for self-published, indie authors, and main stream publishers, Leena's story is one of unwave...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I chat with Emiko Jean, the New York Times bestselling author whose journey from various professions to the realm of writing is nothing short of inspiring. Emiko sheds light on her latest page-turner, The Return of Ellie Black , and the meticulous care she gives to her Japanese American characters. The world of publishing is fraught with uncertainties, but Emiko&a...